Program and system

Abstract

SOLUTION: Provided is a program that causes a computer to function as notification processing means for notifying a user of guidance information to a real-world destination which is set by the user, in a position information game in which objects associated with real-world positions are placed. In the above program, the notification processing means may display the guidance information to the real-world destination, on an in-game map on which the objects are placed. In any one of the above programs, the notification processing means may perform notification processing to further notify the user of guidance information to an object specified by the user on the in-game map.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and a system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 states, "When the user touches a block B0 on ​​the screen that is divided into a shape corresponding to a city block adjacent to the route, the touched block B0 is transformed into a fantasy, and various blocks B2 to B5 in the virtual map are displayed superimposed on the city blocks on the real map information M1." (paragraph 0028). [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6279136 Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect of the present invention, a program is provided that causes a computer to function as a notification processing means for notifying a user of guidance information to a real-world destination set by the user in a location-based game in which objects associated with real-world locations are placed.

[0004] In the above program, the notification processing means may display guidance information to the real-world destination on an in-game map on which the object is placed.

[0005] In any of the above programs, the notification processing means may perform notification processing for further notifying guidance information for a specified object specified by the user.

[0006] In any of the above programs, the notification processing means may perform notification processing for notifying the guidance information to the designated object and the guidance information to the actual destination in different notification modes.

[0007] Any of the above programs may cause the computer to function as information amount changing means for changing the amount of information of the guidance information to the actual destination to be notified.

[0008] In any of the above programs, the information amount change means may change the amount of information of the guidance information to the real destination in accordance with the distance between the position of the user's terminal device and the real destination.

[0009] In any of the above programs, the information amount change means may instruct the notification processing means to display a real map within the game screen when the distance between the position of the user's terminal device and the real destination becomes less than a threshold value.

[0010] In any of the above programs, the notification processing means may display the real map superimposed on the in-game map, or display the real map alongside the in-game map, in response to the instruction from the information amount change means.

[0011] In any of the above programs, the information amount change means may change the amount of information of the guidance information to the actual destination in accordance with a setting input to the terminal device of the user.

[0012] In any of the above programs, the information amount change means may change the amount of real information to be notified depending on at least one of the real location, the state of the user, the real environmental state, or the real time.

[0013] In a second aspect of the present invention, a system is provided that includes a notification processing means for notifying guidance information to a real-world destination set by a user in a location-based game in which objects associated with real-world locations are placed.

[0014] The above summary of the invention does not list all of the features of the present invention, and subcombinations of these features may also be inventions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 shows the configuration of a system 10 according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 shows the configuration of a server device 20 according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 shows a first example of a data structure for each user stored in the database 200. [Figure 4] The configuration of a terminal device 30 according to this embodiment is shown together with an input device 50 and a display device 60. [Figure 5] 10 shows a processing flow in the server device 20 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] The configuration of the display processing unit 240 according to this embodiment is shown together with the instruction input unit 210, the game processing unit 220, the event processing unit 230, and the map processing unit 250. [Figure 7] 10 shows a guidance information processing flow in the server device 20 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 2 shows a second example of a data structure for each user stored in the database 200. [Figure 9] 1 shows a first example of a display on the terminal device 30 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 shows a second example of the display of the terminal device 30 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 shows a third example of a display on the terminal device 30 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 shows a fourth example of a display on the terminal device 30 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 shows a fifth example of a display on the terminal device 30 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] 22 illustrates an example computer 2200 in which aspects of the present invention may be embodied, in whole or in part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention according to the claims. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0017] 1 shows a system 10 according to this embodiment. The system 10 includes a server device 20, multiple terminal devices 30, and a network 40. The system 10 has a function of hosting an event associated with a real-world location and allowing one or multiple users to participate using one or multiple terminal devices 30, respectively.

[0018] The server device 20 is connected to a plurality of terminal devices 30 via a network 40. The server device 20 receives access from one or more terminal devices 30 and provides the terminal devices 30 with events associated with real-world locations. The server device 20 may have a function of providing in-game events, live streaming, merchandise sales, or other events as events associated with real-world locations. In the present embodiment, the server device 20 can, for example, provide a game environment to the terminal devices 30 and also provide in-game events associated with real-world locations.

[0019] The server device 20 may be a computer such as a personal computer (PC), a workstation, a server computer, a general-purpose computer, a tablet computer, or a smartphone, or may be a computer system in which multiple computers are connected. Such a computer system is also a computer in the broad sense. The server device 20 may also be implemented as one or more virtual computer environments executable within a computer. Alternatively, the server device 20 may be a dedicated computer designed for the system 10, or may be dedicated hardware implemented using dedicated circuitry.

[0020] The terminal device 30 is connected to the server device 20 via a network 40. The terminal device 30 may be a personal computer, a notebook computer, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a game console, or any other terminal device capable of inputting and outputting data.

[0021] The network 40 connects the server device 20 and a plurality of terminal devices 30. The network 40 may be configured to include, for example, various wired or wireless networks such as the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network, or a mobile phone network, or a combination thereof.

[0022] 2 shows the server device 20 according to this embodiment. The server device 20 includes a database 200, an instruction input unit 210, a game processing unit 220, an event processing unit 230, a display processing unit 240, and a map processing unit 250.

[0023] The database 200 stores user information about users, content information about events, and map information about the real world. In this embodiment, the user information is data recording the game progress and play history of each user who is a player of a game as an example of the content to be provided. In this embodiment, the content information is a programmed game scenario, images, audio, or other data related to the game as an example of the content to be provided. In this embodiment, the map information is topographical information such as plains, mountains, and rivers, information on man-made objects such as buildings, roads, and transportation facilities, addresses, traffic information, weather information, or other data. The database 200 may be implemented as at least a portion of the storage area of ​​an external storage device such as a hard disk drive connected to the server device 20, or may be implemented as an external storage device provided by, for example, a cloud storage service. The database 200 may be a single database or multiple databases. For example, the database 200 may include a database for storing user information, a database for storing content information, and a database for storing map information. The database for storing map information may be provided by an administrator of the system 10 or another map service provider.

[0024] The instruction input unit 210 is connected to a plurality of terminal devices 30 via the network 40. The instruction input unit 210 receives various instructions from the terminal devices 30, including various operations performed by the user while playing a game, various operations related to events performed by the user, and various operations related to setting a destination. The instruction input unit 210 supplies the received game-related instructions to the game processing unit 220. The instruction input unit 210 supplies the received event-related instructions to the event processing unit 230. The instruction input unit 210 supplies the received instructions related to a destination in the real world to the map processing unit 250. For example, the instruction input unit 210 may supply position information (coordinates) of the received destination to the map processing unit 250. The instruction input unit 210 may also function as a position information input unit that inputs position information indicating the location of the terminal device 30 from the terminal device 30.

