Program, method, information processing device, and system

JP2025009672A5Pending Publication Date: 2026-03-12THE POKEMON CO
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-10-24
Publication Date
2026-03-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing game systems fail to maintain user engagement when background applications interrupt sleep information measurement, leading to delayed game progress and decreased motivation due to unrecorded sleep results.

Method used

A program that manages game progress using sleep information, detects when other applications stop sleep measurement, and notifies the user, allowing for resumed measurement and event generation.

Benefits of technology

Prevents loss of sleep results and maintains user interest by ensuring continuous game progress and accurate sleep data recording.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To restrain attenuation of a user's willingness of continuing a game by restraining failure in acquisition of a sleep result because of execution of another application.SOLUTION: A program is executed by a computer that has a processor and a memory, and manages progress of a game using sleep information. The program allows the processor to execute the steps of: measuring sleep information according to an instruction for starting measurement of sleep information; detecting stopping of measurement of sleep information by execution of another application after starting measurement of sleep information; and notifying a user of stopping of measurement of sleep information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program, a method, an information processing device, and a system. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a technology related to a game system that encourages a user to improve their sleeping habits (see Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, a reward is given to the user when the user falls asleep without receiving any input operation on the terminal device after going to bed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-194313 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described in Patent Document 1, even when playing the game according to Patent Document 1, the user may operate the terminal device between the time when he or she goes to bed and the time when he or she falls asleep.

[0005] At this time, depending on the application executed by the user, there is a risk that the game executed in the background may stop. In the case where game play is based on sleep records, if the game stops in the background, the sleep results will not be acquired, and the progress of game play will be delayed. If the sleep results that the user believed to have been acquired are not acquired and the progress of game play is delayed, the user becomes dissatisfied and loses motivation to continue playing the game.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce failure to obtain sleep results due to the execution of other applications and to reduce the user's loss of motivation to continue playing the game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A program to be executed by a computer including a processor and a memory, the computer managing the progress of a game using sleep information, the program causing the processor to execute the steps of measuring sleep information in response to an instruction to start measuring the sleep information, detecting that the measurement of the sleep information has stopped due to the execution of another application after the measurement of the sleep information has started, and notifying a user that the measurement of the sleep information has stopped. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the disclosure, it is possible to reduce failure to obtain sleep results due to the execution of other applications, and to prevent the user from losing motivation to continue playing the game. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a system 1. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device 10 shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a server 20. [Figure 4] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of user information 181. FIG. [Diagram 5] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of first object information 182. FIG. [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of second object information 183. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a user information table 2021. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the terminal device 10 when measurement of sleep information is stopped. [Figure 9] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display on the display 141 when notifying the user that measurement has stopped. FIG. [Figure 10]13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display on the display 141 when notifying the user that a measurement is being performed. FIG. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the terminal device 10 when a game is executed after measurement of sleep information is stopped. [Figure 12] 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display on the display 141 when displaying an interface for receiving an instruction to start measuring sleep information. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display on the display 141 when the result of a measurement that was stopped midway is presented to the user. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display on the display 141 when confirming with the user whether or not to carry over the stopped sleep result. FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the terminal device 10 when a user wakes up. [Figure 16] 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operations of the terminal device 10 and the server 20 when an event occurs. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] <Summary> The system according to this embodiment is a system for a game using sleep information. In this system, a user executes a game using sleep information that is installed on a terminal device owned by the user, and plays the game. The terminal device executing the game using sleep information according to this embodiment measures sleep information in response to an instruction to start measuring sleep information input by the user, who is a player. For example, when the user wakes up, the terminal device generates an event related to the game based on the result of evaluating the user's sleep.

[0012] After starting measurement of sleep information, the user may execute another application. When the other application is executed while measuring sleep information, the terminal device may stop the measurement of sleep information that is to continue in the background depending on the settings of the terminal or the settings of the application. The terminal device detects that the measurement of sleep information has stopped due to the execution of the other application. The terminal device notifies the user that the measurement of sleep information required to generate an event related to the game has stopped.

[0013] <1 Overall system configuration> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a system 1. In the system 1, a server accepts sleep information of each user and progresses a game. As shown in Fig. 1, the system 1 includes a plurality of terminal devices 10 and a server 20. The terminal devices 10 and the server 20 are connected for communication via a network 80.

[0014] 1 shows an example in which the system 1 includes two terminal devices 10, the number of terminal devices 10 included in the system 1 is not limited to two. The number of terminal devices 10 included in the system 1 may be three or more.

[0015] 1 shows an example in which the system 1 includes one server 20, but the number of servers 20 included in the system 1 is not limited to one. The server 20 may be composed of multiple servers depending on the functions it has. Also, the server 20 may be, for example, a collection of multiple devices that constitutes one server. The method of allocating multiple functions required to realize the server 20 according to this embodiment to one or multiple pieces of hardware can be appropriately determined in consideration of the processing capacity of each piece of hardware and / or the specifications required for the server 20.

[0016] The terminal device 10 is, for example, an information processing device operated by a user who plays a game using sleep information. The terminal device 10 is realized, for example, by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet compatible with a mobile communication system. In addition, the terminal device 10 may be realized, for example, by a stationary personal computer (PC), a laptop PC, or a dedicated game console. Furthermore, the terminal device 10 may be realized, for example, by a wearable terminal such as a head mounted display (HMD).

[0017] The terminal device 10 includes a communication IF (Interface) 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, a memory 15, a storage 16, and a processor 19. The input device 13 is a device (e.g., a touch panel, a touch pad, etc.) for receiving an input operation from a user. The output device 14 is a device (a display, a speaker, etc.) for presenting information to a user.

[0018] The terminal device 10 is connected to one or more sleep measuring devices 11 by wire or wirelessly. Specifically, for example, the terminal device 10 communicates with the sleep measuring devices 11 by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi. Note that the sleep measuring devices 11 may be compatible with communication standards of mobile communication systems such as 5G or 6G and communicate with the terminal device 10 without using short-range wireless communication. The sleep measuring devices 11 may also communicate with the server 20 directly.

[0019] The sleep measuring device 11 is a device for acquiring information related to the sleep of the user of the terminal device 10. In Fig. 1, a case where one sleep measuring device 11 is connected to the terminal device 10 is illustrated as an example, but two or more sleep measuring devices 11 may be connected to the terminal device 10. Note that if the terminal device 10 has a function for acquiring information related to the user's sleep, the sleep measuring device 11 may not be necessary.

[0020] The sleep measuring device 11 is a wearable device that is attached to the user's body, such as a wristwatch type, a finger ring type, an eye mask type, or the like. The sleep measuring device 11 may be a device that is placed on a mattress or a pillow on which the user sleeps. The terminal device 10 and the sleep measuring device 11 may be the same device. That is, the terminal device 10 may function as the sleep measuring device 11.

[0021] The sleep measuring device 11 includes a motion sensor including, for example, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, or a combination of these. However, the sleep measuring device 11 is not limited to these. The sleep measuring device 11 senses the movement of the user's body during sleep using a motion sensor. The sleep measuring device 11 transmits information on the sensing result to the terminal device 10 as, for example, sleep information. The terminal device 10 detects that the user has gone to bed (for example, lying down on a bed) based on the sleep information. Going to bed indicates, for example, that the user has entered a bed or a futon to sleep. In addition, the terminal device 10 detects that the user has fallen asleep after going to bed based on the sleep information. By detecting the user's going to bed and falling asleep, the terminal device 10 can determine whether the user has operated the terminal device 10 or whether the user has looked at the display 141 of the terminal device 10 between going to bed and falling asleep. That is, the terminal device 10 can determine whether the user who is going to sleep operates the terminal device 10 before going to sleep.

