Information processing device

Abstract

To provide a play environment comfortable to a user.SOLUTION: According to this invention, an information processing device includes storage means for storing participation state information about a participation state of an event by a user within an event occurrence area in association with the event occurrence area set in the position of a virtual game space corresponding to the position of a real space, congestion determination means for determining whether or not the event occurrence area is in a congestion state on the basis of the participation state information, and area control means for releasing setting of the event occurrence area in the virtual game space in the case of determining that it is in the congestion state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an information processing device that, when a user moves around in real space (the real world) with a mobile device, identifies a position in a virtual game space (the virtual world) that corresponds to the user's position in real space, thereby reflecting the user's movements in the real space in the virtual game space to progress through the game (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3551856 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such location-based games, if an event occurrence area where an event occurs is set at a location in the virtual game space that corresponds to a location in the real space, many users will actually move through the real space to that event occurrence area, which could cause a crowded state due to the users gathering there. If a crowded state occurs, users will have to play in a harsh environment and there is also a risk of the spread of infection. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a comfortable playing environment for users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The main invention of the present invention to solve the above problems is: a storage means for storing participation status information regarding a participation status of a user in an event occurring area in association with the event occurring area that is set at a position in the virtual game space corresponding to a position in the real space; a congestion determination means for determining whether or not the event occurrence area is in a congested state based on the participation status information; an area control means for canceling a setting of the event occurrence area in the virtual game space when it is determined that the area is congested; The information processing device includes: Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of a server device 20 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of a client terminal 10 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a server device 20 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of character information. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of event information. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of event occurrence area information. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a client terminal 10 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an image diagram showing an example of a game field screen before another event occurrence area is set. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an image diagram showing an example of a game field screen after another event occurrence area has been set. [Figure 12] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to setting an event occurrence area in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to an event in an event occurrence area in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of event occurrence area information. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is an image diagram showing an example of an event guide. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to an event in an event occurrence area in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] At least the following points will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. That is, a storage means for storing participation status information regarding the participation status of a user in an event occurring area in association with the event occurring area that is set at a position in the virtual game space corresponding to a position in the real space; a congestion determination means for determining whether or not the event occurrence area is in a congested state based on the participation status information; an area control means for canceling a setting of the event occurrence area in the virtual game space when it is determined that the area is congested; The information processing device includes: According to such an information processing device, additional users are prevented from gathering in a congested event occurrence area, so that for users who are already participating in the event in the congested event occurrence area, further congestion can be avoided and they can play in a relatively comfortable environment.

[0008] Moreover, in such an information processing device, When it is determined that the area is congested, the area control means may set, in the virtual game space, a separate event occurrence area different from the event occurrence area. According to such an information processing device, by dispersing users who gather in an event occurrence area as their destination, congestion is prevented, making it possible to provide a comfortable playing environment for users.

[0009] Moreover, in such an information processing device, the participation status information stored in the storage means includes a number of event participants, which is the number of users participating in the event among users within an event occurrence area; The congestion determination means may determine whether or not the event is in a crowded state by determining whether or not the number of participants in the event has reached a predetermined number. According to such an information processing device, it is possible to grasp the congestion state based on the number of users who are actually participating in the event among those who have gathered in the event occurrence area, and to appropriately disperse the users who have gathered in that area.

[0010] Moreover, in such an information processing device, the participation status information stored in the storage means includes an area number, which is the number of users in an event occurrence area; The congestion determination means may determine whether or not the area is in a congested state by determining whether or not a number of people in the area has reached a predetermined number. According to such an information processing device, it is possible to grasp the congestion state based on the number of users gathered in the event occurrence area, regardless of whether they are participating in the event or not, and to disperse users more proactively.

[0011] Moreover, in such an information processing device, The area control means may set another event occurrence area within a predetermined range from a position in the virtual game space where a congested event occurrence area is set. According to such an information processing device, by limiting the range in which another event occurrence area is set, the distance that the user actually travels in real space is also limited, thereby increasing the motivation to change the destination from a congested event occurrence area to another event occurrence area.

[0012] Moreover, in such an information processing device, when it is determined that the area control means is in a congested state, set a plurality of event occurrence areas different from the event occurrence area in the virtual game space, The information processing device may further include an event control means for executing a process of giving preferential treatment to a user who participates in an event in one of the multiple set other event occurrence areas and who satisfies a preferential treatment condition. According to such an information processing device, events are preferentially treated in another event occurrence area to which the user actually travels in real space, thereby increasing the motivation to change the destination from a congested event occurrence area to one of the other event occurrence areas.

[0013] Moreover, in such an information processing device, The event control means may be provided for determining whether or not a group can be created by multiple users in at least one of the plurality of event occurrence areas, and if it is determined that a group cannot be created, creating a group by supplementing users outside the event occurrence area. According to such an information processing device, it is possible to improve the social nature of games that use location information while dispersing users who gather in an event occurrence area as their destination.

[0014] Moreover, in such an information processing device, Even if the event control means determines that a group can be created by multiple users within the event occurrence area, it may add to the one group any user outside the event occurrence area who has a friend relationship with any user in the one group. According to such an information processing device, communication between users who have a friend relationship can be maintained regardless of whether the users are inside or outside the event occurrence area, thereby making it possible to further improve sociality.

[0015] Next, the computer a storage means for storing participation status information relating to a participation status of an event by a user within an event occurrence area, in association with the event occurrence area set at a position in the virtual game space corresponding to a position in the real space; a congestion determination means for determining whether or not the event occurrence area is in a congested state based on the participation status information; an area control means for canceling the setting of the event occurrence area in the virtual game space when it is determined that the area is congested; This is a program that functions as a According to such a program, additional users are prevented from gathering in a crowded event occurrence area, so that for users who are already participating in the event in the crowded event occurrence area, further congestion can be avoided and they can play in a relatively comfortable environment.

[0016] ===First embodiment=== An information processing device, a program, and an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. The present invention can be widely applied to information processing devices, programs, information processing systems, and the like that employ location-based games that use user location information in real space.

[0017] <<System configuration>> Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, in the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, one or more client terminals 10 and a server device 20 are connected via a network N.

[0018] It is a terminal device equipped with the functions of a digital camera (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "camera") such as a smartphone operated by a user. The server device 20 manages and controls the game played by the user on the client terminal 10, and performs billing processing within the game, etc. The network N is the Internet, etc., and includes a mobile wireless base station, etc.

[0019] It goes without saying that the information processing system 1 in Fig. 1 is only one example, and there are various system configuration examples according to the use and purpose. For example, the server device 20 in Fig. 1 may be configured to be distributed among multiple computers. In addition, the server device 20 may take on part of the functions of the client terminal 10, or the client terminal 10 may take on part of the functions of the server device 20.

[0020] <<Hardware configuration>> <Server device> Fig. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the server device 20 according to the first embodiment. The server device 20 according to the present embodiment is realized by, for example, a computer 50 having the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 2. The computer 50 is an example of an information processing device.

[0021] 2, the computer 50 includes a CPU 51, a RAM 52, a ROM 53, a communication interface 54, an input device 55, a display device 56, an external interface 57, and a HDD 58, all of which are connected to one another via a bus line B. The input device 55 and the display device 56 may be connected and used when necessary.

[0022] The CPU 51 is a calculation device that reads out programs and data from storage devices such as the ROM 53 and the HDD 58 onto the RAM 52, and executes various processes based on the read programs and data, thereby achieving overall control and functionality of the computer.

[0023] The RAM 52 is an example of a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) for temporarily storing programs and data, and is also used as a work area when the CPU 51 executes various processes.

[0024] The ROM 53 is an example of a non-volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 53 stores programs and data such as the BIOS, OS settings, and network settings that are executed when the computer 50 is started.

[0025] The communication interface is an interface for connecting the computer 50 to the network N. This enables the computer 50 to perform data communication via the communication interface .

[0026] The input device 55 is a device used by the administrator to input various signals. In this embodiment, the input device 55 is, for example, an operation device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel.