[0025] The game processing unit 220 is connected to the database 200, the instruction input unit 210, and the display processing unit 240. In response to game-related instructions received from the instruction input unit 210, the game processing unit 220 performs processing for progressing the game based on user information and content information stored in the database 200. In the example of this embodiment, the server device 20 provides a role-playing game as the content to be provided. In response to user instructions within the game space, the game processing unit 220 performs various game processes, such as organizing a group (also referred to as a "party") including one or more characters (virtual people or creatures such as animals placed in the game space), equipping each character with items such as weapons or armor, purchasing or selling items, moving the party, having the party fight enemies encountered, and developing characters based on combat experience. The server device 20 may provide any type of game other than a role-playing game.

[0026] The event processing unit 230 is connected to the database 200, the instruction input unit 210, and the display processing unit 240. The event processing unit 230 performs processing for progressing the event based on the user information and content information stored in the database 200 in response to an instruction regarding the event received from the instruction input unit 210.

[0027] The map processing unit 250 is connected to the database 200, the instruction input unit 210, and the display processing unit 240. The map processing unit 250 performs processing for generating a real map based on the map information stored in the database 200, in response to an instruction related to the destination received from the instruction input unit 210 and location information of the terminal device 30. The map processing unit 250 may acquire text information such as the name and address of the real destination, and acquire location information of the real destination using the acquired text information and the map information stored in the database 200. Alternatively, the map processing unit 250 may acquire location information of the real destination from the terminal device 30 via the instruction input unit 210. The map processing unit 250 may perform processing for displaying the coordinates (latitude and longitude) of the location of the terminal device 30 on a map. The map processing unit 250 may perform processing for notifying the user of guidance information to the real destination via the terminal device 30. The map processing unit 250 may perform processing for displaying guidance information to the real destination on a map. For example, the map processing unit 250 may perform processing to display the coordinates of the real destination, an arrow indicating the direction from the location of the terminal device 30 to the real destination, a route from the location of the terminal device 30 to the real destination (including information on transfers between public transport means), the distance from the location of the terminal device 30 to the real destination, the estimated time of arrival at the real destination, etc. Note that the map processing unit 250 may use any means that acts on the five human senses, such as sound, vibration, light, or scent, other than display, as appropriate, or may use multiple means as a means for notifying the user of guidance information.

[0028] The map processing unit 250 may obtain guidance information to the real destination from the database 200. Alternatively, the map processing unit 250 may access a map service external to the server device 20 to receive guidance information to the real destination. For example, the map processing unit 250 may access a web page provided by the map service and perform processing to display the web page on the game screen. When the terminal device 30 executes a game application provided by the system 10 and a map application provided by the map service, the map processing unit 250 may instruct the game application of the terminal device 30 to receive screen output from the map application and perform processing to display the real map on the game screen.

[0029] The display processing unit 240 is connected to the database 200 and the instruction input unit 210. The display processing unit 240 is connected to the terminal device 30 via the network 40. The display processing unit 240 performs notification processing for notifying the user of various notifications related to games, events, and maps via the terminal device 30 in accordance with instructions from the game processing unit 220, the event processing unit 230, and the map processing unit 250. As an example, the display processing unit 240 performs display processing for displaying various display screens related to games, events, and maps on the terminal device 30 that is the display target in accordance with instructions from the game processing unit 220, the event processing unit 230, and the map processing unit 250.

[0030] 3 shows a first example of a data structure for each user stored in database 200. Database 200 stores game state data for each of multiple users. The game state data includes information about each user, such as "user ID," "in-game currency," "in-game rank," "location information," "possessed character information," "possessed item information," and "friend ID."

[0031] "User ID" is information for identifying the corresponding user and may be a number uniquely determined within the system 10. "In-game currency" indicates the remaining amount of in-game currency possessed by the corresponding user. "In-game currency" may be stored separately into the remaining amount of paid in-game currency possessed by the corresponding user and the remaining amount of free in-game currency. "In-game rank" indicates the rank of the corresponding user in the game.

[0032] "Location information" indicates the location information of the corresponding user. The location information may be information about the location of the terminal device 30 used by the corresponding user or information about a location approximate to this. "Location information" may be only the current location information of the corresponding user, or may also include a location history including the location information of the corresponding user at each point in time in the past. The instruction input unit 210 of the server device 20 may acquire the location information from the terminal device 30 via the network 40. The server device 20 may acquire the coordinates of the location where the terminal device 30 is located as the location information. Alternatively, the server device 20 may acquire, as the location information, from the terminal device 30, for example, a place name, a location ID, or other information that can identify the location of the terminal device 30 with a certain degree of accuracy.

[0033] "Owned character information" indicates information about one or more characters possessed by the corresponding user. Character information may include the corresponding character's type, attributes, rarity (difficulty of obtaining in the game), HP (hit points), MP (magic points), etc. "Owned item information" indicates information about one or more items possessed by the corresponding user. The items may include the type and quantity of the corresponding item. "Friend ID" indicates the user ID of another user linked to the corresponding user.

[0034] The database 200 may store history information including a part or all of the game play history for each of a plurality of users. The history information may include the history of each user's participation in or application for an event.

[0035] FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the terminal device 30 according to this embodiment, together with the input device 50 and the display device 60. The input device 50 may be a keyboard, a mouse, a touch sensor of a touch panel, or the like, and inputs user instructions to the server device 20 of the system 10 and supplies the instructions to the terminal device 30. The display device 60 may be an image display unit of a display or a touch panel, or the like, and displays a display screen output by the server device 20 of the system 10. The input device 50 and the display device 60 may be integrated with the terminal device 30. Multiple input devices 50 and multiple display devices 60 may be connected to one terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 includes a terminal input processing unit 300, a terminal state acquisition unit 305, a terminal transmission unit 310, a terminal reception unit 320, and a terminal display processing unit 330.

[0036] The terminal input processing unit 300 is connected to the input device 50 and the terminal transmission unit 310. The terminal input processing unit 300 receives user instructions from the input device 50 and supplies the instructions to the terminal transmission unit 310. The terminal input processing unit 300 may acquire an index value indicating the health state of the user of the terminal device 30 from the input device 50. For example, the terminal input processing unit 300 may acquire at least one of the user's heart rate, body temperature, electrocardiogram, or blood oxygen level from the input device 50. The terminal input processing unit 300 may acquire an index value indicating the user's health state input to the input device 50, or may acquire an index value indicating the user's health state measured by the input device 50. In this case, the input device 50 may be a wearable device.

[0037] The terminal status acquisition unit 305 is connected to the terminal transmission unit 310. The terminal status acquisition unit 305 receives location information of the terminal device 30 from a location sensor such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver provided in the terminal device 30, and supplies the location information to the terminal transmission unit 310.

[0038] The terminal transmitting unit 310 is connected to the network 40. The terminal transmitting unit 310 supplies the user's instructions received from the terminal input processing unit 300 to the server device 20 via the network 40. The terminal transmitting unit 310 supplies the location information of the terminal device 30 received from the terminal state acquiring unit 305 to the server device 20 via the network 40.

[0039] The terminal receiving unit 320 is connected to the network 40 and the terminal display processing unit 330. The terminal receiving unit 320 receives, via the network 40, various display screens that the server device 20 outputs to the terminal device 30.

