Programs, information processing devices, and systems

Abstract

To reduce user dissatisfaction with advertising videos. [Solution] The program causes the computer to function as a display means 52 that displays an advertisement video to the user for playback within the game, a second determination means 58 that determines whether a predetermined condition is met if the playback time of the advertisement video does not exceed a predetermined time, and a reward means 60 that grants a first reward to the user if the playback time of the advertisement video exceeds a predetermined time. The reward means 60 grants the user a second reward that is equal to or different from the first reward if the playback time of the advertisement video does not exceed a predetermined time and the predetermined condition is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0006]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, an information processing apparatus, and a system.

Background Art

[0002] There are cases where an advertisement video is displayed in a game and a reward is given to a user who has viewed the advertisement video.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, it is disclosed that a reward is given to a user by viewing an advertisement video for a predetermined period of time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when the advertisement video is not played until the predetermined time, for example, it is assumed that the user intentionally ends the game and interrupts the playback of the advertisement video, or the advertisement video is interrupted due to a communication failure or the like, not intentionally by the user. For example, a user who unintentionally interrupts the playback of the advertisement video may not be able to receive a reward and may feel dissatisfied. Therefore, there is room to take relief measures when the advertisement video cannot be played until the predetermined time and reduce the user's dissatisfaction.

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a program, an information processing apparatus, and a system that can reduce the dissatisfaction of a user related to an advertisement video.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, a program according to a first aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a display means for displaying an advertising video to a user for playback within a game, a determination means for determining whether a predetermined condition is met if the playback time of the advertising video does not exceed a predetermined time, and a granting means for granting a first reward to the user if the playback time of the advertising video exceeds the predetermined time, wherein the granting means grants the user a second reward that is equal to or different from the first reward if the playback time of the advertising video does not exceed the predetermined time and the predetermined condition is met.

[0008] Furthermore, in a second aspect of the present invention, the predetermined conditions are conditions other than those relating to the playback time of the advertising video.

[0009] Furthermore, in a third aspect of the present invention, the predetermined conditions include the interruption of the playback of the advertising video not due to the user's intent.

[0010] Furthermore, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, the determination means determines, when the playback of the advertising video is interrupted before the playback time exceeds the predetermined time, whether the interruption is due to a first factor, which is the interruption caused by the user interrupting the playback of the advertising video, or a second factor, which is a factor other than the first factor.

[0011] Furthermore, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, the determination means determines that the first factor occurs when the user intentionally interrupts the playback of the advertising video, and determines that the second factor occurs when the playback of the advertising video is interrupted not intentionally by the user.

[0012] Furthermore, in a sixth aspect of the present invention, the granting means does not grant the second reward to the user if the playback time of the advertising video does not exceed the predetermined time and the playback interruption is determined to be due to the first factor, and grants the second reward to the user if the playback time of the advertising video does not exceed the predetermined time and the playback interruption is determined to be due to the second factor.

[0013] Furthermore, in a seventh aspect of the present invention, the determination means determines that the predetermined condition is met if the number of times the playback time of the advertisement video did not exceed the predetermined time within a predetermined period has not reached a predetermined value, and determines that the predetermined condition is not met if the number of times the playback time of the advertisement video did not exceed the predetermined time within a predetermined period has reached a predetermined value.

[0014] Furthermore, in the eighth aspect of the present invention, if the determination means determines that the predetermined conditions are not met, the granting means will not grant the first reward to the user for a predetermined period of time thereafter, even if the playback time of the advertising video exceeds the predetermined time.

[0015] Furthermore, in the ninth aspect of the present invention, the determination means acquires information indicating the playback status of the advertising video during the period from the time the display of the advertising video ends until a predetermined time before that time, and determines that the first factor is present if the playback of the advertising video is performed normally, and determines that the second factor is present if the playback of the advertising video is not performed normally.

[0016] Furthermore, in the tenth aspect of the present invention, the information indicating the playback status is information indicating changes in the playback screen of the advertisement video during the period.

[0017] Furthermore, in the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the first reward is more favorable than the second reward.

[0018] Furthermore, a program according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a display means for displaying an advertising video to a user for playback within a game, a determination means for determining whether a second condition is met, which is that the playback of the advertising video was interrupted not intentionally by the user, when a first condition regarding the playback of the advertising video is not met, and a granting means for granting a first reward to the user when the first condition is met, wherein the granting means grants the user a second reward that is equal to or different from the first reward when the first condition is not met and the second condition is met.

[0019] Furthermore, an information processing device according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention includes a display means for displaying an advertising video to a user for playback within a game, a determination means for determining whether a predetermined condition is met if the playback time of the advertising video does not exceed a predetermined time, and a granting means for granting a first reward to the user if the playback time of the advertising video exceeds the predetermined time, wherein the granting means grants the user a second reward that is equal to or different from the first reward if the playback time of the advertising video does not exceed the predetermined time and the predetermined condition is met.

[0020] Furthermore, an information processing device according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention includes: display means for displaying an advertising video to a user for playback within a game; determination means for determining whether a second condition is met, which is that the playback of the advertising video was interrupted not intentionally by the user, when a first condition regarding the playback of the advertising video is not met; and granting means for granting a first reward to the user when the first condition is met, wherein the granting means grants the user a second reward that is equal to or different from the first reward when the first condition is not met and the second condition is met.