[0027] The display device 56 is a device for displaying various information to the administrator on a screen. The display device 56 in this embodiment is, for example, a liquid crystal or organic EL display.

[0028] The external interface 57 is an interface for connecting to an external device so as to enable data communication. This allows the computer 50 to read and / or write data from and to a recording medium via the external interface 57. The external device is, for example, a recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD memory card, or a USB memory.

[0029] The HDD 58 is an example of a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data, such as the OS, which is the basic software that controls the entire computer, and applications that provide various functions on the OS.

[0030] Instead of the HDD 58, a drive device that uses a flash memory as a storage medium (for example, a solid-state drive (SSD)) may be used.

[0031] The server device 20 according to this embodiment can realize various processes, which will be described later, by executing a program on the computer 50 having the above-mentioned hardware configuration.

[0032] <Client terminal> Fig. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the client terminal 10 according to the first embodiment. The client terminal 10 according to the present embodiment is realized by, for example, a computer 60 having the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 3. The computer 60 is an example of an information processing device.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the computer 60 includes a CPU 61, a RAM 62, a ROM 63, a communication interface 64, an input device 65, a display device 66, an external interface 67, a HDD 68, a GPS unit 69, a camera unit 70, etc., each of which is interconnected by a bus line B.

[0034] The CPU 61 is an arithmetic unit that reads out programs and data from storage devices such as the ROM 63 and the HDD 68 onto the RAM 62, and executes various processes based on the read programs and data, thereby achieving overall control and functionality of the computer.

[0035] The RAM 62 is an example of a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) for temporarily storing programs and data, and is also used as a work area when the CPU 61 executes various processes.

[0036] The ROM 63 is an example of a non-volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 63 stores programs and data such as the BIOS, OS settings, and network settings that are executed when the computer 60 is started up.

[0037] The communication interface 64 is an interface for connecting the computer 60 to the network N. This allows the computer 60 to perform data communication via the communication interface 64.

[0038] The input device 65 is a device used by the user to input various signals. The input device 65 in this embodiment is, for example, an operation device such as a touch panel, operation keys or buttons, a keyboard, or a mouse. The touch panel is, for example, a pressure-sensitive or electrostatic panel placed on the display device 66, and detects a touch position on the display device 66 by a touch operation using a finger, a touch pen, or the like.

[0039] The display device 66 is a device for displaying various types of information to the user on a screen. The display device 66 in this embodiment is, for example, a liquid crystal or organic EL display.

[0040] The external interface 67 is an interface for connecting to an external device so as to enable data communication. This allows the computer 60 to read and / or write data from and to a recording medium via the external interface 67. The external device is, for example, a recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD memory card, or a USB memory.

[0041] The HDD 68 is an example of a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data, such as the OS, which is the basic software that controls the entire computer, and applications that provide various functions on the OS.

[0042] Instead of the HDD 68, a drive device that uses a flash memory as a storage medium (for example, a solid-state drive (SSD)) may be used.

[0043] The GPS unit 69 has a GPS sensor and is a device for acquiring position information indicating a current location in real space using radio waves from a GPS satellite. The position information is, for example, position data such as latitude and longitude. Note that the position information is not limited to latitude and longitude, and may be any information that can identify the user's position in real space. For example, a method of measuring position based on the strength of radio waves from a predetermined access point of wireless communication may be used. Also, a known gyro sensor may be used to grasp the orientation and tilt of the terminal, and the orientation and tilt information may be used as part of the position information.

[0044] The camera unit 70 is an imaging device that generates a captured image by capturing an image of real space using a camera having an imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS. The camera unit 70 in this embodiment is configured such that the direction of the image captured by the camera lens and the direction of the line of sight of the user looking at the display device 66 are substantially the same by providing a camera on the back side of the display device 66.

[0045] The client terminal 10 according to this embodiment can realize various processes, which will be described later, by executing a program on the computer 60 having the above-mentioned hardware configuration.

[0046] <<Software configuration>> <Server device> 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the server device 20 according to the first embodiment. The server device 20 according to the present embodiment is realized by, for example, the functional blocks shown in FIG.

[0047] The server device 20 according to this embodiment realizes a server control means 200, a server storage means 220, and a server communication means 240 by executing a program.

[0048] The server control means 200 has a function of executing various processes in the server device 20. The server control means 200 includes an area control means 201, a congestion determination means 202, and an event control means 203.

[0049] The area control means 201 controls an event occurrence area where an event occurs in a location-based game. An event is an event game that is held and playable within a limited period of time. For example, there are games in which a player battles against a special enemy character that appears only during the event period, and games in which a player collects special characters that appear only during the event period. When the area control means 201 in this embodiment predicts that an event occurrence area is in a congested state (crowded state), it sets a different event occurrence area from the event occurrence area.

[0050] The congestion determination means 202 determines whether the event occurrence area is in a congested state (crowded state). In this embodiment, the congestion determination means 202 determines whether an area congestion condition, which is a condition for inferring that the event occurrence area is in a congested state, is satisfied by referring to participation status information associated with the event occurrence area. The area congestion condition is, for example, that the number of users in the event occurrence area is a predetermined number or more, or that the number of users participating in the event among the users in the event occurrence area is a predetermined number or more, etc.

[0051] The event control means 203 performs overall control of events in a location-based game. In this embodiment, the event control means 203 creates groups consisting of multiple users in an event occurrence area, and performs overall control of events on a group basis. In addition, the event control means 203 counts the number of users in the event occurrence area and the number of users in the area who are participating in the event, and periodically updates the participation status information for the event occurrence area.

[0052] The server storage means 220 has a function of storing various information used in the location-based game. The server storage means 220 includes a character information storage means 221, a user information storage means 222, and an event information storage means 223.

[0053] The character information storage means 221 is an example of a content information storage means, and stores character information (content information) related to characters as an example of content. The character information stored in the character information storage means 221 is composed of various data shown below.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an example of character information. The character information shown in FIG. 5 has, as items, a character ID, a name, an acquisition probability, a rarity, and a capability parameter. The character ID is information for uniquely identifying various characters. The name is information indicating the character name. The acquisition probability is information indicating the probability for determining whether or not the user will acquire the character as a reward in an event or the like. Here, the higher the rarity of the character, the lower the acquisition probability is set. The rarity is information indicating the rarity (scarcity value) of the character. Here, one of multiple rarity classes is initially set. In this embodiment, five levels of rarity from "1" to "5" can be set. The capability parameter is information indicating the capability of the character. Here, capability values ​​such as attack, defense, and HP (hit point) are initially set.

[0055] The user information storage means 222 stores user information related to users who play location-based games. The user information stored in the user information storage means 222 is made up of various data items shown below.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing an example of user information. The user information shown in FIG. 6 has items such as a user ID, a rank, a possessed character, a friend user, and game field information. The user ID is information for uniquely identifying a user. The rank is information indicating the game level of the user at the current time. The possessed character is information indicating one or more various characters possessed by the user at the current time among a plurality of characters set in the character information stored in the character information storage means 221. Here, as shown in parentheses in the figure, the ability values ​​(level, attack power, defense power, HP, etc.) of the possessed character at the current time are also set. The friend user is information indicating other users with whom a friend relationship has been set. The game field information is information regarding a virtual game space (game field) corresponding to the real space. Since the game field information is configured using map information of the real space, it has a map configuration common to the geography of the real space, such as roads, buildings, rivers, and mountains. The game field information also includes information regarding one or more event occurrence areas that are set in the event occurrence area information associated with the ongoing event and that are set in the user's own game field used in the game (event occurrence area ID, real space location information of the event occurrence area, virtual game space location information, event characters, rewards, etc.).