[0040] The terminal display processing unit 330 is connected to the display device 60. The terminal display processing unit 330 performs processing for displaying the display screen received from the terminal receiving unit 320 on the display device 60.

[0041] In this embodiment, the terminal device 30 is configured to transmit user instructions input to the input device 50 to the server device 20, and to supply the display screen output by the server device 20 to the display device 60 for output, thereby reducing the processing load on the terminal device 30. Alternatively, the terminal device 30 may include a component corresponding to at least a portion of at least one of the instruction input unit 210, the game processing unit 220, the event processing unit 230, and the display processing unit 240 shown in relation to FIG. 2, and at least a portion of the processing performed by the component may be executed locally within the terminal device 30.

[0042] 5 shows a processing flow in the server device 20 according to this embodiment. In response to receiving an instruction to start a game from a certain terminal device 30, the server device 20 starts the processing flow shown in this figure to provide a game to the user of that terminal device 30.

[0043] In S502 (step 502), the game processing unit 220 and the event processing unit 230 refer to the game state stored in the database 200 for the target user, and instruct the display processing unit 240 to generate a display screen corresponding to the game state. The display processing unit 240 performs processing to generate a game screen and display it on the terminal device 30 of the target user in accordance with the instructions from the game processing unit 220 and the event processing unit 230. For example, if the target user's party is moving within the game space, the display processing unit 240 causes the terminal device 30 to display a screen including an image of the party's surroundings; if the target user is selecting an item to be equipped by a character in the party, the display processing unit 240 causes the terminal device 30 to display a screen prompting the target user to select an item; and if the target user's party is in combat, the display processing unit 240 causes the terminal device 30 to display a screen prompting the target user to input a combat action for each of one or more characters.

[0044] In S504, the user of the terminal device 30, viewing the display screen displayed on the display device 60, inputs an instruction corresponding to the display screen via the input device 50 and transmits the instruction to the server device 20. The terminal device 30 transmits the location information acquired by the terminal state acquisition unit 305 to the server device 20. The instruction input unit 210 supplies the instruction from the terminal device 30 to the game processing unit 220 or the event processing unit 230 depending on the content of the instruction. The instruction input unit 210 supplies the location information of the terminal device 30 to the game processing unit 220 or the event processing unit 230.

[0045] In S506, the game processing unit 220 or the event processing unit 230 performs processing in accordance with the instruction input from the instruction input unit 210 in S504. For example, the game processing unit 220 performs processing such as moving the target user's party within the game space, determining items to be equipped to characters in the party, and having the characters attack a specified enemy using a specified means. The game processing unit 220 may perform processing such as moving the target user's party within the game space in response to a change in the target user's location information input from the instruction input unit 210. For example, the game processing unit 220 may perform processing such as moving the target user's party to a position within the game space corresponding to the target user's location information in response to a change in the target user's location information. Furthermore, the event processing unit 230 performs processing related to the event when the target user participates in an event within the provided content. The event processing unit 230 may perform processing related to the event based on the target user's location information input from the instruction input unit 210. For example, the event processing unit 230 performs processing related to the event when the target user's location information input from the instruction input unit 210 meets the requirements for participating in the event. If the location information of the target user input from the instruction input unit 210 does not satisfy the requirements for participating in the event, the event processing unit 230 does not need to perform processing related to the event.

[0046] In S508, the game processing unit 220 or the event processing unit 230 changes the game state stored in the database 200 in accordance with the processing in S506. For example, the game processing unit 220 updates the position in the game space of each character belonging to the party in the possessed character information shown in FIG. 3 as the party moves within the game space. When the game processing unit 220 equips a character with an item, the game processing unit 220 adds identification information of the equipped item to a data structure indicating a list of items equipped by the character, which is included in the possessed character information. Furthermore, when a character attacks a specified enemy, the game processing unit 220 performs processing such as decrementing an indicator value indicating the health of the enemy, such as HP, associated with the specified enemy. Furthermore, when the game processing unit 220 performs processing in which the enemy attacks a character, it performs processing such as decrementing an indicator value indicating the health of the character, such as HP, associated with the character in the possessed character information. The game processing unit 220 may update the game state using various other methods in accordance with the target user's instructions and the progress of the game. Furthermore, the event processing unit 230 changes the game state stored in the database 200 in accordance with the result of the event processing, thereby reflecting the result of the event in the game state.

[0047] In S502 after returning from S508, the display processing unit 240 performs processing to display a screen after the change in the game state on the display device 60 of the terminal device 30.

[0048] 6 shows the configuration of the display processing unit 240 according to this embodiment, together with the instruction input unit 210, game processing unit 220, event processing unit 230, and map processing unit 250. In this embodiment, the system 10 may provide a user with a location-based game that uses location information of the terminal device 30. In this embodiment, the system 10 displays guidance information to a real-world destination on a game screen that includes a display of an in-game map. Here, the real-world destination is a place that the user wishes to visit in real space, and may be unrelated to the conditions for progressing through the game.

[0049] The display processing unit 240 includes a database connection means 600, an acquisition means 610, an information amount change means 620, a virtual screen generation means 630, and a notification processing means 640. The database connection means 600 is connected to the database 200. The database connection means 600 processes access to the database 200 from each means in the display processing unit 240.

[0050] The acquisition means 610 is connected to the instruction input unit 210. The acquisition means 610 acquires various instructions and information related to the map from the instruction input unit 210. The acquisition means 610 may acquire an instruction to start guidance to a real destination and an instruction to change the map settings. The acquisition means 610 may write the map settings of each user to the database 200 based on the acquired instruction to change the map settings. The acquisition means 610 may acquire location information of each user's terminal device 30, location information of the real destination, and the status of each user.

[0051] The information amount change means 620 is connected to the database connection means 600 and the acquisition means 610. The information amount change means 620 changes the amount of information in the guidance information to the real destination to be notified. The information amount change means 620 may change the amount of information in the guidance information to the real destination based on various instructions and information from the acquisition means 610. The information amount change means 620 may change at least one of the following as the amount of information in the guidance information to the real destination: whether or not to display names such as building names, store names, and place names; the number of names to be displayed; the maximum length of the names to be displayed; and the display method of real buildings such as 2D and 3D. The information amount change means 620 may change the number of names to be displayed, by changing the category of buildings, etc. whose names are displayed (shopping, parks, apartments, restaurants, tourist attractions, etc.). The information amount change means 620 may change the amount of information in the guidance information to the real destination depending on the distance between the location of the user's terminal device 30 and the real destination. Such a server device 20 can provide the user with guidance information according to the distance between the user's location and the real destination. The information amount change means 620 may set the information amount of the guidance information to the real destination to a default value when the distance between the position of the user's terminal device 30 and the real destination is greater than a threshold, and may increase the information amount of the guidance information to the real destination from the default value when the distance between the position of the user's terminal device 30 and the real destination is equal to or less than the threshold. The information amount change means 620 may decrease the information amount of the guidance information to the real destination as the distance between the position of the user's terminal device 30 and the real destination increases, and may increase the information amount of the guidance information to the real destination as the distance between the position of the user's terminal device 30 and the real destination decreases.

