Program, method, information processing apparatus, and system

Abstract

To enhance interest in using a plurality of sleep games.SOLUTION: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to manage progress of a game using sleep information, the computer including a processor and a memory. The program causes a processor to execute a step of acquiring sleep information of a user in a first sleep game, a step of generating a first event in the first sleep game based on the sleep information, a step of generating cooperation sleep information by associating the sleep information with information regarding the first event, and a step of transmitting the cooperation sleep information to a management device that manages progress of a second sleep game, in response to an instruction from the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, there has been a technology that encourages users to continually check their own measured health information and become aware of health management. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention that executes game processing in conjunction with the user's sleep status, motivating the user to continually record the measurement and analysis of information related to sleep. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 021235 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The invention described in Patent Document 1 can increase a user's health awareness by having the user continually play a game that measures and analyzes information about the user's sleep.

[0005] There are not many opportunities to acquire sleep information during the day, so it is difficult to find motivation to play multiple types of sleep games that use sleep information.

[0006] The purpose of the present disclosure is to increase the interest in using multiple sleep games. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The program is executed by a computer including a processor and a memory, and is configured to manage the progress of a game using sleep information. The program causes the processor to execute the following steps: acquiring a user's sleep information in a first sleep game, generating a first event in the first sleep game based on the sleep information, generating linked sleep information by associating the sleep information with information related to the first event, and transmitting the linked sleep information to a management device that manages the progress of a second sleep game in response to a user's instruction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to increase the interest in using multiple sleep games. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a system 1. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device 10 shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a first server 20. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of first user information 181. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of second user information 182. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a first user information table 2021. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of a second user information table 3021. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the terminal device 10 when the user wakes up. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operations of the terminal device 10 and the first server 20 when an event occurs in the first sleep game. FIG. [Figure 10]10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operations of the terminal device 10, the first server 20, and the second server 30 when sleep information is transmitted from the first server 20 to the second server 30. [Figure 11] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display on a display 141 of a terminal device 10. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operations of the terminal device 10, the first server 20, and the second server 30 when a user associates a user ID of a first sleep game with a user ID of a second sleep game. [Figure 13] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display on a display 141 of a terminal device 10. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of the components are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] <Summary> The system according to this embodiment is a system for a game that uses a user's sleep information. The system links information of a sleep game that is progressed using the user's sleep information with other sleep games to generate predetermined effects in the other sleep games.

[0012] <1 Overall system configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of system 1. In system 1, a server accepts sleep information from each user and progresses the game. As shown in FIG. 1, system 1 includes a plurality of terminal devices 10, a first server 20, and a second server 30. The terminal devices 10, the first server 20, and the second server 30 are connected for communication with each other via a network 80.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows an example in which the system 1 includes two terminal devices 10, but the number of terminal devices 10 included in the system 1 is not limited to two. The number of terminal devices 10 included in the system 1 may be three or more. Also, FIG. 1 shows an example in which the system 1 includes one first server 20 and one second server 30, but the number of first servers 20 and second servers 30 included in the system 1 is not limited to one each. Furthermore, the first server 20 and the second server 30 may be configured from multiple servers depending on the functions they have. In addition, the first server 20 and the second server 30 may be, for example, a collection of multiple devices that are treated as a single server.

[0014] The method of allocating the multiple functions required to realize the first server 20 and the second server 30 of this embodiment to one or more hardware components can be determined appropriately in consideration of the processing capacity of each hardware component and / or the specifications required for the first server 20 and the second server 30.

[0015] The terminal device 10 is, for example, an information processing device operated by a user who plays a game using sleep information. The terminal device 10 is realized, for example, by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet compatible with a mobile communication system. Alternatively, the terminal device 10 may be realized, for example, by a stationary personal computer (PC), a laptop PC, or a dedicated game console. Furthermore, the terminal device 10 may be realized, for example, by a wearable terminal such as a head mounted display (HMD).

[0016] The terminal device 10 includes a communication IF (Interface) 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, a memory 15, a storage 16, and a processor 19. The input device 13 is a device (e.g., a touch panel, a touch pad, etc.) for receiving input operations from a user. The output device 14 is a device (e.g., a display, a speaker, etc.) for presenting information to a user.

[0017] The terminal device 10 is connected to one or more sleep measuring devices 11 via a wired or wireless connection. Specifically, for example, the terminal device 10 communicates with the sleep measuring devices 11 via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi. Note that the sleep measuring devices 11 may be compatible with communication standards of mobile communication systems such as 5G or 6G and may communicate with the terminal device 10 without using short-range wireless communication. The sleep measuring devices 11 may also communicate directly with the first server 20 and the second server 30.

[0018] The sleep measuring device 11 is a device for acquiring information related to the sleep of the user of the terminal device 10. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which one sleep measuring device 11 is connected to the terminal device 10, two or more sleep measuring devices 11 may be connected to the terminal device 10.

[0019] The sleep measuring device 11 is a wearable device that is attached to the user's body, such as a wristwatch, a ring, or an eye mask. The sleep measuring device 11 may also be a device that is placed on a mattress or pillow on which the user sleeps. The terminal device 10 and the sleep measuring device 11 may also be the same device. That is, the terminal device 10 may also function as the sleep measuring device 11.

[0020] The sleep measuring device 11 includes a motion sensor including, for example, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, or a combination thereof. Note that the type of sensor is not limited to these. The sleep measuring device 11 senses the user's body movements while sleeping using the motion sensor. The sleep measuring device 11 transmits information related to the sensing result to the terminal device 10, for example, as sleep information. The terminal device 10 detects that the user has gone to bed (for example, lying down in bed) based on the sleep information. Going to bed means, for example, the user getting into a bed or a futon to sleep. Furthermore, the terminal device 10 detects that the user has fallen asleep after going to bed based on the sleep information. By detecting the user's going to bed and falling asleep, the terminal device 10 can determine whether the user has operated the terminal device 10 or whether the user has looked at the display 141 of the terminal device 10 between going to bed and falling asleep. In other words, the terminal device 10 can determine whether a user who is about to go to sleep operates the terminal device 10 before going to sleep.

[0021] Furthermore, for example, the sleep measuring device 11 accumulates the acquired sensing results. Furthermore, for example, the terminal device 10, the first server 20, or the second server 30 accumulates the sleep information transmitted from the sleep measuring device 11. Based on the accumulated sleep information, the terminal device 10, the first server 20, or the second server 30 determines whether the user is asleep, in a light sleep state, a deep sleep state, REM sleep, or non-REM sleep. By determining the waveforms of REM sleep and non-REM sleep, the terminal device 10, the first server 20, or the second server 30 can evaluate the quality of the user's sleep. Specifically, for example, REM and non-REM sleep cycles for good quality sleep are set in advance. The terminal device 10, the first server 20, or the second server 30 evaluates the quality of the user's sleep by comparing the preset REM and non-REM sleep waveforms with the REM and non-REM sleep waveforms during the user's sleep.

[0022] The sleep measuring devices 11 that are expected to be used in the system 1 are managed in advance, for example, in a so-called whitelist format. The terminal device 10 may store, for example, product information of the sleep measuring devices 11 that are compatible with the system 1, and may not accept the received data when it receives data from an incompatible sleep measuring device 11. Furthermore, when the terminal device 10 receives data from an incompatible sleep measuring device 11, for example, it may perform subsequent processing using parameters for the unidentifiable sleep measuring device 11.

[0023] Note that a user may use two or more sleep measurement devices simultaneously. For example, a user may wear two wristwatch-type sleep measurement devices, or a user may wear a wristwatch-type sleep measurement device and use a smartphone as a sleep measurement device.

[0024] Furthermore, differences in the type of sleep measuring device 11 are not limited to differences in the device itself. That is, even if the sleep measuring device 11 has the same device configuration, the system 1 may manage it as a different sleep measuring device 11 depending on the type of software or application used to transmit the sleep information to the first server 20 and the second server 30. For example, even if the same sleep measuring device 11 is used to detect sleep information, different "sleep measuring device IDs" may be used when sleep measurement application A is used to process the sleep information and when a different sleep measurement application B is used. In this way, managing the sleep information as different "sleep measuring device IDs" depending on the combination of the device type as the device configuration and the application used enables more flexible generation of sleep information, thereby making it possible to fully utilize the entertainment value of games that correspond to sleep states.

[0025] The terminal device 10 may be connected to a game controller via a wired or wireless connection. A user can operate the game controller to play a game. The terminal device 10 may be capable of communicating with multiple game controllers. For example, multiple users may operate their own game controllers to play a game on a single terminal device 10.