[0057] The event information storage means 223 stores event information related to events of a location-based game. The event information stored in the event information storage means 223 is composed of various data shown below. In the event of this embodiment, a multiplayer battle game in which players challenge a raid boss can be played.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an example of event information. The event information shown in FIG. 7 has items such as an event ID, an event name, an event period, and event occurrence area information. The event ID is information for uniquely identifying an event. The name is information indicating the event name. The event period is information indicating the period during which the event is held. In other words, during the event period, the user can play the event game. The event occurrence area information is information regarding multiple event occurrence areas set in the game field.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing an example of event occurrence area information. The event occurrence area information shown in FIG. 8 has items such as an event occurrence area ID, location information, event character, reward information, participation status information, group information, and correspondence information. The event occurrence area ID is information for uniquely identifying the event occurrence area. The location information is information for specifying the location of the event occurrence area in the real space or the virtual game space. For example, it is location data in a two-dimensional coordinate system of the virtual game space in which the event occurrence area is located, and location data such as latitude and longitude in the real space corresponding thereto. The event occurrence area has a certain range (for example, a radius of 20 m from the position) based on this location data. The event character is information indicating a character used in the event. In this embodiment, one of the multiple characters set in the character information stored in the character information storage means 221 is set as an event character (raid boss) that will be a common opponent for multiple users, and as shown in parentheses in the figure, the current ability parameters (attack power, defense power, HP, etc.) are also set. The reward information is information indicating a reward given to a user in an event. In this embodiment, for example, a reward (for example, a special character, etc.) is set to be given to a user who wins a raid boss battle in an event. The participation status information is information regarding the participation status of an event by a user in an event occurrence area. In this embodiment, the number of users in the event occurrence area (number of people in the area) and each user ID, the number of users participating in the event among the users in the area (number of people participating in the event) and each user ID, and the number of users not participating in the event (number of people not participating in the event) and each user ID are included. This participation status information changes when a user enters and leaves the event occurrence area, or participates in or leaves the event. The group information is information regarding a group participating in an event in the event occurrence area. In this embodiment, information regarding each user constituting the group is included. The corresponding information is information indicating another event occurrence area associated with the event occurrence area.In this embodiment, for example, another event occurrence area is set within a predetermined range (for example, within a radius of 500 m from the position of the event occurrence area) based on the position of the virtual game space where the event occurrence area is set. When an area congestion condition is established in the event occurrence area, another event occurrence area associated with the event occurrence area is additionally set in the user's game field. In addition, the same event characters and rewards as those set in the associated event occurrence area are set in the other event occurrence area.

[0060] The server communication means 240 has a function of communicating with the client terminal 10 via the network N.

[0061] <Client terminal> 9 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the client terminal 10 according to the first embodiment. The client terminal 10 according to the present embodiment is realized by, for example, the functional blocks shown in FIG.

[0062] The client terminal 10 according to this embodiment realizes a client control means 100, a client storage means 120, a client communication means 140, an operation receiving means 150, and a screen display means 160 by executing a program.

[0063] The client control means 100 has a function of executing various processes in the client terminal 10. The client control means 100 includes a data acquisition means 101, a game control means 102, a server access means 103, and a display control means 104.

[0064] The data acquisition means 101 acquires data necessary to identify the user's position in real space. In this embodiment, the data acquisition means 101 acquires position information (latitude and longitude) of the client terminal 10 (user) in real space by detecting radio waves from GPS satellites with the GPS unit 69. Note that the data acquisition means 101 acquires real space position information at regular time intervals (e.g., every 5 seconds) after the game application is started.

[0065] The game control means 102 performs individual control regarding events of the location-based game. The game control means 102 in this embodiment individually controls the progress of the location-based game played by the user, based on the position information of the client terminal 10 (user) in the real space acquired by the data acquisition means 101 and the game operation etc. accepted by the client terminal 10 from the user.

[0066] When access to the server device 20 becomes necessary during various processes executed by the data acquisition means 101 and the game control means 102, the server access means 103 transmits various processing requests to the server device 20 and receives processing results, etc. from the server device 20 as a response.

[0067] The display control means 104 controls the screen display of the client terminal 10 according to the progress of the location-based game by the game control means 102. The display control means 104 in this embodiment generates a virtual game space in which roads, buildings, and the like are arranged corresponding to the geography of the real space in conjunction with, for example, location information of a user moving in the real space, and displays it as a game field screen for the user to play the game. Then, when an event occurrence area is set for the user's game field, a game field screen including the event occurrence area is displayed according to the user's location in the real space.

[0068] The operation input receiving means 150 receives operation input from a user who operates the client terminal 10. The client storage means 120 stores installed applications (game apps, etc.) and various programs and data required in the client terminal 10 (for example, character information, user information, event information, etc., similar to the server device 20). The client communication means 140 communicates with the server device 20. The screen display means 160 displays the screen of the client terminal 10 under the control of the display control means 104.

[0069] As described above, in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, the progress of the game and display control are performed in the client terminal 10, but may be performed by the server device 20. Specifically, at least one of the game control means and the display control means may be configured not to be provided in the client control means 100 of the client terminal 10, but to be provided in the server control means 200 of the server device 20.

[0070] The client control means 100 of the client terminal 10 may be of a browser type, which receives page data written in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) or the like and scripts included in the page data from the server device 20 and performs processing related to the game. The client control means 100 of the client terminal 10 may be of an application type, which performs processing related to the game based on an installed application. Fig. 9 shows the application type as an example.

[0071] <<System Overview>> An overview of the system in the first embodiment will be described. The system in this embodiment provides a location-based game to a user. The location-based game is a game in which, when a user having a client terminal 10 moves in real space, a location in a virtual game space corresponding to the user's location in real space is identified, and the movement in the real space is reflected in the virtual game space.

[0072] In the location-based game of this embodiment, an event occurrence area, which is an area where an event occurs, is set in the virtual game space during the event period. That is, the event occurrence area is set at a position in real space corresponding to the position in the virtual game space. A user who actually moves through real space with the event occurrence area as the destination and enters the event occurrence area can participate in the event in the event occurrence area (that is, can play an event game in the event occurrence area).

[0073] In this embodiment, an event is a multiplayer battle game that takes place in an event occurrence area. A raid boss is set in the event occurrence area as a common opponent for multiple users, and users who enter the event occurrence area form a group with multiple users in that area and battle the raid boss as a group. If the users in the group win the battle against the raid boss, they can receive a reward.

[0074] In this way, when an event occurrence area is set in a virtual game space, many users will actually travel to the real world with the event occurrence area as their destination, which may result in a crowded state of users gathering there. If a crowded state occurs in the event occurrence area, users will have to play in a harsh environment and there is also a risk of the spread of infectious diseases.

[0075] Therefore, in the location-based game of this embodiment, the crowded event occurrence area is identified, and participation in the event in that event occurrence area is restricted, and another event occurrence area different from the event occurrence area is set. In the event in the other event occurrence area, it is possible to fight the same raid boss as in the crowded event occurrence area. In this way, by dispersing the users who gather in the event occurrence area as their destination, it is possible to prevent congestion from occurring, and provide a comfortable playing environment for users.

[0076] Here, a change in the game field screen when a crowded state occurs in an event occurrence area will be specifically described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11. Fig. 10 is an image diagram showing an example of a game field screen before another event occurrence area is set. A game field 501, a user character 502 indicating the user's current location, and a mark 503 indicating the location of the event occurrence area are displayed on the game field screen 500 shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 11 is an image diagram showing an example of a game field screen after another event occurrence area is set. A mark 504 indicating the location of another event occurrence area is also displayed on the game field screen 500 shown in Fig. 11.

[0077] First, a user having a client terminal 10 actually moves in real space from the current location where the user character 502 is located to the event occurrence area indicated by the mark 503 as a destination while viewing the game field screen 500 shown in FIG. 10 on the display device 66. At this time, it is assumed that no congestion occurs in the event occurrence area indicated by the mark 503. If a congestion occurs in the event occurrence area indicated by the mark 503 as the destination approaches, another event occurrence area is set in the game field. Next, when the user having the client terminal 10 views the game field screen 500 shown in FIG. 11, the event occurrence area indicated by the mark 503 disappears and another event occurrence area indicated by the mark 504 appears, so the user actually moves in real space by changing the other event occurrence area indicated by the mark 504 to a new destination. In this way, in the position-based game of this embodiment, users who gather at the event occurrence area as a destination can be effectively dispersed.