[0021] In addition, the system according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention includes display means for causing a user to display an advertisement video for playback in a game, determination means for determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied when the playback time of the advertisement video does not exceed a predetermined time, and giving means for giving a first reward to the user when the playback time of the advertisement video exceeds the predetermined time. The giving means gives a second reward equal to or different from the first reward to the user when the playback time of the advertisement video does not exceed the predetermined time and the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0022] In addition, the system according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention includes display means for causing a user to display an advertisement video for playback in a game, determination means for determining whether a second condition that the playback of the advertisement video is interrupted not intentionally by the user is satisfied when a first condition regarding the playback of the advertisement video is not satisfied, and giving means for giving a first reward to the user when the first condition is satisfied. The giving means gives a second reward equal to or different from the first reward to the user when the first condition is not satisfied and the second condition is satisfied.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the program, information processing apparatus, and system of the present invention, dissatisfaction of a user regarding an advertisement video can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of a server device. [Figure 3] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server device. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of playback interruption due to the first factor. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of playback interruption due to a second factor. [Figure 7] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by each functional means. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a screen displaying an advertising video. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a screen related to reward distribution. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of an ad skip suggestion screen related to a modified version. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will be described with reference to the attached drawings. To facilitate understanding of the explanation, the same reference numerals are used for the same components and steps in each drawing whenever possible, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0026] ===First Embodiment=== First, let me describe the first embodiment.

[0027] <Overall Structure> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of System 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, System 1 comprises a server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 12. These server device 10 and terminal devices 12 are connected to each other via a communication network NT, such as an intranet, the Internet, or a telephone line.

[0029] The server device 10 is an information processing device that provides the game execution results obtained by executing the game program 14, or the game program 14 itself, to the users (players) of each terminal device 12 via the communication network NT.

[0030] Each terminal device 12 is an information processing device owned by each user, which, for example, provides a game to each user by installing and executing a game program 14 received from the server device 10. Examples of these terminal devices 12 include video game machines, arcade game machines, mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, and personal computers.

[0031] <Hardware Configuration> Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of server device 10.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the server device 10 comprises a control device 20, a communication device 26, and a storage device 28. The control device 20 is mainly composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22 and memory 24.

[0033] The control device 20 functions as various functional means by having the CPU 22 execute a predetermined program stored in the memory 24 or storage device 28, etc. Details of these functional means will be described later.

[0034] The communication device 26 consists of a communication interface and the like for communicating with external devices. The communication device 26, for example, sends and receives various types of information with the terminal device 12.

[0035] The storage device 28 is composed of a hard disk or the like. This storage device 28 stores various programs and information necessary for executing processing in the control device 20, including the game program 14, as well as information on the processing results.

[0036] The server device 10 can be implemented using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer. Furthermore, the server device 10 may consist of a single information processing device or multiple information processing devices distributed across the communication network NT. Also, Figure 2 only shows a portion of the main hardware configuration of the server device 10; the server device 10 may have other configurations that are generally found in servers. Similarly, the hardware configuration of the multiple terminal devices 12 may be similar to that of the server device 10, except for the inclusion of, for example, operating means, display devices, and audio input / output devices.

[0037] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a smartphone, which is the terminal device 12 shown in Figure 1.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the terminal device 12 includes a main control unit 30, a touch panel (touchscreen) 32, a camera (front camera / rear camera) 34, a mobile communication unit 36, a wireless LAN communication unit 38, a storage unit 40, a speaker 42, and a microphone 44.

[0039] The main control unit 30 is comprised of a CPU, memory, and other components. This main control unit 30 is connected to a touch panel 32 (which serves as a display input device), a camera 34, a mobile communication unit 36, a wireless LAN communication unit 38, a storage unit 40, a speaker 42, and a microphone 44. The main control unit 30 also has the function of controlling these connected devices.

[0040] The touch panel 32 has both display and input functions, and is composed of a display 32A that handles the display function and a touch sensor 32B that handles the input function. In this embodiment, the display 32A can display game images including button images, directional key images, joystick images, and other operation input images. The touch sensor 32B can detect the user's input position in relation to the game image.

[0041] The camera 34 has the function of capturing still images and / or videos and saving them to the memory unit 40.

[0042] The mobile communication unit 36 ​​has the function of connecting to a mobile communication network via the antenna 36A and communicating with other communication devices connected to the mobile communication network.

[0043] The wireless LAN communication unit 38 connects to the communication network NT via the antenna 38A and has the function of communicating with other devices such as the server device 10 that are connected to the communication network NT.

[0044] The memory unit 40 stores various programs and data, such as the game program 14 and play data that shows the game's progress and user information. The play data may also be stored in the server device 10.

[0045] Speaker 42 has the function of outputting game sounds, etc.

[0046] <Game Overview> The game according to this embodiment includes a lottery game, quests, and missions that allow users to acquire content (e.g., characters and various items). This lottery game may be referred to as gacha, lottery, summoning, etc. This quest may be referred to as a battle game, dungeon, exploration, mission, etc.

[0047] The lottery game according to this embodiment is a game in which, upon instruction (request) from the user to execute a lottery game, the user acquires one or more characters randomly selected from a group of characters that are the subject of the lottery. This lottery is performed based on the consumption of items owned by the user. Examples of such items include paid items (paid gems, paid tickets, etc.) and non-paid items (free gems, free tickets, game coins, etc.). Paid items are items that are granted to the user based on payment with money, prepaid cards, credit cards, etc. Non-paid items have the same value as paid items and are granted to the user free of charge within the game.

[0048] Furthermore, the quests in this embodiment are games in which a team composed of one or more characters owned by the user battles an enemy character, based on instructions (requests) from the user to execute a quest. These quests are executed based on the consumption of stamina associated with the user. Stamina is recovered by using stamina recovery items or by the passage of a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 3 minutes). If the user clears a quest, they can obtain a clear reward. Clear rewards include non-paid items (e.g., free gems), enemy characters that appeared in the quest, and experience points to increase the player rank.

[0049] Furthermore, the missions according to this embodiment are tasks assigned to users by the game operator, and users can earn rewards based on the completion of these missions. Examples of missions include viewing advertisements for various products and services, completing specific quests, reaching a predetermined player rank, reaching a predetermined number of logins, and reaching a predetermined total value of consumed stamina. Examples of rewards include in-game content and coupons (barcodes, gift codes, etc.) usable at stores, etc. Examples of this content include characters, non-paid items, material items for strengthening (evolving) characters, stamina recovery items, items usable in quests (continue items, etc.), and a free ticket for a lottery game. This content may also be usable in other games. In addition, the rewards earned by users may be determined randomly according to a predetermined probability.