[0026] The first server 20 is, for example, an information processing device that manages the progress of the first sleep game using sleep information. The first server 20 is also an information processing device that generates events in the first sleep game based on the sleep information. The first server 20 is also an information processing device that generates events in the first sleep game based on events generated by the second server 30 based on the sleep information. In this embodiment, an event has, for example, multiple phases. Phases included in an event include, for example, the following: Sleep results report - Object lottery based on sleep information Interference with the drawn object - Granting of benefits ·Sleep information disclosure

[0027] The first server 20 is realized by a computer connected to the network 80. The first server 20 includes a communication IF 22, an input / output IF 23, a memory 25, a storage 26, and a processor 29. The input / output IF 23 functions as an input device for receiving input operations from a user and as an interface with an output device for presenting information to the user.

[0028] The second server 30 is, for example, an information processing device that manages the progress of the second sleep game using sleep information. The second server 30 is also an information processing device that generates an event in the game based on the sleep information. The second server 30 is also an information processing device that generates an event in the second sleep game based on an event generated by the first server 20 based on the sleep information. In this embodiment, an event has, for example, multiple phases. Phases included in an event include, for example, the following: Sleep results report - Quest occurrence and strategy based on sleep information Interference with objects related to completed quests - Granting of benefits ·Sleep information disclosure

[0029] The second server 30 is realized by a computer connected to the network 80. The hardware configuration of the second server 30 is similar to that of the first server 20.

[0030] Each information processing device is configured by a computer equipped with an arithmetic unit and a storage device. The basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer realized by the hardware configuration will be described later. For each of the terminal device 10, the first server 20, and the second server 30, descriptions that overlap with the basic hardware configuration and basic functional configuration of the computer will be omitted.

[0031] <1.1 Terminal device configuration> Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the terminal device 10 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 120, an input device 13, an output device 14, an audio processing unit 17, a microphone 171, a speaker 172, a position information sensor 150, a camera 160, a motion sensor 170, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. The blocks included in the terminal device 10 are electrically connected by, for example, a bus or the like.

[0032] The communication unit 120 performs processing such as modulation and demodulation for the terminal device 10 to communicate with other devices. The communication unit 120 performs transmission processing on the signal generated by the control unit 190 and transmits it to the outside (for example, the first server 20 or the second server 30). The communication unit 120 performs reception processing on the signal received from the outside and outputs it to the control unit 190.

[0033] The input device 13 is a device for inputting instructions or information by a user operating the terminal device 10. The input device 13 is realized, for example, by a touch-sensitive device 131 or the like, which inputs instructions by touching an operation surface. When the terminal device 10 is a PC or the like, the input device 13 may be realized by a reader, keyboard, mouse, or the like. The input device 13 converts instructions input by the user into electrical signals and outputs the electrical signals to the control unit 190. The input device 13 may include, for example, a receiving port that receives electrical signals input from an external input device.

[0034] The output device 14 is a device for presenting information to a user operating the terminal device 10. The output device 14 is realized, for example, by a display 141 or the like. The display 141 displays data according to the control of the control unit 190. The display 141 is realized, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display or the like.

[0035] The audio processing unit 17 performs, for example, digital-to-analog conversion processing of an audio signal. The audio processing unit 17 converts a signal provided from the microphone 171 into a digital signal and provides the converted signal to the control unit 190. The audio processing unit 17 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 172. The audio processing unit 17 is realized, for example, by a processor for audio processing. The microphone 171 receives audio input and provides an audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 17. The speaker 172 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing unit 17 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the terminal device 10.

[0036] The position information sensor 150 is a sensor that detects the position of the terminal device 10, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. The GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. In the satellite positioning system, signals are received from at least three or four satellites, and the current position of the terminal device 10 equipped with the GPS module is detected based on the received signals. The position information sensor 150 may detect the current position of the terminal device 10 from the position of the wireless base station to which the terminal device 10 is connected.

[0037] The camera 160 is a device that receives light with a light receiving element and outputs the light as an image capturing signal.

[0038] The motion sensor 170 includes, for example, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, or a combination thereof. Note that the type of sensor is not limited to these. The motion sensor 170 detects the movement of the terminal device 10 and outputs the result of sensing. For example, by placing the terminal device 10 on a mattress or the like of a bed on which the user sleeps, the motion sensor 170 detects the movement of the sleeping user when the user moves on the mattress. Note that, if a sleep measuring device 11 is connected to the terminal device 10, the motion sensor provided in the sleep measuring device 11 may be used.

[0039] The storage unit 180 is realized by, for example, the memory 15, the storage 16, etc., and stores data and programs used by the terminal device 10. The storage unit 180 stores, for example, first user information 181, second user information 182, first event information 183, and second event information 184.

[0040] The first user information 181 stores information about a user who plays a first sleep game based on a game program, as will be described in detail later.

[0041] The second user information 182 stores information about a user who plays a second sleep game based on the game program, as will be described in detail later.

[0042] The first event information 183 stores information about events occurring in the first sleep game based on the sleep information. For example, events occurring in the first sleep game include multiple phases. The first event information 183 stores, for example, information associated with the user in at least one of the multiple phases. The first event information 183 may also store, for example, information about events occurring in the first sleep game based on events occurring in the second sleep game.

[0043] Specifically, in the first sleep game, the first server 20, for example, draws a lottery for an object based on the acquired sleep information, and improves a reliability parameter set for the selected object by selecting a predetermined item. When the reliability parameter reaches a predetermined value, the first server 20 associates the object with the user. The first event information 183 stores, for example, information about an event occurring in the first sleep game, such as a parameter for evaluating sleep, a drawn object, a reliability parameter, or an associated object.

[0044] The second event information 184 stores information about events occurring in the second sleep game based on the sleep information. For example, events occurring in the second sleep game include multiple phases. The second event information 184 stores, for example, information associated with the user in at least one of the multiple phases. The second event information 184 may also store, for example, information about events occurring in the second sleep game based on events occurring in the first sleep game.

[0045] Specifically, in the second sleep game, the second server 30 generates a quest based on the acquired sleep information and progresses the quest based on the acquired sleep information. The second sleep game is a game that uses sleep information similar to the first sleep game, but provides the user with a different level of playability than the first sleep game. Events generated in the second sleep game include a phase in which the generated quest is conquered. The quest completion includes, for example, progressing through a story based on sleep information, acquiring items in a quest, battling objects in a quest, etc. The second event information 184 stores, for example, information related to events generated in the second sleep game, such as parameters for evaluating sleep, generated quests, progressed stories, acquired items, or battled objects.

[0046] The first object information 185 stores information about a first relationship between a user and an object in the first sleep game. The first object information 185 also stores information about a first relationship between a user and an object in the second sleep game. In this embodiment, the object represents, for example, a character appearing in gameplay, an item such as a weapon equipped by the character, a generated quest, or a progressed story. The object is associated with the user, for example, by lottery drawn by the first server 20 or the second server 30 based on the user's sleep information. The first relationship represents, for example, the relationship between the user and the object associated based on the sleep information. The first relationship represents, for example, the relationship between the user and the object associated as a result of completing a quest generated based on the sleep information. The first relationship changes, for example, when the associated object is interfered with by the user.

[0047] The expression "a user is associated with an object" is an expression that represents an example of the relationship between a user and an object, and other expressions may be used. For example, any expression may be used, such as "a user owns an object," "a user completes a quest," or "a user views a story."

[0048] The second object information 186 stores information about a second relationship between the user and an object in the first sleep game. The second object information 186 also stores information about a second relationship between the user and an object in the second sleep game. The user can select an object and play a predetermined game element during times other than when the user is sleeping. If the first relationship between the user and the object satisfies predetermined requirements through a lottery based on the sleep information and subsequent interaction with the object, the user can use the object in game elements during times other than when the user is sleeping. The predetermined requirements for the first relationship are, for example, requirements based on parameters that vary depending on interaction with the object. Specifically, for example, the relationship between the user and the object is expressed by parameters such as "reliability," "skill," or "level of capture," and repeated interaction with the object in the game increases the parameters such as "reliability," "skill," or "level of capture," and the parameters must exceed a certain level. Satisfying a predetermined requirement in the first relationship may be expressed as, for example, an object (character) becoming a friend, an object (weapon) being obtained, or a quest being completed. The second relationship represents, for example, a relationship between a user and an object that is associated based on a game element other than sleep. The second relationship changes, for example, when the object is used at times other than sleep.

