Provision system, provision method, provision server, and program

Abstract

To provide a provision system, etc. capable of motivating a user to play a game.SOLUTION: A provision system includes a game device for executing a game, and a provision server for providing content generated in the game to a user. The game device includes a game execution part for generating content in the game and a transmission part for transmitting the content to the provision server. The provision server includes an acquisition part for acquiring user information for identifying a user that has played the game, a provision part for providing the content generated in the game to the user indicated by the user information, and an imparting part for imparting a privilege to the user on the basis of the number of times that the content is provided to the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a provision system, a provision method, a provision server, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a game device that provides a photo sticker creation game. Such a game device is installed in a store such as a game center, and takes an image of the user to generate an image of the user. The game device accepts editing operations such as doodling on the generated image, and generates an edited image. The game device provides the user with sticker paper on which the edited image is printed, and transmits the edited image to an image providing server. The user can obtain the edited image by accessing the image providing server. Each time the user plays such a photo sticker creation game, the user is required to pay a fee by inserting a coin, for example.

[0003] In such a game device, there is a demand for motivating users to play the game repeatedly. Patent Document 1 describes a game device that allows a user to continue playing the game if a coin is inserted before a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the game, and allows an additional play if the game has been played three times in a row. The game device described in Patent Document 1 motivates users to continue playing the game for the purpose of additional plays. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-122531 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the game device described in Patent Document 1, if a user does not play the game consecutively, additional plays are not awarded, which may give the user a sense of unfairness and may actually discourage him or her from playing the game.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a provision system, a provision method, a provision server, and a program that can motivate users to play games. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A provision system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a provision system having a game device that executes a game and a provision server that provides a user with content generated in the game, wherein the game device has a game execution unit that generates content in the game and a transmission unit that transmits the content to the provision server, and the provision server has an acquisition unit that acquires user information that identifies a user who has played the game, a provision unit that provides the content generated in the game to a user identified by the user information, and an award unit that awards a benefit to the user based on the number of times content has been provided to the user.

[0008] In addition, it is preferable that the granting unit grants a benefit to a user based on the number of times that content generated in a game executed during a predetermined period has been provided to the user.

[0009] It is also preferable that the acquisition unit acquires user information during execution of a game or after completion of the game, and the granting unit grants a benefit to the user based on the number of games executed during a specified period in which user information was acquired during execution of the game and the number of games in which user information was acquired after completion of the game and content generated in the game was provided.

[0010] In addition, it is preferable that the granting unit grants the privilege to the user based on the number of times the content has been provided to the user within a predetermined period.

[0011] In addition, it is preferable that the game execution unit executes the game on the condition that a specified fee is paid if a privilege has not been granted to the user who is trying to play the game, and executes the game without the condition that a specified fee is paid if a privilege has been granted to the user who is trying to play the game.

[0012] It is also preferable that the game execution unit executes a different game when a game is executed on condition that a specified compensation is paid and when a game is executed without condition that a specified compensation is paid.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferable that the content is an image generated by photographing the user, and that the game execution unit outputs a medium on which the image generated in the game is printed when the game is executed on condition of payment of a specified fee, and does not output a medium when the game is executed without condition of payment of the specified fee.

[0014] It is also preferable that the acquisition unit acquires user information before the game is executed, the provision unit provides content generated in a game previously played to the user indicated by the user information before the game is executed, and the granting unit grants a benefit to the user based on the number of times the content has been provided to the user before the game is executed.

[0015] In addition, it is preferable that the game device further has a display control unit that displays an identification image including game information that identifies the game, the acquisition unit acquires user information and game information included in the identification image from the user terminal that captured the identification image, and the provision unit provides content generated in the game indicated by the game information to the user indicated by the user information.

[0016] It is also preferable that the identification image further includes device information identifying the game device displaying the identification image, the acquisition unit further acquires the device information from the user terminal that captured the identification image, and the granting unit further grants a benefit to the user based on the device information.

[0017] In addition, it is preferable that the granting unit grants a benefit to a user when the number of times that content generated by the same game device has been provided to the user is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0018] In addition, it is preferable that the granting unit grants a benefit to a user when the total number of times that content generated by game devices installed in the same location has been provided to the user is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0019] A providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a providing method executed by a providing system having a game device that runs a game and a providing server that provides content generated in the game to a user, and is characterized in that the game device generates content in the game and transmits the content to the providing server, the providing server obtains user information that identifies a user who played the game, provides the content generated in the game to the user identified by the user information, and grants a benefit to the user based on the number of times the content has been provided to the user.

[0020] A providing server according to an embodiment of the present invention is a providing server that provides a user with content generated in a game executed by a game device, and is characterized by having a content acquisition unit that acquires content generated in the game by the game device, an information acquisition unit that acquires user information that identifies a user who played the game, a providing unit that provides content generated in the game by photographing the user to a user identified by the user information, and an awarding unit that awards a benefit to the user based on the number of times content has been provided to the user.

[0021] A program according to an embodiment of the present invention is a program of a providing server that provides a user with images generated in a game executed by a game device, and is characterized in that it causes the providing server to acquire content generated in the game by the game device, acquire user information that identifies a user who played the game, provide to the user identified by the user information content generated by photographing the user in the game, and grant a benefit to the user based on the number of times content has been provided to the user. Effect of the Invention

[0022] The provision system, provision method, provision server, and program according to the present invention make it possible to motivate users to play games. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an image providing system 10. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a photo sticker creating device 1. [Diagram 3] 1 is an exemplary functional block diagram of a photo sticker creating device 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is an exemplary functional block diagram of a processing unit 17. FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is an exemplary functional block diagram of the image providing server 2. FIG. [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a device information table T1. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of a user information table T2. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a game information table T3. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a provided information table T4. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a game execution process. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing an example of the flow of a pre-reception process. [Figure 12]FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing an example of the flow of a pre-reception process. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a first cooperation process. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a first image providing process. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a second cooperation process. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a second image providing process. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a demo screen G1. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a first cooperation screen G2. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a game selection screen G3. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a coin insertion screen G4. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a collaboration selection screen G5. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a second collaboration screen G6. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an email address input screen G7. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a number-of-players selection screen G8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but covers the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0025] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image providing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image providing system 10 has a plurality of photo sticker creating devices 1, an image providing server 2, and a user terminal 3. The photo sticker creating devices 1, the image providing server 2, and the user terminal 3 communicate with each other via a network N which is the Internet or an intranet. The image providing system 10, the photo sticker creating devices 1, and the image providing server 2 are examples of a providing system, a game device, and a providing server, respectively.

[0026] The photo sticker creating device 1 is installed in a store such as a game center, and executes a game for creating photo stickers. The photo sticker creating device 1 takes a picture of a user in the game and generates a user image. The photo sticker creating device 1 accepts editing operations such as doodling on the user image and generates an edited image. The photo sticker creating device 1 prints the edited image on sticker paper to create a photo sticker. The photo sticker creating device 1 also transmits the user image and the edited image to the image providing server 2.

[0027] The image providing server 2 provides the user with user images and edited images. Providing an image to a user includes having the user acquire the image and making the image available for later acquisition by the user. For example, the image providing server 2 allows the user to acquire the image by transmitting the image to the user terminal 3. The image providing server 2 stores the image in a storage area associated with the user in a storage unit of the image providing server 2, making the image available for later acquisition by the user. The user can download the image stored in the storage area associated with the user to the user terminal 3.

