Customer guidance system and customer guidance program

Abstract

To appropriately guide a player to a crane game device.SOLUTION: A customer guidance system identifies content that is pre-associated with an operational object, based on detection of a predetermined operation by a player, and introduces to the player an item acquisition game device that stores a prize corresponding to the identified content.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for guiding customers to an external service such as an article acquisition game device.

Background Art

[0002] Many game centers are equipped with crane game devices (article acquisition game devices). A stage (game field) is provided inside the housing of the crane game device, and prizes (articles) such as stuffed toys and snacks are placed thereon. The player operates a crane (acquisition mechanism) by making full use of a joystick or various buttons. If the player can grab a prize with the crane and move the prize to the drop hole, the player can acquire the prize (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 2 proposes a technique for managing the flow from the provision to the acquisition of prizes. If it is possible to accurately grasp the prizes stored in each of a large number of crane game devices installed in a large number of stores, it is considered that it becomes easier to propose to the player which store has how many of the prizes the player wants.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As a result of studying a technique for proposing a game center (store) or a crane game device to a player, the inventors of the present invention have grasped what kind of prizes the player (customer) is interested in, or what kind of prizes the player is likely to be interested in, and have considered that a technique for guiding the player so that the player can promptly challenge to acquire a prize is necessary.

[0006] The present invention is an invention completed based on the above recognition by the inventors, and its main object is to provide a technology for appropriately guiding a player to an external service such as a crane game device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A customer guidance system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a content specifying unit that specifies content corresponding to an operation target based on detection of a predetermined operation from a player, a search unit that specifies an article acquisition game device that stores a prize corresponding to the specified content as an introduction target, and an introduction unit that introduces the specified article acquisition game device to the player.

[0008] A customer guidance system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a content specifying unit that specifies content based on detection of a predetermined operation from a player in a first service, a search unit that specifies a second service corresponding to the content as an introduction target based on the specified content, and an introduction unit that introduces the specified second service within the first service.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it becomes easier to appropriately guide a player to an external service such as a crane game device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the customer guidance method in the present embodiment. The game image capturing device 100 is generally called a purikura (registered trademark), and is a device for the player to capture an image of himself / herself and perform various effects and processing on the captured image. Hereinafter, the captured image after the player performs effects and processing is referred to as a "game image".

[0012] The crane game device 102 is classified as a "prize game machine" among arcade game machines, and is a game machine for the player to operate a prize acquisition unit such as a crane to acquire a prize. Examples of prizes include plush toys of popular comic characters.

[0013] The game image capturing device 100 may "cooperate" with copyright holders such as original authors and publishers and use the content managed by the cooperation partner. For example, when the cooperation partner manages character A, the game image capturing device 100 can create a game image using stamps and mounts of character A. Similarly, the crane game device 102 may also cooperate with copyright holders and use the content managed by the cooperation partner. When the cooperation partner manages character A, the crane game device 102 can provide the plush toy of character A as a prize.

[0014] The gaming image capturing device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is associated with a character identified as character ID (content ID) = C01 (hereinafter referred to as "character (C01)"). In the following, when the copyright owner of the character (C01) and the gaming image capturing device 100 collaborate, it is said that "the gaming image capturing device 100 is associated with the character (C01)". The same applies to the crane game device 102. To describe the image more specifically, assume that the character (C01) is a fictional small animal named "Mamelo".

[0015] The player installs dedicated application software (hereinafter referred to as "pre-app") corresponding to the gaming image capturing device 100 on the user terminal 104. At this time, a player ID is assigned to the player. The user terminal 104 may be a known communication terminal such as a smartphone or a laptop PC. The created gaming images are not only printed from the gaming image capturing device 100 but also uploaded to a pre-class server 106 (see FIG. 2) described later. If the pre-app is installed, the player can download the gaming images from the pre-class server 106 to the user terminal 104. Hereinafter, the gaming image capturing device 100 associated with the character (C01: Mamelo) may be referred to as "gaming image capturing device 100 (C01: Mamelo)". The same applies to the crane game device 102.

[0016] It is also assumed that the crane game device 102 shown in FIG. 1 is associated with Mamelo. The crane game device 102 (C01: Mamelo) stores a Mamelo stuffed toy as a prize. When the player downloads the gaming image (C01: Mamelo) from the pre-class server 106 to the user terminal 104, a screen introducing the crane game device 102 (C01: Mamelo) is displayed on the user terminal 104. By introducing the crane game device 102 (C01: Mamelo) where a Mamelo stuffed toy can be obtained, the possibility that players who like Mamelo will also challenge the crane game device 102 (C01: Mamelo) can be increased.

[0017] The player of the game image capturing device 100 may never have experienced the crane game device 102. If a player is interested in Mamelo, there is a possibility that they may want to challenge the crane game device 102 that has partnered with Mamelo. In this way, by guiding the players of the game image capturing device 100 to the crane game device 102 starting from the common content of "Mamelo", the game experience of the players can be expanded. Hereinafter, when there is no particular distinction between a player of the game image capturing device 100 (referred to as "P player") and a player of the crane game device 102 (referred to as "C player"), they will simply be referred to as "players".

