Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program capable of giving a motivation for visiting a place associated with digital content.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: a place information acquisition unit 54 for acquiring place information in a real space associated with digital content that can be browsed by a user's terminal; and a game control unit 55 for generating a mission that can be achieved in a place associated with the digital content in a game different from the digital content when the digital content is displayed in the user's terminal so as to satisfy a predetermined condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electronic book game devices have been known that allow users to browse downloaded content such as manga, and provide events such as mini-games associated with the content to the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-196306 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, some avid fans of dramas, manga, and other content go on so-called pilgrimages to places related to the content (for example, filming locations or locations that served as models for the content). Because pilgrimages to sacred sites have the benefit of stimulating tourism demand and revitalizing local economies, they are being promoted by tourism operators and local governments as anime tourism. However, many people are not willing to spend time and money simply to visit places related to the content, so except for a few enthusiastic fans, they may not feel motivated to visit unless they have other purposes for visiting the place.

[0005] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can motivate users to visit places associated with digital content. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information in real space associated with digital content that can be viewed on a user's terminal, and a game control unit that, when the digital content is displayed on the user's terminal in a manner that satisfies predetermined conditions, generates a mission that can be completed in a location associated with the digital content in a game different from the digital content. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a game can be linked to a visit to a place associated with digital content, thereby providing an incentive to visit the place associated with the digital content. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an information processing system including an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a change in the first area on the game screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a change in the first area on the game screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a change in the first area on the game screen during cooperative play. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the functions of a digital content server. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of digital content information. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the functions of a game server. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of game information. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of mission information. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of spot information. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an information processing flow according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another information processing flow according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another information processing flow according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another information processing flow according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another information processing flow according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The information processing device, information processing method, and program of the present invention will be described below with reference to specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings. For ease of explanation, the following description may be given from the perspective of a GUI (Graphical User Interface). However, since the basic data processing technologies (communication / transmission technologies, data acquisition technologies, data recording technologies, data processing / analysis technologies, image processing technologies, visualization technologies, etc.) required to realize the content are well-known technologies, their description will be omitted.

[0010] <Summary of the Invention> An information processing system (hereinafter referred to as information processing system S) according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as this embodiment) is a computer system capable of providing users with an environment for using digital content (digital content service) and an environment for playing games (game service). As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system S is a communication system including an information processing device consisting of multiple server computers, for example, a server computer for digital content distribution (hereinafter referred to as a digital content server 10) and a server computer for game data distribution (hereinafter referred to as a game server 20), and a user terminal 30.

[0011] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the content provider who provides the digital content and the game provider who provides the game are separate businesses, and each service is provided to users by a plurality of different servers, namely, a digital content server 10 managed by the content provider and a game server 20 managed by the game provider. However, the content provider and the game provider may be the same business, and each service may be provided to users by using a common server (information processing device) that has the functions of both the digital content server 10 and the game server 20.

[0012] In this embodiment, a user is a person who uses the functions of the digital content server 10 and the game server 20, and more specifically, a person who can enjoy the benefits (services) provided by the functions of the digital content server 10 and the game server 20 by operating a predetermined device. In this embodiment, the predetermined device will be described taking the user terminal 30 as an example, but the predetermined device may be a device owned by the user, such as the user terminal 30, or a device installed in a store or the like that is not owned by the user but can be used by entering a PIN number, password, or the like when visiting the store or the like, or by making a deposit, or the like.

[0013] (Applications and Accounts) In this embodiment, in order to enjoy the digital content service and the game service, which is a different service from the digital content service, the user installs a dedicated application on the user terminal 30 for viewing (including browsing, the same applies below) the digital content or playing the game, and obtains an account to use each service and registers as a user (member). Specifically, digital content can be viewed on the user terminal 30, for example, by launching an application for viewing digital content (hereinafter referred to as a digital content app) installed on the user terminal 30. On the other hand, games can be played on the user terminal 30, for example, by launching an application for playing games (hereinafter referred to as a game app) installed on the user terminal 30.

[0014] The digital content app and the game app are different application software, and each app runs independently to perform its own function. The functions of each app enable the user to view or play digital content or games provided by the digital content server 10 or the game server 20 on the user terminal 30. Specifically, based on the information or data received from the digital content server 10 or the game server 20, the information or data is displayed, played, or output in other manner to the user terminal 30, so that the user can view content on a content viewing screen while the digital content app is running, and play a game on a game play screen while the game app is running.

[0015] In this embodiment, the digital content app and the game app can be linked to each other; in other words, the digital content and the game can be associated with each other. To explain in more detail, when viewing digital content, the user downloads the digital content app and obtains an account for viewing the digital content (hereinafter, "digital content account"). When playing a game, the user downloads the game app and obtains an account for playing the game (hereinafter, "game account"). The user then operates the user terminal 30 to perform predetermined settings (hereinafter, "linkage settings") to link these accounts. This allows the digital content app and the game app to be linked, and the digital content account and the game account to be associated with each other. Accounts that can be linked do not have to have a one-to-one relationship, but may have a one-to-many or many-to-many relationship. Linking can be performed at any time, and the specific procedure for linking can be unlimited. For example, when registering one account after registering another account, the application may be linked by linking the already registered account. Regarding these accounts, a user may obtain a digital content account and a game account separately, or may obtain a common account that is common to both. In this embodiment, however, an example will be given of a case in which a digital content account and a game account are obtained and used separately.

[0016] (Digital Content) Digital content is information or data that can be used by users in digital content services, and includes video and audio, including moving and still images, that can be viewed by users on user terminal 30. In this embodiment, manga will be described as an example of digital content, but digital content is not limited to manga. For example, video works such as movies, dramas, and animations, novels, videos of sports games, music, seminars, news, blogs, social media, and advertisements are also included in the digital content. Digital content may also be related to games. For example, animations and manga featuring game characters (including, for example, derivative works derived from the game or the original game), and sports videos in the same genre as the game (for example, videos of professional baseball games in the case of professional baseball games) are included in the digital content related to games.

[0017] In this embodiment, when a user performs an operation to view digital content on the user terminal 30, for example, an operation to select and play any content on a content selection screen serving as a standby screen, the user terminal 30 receives data for playing the digital content distributed from a server computer of the content provider, i.e., the digital content server 10. The user terminal 30 outputs video and audio corresponding to the received data, and the user views the video and audio displayed on the content viewing screen. The user terminal 30 also transmits data indicating the user's operation to the digital content server 10, and the digital content server 10 transmits data for playing the content corresponding to the user's operation. This type of data transmission and reception between the digital content server 10 and the user terminal 30 is repeated while the user is playing and viewing content.

[0018] In this embodiment, users can purchase or rent digital content to view, and a purchase history or rental history is managed for each user. Furthermore, a viewing history of digital content for each user, such as which volume and which episode has been viewed, or how many times episode X has been viewed, is also managed. Digital content is made up of parts such as volume XX, episode XX, page XX, frame XX, and a specific scene (one scene), and these parts, for example, volume 1, episode 1, page 1, frame 1, correspond to the first part of the present invention. The first part may also span multiple volumes, episodes, pages, or frames, and for example, volume 2, episode 3, pages 4-5, etc. may correspond to the first part of the present invention. Note that the above is an example for a manga, but in the case of animation, drama, etc., a time range such as from minute XX to minute XX may also correspond to the first part.