[0022] Furthermore, the sleep measuring device 11 may start measuring the sleep information in response to, for example, an instruction from the terminal device 10. The user inputs an instruction to start measuring the sleep information to the terminal device 10. The terminal device 10 causes the sleep measuring device 11 to start sensing in response to the instruction from the user.

[0023] Also, for example, the sleep measuring device 11 accumulates the acquired sensing results. Also, for example, the terminal device 10 or the server 20 accumulates the sleep information transmitted from the sleep measuring device 11. The terminal device 10 or the server 20 determines whether the user is asleep, in a light sleep state, in a deep sleep state, in REM sleep, or in non-REM sleep, based on the accumulated sleep information. By determining the waveforms of REM sleep and non-REM sleep, the terminal device 10 or the server 20 can evaluate the quality of the user's sleep. Specifically, for example, the cycle of REM sleep and non-REM sleep in the case of good quality sleep is preset. The terminal device 10 or the server 20 evaluates the quality of the user's sleep by comparing the preset waveforms of REM sleep and non-REM sleep with the waveforms of REM sleep and non-REM sleep during the user's sleep.

[0024] The sleep measuring devices 11 that are expected to be used in the system 1 are managed in advance, for example, in a so-called whitelist format. The terminal device 10 may store, for example, product information of the sleep measuring devices 11 that are compatible with the system 1, and may not accept the received data when it receives data from an incompatible sleep measuring device 11. In addition, when the terminal device 10 receives data from an incompatible sleep measuring device 11, it may execute subsequent processing using parameters for an unidentifiable sleep measuring device 11, etc.

[0025] Note that a user may use two or more sleep measurement devices at the same time. For example, a user may wear two wristwatch-type sleep measurement devices, or a user may wear a wristwatch-type sleep measurement device and use a smartphone as a sleep measurement device.

[0026] In addition, the difference in the type of the sleep measuring device 11 is not limited to the difference in the device. That is, even if the sleep measuring device 11 has the same device configuration, the system 1 may manage it as a different sleep measuring device 11 depending on the type of software or application used until the sleep information is transmitted to the server 20. For example, even if the sleep measuring device 11 is used to detect sleep information, the sleep measuring device 11 may be managed as a different "sleep measuring device ID" when a sleep measuring application A is used to process the sleep information and when a different sleep measuring application B is used. In this way, by managing the sleep measuring device 11 as a different "sleep measuring device ID" depending on the combination of the device type as the device configuration and the application used, more flexible generation of sleep information is possible, and as a result, it is possible to fully demonstrate the interest of the game according to the sleep state.

[0027] The terminal device 10 may be connected to a game controller by wire or wirelessly. A user can play a game by operating the game controller. The terminal device 10 may be capable of communicating with a plurality of game controllers. For example, a plurality of users may operate their own game controllers and play a game on a single terminal device 10.

[0028] The server 20 is, for example, an information processing device that manages the progress of a game using sleep information. The server 20 is also an information processing device that generates an event in the game based on the sleep information. In this embodiment, an event has, for example, multiple phases. Phases included in an event are, for example, as follows. -Sleep results report -Drawing objects based on sleep information Interference with the selected object - Granting of benefits -Sleep information disclosure

[0029] In this embodiment, for example, "reporting sleep results" is described as the first phase, "drawing an object based on sleep information" is the second phase, and "interference with the drawn object" is the third phase; however, this is not limited to this and other combinations are also possible.

[0030] The server 20 is realized by, for example, a computer connected to a network 80. The server 20 includes, for example, a communication IF 22, an input / output IF 23, a memory 25, a storage 26, and a processor 29. The input / output IF 23 functions as an interface with an input device for receiving an input operation from a user and an output device for presenting information to the user.

[0031] Each information processing device is configured by a computer equipped with a calculation device and a storage device. The basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer realized by the hardware configuration will be described later. For each of the terminal device 10 and the server 20, descriptions that overlap with the basic hardware configuration and basic functional configuration of the computer described later will be omitted.

[0032] <1.1 Terminal device configuration> Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 10 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 120, an input device 13, an output device 14, an audio processing unit 17, a microphone 171, a speaker 172, a position information sensor 150, a camera 160, a motion sensor 170, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. The blocks included in the terminal device 10 are electrically connected to each other, for example, by a bus or the like.

[0033] The communication unit 120 performs processing such as modulation and demodulation processing for the terminal device 10 to communicate with other devices. The communication unit 120 performs transmission processing on a signal generated by the control unit 190 and transmits the signal to the outside (for example, the server 20). The communication unit 120 performs reception processing on a signal received from the outside and outputs the signal to the control unit 190.

[0034] The input device 13 is a device for inputting instructions or information by a user who operates the terminal device 10. The input device 13 is realized, for example, by a touch-sensitive device 131 or the like in which an instruction is input by touching an operation surface. In the case where the terminal device 10 is a PC or the like, the input device 13 may be realized by a reader, a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. The input device 13 converts an instruction input by a user into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal to the control unit 190. Note that the input device 13 may include, for example, a receiving port that receives an electrical signal input from an external input device.

[0035] The output device 14 is a device for presenting information to a user who operates the terminal device 10. The output device 14 is realized, for example, by a display 141 or the like. The display 141 displays data according to the control of the control unit 190. The display 141 is realized, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display or the like.

[0036] The audio processing unit 17 performs, for example, digital-analog conversion processing of an audio signal. The audio processing unit 17 converts a signal provided from the microphone 171 into a digital signal and provides the converted signal to the control unit 190. The audio processing unit 17 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 172. The audio processing unit 17 is realized, for example, by a processor for audio processing. The microphone 171 accepts audio input and provides an audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 17. The speaker 172 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing unit 17 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the terminal device 10.

[0037] The position information sensor 150 is a sensor that detects the position of the terminal device 10, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. The GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. In the satellite positioning system, signals are received from at least three or four satellites, and the current position of the terminal device 10 equipped with the GPS module is detected based on the received signals. The position information sensor 150 may detect the current position of the terminal device 10 from the position of the wireless base station to which the terminal device 10 is connected.

[0038] The camera 160 is a device for receiving light with a light receiving element and outputting the received light as an image capturing signal.

[0039] The motion sensor 170 includes, for example, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, or a combination thereof. However, it is not limited to these. The motion sensor 170 detects the movement of the terminal device 10 and outputs the result of sensing. For example, when the user moves on the mattress of a bed on which the terminal device 10 is placed while the user is sleeping, the motion sensor 170 detects the movement. When the sleep measuring device 11 is connected to the terminal device 10, the motion sensor provided in the sleep measuring device 11 may be used.

[0040] The storage unit 180 is realized by, for example, the memory 15 and the storage 16, and stores data and programs used by the terminal device 10. The storage unit 180 stores, for example, user information 181, first object information 182, and second object information 183.

[0041] The user information 181 stores information about a user who plays a game based on a game program, as will be described in detail later.

[0042] The first object information 182 stores information on a first relationship between a user and an object. In this embodiment, the object represents, for example, a character or an item to be featured in gameplay. The object is associated with the user through a lottery drawn by the server 20 based on the level of sleep information, for example. The first relationship represents, for example, a relationship between the user and the object that is associated based on sleep information. The first relationship changes, for example, when the associated object receives interference from the user.

[0043] Note that the expression that a user is associated with an object is an expression that represents an example of the association between a user and an object, and may be expressed in other ways. For example, any expression may be used, such as that a user owns an object.