[0078] <<System Operation>> <Event occurrence area setting> FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to setting an event occurrence area in the first embodiment.

[0079] After the game application is started, the data acquisition means 101 of the client terminal 10 acquires the user's position information (latitude and longitude) in the real space by detecting radio waves from GPS satellites with the GPS unit 69. Then, the server access means 103 of the client terminal 10 transmits the position information acquired by the data acquisition means 101 to the server device 20 together with the user ID.

[0080] When the area control means 201 of the server device 20 receives the location information transmitted from the client terminal 10 together with the user ID, it refers to the game field information included in the user information shown in FIG. 6 and identifies a location (current location) in the virtual game space corresponding to the user's location in real space (step S11).

[0081] Next, the area control means 201 of the server device 20 searches for event occurrence areas located within a predetermined range based on the user's current location (for example, within a radius of 2 km from the user's current location) from among the event occurrence areas set in the user's game field based on the game field information included in the user information shown in FIG. 6, and determines whether at least one event occurrence area is found (step S12).

[0082] Then, if the area control means 201 of the server device 20 finds no event occurrence areas as a result of the search (step S12: "NO"), the area control means 201 returns to the above-mentioned step S11 and repeats the process. On the other hand, if at least one event occurrence area is found (step S12: "YES"), the area control means 201 proceeds to step S13.

[0083] Next, when at least one or more event occurrence areas are hit in the game field of the user, the area control means 201 of the server device 20 requests the congestion determination means 202 to execute a determination process as to whether or not there is an event occurrence area in the hit event occurrence area for which an area congestion condition, which is a condition for inferring that the event occurrence area is in a congested state, is satisfied. Upon receiving the request, the congestion determination means 202 of the server device 20 refers to the participation status information included in the event occurrence area information shown in Fig. 8 and determines whether or not the area congestion condition is satisfied for the hit event occurrence area (step S13). This area congestion condition can be set to any condition as long as it is a condition for inferring that the event occurrence area is in a congested state.

[0084] For example, the area congestion condition may be that the number of users participating in the event among users located within the event occurrence area is a predetermined number or more (e.g., 20 or more). In this case, the area control means 201 of the server device 20 refers to the number of event participants included in the participation status information to determine whether the event occurrence area is in a congested state. This makes it possible to grasp the congestion state based on the number of users who are actually participating in the event among the users who have gathered in the event occurrence area, and therefore to appropriately disperse the users who have gathered there.

[0085] Also, for example, the area congestion condition may be that the number of users located within the event occurrence area is a predetermined number or more (for example, 40 or more). In this case, the area control means 201 of the server device 20 refers to the number of users within the area included in the participation status information to determine whether the event occurrence area is in a congested state. This makes it possible to grasp the congestion state based on the number of users gathered in the event occurrence area, regardless of whether they are participating or not in the event, and therefore to disperse users more proactively.

[0086] If there is no event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is satisfied (step S13: "NO"), the area control means 201 of the server device 20 ends this process. On the other hand, if there is an event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is satisfied (step S13: "YES"), the area control means 201 of the server device 20 advances the process to step S14.

[0087] Next, when there is an event occurrence area in which the area congestion condition is satisfied, the area control means 201 of the server device 20 sets another event occurrence area at a position different from the position in the virtual game space in which the event occurrence area is set (step S14).

[0088] That is, the area control means 201 of the server device 20 refers to the corresponding information included in the event occurrence area information shown in Fig. 8, and identifies another event occurrence area associated with the event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is satisfied. Then, the game field information included in the user information shown in Fig. 6 is updated, and information related to the identified other event occurrence area (event occurrence area ID, real space position information of the other event occurrence area, virtual game space position information, event characters, rewards, etc.) is additionally set to the game field of the user.

[0089] In this embodiment, the same event characters and rewards as those set in the associated event occurrence area are set in the other event occurrence area as shown in Fig. 8. Therefore, this additional setting results in the existence of a new event occurrence area in the user's game field, and the user can obtain the same event characters and rewards as in the event occurrence area that was originally the destination in the event in the new event occurrence area, so that users who gather in the event occurrence area as their destination can be effectively dispersed.

[0090] In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, another event occurrence area is located within a predetermined range (for example, within a radius of 500 m from the location of the event occurrence area) based on the location of the virtual game space in which the associated event occurrence area is set. In this way, by limiting the location of another event occurrence area to a short distance from the event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is satisfied, the distance that a user heading to a new destination will actually travel in real space is also limited. This can increase the motivation to change the destination from a crowded event occurrence area to another event occurrence area.

[0091] The position in the virtual game space where the different event occurrence area is set may be displayed at a different position within the same game field screen 500, as shown in Fig. 11. In this case, the distance that the user heading to the new destination actually travels in real space is limited to the range visible on the screen, which can further increase the motivation to change the destination from a crowded event occurrence area to another event occurrence area.

[0092] Next, the area control means 201 of the server device 20 updates the game field information included in the user information shown in Fig. 6, and cancels the setting of the event occurrence area in which the area congestion condition is satisfied, which is set for the game field of the user (step S15). With this cancellation setting, the event occurrence area in which the area congestion condition is satisfied will no longer exist in the game field of the user, and participation in the event in the event occurrence area in which the area congestion condition is satisfied is essentially restricted.

[0093] In this way, a different event occurrence area is added to the user's game field, while the event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is met is set to be released, so that, for example, as shown in Fig. 11, the event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is met (the event occurrence area indicated by mark 503) is not displayed on the game field screen 500 viewed by the user, and another event occurrence area (another event occurrence area indicated by mark 504) is displayed. This makes it possible to guide users to an event occurrence area different from the event occurrence area where congestion is occurring, so that users who gather with the event occurrence area as their destination can be effectively dispersed.

[0094] <Events in event areas> 13 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation related to an event in an event occurrence area in the first embodiment. In the following, a case will be explained in which an event occurring in an event occurrence area is a battle game in which a raid boss, which is a common opponent for multiple users in the area, can be played against the event.

[0095] After the game application is started, the data acquisition means 101 of the client terminal 10 acquires the user's position information (latitude and longitude) in the real space by detecting radio waves from GPS satellites with the GPS unit 69. Then, the server access means 103 of the client terminal 10 transmits the position information acquired by the data acquisition means 101 to the server device 20 together with the user ID.

[0096] When the event control means 203 of the server device 20 receives the position information transmitted from the client terminal 10 together with the user ID, it refers to the game field information included in the user information shown in Figure 6 and identifies the position (current location) in the virtual game space corresponding to the user's position in real space (step S31).

[0097] Next, the event control means 203 of the server device 20 determines, based on the game field information included in the user information shown in FIG. 6, whether or not the user's current location is located within the event occurrence area set in the user's game field (step S32).

[0098] Then, if the user's current location is not located within the event occurrence area set in the user's game field (step S32: "NO"), the event control means 203 of the server device 20 returns to the above-mentioned step S31 and repeats the process. On the other hand, if the user's current location is located within the event occurrence area set in the user's game field (step S32: "YES"), the process proceeds to step S33.

[0099] Next, when the user's current location is within an event occurrence area set in the user's game field, the event control means 203 of the server device 20 refers to the participation status information included in the event occurrence area information shown in FIG. 8, and determines whether or not a group consisting of a predetermined number of people (e.g., 10 people) can be formed by combining the user located within the event occurrence area with other users who are currently located in the same event occurrence area (step S33).

[0100] Then, when the number of users in the event occurrence area is insufficient and one group consisting of the predetermined number of people cannot be formed (step S33: "NO"), the event control means 203 of the server device 20 returns to the above-mentioned step S31 and repeats the process. On the other hand, when one group consisting of the predetermined number of people can be formed by combining the users in the event occurrence area (step S33: "YES"), the event control means 203 updates the group information included in the event occurrence area information shown in Fig. 8, and additionally sets information on each user constituting the formed group for the event occurrence area. Also, the event control means 203 updates the participation status information included in the event occurrence area information shown in Fig. 8, and additionally sets each user constituting the formed group for the event occurrence area as a user who participated in the event, and adds the number of users to the number of event participants.