[0018] Figure 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the customer guidance system 200. In the customer guidance system 200, a plurality of game image capturing devices 100, a plurality of crane game devices 102, a plurality of user terminals 104, a pre-class server 106, a customer guidance server 108, and a crane server 110 are interconnected via the Internet 112.

[0019] The user terminal 104a has installed a pre-app 114 and a crane app 116, which is dedicated application software corresponding to the crane server 110. On the other hand, only the pre-app 114 is installed on the user terminal 104n.

[0020] The pre-class server 106 provides various services related to game images in cooperation with the game image capturing device 100 and the pre-app 114. Specifically, game images are uploaded from the game image capturing device 100 to the pre-class server 106. The P player can download game images from the pre-class server 106 to the user terminal 104 via the user interface provided by the pre-app 114.

[0021] The crane server 110 provides various services related to the crane game in cooperation with the crane game device 102 and the crane application 116. Specifically, the crane server 110 transmits a coupon to the C player through the crane application 116. The coupon in this embodiment is, for example, a right (credit) to play the crane game. The C player can play the crane game once for free by using the coupon.

[0022] In addition, the crane server 110 provides a prize search service using the character's name, genre, etc. as a search key, and notifies the user terminal 104 of a store that has a crane game machine 102 that can provide the prize desired by the player. The crane server 110 also provides a store search service using the store name entered by the player as a search key, and notifies the user terminal 104 of the location of the store desired by the player. Alternatively, the crane server 110 may obtain location information of the user terminal 104 owned by the player, and notify the user terminal 104 of stores near the player.

[0023] The game image photographing devices 100 and the crane game machines 102 are installed in various stores. The customer guidance server 108 cooperates with the Purikura server 106, the crane server 110, the game image photographing devices 100, the crane game machines 102, and the user terminals 104 to guide the P players to the crane game machines 102. In this embodiment, the Purikura server 106, the customer guiding server 108 and the crane server 110 are described as being separate devices, however, the Purikura server 106 may also serve as the function of the customer guiding server 108, or the customer guiding server 108, the customer guiding server 108 and the crane server 110 may be configured as a single device.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the customer guiding server 108 and the user terminal 104. As shown in FIG. Each component of the customer guidance server 108 and the user terminal 104 is realized by hardware including arithmetic units such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various coprocessors, storage devices such as memory and storage, and wired or wireless communication lines connecting them, and software stored in the storage device and supplying processing instructions to the arithmetic unit. The computer program may be composed of a device driver, an operating system, various application programs located in upper layers thereof, and a library providing common functions to these programs. Each block described below indicates a block of a functional unit, not a configuration of a hardware unit.

[0025] (Customer guidance server 108) The customer guidance server 108 includes a communication unit 120, a data processing unit 118, and a data storage unit 122. The communication unit 120 is responsible for communication with external devices such as the user terminal 104. The data storage unit 122 stores various data. The data processing unit 118 executes various processes based on the data received by the communication unit 120 and the data stored in the data storage unit 122. The data processing unit 118 also functions as an interface between the communication unit 120 and the data storage unit 122.

[0026] The communication unit 120 includes a transmission unit 130 that transmits data and a reception unit 132 that receives data. The reception unit 132 includes an ID reception unit 134. When the user terminal 104 downloads a game image from the pre-class server 106, it receives a game machine ID (hereinafter referred to as "RID") that identifies the game image capturing device 100, a character ID (hereinafter also referred to as "CID") of a character associated with the game image capturing device 100, and a store ID (hereinafter also referred to as "FID") of the store where the game image capturing device 100 is installed, and transmits the RID, CID, and FID to the customer guidance server 108. The ID reception unit 134 receives these IDs from the user terminal 104.

[0027] The data processing unit 118 includes a search unit 124, a privilege unit 126, and a presentation unit 128. The search unit 124 searches for stores where the crane game device 102 recommended for the player is installed by the method described later. Hereinafter, the crane game device 102 recommended for the player is referred to as a "recommended machine", and the store where the recommended machine is installed is referred to as a "recommended store". The privilege unit 126 grants privileges available on the recommended machine (crane game device 102) to the player. The privilege in this embodiment is, for example, a coupon available on the recommended machine. The presentation unit 128 causes the user terminal 104 to display a presentation screen (described later) for presenting the recommended machine and the recommended store. More specifically, the presentation unit 128 causes the user terminal 104 to display the presentation screen by transmitting the web page of the presentation screen from the transmission unit 130 to the user terminal 104.

[0028] (User terminal 104) The user terminal 104 includes a user interface processing unit 136, a data processing unit 140, a communication unit 138, and a data storage unit 142. The user interface processing unit 136 is responsible for processing related to the user interface, such as receiving operations from the player and performing image display and audio output. The data storage unit 142 stores various data. The data processing unit 140 executes various processes based on the input data from the user interface processing unit 136 and the data stored in the data storage unit 142. The communication unit 138 is responsible for communication with external devices such as the customer guidance server 108. The data processing unit 140 also functions as an interface for the user interface processing unit 136, the communication unit 138, and the data storage unit 142.