[0049] The control unit 190 is realized by the processor 19 reading a program stored in the storage unit 180 and executing instructions included in the program. The control unit 190 controls the operation of the terminal device 10. By operating in accordance with the program, the control unit 190 fulfills the functions of an operation reception unit 191, a transmission / reception unit 192, a management unit 193, a presentation control unit 194, and a game processing unit 195.

[0050] Operation acceptance unit 191 performs processing for accepting instructions or information input from input device 13. For example, operation acceptance unit 191 accepts instructions or information input from touch-sensitive device 131 or the like. Specifically, for example, operation acceptance unit 191 accepts a setting of a predetermined time from the user. The predetermined time includes, for example, a planned wake-up time, a planned confirmation time, or the like.

[0051] Furthermore, the operation receiving unit 191 receives an image input from the camera 160. Specifically, for example, the operation receiving unit 191 receives image data captured by the camera 160.

[0052] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 191 receives audio information input from the microphone 171. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives audio data that is input from the microphone 171 and converted into digital data by the audio processing unit 17.

[0053] Furthermore, the operation receiving unit 191 receives behavior information input from the motion sensor 170. Specifically, the operation receiving unit 191 receives a predetermined behavior detected by the motion sensor 170, for example.

[0054] The transmitting / receiving unit 192 performs processing for the terminal device 10 to transmit and receive data to and from external devices such as the first server 20 and the second server 30 in accordance with a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the transmitting / receiving unit 192 transmits instructions input by a user or various pieces of acquired information to the first server 20. The transmitting / receiving unit 192 transmits the various pieces of acquired information to the first server 20 at predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is, for example, as follows: The timing when the user requests confirmation of the content of the event from the first server 20 -Predetermined cycle - Timing specified by the user

[0055] Furthermore, for example, the transmitting / receiving unit 192 transmits instructions input by the user or various pieces of acquired information to the second server 30. The transmitting / receiving unit 192 transmits the various pieces of acquired information to the second server 30 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is, for example, as follows. The timing when the user requests the second server 30 to confirm the content of the event -Predetermined cycle - Timing specified by the user

[0056] The transmitting / receiving unit 192 transmits, for example, sleep information to the first server 20. The transmitting / receiving unit 192 also transmits, for example, information on objects acquired by game elements other than sleep to the first server 20. Objects acquired by game elements other than sleep are, for example, items related to development, such as nuts and scrolls. Hereinafter, items related to development will be referred to as development items.

[0057] Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit 192 transmits, for example, sleep information to the second server 30. Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit 192 transmits, for example, information on objects acquired by game elements other than sleep to the second server 30. Objects acquired by game elements other than sleep are, for example, items related to development, such as nuts and scrolls. Hereinafter, items related to development will be referred to as development items.

[0058] The transmitting / receiving unit 192 also receives information provided from the first server 20. The information provided from the first server 20 includes, for example, information related to the user's sleep results. When the sleep measuring device 11 transmits sleep information to the first server 20, the transmitting / receiving unit 192 may receive the sleep information from the first server 20. The information provided from the first server 20 also includes, for example, information related to the result of a lottery based on the sleep information.

[0059] The transmitting / receiving unit 192 also receives information provided from the second server 30. The information provided from the second server 30 includes, for example, information related to the user's sleep results. When the sleep measuring device 11 transmits sleep information to the second server 30, the transmitting / receiving unit 192 may receive the sleep information from the second server 30. The information provided from the second server 30 also includes, for example, information generated based on the sleep information.

[0060] The management unit 193 manages first user information 181, second user information 182, first event information 183, second event information 184, first object information 185, and second object information 186 stored in the storage unit 180. For example, when the management unit 193 acquires sleep information of a user, it updates the first user information 181 based on the acquired sleep information. Furthermore, when the relationship between the user and an object is updated in an event that occurs on the first server 20 or the second server 30, the management unit 193 updates the first object information 185 based on the updated information. Furthermore, when the user uses an object for a game element other than sleep on the first server 20 or the second server 30, the management unit 193 updates the second object information 186.

[0061] The presentation control unit 194 controls the output device 14 and the like to present predetermined information to the user. For example, the presentation control unit 194 controls the output device 14 and the like to present to the user events that occur in the first sleep game based on the sleep information. For example, the presentation control unit 194 controls the display 141 to display to the user the contents of the events that occur in the first sleep game. Furthermore, for example, the presentation control unit 194 controls the output device 14 and the like to present to the user events that occur in the second sleep game based on the sleep information. For example, the presentation control unit 194 controls the display 141 to display to the user the contents of the events that occur in the second sleep game.

[0062] The presentation control unit 194 also controls the speaker 142 to generate a sound related to an event occurring in the first sleep game based on the sleep information, for example. The presentation control unit 194 also controls the speaker 142 to generate a sound related to an event occurring in the second sleep game based on the sleep information, for example. The presentation control unit 194 also controls a vibrator (not shown) to generate a vibration related to an event occurring in the first sleep game based on the sleep information, for example. The presentation control unit 194 also controls a vibrator (not shown) to generate a vibration related to an event occurring in the second sleep game based on the sleep information, for example.

[0063] Also, for example, the presentation control unit 194 controls the display 141 to display a management screen of objects associated with the user based on the information managed in the first object information 185 and the information managed in the second object information 186.

[0064] The game processing unit 195 performs calculations on data input by the terminal device 10 according to a program. Specifically, the game processing unit 195 performs processing related to an event that occurs on the first server 20, for example. The game processing unit 195 also performs processing related to an event that occurs on the second server 30, for example. The game processing unit 195 also performs processing related to game elements during the daytime, other than sleeping hours, in response to instructions input by the user. The game processing unit 195 may be described as having separate processing units for the function of performing processing related to an event that occurs on the first server 20 and the function of performing processing related to an event that occurs on the second server 30, but in this embodiment, they will be described as a single processing unit.

[0065] <1.2 Functional configuration of the server> Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the first server 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the first server 20 functions as a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203. Note that Fig. 3 explains the functional configuration of the first server 20, but the second server 30 also has the same functional configuration as the first server 20.

[0066] The communication unit 201 performs processing for the first server 20 to communicate with external devices.

[0067] The storage unit 202 includes, for example, a user information table 2021, a setting table 2022, and a master table 2023.

[0068] The user information table 2021 is a table that stores, for example, information about users who play games using sleep information. The user information table 2021 is a table that has columns that store information about users, using user IDs as keys, for example.

[0069] The setting table 2022 is a table that stores, for example, parameters related to the number of lottery draws. Specifically, for example, in the setting table 2022, a parameter for evaluating sleep, which is calculated as one of the phases in the event, is associated with a parameter related to the number of lottery draws.

[0070] The master table 2023 is a table that stores, for example, information about objects that can be associated with a user. In the master table 2023, for example, a parameter related to whether or not an object is eligible for a lottery, a parameter related to the probability of winning the object, and a parameter related to a value required to win the object (required parameter) are associated with the object. The parameter related to the probability of winning the object and the parameter related to the value required to win the object are, for example, inversely proportional to each other. Specifically, for example, when the parameter related to the probability of winning the object is high (high probability of winning, i.e., low rarity), the parameter related to the value required to win the object tends to be low. On the other hand, when the parameter related to the probability of winning the object is low (low probability of winning, i.e., high rarity), the parameter related to the value required to win the object tends to be high.

[0071] The control unit 203 is realized by the processor 29 reading a program stored in the storage unit 202 and executing instructions included in the program. By operating in accordance with the program, the control unit 203 fulfills the functions of a reception control module 2031, a transmission control module 2032, a management module 2033, a game progress module 2034, a presentation module 2036, and a cooperation control module 2037.

[0072] The reception control module 2031 controls the process in which the first server 20 receives signals from an external device, for example, the terminal device 10 or the second server 30, in accordance with a communication protocol. Specifically, the reception control module 2031 controls the process in which sleep information, instructions from a user, various information, and the like, are received from the terminal device 10. The reception control module 2031 also controls the process in which linked sleep information transmitted from the second server 30 is received.

[0073] The transmission control module 2032 controls the process of the first server 20 transmitting signals to an external device, for example, the terminal device 10 or the second server 30, in accordance with a communication protocol. Specifically, the transmission control module 2032 controls the process of transmitting information related to the user's sleep results to the terminal device 10. The transmission control module 2032 also controls the process of transmitting the linked sleep information to the second server 30.

[0074] The management module 2033 manages tables stored in the storage unit 202. Specifically, for example, when information about a user is input, the management module 2033 updates the user information table 2021. Furthermore, when information about the number of lottery draws is input, the management module 2033 updates the setting table 2022. Furthermore, when information about an object is input, the management module 2033 updates the master table 2023.