[0028] The user terminal 3 is an information processing terminal owned by a user, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, a portable game machine, a PC (Personal Computer), etc. The user terminal 3 has a photographing function, a display function, a communication function, etc.

[0029] A user pays a predetermined fee to play a game executed by the photo sticker creating device 1. A user who plays the game can receive a user image and an edited image generated in the game from the image providing server 2. The image providing server 2 grants a privilege to the user based on the number of times an image is provided to the user. For example, the image providing server 2 grants a privilege to the user when the number of times an image is provided to the user is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. The predetermined number is, for example, two times. In this embodiment, the privilege is a right to play a game executed by the photo sticker creating device 1 without the user paying a fee. In other words, when a privilege is granted to a user, the user can play a game executed by the photo sticker creating device 1 without paying a fee.

[0030] The photo sticker creation device 1 executes different games depending on whether the game is started on condition of payment of a fee or not. Hereinafter, a game executed on condition of payment of a fee may be referred to as a paid game, and a game executed without condition of payment of a fee may be referred to as a free game. For example, the photo sticker creation device 1 creates a photo sticker when a paid game is executed, but does not create a photo sticker when a free game is executed. In other words, a user who plays a free game can receive an image, but cannot obtain a photo sticker.

[0031] Fig. 2 is an exemplary perspective view of the photo sticker creating device 1, and Fig. 3 is an exemplary functional block diagram of the photo sticker creating device 1. The photo sticker creating device 1 has a pre-reception unit 11, a photographing unit 12, an editing unit 13, a printer 14, a memory unit 15, a communication unit 16, and a processing unit 17.

[0032] The pre-acceptance unit 11 is disposed outside the photo sticker creating apparatus 1. The pre-acceptance unit 11 has a coin detection unit 111, a speaker 112, and a touch panel 113.

[0033] The coin detection unit 111 is configured to detect the insertion of a coin, and includes a coin selector. The coin detection unit 111 accepts the insertion of a coin. If the inserted coin is a predetermined type of coin, the coin detection unit 111 supplies a detection signal indicating that the coin has been detected to the processing unit 17, and if the inserted coin is a different type of coin, the coin detection unit 111 returns the inserted coin.

[0034] The speaker 112 is an example of an audio output unit and is configured to output audio. The speaker 112 outputs audio based on an audio signal supplied from the processing unit 17.

[0035] The touch panel 113 is an example of a display unit and an operation unit, and is configured to display images and accept operations on the pre-reception unit 11. The touch panel 113 displays images based on display data supplied from the processing unit 17. The touch panel 113 also generates an operation signal in response to an operation by a user and supplies it to the processing unit 17. The operation signal is, for example, a signal indicating the position of a contact point when a contact on the touch panel 113 is detected.

[0036] The photographing unit 12 is disposed in the photographing booth B1. The photographing unit 12 photographs a user to generate a user image. The photographing unit 12 includes a speaker 121, a touch panel 122, a camera 123, and a lighting device .

[0037] The speaker 121 is an example of an audio output unit and is configured to output audio. The speaker 121 outputs audio based on an audio signal supplied from the processing unit 17.

[0038] The touch panel 122 is an example of a display unit and an operation unit, and is configured to display an image and receive operations for the photographing unit 12. The touch panel 122 displays an image based on display data supplied from the processing unit 17. The touch panel 122 also generates an operation signal in response to an operation by a user and supplies the operation signal to the processing unit 17.

[0039] The camera 123 is configured to generate a captured image, and includes an optical system, an imaging element, and an image generation circuit. The optical system includes a lens group, and forms an image of the user on the imaging surface of the imaging element. The imaging element is a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type image sensor, and outputs a signal according to the light incident on each pixel. The image generation circuit generates a captured image based on the signal output from the imaging element. The camera 123 captures the user based on a control signal supplied from the processing unit 17, generates a user image, and supplies the user image to the processing unit 17.

[0040] The lighting device 124 is configured to emit illumination light and includes a strobe. The lighting device 124 emits illumination light based on a control signal supplied from the processing unit 17 so that the shooting booth B1 has a brightness suitable for shooting by the camera 123.

[0041] The editing unit 13 is disposed in an editing booth B2 inside the photo sticker creating apparatus 1. The editing unit 13 has a speaker 131 and a touch panel 132.

[0042] The speaker 131 is an example of an audio output unit and is configured to output audio. The speaker 131 outputs audio based on an audio signal supplied from the processing unit 17.

[0043] The touch panel 132 is an example of a display unit and an operation unit, and is configured to display images and receive operations for the editing unit 13. The touch panel 132 displays images based on display data supplied from the processing unit 17. The touch panel 132 also generates an operation signal in response to an operation by a user and supplies the operation signal to the processing unit 17.

[0044] The printer 14 is configured to print an image on a sticker paper. The printer 14 is disposed outside the photo sticker creation device 1. For example, the printer 14 is disposed on a side of the editing unit 13. The printer 14 prints image data supplied from the processing unit 17 on a sticker paper to create a photo sticker.

[0045] The storage unit 15 is configured to store programs and data, and includes, for example, a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 15 stores, as programs, an operating system program, a driver program, an application program, and the like used in processing by the processing unit 17. The programs are installed in the storage unit 15 from a computer-readable, non-transitory portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory).

[0046] The communication unit 16 is a component that enables the photo sticker creating device 1 to communicate with other devices, and includes a communication interface circuit. The communication interface circuit is a communication interface circuit for a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, mobile communication, etc. The communication unit 16 receives data from other devices and supplies the data to the processing unit 17, and transmits data supplied from the processing unit 17 to other devices.

[0047] The processing unit 17 is configured to comprehensively control the operation of the photo sticker creating device 1, and includes one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. The processing unit 17 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing unit 17 may include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. The processing unit 17 controls the operation of each component and executes various processes so that various processes of the photo sticker creating device 1 are executed in an appropriate order based on the programs stored in the storage unit 15.

[0048] The storage unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the processing unit 17 may be included in an information processing terminal such as a PC that the photo sticker creating device 1 has.

[0049] 4 is a functional block diagram of the processing unit 17. The processing unit 17 has a reception processing unit 171, an image generating unit 172, an edit processing unit 173, a transmission unit 174, and a print processing unit 175 as functional blocks. These functional blocks are functional modules realized by a program executed by the processing unit 17. These functional blocks may be implemented in the photo sticker creating device 1 as dedicated processing circuits. The reception processing unit 171 is an example of a display control unit. The image generating unit 172, the edit processing unit 173, and the print processing unit 175 are examples of a game execution unit.

[0050] 5 is an exemplary functional block diagram of the image providing server 2. The image providing server 2 includes a storage unit 21, a communication unit 22, and a processing unit .

[0051] The storage unit 21 is configured to store programs and data, and includes, for example, a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 21 stores, as programs, an operating system program, a driver program, an application program, and the like used in processing by the processing unit 23. The programs are installed in the storage unit 21 from a computer-readable, non-transitory, portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.

[0052] The communication unit 22 is configured to enable the image providing server 2 to communicate with other devices, and includes a communication interface circuit. The communication interface circuit is a communication interface circuit for a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or the like. The communication unit 22 receives data from other devices and supplies the data to the processing unit 23, and transmits data supplied from the processing unit 23 to other devices.

[0053] The processing unit 23 is configured to comprehensively control the operation of the image providing server 2, and includes one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. The processing unit 23 includes, for example, a CPU. The processing unit 23 may include a GPU, a DSP, an LSI, an ASIC, an FPGA, or the like. The processing unit 23 controls the operation of each component and executes various processes so that the various processes of the image providing server 2 are executed in an appropriate order based on the programs stored in the storage unit 21.

