JP2006198287A - Graded charging service system of web content - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a graded charging service system of WEB contents capable of realizing the addition of game contents satisfying both of a general group and a maniac group respectively by adding the menu of a game mode and an option function, etc., on a game machine and adding a linking function on the side of the WEB contents as well matched with a utilization charge by having a user select a service that he/she wants to utilize on the WEB contents and pay the utilization charge corresponding to it. <P>SOLUTION: The WEB contents linked with a game are browsed by accessing a server unit 30 by a personal computer 60 or a portable information terminal 40, and a function is added to the game machine by paying a charge set for the function to be added. A race game case body 1 checks charging information, and in the case that an adding function is ON, the function is added to mode selection or navigation assist during the game or the like is made possible. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention comprises a TV game machine, a server device that provides a WEB content service linked to the TV game device, and a WEB access device such as a personal computer and a portable information terminal that can browse the WEB content service. The present invention relates to a billing service system for each stage of WEB content that expands the service step by step.

In an arcade game, it is created assuming a passing light player (ordinary person unfamiliar with the game) and a gamer (a person who demands more complicated game rules and subdivided services. Commonly called mania). It is necessary, but it is very difficult to satisfy both.
For example, adding a large number of game modes and functions that gamers prefer will increase the menu that must be selected at the start of the game, which can be cumbersome and complicated. This can't keep up with regular customers, causing them to leave the game.
On the other hand, if the functions are cut off for general customers, the options for play will be narrowed, and even if you want to play the game for a long time, you may get bored immediately.
In the past, it was usual to narrow down the target to one of the customers and make it to a certain degree.

Therefore, it is conceivable that the player adds each function to the content according to his / her proficiency level and gradually increases the function.
In order to restrict the use of functions, an access restriction device and an access restriction method have been proposed that can reduce the burden on visitors to a theme park and restrict access to content distribution (Patent Document 1).
This stores the identification information and the frequency permitting the content distribution as frequency information, reads the frequency corresponding to the identification information authenticated by the authentication unit from the frequency information unit, and subtracts the read frequency to update the frequency information. The content distribution is permitted for the distribution period corresponding to the subtracted frequency.
As another example, a content management system capable of managing the use of distributed content has been proposed (Patent Document 2).
In this method, usage-restricted content whose usage is restricted is hierarchized according to the degree of usage restriction, and an execution information ID is associated with each layer so that the user can use it.
The above Patent Documents 1 and 2 make it possible to use content restricted according to the number of accesses and execution information.
JP 2004-227146 A JP 2004-86409 A

However, when there are many services to be provided including the contents of the above-mentioned patent document, it is often impossible to use even if the services are released to users who are not used to them at once. In addition, if there are many services to be provided, users may be confused, and services that should be enjoyed may be avoided before the appeal is conveyed.
In order for the user to be able to use it comfortably, it is desirable that the user himself / herself can gradually use many functions.

  The object of the present invention is to select a service that the user wants to use on the WEB content and pay a usage fee commensurate with it. Providing a WEB content-based billing service system that can add game content that satisfies both the general layer and the mania layer by adding an interlocking function to the WEB content side as needed. There is to do.

In order to achieve the above object, claim 1 of the present invention provides a WEB access device such as a personal computer or a portable information terminal that accesses a game-linked WEB content by authenticating a player and can use each function of the content, and the WEB When a game-linked WEB content is accessed from an access device, content browsing control means for controlling the game-linked WEB content to be browsed, an additional function selected by the player that allows browsing of the function to which the content can be added Additional function billing means for paying a predetermined usage fee, a server device having billing information transmitting means for transmitting billing information for the additional function, an authentication means for authenticating the player, whether or not the additional function has been charged Billing information check means for checking whether or not A game machine having an additional function taking-in means for taking in an additional function and an additional function display control means for displaying the taken-in additional function on the game screen at a predetermined timing, and adding content in the WEB access device By paying a fee for the game, an additional function corresponding to the paid fee can be used in the WEB access device, and the control corresponding to the added function can be performed in the game machine. The game machine can perform control corresponding to an additional function step by step.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the control content in the game machine corresponding to the additional function is a control for adding a game mode at the time of game selection or a predetermined instruction corresponding to the game content in the game screen. It is characterized by opening a screen that gives
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the first or second aspect, the authentication means is performed by inserting a magnetic card or the like into a card accommodation means provided in a game machine, or a storage medium incorporating a semiconductor element. It is performed by attaching to a game machine or by inputting an ID or password to the game machine.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the server device is connected to the WEB access device and the game machine via the Internet.