[0075] The game progress module 2034 communicates between the first server 20 and the terminal device 10 and progresses each user's play of the first sleep game based on the sleep information and the like received from each user's terminal device 10. For example, the game progress module 2034 generates an event to progress play of the first sleep game. Specifically, for example, the game progress module 2034 evaluates the user's sleep based on the user's sleep information as one of the phases in the event of the first sleep game. At this time, the game progress module 2034 may evaluate the user's sleep for that day based on the user's sleep information and information related to the development item. Hereinafter, the parameters for evaluating sleep are referred to as basic lottery parameters.

[0076] The game progress module 2034 performs a lottery for an object based on the sleep information as one of the phases of the first sleep game event. Specifically, for example, the game progress module 2034 performs a lottery for an object based on basic lottery parameters.

[0077] As one of the phases in the first sleep game event, the game progress module 2034 provides the user with an opportunity to interfere with one of the objects selected by lottery. Specifically, for example, the game progress module 2034 accepts from the user a designation for one of the objects selected by lottery, and accepts from the user an interference with the object designated by the user. In the first sleep game, interference with an object is, for example, a process in which a reliability parameter is set for the object and the reliability parameter is improved by granting an item. Hereinafter, an item granted to an object to improve its reliability will be referred to as an "imported item."

[0078] The game progress module 2034 varies the first relationship with the object based on the number, type, or combination thereof of the granted items given to the object. If the first relationship satisfies a predetermined requirement, the game progress module 2034 allows the user to use the object that satisfies the requirement in game elements other than when sleeping.

[0079] The game progress module 2034 awards a benefit to the user based on the sleep information as one of the phases of the event. Specifically, for example, the game progress module 2034 awards a predetermined benefit to the user based on the lottery basic parameters. The benefit may be an item that can be used in the first sleep game, or may be points, etc.

[0080] When sleep information for multiple days has been accumulated, the game progression module 2034 may cause events for multiple days to occur all at once based on the sleep information for multiple days.

[0081] The game progression module 2034 generates an event based on the linked sleep information transmitted from the first server 20. For example, the game progression module 2034 determines when the sleep related to the linked sleep information occurred based on the sleep information included in the linked sleep information. The game progression module 2034 references information included in the linked sleep information that is related to an event that occurred in the second sleep game, and generates an event in the first sleep game.

[0082] Information about events occurring in the second sleep game includes, for example, parameters for evaluating sleep, generated quests, progressed stories, acquired items, or battled objects. The game progression module 2034 generates events in the first sleep game in accordance with predetermined rules. Specifically, for example, a conversion formula for predetermined parameters, exchange targets for objects, etc. are set in advance. Object exchange may be performed by random lottery based on rarity. The game progression module 2034 reflects predetermined rules in information about events occurring in the second sleep game, and generates events in the first sleep game. The game progression module 2034 may also set predetermined benefits based on information about events occurring in the second sleep game. Note that the game progression module 2034 may, for example, evaluate the user's sleep based on sleep information included in the linked sleep information, and generate events in the first sleep game based on the evaluation.

[0083] 3, the game progression module 2034 of the first server 20 has been described, but the game progression module 3034 (not shown) of the second server 30 controls different processing from that of the game progression module 2034. For this reason, the game progression module 3034 of the second server 30 will also be described below.

[0084] The game progress module 3034 communicates between the second server 30 and the terminal device 10, and progresses each user's play of the second sleep game based on the sleep information and the like received from each user's terminal device 10. For example, the game progress module 3034 generates an event to progress play of the second sleep game. Specifically, for example, the game progress module 3034 evaluates the user's sleep based on the user's sleep information as one of the phases in the event of the second sleep game. At this time, the game progress module 3034 may evaluate the user's sleep for that day based on the user's sleep information and information related to the development item.

[0085] The game progression module 3034 generates a quest as one of the phases in the second sleep game event based on the sleep information and allows the user to complete the quest. Specifically, for example, the game progression module 3034 holds a quest lottery based on the lottery basic parameters. The game progression module 3034 allows the user to complete the quest generated by lottery based on the lottery basic parameters. More specifically, the game progression module 3034 progresses the story of the quest based on the lottery basic parameters. Furthermore, the game progression module 3034 allows the user to acquire an item in the quest based on the lottery basic parameters. Furthermore, the game progression module 3034 pits predetermined objects against each other in the quest based on the lottery basic parameters.

[0086] As one of the phases in the second sleep game event, the game progress module 3034 provides the user with an opportunity to interfere with one of the objects associated by completing a quest. Specifically, for example, the game progress module 3034 receives from the user a designation of one of the objects associated by completing a quest, and receives from the user an interference with the object designated by the user. In the second sleep game, interference with an object is, for example, a process in which a proficiency level or completion level parameter is set for the object, and the proficiency level or completion level parameter is improved by granting an item. Hereinafter, an item granted to an object to improve the proficiency level or completion level will be referred to as an "imported item."

[0087] The game progress module 3034 varies a parameter of the proficiency or the degree of completion for an object based on the number, type, or combination thereof of the granted items given to the object. When the proficiency or the degree of completion satisfies a predetermined requirement, the game progress module 3034 allows the user to use the object that satisfies the requirement in a game element other than when sleeping.

[0088] The game progress module 3034 awards a benefit to the user based on the sleep information as one of the phases of the event. Specifically, for example, the game progress module 3034 awards a predetermined benefit to the user based on the lottery basic parameters. The benefit may be an item that can be used in the second sleep game, or may be points, etc.

[0089] The game progression module 3034 generates an event based on the linked sleep information transmitted from the first server 20. For example, the game progression module 3034 determines when the sleep related to the linked sleep information occurred based on the sleep information included in the linked sleep information. The game progression module 3034 references information included in the linked sleep information that is related to an event that occurred in the first sleep game, and generates an event in the second sleep game.

[0090] Information about events occurring in the first sleep game includes, for example, parameters for evaluating sleep, object lottery, reliability improvement, object association, etc. The game progress module 3034 generates events in the second sleep game in accordance with predetermined rules. Specifically, for example, a conversion formula for a predetermined parameter, an exchange target for an object, etc. are set in advance as the predetermined rules. Object exchange may be performed by random lottery based on rarity. The game progress module 3034 reflects the predetermined rules in information about events occurring in the first sleep game, and generates events in the second sleep game. The game progress module 3034 may also set a predetermined benefit based on information about events occurring in the first sleep game. Note that the game progress module 3034 may, for example, evaluate the user's sleep based on sleep information included in the linked sleep information, and generate events in the second sleep game based on the evaluation.

[0091] The presentation module 2036 presents information to the terminal device 10. Specifically, for example, the presentation module 2036 presents an event generated by the game progress module 2034 to the terminal device 10.

[0092] The cooperation control module 2037 controls cooperation with the second sleep game provided by the second server 30. Specifically, for example, the cooperation control module 2037 issues an association ID to a user who has user information in the first sleep game and the second sleep game.

[0093] The collaboration control module 2037 also generates linked sleep information by associating sleep information with information about an event generated based on the sleep information. The collaboration control module 2037 generates linked sleep information, for example, each time an event occurs. If sleep information is acquired once a day, the collaboration control module 2037 generates linked sleep information for each day. If there is linked sleep information that has not been transmitted to the second server 30, the collaboration control module 2037 confirms with the user whether or not it is OK to transmit the linked sleep information to the second server 30. If consent is obtained, the collaboration control module 2037 transmits the linked sleep information to the second server 30 via the transmission control module 2032. For example, if the user has not played the first sleep game for multiple days, the collaboration control module 2037 stores linked sleep information corresponding to multiple dates in the user information table 2021.

[0094] When the game progress module 2034 generates events for multiple days at once, the coordination control module 2037 may generate coordinated sleep information based on the sleep information for the multiple days and information regarding the events generated based on each piece of sleep information.

[0095] <2 Data Structure> 4 and 5 are diagrams showing the data structure of information stored in the terminal device 10. Note that Figs. 4 and 5 are merely examples and do not exclude data not shown.

[0096] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the first user information 181. The first user information 181 shown in Fig. 4 is a table related to the first sleep game having columns such as name, age, address, date of birth, date of registration, scheduled wake-up time, owned items, sleep information, and linked ID, with the user ID as a key.

[0097] The user ID is an item that stores an identifier for uniquely identifying a user. The name is an item that stores the user's name. The age is an item that stores the user's age. The address is an item that stores the place where the user lives. The date of birth is an item that stores the date the user was born. The registration date is an item that stores the date the user started using the game according to this embodiment.