[0019] Digital content may have locations in real space associated with it, so-called sacred places (hereafter referred to as sacred places). There may be one sacred place for a digital content, or multiple sacred places. A sacred place may be associated with the entire digital content, or it may be associated with a part of the digital content, such as Volume 1, Chapter 1, Page 1, Panel 1. In addition, locations in real space associated with digital content are not limited to locations that actually appear in the digital content, but also include, for example, locations associated with the author, locations from which characters are named, locations where many fans of a store or the like gather, and locations where events such as an XX exhibition related to the digital content have been held.

[0020] In this embodiment, a game corresponding to the digital content exists, and a user may be able to view the digital content (including a portion of the digital content) in relation to the game's play history or play results. For example, as will be described later, in a game, when a mission associated with the digital content is completed, the user may be able to view the digital content corresponding to the mission as a reward. Furthermore, if the user's current location in real space is near a sacred place for a certain digital content, the user may be able to view the digital content associated with the sacred place. Note that "available to view" here includes both the case where the content can be viewed for free as is and the case where the content can be purchased for viewing. Also, "available to view" includes digital content that has not yet been released to the general public (pre-release) or has not yet been made public (limited release).

[0021] (game) A game is content that a user plays by operating the user terminal 30 while viewing the screen on the user terminal 30 for game play, and in this embodiment, it is an online game (electronic game) provided using the information processing system S. Online games include browser games that use a web browser, social games provided on SNS (Social Networking Services), games that can be played by downloading dedicated application software such as mobile games, and regularly updated online games such as play-by-web (PBW). Although the genre (classification) of the game is not particularly limited, in this embodiment, we will use location-based games as an example for explanation, and below, when we simply refer to games, we will assume that this includes location-based games.

[0022] Location-based games are games in which a character or other game medium corresponding to a user moves on a map created in a space such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), or mixed reality (MR) based on location information such as the user's physical distance traveled in real space and their current location (coordinate position such as latitude and longitude), and the game progresses as the user completes various game events such as quests that occur at various locations on the map. In this specification, the term "map" refers to a map within a game, and refers to a two-dimensional or three-dimensional diagram within a space such as augmented reality, virtual reality, or mixed reality, created based on information corresponding to the geography of real space. Virtual objects are arranged on the map, reflecting the location, size, and shape of geographical elements, roads, buildings, etc., in real space.

[0023] In this embodiment, when a user performs an operation for playing a game on the user terminal 30, the user terminal 30 receives data for progressing through the game distributed from the server computer of the game provider, i.e., the game server 20. The user terminal 30 outputs video and audio corresponding to the received data, and the user progresses through the game while checking the output video and audio. The user terminal 30 also transmits data indicating the user's operation to the game server 20, and the game server 20 transmits data for progressing through the game corresponding to the user's operation. This type of data transmission and reception between the game server 20 and the user terminal 30 is repeated until the user finishes playing the game.

[0024] In the game of this embodiment, a user can acquire (obtain) and own (possess) game media, and can use or consume the game media they own as game assets. That is, a user uses the game media they own to play game components called game events, such as quests, lotteries, and missions. These game media can be acquired by completing missions, or by playing or clearing quests. They can also be acquired by purchasing them from an in-game shop or by playing lotteries.

[0025] Game media are game objects that users can use to progress through a game, including playing the game, such as characters, items, cards, and avatars used in the game. Game media also include in-game currencies, such as points, coins, gold, or stones, which have value that can be exchanged for other game media, such as items or characters, in the game, or consumed to play quests, lotteries, etc. In-game currencies include paid in-game currencies that can be acquired by paying a fee, and free in-game currencies that can be acquired without paying a fee.

[0026] A quest is one of the game events played by a user, and is played using a character owned by the user with the objective of clearing the quest by meeting set clearing conditions. In this embodiment, multiple quests are set, and the content of each quest (for example, play conditions, difficulty level, enemy characters that appear, clearing conditions or clearing rewards, etc.) differs. When a user clears a quest, the user can obtain game media such as a character or item associated with the cleared quest as a reward for clearing the quest, or the right to play a special game, a special quest, or a special game event such as a special lottery. Special game events include special quests that cannot normally be played, special quests in which special game media is set as a reward for clearing the quest, special lotteries in which there is a chance of winning special game media, or access to a special shop where special game media can be purchased.

[0027] The lottery is a game event with a random item provision system, known as gacha, and is conducted in response to a user's request for game media (lottery request) while playing the game. Specifically, the lottery is a mechanism that utilizes chance to provide game media such as characters and items to the user, and one or a predetermined number of game media are selected randomly or according to a predetermined lottery probability from a set to which multiple game media belong (a table in which multiple game media are associated with their respective lottery probabilities).

[0028] A mission is one of the game events that occurs during gameplay, and is played with the aim of clearing the mission by using a character owned by the user and meeting set achievement conditions. When a mission occurs, the user can play the game to complete the mission. When a user completes a mission, similar to the above-described reward for completing a quest, the user may obtain a reward (benefit) such as a game content, such as a character or an item, associated with the completed mission, or the right to play a special game event, such as a special game, a special quest, or a special lottery. In this embodiment, the mission corresponds to a collaboration event with digital content. Therefore, as a reward for completing the mission, the user may have the possibility of obtaining a game content, such as a special character or a special item, associated with the digital content of the collaboration partner.

[0029] A mission occurs when the digital content is displayed in a manner that satisfies a predetermined condition, that is, when the user views the digital content in a manner that satisfies the predetermined condition. The specified conditions here, i.e., the conditions for the mission to occur, include, for example, when the first part included in the digital content is displayed for the first time (first time viewing), when it is displayed N times (when viewed N times), or when it is displayed for S seconds (when viewed for S seconds).

[0030] In this embodiment, when a user satisfies the above mission occurrence conditions in the digital content app, a mission related to the digital content viewed in the digital content app occurs in the game corresponding to the digital content. That is, a first digital content (e.g., manga X) corresponds to a first game (e.g., game Y). The content of the mission that occurs is to arrive in real space at a location (spot) associated with the digital content called a sacred place (including approaching within a predetermined distance; the same applies below), or to play or complete a game event, such as a quest, that occurs upon arrival at the spot. That is, a first spot (e.g., ABC Tower) associated with the first digital content is set in the first game, and the user heads to the destination, ABC Tower, the sacred place of manga X. The user may launch a game app and play game Y while heading to the sacred place, or may launch the game app and start playing game Y when approaching the sacred place. In this case, the mission may be completed simply by the user arriving at the sacred place, or the mission may not be completed unless the user plays or completes a game event, such as a quest, that occurs upon arrival at the sacred place. In this way, the content of a mission may correspond to a quest, and in this sense, quests are also included in the broad definition of missions.

[0031] The above case is one in which the user knows where the sacred place (a spot in a game mission) is located. On the other hand, for example, in the case of a location that does not actually appear in the digital content, the user may not know where the real-world destination corresponding to the mission spot is. In such a case, an area surrounding the sacred place (first spot) that is the final destination that the user is not aware of (for example, District D where the sacred place ABC Tower is located) may be set as the first area. In other words, the first area is an area set for each mission, and is the surrounding area within a predetermined distance from the location of the first spot, and is an approximate area that provides a hint as to where the first spot is located. Note that the shape and size of the range of the first area may vary as appropriate; for example, when digital content is first released (on sale), the area of ​​the first area is set to be small.