[0050] <Functional means> Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server device 10.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, the server device 10 has a functional configuration comprising a storage means 50, a display means 52, a receiving means 54, a first determination means 56, a second determination means 58, and an assignment means 60. The storage means 50 is implemented by one or more storage devices 28. The functional means other than the storage means 50 are implemented by the control device 20 executing a game program 14 stored in the storage devices 28, etc.

[0052] The memory means 50 is a functional means for storing user information 50A, character information 50B, advertising information 50C, etc.

[0053] User information 50A is stored for each user (player) and is associated with that user's user ID. This user information 50A includes, for example, the user's name, age, owned character information, and owned item information. Owned character information includes the character ID and ability parameters of each character owned by the user. Ability parameters include, for example, character level, hit points, attack power, and defense power. Level increases when a character gains character experience points through synthesis with material items, etc. As a character's level increases, hit points, attack power, defense power, etc. also increase. The item ownership information includes the number of various items owned by the user. These items include paid gems, paid tickets, free gems, free tickets, material items, etc.

[0054] Character information 50B is stored for each character, associated with that character's character ID. This character information 50B includes, for example, the character's name, image (design), rarity, initial values ​​of ability parameters (e.g., hit points, attack power, defense power at level 1, etc.) and maximum values ​​(e.g., hit points, attack power, defense power at level 100, etc.), skills, etc. Rarity includes a number ranging from 1 to 6, for example. This number may be represented by the number of stars. Characters with higher rarity have ability parameters and skills that are advantageous for playing the game (for example, quests and missions).

[0055] The advertising information 50C is stored for each advertisement, associated with the advertisement ID of that advertisement. This advertising information 50C includes, for example, the name of the advertiser, the product name being advertised, advertising data, reward information, and the number of impressions. The advertising data is the video of the advertisement to be displayed. In this embodiment, the video to be displayed as an advertisement is referred to as the "advertising video". The advertising video is a video of a predetermined length. For example, the advertising video is 30 seconds long. The advertising video includes, for example, strings such as the product name, product overview, product image, and the name of the company that sells the product. Note that the product includes services. The reward information is information about the reward provided to the user based on the display of the advertisement. The number of impressions includes the total number of times the advertisement was displayed on each user's terminal device 12.

[0056] The display means 52 is a functional means for displaying game screens, advertisements, etc., on the touch panel 32 of the terminal device 12. In this embodiment, the display means 52 displays an advertisement video, which is different from the game, for playback within the game.

[0057] Furthermore, the display means 52 may also display an end button along with the advertisement video to end the advertisement video. The end button allows the user to end (skip) the display of the advertisement video. In addition, the display means 52 may also display the elapsed time or remaining time of the advertisement, questions about the advertisement (including answer choices, for example), etc., along with the advertisement video.

[0058] The reception means 54 is a functional means for receiving input instructions from the user. In this embodiment, the reception means 54 receives operation input from the user. Examples of operations include touch operations on the touch panel 32. For example, the reception means 54 receives an operation instruction for the end button of an advertisement video displayed by the display means 52.

[0059] The first determination means 56 determines whether the first condition regarding the playback of the advertising video is met. In this embodiment, the first determination means 56 performs a determination process related to the playback time of the displayed advertising video. The playback time is measured after the advertising video has been played. The playback time progresses only when the advertising video is playing without stopping. That is, the playback time does not progress if the advertising video is displayed but the video has been stopped by the user, or if the video is stuck due to communication instability, etc.

[0060] The first determination means 56 then determines whether the playback time of the advertisement video exceeds a predetermined time T1. The predetermined time T1 is set to a time that is less than or equal to the time from the start to the end of the advertisement video (total time). In this embodiment, the case in which the predetermined time T1 is set to a time shorter than the total time of the advertisement video will be described as an example. For example, if the advertisement video is 30 seconds long in total, the predetermined time T1 will be set to 20 seconds. The predetermined time T1 may also be set to a time equal to the total time of the advertisement video (for example, 30 seconds).

[0061] The first determination means 56 determines whether the playback time of the advertisement video exceeds a predetermined time T1 after the advertisement video is displayed by the display means 52. That is, the first determination means 56 determines that the first condition is met if the playback time of the advertisement video exceeds the predetermined time T1. If the playback time of the advertisement video exceeds the predetermined time T1, it is assumed that the advertisement video was displayed from the beginning until the predetermined time T1, and that the user recognized the content of the advertisement video.

[0062] The first determination means 56 outputs the determination result to the second determination means 58 and the assignment means 60.

[0063] The second determination means 58 is a determination means that determines whether a predetermined condition is met when the first determination means 56 determines that the playback time of the advertisement video did not exceed a predetermined time T1. That is, the second determination means 58 determines whether a predetermined condition is met when the playback of the advertisement video is interrupted before the playback time exceeds a predetermined time T1. The predetermined condition is a second condition different from the first condition, and is a condition other than the condition relating to the playback time of the advertisement video. Specifically, the predetermined condition is a condition relating to the factors that prevented the playback time of the advertisement video from exceeding a predetermined time T1. In this embodiment, the predetermined condition includes the interruption of the playback of the advertisement video due to reasons not being intentional on the part of the user. In this embodiment, the factors that prevented the playback time of the advertisement video from exceeding a predetermined time T1 are the "first factor" and the "second factor". Also, in this embodiment, playback interruption means that the playback of the advertisement video is interrupted (stopped). Playback interruption includes cases where the playback of the advertisement video is stopped (display does not end) and cases where the playback of the advertisement video is stopped and the display ends at the same time. When playback is interrupted, the playback time is stopped.