[0029] The user interface processing unit 136 includes an input unit 144 that receives input from the player and an output unit 146 that outputs various information.

[0030] The communication unit 138 includes a transmission unit 148 that transmits various data and a reception unit 150 that receives various data.

[0031] The data processing unit 140 includes a content identification unit 152. When downloading a game image from the pre-server 106, the content identification unit 152 detects an ID such as an RID added to the game image.

[0032] Figure 4 is a data structure diagram of the gaming machine partnership information 160. The following gaming machine partnership information 160, store location information 170, and crane machine partnership information 180 constitute "store data". The gaming machine partnership information 160 (store data) is stored in the data storage unit 122 of the customer guidance server 108. The gaming machine partnership information 160 associates the RID (gaming machine ID) of the game image capturing device 100 with the FID (store ID) of the store where the game image capturing device 100 is installed. Also, in the gaming machine partnership information 160, the CID (character ID) of the character with which the game image capturing device 100 is partnered and the partnership period are also associated.

[0033] According to the gaming machine partnership information 160, game image capturing devices 100 (R01) to 100 (R03) are installed in store (F01). The game image capturing device 100 (R01) and the game image capturing device 100 (R02) are associated with the character (C01: Mamelo), and the partnership period for both is "from May 1, 2023 to October 30, 2023". That is, the game image capturing device 100 (R01) and the game image capturing device 100 (R02) are set to be able to use stamps and the like related to the character (C01: Mamelo) during the partnership period. On the other hand, the game image capturing device 100 (R03) of store (F01) is not associated with any character.

[0034] The game image capturing device 100 (R04) of store (F02) is associated with the character (C02). Since the partnership period is not set, it is always available. Also, the game image capturing device 100 (R07) of store (F02) is partnered with the same character (C01: Mamelo) as the game image capturing device 100 (R01), but the partnership period is different from that of the game image capturing device 100 (R01).

[0035] The arcade machine cooperation information 160 may be managed by the pre-class server 106 instead of the customer guidance server 108. In this case, the customer guidance server 108 may receive the latest arcade machine cooperation information 160 from the pre-class server 106 periodically.

[0036] Characters may be associated on a store-by-store basis rather than for each game image capturing device 100. For example, when a store (F04) cooperates with a character (C03), it may be assumed that all the game image capturing devices 100 installed in the store (F03) are associated with the character (C03).

[0037] Figure 5 is a data structure diagram of the store location information 170. The store location information 170 (store data) is stored in the data storage unit 122 of the customer guidance server 108. The store location information 170 is registered by associating an FID (store ID) with its location. For example, store (F01) is in Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, store (F02) is in Suita City, Osaka Prefecture. Store (F05) is located in Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, the same as store (F01). In addition, the customer guidance server 108 also holds detailed map information covering the locations of the stores.

[0038] Figure 6 is a data structure diagram of the crane machine cooperation information 180. The crane machine cooperation information 180 (store data) is stored in the data storage unit 122 of the customer guidance server 108. The crane machine cooperation information 180 associates a crane machine ID (hereinafter also referred to as "HID") that identifies the crane game device 102 with the FID (store ID) of the store where the crane game device 102 is installed. Also, the CID (character ID) of the character with which the crane game device 102 is cooperating and the cooperation period are also registered in the crane machine cooperation information 180.

[0039] According to the Crane Machine Partnership Information 180, a Crane Game Device 102 (H01) and a Crane Game Device 102 (H02) are installed in the store (F01: Okayama City). The Crane Game Device 102 (H01) is associated with the character (C01: Mamelo), and the partnership period is "from April 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023". That is, in the Crane Game Device 102 (H01), it is possible to obtain prizes related to the character (C01: Mamelo) during the partnership period. On the other hand, the Crane Game Device 102 (H02) is not associated with any character. The Crane Game Device 102 (H07) in the store (F05: Okayama City) is also associated with the character (C01: Mamelo).

[0040] The Crane Machine Partnership Information 180 may be managed by the Crane Server 110 instead of the Customer Guidance Server 108. In this case, the Customer Guidance Server 108 may receive the latest Crane Machine Partnership Information 180 from the Crane Server 110 regularly.

[0041] Characters may be associated on a store-by-store basis rather than for each Crane Game Device 102. For example, if the store (F08) partners with the character (C07), it may be assumed that all the Crane Game Devices 102 installed in the store (F08) store prizes related to the character (C07).

[0042] Figure 7 is a screen diagram of the Introduction Screen 190. Here, it is assumed that the player (P01) with the Player ID = P01 enjoys taking pictures with the Game Image Shooting Device 100 (R01: C01) in the store (F01) and downloads the game image on June 2, 2023 for explanation. The Introduction Screen 190 is displayed on the User Terminal 104 when the player (P01) downloads the game image. The Introduction Screen 190 is a web page independently provided by the Customer Guidance Server 108. For example, the Introduction Screen 190 is displayed as part of the functions of the Pre-App 114.