[0044] The second object information 183 stores information on a second relationship between a user and an object. The user can select an object and play a predetermined game element at a time other than sleeping. When the first relationship between the user and the object satisfies a predetermined requirement by a lottery based on the sleep information and subsequent interference with the object, the user can use the object in the game element at a time other than sleeping. The predetermined requirement in the first relationship is, for example, a requirement based on a parameter that varies by interference with the object. Specifically, for example, the relationship between the user and the object is expressed by a "trustworthiness" parameter, and the trustworthiness parameter increases by repeatedly interfering with the object in the game, and the parameter exceeds a certain level. Satisfying the predetermined requirement in the first relationship may be expressed, for example, as the object (character) becoming a friend. The second relationship represents, for example, a relationship between the user and the object that is associated based on a game element other than sleeping. The second relationship varies, for example, by implementing a game element at a time other than sleeping.

[0045] Objects associated with a user or that satisfy certain requirements in the first relationship may be treated, for example, as follows: -Can be exchanged with other users or transferred to other users - Exchanged or transferred objects are stored in association with information about the user with which they were originally associated (user-related information includes, for example, the user's name, when the object appeared during sleep, and what kind of sleep information the object appeared during). The object is stored together with information about a user who meets a predetermined requirement in the first relationship (the information about the user includes, for example, a user name, a history in a predetermined game element, a history of interference, etc.). - An object does not become eligible for exchange simply by being associated with a user. An object is eligible for exchange only if it meets certain conditions (a certain amount of time has passed since being associated, or a certain amount of sleep time has passed since being associated). -Merely satisfying the specified requirements in the first relationship does not make the object eligible for exchange. Only objects that meet certain conditions (a specified amount of time has passed since the specified requirements in the first relationship were met, or a certain amount of sleep time has passed since the specified requirements in the first relationship were met) will be eligible for exchange. - Every time you sleep, object exchange parameters are accumulated and linked to the user when you wake up. When exchanging objects, you can consume the object exchange parameters (if a player wants to exchange a specific object, it is not enough to simply have the object to be exchanged; they need to accumulate object exchange parameters by sleeping an appropriate amount). - By exchanging, the object will change into a different one from the one before the exchange. - You can exchange with other users at sleep-related times (exchanges occur between users who are sleeping at the same time, and between users who wake up at the same time (time zone)) - When exchanging with other users during sleep-related times, specify the object you want to give, the object you want to receive, or a combination of both before going to sleep. -Once you exchange and obtain an object, it will be more likely to be selected in a lottery (the parameters related to the probability of selecting the object obtained through exchange are weighted) -The next sleep after an exchange will have a higher lottery base stat than normal (this will lead to a better lottery result. This is expected to make the cycle of exchanging and sleeping more effective)

[0046] The control unit 190 is realized by the processor 19 reading a program stored in the storage unit 180 and executing instructions included in the program. The control unit 190 controls the operation of the terminal device 10. The control unit 190 operates according to the program to fulfill the functions of an operation reception unit 191, a transmission / reception unit 192, an information management unit 193, a presentation control unit 194, a game processing unit 195, and a task management unit 196.

[0047] The operation reception unit 191 performs processing for receiving instructions or information input from the input device 13. For example, the operation reception unit 191 receives instructions or information input from the touch-sensitive device 131 or the like. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives an instruction from the user to start measuring sleep information. Also, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives a setting of a predetermined time from the user. The predetermined time includes, for example, a scheduled wake-up time, a scheduled confirmation time, or the like.

[0048] Furthermore, operation acceptance unit 191 accepts an image input from camera 160. Specifically, operation acceptance unit 191 receives image data captured by camera 160, for example.

[0049] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 191 receives audio information input from the microphone 171. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives audio data that is input from the microphone 171 and converted into digital data by the audio processing unit 17.

[0050] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 191 receives behavior information input from the motion sensor 170. Specifically, the operation reception unit 191 receives a predetermined behavior detected by the motion sensor 170, for example.

[0051] The transmitting / receiving unit 192 performs processing for the terminal device 10 to transmit and receive data to and from an external device such as the server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the transmitting / receiving unit 192 transmits instructions input by a user or various acquired information to the server 20. The transmitting / receiving unit 192 transmits the various acquired information to the server 20 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is, for example, as follows. The timing when the user requests the server 20 to confirm the contents of the event -Predetermined period - Timing specified by the user

[0052] The transmitting / receiving unit 192 transmits, for example, sleep information to the server 20. The transmitting / receiving unit 192 also transmits, for example, information on objects acquired by game elements other than sleep to the server 20. The objects acquired by game elements other than sleep are, for example, items related to growth, such as nuts. Hereinafter, items related to growth are referred to as growth items.

[0053] The transmitting / receiving unit 192 also receives information provided from the server 20. The information provided from the server 20 includes, for example, information related to the user's sleep results. When the sleep measuring device 11 transmits the sleep information to the server 20, the transmitting / receiving unit 192 may receive the sleep information from the server 20. The information provided from the server 20 also includes, for example, information related to a result of a lottery based on the sleep information.

[0054] The information management unit 193 manages the user information 181, the first object information 182, and the second object information 183 stored in the storage unit 180. For example, when the information management unit 193 acquires sleep information of the user, it updates the user information 181 based on the acquired sleep information. Furthermore, when the relationship between the user and an object is updated in an event generated in the server 20, the information management unit 193 updates the first object information 182 based on the updated information. Furthermore, when the user uses an object for a game element other than sleep, the information management unit 193 updates the second object information 183.

[0055] The presentation control unit 194 controls the output device 14 and the like to present predetermined information to the user. For example, the presentation control unit 194 controls the output device 14 and the like to present an event based on sleep information to the user. For example, the presentation control unit 194 controls the display 141 to display the content of the event to the user.

[0056] The presentation control unit 194 also controls the speaker 142 to generate a sound related to the event based on the sleep information. The presentation control unit 194 also controls a vibrator (not shown) to generate a vibration related to the event based on the sleep information.

[0057] Also, for example, the presentation control unit 194 controls the display 141 to display a management screen of objects associated with the user based on the information managed in the first object information 182 and the information managed in the second object information 183.

[0058] Also, for example, when another application is selected as an application to be executed in response to a user's instruction during measurement of sleep information, the presentation control unit 194 controls the display 141 to notify the user that the sleep information is being measured. Also, for example, when measurement of sleep information is stopped due to execution of another application, the presentation control unit 194 controls the display 141 to notify the user that the measurement of sleep information has been stopped. Also, for example, when another application is executed in response to a user's instruction during measurement of sleep information, the presentation control unit 194 may control the display 141 to notify the user that the measurement of sleep information is being maintained.

[0059] Also, for example, when a game is executed in response to an instruction to execute a game after the measurement of sleep information is stopped by the execution of another application, the presentation control unit 194 controls the display 141 to present an interface for receiving an instruction to start measuring sleep information to the user. In other words, for example, when a measurement that was started earlier is stopped midway and a game related to the measurement is executed again, the presentation control unit 194 controls the display 141 to present an interface for receiving an instruction to start measuring sleep information to the user. The interface for receiving an instruction to start measuring sleep information includes, for example, a sleep start button displayed on the display 141 for instructing the user to start sleeping. When a game related to the measurement is executed again, the presentation control unit 194 causes the display 141 to display the interface without receiving an instruction to display the interface from the user.

