Information processing system

Abstract

Based on the user's game execution information, it is possible to recommend appropriate music content to the user. [Solution] The information processing system (10) includes a game device (12), a game history server (16), a recommendation server (18), and a user terminal (20), all of which are connected via a network (14) for communication. When a user plays a game on the game device, game execution information is generated and registered with the game history server. The game history server sends the game history in a data format to the recommendation server in response to a request from the recommendation server. The recommendation server generates recommendation information for music content based on the game history and sends the recommendation information to the user terminal. The user terminal displays a home screen (100) in the music application where the user can select music content recommended based on the recommendation information.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0005] ,

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing system, a recommendation device, and a recommendation method, and particularly, for example, to an information processing system, a recommendation device, and a recommendation method for recommending music content.

Background Art

[0002] An example of this type of information processing system is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the information processing system disclosed in this Patent Document 1, an information processing device capable of executing a music playback application acquires information about a user, such as the user's location information, pulse, and operations performed by the user on the information processing device, from outside the music playback application, estimates a piece of music that the user may desire from the acquired information about the user, and presents it to the user on the music playback application.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the information processing system of the background art, the information about the user used to estimate a piece of music as music content to be recommended to the user is the user's location information, pulse, operations performed by the user on the information processing device, etc., and there is room for improvement in order to recommend music content according to the user's interests.

[0005] Therefore, the main object of this invention is to provide a novel information processing system, recommendation device, and recommendation method.

[0006] Another object of this invention is to provide an information processing system, a recommendation device, and a recommendation method that can recommend appropriate music content to a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (Composition 1) Configuration 1 is an information processing system comprising a game device, a first server, a second server, and an information processing device. The game device includes a game execution unit that executes a game and a first transmission unit that transmits game execution information relating to the game executed by the game execution unit to the first server. The first server includes a storage control unit that stores the game execution information transmitted by the first transmission unit and a second transmission unit that transmits the game execution information stored by the storage control unit to the second server. The second server includes a recommendation information generation unit that generates recommendation information based on the game execution information transmitted by the second transmission unit and a third transmission unit that transmits the recommendation information to the information processing device. The information processing device includes a recommendation presentation control unit that presents music content to be recommended based on the recommendation information transmitted by the third transmission unit and a playback unit that plays the music content.

[0008] According to Configuration 1, appropriate music content can be recommended based on game execution information.

[0009] (Configuration 2) In configuration 1, game execution information is associated with the game device or the user account information of the game device, the recommendation information generation unit generates recommendation information associated with the account information, and the third transmission unit may transmit the recommendation information to the information processing device associated with the account information or to the information processing device of the user associated with the account information.

[0010] According to Configuration 2, since game execution information and recommendation information are associated with account information, it is possible to recommend appropriate music content to users playing the game.

[0011] (Composition 3) In configuration 1 or configuration 2, the game execution information may include game identification information for identifying the game.

[0012] According to configuration 3, recommendation information is generated based on game identification information, making it possible to recommend music content that is more appropriate to the user.

[0013] (Composition 4) In any of configurations 1 to 3, the game execution information further includes date and time information when the game was executed, and the recommendation information generation unit may generate recommendation information that includes the latest game information indicating a game associated with the more recent date and time information, or music content associated with the game.

[0014] According to configuration 4, recommendation information is generated using date and time information, making it possible to recommend music content that is more appropriate to the user.

[0015] (Composition 5) In any of configurations 1 through 4, the game identification information may include game genre information indicating the genre of the game.

[0016] According to configuration 5, it is possible to recommend appropriate music content to users who prefer a particular genre of game.

[0017] (Composition 6) In any of configurations 1 through 5, the game execution information may include gameplay time information indicating the cumulative time the game was executed.

[0018] According to configuration 6, recommendation information is generated based on the total time the game has been played, making it possible to recommend music content that is more appropriate to the user.

[0019] (Composition 7) In any one of Configuration 1 to Configuration 6, the game execution information may include game progress information indicating the progress of the user in the game.

[0020] According to Configuration 7, since recommendation information based on the progress of the user in the game is generated, it is possible to recommend more appropriate music content for the user.

[0021] (Configuration 8) In any one of Configuration 1 to Configuration 7, the information processing apparatus further includes a fourth transmission unit that transmits input information based on an input to the information processing apparatus to the second server, and the recommendation information generation unit may generate recommendation information based on the input information transmitted by the fourth transmission unit. In any one of Configuration 1 to Configuration 7, the information processing apparatus further includes a fourth transmission unit that transmits input information based on an input to the information processing apparatus to the second server, and the recommendation information generation unit may generate recommendation information based on the input information transmitted by the fourth transmission unit.

[0022] According to Configuration 8, since recommendation information based on the input information to the information processing apparatus is generated, it is possible to recommend more appropriate music content for the user in consideration of the user's operation.

[0023] (Configuration 9) In Configuration 2, the recommendation information generation unit may generate recommendation information based on game execution information associated with another account information different from the account information.

[0024] According to Configuration 9, it is also possible to recommend music content using game execution information associated with other account information. Therefore, for example, when the other account information is the account information of another user having a friendship relationship, it is possible to recommend music content that the other user having a friendship relationship is interested in.