[0054] The processing unit 23 has, as functional blocks, an acquisition unit 231, a transmission unit 232, a provision unit 233, and an assignment unit 234. These functional blocks are functional modules realized by a program executed by the processing unit 23. These functional blocks may be implemented in the image providing server 2 as dedicated processing circuits.

[0055] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the device information table T1 stored in the storage unit 21. The device information table T1 is a table that stores information about the photo sticker creating device 1. The device information table T1 stores the device ID, the installation location, etc. in association with each other.

[0056] The device ID is information for identifying each of the multiple photo sticker creating devices 1. The installation location is information for identifying the location where the photo sticker creating device 1 is installed, for example, a store ID for identifying a store. The installation location may be information for identifying a section or floor within a store, or may be information for identifying the area of ​​the store. The data of the device information table T1 is stored in advance in the storage unit 21.

[0057] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the user information table T2 stored in the storage unit 21. The user information table T2 is a table that stores information about users. The user information table T2 stores user IDs, user names, email addresses, membership types, provided images, and privilege information in a mutually associated manner.

[0058] The user ID, the user name, and the email address are information for identifying the user, and are an example of user information. The membership type is information regarding the type and number of images that can be provided, and is one of free membership, paid membership, and plus membership. A free member can be provided with one of the edited images generated in the game. A paid member can be provided with all of the edited images generated in the game. A plus member can be provided with all of the edited images and user images generated in the game. The provided images are data of user images and edited images that have been provided to the user in the past. The privilege information is information indicating whether or not a privilege has been granted to the user. The privilege information is associated with the device ID of the photo sticker creation device 1 that can use the privilege. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the user of "USR01" can play a free game executed by the photo sticker creation device 1 of "AP01", but cannot play a free game executed by another photo sticker creation device 1.

[0059] A user can register as a user on a specified website. Among the data in user information table T2, the user ID is automatically set when the user registers, and the user name and email address are set by the user when the user registers. The membership type is set depending on whether the user has paid a specified membership fee. The provided images are updated every time an image is provided to the user. The bonus information is updated every time a bonus is granted to the user or a bonus is used.

[0060] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the game information table T3 stored in the storage unit 21. The game information table T3 is a table that stores information about games executed by the photo sticker creating device 1. The game information table T3 stores a game ID, information indicating whether the game is a pay game or a free game, a device ID, a play time, an image, a provision state, and the like, in association with each other.

[0061] The game ID is information for identifying the game executed by the photo sticker creating device 1. The game ID is generated by the photo sticker creating device 1 each time a game is started. The device ID is information for identifying the photo sticker creating device 1 that executed the game. The play time is the time when the game was executed. For example, the play time is the time when the game started. The play time may be the time when the game ended, or any time while the game is being executed. The image is data of the user image and the edited image generated in the game. The provision status indicates whether or not the image generated in the game has been provided for each user who played the game.

[0062] As described later, a user can have the photo sticker creating device 1 and the image providing server 2 acquire the user ID when playing a game. Hereinafter, having the photo sticker creating device 1 and the image providing server 2 acquire the user ID when playing a game may be referred to as linking the user ID. When the user ID is linked, the user ID of the user who played the game is associated with information indicating whether an image has been provided. In the example shown in FIG. 8, users "USR01" and "USR02" are playing a game by linking the user ID of "PL01", and an image has already been provided to the user "USR01", but an image has not yet been provided to the user "USR02".

[0063] Also, the user can play the game without linking the user ID. In this case, the user can input an email address to the photo sticker creating device 1. When an email address is input, the email address of the user who played the game is associated with information indicating whether or not the image has been provided. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the user who played the game "PL03" inputs an email address to the photo sticker creating device 1 without linking the user ID.

[0064] If the user has linked their user ID or input an email address, an email containing access information for the image providing server 2 is sent to the user terminal 3 after the game ends. The access information is, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). The user can receive images generated in the game by accessing the image providing server 2 using the access information. If the user has not linked their user ID or input an email address, the user can receive images by accessing the image providing server 2 and sending their email address and game ID to the image providing server 2. The game ID required to receive images in this case is printed on, for example, a photo sticker.

[0065] The data in the game information table T3 is transmitted from the photo sticker creating device 1 that executed the game and stored in response to the user playing the game. In addition, the data on the provided state is updated every time an image is provided to the user.

[0066] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the provided information table T4 stored in the storage unit 21. The provided information table T4 is a table for managing information related to the provision of images by the image providing server 2. The provided information table T4 stores the providing date and time, the game ID, the user, the provided image, the bonus grant status, etc., in mutual association with each other.

[0067] The provided time is the time when the image was provided to the user. The game ID is information for identifying the game in which the provided image was generated. The user is information for identifying the user who received the image. As described above, the user can play the game without ID linking or without inputting an email address. Therefore, the user who receives the image is not limited to the user stored in the provided state of the user information table T3. The provided image is an image provided to the user. As described above, the image provided differs depending on the membership type of the user. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the user of "USR01" and the user of "USR02" are both playing the game "PL01". However, since the user of "USR01" is a paid member, he is provided with all of the edited images generated in the game. On the other hand, since the user of "USR02" is a free member, he is provided with only one of the edited images generated in the game. The bonus granted state is information indicating whether or not a bonus has already been granted based on the provision of each image. In the example shown in FIG. 9, a bonus is granted to the user of "USR01" based on the provision of an image generated in the game "PL01". Therefore, the provision of this image is not counted as the number of times a benefit is newly granted to the user of "USR01."

[0068] The data in the provided information table T4 is stored by the image providing server 2 every time an image is provided to a user. The data on the privilege grant state is updated every time a privilege is granted based on the provision of an image.

[0069] The flow of processing executed by the image providing system 10 will be described below using the flow charts and sequence charts shown in FIGS. 10-16 while referring to examples of screens shown in FIGS. 17-24.

[0070] 10 is a flow diagram showing an example of the flow of a game execution process executed by the photograph sticker creating device 1. The game execution process is realized by the processing unit 17 working in cooperation with each component of the photograph sticker creating device 1.

[0071] First, the reception processing unit 171 executes a pre-reception process (step S101). The pre-reception process is a process for accepting payment of a fee for playing a game, linking a user ID, selecting whether to play a paid game or a free game, inputting an email address, and selecting the number of users who will play the game. The details of the pre-reception process will be described later.

[0072] Next, the image generating unit 172 executes an image generating process (step S102). In the image generating process, the image generating unit 172 displays a moving image captured by the camera 123 on the touch panel 122 as a live view image. The image generating unit 172 controls the speaker 121 and the touch panel 122 to guide the user to a predetermined shooting position in the shooting booth B1. The image generating unit 172 controls the camera 123 and the lighting device 124 to shoot the user and generate a user image. After a predetermined number of shootings have been performed, the image generating unit 172 controls the speaker 121 and the touch panel 122 to guide the user to the editing booth B2. The image generating unit 172 may perform correction processing on the user image, such as making the user's face smaller or making the legs longer.

[0073] Next, the editing processing unit 173 executes the editing process (step S103). In the editing process, the editing processing unit 173 displays the user image on the touch panel 132. The editing processing unit 173 controls the speaker 131 and the touch panel 132, and the editing processing unit 173 accepts an editing operation on the user image and generates an edited image. The editing operation includes an operation of doodling on the user image, an operation of superimposing an icon image on the user image, and the like. In addition, the editing processing unit 173 accepts selection of one edited image from the generated edited images to be provided to the user if the user is a free member.