[0043] The gaming image capturing device 100 (R01:C01) of the store (F01) is associated with a character (C01: Mamelo) (see Fig. 4). The gaming image capturing device 100 (R01) adds FID = F01, RID = R01, and CID = C01 to the gaming image. The content specifying unit 152 of the user terminal 104 specifies each ID based on the additional information of the gaming image.

[0044] The transmission unit 148 of the user terminal 104 (P01) transmits CID, R01, and FID to the customer guidance server 108 together with the player ID. The search unit 124 of the customer guidance server 108 specifies the stores that cooperate with the character (C01: Mamelo) based on the notified CID = C01. More specifically, the search unit 124 refers to the gaming machine cooperation information 160 and specifies the crane game device 102 that is associated with the character (C01: Mamelo) and is within the cooperation period as a "recommended candidate machine". Next, among the stores where the recommended candidate machines are installed (hereinafter referred to as "recommended candidate stores"), the store (F01) where the gaming image capturing device 100 (R01) is installed satisfies a predetermined "location condition", and the store where the number of prizes related to the character (C01: Mamelo) is equal to or more than a predetermined reference number is specified.

[0045] The location condition in this embodiment means that the crane game device 102 is in the same store as the gaming image capturing device 100 that captured the gaming image. Since the crane game device 102 (H01:C01) which is a recommended candidate machine is installed in the store (F01), the crane game device 102 (H01:C01) satisfies the location condition for the gaming image capturing device 100 (R01). If there is no recommended candidate machine in the same store, the search unit 124 refers to the store information store location information 170 and specifies the stores within the same city as the recommended candidate stores. For example, since both the store (F01) and the store (F05) are stores within Okayama City, the store (F05) becomes a recommended candidate store. In this case, the crane game device 102 (H07:C01) installed in the store (F05) becomes a recommended candidate machine. Thus, for the location condition, being in the same store is prioritized, and when there is no recommended candidate machine in the same store, the recommended candidate machine is searched from the stores within the same city.

[0046] As other location conditions, the crane game device 102 in the player's neighboring store may be specified as a recommendation device. Specifically, the search unit 124 may obtain location information from the user terminal 104, refer to the store location information 170, and search for candidate stores for recommendation in order from the store closest to the player's current location.

[0047] The crane server 110 manages the inventory quantities of various prizes in each store. The customer guidance server 108 confirms with the crane server 110 the inventory quantity of the prize related to the character (C01: Beans) for the candidate stores for recommendation. The search unit 124 specifies stores with the inventory quantity of the corresponding prize being a predetermined reference number, for example, 10 or more, as candidate stores for recommendation.

[0048] Here, assume that the search unit 124 finally selects the crane game device 102 (H01: C01) in the store (F01) as the recommendation device. The introduction unit 128 causes the recommendation text 196 for recommending playing the crane game, the prize image 192 of the prize (C01: Beans) stored in the crane game device 102 (H01), the map image 194 indicating the location of the store (F01), and the privilege button 198 to be displayed on the introduction screen 190 on the user terminal 104. In the present embodiment, the introduction unit 128 specifies the crane game device 102 that satisfies various conditions such as location conditions from a plurality of crane game devices 102 as a recommendation device and introduces it together with the recommended store. The introduction unit 128 may introduce only the recommended store or the prize instead of introducing the recommendation device.

[0049] When the player (P01) touches the privilege button 198, the transmission unit 130 of the customer guidance server 108 issues a coupon that can be used in the crane game device 102 (H01). This coupon can be used only at the recommendation device or the recommended store.

[0050] As another example, when the bonus button 198 is selected in the pre-app 114, the user terminal 104 may change the active app from the pre-app 114 to the crane app 116 by a URL scheme. The customer guidance server 108 may issue a coupon that can be used in the crane game machine 102 (H01) to the crane app 116 instead of the pre-app 114. In this case, the crane app 116, instead of the pre-app 114, may display information such as the map image 194 about the crane game machine 102 (H02).

[0051] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the process of customer guidance. Here, we will assume that a player (P01) takes a picture of a game image with a game image shooting device 100 (R01:C01) and is then introduced to a crane game device 102 (H01:C01) that is affiliated with a character (C01:Mamelo).

[0052] After playing on the game image photographing device 100 (R01), the player (P01) downloads game images from the Purikura server 106 (S10). More specifically, the transmission unit 148 of the user terminal 104 (P01) transmits a download request including the player ID to the Purikura server 106, and the Purikura server 106 transmits to the user terminal 104 game images designated by the player (P01) as download targets from among the game images associated with the player (P01). These game images include various IDs such as FID as additional information.