[0060] The game processing unit 195 performs calculations according to a program on the data input by the terminal device 10. Specifically, when the game processing unit 195 receives an instruction from the user to start measuring sleep information, it causes the sleep measuring device 11 to start measuring sleep information. The game processing unit 195 also performs processing related to an event generated by the server 20, for example. The game processing unit 195 also performs processing related to daytime game elements other than the sleeping time, in response to an instruction input by the user. For example, when the terminal device 10 also functions as the sleep measuring device 11, the measurement of sleep information may be stopped depending on an application executed by the terminal device 10. The game processing unit 195 detects that the measurement of sleep information has been stopped due to the execution of another application after the measurement of sleep information has been started. The game processing unit 195 also detects that the measurement of sleep information executed in the background has been stopped due to the execution of another application after the measurement of sleep information has been started. The stop detected at this time includes, for example, the measurement of sleep information being stopped due to the game executed in the background being stopped due to the execution of another application.

[0061] Also, for example, when a user inputs an instruction to resume the game after the measurement of sleep information is stopped by the execution of another application, the game processing unit 195 is executed in response to the input instruction. The game processing unit 195 determines whether or not the measurement that was started earlier was stopped midway. The game processing unit 195 determines whether or not the measurement that was started earlier was stopped midway, for example, based on the following. - Measurement has been stopped, but the user's awakening has not been detected. - The specified time has not elapsed since the measurement started. - The device does not detect when the user falls asleep. - The specified time has not been reached - The suspension is in response to the execution of a specified application

[0062] In this embodiment, the user's waking up is detected by an operation for declaring that the user has woken up, such as pressing a button indicating that the user has woken up. The user's waking up may also include, for example, an operation for stopping an alarm that is set off at the scheduled wake-up time.

[0063] When the game is resumed by a user instruction after the measurement is stopped midway, the game processing unit 195 presents the result of the measurement that was stopped midway to the user. Specifically, the game processing unit 195 receives the result of the measurement that was stopped midway from the motion sensor 170, and causes the presentation control unit 194 to display the received measurement result on the display 141.

[0064] When the game processing unit 195 receives an input from the user to start measuring the sleep information after the measurement is stopped midway, the game processing unit 195 makes the motion sensor 170 start measuring the sleep information again. For example, the game processing unit 195 discards the sensing result acquired by the motion sensor 170 before the measurement is stopped, and sets the information from when the measurement is restarted as the sleep information. In addition, the game processing unit 195 may maintain the sensing result acquired by the motion sensor 170 before the measurement is stopped, and set the sleep information by combining the information acquired from when the measurement is restarted and the information acquired before the measurement is stopped. When the measurement result before the stop is inherited, the game processing unit 195 may treat the sleep as a sleep in which the user once woke up, or as a sleep in which it took a long time to fall asleep. In other words, the sleep in which the measurement result before the stop is inherited may be a sleep that has been rated low even though it has been a long time since the start of sleep. In the following, a case will be described in which the terminal device 10 has a function (motion sensor 170) for acquiring information related to the user's sleep, and the game processing unit 195 controls the motion sensor 170 to start measuring the sleep information.

[0065] The task management unit 196 manages tasks of applications executed on the terminal device 10. Specifically, for example, when a specific application is executed, the task management unit 196 executes a task of the application that was executed earlier in the background. Also, for example, when a specific application is executed, the task management unit 196 stops a task that is being executed in the background. The task management unit 196 is realized, for example, by an OS (Operating System) of the control unit 190, a manager application for managing tasks, or the like.

[0066] <1.2 Functional configuration of the server> 3 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 20 fulfills the functions of a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0067] The communication unit 201 performs processing for the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

[0068] The storage unit 202 includes, for example, a user information table 2021 .

[0069] The user information table 2021 is, for example, a table that stores information about users who play a game using sleep information. The user information table 2021 is, for example, a table that has columns that store information about users using user IDs as keys.

[0070] The control unit 203 is realized by the processor 29 reading a program stored in the storage unit 202 and executing instructions included in the program. The control unit 203 performs functions as a reception control module 2031, a transmission control module 2032, a management module 2033, a game progress module 2034, and a presentation module 2035 by operating according to the program.

[0071] The reception control module 2031 controls the process in which the server 20 receives a signal from an external device in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0072] The transmission control module 2032 controls the process in which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0073] The management module 2033 manages the tables stored in the storage unit 202. Specifically, for example, the management module 2033 updates the user information table 2021 when information about a user is input.

[0074] The game progress module 2034 communicates between the server 20 and the terminal device 10, and progresses the game play of each user based on the sleep information and the like received from the terminal device 10 of each user. For example, the game progress module 2034 generates an event to progress the game play. Specifically, for example, the game progress module 2034 evaluates the user's sleep based on the user's sleep information as one of the phases of the event. At this time, the game progress module 2034 may evaluate the sleep of that day based on the user's sleep information and information related to the development item. Hereinafter, the parameter for evaluating sleep is referred to as an evaluation parameter.

[0075] Furthermore, the game progress module 2034 performs a lottery for an object based on the sleep information as one of the phases of the event. Specifically, for example, the game progress module 2034 performs a lottery for an object based on the evaluation parameters.

[0076] Furthermore, the game progress module 2034 provides the user with an opportunity to interfere with any of the objects selected by lottery as one of the phases in the event. Specifically, for example, the game progress module 2034 accepts from the user a designation of any of the objects selected by lottery. The game progress module 2034 accepts from the user an interference with the object designated by the user. In this embodiment, the interference with the object is, for example, imparting an item to the object to improve the relationship. Hereinafter, an item imparted to an object to improve the relationship is referred to as an imparted item.

[0077] The game progress module 2034 varies the first relationship with respect to the object based on the number, type, or combination thereof of the granted items given to the object. When the first relationship satisfies a predetermined requirement, the game progress module 2034 allows the user to use the object that satisfies the requirement in a game element other than sleeping.

[0078] The presentation module 2035 presents information to the terminal device 10. Specifically, for example, the presentation module 2035 presents an event generated by the game progress module 2034 to the terminal device 10.

[0079] <2 Data Structure> 4 to 6 are diagrams showing data structures of information stored in the terminal device 10. Note that, Figs. 4 to 6 are merely examples, and do not exclude data that is not shown.

[0080] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of user information 181. User information 181 shown in Fig. 4 is a table having columns such as name, age, address, date of birth, date of registration, scheduled wake-up time, retained items, and sleep information, with a user ID as a key. User information 181 may also have a column for storing an accumulated value of an evaluation parameter. The accumulated value of an evaluation parameter transitions to a predetermined value after a predetermined period of time has passed, for example.

[0081] The user ID is an item that stores an identifier for uniquely identifying a user. The name is an item that stores the user's name. The age is an item that stores the user's age. The address is an item that stores the place where the user lives. The date of birth is an item that stores the date the user was born. The registration date is an item that stores the date the user started using the game related to this embodiment.

[0082] The planned wake-up time is an item that stores the time when the user plans to wake up. Waking up, for example, means waking up from sleep and starting to move. The planned wake-up time is set, for example, based on input from the user. The held items are an item that stores information about items that the user holds and that can be used in the game. Items held by the user can be rephrased as items associated with the user, for example. Items include, for example, development items or granted items. The item "held items" stores, for example, the names and number of items held by the user.

[0083] The sleep information is an item for storing sleep information related to the user. For example, the item "sleep information" stores sleep information for the previous night. In addition, for example, the item "sleep information" may store sleep information for a predetermined number of days in the past.

[0084] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of first object information 182. First object information 182 shown in Fig. 5 is a table having columns such as name, first level, parameters, and first detailed information, with an object ID as a key. In addition to these, first object information 182 may also have information on rarity, etc.