[0101] Even if a group consisting of the predetermined number of people cannot be formed, a group consisting of less than the predetermined number of people may be formed after a predetermined time has elapsed. Also, at the user's request, a group may be formed only with friends. In this case, the group may be less than the predetermined number of people.

[0102] Next, the event control means 203 of the server device 20 requests the client terminals 10 of the users to start an event game in which each user in the formed group competes against a raid boss that is a common opponent for each user. Upon receiving the request from the server device 20, the game control means 102 of the client terminal 10 starts the event game in response to the user's game operation (step S34).

[0103] Next, the event control means 203 of the server device 20 determines whether or not the group formed as a result of starting the event game in this way at the client terminal 10 has cleared the game (step S35).

[0104] Then, when the HP set for the raid boss decreases as a result of attacks by each user of the formed group within the specified battle time and eventually reaches a specified value (for example, zero), the event control means 203 of the server device 20 determines that the raid boss has been defeated, determines the outcome of the battle, and determines that the game has been cleared (step S35: "YES").On the other hand, if the raid boss cannot be defeated within the specified battle time, it determines that the game has not been cleared (step S35: "NO").

[0105] Next, if the event control means 203 of the server device 20 determines that the formed group has cleared the game, it grants an event reward to each user of the formed group in accordance with the reward information included in the event occurrence area information shown in Figure 8 (step S36).

[0106] In this way, according to the system of the first embodiment, even if users form a group within the same event occurrence area and participate in the event, overcrowding is unlikely to occur, making it possible to provide a comfortable playing environment for users who gather in the event occurrence area.

[0107] <<Modifications>> <Area congestion conditions> In the above-described first embodiment, an example was given of a case where the area congestion condition is that the number of event participants in the event occurrence area is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, or that the number of people within the event occurrence area is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, but this is not limited to this.

[0108] For example, the area congestion condition may be that the number of groups in an event occurrence area is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (eg, three or more).

[0109] Also, for example, a nearby area may be set outside the event occurrence area, and the total number of users in the event occurrence area and the nearby area (which may be considered as the number of users in the nearby area including the users in the event occurrence area) may be a predetermined number or more (for example, 40 or more) as the area congestion condition. In this case, for some users among a plurality of users in whose game field an event occurrence area in which the area congestion condition is satisfied is set, the event occurrence area in which the area congestion condition is satisfied may be released and another event occurrence area may be set, while for the remaining users, the release setting may not be performed and the setting of the event occurrence area in which the area congestion condition is satisfied may be maintained as it is. Note that the setting of the event occurrence area may be maintained by giving priority to users close to the event occurrence area, such as users in the event occurrence area.

[0110] <Setting a different event occurrence area> In the first embodiment described above, when a friend user associated with the user participates in an event in an event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is satisfied (when the setting of the event occurrence area of ​​the friend user is maintained), the setting may be maintained as it is without canceling the setting of the event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is satisfied, which is set for the game field of the user, as an exception to the processing of step 15 shown in Fig. 12. This allows friends to belong to the same group and participate in events, thereby improving the social nature of the location-based game.

[0111] In the first embodiment described above, in the process of step S14 shown in Fig. 12, when the area control means 201 of the server device 20 sets another event occurrence area at a position different from the position of the virtual game space where the event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is satisfied is set, the area control means 201 may set not only one, but two or more different event occurrence areas. In this case, two or more different event occurrence areas are set in association with the corresponding information included in the event occurrence area information shown in Fig. 8. This makes it possible to more effectively disperse users who gather at the event occurrence area as their destination.

[0112] In addition, in the first embodiment described above, the process of step S14 shown in Fig. 12 may be omitted. That is, when the area control means 201 of the server device 20 updates the game field information included in the user information shown in Fig. 6, the area control means 201 may only cancel the setting of the event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is satisfied, without additionally setting information about another event occurrence area for the game field of the user. This prevents additional users from gathering in the crowded event occurrence area (event participation in the crowded event occurrence area is substantially restricted), and although the crowded state is not resolved for users who have already participated in the event in the crowded event occurrence area, further crowded state can be avoided, and users can play in a relatively comfortable environment.

[0113] <Update of compatibility information> In the above-described first embodiment, an example was given of a case in which corresponding information is set in advance for each of the multiple event occurrence areas set in the event occurrence area information shown in FIG. 8, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the area control means 201 of the server device 20 may periodically or at a predetermined timing determine the congestion state of each of the event occurrence areas set in the event occurrence area information shown in FIG. 8 based on the participation status information of each area, update the corresponding information included in the event occurrence area information shown in FIG. 8 only for the event occurrence area determined to be in a congested state, and set a new event occurrence area in association with the event occurrence area. Specifically, when the event occurrence area determined to be in a congested state is identified, a new event occurrence area is generated at an arbitrary position within a predetermined range (for example, within a radius of 500 m centered on the position of the event occurrence area) based on the position of the virtual game space in which the event occurrence area is set, and a new event occurrence area ID is associated with the new event occurrence area and additionally set in the event occurrence area information shown in FIG. Then, the corresponding information of the event occurrence area information shown in FIG. 8 is updated, and the new event occurrence area is set in association with the event occurrence area determined to be in a congested state.

[0114] <Create separate event areas> In the above-described first embodiment, an example was given of a case in which a different event occurrence area is added to each user's game field by using the correspondence information included in the event occurrence area information shown in FIG. 8. However, it is also possible to individually generate and add a different event occurrence area to each user's game field without using this correspondence information. For example, in the process of step S14 shown in FIG. 12, the area control means 201 of the server device 20 uses a predetermined algorithm to uniquely determine and generate the position of another event occurrence area in the virtual game space based on the position in the virtual game space of the event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is satisfied. As a result, one other event occurrence area is set within a predetermined range (for example, within a radius of 500 m centered on the position of the event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is satisfied) based on the position of the virtual game space where the event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is satisfied is set. As a result, not only for that user, but also for other users who have set the event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is satisfied as their destination, another event occurrence area is generated and uniquely determined, and can become a new destination. In this way, by limiting the location of the other event occurrence area to a short distance from the event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is satisfied, the distance that a user heading to a new destination actually travels in real space is also limited. This can increase the motivation to change the destination from a crowded event occurrence area to another event occurrence area.

[0115] <Event characters in other event occurrence areas> In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Fig. 8, a case has been described in which the same event characters, rewards, etc. as those in the cancelled event occurrence area are set for a newly set different event occurrence area, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the corresponding information of the event occurrence information shown in Fig. 8 may be set so that the event characters, rewards, etc. are different from those in the cancelled event occurrence area. In this way, a chance arises for the user to acquire event characters, rewards, etc. different from those in the event occurrence area that was originally set as the destination, so that users who gather in the event occurrence area as their destination can be effectively dispersed.

[0116] <Preferential Treatment> In the first embodiment described above, in the process of step S14 shown in FIG. 12, when two or more different event occurrence areas are set at positions different from the position of the virtual game space where the event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is established is set, the event control means 203 of the server device 20 can also execute a process of giving preferential treatment to a user who participates in an event in another event occurrence area that satisfies a preferential treatment condition among the multiple different event occurrence areas set. The preferential treatment condition may be, for example, participation in an event in another event occurrence area with the fewest number of people in the area, or participation in an event in another event occurrence area with the fewest number of event participants. In addition, the process of giving preferential treatment to a user may be, for example, improving the quality of the event reward or increasing the amount of the event reward. This makes it possible to more effectively disperse users who gather in the event occurrence area as a destination, and to further increase their motivation to change their destination to another event occurrence area.