[0032] The first area may also include a hint spot (second spot) that provides the user with a hint regarding the location of the sacred site. The second spot is a spot within the first area that is located in a different location from the first spot, which is the final destination. When the user arrives at the second spot or plays or completes a game event, such as a quest, that occurs upon arriving at the second spot, a hint regarding the location of the first spot is provided. Examples of hints include narrowing the scope of the first area or showing the direction to the first spot.

[0033] For example, as shown in the game screen of FIG. 2, a first area 62 is set on a map so as to include a first spot 61, which is a sacred place (destination). Second spots 63, which are hint spots, are scattered throughout the first area 62, and the first area 62 (first areas 62a-62d, etc.) is divided into regions corresponding to the second spots 63 (e.g., second spots 63a-63d, etc.). In this embodiment, the first area 62 is divided into 16 areas, but this is not limiting. A player character 64 displayed on the game screen moves on the game screen (the map within the game screen) in accordance with the user's movement in real space. That is, when the user approaches a sacred place in real space, the player character 64 also approaches the first spot 61 on the game screen.

[0034] In this embodiment, as shown in the game screen of FIG. 3, for example, when the user reaches the second spot 63a, a game event such as a quest occurs, and when the user completes the game event that occurred at the second spot 63a, the first area 62a corresponding to the second spot 63a is reduced. As a result, the first area 62a, which is a part of the first area 62, disappears from the first area 62, causing the first area 62 to shrink. This allows the user to gradually approach the first spot 61, which is the final destination. The user repeats this process to narrow the range of the first area 62, and eventually reaches the first spot, which is the final destination.

[0035] (Cooperative play) In the game of this embodiment, a user can play alone, and also so-called multiplay (hereinafter referred to as cooperative play) is possible, in which multiple users (e.g., user A and user B) operate their own user terminals 30 to play quests simultaneously. In cooperative play, user A can cooperate with another user (user B) to play game events such as common missions and quests to progress through the game, and can also borrow items owned by user B. Cooperative play is performed through the communication function of each user's user terminal 30, and when a cooperative relationship is formed, the progress of play is synchronized between the users playing cooperatively.

[0036] In this embodiment, if the following conditions are met, a game event occurring in a mission can also be played jointly with another user: That is, when a common mission occurs between user A and another user (user B), and both user A and user B are present near the same second spot at the same time in real space, and are in a state where they can play a game event occurring at the second spot, user A and user B can play the game event jointly. Users who can play together may be limited to users who have mutually approved relationships (hereinafter referred to as friends). In this case, users other than friends cannot start playing together even if they meet the above conditions.

[0037] In collaborative play, when a game event is played or cleared, each player shares their unlocked area of ​​the first area, and the first area associated with user A is reduced based on the first area associated with user B, and the first area associated with user B is reduced based on the first area associated with user A.

[0038] 4, if user B has already cleared the game events that occurred in second spot 63d and second spot 63c, the first areas 62d and 62c corresponding to second spot 63d and second spot 63c have already been removed from user B's first area 62. In this state, if a player character 64 corresponding to user A and another player character 65 corresponding to user B have reached second spot 63b, user A and user B can jointly play the game event that occurred in second spot 63b. 5, in addition to the first area 62b corresponding to the second spot 63b, the portion (first area 62a) removed from the first area 62 associated with user A and the portion (first areas 62d, 62c) removed from the first area 62 associated with user B are removed, and the first areas 62 of both users A and B are reduced in size. As a result, the released area is shared between users A and B who have played together, and the first areas 62 of both users become the same size.

[0039] On the other hand, if too many users gather at the same time, it may cause inconvenience to residents around the sacred site. Therefore, to avoid users congregating around the sacred site, the time range (time, date, day of the week, etc.) in which a mission can be completed may be adjusted to be different for each user. For example, the mission may be set to morning for 10 users A to J, and afternoon for the other 10 users K to T. Alternatively, the mission may be set to run from April 1st to April 15th for 10 users A to J, and from April 16th to April 30th for the other 10 users K to T.

[0040] <Configuration of an information processing device and a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention> Next, the configurations of the digital content server 10, the game server 20, and the user terminal 30 that constitute the information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The digital content server 10 and the game server 20 are examples of computers, and as shown in Fig. 1, are communicatively connected to a plurality of user terminals 30 via a network N, and together with the user terminals 30, form an information processing system S. The network N is a communication network consisting of, for example, the Internet or a mobile communication network, and may include a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), an intranet, etc. The user terminals 30 are also communicatively connected to a GPS satellite (not shown).

[0041] In the information processing system S of this embodiment, the digital content server 10 and the user terminal 30 cooperate with each other to play (display) digital content. Specifically, part of the digital content distribution process is performed on the digital content server 10 side, and part of the graphic processing, etc. is performed on the user terminal 30 side. For example, the digital content server 10 executes a program including certain rules, logic, and algorithms. Meanwhile, the user terminal 30 plays back content in synchronization with the digital content server 10 according to the same rules, logic, and algorithms as the program executed on the digital content server 10. That is, while the user terminal 30 is viewing digital content, the user terminal 30 displays a content viewing screen, which is a display screen for the digital content, on a display or the like, and also expands display data transmitted from the digital content server 10 as needed, and displays video, text, and other information indicated by the display data on the content viewing screen.

[0042] Furthermore, in the information processing system S of this embodiment, the game progresses through cooperation between the game server 20 and the user terminal 30 due to the above configuration. Specifically, part of the game progress processing is performed on the game server 20 side, and part of the graphics processing, etc. is executed on the user terminal 30 side. For example, the game server 20 side executes a program including certain rules, logic, and algorithms. Meanwhile, the user terminal 30 side synchronizes with the game server 20 and progresses the game according to the same rules, logic, and algorithms as the program executed on the game server 20. That is, during game play, the user terminal 30 displays a game screen, which is a display screen of the game, on a display or the like, and also expands display data transmitted from the game server 20 as needed, and displays images, text information, etc. indicated by the display data on the game screen.

[0043] (Digital content server and game server) The digital content server 10 and the game server 20 are examples of the information processing device of the present invention, and are each composed of a computer that performs various information processing related to the playback of digital content or the progression of a game, such as generating, storing, and transmitting / receiving data necessary for the playback of digital content or the progression of a game; specifically, a server computer for an SNS server or a cloud service. Server computers for cloud services include server computers for ASPs (Application Service Providers), SaaSs (Software as a Service), PaaSs (Platform as a Service), or IaaSs (Infrastructure as a Service). Furthermore, the digital content server 10 and the game server 20 may be composed of a single computer, or each may be composed of multiple computers distributed in parallel. In this embodiment, a series of information processing steps related to the playback of digital content (excluding the input and display of information) are executed by the digital content server 10, and a series of information processing steps related to the progress of the game (excluding the input and display of information) are executed by the game server 20, so that the user terminal 30 only needs to input information to be handed over to the digital content server 10 or the game server 20, and display information distributed from the digital content server 10 and the game server 20, etc.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, the digital content server 10 has, as hardware devices, a processor 11, a memory 12, a communication interface 13, and a storage 14, which are electrically connected via a bus 15. In addition, the digital content server 10 has installed therein, as software, an operating system (OS) and a dedicated program for processing information related to the distribution of digital content. These programs correspond to the program of the present invention. When the processor 11 operates in accordance with the above program, the digital content server 10 functions as the information processing device of the present invention and executes a series of processes related to the distribution of digital content. The program of the present invention may be obtained by reading it from a computer-readable recording medium, or may be obtained (downloaded) via a network N such as the Internet or an intranet.