[0074] Next, the transmission unit 174 executes a transmission process (step S104). In the transmission process, the transmission unit 174 associates a game ID with the user image and the edited image. If the user ID of the user who plays the game is linked in the advance reception process or if an email address is input, the transmission unit 174 associates the user image and the edited image with the user ID or email address. The transmission unit 174 transmits the user image and the edited image to the image providing server 2 via the communication unit 16. The transmitted user image and edited image are acquired by the acquisition unit 231 of the image providing server 2.

[0075] Next, it is determined whether or not the currently executed game is a pay game (step S105). If the currently executed game is a free game (step S105-No), the game execution process ends.

[0076] If the currently executed game is a pay game (step S105-Yes), the print processing unit 175 executes the print process (step S106). The print processing unit 175 generates print data in which the edited image is arranged in a predetermined layout. The print data includes a game ID. By supplying the print data to the printer 14, the edited image is printed on sticker paper to create a photo sticker. This ends the game execution process.

[0077] 11 and 12 are flow charts showing an example of the flow of the advance reception process executed by the photo sticker creating device 1. The advance reception process is executed in step S101 of the game execution process.

[0078] 11, first, the reception processing unit 171 displays a demo screen G1 on the touch panel 113 (step S201).

[0079] 17 is a diagram showing an example of a demo screen G1 displayed on the touch panel 113. The demo screen G1 includes a message area G11 and a start object G12.

[0080] The message area G11 indicates that the third game will be a free game. In other words, it indicates that a privilege will be given to a user who has been provided with an image generated in a paid game twice, and that the user to whom the privilege has been given can play the free game. The start object G12 is an object for starting the game. Since the user to whom the privilege has been given can play the free game, in the example shown in FIG. 17, it is displayed that the start object G12 should be selected before inserting a coin.

[0081] 11, next, the reception processing unit 171 determines whether or not a game start operation has been performed (step S202). The start operation is an operation of selecting the start object G12 on the demo screen G1.

[0082] If the start operation has not been performed (step S202-No), the advance reception process returns to step S201. That is, the reception processing unit 171 displays the demo screen G1 and waits until the start operation is performed.

[0083] When a start operation is performed (step S202-Yes), the reception processing unit 171 accepts the linking of the user ID (step S203). The reception processing unit 171 transmits the device ID and the game ID to the image providing server 2 via the communication unit 16. The reception processing unit 171 receives an identification image generated by the image providing server 2 and including the device ID, the game ID, and access information of the image providing server 2 via the communication unit 16. The reception processing unit 171 displays a first linking screen G2 including the received identification image on the touch panel 113, thereby accepting the linking of the user ID.

[0084] 18 is a diagram showing an example of a first linkage screen G2 displayed on the touch panel 113. The first linkage screen G2 is a screen for linking the user IDs of users playing the game. The first linkage screen G2 includes an identification image G21, linkage information G22, and an end object G23.

[0085] The identification image G21 is an image including a game ID for identifying the game currently being executed. The identification image G21 is, for example, a two-dimensional code generated by encoding the game ID, the device ID, and access information of the image providing server 2. The user operates the user terminal 3 to photograph the identification image G21, and the user ID is linked. The link information G22 indicates the user name of the user playing the game, which is acquired by the photo sticker creating device 1 when the user ID is linked. The end object G23 is an object for ending the linking of the user ID.

[0086] In the example shown in FIG. 18, the first linkage screen G2 includes two identification images G21. In this case, two users playing the game can link their user IDs by taking different identification images G21. For example, the user name of the user who took the identification image G21 on the left side is displayed as the first user name in the linkage information G22, and the user name of the user who took the identification image G21 on the right side is displayed as the second user name in the linkage information G22. Note that the first linkage screen G2 may include only one identification image G21, or may include three or more identification images G21.

[0087] The game may be started without linking the user ID. In this case, the user selects the end object G23 without taking a photograph of the identification image G21. Also, the game may be started in a state where only one of the two users playing the game has linked the user ID.

[0088] 11, next, the reception processor 171 determines whether or not a link end operation has been received (Step S204). The link end operation is an operation of selecting the end object G23 on the first link screen G2.

[0089] If the link end operation is not accepted (step S204-No), a first link process is executed (step S205). The first link process is a process in which the user terminal 3 takes an identification image G21, and links the user ID with the photo sticker creating device 1 and the image providing server 2. Details of the first link process will be described later. Note that, when two users each link their user IDs, the first link process is executed for each of the two users.

[0090] Next, the reception processor 171 determines whether or not a privilege has been granted to the user (step S206). The reception processor 171 determines whether or not a privilege has been granted to the user based on the information transmitted from the image providing server 2 in the first cooperation process.

[0091] If the user has been granted a special offer (step S206-Yes), the reception processor 171 accepts the selection of whether to start a free game or a paid game (step S207). The reception processor 171 displays a game selection screen G3 on the touch panel 113.

[0092] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a game selection screen G3 displayed on the touch panel 113. The game selection screen G3 is a screen for a user to select whether to play a free game or a paid game. The game selection screen G3 is displayed when the end object G23 of the first link screen G2 is selected in a case where the user IDs are linked and a privilege is granted to the user indicated by the user ID. In a case where the user IDs of two users are linked, the game selection screen G3 is displayed when at least one of the users is granted a privilege. The game selection screen G3 includes a free game start object G31, a paid game start object G32, and a demo screen display object G33. The free game start object G31 is an object for starting a free game. The paid game start object G32 is an object for starting a paid game.

[0093] As described above, when a paid game is played, a photo sticker is created, but when a free game is played, a photo sticker is not created. Even if a user is given a special offer, the user may wish to play a paid game in order to obtain a photo sticker. By allowing a user who has been given a special offer to select a paid game, users who want a photo sticker are motivated to play a paid game.

[0094] 11, the reception processor 171 next determines whether or not a free game has been selected (step S208). The reception processor 171 determines that a free game has been selected when a free game start object G31 has been selected on the game selection screen G3, and determines that a paid game has been selected when a paid game start object G32 has been selected.

[0095] If the free game is selected (step S208-Yes), the reception processor 171 starts the free game (step S209). The reception processor 171 transmits information indicating that the free game has started to the image providing server 2 via the communication unit 16. The image providing server 2 updates the bonus information of the user playing the game in the user information table T2 to indicate that no bonus has been granted.

[0096] If a link termination operation is accepted in step S204 (Yes in step S204), if a benefit is not given to the user in step S206 (No in step S206), or if a pay game is selected in step S208 (No in step S208), the reception processor 171 accepts payment of the price for playing the game (step S210). The reception processor 171 displays a coin insertion screen G4 on the touch panel 113 and accepts the insertion of coins.

[0097] 20 is a diagram showing an example of a coin insertion screen G4 displayed on the touch panel 113. The coin insertion screen G4 is a screen for accepting the insertion of coins. The coin insertion screen G4 is displayed when a user ID is not linked in the first link screen G2, when a privilege is not given to the user indicated by the linked user ID, and when a user selects a paid game start object G32 in the game selection screen G3. The coin insertion screen G4 includes a start object G41.

[0098] The start object G41 is an object for starting the game. The start object G41 is not selectable when the coin insertion screen G4 is displayed, and is displayed so as to become selectable when the coin for playing the game is inserted into the coin detection unit 111.