[0052] The virtual screen generating means 630 is connected to the network 40, the game processing unit 220, the event processing unit 230, and the database connection means 600. Alternatively, the virtual screen generating means 630 may not be connected to either the game processing unit 220 or the event processing unit 230. The virtual screen generating means 630 acquires various instructions related to the game or event from the game processing unit 220 or the event processing unit 230, and generates a virtual screen including a map of the virtual space. The virtual screen generating means 630 may acquire various pieces of information related to the virtual screen stored in the database 200 via the database connection means 600.

[0053] The notification processing means 640 is connected to the map processing unit 250, the information amount change means 620, and the virtual screen generation means 630. The notification processing means 640 acquires a real map from the map processing unit 250. The notification processing means 640 acquires the amount of information of guidance information to a real destination to be displayed on the virtual screen from the information amount change means 620. The notification processing means 640 acquires a virtual screen from the virtual screen generation means 630. The notification processing means 640 generates at least one of guidance information to a real destination or a virtual screen, and transmits it to the terminal device 30 via the network 40. If a real destination is not set, the notification processing means 640 may transmit only the virtual screen to the terminal device 30.

[0054] 7 shows a guidance information processing flow in the server device 20 according to this embodiment. When a user of a terminal device 30 inputs a real destination and instructs guidance, the server device 20 starts the processing flow shown in this figure to provide guidance information to the user.

[0055] In S710, the acquisition means 610 acquires location information of the terminal device 30 and information about the real destination from the terminal device 30 via the instruction input unit 210. The acquisition means 610 may acquire text information such as the name and address of the real destination from the terminal device 30, and acquire location information of the real destination using the acquired text information and map information stored in the database 200. Alternatively, the acquisition means 610 may acquire location information of the real destination from the terminal device 30 via the instruction input unit 210.

[0056] In S720, the information amount change means 620 calculates the distance between the location of the user's terminal device 30 and the real destination. In this embodiment, the distance may be Euclidean distance (straight-line distance), Manhattan distance, travel distance via roads on a real map or a virtual map, etc. If the distance between the location of the user's terminal device 30 and the real destination is equal to or less than the threshold (Yes in S720), the server device 20 proceeds to S730. Here, the information amount change means 620 may obtain a predetermined threshold from the database 200.

[0057] In S730, the information amount change means 620 changes the amount of information in the guidance information for the real destination. When the distance between the location of the user's terminal device 30 and the real destination becomes equal to or less than a threshold, the information amount change means 620 may instruct the notification processing means 640 to display a real map on the game screen. The server device 20 having such a function allows the user to refer to the real map when approaching the real destination, making it easier for the user to arrive at the real destination. Alternatively, the information amount change means 620 may instruct the notification processing means 640 to display, on the display device 60 of the terminal device 30, an application provided by a map service linked to an application provided by the system 10, when the distance between the location of the user's terminal device 30 and the real destination becomes equal to or less than a threshold.

[0058] Alternatively, the information amount change means 620 may change the amount of information in the guidance information to the destination even when the distance to the real destination is equal to or greater than a threshold. For example, the information amount change means 620 may change the amount of information in the guidance information to the real destination in accordance with settings input to the user's terminal device 30. A server device 20 having such a function can provide the user with only the real information that the user desires to be provided. The information amount change means 620 may change the amount of information in accordance with at least one of the settings input to the user's terminal device 30, such as the level of real information to be displayed, the type of real information to be displayed, areas for which real information is to be displayed in detail, areas for which real information is not to be displayed in detail, or a linked map service.

[0059] The information amount change means 620 may change the amount of real information displayed on the game screen depending on at least one of the real location, the user's state, the real environmental state, or the real time. A server device 20 having such a function can provide useful real information according to the real location, etc., to a user enjoying a location-based game. The information amount change means 620 may increase the amount of real information displayed on the game screen when the real location where the terminal device 30 is located is near a specific position (such as a guidance start point, a corner, or a transfer station) on the route to the real destination, compared to when the real location is elsewhere. The information amount change means 620 may change the amount of real information displayed on the game screen depending on index values ​​indicating the user's health condition, such as heart rate, body temperature, electrocardiogram, and blood oxygen level, acquired from the terminal device 30 via the instruction input unit 210 and the acquisition means 610, as the user's state. When an index value indicating the user's health condition is outside a predetermined normal value range, the amount of information change means 620 may instruct the notification processing means 640 to display on the game screen hospitals such as the user's family doctor, hospitals that the user visits regularly, and hospitals located near routes the user often walks. When the user's heart rate is higher than a predetermined normal value or the user's body temperature is higher than a predetermined normal value, the amount of information change means 620 may instruct the notification processing means 640 to display hospitals on the game screen. The amount of information change means 620 may obtain from the database 200 the normal value range of the corresponding index value indicating the user's health condition.

[0060] The information amount change means 620 may change the amount of real information to be displayed on the game screen in accordance with the weather in the real location where the terminal device 30 is located, as the real environmental state. The information amount change means 620 may instruct the notification processing means 640 to display information about evacuation destinations (coordinates, name, etc.) on the game screen when a natural disaster such as an earthquake, tsunami, or typhoon has occurred in the real location where the terminal device 30 is located. The information amount change means 620 may instruct the notification processing means 640 to display information about restaurants (coordinates, name, type of food served, etc.) on the game screen when the real time is within a time slot such as lunch or dinner (12:00-13:00, 19:00-20:00, etc.).

[0061] In S740, the virtual screen generating means 630 generates a virtual screen. In response to an instruction from at least one of the game processing unit 220 and the event processing unit 230, the virtual screen generating means 630 may generate a game screen including a display of an in-game map on which objects associated with real locations are arranged. An "object" may be a landmark associated with a real location, indicating that when a user is located at or near the real location and, as a result, the user's terminal device 30 is located at or near that specific location, the user can participate in an in-game event using the terminal device 30 (e.g., be able to obtain a specific in-game item or participate in a specific in-game battle). An "object" may be related to the progress of the game. An "object" may be designated by the user of the terminal device 30 or by the server device 20. An object designated by the user of the terminal device 30 is hereinafter referred to as a "designated object." The real location with which the designated object is associated may be designated without restriction by the user of the terminal device 30, or may be selected by the user of the terminal device 30 from one or more locations designated by the server device 20.

[0062] An "in-game map" is a map representing the game space, and may be a map created based on a real-world map. As an example, the "in-game map" may include roads, rivers, ponds, etc. in the game space that correspond to real-world roads, rivers, ponds, etc. A "game screen" is a screen displayed on the display device 60 of the terminal device 30, and may include an in-game user interface (UI) in addition to the in-game map.