[0045] The processor 11 may be configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc.

[0046] The memory 12 may be configured by semiconductor memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0047] The communication interface 13 may be configured by, for example, a network interface card, a communication interface board, etc. The standard of data communication by the communication interface 13 is not particularly limited, and examples include communication by wireless LAN, communication by 3G to 5G or later generation mobile communication systems, and communication based on LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0048] The storage 14 may be any device capable of storing and accumulating various types of information, and may be configured with a flash memory, a hard disc drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flexible disc (FD), a magneto-optical disc (MO disc), a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a secure digital card (SD card), a universal serial bus memory (USB memory), or the like. The storage 24 may be built into the digital content server 10 or may be externally attached to the server main body. The storage 14 may also be configured with an external computer (e.g., a database server or online storage) communicably connected to the server main body. A distributed ledger technology such as a blockchain may be used as a technology for recording various types of data in order to prevent unauthorized data tampering.

[0049] 1, the game server 20 has, as hardware devices, a processor 21, a memory 22, a communication interface 23, and a storage 24, which are electrically connected via a bus 25. The configuration and functions of each device in the game server 20 are the same as those of the digital content server 10. Furthermore, the game server 20 has installed thereon, as software, an operating system (OS) and a dedicated program for processing information related to the progress of the game. These programs correspond to the program of the present invention. When the processor 21 operates in accordance with the above program, the game server 20 functions as the information processing device of the present invention and executes a series of processes related to the progress of the game. The program of the present invention may be obtained by reading it from a computer-readable recording medium, or may be obtained (downloaded) via a network N such as the Internet or an intranet.

[0050] (user terminal) The user terminal 30 is a client terminal that a user operates to view digital content and play games. The user terminal 30 may be, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a game console, a television set capable of inputting information, or a wearable terminal. Although three user terminals 30 are shown in FIG. 1, in reality, the number of user terminals 30 will naturally correspond to the number of users.

[0051] An operating system (OS), a digital content application for viewing digital content, and a game application for playing games are installed on the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 receives data from the digital content server 10 or the game server 20, and displays images (video) represented by the received data on the display of the user terminal 30 or on a display device such as a TV connected to the user terminal 30, and outputs audio from a speaker or the like. That is, in this embodiment, the user terminal 30 functions as a display unit and an audio output unit. For example, in addition to game screens such as those shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the user terminal 30 displays a content viewing screen (not shown), an input operation screen for performing various input operations, a notification screen for notifying various pieces of information, and the like.

[0052] The user terminal 30 accepts a user operation and transmits information or data corresponding to the operation to the digital content server 10 or the game server 20. For example, the user terminal 30 accepts a user operation performed while viewing digital content or before and after the viewing, and transmits information corresponding to the operation to the digital content server 10. The user terminal 30 also accepts a user operation performed while playing a game or before and after the playing, and transmits information corresponding to the operation to the game server 20. In addition to the above operations, the user appropriately performs operations on the user terminal 30 that are necessary to enjoy the services provided by the information processing system S of this embodiment.

[0053] <Functions of an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention> (Digital Content Server) The configuration of the digital content server 10, which is one of the information processing devices according to this embodiment, will be explained again from the functional standpoint. 6, the digital content server 10 has a storage unit 41, an information acquisition unit 42, a display control unit 43, and a content control unit 44. Of these, the storage unit 41 is realized by the memory 12 or the storage 14, and the other functional units are realized by the cooperation of the hardware devices that make up the digital content server 10 and the programs installed on the digital content server 10. When the digital content server 10 is made up of multiple computers, the above functions may be distributed so that each of the multiple computers performs a different function. Each of the functional units of the digital content server 10 will be described in detail below.

[0054] (Storage part) The storage unit 41 stores various types of information necessary for viewing digital content. Specifically, the storage unit 41 stores user information, digital content information, and various other information related to digital content.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 7, the user information is stored for each user, with various pieces of information linked to identification information (user ID) that identifies each user. For example, the user information includes the account name for viewing digital content, as well as information on the purchase history of digital content, the viewing history of digital content, and whether or not the user has a linked game account (if linked, the user ID). The purchase history of digital content includes information identifying digital content that the user has purchased (content ID), as well as information indicating the purchase date and time of the digital content. The viewing history of digital content includes information identifying digital content (content ID), as well as information indicating the volume number, page number, frame number, or scene, etc., of the digital content that the user has viewed. Furthermore, information other than the above, for example, personal information of the user such as contact information, and information of users in a friend relationship, may be included in the user information.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, digital content information is stored for each digital content, with various pieces of information linked to identification information (content ID) that identifies each digital content. For example, digital content information includes information on the genre, title, content, volume number (number of chapters) and number of pages, publication date (release date), price, and locations (sacred sites) associated with the digital content. Sacred sites include the name, location (coordinates), and information on related parts of the digital content. Furthermore, the digital content information may also include information other than the above, such as information about the author, publisher, label, attributes such as age and gender of target users, and popularity rankings (rankings).

[0057] (Information acquisition department) The information acquisition unit 42 acquires information (data) based on operations performed on the user terminal 30 by the user while viewing digital content or before and after viewing the digital content, by communicating with the user terminal 30. The information acquired by the information acquisition unit 42 includes, for example, information based on an operation for selecting digital content to be viewed, information based on an operation for linking a digital content account to a game account, etc. In addition to the above information, the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 42 also includes information based on various selections, designations, instructions, requests, commands, permission or denial, registration, and other input operations performed by the user in various situations regarding viewing of digital content.

[0058] (Display control unit) The display control unit 43 controls the user terminal 30 to display information for viewing digital content on a screen such as a display of the user terminal 30. Specifically, the display control unit 43 generates display data for displaying the digital content and transmits the generated display data to the user terminal 30 via the network N. In addition, the display control unit 43 also causes the user terminal 30 to display an input operation screen for performing input operations, a notification screen for notifying various pieces of information, and the like.

[0059] (Content Control Unit) The content control unit 44 manages, for each user, information on digital content that the user has the right to view, and information on digital content that the user has viewed. Specifically, the content control unit 44 generates or updates a digital content purchase history and a digital content viewing history in the user information stored in the storage unit 41. Furthermore, when a user completes a predetermined mission in a predetermined game associated with predetermined digital content (first digital content), the content control unit 44 controls the state in which second digital content different from the first digital content is made available to the user as a reward for completing the mission. Note that the second digital content here includes digital content associated with a game mission that can be completed in an area including the current location of the user terminal 30 in real space, i.e., a mission that is set to be challengeable at the user's current location, and that is other than digital content that the user has the right to view. For example, digital content that has a sacred place set near the user's current location and that the user has not yet purchased is included in the second digital content.