[0085] The object ID is an item that stores an identifier for uniquely identifying an object. The name is an item that stores the name of an object. The first level and the parameter are items that store an example of a first relationship between a user and an object. The items "first level" and "parameter" are indices that indicate the depth of the relationship between a user and an object. The item "first level" stores, for example, an integer equal to or greater than 0. The item "parameter" stores, for example, a numerical value ranging from 0 to a predetermined value (for example, 100). When the value of the item "parameter" reaches a predetermined value that is the maximum value, the value of the item "parameter" becomes 0, and the value of the item "first level" is incremented by 1. The value of the item "parameter" increases when the user interferes with the object. Specifically, for example, the item "parameter" increases according to the number and type of the assigned objects assigned to the object.

[0086] The first detailed information is, for example, an item that stores a state (display state) associated with the user. In this embodiment, the state represents, for example, the facial expression of the object, or in other words, the sleeping face, sleeping posture, or sleeping position. The item "first detailed information" stores which of the four states set for each object the object is associated with. In the item "first detailed information", for example, "1" is set to an associated state, and "0" is set to an unassociated state.

[0087] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of second object information 183. Second object information 183 shown in Fig. 6 is a table having columns such as object ID, name, second level, parameters, vitality, type, attributes, second detailed information, etc., with management ID as a key. In addition to these, second object information 183 may also have information related to rarity, etc.

[0088] The management ID is an item that stores an identifier for uniquely identifying an object as an individual that can be used. Even if it is the same object, there may be multiple individuals. The second level and the parameter are items that store an example of a second relationship between the user and the object as an individual. The items "second level" and "parameter" are indicators that indicate the depth of the relationship between the user and the object. The item "first level" stores, for example, an integer equal to or greater than 0. The item "parameter" stores, for example, a numerical value from 0 to a predetermined value (for example, 100). When the value of the item "parameter" reaches a predetermined value that is the maximum value, the value of the item "parameter" becomes 0, and the value of the item "first level" is incremented by 1. The value of the item "parameter" increases, for example, when the user uses the object as an individual for a game element at a time other than sleep. The value of the item "parameter" also increases, for example, when a predetermined item is used.

[0089] The vitality level is an item that stores the degree to which an object as an individual can be used as a game element at times other than when sleeping. The item "vitality level" stores, for example, a numerical value from 0 to a predetermined value (e.g., 100). For example, the closer to the predetermined value, the longer the user can use the individual as a game element, and if it is 0, the individual cannot be used as a game element. The item "vitality level" recovers when it is detected that the user has woken up. The amount of recovery may be a predetermined amount, an amount corresponding to the sleep information, an amount corresponding to the object, or a full recovery. The item "vitality level" is a parameter that changes when it is detected that the user has woken up, even if the event has not been confirmed by the user.

[0090] The type is an item for storing the type of object. In this embodiment, the type of object includes, for example, character, training item, and granted item. The attribute is an item for storing the property to which the object as a character belongs. In this embodiment, the attribute includes, for example, fire, water, lightning, grass, super, steel, evil, and fighting. There are attributes that are advantageous when facing, and attributes that are disadvantageous when facing. The second detailed information is an item for storing advantageous effects that the object as an individual has. The advantageous effects are, for example, effects that are exerted by game elements during times other than sleep. The advantageous effects include, for example, an effect that allows more training items to be obtained, or an effect that allows rarer training items to be obtained. The item "second detailed information" stores effects that the object as an individual currently has, as well as effects that can be obtained in the future. When the second level of the individual is improved, it becomes possible to acquire new effects.

[0091] For example, when the first level in the first object information 182 is incremented, a record for an individual object whose first level has been incremented is added to the records in the second object information 183.

[0092] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of information stored in the server 20. Note that Fig. 7 is only an example, and does not exclude data that is not shown.

[0093] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a user information table 2021. The user information table 2021 shown in Fig. 7 is a table having columns such as name, age, address, date of birth, date of registration, scheduled wake-up time, related objects, and sleep information, with a user ID as a key. The user information table 2021 may have a column for storing an accumulated value of an evaluation parameter. The accumulated value of the evaluation parameter transitions to a predetermined value after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, for example.

[0094] The related object is an item that stores information about an object associated with a user. The item "related object" stores, for example, information about an object (character) as an individual associated with a user. Information about a character includes, for example, a management ID, an object ID, a name, a second level, parameters, vitality, a type, attributes, second detailed information, and the like. In addition, the item "related object" stores, for example, information about an item associated with a user. Information about an item includes, for example, the name and number of items held by the user.

[0095] The sleep information is an item that stores sleep information related to the user. In the item "sleep information", for example, sleep information of the previous night is stored. The sleep information of the previous night can be expressed as, for example, the sleep information acquired last time or the sleep information acquired immediately before. The sleep information of the previous night is stored when the sleep information is transmitted from the user. In other words, when the sleep information is transmitted to the server 20 in association with a confirmation request for an event, if the user does not request confirmation of the event, the sleep information of the previous night is not stored in the user information table 2021. The sleep information of the next day cannot be accepted in a state where the user has not confirmed the evaluation of the sleep of the previous night. Therefore, if the event is not confirmed because the user has reserved it despite the sleep information of the previous night being stored, the sleep information of the next day cannot be accepted, and the next event does not occur. The state in which the sleep information of the next day cannot be accepted specifically includes, for example, an input indicating that the user has gone to bed cannot be made (the sleep start button cannot be pressed), sleep detection does not start, sleep information is not received by the server 20, and the like. In this way, the sleep information stored in the item "sleep information" can store the sleep information for the next day when the event is confirmed by the user. The item "sleep information" is a parameter that does not accept updates unless the event is confirmed by the user.

[0096] Furthermore, for example, past sleep information may be stored in the item "sleep information." The past sleep information stored in the user information table 2021 may be older than the past sleep information stored in the user information 181. In other words, the user information 181 may store a portion of the past sleep information stored in the user information table 2021.

[0097] <3 operations> The operations of the terminal device 10 and the server 20 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0098] (Operation when measurement is stopped) FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the terminal device 10 when the measurement of sleep information is stopped.

[0099] First, the user executes a game application using sleep information by operating the terminal device 10. When the game is executed, the game processing unit 195 displays a predetermined screen related to the game to the user.

[0100] In step S11, the terminal device 10 displays an interface (sleep start button) for instructing to start measuring sleep information. Specifically, for example, the user operates a screen displayed on the display 141 so as to display the interface for instructing to start measuring sleep information. The presentation control unit 194 causes the display 141 to display the interface for instructing to start measuring sleep information.

[0101] In step S12, the terminal device 10 starts measuring the sleep information in response to an instruction to start measuring the sleep information (an instruction to start sleeping). Specifically, for example, the terminal device 10 receives an instruction to start measuring the sleep information through the operation receiving unit 191 of the control unit 190 when the user presses a sleep start button. When the game processing unit 195 receives the instruction to start measuring the sleep information from the user, it causes the motion sensor 170 to start measuring the sleep information.

[0102] Although it is fine if the user falls asleep in this state, in some cases the user may want to execute another application. In such a case, the user operates the terminal device 10 to specify another application that requires confirmation.

[0103] In step S13, the terminal device 10 executes the application designated by the user.

[0104] In step S14, the terminal device 10 judges whether or not to stop the running task. Specifically, the task management unit 196 judges whether or not the executed application is a predetermined application. The predetermined application is, for example, an application that is set in advance as requiring the stopping of other running tasks. The predetermined application is, for example, an application that requires larger resources than other applications when executed. If the executed application is the predetermined application, the task management unit 196 shifts the process to step S15. On the other hand, if the executed application is not the predetermined application, the task management unit 196 shifts the process to step S13.