[0063] In S750, the notification processing means 640 notifies the user of guidance information to a real destination set by the user in a location-based game in which objects associated with real locations are placed. The notification processing means 640 may display the guidance information to the real destination on an in-game map on which the objects are placed. The notification processing means 640 may perform display processing to display the guidance information to the real destination on the in-game map, or may perform display processing to display the guidance information to the real destination in an area of ​​the game screen different from the in-game map. When the virtual screen generation means 630 generates a virtual screen including guidance information to a designated object in S740, the notification processing means 640 may perform notification processing to further notify the user of guidance information to a designated object designated by the user. In this case, the notification processing means 640 may perform display processing to display the guidance information to the designated object on the in-game map. The notification processing means 640 may use a means other than a display to notify the user of guidance information, such as sound, vibration, light, or scent, as long as it is a means that stimulates the human five senses, or may use multiple means instead of a display. The notification processing means 640 may perform notification processing that notifies the user of guidance information to the designated object and guidance information to the real destination in different notification modes. With the server device 20 having such a function, the user is less likely to confuse guidance information to the designated object with guidance information to the real destination, allowing the user to balance progressing through the game with arriving at the real destination. The notification processing means 640 may notify (by displaying on-screen, by audio, etc.) the direction along the road to be traveled next, the route, the estimated time of arrival, the shape and name of real buildings, etc., as guidance information to the real destination, and may notify (by displaying on-screen, by audio, etc.) the direction in which the designated object is located, etc., as guidance information to the designated object.

[0064] When the information amount change means 620 issues an instruction to display a real map in S730, the notification processing means 640 may display the real map superimposed on the in-game map or side by side with the in-game map in response to the instruction from the information amount change means 620. With a server device 20 having such functionality, displaying both the in-game map and the real map makes it easier for the user to arrive at both the real location associated with the object and the real destination. The notification processing means 640 may display a semi-transparent real map superimposed on the in-game map. The notification processing means 640 may change the transparency of the real map as the distance between the location of the user's terminal device 30 and the real destination decreases. The notification processing means 640 may decrease the transparency of the real map as the distance between the location of the user's terminal device 30 and the real destination decreases, thereby highlighting the real map more than the in-game map. The notification processing means 640 may display a real map having an area smaller than that of the in-game map superimposed on the in-game map, or may display the in-game map and the real map side by side vertically or horizontally. The notification processing means 640 may increase the proportion of the real map in the game screen as the distance between the location of the user's terminal device 30 and the real destination becomes shorter.

[0065] According to the server device 20 described above, it is possible to display guidance information to a real destination on a game screen including a display of an in-game map on which objects in a location-based game are placed, making it easier for a user to move to a real destination while enjoying a location-based game, thereby improving interest. If the server device 20 has a function for changing the amount of information in the guidance information to a real destination, it is possible to prevent the amount of information in the guidance information to a real destination from becoming excessive, making it difficult for the user to see the display related to the game or the guidance information to a real destination, thereby improving interest.

[0066] 8 shows a second example of the data structure for each user stored in database 200. Database 200 stores map state data for each of multiple users. The map state data includes information on "user ID," "location information," "reality information level," "area with detailed display," "area with detailed display not displayed," "associated map service," and "family doctor."

[0067] The "user ID" and "location information" may be the same as those shown in FIG. 3. The "reality information level" may indicate the level of real-world information to be displayed. In the example shown in this figure, the "reality information level" is set to four levels: "low," "medium," "high," and "hidden." The "reality information level" may be set to multiple levels or continuously adjustable by sliding the slider in a setting UI such as a slider bar. "Low" may indicate that only information about famous tourist attractions, buildings, and stations is displayed; "medium" may indicate that information about commercial facilities is displayed in addition to the "low" display; and "high" may indicate that information about parks, apartments, restaurants, etc. is displayed in addition to the "medium" display. "Hidden" may indicate that only the in-game map is displayed, and that the real map is not displayed. The information amount change means 620 may obtain information about the "reality information level" from the database 200 and instruct the notification processing means 640 to display the real-world information at the level desired by the user on the game screen. The map state data may include information about the "display information category," which is the category of real-world information to be displayed, instead of the "reality information level." The "display information category" indicates a category that the user wishes to display, among categories such as shopping, parks, apartments, restaurants, tourist attractions, etc. The information amount change means 620 may obtain information related to the "display information category" from the database 200, and instruct the notification processing means 640 to display only real information that belongs to the category that the user wishes to display on the game screen.

[0068] The "detailed display area" indicates an area for which real-world information is displayed in detail. When the terminal device 30 is located within the area, the server device 20 displays the real-world information in detail on the game screen. The "detailed display area" may indicate location information of the area for which real-world information is displayed in detail (in the example shown in the figure, "around Station A" and "around Building C"), or may indicate a range of coordinates included in the area for which real-world information is displayed in detail. For example, the "detailed display area" may be a set of locations each within a threshold distance from a specific building, or may be the entire area of ​​a specific city, ward, town, or village. The information amount change means 620 may obtain information about the "detailed display area" from the database 200 and instruct the notification processing means 640 to display real-world information in detail on the game screen for areas included in the "detailed display area" on the real map.

[0069] A "detailed non-display area" indicates an area where real-world information is not displayed in detail. When the terminal device 30 is located within the area, the server device 20 does not display detailed real-world information on the game screen. The "detailed non-display area" may indicate location information of the area where detailed real-world information is not displayed (in the example shown in the figure, "Around Station B" and "Around Station D"), or may indicate a range of coordinates included in the area where detailed real-world information is not displayed. For example, the "detailed non-display area" may be a set of locations within a threshold of a straight-line distance from a specific building, etc., or may be the entire area of ​​a specific city, ward, town, or village. The information amount change means 620 may acquire information about the "detailed non-display area" from the database 200 and instruct the notification processing means 640 not to display detailed real-world information on the game screen for areas included in the "detailed non-display area" on the real map.

[0070] "Associated map service" indicates an associated map service. The map processing unit 250 may generate a real map using map information provided by the associated map service. In S730 of FIG. 7, the information amount change means 620 may instruct the notification processing means 640 to display an application provided by the associated map service on the display device 60 of the terminal device 30. The information amount change means 620 and the map processing unit 250 may use one map service or multiple map services simultaneously. "Family doctor" indicates the corresponding user's family doctor and may indicate the name and location information of the hospital where the family doctor is located.

[0071] FIG. 9 shows a first example of a display on the terminal device 30 according to this embodiment. The information amount change means 620 changes the amount of information in the guidance information to the real destination according to the distance between the location of the user's terminal device 30 and the real destination. If the distance between the location of the user's terminal device 30 and the real destination is greater than a threshold, the notification processing means 640 generates a display screen 900 and transmits it to the terminal device 30. As shown on the left side of the figure, the display screen 900 has an in-game map 910 and a guidance window 915. The guidance window 915 is an area that displays text information in the guidance information to the real destination.