[0099] Returning to Fig. 11, next, the reception processing unit 171 judges whether or not a start operation has been performed (step S211). The start operation is an operation of selecting the start object G41 on the coin insertion screen G4.

[0100] If the start operation has not been performed (step S211-No), the advance reception process returns to step S211. That is, the reception process unit 171 waits until the start operation is performed.

[0101] If a start operation has been performed (step S211-Yes), the reception processor 171 starts the pay game (S212).

[0102] 12, next, the reception processing unit 171 determines whether the user ID has been linked (step S213). The reception processing unit 171 determines that the user ID has been linked when the first linkage process is being executed, and determines that the user ID has not been linked when the first linkage process is not being executed.

[0103] If the user ID has not been linked (step S213-No), the reception processor 171 accepts the selection of whether or not the user wants to link the user ID (step S214). The reception processor 171 displays a link selection screen G5 on the touch panel 113.

[0104] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a cooperation selection screen G5 displayed on the touch panel 113. The cooperation selection screen G5 is a screen for selecting whether or not to cooperate with a user ID. The cooperation selection screen G5 is displayed when a start object G41 of the coin insertion screen G4 is selected in a case where a user ID is not cooperated with on the first cooperation screen G2. The cooperation selection screen G5 includes a cooperation execution object G51 and a cooperation refusal object G52. The cooperation execution object G51 is an object for coordinating a user ID. The cooperation refusal object G52 is an object for starting a game without coordinating a user ID.

[0105] 12, next, the reception processing unit 171 determines whether or not the user ID is to be linked (step S215). When the linkage execution object G51 is selected on the linkage selection screen G5, the reception processing unit 171 determines that the user ID is to be linked, and when the linkage refusal object G52 is selected, the reception processing unit 171 determines that the user ID is not to be linked.

[0106] If the user associates the user ID (step S215-Yes), the reception processing unit 171 accepts the association of the user ID (step S216). The reception processing unit 171 displays a second association screen G6 on the touch panel 113.

[0107] 22 is a diagram showing an example of a second linkage screen G6 displayed on the touch panel 113. The second linkage screen G6 is a screen for linking user IDs. The second linkage screen G6 is displayed when a linkage execution object G51 is selected on the linkage selection screen G5. The second linkage screen G6 includes an identification image G61, linkage information G62, and an end object G63.

[0108] The identification image G61 is an image including a game ID, similar to the identification image G21. The user operates the user terminal 3 to photograph the identification image G61, and the user ID is linked. The link information G62 is information indicating the linked user ID, similar to the link information G22. The end object G63 is an object for ending the linking of the user ID. 22, the second linking screen G6 includes only one identification image G61, but may include two identification images like the first linking screen G2. This allows two users to easily receive images when two users play a game, improving user convenience.

[0109] 12, next, the reception processing unit 171 determines whether or not a cooperation end operation has been performed (Step S217). The cooperation end operation is an operation of selecting the cooperation end object G62 on the second cooperation screen G6.

[0110] If the operation to end the linkage has not been performed (step S217-No), a second linkage process is executed (step S218). The second linkage process is a process for linking the user ID with the photo sticker creating device 1 and the image providing server 2. The second linkage process will be described in detail later.

[0111] If the user ID is not linked in step S215 (step S215-No), the reception processing unit 171 receives an input of the user's email address (step S219). The reception processing unit 171 displays an email address input screen G7 on the touch panel 113.

[0112] 23 is a diagram showing an example of an email address input screen G7 displayed on the touch panel 113. The email address input screen G7 is a screen for a user to input an email address. The email address input screen G7 is displayed when the link refusal object G52 is selected on the link selection screen G5. The email address input screen G7 includes a text box G71 and a decision object G72.

[0113] The text box G71 is an object that accepts input of a user's email address. The user inputs an email address into the text box G71 using a software keyboard (not shown) or the like displayed on the touch panel 113. The decision object G72 is an object for completing input of the user's email address. Note that the email address input screen G7 may include two text boxes G71 so that two users can each input an email address. This allows two users to easily receive images, improving convenience for users.

[0114] The game may be started without inputting an email address, in which case the user selects the decision object G72 without inputting an email address in the text box G71.

[0115] 12, next, the reception processor 171 acquires the user's email address (step S220). The reception processor 171 acquires, as the user's email address, the email address entered in the text box G71 when the decision object G72 on the email address input screen G7 is selected.

[0116] If the user ID has been linked in step S213 (Yes in step S213), if a link end operation has been performed in step S217 (Yes in step S217), or after step S218 or S220, the reception processor 171 receives the number of users who will play the game (step S221). The reception processor 171 displays a number-of-users selection screen G8 on the touch panel 113.

[0117] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a number-of-users selection screen G8 displayed on the touch panel 113. The number-of-users selection screen G8 is a screen for selecting the number of users who will play the game. The number-of-users selection screen G8 is displayed when an end object G63 is selected on the second link screen G6, or when a decision object G72 is selected on the email address input screen G7. The number-of-users selection screen G8 includes a number-of-users selection object G81. Depending on the selected number of users, the shooting position to which the user is guided in the image generation process, etc., are adjusted. When the number-of-users selection object G81 is selected, the user is guided to the shooting booth B1. In the example shown in FIG. 18, one or two users can be selected as the number of users, but three or more users may be selected.

[0118] 12, next, the reception processing unit 171 acquires the number of users according to the selected number-of-users selection object G81 as the number of users who will play the game (step S222). With this, the advance reception process ends.

[0119] 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the first linkage process. The first linkage process is executed in step S205 of the advance reception process.

[0120] First, the user terminal 3 acquires a game ID (step S301). For example, the user terminal 3 acquires image data of the identification image G21 by photographing the touch panel 113. The user terminal 3 acquires the game ID, the device ID, and access information of the image providing server 2 by decoding the image data of the identification image G21 using a predetermined program.

[0121] Next, the user terminal 3 uses the access information of the image providing server 2 to transmit the acquired game ID and device ID, as well as the user ID previously stored in the user terminal 3, to the image providing server 2 (step S302).

[0122] Next, the acquisition unit 231 of the image providing server 2 acquires the game ID, the device ID, and the user ID (step S303). The acquisition unit 231 receives the game ID, the device ID, and the user ID from the user terminal 3 via the communication unit 22.

[0123] Next, a first image providing process is executed (step S304). The first image providing process is a process for providing an image to a user indicated by the acquired user ID, and for giving a privilege to the user based on the number of times the image is provided. The details of the first image providing process will be described later.

[0124] Next, the transmission unit 232 transmits the user ID, the user name, and the privilege information to the photo sticker creating device 1 (step S305). The transmission unit 232 acquires the user name and the privilege information associated with the user ID in the user information table T2. The privilege information is information indicating whether or not the privilege associated with the device ID acquired in step S303 has been granted to the user. The transmission unit 232 transmits the user ID, the user name, and the privilege information to the photo sticker creating device 1 via the communication unit 22.

[0125] Next, the reception processing unit 171 of the photo sticker creating device 1 acquires the user ID, the user name, and the special offer information (step S306). The reception processing unit 171 receives the user ID, the user name, and the special offer information via the communication unit 16. The reception processing unit 171 displays the received user name in the linkage information display area G22 of the first linkage screen G2. This ends the first linkage process.

[0126] 14 is a flow diagram showing an example of the flow of the first image provision process. The first image provision process is executed in step S304 of the first cooperation process.