[0064] The first factor is the factor that corresponds to when the user interrupts the playback of the advertisement video. In other words, if the user intentionally interrupts the playback of the advertisement video, the cause of the interruption becomes the first factor. Specifically, the first factor includes closing or restarting the game (app), turning off communication settings, restarting the device, pressing the quit button, etc. In short, when the playback of the advertisement video is intentionally interrupted by user action, it corresponds to the first factor.

[0065] Figure 5 shows an example of playback interruption due to the first factor. Figure 5 shows an example where playback is interrupted due to the first factor before the playback time of the advertisement video reaches a predetermined time T1. For example, after the start of the advertisement video, the user ends the game by operating the terminal device 12 at time T2, which is before the predetermined time T1, while the advertisement video is still playing. As a result, the playback of the advertisement video is interrupted at time T2 by the user's intent. In the example in Figure 5, since the game itself ends at time T2, the playback of the advertisement video stops and the display of the advertisement video ends.

[0066] The second factor is any factor other than the first factor. In other words, if the playback of an advertising video is interrupted not due to the user's intent, the cause of the interruption is the second factor. Specifically, the second factor includes communication interruptions due to communication failures, unstable communication (slow speed), and long loading times. In short, if the playback of an advertising video is interrupted not due to user action, it is the second factor.

[0067] Figure 6 shows an example of playback interruption due to a second factor. Figure 6 shows an example where playback is interrupted due to a second factor before the playback time of the advertisement video reaches a predetermined time T1. For example, after the start of the advertisement video, at time T3, which is before the predetermined time T1, communication becomes unstable (e.g., out of range), and playback of the advertisement video stops. As a result, playback of the advertisement video is interrupted at time T3 not due to the user's intent. In the example in Figure 6, if playback of the advertisement video stops at time T3 and the communication instability is not resolved afterward, playback remains stopped, the user will end the display of the advertisement, for example, by pressing the end button.

[0068] The second determination means 58 then determines whether the interruption of playback of the advertisement video was due to the first factor or the second factor, if the playback time of the advertisement video does not exceed a predetermined time T1 and playback is interrupted. That is, the second determination means 58 determines that the interruption was due to the first factor if the user intentionally interrupted the playback of the advertisement video, and determines that the interruption was due to the second factor if the user did not intentionally interrupt the playback of the advertisement video.

[0069] In the second determination means 58, the method for determining whether the cause of playback interruption is due to the first or second factor is not limited, and various methods can be applied. For example, the second determination means 58 may acquire location information of the terminal device 12 that displayed the advertisement video, and if there is a possibility of communication failure or communication instability occurring at that location, it may determine that it is the second factor. Alternatively, the second determination means 58 may use time information and determine that it is the second factor if there is a history of communication failure or communication instability occurring at the relevant time. Furthermore, the second determination means 58 may acquire operation history from the terminal device 12 and determine that it is the first factor if there is a history of the user performing an operation that causes playback interruption, such as ending the game. Additionally, if playback interruptions have occurred a predetermined number of times or more in the same time period or in a specific region across multiple terminal devices 12, the second determination means 58 may assume that the playback interruption is due to some kind of failure and determine that it is the second factor.

[0070] The second determination means 58 determines that the predetermined conditions are met if it determines that the cause of the playback interruption is the second cause. The second determination means 58 determines that the predetermined conditions are not met if it determines that the cause of the playback interruption is the first cause.

[0071] Thus, if the first condition regarding the playback of the advertising video is not met, the second determination means 58 determines whether a predetermined condition, which is the second condition that the playback of the advertising video was interrupted not intentionally by the user, is met. The second determination means 58 then outputs the determination result to the assignment means 60.

[0072] The rewarding means 60 is a functional means for granting rewards to users. In this embodiment, the rewarding means 60 grants users content that can be used in the game based on the display of advertisements. For example, the rewarding means 60 adds content as a reward to the owned character information and owned item information of the user information 50A.

[0073] Specifically, the granting means 60 grants the first reward to the user if the first determination means 56 determines that the playback time of the advertisement video has exceeded a predetermined time T1. In other words, the granting means 60 grants the first reward to the user if the first condition is met. The granting means 60 grants the first reward to the user if it is assumed that the user has viewed (confirmed) the content of the advertisement video up to a predetermined time T1.

[0074] Furthermore, even if the first determination means 56 does not determine that the playback time of the advertising video exceeds a predetermined time T1, the granting means 60 grants the second reward to the user based on the determination result of the second determination means 58. Specifically, the granting means 60 grants the second reward to the user if the playback time of the advertising video does not exceed a predetermined time T1 and the predetermined conditions are met. In other words, the granting means 60 grants the second reward to the user if the first condition is not met and the second condition is met.

[0075] Specifically, the rewarding means 60 will grant the second reward even if the advertisement video is not played for the predetermined time T1, provided that the predetermined conditions are met. That is, the rewarding means 60 will grant the second reward to the user if the playback time of the advertisement video does not exceed the predetermined time T1 and it is determined that the interruption of the advertisement video playback was due to a second factor. In this way, even if the advertisement video is not played for the predetermined time T1, the user will be granted a reward if the reason for the advertisement video not being played for the predetermined time T1 is not due to the user's intent.

[0076] Furthermore, the granting means 60 will not grant the second reward if the predetermined conditions are not met, even if the advertisement video is not played for the predetermined time T1. In other words, the granting means 60 will not grant the second reward to the user if the playback time of the advertisement video does not exceed the predetermined time T1 and it is determined that the interruption of the advertisement video playback was due to the first factor. Thus, if the advertisement video is not played for the predetermined time T1 and the reason why the advertisement video was not played for the predetermined time T1 (the reason for the interruption of playback) is due to the user's intentional actions, the user will not be granted the second reward.