According to the above configuration, an optimal service can be provided to both the general player and the mania player. In other words, general customers want clarity and ease of understanding rather than multi-functions, and mania customers want multi-functions even if the procedures and menus are somewhat complicated. Can do.
Users can select and add service contents step by step according to their proficiency in the game, so they can get used to the game little by little and create a path to get them to play for a long time.
It is economical because the user pays only for the selected service.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a billing service system for each stage of WEB content according to the present invention.
The control system allows a personal information terminal 40 such as a PC (personal computer) 60 or a mobile phone, which can access game-linked content, and a personal information terminal 40 such as a personal computer (PC) 60 or a mobile phone to view a content screen via a network. A management server device 30 capable of sending a control instruction of a function corresponding to a payment fee to the game machine by displaying an additional function and paying a predetermined fee; , A game case 1 incorporating a game machine installed in a game center or the like that records the information in the management server device 30, receives billing information for payment of charges from the management server device 30, and performs control corresponding to the additional function, or The home game machine 19 is configured.

It is assumed that there are two game modes provided as standard on the game machine, for example, mode A and mode B.
When the WEB content linked to the game is accessed and the game mode is added, the choices of the game that can be played in the mode C in addition to the modes A and B are increased. Optional functions related to the game (for example, a color selection function on the game machine side and a candidate selection in the color selection on the WEB side) can be added. The user pays the usage fee set for each function by operating the personal computer or the portable information terminal. Some functions are free of charge.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a game machine constituting the billing service system for each stage of WEB content according to the present invention, and is an example of a race game case 1 in which two race game machines 1a and 1b are arranged in parallel. .
Display units (displays) 7a and 7b are provided in front of each racing game machine, and handles 4a and 4b and shift levers 5a and 5b are provided in front of each seat. Further, accelerators 6a and 6b and brakes 8a and 8b are provided at the lower part. In addition, coin insertion portions 2a and 2b are arranged between the respective racing game machines 1a and 1b. A race game can be performed via the server device not only between the race game machines 1a and 1b but also with a race game machine (not shown).
Each race game machine performs a race by inserting coins, authenticating a player, and mode-selecting, and paying a fee set as an additional function by the personal computer 60 or the portable information terminal 40, the race game machine can be selected on the game select screen. Control is performed to add a game mode, for example, a craftsman mode, a dress-up select, or to open a screen for giving advice or the like in the game screen.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a circuit of the game machine of FIG.
The coin insertion unit 2 is connected to the coin-related device 23, and the coin-related device 23 receives the inserted coin and sends the data to the input / output control device 24. The operation unit 21 includes an accelerator, a shift lever, a brake, a handle, and the like, and these pieces of information are sent to the input / output control device 24. Further, there are an execution button, a selection button, and the like, which are sent to the input / output control device 24 in the same manner. The input / output control device 24 sends the received data to the CPU 20 via the bus 25. Further, a card insertion unit 3 for inserting a recording medium 15 such as a magnetic card for storing an ID for authentication of each individual is provided. The card insertion unit 3 is connected to a card control unit 31, and the card control unit 31 reads player-recognized ID data from the inserted recording medium 15. The ROM 29 stores a race game control and execution program and necessary data, and the RAM 10 is used as a work area when the CPU 20 performs calculations. The RAM 10 also temporarily stores the created race data and read data.