[0127] First, the providing unit 233 determines whether or not there is an image that has not been provided to a user among images generated in a game that is executed by the photo sticker creating device 1 indicated by the device ID acquired in step S303 of the first cooperation process and that is played by a user indicated by the user ID acquired in step S303 (step S401). The providing unit 233 refers to the provision state of the game information table T3 to identify a game in which the acquired device ID and user ID are associated and an image has not been provided to a user indicated by the user ID. If at least one game is identified, the providing unit 233 determines that there is an edited image that has not been provided.

[0128] If there is no image that has not been provided (step S401-No), the first image providing process ends.

[0129] If there is an image that has not been provided (step S401-Yes), the providing unit 233 provides the unprovided image to the user (step S402). The providing unit 233 updates the provision status of the identified game in the game information table T3 to indicate that the image has been provided to the user indicated by the user ID. The providing unit 233 adds an image corresponding to the user's membership type, among images generated in the identified game, to the provided images in the user information table T2. The providing unit 233 also stores the provided date and time, the game ID, the user ID, and the provided image in the provided information table T4 in a mutually associated manner. If multiple games are identified in step S401, the providing unit 233 provides the edited image generated in each game to the user.

[0130] Next, the granting unit 234 determines whether the number of times that an image has been provided to the user is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (step S403). The granting unit 234 refers to the provided information table T4 and counts the number of images associated with the user ID and device ID acquired in step S303 that have not yet been used to grant a benefit. If the counting result is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the granting unit 234 determines that the number of times that an image has been provided to the user is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. The predetermined number is, for example, two times.

[0131] If the number of times the image has been provided is less than the predetermined number of times (step S403-No), the first image providing process ends.

[0132] If the number of times the image has been provided is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (step S403-Yes), the granting unit 234 grants a privilege to the user (step S404). The granting unit 234 updates the privilege information of the acquired user ID in the user information table T2 to indicate that the privilege associated with the device ID has been granted. In addition, the granting unit 234 updates the provision status associated with the user ID and device ID acquired in step S303 in the provided information table T4 to indicate that the privilege has already been used to grant the privilege. This ends the first image provision process.

[0133] 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the second linkage process. The second linkage process is executed in step S218 of the advance reception process.

[0134] First, the user terminal 3 acquires a game ID (step S501). For example, the user terminal 3 acquires image data of the identification image G61 of the second link screen G6 by photographing the touch panel 113. The user terminal 3 acquires the game ID, the device ID, and the access information of the image providing server 2 by decoding the image data of the identification image G61 using a predetermined program.

[0135] The processing in steps S502 and S503 is similar to the processing in steps S302 and S303 in the first cooperation processing, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0136] Next, the transmitting section 232 of the image providing server 2 transmits the user ID and the user name to the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 via the communication section 22 (step S504).

[0137] Next, the reception processing unit 171 of the photo sticker creating device 1 acquires the user ID and the user name (step S505). The reception processing unit 171 receives the user ID and the user name via the communication unit 22. The reception processing unit 171 displays the received user name in the association information display area G62 of the second association screen G6. This ends the second association process.

[0138] 16 is a flow diagram showing an example of the flow of the second image providing process executed by the image providing server 2. The second image providing process is a process for receiving the provision of an image using the game ID printed on the photo sticker after the user plays the game. The second image providing process is realized by the processing unit 23 cooperating with each component of the image providing server 2 based on the program stored in the storage unit 21.

[0139] First, the providing unit 233 acquires a user ID and an email address (step S601). For example, the providing unit 233 transmits display data of a login screen (not shown) to the user terminal 3 via the communication unit 22, and displays the login screen on the user terminal 3. The providing unit 233 acquires the email address of the user inputted on the login screen by receiving it from the user terminal 3 via the communication unit 22. The providing unit 233 acquires the user ID associated with the acquired email address in the user information table T2.

[0140] Next, the providing unit 233 determines whether or not there is any image associated with the acquired user ID or email address that has not been provided (step S602). The providing unit 233 refers to the provision state of the game information table T3 to identify a game associated with the acquired user ID or email address and for which an image has not been provided to the user indicated by the user ID or email address. If at least one game is identified, the providing unit 233 determines that there is an image that has not been provided.

[0141] If there is no image that has not been provided (step S602-No), the providing unit 233 acquires the game ID of the game for which the user desires to provide an image (step S603). For example, the providing unit 233 transmits display data of a game ID input screen (not shown) to the user terminal 3 via the communication unit 22, and displays the game ID input screen on the user terminal 3. The user inputs the game ID printed on the photo sticker. The providing unit 233 acquires the game ID by receiving the game ID entered on the game ID input screen from the user terminal 3 via the communication unit 22.

[0142] Next, the providing unit 233 determines whether or not there is an image associated with the acquired game ID (step S604). The providing unit 233 identifies the game indicated by the acquired game ID in the game information table T3. If a game is identified and an image is associated with the identified game, the providing unit 233 determines that there is an image associated with the acquired game ID.

[0143] If there is an image that has not been provided in step S602 (Yes in step S602) or if there is an image associated with the game ID acquired in step S604 (Yes in step S604), the providing unit 233 provides the image to the user (step S605). The providing unit 233 updates the provision status of the identified game in the game information table T3 to indicate that the image has been provided to the user indicated by the user ID. The providing unit 233 adds an image corresponding to the user's membership type, among images generated in the identified game, to the provided images in the user information table T2. Furthermore, the providing unit 233 stores the provision date and time, the game ID, the user ID, and the provided image in the provided information table T4 in association with each other.

[0144] Next, the granting unit 234 determines whether the number of times that an image has been provided to a user is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (step S606). The granting unit 234 refers to the provided information table T4, and counts, for each associated device ID, the number of images provided to the user ID associated with the user ID acquired in step S601 that have not yet been used to grant a benefit. If the counting result for each device ID is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the granting unit 234 determines that the number of times that an image has been provided to a user is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. The predetermined number is, for example, two times.

[0145] If the number of times that an image has been provided is less than the predetermined number for any device ID (step S606-No), the second image providing process ends.

[0146] If the number of times that an image has been provided for any device ID is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (step S606-Yes), the granting unit 234 grants a privilege to the user (step S607). The granting unit 234 updates the privilege information of the user indicated by the user ID acquired in step S601 in the user information table T2 so as to indicate that the privilege associated with the device ID determined in step S606 to have been provided with an image equal to or greater than the predetermined number has been granted. In addition, the granting unit 234 updates the provision status associated with the user ID acquired in step S603 and the device ID to which the privilege has been granted in the provision information table T4 so as to indicate that the privilege has already been used to grant the privilege. This ends the second image provision process.

[0147] In step S604, if there is no image associated with the acquired game ID (step S604-No), the providing unit 233 displays a message to the user terminal 3 indicating that there is no image (step S608). The providing unit 233 transmits display data for a screen including a message indicating that there is no image to the user terminal 3 via the communication unit 22. This ends the second image providing process.

[0148] As described above, in the photo sticker creating device 1, the image generating unit 172 and the editing processing unit 173 generate an image, and the transmitting unit 174 transmits the image to the image providing server 2. In the image providing server 2, the acquiring unit 231 acquires a user ID, the providing unit 233 provides an image to the user indicated by the user ID, and the granting unit 234 grants a privilege to the user based on the number of times the image has been provided to the user. In this way, the privilege is granted to the user regardless of whether the user has played the game consecutively or not. In addition, even if the user does not link the user ID in the advance reception process, the user can receive the privilege by receiving the provision of the image in the second linking process. In this way, the image providing system 10 makes it possible to motivate the user to play the game by making it easier for the user to receive the privilege.