[0098] The scheduled wake-up time is an item that stores the time when the user plans to wake up. Waking up, for example, means waking up from sleep and starting to move. The scheduled wake-up time is set, for example, based on input from the user. The held items are an item that stores information about items that the user holds and that can be used in the game. Items held by the user can be rephrased as items associated with the user, for example. Items include, for example, development items or granted items. The item "held items" stores, for example, the names and number of items held by the user.

[0099] The sleep information is an item that stores sleep information about the user. The item "sleep information" stores, for example, sleep information from the previous night. The item "sleep information" may also store, for example, sleep information from a predetermined number of days in the past.

[0100] The association ID is an item that stores an identifier for uniquely identifying a user who has user information in the first sleep game and the second sleep game. The association ID is issued by the first server 20 or the second server 30. Specifically, the association ID is issued by the association control module 2037 of the first server 20 when a user who plays the first sleep game and the second sleep game attempts to associate the second sleep game in the first sleep game. The association ID is also issued by the association control module 2037 of the second server 30 when a user who plays the first sleep game and the second sleep game attempts to associate the first sleep game in the second sleep game.

[0101] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the second user information 182. The second user information 182 shown in Fig. 5 is a table related to the second sleep game having columns such as name, age, address, date of birth, date of registration, scheduled wake-up time, owned items, sleep information, and linked ID, with the user ID as a key.

[0102] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of information stored in the first server 20. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of information stored in the second server 30. Note that Figs. 6 and 7 are merely examples and do not exclude data not shown.

[0103] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the user information table 2021. The user information table 2021 shown in Fig. 6 is a table having columns such as an associated ID, event information, sleep information, a sending flag, and a receiving flag, with the user ID as a key.

[0104] The sleep information is an item that stores sleep information about the user. The item "sleep information" stores, for example, sleep information for multiple days. The past sleep information stored in the user information table 2021 may be older than the past sleep information stored in the user information 181. In other words, the user information 181 may store a portion of the past sleep information stored in the user information table 2021.

[0105] The event information is an item that stores information about events that occur based on sleep information. The "event information" item stores, for example, information about drawn objects, generated quests, and completed quests. The "event information" item stores information about events that occur based on multiple pieces of sleep information.

[0106] The transmission flag is an item that stores information indicating that sleep information and information related to an event have been transmitted as linked sleep information from the first server 20 to the second server 30. The "transmission flag" item stores, for example, "Not yet transmitted" indicating that information has not been transmitted, "Transmitted" indicating that information has been transmitted, or "-" indicating that information is not included. For example, the "transmission flag" item stores either "Not yet transmitted" or "Transmitted" in a record related to an event generated by processing by the first server 20, and stores "-" in a record related to an event generated by processing by the second server 30.

[0107] The reception flag is an item that stores the fact that the first server 20 has received sleep information and event-related information from the second server 30 as linked sleep information. The "reception flag" item stores, for example, "1" indicating that the information was received from the second server 30, or "0" indicating that the information was not received from the second server 30. That is, for a record in which "not yet" or "completed" is stored in the "transmission flag" item, "0" is stored in the "reception flag." Also, for a record in which "-" is stored in the "transmission flag" item, "1" is stored in the "reception flag." Note that the "reception flag" item may store information that can identify the game or server that is the source of the information. This makes it possible to link with three or more sleep games.

[0108] In FIG. 6, the user ID "ID0001" is associated with the linked ID "ID1001" and is an ID that has been linked with the second sleep game. The "sleep information" item for the user ID "ID0001" stores multiple pieces of sleep information. The "event information" item for the user ID "ID0001" stores information about events that occurred based on the sleep information of the record. Among the sleep information and event information for the user ID "ID0001," information about events that occurred on the first server 20 has all been sent to the second server 30 as linked sleep information, and therefore the "send flag" item stores "completed" for all of them.

[0109] The user ID "ID0002" is an ID that is not associated with a linked ID (not linked with the second sleep game). The "sleep information" item for the user ID "ID0002" stores multiple pieces of sleep information. The "event information" item for the user ID "ID0002" stores information about events that occurred based on the sleep information of the record. Because the user ID "ID0002" is not linked with the second sleep game, all of the "send flags" are stored as "-". Furthermore, because linked sleep information has not been received from the second server 30, there are no records in which "1" is stored in the "receive flag" item.

[0110] The user ID "ID0003" is associated with the linked ID "ID1002" and is an ID that has been linked with the second sleep game. The "sleep information" item for the user ID "ID0003" stores multiple pieces of sleep information. The "event information" item for the user ID "ID0003" stores information about events that have occurred based on the sleep information of the record. The latest sleep information and event information have not been sent to the second server 30, so the "transmission flag" item is stored as "not yet." Furthermore, among other sleep information and event information, information about events that have occurred on the first server 20 has already been sent to the second server 30 as linked sleep information, so the "transmission flag" item is stored as "completed."

[0111] The user ID "ID0004" is associated with the linked ID "ID1003" and is an ID that has been linked with the second sleep game. The "sleep information" item for the user ID "ID0004" stores multiple pieces of sleep information. The "event information" item for the user ID "ID0004" stores information about events that have occurred based on the sleep information of the record. Since none of the stored sleep information and event information has been sent to the second server 30, the "send flag" item is set to "not sent." Furthermore, since linked sleep information from the second server 30 has not yet been received, there are no records for which "1" is stored in the "receive flag" item.

[0112] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the user information table 3021. The user information table 3021 shown in Fig. 7 is a table having columns such as an associated ID, event information, sleep information, a sending flag, and a receiving flag, with the user ID as a key.

[0113] The user ID "ID2001" is an ID that has been linked with the first sleep game to which the linked ID "ID1001" is associated. The "sleep information" item for the user ID "ID2001" stores multiple pieces of sleep information. The "event information" item for the user ID "ID2001" stores information about events that occurred based on the sleep information of the record. Among the sleep information and event information for the user ID "ID2001," information about events that occurred on the second server 30 has all been sent to the first server 20 as linked sleep information, and therefore the "send flag" item stores "completed" for all of them.

[0114] The user ID "ID2003" is associated with the linked ID "ID1002" and is an ID that has been linked with the first sleep game. The "sleep information" item for the user ID "ID2003" stores multiple pieces of sleep information. The "event information" item for the user ID "ID2003" stores information about events that have occurred based on the sleep information of the record. The latest sleep information and event information have not yet been sent to the first server 20, so the "transmission flag" item stores "not yet." Furthermore, among the other sleep information and event information, information about events that have occurred on the second server 30 has already been received by the first server 20 as linked sleep information, so the "transmission flag" item stores "completed."

[0115] The user ID "ID2004" is associated with the linked ID "ID1003" and is an ID that has been linked with the first sleep game. The "sleep information" item for the user ID "ID2004" stores multiple pieces of sleep information. The "event information" item for the user ID "ID2004" stores information about events that have occurred based on the sleep information of the record. Since none of the stored sleep information and event information has been sent to the first server 20, the "send flag" item is set to "not sent." Furthermore, since linked sleep information from the first server 20 has not yet been received, there are no records for which "1" is stored in the "receive flag" item.

[0116] <3 operations> The operations of the terminal device 10 and the first server 20 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0117] (Actions when waking up) 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the terminal device 10 from when the user goes to bed until he or she wakes up. The user basically sleeps every day. Therefore, the terminal device 10 and the first server 20 repeatedly perform the operation based on the sleep information every time the user sleeps. Note that the operation by the terminal device 10 and the first server 20 based on the sleep information may be performed multiple times a day, for example. For example, the terminal device 10 and the first server 20 may also perform the operation for sleep such as a second nap or an afternoon nap.

[0118] When going to bed, the user operates the terminal device 10 to execute a program related to the first sleep game, which is a game using sleep information. The user operates the terminal device 10 to display a button for starting measurement of sleep information on the display 141. When the user presses the button, the terminal device 10 starts measuring sleep information using various sensors.

[0119] In step S11, the terminal device 10 detects that the user has woken up. Specifically, for example, the control unit 190 receives an operation input from the user to the terminal device 10 for waking up via the operation receiving unit 191. The operation input is an operation for confirming the sleep information. The operation for confirming the sleep information includes, for example, an operation for declaring that the user has woken up, such as pressing a button indicating that the user has woken up. The operation for confirming the sleep information also includes an operation for stopping an alarm that is set off at the scheduled wake-up time.