[0077] As described above, the rewarding means 60 grants a reward (first reward or second reward) to the user in each case: when it is determined that the playback time of the advertising video exceeds a predetermined time T1, or when the playback time of the advertising video does not exceed the predetermined time T1 and the predetermined conditions are met. The reward content of the first reward and the second reward is, for example, the same. That is, the same reward is granted in each pattern.

[0078] Furthermore, the rewards for the first and second rewards may differ depending on the pattern. For example, the first reward, which is given when it is determined that the playback time of the ad video exceeds a predetermined time T1, may be more favorable than the second reward, which is given when the playback time of the ad video does not exceed the predetermined time T1 and the predetermined conditions are met. Favorable treatment may include, for example, increasing the quantity of content (reward) or increasing the quality of content (reward).

[0079] Furthermore, when the reward is granted by the reward granting means 60, it is preferable that the user be notified. The notification preferably includes the fact that a reward will be granted and the details of the reward. The notification may be given before the reward is granted or after the reward is granted.

[0080] <Processing flow> Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by each functional means shown in Figure 4 in System 1 according to this embodiment. Furthermore, the processing of the following steps starts, for example, when an input operation to view an advertisement is performed from the mission menu screen. Note that the order and content of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0081] (Step SP10) The display means 52 displays the advertising video on the touch panel 32. For example, the display means 52 refers to the advertising information 50C, selects an advertisement, and displays the advertising video of the selected advertisement. For example, an advertisement with a low number of impressions (performance) in the advertising information 50C is selected. When the advertising video is displayed by the display means 52, playback begins.

[0082] Figure 8 shows an example of a screen 61 displaying an advertisement video. As shown in Figure 8, the advertisement video is displayed in area 62 of screen 61. The playback time of the advertisement video is displayed in area 63, and the end button is displayed in area 64.

[0083] Returning to Figure 7, the process proceeds to step SP11.

[0084] (Step SP11) The first determination means 56 determines whether the playback time of the advertisement video exceeds a predetermined time T1. If the playback time of the advertisement video exceeds the predetermined time T1, the process proceeds to step SP13. If the playback time of the advertisement video does not exceed the predetermined time T1, the process proceeds to step SP12.

[0085] (Step SP12) The second determination means 58 determines whether predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, it determines whether the reason the ad video was interrupted before its playback time exceeded a predetermined time T1 was the first or second factor. If it is the first factor, the second determination means 58 determines that the predetermined conditions are not met, and the process proceeds to step SP14. If it is the second factor, the second determination means 58 determines that the predetermined conditions are met, and the process proceeds to step SP15.

[0086] (Step SP13) The rewarding means 60 grants the first reward to the user. Then, the process moves to step SP16.

[0087] (Step SP14) The reward granting mechanism 60 does not grant the second reward to the user. The process then ends.

[0088] (Step SP15) The rewarding means 60 grants the second reward to the user. Then, the process moves to step SP16.

[0089] (Step SP16) The display means 52 displays a reward screen on the touch panel 32 that shows the rewards awarded to the user.

[0090] Figure 9 shows an example of screen 70 related to reward distribution. As shown in Figure 9, area 71 of screen 70 displays that a reward has been awarded to the user. Area 72 displays the details of the awarded reward, and area 73 displays a "Complete" button. The example in Figure 9 shows a case where character B with 4 stars (rarity) is awarded for watching an advertisement.

[0091] Then, the series of processes shown in Figure 7 are completed.

[0092] As described above, rewards are given to users. On the other hand, the company that provides the game may also receive a reward from the company that provides the advertising product. For example, the company that provides the advertising product may pay a reward when the entire advertising video is played (when the total playback time reaches the total time). In addition, similar to the rewards given to users, the company that provides the advertising product may also pay a reward when the playback time of the advertising video reaches a predetermined time T1.

[0093] <Effects> In this embodiment, the program causes the computer (server device 10) to function as a display means 52 for displaying an advertising video to the user for playback within the game, a second determination means 58 for determining whether a predetermined condition is met if the playback time of the advertising video does not exceed a predetermined time T1, and a granting means 60 for granting a first reward to the user if the playback time of the advertising video exceeds a predetermined time T1. The granting means 60 grants the user a second reward that is equal to or different from the first reward when the playback time of the advertising video does not exceed a predetermined time T1 and the predetermined condition is met.

[0094] With this configuration, even if the playback time of the ad video does not exceed a predetermined time T1, the user will still receive a reward if the predetermined conditions are met. Therefore, a remedy can be provided if the ad video could not be played until the predetermined time T1, thereby reducing user dissatisfaction with the ad video.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the predetermined conditions are conditions other than those related to the playback time of the advertising video.

[0096] With this configuration, if the playback time of an advertising video does not exceed a predetermined time T1, remedial measures can be taken based on predetermined conditions other than those related to the playback time of the advertising video, thereby reducing user dissatisfaction with the advertising video.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the predetermined conditions include the interruption of the playback of the advertising video due to reasons unintentional by the user.

[0098] This configuration allows for remedial measures to be taken when the playback of an advertising video is interrupted due to reasons unintentional by the user, thereby reducing user dissatisfaction with advertising videos.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second determination means 58 determines, when the playback of an advertising video is interrupted before the playback time exceeds a predetermined time T1, whether the interruption is due to a first factor, which is an interruption caused by the user interrupting the playback of the advertising video, or a second factor, which is a factor other than the first factor.

[0100] Under this configuration, if the interruption is primarily caused by the user interrupting the playback of the ad video, the awarding of rewards will be restricted. Therefore, for example, rewards can be restricted for users who intentionally cause communication errors, etc.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second determination means 58 determines that the first factor is when the user intentionally interrupts the playback of the advertising video, and determines that the second factor is when the playback of the advertising video is interrupted unintentionally by the user.