The game machine is connected to the server device 30 via the input / output control device 24 and the network. Other game machines are connected in the same manner. In the sound processing unit 27, music signal output processing such as BGM is performed in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 20, and music or the like flows from the speaker during the demonstration or during the game.
The CPU 20 checks whether or not the fee payment information set for the added function has been sent from the server device 30. If the result of the check indicates that the function additional fee payment is confirmed, the game An additional function for adding a game mode of a race that can be selected by selecting, or an additional function taking-in unit 20c for taking in a navigation assist for giving advice on the race game screen, and displaying the contents controlled by the additional function taking-in unit 20c on the game screen Each function of the game control unit 20a for controlling the entire game machine according to the program read from the display control unit 20d and the ROM 29 and executing the race game is provided. Here, the race data (running data) includes course, vehicle type, time, registration date and time, steering wheel for each frame, accelerator, brake, vehicle position, speed, information on whether it hits a wall or grips. . A frame indicates one game process, and is usually every 1/60 seconds.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a circuit of the management server apparatus of FIG.
The management server device 30 transmits and receives information through the communication unit 34 that communicates with the portable information terminal 40, the personal computer 60, and the race game chassis 1. The memory unit 35 stores a program for controlling the server device 30 and content information. In addition to controlling the operation of the server device, the CPU 31 has functions of a content browsing control unit 31a, an additional function charging unit 31b, and a charging information transmission unit 31c.
When accessed from the portable information terminal 40 or the like, the content browsing control unit 31a enables browsing of a home page with a predetermined URL. The contents of the homepage can be added by paying a fee for the function of the content. When the user adds a function, the additional function billing unit 31b opens a screen for requesting payment of a fee set for the function. The charging information transmission unit 31c transmits the charging information added by the fee payment to the game machine.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a circuit of the portable information terminal of FIG.
The circuit unit of the portable information terminal 40 is connected to the antenna 47, the display unit 52, the speaker 55, and the audio output terminal 60. The circuit unit of the portable information terminal 40 controls the input / output operation of the portable information terminal based on the communication program 48 for accessing the server device 30 and the control program, and develops the CPU 49 for controlling the operation of each circuit. The video RAM 58, the display control unit 51 for controlling the display of each data and image on the display unit 52, the sound source unit 53 serving as a sound source for voice and music (sound data), and the sound source chip (sound source unit) data as analog signals D / A converter 54 for conversion and output to speaker 55 and audio output terminal, speaker 55 and audio output terminal 60, ROM 56 for storing browsing software (browser) and control program, input unit 57, content downloaded from server device 30 The work RAM 58 and the battery 59 for storing such data.
In addition to the telephone function and the mail function, the CPU 49 downloads game-linked WEB content from the server device 30 and displays the content of the game machine on the display unit 52 via the display control unit 51 when the server device 30 is accessed. It has the function of the content access control part 49a which performs control.
In order to access the game-linked WEB content, it is necessary to input an ID or a password for player authentication.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the personal computer shown in FIG.
A DVD deck or propo deck 70 for reproducing and recording DVDs, CDs, etc. is connected to the bus through the interface unit 68, a mouse 72 and a keyboard 73 through the interface unit 71, and a communication unit 67 such as an ADSL modem through the interface unit 66. Yes. Further, the HDD 63 and the memory unit 62 are connected to the bus. By starting the browser browsing software by the CPU 61 and specifying a predetermined URL, the server device 30 can be accessed via the communication unit 67. The content access control unit 61 a of the CPU 61 controls to display game machine content on the display 65 via the graphic card 64 by downloading game-linked WEB content by an access operation to the server device 30. In order to view game-linked WEB content, player authentication is required.