[0060] (game server) Next, the configuration of the game server 20, which is one of the information processing devices according to this embodiment, will be explained again from the functional standpoint. 9, the game server 20 has a memory unit 51, an information acquisition unit 52, a display control unit 53, a location information acquisition unit 54, and a game control unit 55. Of these, the memory unit 51 is realized by the memory 22 or the storage 24, and the other functional units are realized by cooperation between the hardware devices constituting the game server 20 and programs installed on the game server 20. Note that when the game server 20 is made up of multiple computers, the above functions may be distributed so that each of the multiple computers performs a different function. Each of the functional units of the game server 20 will be described in detail below.

[0061] (Storage part) The storage unit 51 stores various information necessary for playing the game. Specifically, the storage unit 51 stores user information, game information, mission information, spot information, and various other information related to the game.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 10, the user information is stored for each user, with various pieces of information linked to identification information (user ID) that identifies each user. For example, the user information includes the account name for game play, as well as information on the user's current location in real space, the current game progress status of the game being played, and whether or not the user has a linked digital content account (if linked, the user ID). The game progress status includes information indicating the currently occurring mission (if occurring, the mission ID, the time range in which the mission can be completed, whether or not the mission can be completed in relation to the current location, etc.). In addition, the user information may include information other than the above, such as the user's personal information such as contact details, game play history such as user rank, number of plays and number of clears, information on billing history indicating the types and quantities of characters and items owned, the number of times and amounts charged for the game, and information on users with whom the user is friends.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 11, various types of information are linked to identification information (game ID) that identifies each game, and game information is stored for each game. For example, the game information includes the game name and game content, as well as the following information if there is corresponding digital content: That is, the game information includes information on the corresponding digital content (content ID), the corresponding period with the digital content, information on missions set in association with the digital content (mission ID), and information on locations such as sacred sites (spot ID). The information contained in the game content includes, for example, information about the game media such as characters and items, as well as information about quests.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 12, various types of information are linked to identification information (mission ID) that identifies each mission, and the mission information is stored for each mission. For example, the mission information includes the mission name, information about the corresponding game (game ID), information about the corresponding digital content (content ID), information about sacred sites and the like set as destinations (spot IDs) and information about the areas that include those spots, the conditions for the mission to occur, the time range (period) set for the mission that can be achieved, the reward that can be obtained when the mission is achieved, and information about the mission content.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 13, the spot information is stored for each spot, with various information linked to identification information (spot ID) that identifies each spot. For example, the spot information includes the spot name, information on the corresponding game (game ID), information on the corresponding mission (mission ID), information on the corresponding digital content (content ID), a type indicating whether the spot is a sacred place as a final destination or a hint point for reaching the sacred place, the location (coordinates) of the spot, and information on the content of the event set for the spot.

[0066] (Information acquisition department) The information acquisition unit 52 acquires information (data) and the like based on operations performed by the user on the user terminal 30 during, before, or after game play by the user, by communicating with the user terminal 30. The information acquired by the information acquisition unit 52 includes, for example, information based on game play operations and information based on operations for linking a game account to a digital content account. The information acquired by the information acquisition unit 52 also includes, in addition to the above information, information based on various selections, specifications, instructions, requests, commands, permission or denial, registration, and other input operations performed by the user at each stage of game play. The information acquired by the information acquisition unit 52 also includes location information (coordinate position) indicating the current location of the user terminal 30 in real space, detected by signals from GPS satellites or radio wave intensity from base stations or access points, etc.

[0067] (Display control unit) The display control unit 53 controls the user terminal 30 to display information for game progress on a screen such as a display of the user terminal 30. Specifically, the display control unit 53 generates display data for displaying results of information processing by the game control unit 55 (described later) and transmits the generated display data to the user terminal 30 via the network N. For example, during game play, the display control unit 53 causes the user terminal 30 to display game screens such as those shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 as results of information processing by the game control unit 55. In addition, the display control unit 53 also causes the user terminal 30 to display an input operation screen for performing input operations and a notification screen for notifying the user of various information.

[0068] (Location information acquisition section) The location information acquisition unit 54 acquires information (data) about locations in real space associated with digital content, that is, sacred places, by communicating with the digital content server 10, and generates spot information corresponding to the sacred places.

[0069] (Game control unit) The game control unit 55 executes information processing necessary for the progress of the game. Specifically, the game control unit 55 progresses the game based on various information etc. acquired from the user by the information acquisition unit 52. For example, the game control unit 55 performs effects such as moving game media such as characters owned by the user in accordance with the user's gameplay operations, and generates game effects such as changing parameters of game media such as characters in accordance with the progress of the game.

[0070] The game control unit 55 cooperates with the digital content server 10 or the user terminal 30, and when digital content is displayed on the user terminal 30 in a manner that satisfies the above-mentioned predetermined conditions, causes a mission that can be completed in a location associated with the digital content, i.e., a real-world location such as a sacred place, to occur in a game corresponding to the digital content but different from the digital content. Then, when the user completes the mission, the game control unit 55 grants the user a reward associated with the mission. Specifically, when a first portion (e.g., Volume 10, Chapter 2) included in first digital content (e.g., Manga X) is displayed for the first time on the user terminal 30, the game control unit 55 generates, in a first game (e.g., Game Y) corresponding to the first digital content, a first mission (e.g., Mission M) corresponding to the first portion that can be accomplished based on the positional relationship in real space between a first spot (e.g., ABC Tower) associated with the first portion and the user terminal 30. Then, when the user reaches the first spot (e.g., when the positional relationship in real space between the first spot and the user terminal 30 is within ○ meters), or when the user reaches the first spot and plays or clears a game event such as a quest associated with the mission, the game control unit 55 determines that the user has accomplished the mission and grants the user a reward associated with the mission.

[0071] The game control unit 55 sets the range of a first area (for example, District D) including the first spot in real space, and cooperates with the display control unit 53 to provide the user with information about the first area. The game control unit 55 sets the range (size) of the first area depending on the amount of time that has elapsed since the release date of the digital content. For example, if the amount of time that has elapsed since the release date of the digital content is short, the game control unit 55 sets the range of the first area to be smaller than if the amount of time that has elapsed is long, and also sets the range of the first area to include places that are easily accessible by public transport and that the user can easily get to.

[0072] The game control unit 55 sets a second spot (for example, station E in district D) at a location different from the first spot in the first area, reduces the first area based on the positional relationship in real space between the second spot and the user terminal 30, and also generates a game event for reducing the first area. When generating a game event for reducing the first area, the game control unit 55 actually reduces the first area when the user completes the game event.

[0073] The game control unit 55 controls a game event so that a user (for example, user A) and another user (for example, user B) can play together. Specifically, when the same mission (for example, mission M) occurs for each of user A and user B, and in real space user A's user terminal 30 and user B's user terminal 30 are each near a location where the same game event for reducing the first area related to mission M can occur, i.e., the same second spot, an environment is set up in which multiple users can play the game event together.

[0074] When user A and user B play a game event together, the game control unit 55 executes the following process (1) or (2). (1) Regardless of whether the game event is cleared successfully, the first area associated with user A is reduced based on the first area associated with user B, and the first area associated with user B is reduced based on the first area associated with user A. Furthermore, on the condition that the game event is cleared through cooperative play, the first area is reduced by deleting a portion of the first area associated with the game event. (2) On the condition that the game event is played and cleared collaboratively, the first area associated with user A is reduced based on the first area associated with user B, and the first area associated with user B is reduced based on the first area associated with user A. Furthermore, on the condition that the game event is played and cleared collaboratively, the first area is reduced by deleting a portion of the first area associated with the game event. After executing the process (1) or (2), the first areas associated with user A and the first area associated with user B are reduced by removing all but the common parts of each area, so that the ranges of the first areas associated with user A and user B become the same.