[0053] The content identification unit 152 of the user terminal 104 (P01) detects the FID, RID, and CID from the additional information, and the transmission unit 148 notifies the customer guidance server 108 of these IDs and the player ID in addition to these IDs (S12). The search unit 124 of the customer guidance server 108 searches for the crane game device 102 (partner device) associated with the character (C01) as a recommended candidate device based on the notified CID and the crane machine partnership information 180 (S14). In the case of the character (C01: Mamelo), the crane game device 102 (H01) and the crane game device 102 (H07) are applicable (see FIG. 6).

[0054] The search unit 124 searches for a crane game device 102 located in the same store as the game image capturing device 100 (R01) among the recommended candidate devices (S16). At this stage, the crane game device 102 (H01: F01) becomes the only recommended candidate device. When there is no recommended candidate device in the same store, the recommended candidate device is searched for within the same city.

[0055] Next, the search unit 124 checks the partnership period of the recommended candidate device and checks whether it is during the partnership period at the time of downloading the game image (S18). If it is not during the partnership period, it is excluded from the recommended candidate devices. Finally, the search unit 124 checks the stock quantity of the prizes related to the character (C01: Mamelo) at the store where the recommended candidate device is installed (S20). If the stock quantity is less than the reference quantity, the crane game device 102 of this store is excluded from the recommended candidate devices. Here, it is assumed that the crane game device 102 (H01) is finally specified as the recommended device.

[0056] The introduction unit 128 generates an introduction screen 190 for introducing the crane game device 102 (H01), and the transmission unit 130 of the customer guidance server 108 transmits introduction information including the web page of the introduction screen 190 to the user terminal 104 (P01) (S22). The output unit 146 of the user terminal 104 (P01) displays the introduction screen 190 on the screen (S24).

[0057] When player (P01) touches the privilege button 198 on the introduction screen 190, the user terminal 104 (P01) sends the player ID, the HID of the crane game device 102 (H02), and the FID of the store (F01) where the crane game device 102 (H02) is installed to the customer guidance server 108. The privilege section 126 of the customer guidance server 108 registers in the data storage section 122 by associating the player ID with this coupon.

[0058] After the coupon is registered, player (P01) holds the QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the pre - app 114 of the user terminal 104 in front of the crane game device 102 (H02) which is a recommendation machine. This QR code (registered trademark) contains the player ID. The crane game device 102 (H02) reads the player ID from the QR code (registered trademark) and sends it to the customer guidance server 108. When the coupon is associated with player (P01), the privilege section 126 of the customer guidance server 108 notifies the crane game device 102 (H02) of play permission, and the crane game device 102 (H02) permits player (P01) to play.

[0059] As another example, the crane game device 102 (H02) may display a QR code (registered trademark) including the crane machine ID = H02 on a screen attached to the housing. After coupon registration, player (P01) uses the user terminal 104 to image the QR code (registered trademark) of the crane game device 102 (H02) and sends the crane machine ID = H02 together with the player ID = P01 to the customer guidance server 108. When the coupon of the crane game device 102 (H02) is associated with player (P01), the privilege section 126 of the customer guidance server 108 causes a "Use coupon" button (not shown) to be displayed on the crane app 116 of the user terminal 104 (P02). When player (P01) selects this "Use coupon" button, the customer guidance server 108 may notify the crane game device 102 (H02) of play permission, and the crane game device 102 (H02) may permit player (P01) to play.

[0060] [Summary] The customer guidance system 200 has been described above based on the embodiments. Players who like the character (C01: Mamelo) and like playing and taking pictures enjoy the game image capturing device 100 that partners with the character (C01: Mamelo). Even if this player has no interest in the crane game device 102, they might want to give it a try if it is the crane game device 102 that partners with the character (C01: Mamelo). In particular, the crane game device 102 often stores prizes that can only be obtained through the crane game. For players who like the character (C01: Mamelo), the crane game device 102 that stores such prizes is attractive.

[0061] From the fact that the player "enjoyed the game image capturing device 100 that partners with the character (C01: Mamelo)", it can be inferred that this player is interested in the character (C01: Mamelo). According to the customer guidance system 200 in this embodiment, through the character (C01: Mamelo), which is "something the player likes", players of the game image capturing device 100 can be efficiently guided to the crane game device 102.

[0062] Generally, after enjoying playing on the game image capturing device 100, players of the game image capturing device 100 often download the game images on the spot. The customer guidance server 108 preferentially selects, as recommended candidate devices, the crane game devices 102 that are in the same store as the game image capturing device 100, which is the source of introduction, among the plurality of crane game devices 102. Also, when there is no corresponding crane game device 102 in the same store, recommended candidate devices are selected from the crane game devices 102 in the same city. For this reason, players of the game image capturing device 100 can immediately play on the crane game device 102 that partners with the character they are aiming for.

[0063] The privilege department 126 also checks the inventory of prizes at the recommended candidate stores. The privilege department 126 also checks the cooperation period of the crane game device 102. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the possibility of inconveniences such as the desired prize being out of stock when the player visits the recommended store or the player being unable to challenge for prize acquisition because the cooperation period has ended.