[0120] In step S12, the terminal device 10 acquires sleep information from various sensors. Specifically, when the control unit 190 detects that the user has woken up using the game processing unit 195, it causes the control unit 190 to end measurement of the user's sleep information. The management unit 193 aggregates the sleep information. The management unit 193 stores the aggregated sleep information in the first user information 181.

[0121] In step S13, the terminal device 10 receives an instruction from the user to confirm the content of the event. Whether or not to confirm the content of the event may be set in advance. The game processing unit 195 determines whether or not to confirm the content of the event according to the set content.

[0122] In step S14, the terminal device 10 accesses the first server 20. Specifically, for example, when an instruction to check the content of the event is received, the control unit 190 causes the transmission / reception unit 192 to transmit the sleep information stored in the first user information 181 to the first server 20. In addition, the transmission / reception unit 192 transmits a request to check the content of the event to the first server 20.

[0123] (Action when an event occurs) FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operations of the terminal device 10 and the first server 20 when an event occurs in the first sleep game.

[0124] First, the first server 20 receives, from the terminal device 10, the sleep information and a request to confirm the content of the event.

[0125] In step S21, the first server 20 determines an event to be generated in the first sleep game. Furthermore, the first server 20 evaluates the user's sleep as one aspect of the event. Specifically, for example, the control unit 203 calculates basic lottery parameters using the game progress module 2034 based on the user's sleep information and information about the development items acquired through the daytime game elements. The presentation module 2036, for example, presents the evaluation result of the user's sleep to the user. The transmission control module 2032, for example, transmits information for displaying the evaluation result of the user's sleep to the terminal device 10.

[0126] In step S22, the terminal device 10 displays the sleep evaluation result. Specifically, for example, the presentation control unit 194 causes the display 141 to display the calculated lottery basic parameters.

[0127] In step S23, the first server 20 draws a lottery for an object based on the sleep information as one aspect of the event. The presentation module 2036, for example, presents the result of the lottery to the user. The transmission control module 2032, for example, transmits information for displaying the result of the lottery to the terminal device 10.

[0128] In step S24, the terminal device 10 displays the lottery result.

[0129] In step S25, the first server 20 provides the user with an opportunity to interfere with one of the objects determined by lottery as one aspect of the event. Specifically, for example, the game progress module 2034 provides the user with an opportunity to improve the first relationship by granting a grant item to one of the objects determined by lottery. The presentation module 2036, for example, presents the user with the opportunity to interfere with the object. The transmission control module 2032, for example, transmits information for displaying the opportunity to interfere with the object to the terminal device 10.

[0130] In step S26, the terminal device 10 displays the chances of interference with the object.

[0131] The user selects a desired object from a plurality of objects determined by lottery, for example. The presentation control unit 194 displays on the display 141 a screen for granting a grant item to the selected object. The user grants a plurality of grant items to the selected object. The transmission / reception unit 192 transmits the result of the interference with the object to the first server 20.

[0132] In step S27, the first server 20 updates the user information table 2021. Specifically, the control unit 203, via the management module 2033, updates the item “related object” in the user information table 2021 based on the result of interference received from the terminal device 10.

[0133] (Operation when linked with other sleep games) FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operations of the terminal device 10, the first server 20, and the second server 30 when uploading event information.

[0134] First, the user operates, for example, the terminal device 10 to execute a program related to the first sleep game. The user operates, for example, the terminal device 10 to display on the display 141 a button for using the sleep results of the first sleep game in the second sleep game. When the user presses the button, the transceiver 192 of the terminal device 10 transmits to the first server 20 an instruction to transmit the sleep results of the first sleep game to the second server 30. Note that when the first sleep game is launched, the terminal device 10 may automatically transmit a transmission instruction to the server of the linked sleep game.

[0135] In step S31, the first server 20 checks the information to be transmitted to the second server 30. Specifically, for example, the first server 20 receives a request from the terminal device 10 to transmit linked sleep information to the second server 30.

[0136] The cooperation control module 2037 determines whether there is another sleep game linked with the first sleep game. If there is another sleep game (second sleep game) linked with the first sleep game, the cooperation control module 2037 refers to the user information table 2021 and determines whether there is linked sleep information that has not yet been sent to the second server 30. If there is linked sleep information that has not yet been sent, the cooperation control module 2037 sets the linked sleep information as information to be sent to the second server 30. The presentation module 2036 presents the set linked sleep information to the user for confirmation. The transmission control module 2032 transmits information to the terminal device 10 for confirming the linked sleep information to be sent.

[0137] In step S32, the terminal device 10 displays information on the display 141 for allowing the user to confirm the linked sleep information to be transmitted to the second server 30. Specifically, for example, the presentation control unit 194 displays identification information of the linked sleep information, the date and time when the sleep information was acquired, and the like on the display 141. When the user inputs consent to transmission, the game processing unit 195 notifies the first server 20 via the transmission / reception unit 192 that the user has consented to the linked sleep information.

[0138] When the transmission of the linked sleep information is approved, the game progression module 2034 sends the approved linked sleep information to the second server 30.

[0139] In step S33, the first server 20 executes flag processing for the transmitted linked sleep information. Specifically, the management module 2033 stores “Done” in the “Transmission Flag” field of the user information table 2021 for the linked sleep information transmitted to the second server 30.

[0140] When the second server 30 receives the linked sleep information transmitted from the first server 20, it returns information (Ack) indicating that the information has been received to the first server 20.

[0141] The first server 20 receives the Ack from the second server 30. The presentation module 2036 presents to the user that the linked sleep information has been received by the second server 30 and confirmation of the transition from the first sleep game to the second sleep game. The transmission control module 2032 transmits to the terminal device 10 information indicating that the linked sleep information has been received by the second server 30 and information for confirming the transition from the first sleep game to the second sleep game.

[0142] In step S34, the terminal device 10 displays on the display 141 information indicating that the linked sleep information has been received by the second server 30 and information for confirming the transition from the first sleep game to the second sleep game. Specifically, for example, the presentation control unit 194 displays on the display 141 "Information about the first sleep game has been accepted in the second sleep game. Do you want to start the second sleep game?"

[0143] The user operates the terminal device 10 to input an instruction to accept the transition from the first sleep game to the second sleep game. When the user accepts the transition, the transmitting / receiving unit 192 transmits a request to start the second sleep game to the second server 30.

[0144] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display example of the display 141 of the terminal device 10. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the presentation control unit 194 causes an area 1412 to be displayed on the display 141. The area 1412 is an area that displays the results of transmitting the linked sleep information generated for the first sleep game to the second sleep game, and that accepts permission to transition from the first sleep game to the second sleep game.

[0145] The presentation control unit 194 displays, for example, a button 14121 for accepting the transition and a button 14122 for rejecting the transition in the area 1412. The user checks the information displayed in the area 1412 and presses the button 14121 or 14122. When the user presses the button 14121, the transmission / reception unit 192 transmits a request to start the second sleep game to the second server 30.

[0146] In step S35, the second server 30 generates an event. Specifically, for example, the game progress module 3034 generates the event based on the linked sleep information transmitted from the first server 20. For example, the game progress module 3034 determines when the sleep related to the linked sleep information occurred based on the sleep information included in the linked sleep information. That is, the game progress module 3034 determines whether the information related to the event included in the received linked sleep information is information that has already been linked. If the information is not yet linked, the game progress module 3034 references information related to the event that occurred in the first sleep game, which is included in the linked sleep information, and generates an event in the second sleep game. For example, the presentation module 2036 presents information related to the generated event to the user. For example, the transmission control module 2032 transmits information for displaying information related to the generated event to the terminal device 10.

[0147] In step S36, the terminal device 10 starts the second sleeping game.

[0148] In step S37, the terminal device 10 displays information about an event that occurred in the second sleep game. Specifically, the presentation control unit 194 causes, for example, information about an event that occurred in the second sleep game to be displayed on the display 141. More specifically, the presentation control unit 194 causes the display 141 to display, based on the event that occurred in the first sleep game, that a predetermined object has been given, that a predetermined quest has been initiated, and the like, in the second sleep game.

[0149] (ID linking behavior) 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operations of the terminal device 10, the first server 20, and the second server 30 when a user links the user ID of the first sleep game with the user ID of the second sleep game. Note that, although the example shown in FIG. 12 illustrates a case where the first sleep game requests a link to the second sleep game, the second sleep game may request a link to the first sleep game.

[0150] First, the user, for example, operates the terminal device 10 to execute a program related to the first sleep game. The user, for example, operates the terminal device 10 to display a button for linking the first sleep game with the second sleep game on the display 141. When the user presses the button, the transmitter / receiver 192 of the terminal device 10 transmits the user ID and a request to link the first sleep game with the second sleep game to the first server 20.