[0075] On the other hand, when the same mission (for example, mission M) occurs for each of user A and user B, the game control unit 55 may adjust the mission occurrence time so that they do not gather near the first spot at the same time. In other words, when mission M is to occur for both user A and user B, the time ranges in which the mission can be completed are set to be different.

[0076] The above has described the configurations of the digital content server 10, the game server 20, and the user terminal 30. Generally, the digital content server 10, the game server 20, and the user terminal 30 have various functions in addition to those described above, but here we will only describe the characteristic functions that provide the effects of the information processing system S of the present invention, and will not illustrate or describe other known functions, etc.

[0077] <Information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention> Next, with reference to Figures 14 to 16, the flow of information processing (hereinafter referred to as information processing flow) executed in the information processing system S configured as described above will be described. The information processing flow employs the information processing method of the present invention and is realized by using the information processing system S functioning as a computer system. In other words, each step in the information processing flow corresponds to a component of the information processing method of the present invention. Note that the information processing flow described below is merely an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the order in which steps are performed may be changed, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0078] (Information processing flow) First, we will explain the information processing flow executed by the information processing system S when the user knows the location of the holy place, which is the final destination, i.e., when there is no need to display the first area and second spot that serve as hints. This information processing flow proceeds, for example, along the flow shown in Figure 14. Note that the following explanation will be given taking as an example a case where the mission is accomplished when the user arrives at the holy place.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 14, the processor 21 of the game server 20 determines, through communication with the digital content server 10 or the user terminal 30 operated by the user, whether or not a relevant part (e.g., volume 10, chapter 2) of the digital content (e.g., manga X) has been displayed in a manner that satisfies a predetermined condition (e.g., first display) for generating a mission (e.g., mission M) (S101). When processor 21 determines that the digital content is displayed in a manner that satisfies a predetermined condition (S101: YES), it generates a mission in a game corresponding to the digital content but different from the digital content (e.g., game Y) that becomes achievable upon arrival at a location associated with the digital content, i.e., a holy place, and controls the mission so that the user can play it (S102).

[0080] Thereafter, when processor 21 determines that the user has arrived at the holy site and accomplished the mission (S103: YES), it grants the user a reward associated with the mission (S104), ends the mission (S105: YES), and terminates processing. On the other hand, if processor 21 determines that the user has not yet arrived at the sacred place, i.e., has not yet completed the mission (S103: NO), it then determines whether or not to end the mission (S105). If the mission is to be ended (S105: YES), the processing ends as is, and if the mission is to be continued (S105: NO), the processing returns to S103. If processor 21 determines that the digital content is not displayed so as to satisfy the predetermined condition (S101: NO), it ends the process without generating a mission. The above is an example of the information processing flow of the present invention.

[0081] (Other information processing flows) Next, we will explain the information processing flow executed by the information processing system S when the user is not aware of the location of the sacred place, which is the final destination, i.e., when a first area and a second spot are displayed as hints. This information processing flow, for example, proceeds along the flow shown in FIG. 15. Note that the following will explain, as an example, a case where the mission is accomplished when the user arrives at the sacred place. Also, we will explain, as an example, a case where the user needs to play and clear a game event that occurs at a hint point in order to reduce the first area.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 15, the processor 21 of the game server 20 determines, through communication with the digital content server 10 or the user terminal 30 operated by the user, whether or not a relevant part (e.g., volume 10, chapter 2) of the digital content (e.g., manga X) has been displayed in a manner that satisfies a predetermined condition (e.g., first display) for generating a mission (e.g., mission M) (S201). When processor 21 determines that the digital content is displayed in a manner that satisfies a predetermined condition (S201: YES), it generates a mission in a game corresponding to the digital content but different from the digital content (e.g., game Y) that becomes achievable upon arrival at a location associated with the digital content, i.e., a holy place, and controls the mission so that the user can play it (S202).

[0083] Next, the processor 21 sets the scope of a first area (e.g., Area D) including the sacred site and hint location (second spot) according to the time elapsed since the release date of the digital content (S203), and presents the set first area to the user by displaying it on the user terminal 30 operated by the user (S204).

[0084] Thereafter, when processor 21 determines that the user has arrived at a hint point (S205: YES), it generates a game event such as a quest corresponding to the hint point (S206), and when it determines that the user has played and cleared the game event (S207: YES), it reduces the first area by deleting the first area corresponding to the hint point (S208). If processor 21 determines that the user has not arrived at the hint point (S205: NO), the process proceeds to the next process (S209) without generating a game event. If processor 21 determines that the user has not completed the game event (S207: NO), the process proceeds to the next process (S209) without reducing the first area.

[0085] Furthermore, when processor 21 determines that the user has arrived at the holy site and accomplished the mission (S209: YES), it grants the user a reward associated with the mission (S210), ends the mission (S211: YES), and terminates processing. On the other hand, if processor 21 determines that the user has not yet arrived at the holy site, i.e., has not yet completed the mission (S209: NO), it then determines whether or not to end the mission (S211). If the mission is to be ended (S211: YES), the processing ends as is, and if the mission is to be continued (S211: NO), the processing returns to S205. If processor 21 determines that the digital content is not displayed so as to satisfy the predetermined condition (S201: NO), it ends the process without generating a mission. The above is an example of another information processing flow according to the present invention.

[0086] (and other information processing flows) Next, among the information processes executed in the information processing system S, an information processing flow will be described for the case where multiple users (e.g., user A and user B) play together when the users are not aware of the location of the sacred place, which is the final destination. This information processing flow progresses, for example, along the flow shown in FIG. 16. Note that the following description will be given taking as an example a case where the mission is accomplished when the users arrive at the sacred place. Also, an example will be described where the user plays together with other users to clear a game event that occurs at a hint point in order to reduce the first area.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 16, the processor 21 of the game server 20 determines, through communication with the digital content server 10 or the user terminal 30 operated by user A, whether or not a relevant part (e.g., volume 10, chapter 2) of the digital content (e.g., manga X) has been displayed in a manner that satisfies a predetermined condition (e.g., first display) for generating a mission (e.g., mission M) (S301). When processor 21 determines that the digital content is displayed in a manner that satisfies a predetermined condition (S301: YES), it generates a mission in a game corresponding to the digital content but different from the digital content (e.g., game Y) that becomes achievable upon arrival at a location associated with the digital content, i.e., a sacred place, and controls user A to be able to play the mission (S302).

[0088] Next, the processor 21 sets the scope of a first area (e.g., area D) associated with user A, including sacred sites and hint locations (second spots), according to the time elapsed since the release date of the digital content (S303), and presents the set first area to user A by displaying it on the user terminal 30 operated by user A (S304).

[0089] Thereafter, when processor 21 determines that user A has arrived at the hint point (S305: YES), it causes user A to experience a game event such as a quest corresponding to the hint point (S306). When processor 21 determines that the same game event as the game event caused for user A has also occurred for another user (user B) (S307: YES), it controls the game event to enable cooperative play between user A and user B (S308). When processor 21 determines that the same game event as that caused for user A has not occurred for another user (S307: NO), it proceeds to the next process (S309) without setting up cooperative play.