[0064] In addition, since the player is given a coupon that can be used with the recommended machine, the player's motivation to challenge the crane game can be further enhanced. Conversely, even a C player who has no interest in the game image capturing device 100 may play the game image capturing device 100 because they want the coupon of the crane game device 102. For this reason, not only from the game image capturing device 100 to the crane game device 102, but also from the crane game device 102 to the game image capturing device 100, customers (players) can be induced.

[0065] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and components can be modified and embodied without departing from the gist. Various inventions may be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the above-described embodiments and modifications. Also, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the above-described embodiments and modifications.

[0066] [Modification Example] An expiration date may be set for the coupon. The privilege department 126 may issue a one-day limited coupon that can only be used on a specified date, or may issue a coupon that can be used only during the cooperation period of the recommended machine. Specifically, the privilege department 126 registers the coupon with an associated expiration date. When the player instructs the use of the coupon on the crane game device 102, the privilege department 126 permits the play of the crane game device 102 if the use date and time of the coupon are within the expiration date.

[0067] The stores where coupons can be used or the crane game devices 102 may be restricted. The privilege section 126 may specify the stores where coupons can be used or the crane game devices 102. The privilege section 126 may also specify the areas where coupons can be used. For example, a coupon that can be used in "Okayama City" can be used on the condition that it is for the crane game devices 102 installed in stores within Okayama City.

[0068] When the player succeeds in obtaining a prize, fails, or plays regardless of success or failure at the crane game device 102, the privilege section 126 may issue a coupon that can be used in the game image capturing device 100. According to such a control method, a player who is introduced to the crane game device 102 from the game image capturing device 100 and actually plays the crane game device 102 can enjoy the game image capturing device 100 again. As a result, it becomes easier to induce the player to enjoy both the game image capturing device 100 and the crane game device 102.

[0069] In this embodiment, the description has been made assuming the sending-off of players from the game image capturing device 100 to the crane game device 102. As a modification, as described above, players may be sent off from the crane game device 102 to the game image capturing device 100 in a similar manner. For example, when the player plays a crane game on a crane game device 102 that is in partnership with "Mamelo", the customer guidance server 108 may introduce the game image capturing device 100 that is in partnership with "Mamelo" to the user terminal 104.

[0070] The user terminal 104 in this embodiment may be a home game console.

[0071] The benefits are not limited to coupons. The benefit section 126 may grant the player the right to advantageously configure the crane game device 102. Specifically, the right to set the arm of the crane game device 102 to a stronger setting can be considered. In addition, the right to set the play fee of the crane game device 102 at a lower amount, the right to put special prizes into the crane game device 102, etc. may be granted as benefits. The special prize may be, for example, an acrylic stand of a bean sprout in a special color (such as gold), or a bean sprout plush toy with a special specification of clothing or pose.

[0072] The game image photographing device 100 and the crane game device 102 may be associated with a character, or may be associated with a comic or anime in which the character appears. The character does not necessarily have to be a fictional existence, and may be a real person such as an idol talent. For example, assume that the game image photographing device 100 (R10) is associated with the idol group X. In this case, the player of the game image photographing device 100 (R10) may be introduced to a crane game device 102 that stores a plush toy of a member (character) of the idol group X as a prize.

[0073] Alternatively, assume that the player creates a game image using the stamp of member Y1 of the idol group X in the game image photographing device 100 (R01). In this case, the search section 124 may introduce to the player a crane game device 102 that stores a plush toy of member Y1, rather than other members, as a prize.

[0074] In this embodiment, the case where the user terminal 104 downloads a game image from the pre - server 106 and then recommends the crane game device 102 to the P - player as a recommendation device is described. The operation that triggers the introduction of the crane game device 102 may be other than downloading. For example, when the P - player completes the creation of a game image with the game image capturing device 100, the introduction screen 190 may be displayed on the game image capturing device 100. Alternatively, when the P - player views a game image on the user terminal 104, when the P - player registers as a member with the game image capturing device 100, or when the pre - app is launched, it may be assumed that the introduction screen 190 is displayed.

[0075] In this embodiment, it is described that the position condition is satisfied when the game image capturing device 100 and the crane game device 102 are in the same store, or when the game image capturing device 100 and the crane game device 102 are in the same area. As a modification, the recommended candidate device may be selected based on the position information of the user terminal 104. The search unit 124 may identify the stores within a predetermined range from the location where the user terminal 104 downloads the game image as neighboring stores, and select the store where the recommended candidate device is installed as the recommended store and introduce it to the P - player. Alternatively, when the P - player registers for membership using the pre - app, the P - player may register their address, and the search unit 124 may identify the stores within a predetermined range from the P - player's address as neighboring stores.