FIG. 7A is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the billing service system for each stage of WEB content according to the present invention, FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a state in which the player starts the game in the flowchart of FIG. 7A, and the game machine in each step It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a display part.
In this example, there are two game modes that can be selected at the start of the game at the initial stage as shown in FIG. 8A (a). To access the linked web contents of the server device 30 using the personal computer 60 or the portable information terminal 40, select necessary functions, for example, to select and add the functions of the craftsman mode, the dress-up function and the negotiation assist Suppose you pay the usage fee.

The contents of the game-linked WEB content accessed by a personal computer or a portable information terminal in FIG. 8A (b) are the craftsman mode for the advanced player mode, the dressup select for selecting the car dressup from three patterns, and the assist display during the race run A screen on which one of the navigation assists for performing the selection can be selected is shown. In this example, the screen for selecting the takumi mode and paying the set fee is displayed.
FIG. 8A (b) shows a screen on which either the dress-up select or the navigation assist can be selected after selecting the master mode for the expert mode. In this example, a screen for selecting a dress-up select and paying a set fee is displayed. Note that by adding a dress-up select, an extended function for setting a plurality of dress-ups is also added to the game-linked WEB content. FIG. 8C (b) shows an example in which a plurality of dress-up patterns are set. Some functions may be free of charge.

  When a coin is inserted from the coin insertion unit 2 in FIG. 7A, the coin-related device 23 stores the coin information and sends it to the CPU 20 via the input / output control device 24 (step (hereinafter referred to as “S”) 001). When the magnetic card 15 is inserted into the card insertion unit 3, the game control unit 20a reads ID information by the card control unit 15 and authenticates the player (S002). When no magnetic card is inserted, a screen for prompting insertion of the magnetic card is displayed on the image display unit 7. FIG. 7B (a) shows a state where a player sits in one of the game housings, inserts a magnetic card, and performs authentication. As a result, when the magnetic card is not inserted and the player cannot be authenticated, the process branches to a normal race game flow (not shown) in which the race data is not uploaded to the server device.

After authenticating the player, control is passed to the billing information check unit 20b. The billing information check unit 20b receives the billing information from the server device 30 and checks whether the takumi mode is turned on (S003). When the takumi mode is on, control is passed to the additional function fetching unit 20c. The additional function fetching unit 20c adds the takumi mode to the mode select in addition to the two basic modes (S004). FIG. 8B (a) shows an example in which the mode selection screen is displayed on the image display unit 7 by the additional function display control unit 20d and the tactile mode is added.
If the craftsman mode is not on, or if the craftsman mode is added, it is checked whether the next charging check, that is, the dress-up function is on (S005). If the dress-up function is on, a dress-up function is further added to the mode select (S006). FIG. 8C (a) shows an example in which a screen for mode selection is displayed on the image display unit 7 by the additional function display control unit 20d and a dress-up selection is added. The dress-up pattern can be selected by the shift lever.
If the dress-up function is not on, or if the dress-up function is added, the process proceeds to mode selection for selecting a race mode (S007).

The game control unit 20a displays a screen for selecting a game mode, and allows the player to select a game mode from the screen. The basic modes in the game mode are, for example, a normal race mode that competes with other cars set on the game machine, and a time attack mode that challenges the time set for the course. Is added. After this, course selection is performed. When the game mode is selected, a race start screen according to the selected mode is displayed and the race is started (S008).
The game control unit 20a performs a race process in accordance with the player's operation (S009), and records race running data in the RAM 10 for each frame by a race data storage unit (not shown). In the race process, the billing information check unit 20b checks whether the navigation assist is on (S010). FIG. 8D shows a screen on which the craft mode and dress-up select can already be used as the contents of the game-linked WEB content accessed by the personal computer or the portable information terminal, and the navigation assist can be selected. In addition, a screen for paying the fee set for Navigation Assist is displayed.