[0102] This configuration allows for limiting rewards for users who intentionally interrupt ad video playback, while rewards are granted to users whose ad video playback is unintentionally interrupted. In other words, it can mitigate dissatisfaction among unintentional users.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rewarding means 60 does not reward the user if the playback time of the advertising video does not exceed a predetermined time T1 and it is determined that the interruption of playback was due to the first factor, and rewards the user if the playback time of the advertising video does not exceed a predetermined time T1 and it is determined that the interruption of playback was due to the second factor.

[0104] This configuration allows for rewarding users who are the second factor, thereby reducing user dissatisfaction.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first reward is more favorable than the second reward.

[0106] This configuration makes it possible to offer preferential compensation to users who are assumed to have viewed the ad video more often.

[0107] Furthermore, the program according to this embodiment causes the computer to function as a display means 52 that displays an advertising video to the user for playback within the game, a second determination means 58 that determines whether the second condition, which is that the playback of the advertising video was interrupted not intentionally by the user, is met when the first condition regarding the playback of the advertising video is not met, and a granting means 60 that grants the user a first reward when the first condition is met. The granting means 60 grants the user a second reward that is equal to or different from the first reward when the first condition is not met and the second condition is met.

[0108] Under this configuration, even if the first condition is not met, the user will still receive a reward if the second condition is met. Therefore, a remedy can be provided for cases where the first condition is not met, reducing user dissatisfaction with the advertising video.

[0109] ===Second Embodiment=== Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0110] The second embodiment describes a case where the determination process by the second determination means 58 differs from that of the first embodiment. Points similar to those in the first embodiment will not be explained. Furthermore, the second embodiment can be combined with the first embodiment.

[0111] In this embodiment, the second determination means 58 determines whether a predetermined condition is met when the first determination means 56 determines that the playback time of the advertisement video did not exceed a predetermined time T1. Specifically, the second determination means 58 determines whether a predetermined condition is met by referring to the determination results of the first determination means 56 within a predetermined period in the past. That is, the second determination means 58 refers to the determination results of the first determination means 56 for each of the multiple advertisement videos displayed within a predetermined period in the past. The predetermined period in the past is, for example, the period from the time when the first determination means 56 determined that the playback time of the advertisement video did not exceed a predetermined time T1 until before the predetermined period in the past. For example, the predetermined period is one week.

[0112] The second determination means 58 determines whether the number of times the playback time of the advertisement video did not exceed a predetermined time T1 within a predetermined period has reached a predetermined value (for example, 10 times). The second determination means 58 determines that the predetermined condition is met if the number of times within the predetermined period has not reached the predetermined value. In other words, if the number of times within the predetermined period has not reached the predetermined value, it is presumed that the multiple past interruptions in playback were not due to the user's intent (corresponding to the second factor), and the predetermined condition is determined to be met. The second determination means 58 also determines that the predetermined condition is not met if the number of times within the predetermined period has reached the predetermined value. In other words, if the number of times within the predetermined period has reached the predetermined value, it is presumed that the multiple past interruptions in playback were due to the user's intent (corresponding to the first factor), and the predetermined condition is determined to be not met.

[0113] The second determination means 58 outputs the determination result to the assignment means 60.

[0114] The rewarding means 60 will grant the second reward even if the advertisement video is not played for a predetermined time T1, provided that predetermined conditions are met. That is, the rewarding means 60 will grant the second reward to the user if the playback time of the advertisement video does not exceed the predetermined time T1 and it is determined that the interruption of the advertisement video playback was due to a second factor. Furthermore, the rewarding means 60 will not grant the second reward even if the advertisement video is not played for a predetermined time T1, if the predetermined conditions are not met. That is, the rewarding means 60 will not grant the second reward to the user if the playback time of the advertisement video does not exceed the predetermined time T1 and it is determined that the interruption of the advertisement video playback was due to a first factor.

[0115] Furthermore, the granting means 60 may also have a penalty function (sanction function). Specifically, the granting means 60 may set a penalty if the second determination means 58 determines that predetermined conditions are not met. The penalty setting is a setting related to restricting the granting of rewards to the user. Specifically, if the granting means 60 determines that predetermined conditions are not met, it will not grant the first reward to the user for a predetermined period (penalty period) thereafter, even if the playback time of the advertising video exceeds a predetermined time T1. The predetermined period is, for example, 10 days. That is, if the predetermined conditions are not met and it is assumed that the user is intentionally interrupting playback (first factor), a penalty will be set for the predetermined period. It is also possible that the second reward will not be granted to the user during the predetermined period.

[0116] Furthermore, when setting penalties for users, it is preferable that the user be notified of the details of those settings.

[0117] <Effects> In this embodiment, the second determination means 58 determines that a predetermined condition is met if the number of times the playback time of the advertising video did not exceed a predetermined time T1 within a predetermined period does not reach a predetermined value, and determines that a predetermined condition is not met if the number of times the playback time of the advertising video did not exceed a predetermined time T1 within a predetermined period reaches a predetermined value.

[0118] According to this configuration, if the number of times the playback time of an advertising video did not exceed a predetermined time T1 within a predetermined period reaches a predetermined value, it can be assumed that multiple interruptions in playback are likely due to the user's intent, and the awarding of rewards can be restricted. On the other hand, if the number of times the playback time of an advertising video did not exceed a predetermined time T1 within a predetermined period does not reach a predetermined value, it can be assumed that multiple interruptions in playback are unlikely to be due to the user's intent, and rewards can be awarded to mitigate user dissatisfaction.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the granting means 60 determines that the predetermined conditions are not met by the second determination means 58, it will not grant the first reward to the user for a predetermined period thereafter, even if the playback time of the advertising video exceeds the predetermined time T1.

[0120] Under this configuration, if it is assumed that the interruption of playback is highly likely to be due to the user's intent, the provision of rewards to the user can be restricted for the period thereafter.