[0076] The store manager may set recommended settings for one or more of the multiple crane game devices 102 installed in the store. For example, assume that the store manager of store (F15) sets recommended settings for the crane game device 102 (H13). At this time, the HID = H13 of the recommended crane game device 102 is transmitted from the store terminal (communication terminal) used by the store manager to the customer guidance server 108. The search unit 124 of the customer guidance server 108 marks (flags) the crane game device 102 with recommended settings in the crane machine partnership information 180. When a plurality of recommended candidate machines are detected, the privilege unit 126 may preferentially identify the crane game device 102 with recommended settings as the introduction target.

[0077] The search unit 124 may recommend the crane game device 102 that meets the most conditions among the multiple conditions for selecting a recommended machine. Alternatively, among the crane game devices 102 that meet a predetermined number or more of conditions, the crane game device 102 closest to the game image capturing device 100 may be selected as the recommended machine. The search unit 124 may display a plurality of recommended stores or a plurality of recommended machines on the introduction screen 190.

[0078] The content identification unit 152 may identify a character (content) based on the player's operation history on the user terminal 104. For example, when the player searches the web using "Mamelo" as a search keyword, when the player watches a video of Mamelo, or when the player orders goods related to Mamelo from a website, the content identification unit 152 identifies the character (C01: Mamelo). When the player plays a game in which Mamelo appears a predetermined number of times or more, the content identification unit 152 may also identify the character (C01: Mamelo). At this time, the search unit 124 may identify a recommended machine from the crane game device 102 associated with the character (C01: Mamelo).

[0079] The customer guidance server 108 may identify the gaming image capturing device 100 that should be the recommendation machine based on the search history, video viewing history, and order history performed in the crane app 116. As described above, the player can search for the crane game device 102 that stores the desired prize in the crane app 116. The customer guidance server 108 may identify the recommendation machine (gaming image capturing device 100) based on the character of the prize that was the search target at this time. The crane app 116 may provide introduction videos of various user terminals 104. The customer guidance server 108 may identify the character associated with the video to be viewed and introduce the gaming image capturing device 100 that partners with this character. The crane app 116 may provide an interface for purchasing character goods. The customer guidance server 108 may identify the gaming image capturing device 100 as the recommendation machine based on the order history at this time.

[0080] The content identification unit 152 may identify a character based on the type of software installed on the user terminal 104. For example, when a game in which Mamelo appears is installed on the user terminal 104, the content identification unit 152 may identify the character (C01: Mamelo) and may identify the crane game device 102 associated with the character (C01: Mamelo) as the recommendation machine. In addition to the game, the crane game device 102 (C01: Mamelo) may be introduced as the recommendation machine on the occasion of setting a Mamelo wallpaper or purchasing Mamelo LINE stamps.

[0081] In this embodiment, the description has been given assuming the guidance of customers from the gaming image capturing device 100 to the crane game device 102. However, the device serving as the starting point of the introduction is not limited to the gaming image capturing device 100. For example, players of other types of arcade game machines such as racing games and card games may be guided to the crane game device 102. Alternatively, players may be guided from one crane game device 102 to another crane game device 102. For example, players may be guided from a crane game device 102 that offers a plush toy of Mamelo wearing outfit A as a prize to another crane game device 102 that offers a plush toy of Mamelo wearing a different outfit B as a prize. In addition, players may be guided from a crane game device 102 that offers a plush toy of Mamelo as a prize to a crane game device 102 that offers a plush toy of a character that is a friend of Mamelo, that is, a character related to Mamelo, as a prize.

[0082] Not only in the case of guiding from other game devices to the crane game device 102, but players may also be guided from the crane game device 102 to other game devices. In addition, guidance from a game machine to something other than a game machine is also conceivable. For example, customers may be guided from a game machine in partnership with Mamelo to a café in partnership with Mamelo, or customers may be guided from a café to a game machine.

[0083] The customer guidance server 108 may link the player data of the pre-app 114 (game image capturing device 100) and the player data of the crane app 116 (crane game device 102). For example, when player P X1 registers as a player with the pre-class server 106, the pre-class server 106 notifies the customer guidance server 108 of the account information (name, address, etc.) of player P X1. When the same player registers as player C X1 with the crane server 110, the crane server 110 notifies the customer guidance server 108 of the account information of player C X1. The customer guidance server 108 is provided with a player management unit (not shown), and the player management unit determines the identity of the account information (player P) obtained from the pre-class server 106 and the account information (player C) obtained from the crane server 110, thereby determining that player X1 registered as a player with the pre-class server 106 and the crane server 110 respectively is the same person.

[0084] When the customer guidance server 108 determines that player P X1 of the game image capturing device 100 and player C X1 of the crane server 110 are the same person, it assigns a common player ID to player X1. Thereby, the player management unit of the customer guidance server 108 can collectively manage the play data related to the game image capturing device 100 of player P X1 and the play data related to the crane game device 102 of player C X1. The customer guidance server 108 refers to the play data about the game image capturing device 100 of player X1 (for example, which game image capturing device 100 the player played on), introduces the crane game device 102 as a recommended machine to the pre-app 114 of player P X, and may set a coupon for the recommended machine for the pre-app 114.