[0149] Furthermore, the reception processing unit 171 displays an identification image including the game ID, the acquisition unit 231 acquires the user ID and the game ID from the user terminal 3 that captured the identification image, and the provision unit 233 provides the image generated in the game indicated by the game ID to the user indicated by the user ID. By the photo sticker creation device 1 displaying the identification image, the user can easily have the image providing server 2 acquire the user ID, improving convenience for the user.

[0150] In addition, the granting unit 234 grants a benefit to the user based on the number of times the game has been provided in association with the device ID. This motivates the user to play the game using the same photo sticker creating device 1.

[0151] Furthermore, when a user is granted a privilege, the reception processing unit 171 executes one of a free game and a paid game according to the user's selection, and when a user is not granted a privilege, the reception processing unit 171 executes a paid game. That is, the privilege allows the user to select a free game. This allows the user to play more games, and motivates the user to play games more strongly.

[0152] Furthermore, the print processing unit 175 creates and outputs a photo sticker when a paid game is played, and does not create a photo sticker when a free game is played. This motivates the user to play a paid game even if the user is given a special benefit.

[0153] Furthermore, the reception processing unit 171 provides the user with an image in the first linking process before the game is executed. This allows the user to receive a benefit in the process of linking the user ID when the user has played a pay game a predetermined number of times, and to use the benefit, improving user convenience.

[0154] The image providing system 10 may have the following modified examples.

[0155] In the above-described embodiment, the privilege is the right to play the game without paying the consideration. The privilege is not limited to such an example, and may be other benefits related to the consideration of the game. For example, the privilege may be the right to play the game for a small consideration. In this case, the reception processing unit 171 displays the coin insertion screen G4 on the touch panel 113 regardless of whether or not a free game is selected in step S208 of the advance reception process. When a free game is selected, the reception processing unit 171 makes it possible to select the start object G41 of the coin insertion screen G4 for a smaller consideration than when a paid game is selected. In this way, the user is motivated to play the game.

[0156] The bonus may also be a benefit related to the content of the game. For example, the bonus may be a right to increase the number of times photographs are taken in the image generation process. The bonus may be a right to extend the time for accepting editing operations in the editing process, or a right to increase the types of editing operations that are accepted. The bonus may be a right to change the layout of print data generated in the printing process, or a right to increase the number of photo stickers created. In this way, too, the user is motivated to play the game in order to receive the bonus.

[0157] The benefit may also be a benefit that is not related to the game executed by the photo sticker creating device 1. For example, the benefit may be a benefit related to the price or content of another game. The benefit may be a coupon that can be used at a specific store on an EC (Electronic Commerce) site, etc. The benefit may also be a right to enter a lottery, etc. In this way, the user is motivated to play the game in order to receive the benefit.

[0158] The reward may be available for use for a predetermined period of time after it is granted to the user. The predetermined period may be, for example, 24 hours or the day it is granted. In this case, when the predetermined period has elapsed, the reward information in the user information table T2 is updated to indicate that the reward has not been granted. In this way, the user is motivated to play the game before the predetermined period has elapsed.

[0159] In the above-described embodiment, the user can use the benefit only on the photo sticker creating device 1 indicated by the device ID associated with the benefit. The present invention is not limited to such an example, and the user may use the benefit on a photo sticker creating device 1 different from the photo sticker creating device 1 indicated by the device ID associated with the benefit. For example, the user may use the benefit on a photo sticker creating device 1 installed in the same place as the photo sticker creating device 1 indicated by the device ID associated with the benefit. The user may use the benefit on any photo sticker creating device 1. In this way, the user is motivated to play the game on other photo sticker creating devices 1 as well.

[0160] In the above-described embodiment, the granting unit 234 grants a privilege to the user when the number of times that an image generated by the same photo sticker creating device 1 is provided is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. The present invention is not limited to such an example, and the granting unit 234 may grant a privilege to the user when the total number of times that images generated by photo sticker creating devices 1 installed at the same location are provided to the user is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. In this case, in step S403 of the first image providing process, the granting unit 234 counts the number of times that images generated by a photo sticker creating device 1 installed at the same store as the photo sticker creating device 1 that is executing the game are provided. In step S404, the granting unit 234 grants a privilege to the user when the counting result is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. In this way, the user is motivated to play the game with the photo sticker creating device 1 installed at the same location.

[0161] The granting unit 234 may grant a privilege to the user based on the number of times an image generated by the same type of photo sticker creating device 1 is provided. In this case, the device information table T1 further stores a type ID that identifies the type of the photo sticker creating device 1. In step S403 of the first image providing process, the granting unit 234 counts the number of times an image generated by the same type of photo sticker creating device 1 as the photo sticker creating device 1 executing the game is provided. In step S404, the granting unit 234 grants a privilege to the user if the counting result is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times. In this way, the user is motivated to play the game with the same type of photo sticker creating device 1.

[0162] The granting unit 234 may grant a privilege to a user based on the number of times an image has been provided to the user, regardless of which photo sticker creating device 1 the image was generated by. In this case, in step S403 of the first image providing process or step S606 of the second image providing process, the granting unit 234 counts the provision of images associated with a user ID acquired from a user terminal 3, regardless of which device ID is associated. When the counting result is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the granting unit 234 determines that the number of times an image has been provided to a user is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. In this way, the user is motivated to play the game on any photo sticker creating device 1.

[0163] The granting unit 234 may also grant a privilege to a user based on the number of times an image is provided to the user within a predetermined period. In this case, in step S403 of the first image providing process or step S606 of the second image providing process, the granting unit 234 counts the provision of an image that is associated with a user ID acquired from the user terminal 3 and whose provision date and time falls within the predetermined period. When the counting result is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the granting unit 234 determines that the number of times an image is provided to the user is equal to or greater than the predetermined number. The predetermined period is, for example, within 24 hours before the number of times the image is provided is counted. The predetermined period may be the same day as the day on which the number of times the image is provided is counted. In this way, the user is motivated to play the game so that an image can be provided within the predetermined period.

[0164] The granting unit 234 may grant a privilege to a user based on the number of times that an image generated in a game executed within a predetermined period is provided to the user. In this case, in step S403 of the first image providing process or step S606 of the second image providing process, the granting unit 234 refers to the provided information table T4 and counts the number of images provided that are associated with a user ID acquired from the user terminal 3 and whose game play time falls within the predetermined period. The game play time is associated with the game ID in the game information table T2. In this way, the user is motivated to play the game within the predetermined period.

[0165] Furthermore, the granting unit 234 may grant a privilege to a user based on the number of games in which a user ID was acquired during execution and the number of games in which a user ID was acquired and an image was provided after completion, among the games executed in a predetermined period. A game in which a user ID was acquired during execution is a game in which the first linkage process or the second linkage process was executed. A game in which a user ID was acquired and an image was provided after completion is a game in which the first linkage process and the second linkage process were not executed and an image was provided in the second image provision process.

[0166] In this case, in step S403 of the first image provision process or step S606 of the second image provision process, the granting unit 234 refers to the provided information table T4 to count the provision of images associated with the user ID acquired from the user terminal 3 and the game play time included in the predetermined period. In addition, the granting unit 234 refers to the game information table T3 to count the games associated with the user ID acquired from the user terminal 3 and for which an image has not yet been provided. If the total value of the counting results of the provision of images and the games is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times, the granting unit 234 grants a privilege to the user in step S404 or S607. That is, from the user's perspective, even if the user ID is not linked during the execution of a game, the game can be used as a game for receiving a privilege by receiving an image after the game ends. Therefore, the user is motivated to play the game by making it easier to receive a privilege.