[0121] ===Third Embodiment=== Next, a third embodiment will be described.

[0122] The second embodiment describes a case where the determination process by the second determination means 58 differs from that of the first embodiment. Points similar to those in the first and second embodiments will be omitted from the explanation. Furthermore, the third embodiment can be combined with the first and second embodiments.

[0123] In this embodiment, the second determination means 58 determines whether a predetermined condition is met when the first determination means 56 determines that the playback time of the advertising video did not exceed a predetermined time T1. Specifically, the second determination means 58 acquires information indicating the playback status of the advertising video during the period from the time the display of the advertising video ended to a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) before that time. That is, information indicating the playback status of the advertising video displayed on the terminal device 12 is acquired. The information indicating the playback status is information indicating changes in the playback screen of the advertising video during that period. Specifically, the information indicating the playback status is time-series data of the screen of the displayed advertising video. For example, the information indicating the playback status is multiple frames in the displayed advertising video. That is, the information indicating the playback status is information indicating whether the video was played normally during the predetermined period before the display of the advertising video ended. For example, the second determination means 58 acquires information indicating the playback status from the terminal device 12 or the like that displayed the advertising video.

[0124] The second determination means 58 then determines that the ad video is playing normally based on the information indicating the playback status of the acquired ad video, and if it can determine that the ad video is playing normally, it determines that this is the first cause. For example, if multiple frames (displayed images) that were displayed during a predetermined period before the end of the ad video display have changed, it is determined that the playback is playing normally. In this case, since the ad video ended while it was playing normally, it is considered that the user intentionally interrupted the playback of the ad video, and this is determined to be the first cause. In other words, the second determination means 58 determines that the predetermined conditions are not met.

[0125] Furthermore, the second determination means 58 determines that the playback of the acquired advertising video is not being performed normally based on the information indicating the playback status of the advertising video, and if it determines this to be a second factor, it determines that the playback is not being performed normally due to a communication failure or the like. For example, if there is no change between the display image at the time the advertising video finishes displaying (just before it finishes) and the display image at a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) before the time the advertising video finishes displaying, it determines that the playback is not being performed normally due to a communication failure or other malfunction. In this case, since the advertising video ends while it is not being performed normally, and the playback of the advertising video is considered to have been interrupted not intentionally by the user, it is considered a second factor. In other words, the second determination means 58 determines that the predetermined conditions are met.

[0126] The second determination means 58 outputs the determination result to the assignment means 60.

[0127] The rewarding means 60 will grant the second reward even if the advertisement video is not played for the predetermined time T1, provided that the predetermined conditions are met. However, the rewarding means 60 will not grant the second reward even if the advertisement video is not played for the predetermined time T1, provided that the predetermined conditions are not met.

[0128] <Effects> In this embodiment, the second determination means 58 acquires information indicating the playback status of the advertising video during the period from the time the display of the advertising video ends until a predetermined time before that time. It determines that the first factor is present if the advertising video is being played normally, and that the second factor is present if the advertising video is not being played normally.

[0129] This configuration allows for the determination of whether or not the ad video played correctly based on its playback status, thus enabling effective determination of both the primary and secondary factors.

[0130] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the information indicating the playback status is information showing the changes in the playback screen of the advertising video over a specified period.

[0131] This configuration allows for effective tracking of the ad video's playback status by using information that indicates changes in the ad video's playback screen.

[0132] <Variation> It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described examples. That is, designs modified by those skilled in the art to the above-described examples are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. Furthermore, the elements of the embodiments described above and the modifications described later can be combined to the extent that it is technically possible, and combinations thereof are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention.

[0133] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a case was given where System 1 comprises a server device 10 and a terminal device 12, but the configuration of System 1 is not limited to the above. For example, System 1 may consist of a server device 10, a terminal device 12, and an advertising server. Also, System 1 may include other servers, either without an advertising server or together with an advertising server. The advertising server is a server for advertising, and may include, for example, advertising information 50C, and be capable of outputting advertising videos to the terminal device 12, etc. Also, the advertising server may have some of the functions of the functional configuration of the server device 10 described above, such as the first determination means 56. That is, each of the functional configurations of the server device 10 shown in Figure 4 may be distributed and provided in each device of System 1. The combination of each function and the device on which that function is provided can be set as appropriate and is not limited. Also, the functional configuration of the server device 10 shown in Figure 4 may be provided in devices other than the server device 10.

[0134] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the display means 52 was described as displaying an advertising video for playback as an example. The display means 52 may play the advertising video, or the display means 52 may display the advertising video for playback, with the playback being performed by the advertising server.

[0135] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, for example, the first reward given when it is determined that the playback time of the advertising video exceeds a predetermined time T1 is more favorable than the second reward given when the playback time of the advertising video does not exceed the predetermined time T1 and the predetermined conditions are met, but the invention is not limited to the above. For example, the second reward given when the playback time of the advertising video does not exceed the predetermined time T1 and the predetermined conditions are met may be more favorable than the first reward given when it is determined that the playback time of the advertising video exceeds the predetermined time T1.

[0136] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the case where the predetermined time T1 is shorter than the total time was given as an example, and the case in which a reward is given when it is determined that the playback time of the advertising video exceeds the predetermined time T1 was explained. The rewarding means 60 may also be configured to give a reward to the user when it is determined that the playback time of the advertising video exceeds the predetermined time T1 (shorter than the total time), or when it is determined that the playback time of the advertising video reaches the total time. In this case, the reward content may be the same or different in each pattern. For example, the reward when it is determined that the playback time of the advertising video reaches the total time (longer than the predetermined time T1) may be more favorable than the reward when it is determined that the playback time of the advertising video exceeds the predetermined time T1 (shorter than the total time). In other words, the longer the advertising video is played, the more favorable the reward may be.