[0105] Furthermore, the task management unit 196 judges whether the task being executed is a predetermined task. The predetermined task is, for example, a task that is set in advance to be stopped when another application is executed. The predetermined task is, for example, a task that requires larger resources than other tasks when executed. If the task being executed is a predetermined task, the task management unit 196 shifts the process to step S15. On the other hand, if the task being executed is not a predetermined task, the task management unit 196 shifts the process to step S13.

[0106] In step S15, the terminal device 10 stops other tasks being executed. Specifically, for example, the task management unit 196 stops the measurement of sleep information that was executed earlier. Also, for example, the task management unit 196 stops the measurement of sleep information being executed in the background. More specifically, for example, the OS outputs a task kill instruction (measurement stop instruction) to stop the measurement of sleep information. When the motion sensor 170 receives the task kill instruction, it stops the measurement of sleep information.

[0107] In step S16, the terminal device 10 detects that the measurement of the sleep information has been stopped. Specifically, for example, the game processing unit 195 receives a notification indicating that sensing has been stopped from the motion sensor 170. Also, for example, the game processing unit 195 may receive a notification indicating that the measurement has been stopped from the OS of the terminal device 10.

[0108] In step S17, the terminal device 10 notifies the user that the measurement of the sleep information has been stopped. Specifically, for example, when the game processing unit 195 detects that the measurement of the sleep information has been stopped, the presentation control unit 194 causes the display 141 to display a display indicating that the measurement of the sleep information has been stopped.

[0109] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the display 141 when notifying the user that the measurement has stopped. In FIG. 9, the presentation control unit 194 displays a window 1411. The window 1411 is an area for notifying the user that the measurement has stopped. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the presentation control unit 194 displays a button 14111 for accepting the notification in the window 1411. For example, when the main task is switched from another application to a game using sleep information, the presentation control unit 194 displays the window 1411 in the game after the switching. In addition, the presentation control unit 194 may display the window 1411 as a notification from the OS by superimposing it on the screen of the other application. In addition, the presentation control unit 194 may display the window 1411 as a push notification from a game app by superimposing it on the screen of the other application.

[0110] Furthermore, for example, in step S12, when another application is selected as an application to be executed in response to a user's instruction, the presentation control unit 194 may superimpose the screen of the other application to notify the user that sleep information is being measured. For example, when an application that may stop another function being executed or a function being executed in the background is selected as an application to be executed, the presentation control unit 194 may notify the user that sleep information is being measured.

[0111] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the display 141 when notifying the user that there is a measurement being performed. In FIG. 10, the presentation control unit 194 displays a window 1412. The window 1412 is an area for notifying the user that there is a measurement being performed. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the presentation control unit 194 displays a button 14121 for accepting the notification in the window 1412. The presentation control unit 194 may display in the window 1412 that the measurement of sleep information may be stopped by the execution of an application. The presentation control unit 194 may display in the window 1412 a button for stopping the execution of the application. The presentation control unit 194 may display, for example, an icon indicating that the sleep information is being measured in a predetermined position on the display 141. Specifically, the presentation control unit 194 may display, for example, an icon indicating that the sleep information is being measured in a status bar. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the presentation control unit 194 displays "zzz" in the status bar as the icon 14122 indicating that the sleep information is being measured.

[0112] The operation of the control unit 190 when the measurement is stopped is not limited to the above. In the above example, when the user executes another application, the task management unit 196 stops the task of the motion sensor 170. The game processing unit 195 recognizes that the sensing has been stopped. The presentation control unit 194 notifies the user that the measurement has been stopped. However, the operation of the control unit 190 may be as follows. That is, when the user instructs to execute another application, the task management unit 196 notifies the game processing unit 195 that the task of the motion sensor 170 is to be stopped. The game processing unit 195 recognizes that the sensing is to be stopped. Before the measurement is stopped, the presentation control unit 194 notifies that the measurement is to be stopped, for example, by saying, "Are you sure you want to end the sleep measurement?" The task management unit 196 stops the sensing when there is consent from the user.

[0113] (Game restart behavior) FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the terminal device 10 when a game is executed after measurement of sleep information is stopped.

[0114] First, after the user has finished checking other applications, the user operates the terminal device 10 to execute a game application that uses sleep information.

[0115] In step S21, the terminal device 10 judges whether or not the measurement that was started earlier has been stopped midway. Specifically, for example, the game processing unit 195 judges whether or not the measurement that was started earlier has been stopped midway, for example, based on the following. - Measurement has been stopped, but the user's awakening has not been detected. The time during which the stopped measurement was performed does not meet the specified time. - The user's falling asleep is not detected between the start and end of measurement. The time when the measurement was stopped has not yet reached a specified time (for example, midnight, such as 2:00). - The measurement stops in response to the execution of a specific application.

[0116] If the measurement that was started earlier is stopped midway, the game processing unit 195 shifts the process to step S22. If the measurement that was started earlier is not stopped midway, the game processing unit 195 shifts the process to step S11 in FIG.

[0117] In step S22, the terminal device 10 displays an interface for receiving an instruction to start measuring sleep information. Specifically, for example, when the game processing unit 195 is started, the presentation control unit 194 causes the display 141 to display an interface for receiving an instruction to start measuring sleep information without receiving an operation from the user.

[0118] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display 141 when displaying an interface for receiving an instruction to start measuring sleep information. In Fig. 12, the presentation control unit 194 displays a window 1413. The window 1413 is an area for receiving an instruction to start measuring sleep information from a user. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the presentation control unit 194 displays a statement encouraging the user to start sleeping, such as "Are you going to sleep?", in the window 1413, and displays a button 14131 for instructing the user to start sleeping and a button 14132 for instructing the user to postpone sleeping.

[0119] In step S23, the terminal device 10 starts measuring the sleep information in response to an instruction to start measuring the sleep information (an instruction to start sleeping). Specifically, for example, the terminal device 10 receives an instruction to start measuring the sleep information by the user pressing the sleep start button through the operation receiving unit 191. Upon receiving the instruction to start measuring the sleep information from the user, the game processing unit 195 causes the motion sensor 170 to start measuring the sleep information.

[0120] When the game is resumed by a user's instruction after the measurement is stopped midway, the game processing unit 195 may present the user with the result of the measurement that was stopped midway. Specifically, when it is determined in step S21 that the measurement that was started earlier has been stopped midway, the game processing unit 195 acquires, for example, the result of the measurement that was stopped midway from the motion sensor 170. The presentation control unit 194 causes the display 141 to display the acquired measurement result.

[0121] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of display on the display 141 when the result of a measurement stopped midway is presented to the user. In Fig. 13, the presentation control unit 194 displays a window 1414. The window 1414 is an area for presenting the result of a measurement stopped midway to the user. In the example shown in Fig. 13, the presentation control unit 194 displays a button 14141 for accepting the measurement result in the window 1414.

[0122] When the game processing unit 195 receives an input from the user to start measuring the sleep information after the measurement is stopped midway, the game processing unit 195 causes the motion sensor 170 to restart measuring the sleep information. For example, the game processing unit 195 discards the sensing result acquired by the motion sensor 170 before the stop, and sets the information from when the measurement is restarted as the sleep information. In addition, the game processing unit 195 may maintain the sensing result acquired by the motion sensor 170 before the stop, and set the sleep information to the information acquired from when the measurement is restarted and the information acquired before the stop. The game processing unit 195 may select whether the measurement to be started should be a new measurement or a measurement that takes over from the previous measurement, based on a selection from the user.