[0090] Then, when processor 21 determines that user A has cleared the game event through solo play or cooperative play (S309: YES), it reduces the first area by removing the first area corresponding to the hint point (S310), and further when it determines that user A has cleared the game event through cooperative play (S311: YES), it reduces the first area associated with user A based on the first area associated with user B (S312). That is, the first area associated with user A and the first area associated with user B are mutually reduced except for their common portions. On the other hand, when processor 21 determines that user A has cleared the game event through solo play (S311: NO), it proceeds to the next process. If processor 21 determines that user A has not arrived at the hint point (S305: NO), the processor 21 proceeds to the next process (S313) without generating a game event. If processor 21 determines that user A has not completed the game event (S309: NO), the processor 21 proceeds to the next process (S313) without reducing the first area.

[0091] Furthermore, when processor 21 determines that user A has arrived at the holy site and accomplished the mission (S313: YES), it grants user A the reward associated with the mission (S314), ends the mission (S315: YES), and terminates processing. On the other hand, if processor 21 determines that the user has not yet arrived at the sacred site, i.e., has not yet completed the mission (S313: NO), it then determines whether or not to end the mission (S315), and if the mission is to be ended (S315: YES), it ends the processing as is, or if the mission is to be continued (S315: NO), it returns to processing of S305. If processor 21 determines that the digital content is not displayed so as to satisfy the predetermined condition (S301: NO), it ends the process without generating a mission. The above is an example of yet another information processing flow of the present invention.

[0092] <Other embodiments> Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments are merely examples given to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved from the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0093] For example, the screen examples shown in the drawings referenced in the description of the above embodiments are merely examples, and the screen configuration examples, the content of the information displayed, and the GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc. can be freely designed according to the system design specifications and user preferences, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the manner in which an image is displayed on the user terminal 30 includes a manner in which the image is displayed on a display device (display) provided in the terminal itself, and a manner in which the image is displayed on a display device connected to the terminal in a wired or wireless manner. Similarly, the manner in which sound or music is emitted from the user terminal 30 includes a manner in which the sound or music is emitted from a player (speaker) provided in the terminal itself, and a manner in which the sound or music is emitted from an audio device connected to the terminal in a wired or wireless manner. Note that the display device or audio device connected to the user terminal 30 may include a general stationary display, speaker, etc., as well as an HMD (Head Mounted Display) such as VR goggles.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the digital content server 10 and the game server 20 function as the information processing device of the present invention, but this is not limited to this, and the functions of the digital content server 10 and the game server 20 may be integrated into one server, or all or part of the functions of the digital content server 10 or the game server 20 may be provided in the user terminal 30. In this case, the information processing device of the present invention is configured including the user terminal 30.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the user information (digital content account) and digital content information are stored in the digital content server 10, and the user information (game account), game information, mission information, and spot information are stored in the game server 20, but it is also possible to provide a separate database server (not shown) and store each of the information in that database server. Furthermore, the user information and the like may be stored on the user terminal 30 side. In this case, the digital content server 10 and the game server 20, together with the database server or the user terminal 30, constitute the information processing device of the present invention.

[0097] Although the above embodiments do not particularly mention the content of specific games, the present invention can be applied to any game that includes elements of a location-based game. For example, the present invention can be applied to word games, fighting games, sports games, shooting games, racing games, puzzle games, card games, board games, role-playing games, simulation games, etc. Furthermore, the game may be an individual game or a team game. Furthermore, the game may be one in which humans compete against each other as users, or one in which humans compete against a computer (e.g., AI or a robot).

[0098] <Summary> [General-purpose assignment] One of the goals of the present invention is to motivate visits to places associated with digital content.

[0099] Issues regarding [Appendix 1] One of the objectives of the present invention is to link games with visits to places associated with digital content. [Appendix 1] An information processing device having: a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information in real space associated with digital content that can be viewed on a user's terminal; and a game control unit that, when the digital content is displayed on the user's terminal in a manner that satisfies predetermined conditions, generates a mission that can be completed in a location associated with the digital content in a game different from the digital content. According to the information processing device, a mission that can be completed at a location associated with the digital content is generated in a game that is different from the digital content, thereby linking a visit to the location associated with the digital content with the game.

[0100] Issues regarding [Appendix 2] One of the objects of the present invention is to improve the entertainment value of location-based games that correspond to digital content. [Appendix 2] The information processing device described in Appendix 1, wherein when a first portion included in the first digital content is displayed on the user's terminal, the game control unit generates a first mission in a first game corresponding to the first digital content, the first mission being associated with a first spot included in a first area in real space, provides information about the first area to the user, and controls the first mission so that it can be completed based on the relationship between the first spot and the position of the user's terminal in real space. According to the information processing device, when a first mission corresponding to a first spot occurs in a location-based game, information about the first area that includes the first spot, i.e., information that serves as a hint as to the location of the first spot, is provided to the user, thereby improving the appeal of the location-based game corresponding to digital content.

[0101] Issues regarding [Appendix 3] One of the objects of the present invention is to improve the entertainment value of location-based games that correspond to digital content. [Appendix 3] An information processing device as described in Appendix 2, wherein the game control unit includes a first area that includes a first spot and a second spot located at a different position from the first spot, and reduces the first area based on the relationship between the second spot and the position of the user's terminal in real space. According to the information processing device, in a location-based game, when a user approaches a second spot included in a first area, the first area is reduced in size, and more useful hints about the location of the first spot are provided to the user, thereby improving the entertainment value of the location-based game corresponding to digital content.

[0102] Issues regarding [Appendix 4] One of the objects of the present invention is to improve the entertainment value of location-based games that correspond to digital content. [Appendix 4] The information processing device described in Appendix 2, wherein the game control unit generates a game event based on the relationship between a second spot located at a different position from the first spot and the position of the user's terminal in real space, and reduces the first area when the user clears the game event. According to the information processing device, when the user clears a game event that occurs when the user approaches a second spot included in the first area, the first area is reduced in size, and more useful hints about the location of the first spot are provided to the user, thereby improving the entertainment value of the location-based game corresponding to the digital content.

[0103] Issues regarding [Appendix 5] One of the objects of the present invention is to improve the entertainment value of location-based games that correspond to digital content. [Appendix 5] The information processing device described in Appendix 4, wherein the game control unit controls a game event to be played collaboratively by the user and the other user when a first mission has occurred for each of the user and the other user and when the user's terminal and the other user's terminal are located in positions in real space where a game event can occur. According to the information processing device, when users who are assigned to the same mission are close to each other in real space, the users can jointly play the same game event, thereby improving the appeal of location-based games that correspond to digital content.

[0104] Issues regarding [Appendix 6] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an incentive for cooperative play in a location-based game corresponding to digital content. [Appendix 6] An information processing device as described in Appendix 5, wherein the game control unit controls the first area associated with the user to be shrinkable based on the first area associated with the other user after the user and the other user play a game event together. According to the information processing device, after the users have played a game event together, the first area is reduced, thereby providing the users with more useful hints about the location of the first spot, thereby motivating them to play together in a location-based game corresponding to digital content.