[0137] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the first determination means 56 describes a case in which it is determined whether or not the first condition is met, with the playback time of the advertising video exceeding a predetermined time T1 as the first condition. However, the content of the first condition is not limited to the above. The content of the first condition can be set as appropriate as long as it is a condition related to the playback of the advertising video. For example, the first condition may be that the playback of the advertising video has progressed to a predetermined point, using flag information that indicates whether or not the playback of the advertising video has progressed to a predetermined point. The predetermined point may be set in the middle of the advertising video or at the end. The flag information may be determined by the server device 10 or obtained from another device such as an advertising server.

[0138] Furthermore, the display means 52 may also display a transition button along with the advertising video that leads to a screen where the advertised product can be purchased or downloaded. Additionally, if the user transitions to a screen using this transition button, the user may be rewarded. For example, this reward may be more favorable than other rewards (for example, a reward when the playback time of the advertising video exceeds a predetermined time T1, or a reward when the playback time of the advertising video does not exceed a predetermined time T1 and predetermined conditions are met). This reward may also be identical to other rewards.

[0139] Furthermore, the display means 52 may also display that a reward will be earned once the advertisement video progresses to a predetermined time T1. The display means 52 may also display the remaining time until the predetermined time T1.

[0140] Furthermore, while the first embodiment described a case where content as a reward is given preferential treatment, coupons (usable at stores, etc.) as rewards may also be given preferential treatment. For example, if coupons are given preferential treatment, the discount amount (discount rate) or the quality (value) or quantity of the redeemable goods may be increased.

[0141] Furthermore, the amount of content or coupons to be awarded may be determined by a lottery based on probability, and the amount of content or coupons awarded may be determined by the lottery. In addition, if the rewards are preferential, the lottery probability may be set so that a larger amount of content or coupons is more likely to be won.

[0142] Furthermore, the type of content or coupon to be awarded may be determined by a lottery based on probability, and the selected type of content or coupon may be awarded. In addition, if preferential treatment is given to rewards, the lottery probability may be set so that high-quality content or coupons are more likely to be won.

[0143] Furthermore, the second embodiment and others described the penalty function in the reward granting means 60. The penalty function can also be applied to the first and third embodiments. In addition, the above example described a case in which, if it is determined that a predetermined condition is not met, the user will not be granted a reward for a predetermined period thereafter, even if the playback time of the advertising video exceeds a predetermined time T1. The penalty function is not limited to cases in which no reward is granted. For example, the amount or quality of the reward granted may be reduced for a predetermined period.

[0144] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the information indicating the playback status of the advertising video was given as an example of a case where the information indicated by the displayed advertising video consisted of multiple frames (displayed images) of the displayed advertising video. Other information may be applied to indicate the playback status of the advertising video. For example, information indicating whether or not the display of the advertising video has stopped (whether or not it was playing normally) or information indicating the communication status (whether or not it is normal) may be used.

[0145] Furthermore, in the case of advertising videos, if the user is unable to play the advertising video to its full duration or to a predetermined time T1, it is conceivable that the user may retry playing the advertising video again in order to receive a reward. In such cases, the user needs to watch the advertising video again from the beginning. The advertising video may be equipped with an ad skip function. In this case, the display means 52 records the start time when the advertising video is displayed on the touch panel 32, etc. That is, the start time is recorded when playback of the advertising video begins. If the user is awarded a reward for playing the advertising video, the start time is erased. That is, if there is a problem with the playback of the advertising video, etc., and no reward is awarded for watching the advertising video, the start time information is retained. Then, when the display means 52 displays the advertising video again, if the start time of a past display of the advertising video has been recorded (if past playback failed), it displays the ad skip suggestion screen 80 before playing the advertising video. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the ad skip suggestion screen 80. As shown in area 81 of Figure 10, it is indicated that the previous ad video did not play successfully and that the user can receive a reward by skipping the ad video. In the example in Figure 10, the remaining number of times the ad skip function can be used is also displayed. Then, an "No Skip" button is displayed in area 82, and a button to skip the ad video and receive a reward is displayed in area 83. By pressing the button in area 83, the user can receive a reward without playing the ad video. For example, if a reward is given using the ad skip function, the start time is removed. The reward obtained by watching the ad video as usual and the reward obtained using the ad skip function may be the same or different. For example, it is preferable that the reward obtained by watching the ad video as usual is more favorable than the reward obtained using the ad skip function. Even in this case, the user can receive a reward without watching the ad, so dissatisfaction is reduced. Furthermore, if a predetermined time has elapsed or crossed a predetermined time after the start time has been recorded, the recorded start time may be deleted, and the ad skip function may become unavailable. Furthermore, if, after the start time has been recorded, the ad video is retried and starts immediately before a predetermined time has elapsed, the system may proceed to play the ad video as usual without transitioning to the ad skip suggestion screen 80. Furthermore, it is possible to combine this with the first embodiment, etc. For example, the start time may be recorded in conjunction with the start of the advertising video, and if the predetermined conditions are not met by the second determination means 58 (first factor) and no reward is awarded, the start time may be erased. In other words, if no reward is awarded due to the first factor, the ad skip function may be disabled in the next advertising video. Furthermore, during the penalty period in the second embodiment, the start time associated with the start of the ad video may not be recorded. In other words, the ad skip function may not be available during the penalty period. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 10: Server device (computer) 14: Game program (program) 52:Display means 58:Second judgment means (judgment means) 60: Granting method T1: Scheduled time

Claims

[Claim 1] Computers, A means of displaying an advertisement video to a user within a game for playback. A determination means for determining whether a predetermined condition is met if the playback time of the aforementioned advertising video does not exceed a predetermined time. If the playback time of the aforementioned advertising video exceeds the predetermined time, a means for granting the first reward to the user, To make it function as, The granting means grants the user a second reward equal to or different from the first reward if the playback time of the advertisement video does not exceed the predetermined time and the predetermined conditions are met. program.

Images