When the navigation assist is on, the additional function capturing unit 20c adds the navigation assist, and the additional function display control unit 20d performs the navigation display process (S011). FIG. 8D (b) shows an example in which an advice screen is displayed at the top of the screen during the race to the effect that “the brake is necessary for this curve”.
The game control unit 20a advances the race process in this way, and shifts to a determination as to whether or not the race has ended (S012). When the race is over, game over processing is performed, and information such as running data is sent to the server device 30 (S013). When the race has not ended, the above S009, S010, and S011 are repeated.

In the above embodiment, examples of the takumi mode, dress-up select, and navigation assist have been described as the functions added by the payment of charges. However, the added functions are not limited to this function, and other functions of the game machine are also included. You can add it as well. In addition, an example in which a plurality of dress-up patterns are set for WEB content at the same time as a function is added to the game machine has been described. Similarly, not only a dress-up pattern function but also other functions are set on the content side. Is also possible.
Further, although an example in which player authentication is performed using a magnetic card has been shown, it is also possible to attach a storage medium incorporating a semiconductor to a game machine or to authenticate by inputting an ID and a password.
Moreover, although the example of a personal computer or a portable information terminal was demonstrated as a WEB access apparatus, it can also comprise so that a server apparatus can be accessed from a game machine itself and the function of a content can be used.

  This is a staged charging service system in which a function corresponding to a payment fee is added by a game machine by paying a fee set for the additional function in the WEB content service.

1 is a schematic diagram of a billing service system for each stage of WEB content according to the present invention. 1 is an external perspective view of a game machine constituting a billing service system for each stage of WEB content according to the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows embodiment of the circuit of the game machine of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows embodiment of the circuit of the management server apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows embodiment of the circuit of the portable information terminal of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the personal computer of FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the stage-based charging service system for WEB content according to the present invention. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a state in which a player starts a game in the flowchart of FIG. 7A and a diagram for explaining an example of a display unit of a game machine at each step. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen of a web content and a game machine, and has shown the state of the content of an initial stage. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen of a web content and a game machine, and has shown the state by which the takumi mode was added to mode selection. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen of a web content and a game machine, and has shown the state by which the dress-up mode was added to mode selection. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen of a web content and a game machine, and has shown the state to which navigation assistance was added.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Race game housing | casing 1a, 1b Race game machine 2a, 2b Coin insertion part 3a, 3b Card insertion part 4a, 4b Handle 5a, 5b Shift lever 6a, 6b Accelerator 7a, 7b Display part 8a, 8b Brake 19 Home game machine 40 personal digital assistants 60 personal computers

Claims (4)

A WEB access device such as a personal computer or a portable information terminal that accesses the game-linked WEB content by authenticating the player and can use each function of the content;
When the game-linked WEB content is accessed from the WEB access device, the content browsing control means for controlling the browsing of the game-linked WEB content and the like, the function to which the content can be added are browsed, and the player selects An additional function charging unit for paying a predetermined usage fee for the additional function, and a server device having a charging information transmitting unit for transmitting charging information to the additional function;
Authentication means for authenticating the player, billing information check means for checking whether or not the additional function has been charged, additional function taking means for taking in the additional function when charged by the check, and additional function that has been taken in A game machine having an additional function display control means for displaying on a game screen at a predetermined timing;
By paying a fee for adding content in the WEB access device, an additional function corresponding to the paid fee can be used in the WEB access device, and control corresponding to the added function can be performed in the game machine, A fee-based service system for WEB content, wherein the game machine can perform control corresponding to an additional function step by step in response to step-by-step fee payment.   The control content in the game machine compatible with the additional function is a control for adding a game mode at the time of game selection or a screen for giving a predetermined instruction corresponding to the game content in the game screen. Billing service system for each stage of WEB content.   The authentication means is performed by inserting a magnetic card or the like into a card storage means provided in the game machine, or a storage medium incorporating a semiconductor element is attached to the game machine, or an ID or password is given to the game machine. 3. The fee-based billing service system for WEB contents according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is input.   4. The billing service system for each stage of WEB content according to claim 1, wherein the server device is connected to the WEB access device and the game machine via the Internet.

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