[0072] The in-game map 910 shows a map of the in-game space based on a real-world map. The in-game map 910 includes a current location 920, an in-game monster location 922, an in-game item location 924, a destination 930, and a route 940. The current location 920 shows a location in the in-game space that corresponds to the real-world location of the terminal device 30. The in-game monster location 922 and the in-game item location 924 show the locations of objects associated with the real-world location. The in-game monster location 922 shows a location where an in-game monster spawns, and the terminal device 30 can participate in a battle with the in-game monster by positioning the terminal device 30 around the in-game monster location 922. The in-game item location 924 shows a location where an in-game item can be obtained, and the terminal device 30 can obtain the in-game item by positioning the terminal device 30 around the in-game item location 924. The destination 930 shows a location in the in-game space that corresponds to the real-world destination. The route 940 shows a route from the current location 920 to the destination 930. In this way, in the example of this figure, the notification processing means 640 displays a guidance window 915, a destination 930, and a route 940 on the display screen 900 as guidance information to the actual destination.

[0073] If a designated object is set, the notification processing means 640 may further display guidance information to the designated object on the in-game map 910. For example, if the in-game item position 924 is the designated object, the notification processing means 640 may display guidance information, such as an arrow indicating the direction from the current location 920 to the in-game item position 924, on the in-game map 910. Here, the arrow indicating the direction from the current location 920 to the in-game item position 924 does not follow a real road, and the route 940 indicating the route from the current location 920 to the destination 930 is a course along a real road. Therefore, the notification processing means 640 may display the guidance information to the designated object and the guidance information to the real destination in different display modes.

[0074] When the distance between the location of the user's terminal device 30 and the real destination is equal to or less than the threshold, the information amount change means 620 increases the amount of information in the guidance information to the real destination compared to when the distance between the location of the user's terminal device 30 and the real destination is greater than the threshold. The notification processing means 640 generates a display screen 950 based on the amount of information changed by the information amount change means 620 and transmits it to the terminal device 30. As shown on the right in the figure, the display screen 950 has an in-game map 960 and a guidance window 965. The guidance window 965 is an area that displays text information in the guidance information to the real destination.

[0075] The in-game map 960 includes an in-game monster position 922, an in-game item position 924, a destination 930, a current location 970, a route 980, and a building 982. The in-game monster position 922, the in-game item position 924, and the destination 930 are the same as the in-game monster position 922, the in-game item position 924, and the destination 930 in the display screen 900. The current location 970 indicates a location in the game space that corresponds to the real-world location of the terminal device 30. The route 980 indicates the route from the current location 970 to the destination 930. The building 982 indicates the shape and name of a real-world building. Thus, in the example of this figure, the notification processing means 640 displays a guidance window 965, the destination 930, the route 980, and the building 982 on the display screen 950 as guidance information to the real-world destination. Therefore, in the example of this figure, the display screen 950 contains a larger amount of guidance information to the real-world destination than the display screen 900. According to the server device 20 described above, when the user is far from the actual destination, a display screen is provided that makes it easier to view information related to the progress of the game, and when the user is close to the actual destination, a display screen is provided that makes it easier to view guidance information to the actual destination, thereby increasing interest.

[0076] 10 shows a second example of the display of the terminal device 30 according to this embodiment. When the instruction input unit 210 receives an instruction to display a map setting screen from a user via the terminal device 30, the display processing unit 240 may generate a display screen 1000 and transmit it to the terminal device 30. The display screen 1000 includes a slide bar 1010 and a setting update window 1020.

[0077] The slide bar 1010 indicates the setting status of the "reality information level" by using a slide. In the example of this figure, the slide of the slide bar 1010 can be set to the scales of "low", "medium", and "high", or between the scales. Alternatively, the slide of the slide bar 1010 may be set to only the scales of "low", "medium", and "high". Furthermore, the slide bar 1010 may be able to set the "reality information level" to "hide". In the example of this figure, the "reality information level" is set between "medium" and "high".

[0078] The setting update window 1020 is a window for updating and terminating the map settings. In the example shown in this figure, the setting update window 1020 includes a Yes button 1022 and a No button 1024. The Yes button 1022 is a button for updating the map settings. In response to the Yes button 1022 being clicked by the user of the terminal device 30, the instruction input unit 210 may receive an instruction to update the map settings. In response to the instruction input unit 210 receiving the instruction to update the map settings, the acquisition means 610 may write the updated map settings to the database 200. For example, the acquisition means 610 may update the "real information level" in FIG. 8. The information amount change means 620 acquires the updated map settings from the database 200 and changes the information amount of guidance information to the real destination in accordance with the updated map settings (S730 in FIG. 7). In the example shown in this figure, the information amount change means 620 changes the amount of information of the guidance information to the actual destination to an amount of information between "medium" and "high" in response to the "actual information level" being set between "medium" and "high."

[0079] The No button 1024 is a button for ending the map setting without updating it. In response to the user of the terminal device 30 clicking the No button 1024, the instruction input unit 210 may receive an instruction to end the map setting. In response to the instruction input unit 210 receiving the instruction to end the map setting, the display processing unit 240 may generate a display screen other than the display screen 1000 (a screen that was displayed before the display screen 1000 was displayed, a home screen, etc.) and transmit it to the terminal device 30. In this case, the acquisition means 610 does not need to write the map setting to the database 200.

[0080] 11 shows a third example of the display of the terminal device 30 according to this embodiment. When the instruction input unit 210 receives an instruction to display a map setting screen from a user via the terminal device 30, the display processing unit 240 may generate a display screen 1100 and transmit it to the terminal device 30. The display screen 1100 includes a category setting area 1110 and a setting update window 1020.

[0081] The category setting area 1110 is an area for setting the "display information category." In the example of this figure, the category setting area 1110 is a checkbox that allows the user to select a candidate for the "display information category." The category setting area 1110 may allow the user to select only one candidate, or may allow the user to select multiple candidates. In the example of this figure, the category setting area 1110 displays real information belonging to "shopping" and "tourist attractions," but does not display real information belonging to "parks," "apartments," and "restaurants."

[0082] The setting update window 1020 is the same as that shown in FIG. 10 . Therefore, in response to the user of the terminal device 30 clicking the Yes button 1022, the instruction input unit 210 may receive an instruction to update the map settings. In response to the instruction input unit 210 receiving the instruction to update the map settings, the acquisition unit 610 may write the updated map settings to the database 200. The information amount change unit 620 acquires the updated map settings from the database 200 and changes the amount of information in the guidance information to the real destination (S730 in FIG. 7 ). In the example shown in this figure, in response to the selection of "shopping" and "tourist attractions" as the "display information category," the information amount change unit 620 instructs the notification processing unit 640 to display real information belonging to "shopping" and "tourist attractions" as the amount of information in the guidance information to the real destination. In response to the fact that "parks," "apartments," and "dining and drinking" are not selected as the "display information category," the information amount change means 620 instructs the notification processing means 640 not to display real information belonging to "parks," "apartments," and "dining and drinking" as the amount of information in the guidance information to the real destination.

[0083] 12 shows a fourth example of the display of the terminal device 30 according to this embodiment. When the instruction input unit 210 receives an instruction to display a map setting screen from a user via the terminal device 30, the display processing unit 240 may generate a display screen 1200 and transmit it to the terminal device 30. The display screen 1200 includes a detailed display region setting area 1210, a detailed non-display region setting area 1212, and a setting update window 1020.