[0117] <Group> In the first embodiment described above, as an exception to the process of step S33 shown in FIG. 13, when the event control means 203 of the server device 20 determines that the number of users in the event occurrence area is insufficient to form one group consisting of a predetermined number of users, one group may be created by supplementing users outside the event occurrence area. For example, when the number of users in the event occurrence area is insufficient to form one group, one group may be created by supplementing users who have changed their destination to another event occurrence area. This can improve the social nature of the location-based game. In this case, groups may be created so that the number of users is equal regardless of the participating location. In addition, it is preferable that the users outside the event occurrence area are located in another event occurrence area in which the same event character as the event character in the event occurrence area is set.

[0118] In the first embodiment described above, even if the event control means 203 of the server device 20 determines in the process of step S33 shown in FIG. 13 that a group consisting of a predetermined number of people can be formed by combining users in the event occurrence area, users located outside the event occurrence area who have a friend relationship with any of the users in the one group (for example, a friend user who has changed their destination to another event occurrence area) may be added to the same group. In this case, the number of members may exceed the capacity of one group. This can improve the social nature of the location-based game.

[0119] In the first embodiment described above, if a friend user associated with the user has already participated in an event with participation restrictions, the user may be included in the same group as the friend user as an exception to the process in step 33 shown in Fig. 13. In this case, the number of members may exceed the capacity of one group. This can improve the social nature of the location-based game.

[0120] In the first embodiment described above, the types of groups may include an open group formed by freely combining multiple users located in the same event occurrence area, and a private group formed by combining only specific users among multiple users located in the same event occurrence area by setting a password, etc. In addition, to prevent congestion, an upper limit may be set on the number of people who can participate in an event in one event occurrence area and the number of people in one group. For example, the upper limit on the number of participants in an event in one event occurrence area may be 20 people, and the upper limit on the number of participants in one group may be 10 people.

[0121] <Other> In the first embodiment described above, when the area control means 201 of the server device 20 sets an event occurrence area at a position different from the position in the virtual game space where the event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is satisfied is set, information about the other event occurrence area may be notified to users participating in the event in the event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is satisfied. This makes it possible to actively encourage users in an area that is already in a congested state to alleviate the congestion.

[0122] If a user who is participating in an event and receives this notification leaves the event and actually travels in real space to a destination area where another event is occurring, the event control means 203 of the server device 20 may execute preferential treatment for the user (granting an item, returning participation rights, auto-battle, etc.) when the user participates in an event in the other event occurring area.

[0123] In addition, a user who is participating in an event and receives this notification may be able to actually move in real space to a destination area of ​​another event while continuing the event. In this case, auto-battle may be set during the movement in order to continue the event.

[0124] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, when the area control means 201 of the server device 20 sets two or more different event occurrence areas at a position different from the position of the virtual game space where the event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is satisfied is set, the area control means 201 may give priority to notifying information about another event occurrence area with the fewest number of people in the area, or may give priority to notifying information about another event occurrence area with the fewest number of event participants, or may give priority to notifying information about another event occurrence area where a friend user is participating in the event. The priority of notifications may be set by a user operation. This allows the user to receive notifications in the priority order desired by the user.

[0125] In addition, in the first embodiment described above, when a user holding a client terminal 10 moves in real space, a position in the virtual game space corresponding to the user's position in real space is identified, and the movement in real space is reflected in the virtual game space, but the present invention is also applicable to other position information games. For example, the present invention may be applied to a game in which a character in a virtual game space moves to an event occurrence area by a user's input operation, and the user can participate in an event that utilizes the user's position in real space. Specifically, when a user moves a character to an event occurrence area (town, building, field, etc.), the user can participate in an event, and the event instructs the user to move to a specific location in real space (such as XX station), and a reward is given when the user's position information moves to the specific location. In addition, when the present invention is applied to such a game, the position data of the virtual game space and the position data of the real space may not correspond one-to-one in the position information of the event occurrence area information, but may correspond one-to-many (that is, one virtual game space position data may have multiple real space position data). In that case, when it is determined that a certain position data among multiple real space position data is in a crowded state, other position data that is not in a crowded state may be used to issue an instruction to the user. The crowded state may be determined by referring to the number of event participants, the number of users located in the real space position data, etc.

[0126] ===Second embodiment=== Next, an information processing device, a program, and an information processing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. Note that the system configuration and hardware configuration according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0127] <<Software configuration>> <Server device> The server device 20 according to the second embodiment is realized by, for example, the functional blocks shown in Fig. 4, similarly to the server device 20 according to the first embodiment. That is, the server control means 200 according to the second embodiment includes an area control means 201, a congestion determination means 202, and an event control means 203.

[0128] The area control means 201 controls an event occurrence area where an event occurs in a location-based game. The congestion determination means 202 determines whether or not the event occurrence area is in a congested state (crowded state). The event control means 203 performs overall control over events in the location-based game. The event control means 203 in this embodiment counts, for example, the number of users who are in the event occurrence area and the number of users who are participating in the event among the users in the area, and updates the participation status information of the event occurrence area.

[0129] The server storage means 220 includes a character information storage means 221, a user information storage means 222, and an event information storage means 223. The character information storage means 221 is an example of a content information storage means, and stores character information (content information) related to characters as an example of content. The user information storage means 222 stores user information related to users who play the position-based game. The event information storage means 223 stores event information related to events of the position-based game.

[0130] In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the event occurrence area information stored in the event information storage means 223 is composed of various data shown below. In the event in this embodiment, a game can be played in which characters that appear in each of a plurality of event occurrence areas set in the game field can be acquired.

[0131] FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing an example of event occurrence area information. The event occurrence area information shown in FIG. 14 has items such as an event occurrence area ID, position information, an event character, and participation status information. The event occurrence area ID is information for uniquely identifying the event occurrence area. The position information is information for specifying the position of the event occurrence area in the real space or the virtual game space. For example, it is position data in a two-dimensional coordinate system of the virtual game space in which the event occurrence area is located, and position data such as latitude and longitude in the real space corresponding thereto. Note that the event occurrence area has a certain range (for example, a radius of 20 m from the position) based on this position data. The event character is information indicating a character used in the event. In this embodiment, one of a plurality of characters set in the character information stored in the character information storage means 221 is set as an obtainable event character that appears in the event occurrence area. The participation status information is information regarding the participation status of the event by the user in the event occurrence area. In this embodiment, the information includes the number of users in the event occurrence area (number of people in the area) and each user ID, the number of users in the area who are participating in the event (for example, users playing the event game) (number of event participants) and each user ID, and the number of users who are not participating in the event (for example, users who have completed the event game or users who have never played the event game) (number of non-event participants) and each user ID. This participation status information changes as users enter and leave the event occurrence area, or join and leave the event.

[0132] <Client terminal> The client terminal 10 according to the second embodiment is realized by, for example, the functional blocks shown in Fig. 9, similarly to the client terminal 10 according to the first embodiment. That is, the client control means 100 according to the second embodiment includes a data acquisition means 101, a game control means 102, a server access means 103, and a display control means 104.

[0133] In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the data acquisition means 101 has the following functions in addition to the function of acquiring data necessary to identify the user's position in real space.

[0134] The data acquisition means 101 acquires data necessary to identify an event occurrence area in real space. In this embodiment, the data acquisition means 101 acquires information for identifying an event occurrence area by using the camera unit 70 to capture an image of a game information code (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)) associated with the event occurrence area. In this embodiment, the game information code is affixed, for example, to a wall surface of a store, a tourist spot, or the like located in each event occurrence area.

[0135] <<System Overview>> An overview of the system in the second embodiment will be described. The system in this embodiment provides a location-based game to a user. The location-based game is a game in which, when a user having a client terminal 10 moves in real space, a location in a virtual game space corresponding to the user's location in real space is identified, and the movement in the real space is reflected in the virtual game space.

[0136] In the location-based game of this embodiment, an event occurrence area, which is an area where an event occurs, is set in the virtual game space during the event period. That is, the event occurrence area is set at a position in real space corresponding to the position in the virtual game space. A user who actually moves through real space with the event occurrence area as the destination and enters the event occurrence area can participate in the event in the event occurrence area (that is, can play an event game in the event occurrence area).