[0167] In this case, further, in step S402 of the first image provision process, the provision unit 233 may provide the user with an image that has not been provided in response to a user's operation on the user terminal 3. That is, the provision unit 233 may provide the image only when there is a user operation to request the provision of an image. In this case, the provision unit 233 transmits display data of a confirmation screen (not shown) for whether or not to request the provision of an image to the user terminal 3 via the communication unit 22, and displays the confirmation screen on the user terminal 3. The provision unit 233 acquires information indicating whether or not there has been a user operation to request the provision of an image by receiving it via the communication unit 22. When the provision unit 233 acquires information indicating that there has been a user operation to request the provision of an image, it provides the user with an image. In this way, the user can be provided with only the image that he or she desires. In addition, since the privilege is granted based on the number of games in which the user ID was acquired during execution, the user will not be less likely to receive the privilege due to not receiving the provision of an image.

[0168] Unlike the above-described embodiment, a different game may be executed depending on whether or not a user ID is acquired during the execution of the game. For example, when a user ID is acquired, the number of times of shooting in the image generation process may be increased compared to when a user ID is not acquired. When a user ID is acquired, the time for accepting editing operations in the editing process may be extended compared to when a user ID is not acquired, and the types of accepted editing operations may be increased. Depending on whether a user ID is acquired, the number of photo stickers created in the printing process may be increased. In this way, the user is motivated to link the user ID during the execution of the game. As a result, the user can receive benefits and is motivated to play the game.

[0169] In the above-described embodiment, when a paid game is selected, a photo sticker is created, and when a free game is selected, a photo sticker is not created. The photo sticker creation device 1 may execute a game that is different in terms other than whether or not a photo sticker is created when a paid game is selected and when a free game is selected. For example, the number of shots taken in the image generation process may be different between a paid game and a free game. The type of editing operation accepted in the editing process may be different between a paid game and a free game, and the time during which the editing operation is accepted may be different. The layout of the print data generated in the printing process may be different between a paid game and a free game, and the number of photo stickers created may be different. The difference in the content of the game motivates the user to play the free game or the paid game.

[0170] In the above-described embodiment, in step S303 of the first cooperation process and step S503 of the second cooperation process, the acquisition unit 231 acquires the game ID, the device ID, and the user ID from the user terminal 3. The present invention is not limited to such an example, and the acquisition unit 231 may acquire the game ID, the device ID, and the user ID from the photo sticker creating device 1. In this case, the user terminal 3 causes the photo sticker creating device 1 to acquire the user ID. For example, the user terminal 3 transmits the user ID to the photo sticker creating device 1 via short-distance wireless communication. The user ID may be acquired by having the photo sticker creating device 1 take an identification image indicating the user ID, or by having the user input the user ID into the photo sticker creating device 1. The acquisition unit 231 acquires the user ID by receiving the user ID acquired by the photo sticker creating device 1 and the game ID and the device ID previously stored in the photo sticker creating device 1.

[0171] In the above-described embodiment, the photo sticker creating device 1 takes a picture of the user in the game to generate a captured image and an edited image, and the image providing server 2 provides the image generated in the game to the user. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and any content, such as a still image, a moving image, a sound, or a piece of music, different from the captured image and the edited image, may be generated in the game and provided to the user.

[0172] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the above-described embodiments and modifications may be appropriately combined within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] 1 Photo sticker making device 171 Reception department 172 Image Generation Unit 173 Editing Processing Unit 174 Transmitter 175 Print processing unit 2. Image server 231 Acquisition Department 233 Provision Department 234 Granting Department

Claims

1. A provision system having a game device for executing a game and a provision server for providing a user with content generated in the game, The game device comprises: a game execution unit that generates content for the game; a transmission unit that transmits the content to the providing server, The providing server, an acquisition unit that acquires user information that identifies a user who has played the game; a providing unit that provides content generated in the game to a user identified by the user information; and a granting unit that grants a privilege to the user based on the number of times content has been provided to the user. A provision system characterized by:

2. the granting unit grants a benefit to the user based on the number of times that content generated in a game executed during a predetermined period has been provided to the user; The provision system of claim 1 .

3. the acquisition unit acquires the user information during execution of the game or after completion of the game, the granting unit grants a benefit to the user based on the number of games in which the user information was acquired during the execution of the game among the games executed during the predetermined period, and the number of games in which the user information was acquired after the end of the game and the content generated in the game was provided. The provision system of claim 2 .

4. The granting unit grants a privilege to the user based on the number of times content has been provided to the user within a predetermined period. The provision system of claim 1 .

5. the game execution unit executes the game on the condition that a predetermined amount is paid, if a privilege has not been granted to the user who intends to play the game, and executes the game without the condition that a predetermined amount is paid, if a privilege has been granted to the user who intends to play the game. The provision system of claim 1 .

6. the game execution unit executes a different game depending on whether the game is executed on condition that the predetermined consideration is paid or not, and whether the game is executed without condition that the predetermined consideration is paid. The provision system according to claim 5 .

7. the content is an image generated by photographing a user, the game execution unit outputs a medium on which an image generated in the game is printed, when the game is executed on condition of payment of the predetermined consideration, and does not output the medium, when the game is executed without condition of payment of the predetermined consideration. The provision system of claim 6.

8. the acquisition unit acquires the user information before execution of the game; the providing unit provides, before execution of the game, to the user identified by the user information, content generated in a game played in the past; the granting unit grants a benefit to the user based on the number of times content has been provided to the user before the game is executed; The provision system according to claim 5 .

9. the game device further includes a display control unit that displays an identification image including game information that identifies the game, the acquiring unit acquires the user information and the game information included in the identification image from a user terminal that captured the identification image; the providing unit provides content generated in the game indicated by the game information to the user indicated by the user information. The provision system of claim 1 .

10. the identification image further includes device information for identifying the game device on which the identification image is displayed; The acquisition unit further acquires the device information from the user terminal that captured the identification image, The granting unit further grants a privilege to the user based on the device information. The provision system of claim 9.

11. the granting unit grants a privilege to the user when the number of times that the content generated by the same game device has been provided to the user is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The provision system of claim 10.

12. the granting unit grants a benefit to the user when a total number of times that content generated by game devices installed in the same location has been provided to the user is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The provision system of claim 10.

13. A providing method executed by a providing system having a game device that executes a game and a providing server that provides a user with content generated in the game, the method comprising: The game device, generating content in said game; Transmitting the content to the providing server; The provision server, acquiring user information identifying a user who played the game; providing content generated in the game to a user identified by the user information; A reward is given to the user based on the number of times the content is provided to the user. A method of providing the same, comprising:

14. A server providing a user with content generated in a game executed by a game device, a content acquisition unit that acquires content generated by the game device in the game; an information acquisition unit that acquires user information for identifying a user who has played the game; a providing unit that provides a content generated by photographing the user in the game to the user indicated by the user information; and a granting unit that grants a privilege to the user based on the number of times content has been provided to the user. A provision server comprising:

15. A program of a server that provides a user with an image generated in a game executed by a game device, acquiring content generated by the game device in the game; acquiring user information identifying a user who played the game; providing a content generated by photographing the user in the game to the user identified by the user information; A reward is given to the user based on the number of times the content is provided to the user. The program causing the providing server to execute the above steps.

Images