[0151] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display example of the display 141 of the terminal device 10. In the example shown in Fig. 13, the presentation control unit 194 displays an area 1411 on the display 141. The area 1411 is an area for receiving a link request for linking the first sleep game and the second sleep game.

[0152] The presentation control unit 194 displays, for example, a button 14111 for accepting the link request and a button 14112 for declining the link request in the area 1411. When the user checks the information displayed in the area 1411, the user presses the button 14111 or 14112. When the user presses the button 14111, the transmission / reception unit 192 transmits the user ID and a request to link the first sleep game and the second sleep game to the first server 20.

[0153] In step S41, the first server 20 issues an associated ID. Specifically, for example, the reception control module 2031 receives a user ID and a request to associate the first sleep game with the second sleep game from the terminal device 10. The association control module 2037 issues the associated ID. The association control module 2037 stores the issued associated ID in a record identified by the received user ID in the user information table 2021. The transmission control module 2032 transmits information related to the user ID and the issued associated ID to the second server 30.

[0154] The association control module 3037 of the second server 30 stores the issued associated ID in a record identified by the received user ID in the user information table 3021. The transmission control module 3032 of the second server 30 notifies the first server 20 that the associated ID has been registered.

[0155] The first server 20 transmits, via the transmission control module 2032, to the terminal device 10, information that the first sleep game and the second sleep game have been linked.

[0156] In step S42, the terminal device 10 displays the linkage result. Specifically, for example, the presentation control unit 194 causes the display 141 to display that the first sleep game and the second sleep game have been linked via the linkage ID.

[0157] As described above, in the above embodiment, the game progress module 2034 acquires the user's sleep information in the first sleep game. The game progress module 2034 generates a first event in the first sleep game based on the sleep information. The cooperation control module 2037 generates linked sleep information by associating the sleep information with information related to the first event. In response to a user instruction, the transmission control module 2032 transmits the linked sleep information to a management device (second server 30) that manages the progress of the second sleep game. This makes it possible to utilize the event generated in the first sleep game in the second sleep game.

[0158] This increases the interest in using multiple sleep games. Furthermore, by using the sleep information measured by a user in one sleep game to progress through a different sleep game, it is possible to provide a system for centrally managing sleep information, allowing multiple sleep games to be progressed using the same sleep information. In sleep games using sleep information, most users sleep once a day, so game results are obtained only once a day. By applying the centrally managed sleep information to multiple games, game results can be obtained from multiple types of sleep games for a single sleep session.

[0159] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the collaboration control module 2037 generates linked sleep information for each day. The collaboration control module 2037 identifies linked sleep information that has not been sent to the management device from among the multiple pieces of linked sleep information, and transmits the linked sleep information. This allows the first server 20 to collectively transmit all of the linked sleep information that has not been sent to the other sleep games if there has been no collaboration with other sleep games for multiple days.

[0160] In the above embodiment, the game progress module 2034 acquires sleep information of the user in the first sleep game. The game progress module 2034 generates a first event in the first sleep game based on the sleep information. The reception control module 2031 receives linked sleep information generated by associating the sleep information acquired from the user in the second sleep game with information about a second event generated in the second sleep game based on the sleep information from a management device (second server 30) that manages the progress of the second sleep game. The game progress module 2034 generates a first event based on information about the second event included in the received linked sleep information. This allows the first server 20 to generate an event in the first sleep game by using the event generated in the second sleep game.

[0161] In the above embodiment, the cooperation control module 2037 determines a benefit based on information about the second event included in the received cooperation sleep information, and generates an event that provides the determined benefit to the user as the first event. This allows the first server 20 to generate a benefit in the first sleep game by using the event generated in the second sleep game.

[0162] <4 Variations> In the above embodiment, a case has been described where a user requests a link with another sleep game, and a plurality of sleep games are linked together. The request for linking sleep games may be suggested by a sleep game.

[0163] Specifically, for example, when the first sleep game is launched by a user operation, the game processing unit 195 refers to the first user information 181 and determines whether it is linked to another sleep game. If it is not linked, the game processing unit 195 suggests to the user that the first sleep game be linked to another sleep game that uses sleep information. The game processing unit 195 may suggest the link after identifying other sleep games already installed on the terminal device 10, or may suggest the link after receiving information from the user about the existence of other sleep games. If the first sleep game is already linked to another sleep game, the game processing unit 195 does not suggest the link.

[0164] Even if there is already a linked sleep game, a new sleep game may be installed in the terminal device 10. Even if there is already a linked sleep game, the game processing unit 195 may suggest linking to the user at a predetermined cycle.

[0165] If the user desires to link with another sleep game, the user accepts the proposal from the first sleep game and requests the first sleep game to link with the other sleep game.

[0166] The game processing unit 195 suggests to the user that the sleep games be linked together, which promotes the linking of the sleep games and increases the opportunities for the user to play multiple sleep games.

[0167] Furthermore, the first server 20, not limited to the terminal device 10, may propose linking the first sleep game with another sleep game. Specifically, for example, the link control module 2037 refers to the user information table 2021 to determine whether the first sleep game is linked with another sleep game. If there is no link, the link control module 2037 presents to the user, via the presentation module 2036, a notification encouraging the user to link with another sleep game. If there is link, the link control module 2037 presents to the user, via the presentation module 2036, a notification encouraging the user to send linked sleep information to a server managing the linked sleep game.

[0168] The cooperation control module 2037 suggests cooperation between sleep games to the user, thereby promoting cooperation between sleep games and increasing the opportunities to play multiple sleep games.

[0169] In the above embodiment, for example, when the linked sleep information transmitted from the first server 20 is received by the second server 30, the second sleep game is executed in the terminal device 10, and a transition from the first sleep game to the second sleep game is described. However, even when the linked sleep information transmitted from the first server 20 is received by the second server 30, a transition from the first sleep game to the second sleep game does not necessarily occur. For example, in FIG. 10, even when the first server 20 receives an Ack from the second server 30 indicating that the linked sleep information has been received, the first server 20 does not transmit information to the user.

[0170] The game progress module 3034 of the second server 30 generates an event based on the linked sleep information transmitted from the first server 20. The second server 30 transmits information about the event generated based on the linked sleep information to the first server 20. The presentation module 2036 presents information about the event generated by the second server 30 to the user. This allows information about events generated in other sleep games to be presented in the currently running sleep game, thereby providing the user with an incentive to launch other sleep games.

[0171] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, sleep information may be managed by a healthcare app. The healthcare app represents, for example, an application associated with an OS. Specifically, for example, if the terminal device 10 uses iOS (registered trademark), the healthcare app is Healthcare, and if the terminal device 10 uses Android (registered trademark), the healthcare app is HealthConnect. If the terminal device 10 is manufactured by a specific company, the company's official healthcare app may be installed. In this case, for example, sleep information is imported into HealthConnect via the company's official healthcare app.

[0172] The sleep information measured by the terminal device 10 or the sleep measuring device 11 is managed by a healthcare app. The terminal device 10 or the sleep measuring device 11 transmits information related to the sensing result as sleep information to the terminal device 10, for example, by attaching an identification flag that can identify the device itself. Note that the identification flag may be capable of identifying the product related to the device, the type of device, or the manufacturer of the device.

[0173] The transmitting / receiving unit 192 transmits, for example, the sleep information managed by the healthcare app to the first server 20. The transmitting / receiving unit 192 also transmits, for example, the sleep information managed by the healthcare app to the second server 30.

[0174] In the above embodiment, the terminal device 10 has been described as a terminal realized by a smartphone or the like, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The terminal device 10 may be realized by installing software on a home PC or the like, and may be configured to accept operations of a mouse or the like.

[0175] In addition, sharing of specific information via communication lines is mainly carried out via a WAN such as the Internet, but between information processing devices, it may also be carried out only via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and infrared communication without using a WAN.

[0176] In the above embodiment, an example of a mode in which each function is provided in the terminal device 10, the first server 20, or the second server 30 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this mode, and some or all of the functions may be provided in the terminal device 10, the first server 20, or the second server 30 in a mode different from that of the above embodiment. In addition, each function may be provided in the terminal device 10, the first server 20, and the second server 30.

[0177] Furthermore, the above embodiment may be realized as a program that causes an information processing device to execute the functions provided by the above-mentioned terminal device 10, first server 20, or second server 30, or may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium that stores the program.

[0178] <5 Basic computer hardware configuration> 14 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90. The computer 90 includes at least a processor 94, a main memory device 95, an auxiliary memory device 96, and a communication IF (interface) 99. These are electrically connected to one another by a bus.