[0137] The event in this embodiment is an event game for acquiring characters that appear in each of a plurality of event occurrence areas set in the game field. A special character limited to the event is set in each event occurrence area, and a user who enters any of the event occurrence areas can play the event game by searching for an event guide in the area and reading the information code for the game with the camera of the client terminal 10. When the user clears the event game, the special character can be acquired. In this way, a user who has the client terminal 10 actually moves through the real space and goes around the event occurrence areas in sequence, and when the user acquires a prescribed number of characters (for example, three characters), a reward (for example, a photo frame that allows the user to take a photo with the character acquired) is finally given.

[0138] Fig. 15 is an image diagram showing an example of an event guide. An event guide 600 shown in Fig. 15 displays a game information code 601. In this embodiment, a user who enters an event occurrence area captures an image of the game information code 601 using the camera unit 70 of the client terminal 10 in order to acquire a special character that appears in the event occurrence area.

[0139] In this way, when an event occurrence area is set in a virtual game space, many users will actually travel to the real world with the event occurrence area as their destination, which may result in a crowded state of users gathering there. If a crowded state occurs in the event occurrence area, users will have to play in a harsh environment and there is also a risk of the spread of infectious diseases.

[0140] Therefore, in the location-based game of this embodiment, among the event occurrence areas located at a position different from the position where the event occurrence area that was the previous destination (hereinafter also referred to as the "previous event occurrence area") was set, an event occurrence area that is less likely to become crowded is identified and set as the next destination. This disperses users who gather at the event occurrence area as their destination, making it less likely that a crowded state will occur, and therefore it is possible to provide a comfortable playing environment for users.

[0141] <<System Operation>> 16 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation related to an event in an event occurrence area in embodiment 2. In the following, a game in which it is possible to acquire a special character that appears in each of a plurality of event occurrence areas will be explained.

[0142] After the game application is started, the data acquisition means 101 of the client terminal 10 acquires information such as the event occurrence area ID by reading an information code for the game arranged in the event occurrence area with the camera unit 70. Then, the server access means 103 of the client terminal 10 transmits the information acquired by the data acquisition means 101 to the server device 20 together with the user ID.

[0143] When the event control means 203 of the server device 20 receives the information transmitted from the client terminal 10 together with the user ID, it identifies the position in the virtual game space of the event occurrence area in which the game information code is placed, by referring to the game field information contained in the user information shown in FIG. 6 and the position information contained in the event occurrence area information shown in FIG. 14 (step S51).

[0144] Next, after the game application is started, the data acquisition means 101 of the client terminal 10 acquires the user's position information (latitude and longitude) in the real space by the GPS unit 69 detecting radio waves from GPS satellites. Then, the server access means 103 of the client terminal 10 transmits the position information acquired by the data acquisition means 101 to the server device 20 together with the user ID.

[0145] When the event control means 203 of the server device 20 receives the location information transmitted from the client terminal 10 together with the user ID, it refers to the game field information included in the user information shown in Figure 6 and identifies the location (current location) in the virtual game space corresponding to the user's location in real space (step S52).

[0146] Next, the event control means 203 of the server device 20 compares the position of the specified event occurrence area with the specified current location of the user, and determines whether the game play is fraudulent based on whether the distance between them is within a predetermined range (for example, within 10 m) (step S53). In other words, it determines whether the user actually moved in real space to the location of the event occurrence area and read the information code on the spot.

[0147] If the event control means 203 of the server device 20 determines that the game play is fraudulent (step S53: "YES"), it presumes that the user did not actually move in real space but read an information code obtained somewhere (fraudulent play), and ends this process. On the other hand, if it determines that the game play is not fraudulent (step S53: "NO"), it counts the user as a valid event participating user, updates the participation status information, and proceeds to step S54.

[0148] Next, when the event control means 203 of the server device 20 determines that the game play is not fraudulent, it refers to the event occurrence area information shown in Fig. 14, identifies the event character associated with the event occurrence area as a special character that appeared in the event occurrence area, and requests the client terminal 10 held by the user to start an event game in order to acquire the special character. Upon receiving the request from the server device 20, the game control means 102 of the client terminal 10 starts the event game in response to the user's game operation, and grants the special character when the game is cleared (step S54). Then, it updates the possessed character information included in the user information shown in Fig. 6, and adds and sets the special character acquired by the user in the event occurrence area.

[0149] Next, in the same manner as in step S51 described above, the area control means 201 of the server device 20 locates the location of the event occurrence area in which the user has acquired the special character (i.e., the previous event occurrence area), and then searches for surrounding event occurrence areas (i.e., surrounding event occurrence areas located at a different location from the location of the previous event occurrence area) located within a predetermined range based on the previous event occurrence area (for example, within a 2 km radius from the position of the previous event occurrence area) from among the event occurrence areas set in the game field information included in the user information shown in FIG. 6 (step S55).

[0150] Next, when at least one or more surrounding event occurrence areas are hit in the game field of the user as a result of the search, the area control means 201 of the server device 20 requests the congestion determination means 202 to execute a determination process as to whether or not there is an event occurrence area in which an area congestion condition, which is a condition for inferring that the event occurrence area is in a congested state, is satisfied among the hit surrounding event occurrence areas. Upon receiving the request, the congestion determination means 202 of the server device 20 refers to the participation status information included in the event occurrence area information shown in Fig. 14 and determines whether or not the area congestion condition is satisfied for the hit surrounding event occurrence area (step S56). This area congestion condition can be set to any condition as long as it is a condition for inferring that the event occurrence area is in a congested state.

[0151] For example, the area congestion condition may be that the number of users participating in the event among users located within the event occurrence area is a predetermined number or more (e.g., 20 or more). In this case, the area control means 201 of the server device 20 refers to the number of event participants included in the participation status information to determine whether the event occurrence area is in a congested state. This makes it possible to grasp the congestion state based on the number of users who are actually participating in the event among the users who have gathered in the event occurrence area, and therefore to appropriately disperse the users who have gathered there.

[0152] Also, for example, the area congestion condition may be that the number of users located within the event occurrence area is a predetermined number or more (for example, 40 or more). In this case, the area control means 201 of the server device 20 refers to the number of users within the area included in the participation status information to determine whether the event occurrence area is in a congested state. This makes it possible to grasp the congestion state based on the number of users gathered in the event occurrence area, regardless of whether they are participating or not in the event, and therefore to disperse users more proactively.

[0153] If an event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is satisfied exists (step S56: "YES"), the area control means 201 of the server device 20 advances the process to step S58 described below. On the other hand, if an event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is satisfied does not exist (step S56: "NO"), the area control means 201 advances the process to step S57.

[0154] Then, if there is no event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is met (i.e., all surrounding event occurrence areas are not congested), the area control means 201 of the server device 20 updates the game field information included in the user information shown in FIG. 6, and sets one of the hit surrounding event occurrence areas as the event occurrence area that will be the user's next destination (step S57).

[0155] Furthermore, when there is an event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is satisfied (i.e., when at least one of the surrounding event occurrence areas is in a congested state), the area control means 201 of the server device 20 refers to the participation status information included in the event occurrence area information shown in Fig. 14, compares the number of event participants in each of the surrounding event occurrence areas, and identifies the event occurrence area with the fewest number of participants.Then, it updates the game field information included in the user information shown in Fig. 6, and sets the identified event occurrence area as the event occurrence area that will be the user's next destination (step S58). For example, if there are two event occurrence areas around the hit, and one where the area congestion condition is met and one where the area congestion condition is not met, the event occurrence area where the area congestion condition is not met is set as the event occurrence area that will be the user's next destination.Also, if there are two event occurrence areas around the hit, and both of them are event occurrence areas where the area congestion condition is met, the event occurrence area with the fewer number of event participants is set as the event occurrence area that will be the user's next destination.