[0123] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the display 141 when confirming with the user whether or not to take over the stopped sleep result. In Fig. 14, the presentation control unit 194 displays a window 1415. For example, when the user presses a button 14131 shown in Fig. 12, the presentation control unit 194 displays the window 1415. The window 1415 is an area for confirming with the user whether or not to take over the stopped measurement result. In the example shown in Fig. 14, the presentation control unit 194 displays, in the window 1415, a button 14151 for instructing to take over the measurement result and a button 14152 for instructing to perform a new measurement.

[0124] (Action when waking up) FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the terminal device 10 when the user wakes up.

[0125] In step S31, the terminal device 10 detects that the user has woken up. Specifically, for example, the control unit 190 accepts an operation input from the user to the terminal device 10 through the operation acceptance unit 191. For example, the operation input is an operation to confirm the sleep information. The operation to confirm the sleep information includes, for example, an operation to declare that the user has woken up, such as pressing a button indicating that the user has woken up. In addition, the operation to confirm the sleep information includes, for example, an operation to stop an alarm that is issued at the scheduled wake-up time.

[0126] In step S32, the terminal device 10 acquires sleep information. Specifically, for example, when the control unit 190 detects that the user has woken up by the game processing unit 195, the control unit 190 ends the measurement of the user's sleep information. The information management unit 193 collects the sleep information. The information management unit 193 stores the collected sleep information in the user information 181.

[0127] In step S33, the terminal device 10 receives an instruction from the user to confirm the contents of the event. Whether or not to confirm the contents of the event may be set in advance. The game processing unit 195 determines whether or not to confirm the contents of the event according to the set contents.

[0128] In step S34, the terminal device 10 accesses the server 20. Specifically, for example, when an instruction to confirm the contents of the event is received, the control unit 190 transmits the sleep information stored in the user information 181 to the server 20 via the transmission / reception unit 192. In addition, the transmission / reception unit 192 transmits a request to confirm the contents of the event to the server 20.

[0129] (Action when event occurs) FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operations of the terminal device 10 and the server 20 when an event occurs.

[0130] First, the server 20 receives the sleep information and a request to confirm the details of the event from the terminal device 10.

[0131] In step S41, the server 20 generates an event. The server 20 also evaluates the user's sleep as one aspect of the event. Specifically, for example, the control unit 203 calculates an evaluation parameter based on the user's sleep information and information on the development item acquired from the daytime game elements by the game progress module 2034. The presentation module 2035 presents, for example, the evaluation result of the user's sleep to the user. The transmission control module 2032 transmits, for example, information for displaying the evaluation result of the user's sleep to the terminal device 10.

[0132] In step S42, the terminal device 10 displays the sleep evaluation result.

[0133] In step S43, the server 20 draws an object based on the sleep information as one aspect of the event. The presentation module 2035, for example, presents the result of the drawing to the user. The transmission control module 2032, for example, transmits information for displaying the result of the drawing to the terminal device 10.

[0134] In step S44, the terminal device 10 displays the lottery result.

[0135] In step S45, the server 20 provides the user with an opportunity to interfere with any of the objects determined by lottery as one aspect of the event. Specifically, for example, the game progress module 2034 provides an opportunity to improve the first relationship by granting a grant item to any of the objects determined by lottery. The presentation module 2035, for example, presents the opportunity to interfere with the object to the user. The transmission control module 2032, for example, transmits information for displaying the opportunity to interfere with the object to the terminal device 10.

[0136] In step S46, the terminal device 10 displays the chance of interference with the object.

[0137] The user selects a desired object from a plurality of objects determined by lottery, for example. The presentation control unit 194 causes the display 141 to display a screen for granting an granted item to the selected object. The user grants a plurality of granted items to the selected object. The transmission / reception unit 192 transmits the result of the interference with the object to the server 20.

[0138] In step S47, the server 20 updates the user information table 2021. Specifically, the control unit 203 updates the item “related object” of the user information table 2021 by the management module 2033 based on the result of interference received from the terminal device 10.

[0139] As described above, in the above embodiment, the game processing unit 195 causes the motion sensor 170 to measure sleep information in response to an instruction to start measuring sleep information. The game processing unit 195 detects that the measurement of sleep information is stopped due to the execution of another application after the measurement of sleep information is started. The presentation control unit 194 notifies the user that the measurement of sleep information is stopped. This allows the user to recognize that the measurement of sleep information has been stopped or will be stopped due to the use of another application. This makes it possible to avoid a situation where the user believes that the measurement is continuing, but wakes up to find that the measurement is not actually being performed and an event cannot be generated.

[0140] Therefore, the terminal device 10 according to the present embodiment can prevent failure to obtain a sleep result due to execution of another application, and can prevent the user from losing motivation to continue playing the game.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the game processing unit 195 can measure sleep information in the background of another application. The game processing unit 195 detects the stop of the measurement of sleep information being performed in the background due to the execution of another application. This enables the terminal device 10 to notify the user that the measurement of sleep information being performed in the background has stopped, or that the measurement of sleep information being performed in the background will stop.

[0142] In the above embodiment, when another application is selected as an application to be executed, the presentation control unit 194 notifies the user that sleep information is being measured. This allows the terminal device 10 to remind the user that sleep information is being measured when executing another application.

[0143] In the above embodiment, when the game processor 195 executes a game in response to an instruction to execute the game after the measurement of sleep information is stopped by the execution of another application, the game processor 195 presents the user with an interface for receiving an instruction to start measuring sleep information even if the user does not give an instruction to present the interface. This makes it possible to reduce user operations when restarting the measurement of sleep information.

[0144] In the above embodiment, when an instruction to start measuring sleep information is input to the interface, the game processing unit 195 starts measuring while maintaining the measurement result before the measurement was stopped. This allows the terminal device 10 to include the measurement result before the measurement was stopped in the resumed measurement, even if the measurement of sleep information is stopped.

[0145] In the above embodiment, when an instruction to start measuring sleep information is input to the interface, the game processing unit 195 discards the measurement before the measurement is stopped and starts the measurement. Depending on the sleep information in the stopped measurement, the evaluation of the sleep may be lowered. In such a case, the terminal device 10 can prevent the user from being at a disadvantage by discarding the measurement before the measurement is stopped.

[0146] In the above embodiment, when the game is executed in response to an instruction to execute a game after the measurement of sleep information is stopped by the execution of another application, the game processing unit 195 presents the user with the measurement result at the time when the measurement of sleep information was stopped. This allows the user to know how much sleep information was measured during the stopped measurement.

[0147] <4 Variation> In the above embodiment, the measurement of sleep information is stopped by the execution of another application. However, the measurement of sleep information is not limited to being stopped when the other application is executed. The measurement of sleep information may be stopped not only by the execution of an application but also by the execution of a predetermined function.

[0148] In the above embodiment, the terminal device 10 is described as a terminal realized by a smartphone or the like, but is not limited to this example. The terminal device 10 may be realized by installing software on a home PC or the like, and may receive operations of a mouse or the like.

[0149] In addition, sharing of specific information via communication lines is mainly performed via a WAN such as the Internet, but between information processing devices, communication may also be performed only via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and infrared communication without using a WAN.

[0150] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example of a form in which each function is provided by the terminal device 10 or the server 20 is described, but this is not limited to this form, and some or all of the functions may be provided by the terminal device 10, the server 20, or both the terminal device 10 and the server 20 in a form different from the above embodiment.