[0179] The processor 94 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0180] The main storage device 95 is used to temporarily store programs and data to be processed by the programs, etc. For example, it is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0181] The auxiliary storage device 96 is a storage device for saving data and programs, such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a semiconductor memory.

[0182] The communication IF 99 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for communicating with other computers via a network using wired or wireless communication standards.

[0183] The network is composed of the Internet, LAN, various mobile communication systems constructed by wireless base stations, etc. For example, the network includes 3G, 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), wireless networks that can connect to the Internet via a predetermined access point (e.g., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), etc. In the case of a wireless connection, communication protocols include, for example, Z-Wave (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. In the case of a wired connection, the network also includes a network that is directly connected using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, etc.

[0184] It should be noted that the computer 90 can be virtually realized by distributing all or part of each hardware configuration across multiple computers 90 and interconnecting them via a network. In this way, the computer 90 is a concept that includes not only a computer 90 housed in a single housing or case, but also a virtualized computer system.

[0185] <6 Basic functional configuration of computer 90> A description will be given of the functional configuration of a computer realized by the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90 shown in Fig. 14. The computer includes at least the functional units of a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit.

[0186] The functional units of the computer 90 can also be realized by distributing all or part of the functional units among multiple computers 90 interconnected via a network. The computer 90 is a concept that includes not only a single computer 90 but also a virtualized computer system.

[0187] The control unit is realized by the processor 94 reading various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 96, expanding them in the main storage device 95, and executing processing in accordance with the programs. The control unit can realize functional units that perform various types of information processing depending on the type of program. In this way, the computer is realized as an information processing device that processes information.

[0188] The storage unit is realized by a main storage device 95 and an auxiliary storage device 96. The storage unit stores data, various programs, and various databases. Furthermore, the processor 94 can allocate a storage area corresponding to the storage unit in the main storage device 95 or the auxiliary storage device 96 in accordance with the programs. Furthermore, the control unit can cause the processor 94 to execute processes for adding, updating, and deleting data stored in the storage unit in accordance with the various programs.

[0189] A database refers to a relational database, which manages data sets called tables, which are structured by rows and columns, by relating them to each other. In a database, a table is called a table, a column in a table is called a column, and a row in a table is called a record. In a relational database, relationships between tables can be set and associated.

[0190] Typically, each table has a column set as a key for uniquely identifying a record, but setting a key to a column is not essential. The control unit can cause the processor 94 to add, delete, or update records in a specific table stored in the storage unit according to various programs.

[0191] The communication unit is realized by the communication IF 99. The communication unit realizes the function of communicating with other computers 90 via a network. The communication unit can receive information transmitted from other computers 90 and input the information to the control unit. The control unit can cause the processor 94 to execute information processing on the received information in accordance with various programs. Furthermore, the communication unit can transmit information output from the control unit to other computers 90.

[0192] The functions performed by the components described herein may be implemented in circuitry or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), a CPU (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to perform the described functions. A processor includes transistors and other circuits and is considered to be circuitry or processing circuitry. A processor may also be a programmed processor that executes programs stored in memory. In this specification, a circuitry, unit, or means is hardware that is programmed to realize or performs the described functions, which may be any hardware disclosed herein or any hardware known to be programmed to realize or perform the described functions. If the hardware is a processor considered to be a type of circuitry, the circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of the hardware and software used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0193] Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the inventions.

[0194] <Additional Notes> The matters described in the above embodiments will be supplemented below. (Appendix 1) A program to be executed by a computer having a processor and a memory and managing the progress of a first sleep game using sleep information, the program causing the processor to execute the following steps: acquiring a user's sleep information in the first sleep game; generating a first event in the first sleep game based on the sleep information; generating linked sleep information by associating the sleep information with information related to the first event; and transmitting the linked sleep information to a management device that manages the progress of a second sleep game in response to a user's instruction. (Appendix 2) A program described in Appendix 1 that causes a processor to execute the following steps: determining the state of collaboration between a first sleep game and a second sleep game; if the first sleep game and the second sleep game are not linked, presenting a notification to the user within the first sleep game encouraging collaboration with the second sleep game; and if the first sleep game and the second sleep game are linked, presenting a notification to the user within the first sleep game encouraging transmission of linked sleep information to a management device. (Appendix 3) A program described in (Appendix 1) or (Appendix 2), in which, in the generating step, linked sleep information is generated for each day, and in the transmitting step, linked sleep information that has not been transmitted to the management device is identified from among the multiple pieces of linked sleep information and the linked sleep information is transmitted. (Appendix 4) A program to be executed by a computer having a processor and a memory and managing the progress of a first sleep game using sleep information, the program causing the processor to execute the following steps: acquiring a user's sleep information in the first sleep game; generating a first event in the first sleep game based on the sleep information; and receiving linked sleep information from a management device managing the progress of a second sleep game, the linked sleep information being generated by correlating the sleep information acquired from the user in the second sleep game with information regarding a second event generated in the second sleep game based on the sleep information; and in the generating step, generating the first event based on information regarding the second event included in the received linked sleep information. (Appendix 5) A program described in Appendix 4, in which, in the generating step, a benefit is determined based on information regarding the second event included in the received linked sleep information, and an event that grants the determined benefit to the user is generated as the first event. (Appendix 6) The program according to (Supplementary Note 4) or (Supplementary Note 5), which causes a processor to execute a step of transmitting information about a first event generated based on linked sleep information to a management device. (Appendix 7) A system comprising means for executing all steps performed in the invention according to (Appendix 1) or (Appendix 4). (Appendix 8) A method executed by a computer having a processor and a memory for managing the progress of a first sleep game using sleep information, wherein the processor executes all of the steps executed in the invention according to any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 3). (Appendix 9) A method executed by a computer having a processor and a memory for managing the progress of a first sleep game using sleep information, wherein the processor executes all of the steps executed in the invention according to any one of (Appendix 4) to (Appendix 6). [Explanation of symbols]

[0195] 1. System 10...Terminal device 12...Communication IF 120…Communications Department 13...Input device 131...Touch-sensitive devices 14...Output device 141...Display 15...Memory 150...Location information sensor 16…Storage 160...camera 17...Audio processing unit 171...Mike 172...Speaker 180...Storage section 19...Processor 190...Control unit 20...First server 30...Second server

Claims

1. A program to be executed by a computer having a processor and a memory, the computer managing the progress of a first sleep game using sleep information, The program causes the processor to: acquiring sleep information of a user through the first sleep game; generating a first event in the first sleep game based on the sleep information; generating linked sleep information by associating the sleep information with information related to the first event; transmitting the linked sleep information to a management device that manages progress of the second sleep game in response to an instruction from the user; A program that executes the following.

2. determining a state of cooperation between the first sleeping game and the second sleeping game; If the first sleep game and the second sleep game are not linked, presenting a notification to the user within the first sleep game to prompt the user to link the first sleep game with the second sleep game; When the first sleep game and the second sleep game are linked, presenting to the user within the first sleep game a notification prompting the user to transmit the linked sleep information to the management device. The program according to claim 1, which causes the processor to execute the following steps.

3. In the generating step, the linked sleep information is generated for each day; In the transmitting step, The program according to claim 1 , further comprising: identifying, from among the plurality of pieces of linked sleep information, linked sleep information that has not been transmitted to the management device; and transmitting the linked sleep information.

4. A program to be executed by a computer having a processor and a memory, the computer managing the progress of a first sleep game using sleep information, The program causes the processor to: acquiring sleep information of a user through the first sleep game; generating a first event in the first sleep game based on the sleep information; receiving linked sleep information generated by associating sleep information acquired from a user in the second sleep game with information related to a second event occurring in the second sleep game based on the sleep information from a management device that manages progress of the second sleep game; Execute a program for generating the first event based on information about the second event included in the received linked sleep information in the generating step;

5. In the generating step, The program according to claim 4 , further comprising: determining a benefit based on information about the second event included in the received linked sleep information; and generating an event that provides the determined benefit to the user as the first event.

6. 5. The program according to claim 4, causing the processor to execute a step of transmitting information about a first event generated based on the linked sleep information to the management device.

7. A system comprising means for executing all of the steps performed in the invention according to claim 1 or claim 4.

8. A method executed by a computer having a processor and a memory for managing progress of a first sleep game using sleep information, A method in which the processor executes all of the steps executed in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. A method executed by a computer having a processor and a memory for managing progress of a first sleep game using sleep information, A method in which the processor executes all of the steps executed in the invention according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

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