[0156] In this way, among the surrounding event occurrence areas in the user's game field that are located at a different position from the previous event occurrence area, an event occurrence area in which the area congestion condition is not met, or an event occurrence area in which the area congestion condition is met but has the fewest number of event participants, is set as the next destination. This makes it possible to effectively guide users to event occurrence areas where congestion is unlikely to occur, and to effectively disperse users who are gathering at the event occurrence area as their destination.

[0157] <<Modifications>> <Information Code> In the above-described embodiment, the information code is not limited to the QR code (registered trademark) as an example of a two-dimensional code, but may be, for example, a maxicode, a berrycode, a data matrix code, a barcode, or the like.

[0158] <Identifying the area where the event occurred> In the above embodiment, an example was given of a case where the camera unit 70 captures an image of a game information code associated with an event occurrence area to obtain information for identifying the event occurrence area. However, for example, information for identifying the event occurrence area may be obtained by receiving a beacon transmitted from a specific position associated with the event occurrence area.

[0159] <Next destination: another event occurrence area> In the above embodiment, a case where an event occurrence area is set as the next destination depending on the area congestion condition has been described, but since an event occurrence area that has been set many times as a destination for other users is likely to be crowded, the event occurrence area may be set taking into consideration the guidance situation of other users. For example, when setting the destinations of each user in sequence, the area control means 201 of the server device 20 may control so that an event occurrence area that has been set as a destination for the previous user is not set as a destination for the next user.

[0160] <Game field screen> In the above embodiment, when an event occurrence area that is the user's next destination is set, the display control means 104 of the client terminal 10 can also display a game field screen including the event occurrence area set as the next destination. This makes it easier to guide the user to the event occurrence area. It is also possible to display a game field screen including a hint regarding the event occurrence area set as the next destination. For example, if the location of the event occurrence area that is the destination is set to the location of a bookstore, a hint such as "You can sense the presence of a character who loves books" is displayed on the game field screen to guide the user to the bookstore. This makes it possible to guide the user to the event occurrence area while improving interest. In addition, at this time, the difficulty of the hint may be changed according to the congestion state of the event occurrence area. For example, when the degree of congestion is high (when there are many people in the area, when there are many people participating in the event, etc.), a hint with a high degree of difficulty may be displayed on the game field screen in order to delay the arrival at the event occurrence area as much as possible.

[0161] <Update of participation status information> In the above embodiment, the event control means 203 of the server device 20 may determine that a user has entered an event occurrence area on condition that the information code for the game associated with the event occurrence area set as the user's destination has been read, and may increase the number of people in the event occurrence area. Also, the event control means 203 may determine that a user has entered an event occurrence area on condition that the user's current location in real space is within the event occurrence area set as the user's destination.

[0162] In the above embodiment, the event control means 203 of the server device 20 may determine that the user has left the previous event occurrence area on the condition that an event occurrence area that is the user's next destination has been set, and may reduce the number of people in the previous event occurrence area. Also, the event control means 203 may determine that the user has left the event occurrence area on the condition that the user's current position in real space is outside the event occurrence area that has been set as the user's destination. Also, the event control means 203 may determine that the user has left the previous event occurrence area on the condition that the game information code associated with the event occurrence area that has been set as the user's next destination has been read.

[0163] In the above embodiment, the event control means 203 of the server device 20 may determine that the user is participating in the event on the condition that the information code for the game associated with the event occurrence area set as the user's destination is read, and increase the number of event participants in the event occurrence area. Also, the event control means 203 may determine that the user is participating in the event on the condition that the user performs an operation to start an event game in the event occurrence area. Also, the event control means 203 may determine that the user is not participating in the event (has left the event) on the condition that the user has cleared the event game, and decrease the number of event participants in the event occurrence area. Also, the event control means 203 may determine that the user is not participating in the event (has left the event) on the condition that the user has acquired a character.

[0164] ===Other embodiments=== The above-described embodiments are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and equivalents thereof are also included in the present invention. In particular, the following embodiments are also included in the present invention.

[0165] <Play mode selection> In the above embodiment, the play mode of the location-based game (the range in which the event occurrence area is searched) may be set by a user operation. For example, when the location-based game can be played within a specific facility, the play mode may be set by a user operation between a play mode in which the game is played in the entire specific facility (a play mode in which the event occurrence area on all floors is searched) and a play mode in which the game is played only on a specific floor in the specific facility (a play mode in which only the event occurrence area on a specific floor is searched).

[0166] <Event Game> In the above-mentioned embodiment, the event game may be a competitive game such as a rock-paper-scissors game in which a user competes against an opponent. It may also be a quiz game based on information about the event occurrence area. For example, if the location of the event occurrence area is set to the location of a store, questions about the store's name, products, corporate information, etc. may be asked as quiz questions. This is expected to have an advertising effect on users who visit the event occurrence area.

[0167] <Contents> In the above-described embodiment, the content is not limited to characters, but may be, for example, items, cards, figures, avatars, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 Client Terminal 20 Server equipment 50 Computer 51 CPU 52 RAM 53 ROM 54 Communication Interface 55 Input Devices 56 Display device 57 External Interface 58 HDD 60 Computer 61 CPU 62 RAM 63 ROM 64 Communication Interface 65 Input Devices 66 Display device 67 External Interface 68 HDD 69 GPS Unit 70 Camera Unit 100 Client Control Means 101 Data Acquisition Method 102 Game Control Means 103 Server Access Method 104 Display control means 120 Client storage means 140 Client Communication Methods 150 Operation input reception means 160 Screen display means 200 Server Control Means 201 Area Control Means 202 Means of determining congestion 203 Event Control Means 220 Server storage means 221 Character information storage means 222 User information storage means 223 Event information storage means 240 Server communication means 500 Game Field Screen 501 Game Field 502 User Character 503 Mark 504 marks 600 Event Information 601 Information Code B Bus Line N Network

Claims

1. a storage means for storing participation status information regarding a participation status of a user in an event occurring area in association with the event occurring area that is set at a position in the virtual game space corresponding to a position in the real space; a congestion determination means for determining whether or not the event occurrence area is in a congested state based on the participation status information; an area control means for canceling a setting of the event occurrence area in the virtual game space when it is determined that the area is congested; An information processing device comprising:

2. when it is determined that the area control means is in a congested state, setting, in the virtual game space, another event occurrence area different from the event occurrence area. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the participation status information stored in the storage means includes a number of event participants, which is the number of users participating in the event among users within an event occurrence area; the congestion determination means determines whether or not the event is in a crowded state by determining whether or not the number of participants in the event has reached a predetermined number; 3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the participation status information stored in the storage means includes an area number, which is the number of users in an event occurrence area; The congestion determination means determines whether the area is in a crowded state by determining whether the number of people in the area has reached a predetermined number.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the area control means sets another event occurrence area within a predetermined range from a position in the virtual game space where the congested event occurrence area is set; The information processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. when it is determined that the area control means is in a congested state, set a plurality of event occurrence areas different from the event occurrence area in the virtual game space; an event control means for executing a process of giving preferential treatment to a user who participates in an event in another event occurrence area that satisfies a preferential treatment condition, among the multiple other event occurrence areas that are set; The information processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, comprising:

7. an event control means for determining whether or not a single group can be created by a plurality of users in at least one of the plurality of event occurrence areas, and creating a single group by supplementing users outside the event occurrence area when it is determined that a single group cannot be created; The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:

8. Even if the event control means determines that one group can be created by a plurality of users in the event occurrence area, the event control means adds, to the one group, a user outside the event occurrence area who has a friend relationship with any of the users in the one group. The information processing device according to claim 7.

9. Computer, a storage means for storing participation status information relating to a participation status of an event by a user within an event occurrence area, in association with the event occurrence area set at a position in the virtual game space corresponding to a position in the real space; a congestion determination means for determining whether or not the event occurrence area is in a congested state based on the participation status information; an area control means for canceling the setting of the event occurrence area in the virtual game space when it is determined that the area is congested; A program to function as a

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