[0105] Issues regarding [Appendix 7] One of the objects of the present invention is to improve the relevance of digital content to location-based games corresponding to that digital content. [Appendix 7] 3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the game control unit sets the first area according to the amount of time that has elapsed since the release date of the digital content. According to the information processing device, the scope of the first area is set according to the time elapsed since the release date of the digital content, and the content of the hint information is changed, thereby improving the relevance between the digital content and the location-based game corresponding to the digital content.

[0106] Issues regarding [Appendix 8] One of the objects of the present invention is to promote the viewing of digital content that has been published only a short time ago. [Appendix 8] The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the game control unit reduces the range of the first area when a short amount of time has elapsed compared to when a long amount of time has elapsed. According to the information processing device, if the time that has passed since the release date of the digital content is short, i.e., if the digital content is new, the range of the first area is set to be small, thereby providing the user with more useful hints about the location of the first spot, thereby promoting the viewing of digital content that has been released only recently.

[0107] Issues regarding [Appendix 9] One of the objectives of the present invention is to prevent crowding of users in locations associated with digital content. [Appendix 9] An information processing device as described in Appendix 1, wherein the game control unit sets different time ranges in which the user and other users can complete the missions when missions are issued for each of the user and other users. According to the information processing device, since the time range in which each user can accomplish the mission varies from user to user, a large number of users will not go to a location associated with the digital content at the same time, thereby preventing users from congregating in a location associated with the digital content.

[0108] Issues regarding [Appendix 10] One of the objectives of the present invention is to promote game playing and disseminate various digital content. [Appendix 10] An information processing device as described in Appendix 1, further having a content control unit that controls second digital content different from the first digital content to be available to the user when the user completes a mission in a game based on the first digital content. According to the information processing device, when a user completes a mission in a game corresponding to a first digital content, the second digital content different from the first digital content becomes available to the user, thereby promoting game play and disseminating various digital content.

[0109] Issues regarding [Appendix 11] One of the objects of the present invention is to promote the playing of location-based games and to popularize various digital contents. [Appendix 11] An information processing device as described in Appendix 10, wherein the content control unit manages information on digital content that the user has the right to view on the user's terminal, and controls digital content associated with game missions that can be completed in an area that includes the real-space location of the user's terminal, other than digital content that the user has the right to view, to be available to the user as second digital content. According to the information processing device, digital content different from the digital content the user has the right to view can be used as second digital content based on the user's location information, which promotes playing location-based games and makes it possible to popularize various digital content.

[0110] Issues regarding [Appendix 12] One of the objectives of the present invention is to link games with visits to places associated with digital content. [Appendix 12] An information processing system including a user terminal operated by a user and a server computer capable of communicating with the user terminal via a network, the information processing system having a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information in real space associated with digital content that can be viewed on the user terminal, and a game control unit that, when the digital content is displayed on the user terminal in a manner that satisfies predetermined conditions, generates a mission that can be completed in a location associated with the digital content in a game different from the digital content. According to the information processing system described above, it is possible to link a visit to a place associated with digital content with a game.

[0111] Issues regarding [Appendix 13] One of the objectives of the present invention is to link games with visits to places associated with digital content. [Appendix 13] An information processing method in which a processor acquires location information in real space associated with digital content viewable on a user's terminal, and when the digital content is displayed on the user's terminal in a manner that satisfies predetermined conditions, the processor generates a mission that can be completed at a location associated with the digital content in a game different from the digital content. According to the above information processing method, it is possible to link a visit to a place associated with digital content with a game.

[0112] Issues regarding [Appendix 14] One of the objectives of the present invention is to link games with visits to places associated with digital content. [Appendix 14] A program that causes a processor to acquire location information in real space associated with digital content viewable on a user's terminal, and when the digital content is displayed on the user's terminal in a manner that satisfies predetermined conditions, causes the processor to generate a mission that can be completed at a location associated with the digital content in a game different from the digital content. According to the above program, it is possible to link a visit to a place associated with digital content with a game. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 10 Digital Content Server 11 processors 12 Memory 13 Communication Interface 14. Storage 15 Bus 20 Game Servers 21 processors 22 Memory 23 Communication Interface 24 Storage 25 Bus 30 User terminals 41 Storage section 42 Information Acquisition Department 43 Display control unit 44 Content Control Section 51 Storage section 52 Information Acquisition Department 53 Display control unit 54 Location information acquisition unit 55 Game control unit 61 First Spot 62 Area 1 63 2nd Spot 64 player characters 65 Other player characters N Network S Information Processing System

Claims

1. a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information in real space associated with digital content that can be viewed on a user's terminal; and a game control unit that, when the digital content is displayed on the user's terminal in a manner that satisfies a predetermined condition, generates a mission that can be completed in a game different from the digital content at a location associated with the digital content. Information processing device.

2. The game control unit when a first portion included in first digital content is displayed on a user's terminal, generating a first mission in a first game corresponding to the first portion, the first mission being associated with a first spot included in a first area in real space; providing information about the first area to the user; controlling the first mission so as to be achievable based on a relationship between the first spot and a position of the user's terminal in real space; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The game control unit the first area includes the first spot and a second spot disposed at a position different from the first spot, reducing the first area based on a relationship between the second spot and a position of the user's terminal in real space; The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The game control unit generating a game event based on a relationship between a second spot that is located at a position different from the first spot and a position of the user's terminal in real space; shrinking the first area when the user clears the game event; The information processing device according to claim 2 .

5. The game control unit When the first mission has occurred for each of the user and another user, and the terminal of the user and the terminal of the other user are located in positions in real space where the game event can occur, controlling the game event so that the user and the other user can play together; The information processing device according to claim 4 .

6. The game control unit After the user and the other user have jointly played the game event, the first area associated with the user is controlled to be shrinkable based on the first area associated with the other user. The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. The game control unit setting the first area according to the elapsed time from the release date of the digital content; The information processing device according to claim 2 .

8. The game control unit When the elapsed time is short, the range of the first area is made smaller than when the elapsed time is long. The information processing device according to claim 7 .

9. The game control unit When the mission occurs for each of the user and another user, a time range in which the user and another user can accomplish the mission is set to be different from each other. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

10. the game device further comprises a content control unit that controls second digital content different from the first digital content to be available to the user when the user completes a mission of a game based on the first digital content; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

11. The content control unit managing information on digital content that the user has the right to view on the user's terminal; controlling digital content associated with a game mission that can be accomplished in an area that includes the location of the user's terminal in real space, other than digital content that the user has the right to view, to be available to the user as the second digital content; The information processing device according to claim 10.

12. An information processing system including a user terminal operated by a user and a server computer capable of communicating with the user terminal via a network, a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information in real space associated with digital content that can be viewed on the user terminal; a game control unit that, when the digital content is displayed on the user terminal in a manner that satisfies a predetermined condition, generates a mission that can be completed in a game different from the digital content at a location associated with the digital content, Information processing system.

13. A processor acquires location information in real space associated with digital content viewable on a user's terminal; a processor, when the digital content is displayed on the user's terminal in a manner that satisfies a predetermined condition, generating a mission that can be accomplished in a game different from the digital content at a location associated with the digital content; Information processing methods.

14. causing a processor to obtain location information in real space associated with digital content viewable on a user's terminal; a processor that, when the digital content is displayed on the user's terminal in a manner that satisfies a predetermined condition, generates a mission that can be accomplished in a game different from the digital content at a location associated with the digital content; program.

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