[0084] The detailed display region setting area 1210 is an area for setting a "detailed display region." In the example of this figure, the detailed display region setting area 1210 is an input field in which the user can input the name of the region to be set as the "detailed display region." Alternatively, the detailed display region setting area 1210 may be a check box or the like in which the user selects candidates for the "detailed display region." The detailed non-display region setting area 1212 is an area for setting a "detailed non-display region." In the example of this figure, the detailed non-display region setting area 1212 is an input field in which the user can input the name of the region to be set as the "detailed non-display region." Alternatively, the detailed non-display region setting area 1212 may be a check box or the like in which the user selects candidates for the "detailed non-display region."

[0085] The setting update window 1020 is the same as that shown in FIG. 10 . Therefore, in response to the user of the terminal device 30 clicking the Yes button 1022, the instruction input unit 210 may receive an instruction to update the map settings. In response to the instruction input unit 210 receiving the instruction to update the map settings, the acquisition unit 610 may write the updated map settings to the database 200. The information amount change unit 620 acquires the updated map settings from the database 200 and changes the amount of information of the guidance information to the real destination in accordance with the updated map settings (S730 in FIG. 7 ). In the example shown in this figure, in response to the selection of "Around Station A" as the "Detailed Display Area," the information amount change unit 620 instructs the notification processing unit 640 to display detailed real information for the area included in "Around Station A" on the real map. In response to the selection of "Around Station B" as the "Detailed Display Area," the information amount change unit 620 instructs the notification processing unit 640 not to display detailed real information for the area included in "Around Station B" on the real map.

[0086] 13 shows a fifth example of the display of the terminal device 30 according to this embodiment. When the instruction input unit 210 receives an instruction to display a map setting screen from a user via the terminal device 30, the display processing unit 240 may generate a display screen 1300 and transmit it to the terminal device 30. The display screen 1300 includes a map service setting area 1310 and a setting update window 1020.

[0087] The map service setting area 1310 is an area for setting an "associated map service." In the example shown in the figure, the map service setting area 1310 is a checkbox that allows the user to select a candidate for the "associated map service." The map service setting area 1310 may allow the user to select only one candidate, or may allow the user to select multiple candidates. In the example shown in the figure, the map service setting area 1310 indicates that the map processing unit 250 generates a real map using map information provided by "Company E," but does not use map information provided by "Company F," "Company G," or "Company H."

[0088] The setting update window 1020 is the same as that shown in FIG. 10 . Therefore, in response to the user of the terminal device 30 clicking the Yes button 1022, the instruction input unit 210 may receive an instruction to update the map settings. In response to the instruction input unit 210 receiving the instruction to update the map settings, the acquisition means 610 may write the updated map settings to the database 200. The information amount change means 620 acquires the updated map settings from the database 200 and changes the amount of information of the guidance information to the actual destination in accordance with the updated map settings (S730 in FIG. 7 ). In the example shown in this figure, in response to the selection of "Company E" as the "associated map service," the information amount change means 620 may instruct the notification processing means 640 to display guidance information based on the map service provided by "Company E." The information amount change means 620 may instruct the notification processing means 640 not to display guidance information based on the map services provided by "Company F," "Company G," and "Company H" when "Company F," "Company G," and "Company H" are not selected as the "associated map service." The information amount change means 620 may instruct the notification processing means 640 to display an application provided by the map service of "Company E" on the display device 60 of the terminal device 30. Furthermore, the map processing unit 250 may obtain updated map settings from the database 200 and generate a real map according to the updated map settings. In the example shown in the figure, the map processing unit 250 generates a real map using map information provided by the map service of "Company E."

[0089] Various embodiments of the present invention may be described with reference to flowcharts and block diagrams, where the blocks (e.g., blocks in flowcharts, blocks designated as "means" or "unit") may represent (1) stages of a process in which operations are performed or (2) sections of an apparatus responsible for performing the operations. Particular stages and sections may be implemented by dedicated circuitry, programmable circuitry provided with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, and / or a processor provided with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium. Dedicated circuitry may include digital and / or analog hardware circuitry and may include integrated circuits (ICs) and / or discrete circuits. Programmable circuitry may include reconfigurable hardware circuitry including logical AND, logical OR, logical XOR, logical NAND, logical NOR, and other logic operations, flip-flops, registers, memory elements such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), etc.

[0090] A computer-readable medium may include any tangible device capable of storing instructions that are executed by an appropriate device, such that the computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon comprises an article of manufacture containing instructions that can be executed to create means for performing the operations specified in the flowcharts or block diagrams. Examples of computer-readable media may include electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, and semiconductor storage media. More specific examples of computer-readable media may include floppy disks, diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), static random access memory (SRAM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc, memory stick, integrated circuit card, and the like.

[0091] The computer readable instructions may include either assembler instructions, Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or source or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk®, JAVA®, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages.

[0092] The computer-readable instructions may be provided to a processor or programmable circuitry of a programmable data processing apparatus, such as a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other computer, either locally or over a wide-area network (WAN) such as a local area network (LAN), the Internet, etc., which executes the computer-readable instructions to create means for performing the operations specified in the flowcharts or block diagrams. Examples of processors include computer processors, processing units, microprocessors, digital signal processors, controllers, microcontrollers, etc.

[0093] 14 illustrates an example of a computer 2200 in which aspects of the present invention may be embodied, in whole or in part. Programs installed on the computer 2200 may cause the computer 2200 to function as or perform operations associated with an apparatus or one or more sections of the apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention, and / or to perform a process or steps of a process according to embodiments of the present invention. Such programs may be executed by the CPU 2212 to cause the computer 2200 to perform specific operations associated with some or all of the blocks of the flowcharts and block diagrams described herein.

[0094] A computer 2200 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 2212, a RAM 2214, a graphics controller 2216, and a display device 2218, which are interconnected by a host controller 2210. The computer 2200 also includes input / output units such as a communication interface 2222, a hard disk drive 2224, a DVD-ROM drive 2226, and an IC card drive, which are connected to the host controller 2210 via an input / output controller 2220. The computer also includes legacy input / output units such as a ROM 2230 and a keyboard 2242, which are connected to the input / output controller 2220 via an input / output chip 2240.

[0095] The CPU 2212 operates according to programs stored in the ROM 2230 and RAM 2214, thereby controlling each unit. The graphics controller 2216 acquires image data generated by the CPU 2212 into a frame buffer or the like provided in the RAM 2214 or into the graphics controller 2216 itself, and causes the image data to be displayed on the display device 2218.

[0096] The communications interface 2222 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The hard disk drive 2224 stores programs and data used by the CPU 2212 in the computer 2200. The DVD-ROM drive 2226 reads programs or data from the DVD-ROM 2201 and provides the programs or data to the hard disk drive 2224 via the RAM 2214. The IC card drive reads programs and data from an IC card and / or writes programs and data to an IC card.