[0151] Furthermore, the present invention may be realized as a program that causes an information processing device to execute the functions of the above-mentioned terminal device 10 or server 20, or as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium that stores the program.

[0152] <5 Basic hardware configuration of computer> 17 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90. The computer 90 includes at least a processor 94, a main storage device 95, an auxiliary storage device 96, and a communication IF (interface) 99. These are electrically connected to each other by a bus.

[0153] The processor 94 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, a register, a peripheral circuit, and the like.

[0154] The main storage device 95 is for temporarily storing programs, data to be processed by the programs, etc. For example, it is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0155] The auxiliary storage device 96 is a storage device for saving data and programs, such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a semiconductor memory.

[0156] The communication IF 99 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for communicating with other computers via a network using a wired or wireless communication standard.

[0157] The network is composed of the Internet, a LAN, various mobile communication systems constructed by wireless base stations, etc. For example, the network includes 3G, 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), wireless networks that can connect to the Internet via a specified access point (e.g., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), etc. In the case of wireless connection, communication protocols include, for example, Z-Wave (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. In the case of wired connection, the network also includes a network that is directly connected by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like.

[0158] It should be noted that the computer 90 can be virtually realized by distributing all or part of each hardware configuration among multiple computers 90 and connecting them together via a network. In this way, the computer 90 is a concept that includes not only a computer 90 housed in a single housing or case, but also a virtualized computer system.

[0159] <Basic functional configuration of computer 90> A description will now be given of the functional configuration of a computer realized by the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90 shown in Fig. 17. The computer includes at least the functional units of a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit.

[0160] The functional units of the computer 90 can also be realized by distributing all or part of the functional units among multiple computers 90 connected to each other via a network. The computer 90 is a concept that includes not only a single computer 90 but also a virtualized computer system.

[0161] The control unit is realized by the processor 94 reading out various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 96, expanding the programs in the main storage device 95, and executing processes according to the programs. The control unit can realize functional units that perform various information processing depending on the type of program. In this way, the computer is realized as an information processing device that performs information processing.

[0162] The storage unit is realized by a main storage device 95 and an auxiliary storage device 96. The storage unit stores data, various programs, and various databases. Furthermore, the processor 94 can secure a storage area corresponding to the storage unit in the main storage device 95 or the auxiliary storage device 96 in accordance with a program. Furthermore, the control unit can cause the processor 94 to execute processes of adding, updating, and deleting data stored in the storage unit in accordance with the various programs.

[0163] A database refers to a relational database, which is used to manage data sets called tables, which are structured according to rows and columns, by relating them to each other. In a database, a table is called a table, a column in a table is called a column, and a row in a table is called a record. In a relational database, it is possible to set relationships between tables and associate them.

[0164] Usually, a column is set in each table as a key for uniquely identifying a record, but setting a key in the column is not essential. The control unit can cause the processor 94 to add, delete, or update records in a specific table stored in the storage unit according to various programs.

[0165] The communication unit is realized by the communication IF 99. The communication unit realizes a function of communicating with other computers 90 via a network. The communication unit can receive information transmitted from other computers 90 and input the information to the control unit. The control unit can cause the processor 94 to execute information processing on the received information in accordance with various programs. In addition, the communication unit can transmit information output from the control unit to other computers 90.

[0166] Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0167] <Additional Notes> The matters described in the above embodiments will be supplemented below. (Appendix 1) A program to be executed by a computer having a processor and a memory, which manages the progress of a game using sleep information, the program causing the processor to execute the steps of measuring sleep information in response to an instruction to start measuring the sleep information, detecting the cessation of measurement of the sleep information due to the execution of another application after the start of measurement of the sleep information, and notifying the user of the cessation of measurement of the sleep information. (Appendix 2) In the step of measuring sleep information, the measurement of sleep information can be performed in the background of another application, and in the step of detecting, the stopping of the measurement of sleep information performed in the background due to the execution of the other application is detected (Appendix 1). (Appendix 3) The program according to (Supplementary Note 1) or (Supplementary Note 2), wherein, in the step of measuring sleep information, if another application is selected as an application to be executed, the program notifies the user that the sleep information is being measured. (Appendix 4) A program described in any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 3), which causes a processor to execute a step of presenting to a user an interface for accepting an instruction to start measuring sleep information, even if there is no instruction from the user to present the interface, when a game is executed in response to an instruction to run the game after measurement of sleep information has been stopped by execution of another application. (Appendix 5) The program according to claim 4, wherein, in the step of measuring sleep information, when an instruction to start measuring the sleep information is input to the interface, the measurement is started while maintaining the measurement result before the measurement was stopped. (Appendix 6) The program according to claim 4, wherein, in the step of measuring sleep information, when an instruction to start measuring the sleep information is input to the interface, the measurement before stopping is discarded and the measurement is started (Supplementary Note 4). (Appendix 7) A program described in any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 6), which causes a processor to execute a step of presenting to a user the measurement results at the time when the measurement of sleep information was stopped due to the execution of another application, and then when a game is executed in response to an instruction to run the game, the program causes the processor to execute a step of presenting to a user the measurement results at the time when the measurement of sleep information was stopped. (Appendix 8) A method implemented by a computer having a processor and a memory, wherein the processor executes all of the steps performed in any of the inventions according to (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 8). (Appendix 9) An information processing device comprising a control unit and a memory unit, wherein the control unit executes all of the steps executed in the invention according to any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 8). (Appendix 10) A system comprising means for executing all the steps performed in any of the inventions according to (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 8). [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 1. System 10...Terminal device 12…Communication Interface 120…Communications Department 13...Input device 131...Touch-sensitive devices 14...Output device 141…Display 15…Memory 150...Location information sensor 16…Storage 160…Camera 17...Audio processing unit 171…Mike 172…Speaker 180...Storage section 19…Processor 190...Control unit 20…Server

Claims

1. A program to be executed by a computer that manages the progress of a game, comprising a processor and memory, wherein the program is executed by the processor, In response to an instruction to start measuring the time in the task related to the game, the steps include measuring the time elapsed, The steps include detecting the cessation of the time measurement and the cessation of the game-related task due to the execution of another application after the start of the time measurement, The steps include notifying the user that the aforementioned time-series measurement has stopped, and A program that executes the command.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein, in the step of measuring the passage of time, when the other application is selected as the target of execution, the program notifies the user that the passage of time is being measured.

3. The program according to claim 1, which, after the tasks related to the measurement of time and the game have been stopped due to the execution of the other application, causes the game to be executed in response to an instruction to execute the game, and causes the processor to execute a step of presenting to the user an interface for receiving an instruction to start the measurement of time, even if the user does not give an instruction to present the interface.

4. The program according to claim 3, wherein, in the step of measuring the time elapsed, when an instruction to start measuring the time elapsed is input to the interface, the program starts measuring while maintaining the measurement result before stopping.

5. The program according to claim 3, wherein, in the step of measuring the time elapsed, when an instruction to start measuring the time elapsed is input to the interface, the measurement before stopping is discarded and the measurement is started.

6. The program according to claim 1, which, after the tasks related to the measurement of time and the game have been stopped due to the execution of the other application, causes the program to cause the processor to execute the step of presenting the measurement results at the time the measurement of time was stopped to the user when the game is executed in response to an instruction to execute the game.

7. A method to be performed on a computer for managing the progress of a game, comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor performs all steps performed in any of the inventions according to Claims 1 to 6.

8. An information processing apparatus comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the processor performs all steps performed in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A system comprising means for performing all steps performed in the invention according to any one of Claims 1 to 6.