[0085] The content identification unit 152 of the user terminal 104 identifies content according to the operations of the player on application software such as the pre-application 114 and the crane application 116. The content identification unit 152 may be provided as a function of the customer guidance server 108 instead of the user terminal 104. The "operations of the player" mentioned here are assumed to include the selection of buttons displayed on the screen, the download of game images, search operations such as prize searches, installation operations, and the like.

[0086] For example, assume that the character "Mamelo" is identified as the content. At this time, the search unit 124 sends a query to the pre-class server 106 and the crane server 110 to search for whether there is a service partnered with "Mamelo". The pre-class server 106 etc. notify the customer guidance server 108 of the game image capturing device 100 etc. corresponding to "Mamelo" in response to the query, and the customer guidance server 108 may introduce the notified service to the player.

[0087] In this embodiment, the case of guiding the P player of the game image capturing device 100 as the first service to the crane game device 102 as the second service has been described. As described as a modification example, the first service may be the crane game device 102 and the second service may be the game image capturing device 100. The first service and the second service may be business game devices (arcade game machines) such as music games, may be packaged software in a home game machine, or may be social games that can be played on a smartphone. For example, a business game device named after "Mamelo" may be introduced to a player who has downloaded a social game partnered with "Mamelo".

[0088] The first service and the second service are not limited to games. For example, various services such as a hot spring facility, a hotel, a transportation vehicle such as an airplane or a bus, which are decorated in collaboration with "Mamelo" and named after Mamelo, may be coordinated. Specifically, a hotel that provides a room with a "Mamelo specification" such as a wallpaper or a pillow of "Mamelo" may be introduced to a player who has played with the play image photographing device 100 in collaboration with "Mamelo".

Explanation of symbols

[0089] 100 Play image photographing device, 102 Crane game device, 104 User terminal, 106 Print server, 108 Customer guidance server, 110 Crane server, 112 Internet, 114 Pre-print, 116 Crane application, 118 Data processing unit, 120 Communication unit, 122 Data storage unit, 124 Search unit, 126 Privilege unit, 128 Introduction unit, 130 Transmission unit, 132 Reception unit, 134 ID reception unit, 136 User interface processing unit, 138 Communication unit, 140 Data processing unit, 142 Data storage unit, 144 Input unit, 146 Output unit, 148 Transmission unit, 150 Reception unit, 152 Content identification unit, 160 Game machine cooperation information, 170 Store location information, 180 Crane machine cooperation information, 190 Introduction screen, 192 Prize image, 194 Map image, 196 Recommendation text, 198 Privilege button, 200 Customer guidance system

Claims

1. A content specifying unit that specifies content corresponding to an operation target based on detection of a predetermined operation from a player, A search unit that specifies, as an introduction target, an item acquisition game device that stores a prize corresponding to the specified content, An introduction unit that introduces the specified item acquisition game device to the player, and a customer guidance system comprising the same.

2. The search unit according to claim 1, wherein the search unit specifies, as an introduction target, an item acquisition game device that satisfies a predetermined position condition among one or more item acquisition game devices that store a prize corresponding to the specified content. Customer guidance system.

3. The search unit according to claim 1, wherein the search unit specifies, as an introduction target, an item acquisition game device that is installed in a store where the inventory number of the prize is equal to or more than a predetermined reference number among one or more item acquisition game devices that store a prize corresponding to the specified content. Customer guidance system.

4. The search unit according to claim 1, wherein the search unit specifies, as an introduction target, an item acquisition game device that stores a prize that is recommended and set in a store that satisfies a predetermined position condition among one or more prizes corresponding to the specified one or more contents. Customer guidance system.

5. The content specifying unit according to claim 1, wherein the content specifying unit specifies content from an operation history of a player on a predetermined user terminal. Customer guidance system.

6. The content specifying unit according to claim 1, wherein the content specifying unit specifies content based on software installed on a predetermined user terminal. Customer guidance system.

7. The customer guidance system according to claim 1, further comprising a privilege unit that provides a privilege available in the specified item acquisition game device to the player.

8. The search unit further refers to store data in which content and a cooperation period corresponding to the content are associated, and is installed in a store that is associated with the specified content and is in the cooperation period. The customer guidance system according to claim 1, wherein the item acquisition game device is specified as an introduction target.

9. A content specifying unit that specifies content based on detection of a predetermined operation from a player in a first service, A search unit that specifies, as an introduction target, a second service corresponding to the content based on the specification of the content. A customer guidance system comprising: a guidance unit that introduces the specified second service within the first service.

10. A function of specifying content corresponding to an operation target based on detection of a predetermined operation from a player, A function of specifying, as an introduction target, an article acquisition game device that stores a prize corresponding to the specified content, A customer guidance program that causes a computer to exhibit a function of introducing the specified article acquisition game device to a player.

11. A function of specifying content based on detection of a predetermined operation from a player in a first service, A function of specifying, as an introduction target, a second service corresponding to the content based on the content being specified, A customer guidance program that causes a computer to exhibit a function of introducing the specified second service within the first service.

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