[0097] The ROM 2230 stores therein a boot program or the like that is executed by the computer 2200 upon activation, and / or programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 2200. The input / output chip 2240 may also connect various input / output units to the input / output controller 2220 via a parallel port, a serial port, a keyboard port, a mouse port, etc.

[0098] The programs are provided by a computer-readable medium such as a DVD-ROM 2201 or an IC card. The programs are read from the computer-readable medium, installed in the hard disk drive 2224, RAM 2214, or ROM 2230, which are also examples of computer-readable media, and executed by the CPU 2212. Information processing described in these programs is read by the computer 2200, and brings about cooperation between the programs and the various types of hardware resources described above. An apparatus or method may be configured by realizing information manipulation or processing in accordance with the use of the computer 2200.

[0099] For example, when communication is performed between the computer 2200 and an external device, the CPU 2212 may execute a communication program loaded into the RAM 2214 and instruct the communication interface 2222 to perform communication processing based on the processing described in the communication program. Under the control of the CPU 2212, the communication interface 2222 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer processing area provided in the RAM 2214, the hard disk drive 2224, the DVD-ROM 2201, or a recording medium such as an IC card, and transmits the read transmission data to the network, or writes reception data received from the network to a reception buffer processing area or the like provided on the recording medium.

[0100] The CPU 2212 may also cause all or a necessary portion of a file or database stored on an external recording medium such as the hard disk drive 2224, the DVD-ROM drive 2226 (DVD-ROM 2201), an IC card, etc. to be read into the RAM 2214, and perform various types of processing on the data on the RAM 2214. The CPU 2212 then writes back the processed data to the external recording medium.

[0101] Various types of information, such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases, may be stored on the recording medium and may undergo information processing. The CPU 2212 may perform various types of processing on data read from the RAM 2214, including various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgment, conditional branching, unconditional branching, information search / replacement, etc., as described throughout this disclosure and specified by the instruction sequences of the programs, and write the results back to the RAM 2214. The CPU 2212 may also search for information in a file, database, etc. on the recording medium. For example, if multiple entries each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute are stored on the recording medium, the CPU 2212 may search for an entry that matches a condition specified by the attribute value of the first attribute from among the multiple entries, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, and thereby obtain the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0102] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the claims that such modifications and improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0103] It should be noted that the execution order of each process, such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is not specifically stated as "before," "prior to," etc., and that the processes can be performed in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a subsequent process. Even if the operational flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is described using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, this does not mean that the processes must be performed in this order.

[0104] "Addendum" According to the specification and drawings of the present application, the following features are also disclosed as appendices. "assignment" The purpose is to increase interest. "Solution" (Appendix 1) Computer, A notification processing means for notifying a user of guidance information to a real destination set by the user in a location information game in which an object associated with a real location is placed. A program that functions as a (Appendix 2) The program according to claim 1, wherein the notification processing means displays guidance information to the real-world destination on an in-game map on which the object is placed. (Appendix 3) 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the notification processing means performs a notification process for further notifying guidance information for a designated object designated by the user. (Appendix 4) 4. The program according to claim 3, wherein the notification processing means performs notification processing to notify the guidance information to the specified object and the guidance information to the actual destination in different notification modes. (Appendix 5) 5. The program according to claim 1, which causes the computer to function as an information amount change unit that changes the amount of information in the guidance information to the actual destination to be notified. (Appendix 6) 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein the information amount change means changes the amount of information of the guidance information to the real destination according to the distance between the position of the user's terminal device and the real destination. (Appendix 7) The program described in Appendix 6, wherein the information amount change means instructs the notification processing means to display a real map within the game screen when the distance between the position of the user's terminal device and the real destination becomes less than a threshold. (Appendix 8) The program of claim 7, wherein the notification processing means displays the real map superimposed on the in-game map or displays the real map alongside the in-game map in response to the instruction from the information amount change means. (Appendix 9) 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein the information amount changing means changes the amount of information of the guidance information to the actual destination in accordance with a setting input to the user's terminal device. (Appendix 10) The program according to Appendix 5, wherein the information amount change means changes the amount of real information to be notified depending on at least one of the real location, the user's status, the real environmental status, or the real time.

[0105] The solution constituted by the above program may be appropriately applied to the fields of devices, systems, methods, and media. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 10 Systems 20 Server device 30 Terminal Equipment 40 Network 50 Input Device 60 Display device 200 databases 210 Instruction input unit 220 Game Processing Unit 230 Event Processing Unit 240 Display processing section 250 Map processing section 300 Terminal input processing unit 305 Terminal status acquisition unit 310 Terminal transmitter 320 Terminal receiving unit 330 Terminal display processing unit 600 Database connection method 610 Acquisition method 620 Information volume change means 630 Virtual screen generation means 640 Notification Processing Means 900 display screen 910 In-game Map 915 Information window 920 Current Location 922 In-game monster locations 924 In-game item locations 930 Destination 940 routes 950 display screen 960 In-game Map 965 Information window 970 Current Location 980 Routes 982 Building 1000 display screen 1010 Slide Bar 1020 Settings Update Window 1022 Yes button 1024 No button 1100 display screen 1110 Category setting area 1200 display screen 1210 Detailed display area setting area 1212 Details hidden region setting area 1300 display screen 1310 Map service setting area 2200 Computer 2201 DVD-ROM 2210 host controller 2212 CPU 2214 RAM 2216 Graphics Controller 2218 Display Device 2220 Input / Output Controller 2222 communication interface 2224 hard disk drive 2226 DVD-ROM drive 2230 ROM 2240 I / O chip 2242 keyboard

Claims

1. Computer, A notification processing means for notifying a user of guidance information to a real destination set by the user in a location information game in which an object associated with a real location is placed. A program that functions as a

2. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the notification processing means displays guidance information to the real destination on an in-game map on which the object is placed.

3. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the notification processing means performs notification processing for further notifying guidance information for a specified object specified by the user.

4. 4. The program according to claim 3, wherein the notification processing means performs notification processing for notifying the guidance information to the specified object and the guidance information to the actual destination in different notification modes.

5. 5. The program according to claim 1, wherein the computer is made to function as an information amount changing unit that changes the amount of information of the guidance information to the actual destination to be notified.

6. 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein the information amount changing means changes the amount of information of the guidance information to the real destination in accordance with the distance between the position of the user's terminal device and the real destination.

7. The program described in claim 6, wherein the information amount change means instructs the notification processing means to display a real map within the game screen when the distance between the position of the user's terminal device and the real destination becomes less than a threshold.

8. The program according to claim 7, wherein the notification processing means displays the real map superimposed on the in-game map or displays the real map alongside the in-game map in response to the instruction from the information amount change means.

9. 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein the information amount changing means changes the amount of information of the guidance information to the actual destination in accordance with a setting input to the terminal device of the user.

10. 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein the information amount change means changes the amount of real information to be notified in accordance with at least one of the real location, the state of the user, the real environmental state, or the real time.

11. A system comprising a notification processing means for notifying a user of guidance information to a real-world destination set by the user in a location-based game in which objects associated with real-world locations are placed.

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