[0025] (Configuration 10) Configuration 10 is an information processing system comprising a game device, one or more servers, and an information processing device, the system comprising: a game execution unit that executes a game; a storage control unit that stores game execution information relating to the game executed by the game execution unit; a recommendation information generation unit that generates recommendation information based on the game execution information stored by the storage control unit; and a recommendation presentation unit that presents music content to be recommended based on the recommendation information.

[0026] (Composition 11) Configuration 11 is an information processing system comprising a game device, one or more servers, and an information processing device, wherein the game device includes a game execution unit that executes a game, one or more servers include a storage control unit that stores game execution information relating to a game executed by the game execution unit, a recommendation information generation unit that generates recommendation information based on the game execution information stored by the storage control unit, and a recommendation information transmission unit that transmits the recommendation information generated by the recommendation information generation unit, and the information processing device includes a recommendation presentation unit that presents music content to be recommended based on the recommendation information transmitted by the recommendation information transmission unit.

[0027] In configurations 10 and 11, as in configuration 1, it is possible to recommend appropriate music content to the user based on game execution information.

[0028] (Composition 12) Configuration 12 is an information processing system including a game device associated with account information, one or more servers, and an information processing device associated with the account information, wherein the game device includes a first transmission unit that transmits game content identification information for identifying selected game content to one or more servers, the information processing device includes a second transmission unit that transmits music content identification information for identifying selected music content to one or more servers, one or more servers include a first storage control unit that stores the game content identification information transmitted by the first transmission unit in association with account information associated with the game device that is the source of the game content identification information, and a second storage control unit that stores the music content identification information transmitted by the second transmission unit in association with account information associated with the information processing device that is the source of the music content identification information, and the game device further includes music content associated with account information obtained from one or more servers The information processing device is an information processing system comprising a game content recommendation display unit that presents recommended game content based on account identification information, and a music content recommendation display unit that presents recommended music content based on game content identification information associated with account information obtained from one or more servers.

[0029] According to configuration 12, the information processing device can recommend music content based on the games that are usually played, and the game device can recommend game content based on the songs that are usually listened to.

[0030] (Composition 13) Configuration 13 is a recommendation device that transmits recommendation information to an information processing device which includes a recommendation display control unit that presents music content to be recommended based on recommendation information and a playback unit that plays the music content, and further comprises a recommendation information generation unit that generates recommendation information based on game execution information relating to a game executed by a game device, and a transmission unit that transmits the recommendation information to the information processing device.

[0031] (Composition 14) Configuration 14 is a recommendation method for a recommendation device, which transmits recommendation information to an information processing device that includes a recommendation display control unit that presents music content to be recommended based on recommendation information and a playback unit that plays the music content, and further generates recommendation information based on game execution information relating to a game executed by a game device, and transmits the recommendation information to the information processing device.

[0032] In configurations 13 and 14, as in configuration 1, appropriate music content can be recommended to the user based on game execution information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to this invention, appropriate music content can be recommended based on game execution information.

[0034] The aforementioned objectives, other objectives, features, and advantages of this invention will become even clearer from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment of this invention, without limitation. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the game device shown in Figure 1, without limitation. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the recommendation server shown in Figure 1, without limitation. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the user terminal shown in Figure 1, without limitation. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the home screen displayed on the user terminal shown in Figure 1, but is not limited to this example. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a search screen displayed on the user terminal screen shown in Figure 1, but is not limited to this example. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a playback screen displayed on the user terminal's screen, as shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a non-limiting example of the flow from when a game is run on a game device to when music content is displayed on the user's terminal. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a home screen displayed on the user terminal's display in the second embodiment, not limited to any particular case. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] (First embodiment) Referring to Figure 1, an example of an information processing system 10, which is not limited to this system, includes a game device 12, a game history server 16, a recommendation server 18, and a user terminal 20. The game device 12, the game history server 16, the recommendation server 18, and the user terminal 20 are connected to each other via a network 14 so that they can communicate with one another.

[0037] Figure 1 shows one game device 12 used by a user, but multiple game devices 12 of the same or different types for use by a user may be provided. Furthermore, if multiple game devices 12 are provided, the games played on each of the multiple game devices 12 may be the same or different. Although not shown in the illustration, the same applies to game devices 12 used by other users; one or more game devices 12 may be provided. Also, one game device 12 may be used by multiple users.

[0038] Figure 1 also shows one game history server 16. There may be multiple game history servers 16. For example, multiple game history servers 16 may be provided for each type of game device 12. Furthermore, Figure 1 shows one recommendation server 18. There may be multiple recommendation servers 18. For example, multiple recommendation servers 18 may be provided for each country and / or region. The game history servers 16 and recommendation servers 18 may be so-called virtual servers. Also, if there are multiple game history servers 16, some and other parts of the processing to realize a particular function may be executed by different servers. The same applies to the recommendation servers 18. Furthermore, one user terminal 20 used by a user is shown. Multiple user terminals 20 of the same or different types used by a user may be provided. Although not shown in the illustration, the same applies to user terminals 20 used by other users, with one or more user terminals 20 being provided.

[0039] The game device 12 can be any information processing device capable of running a game, such as a portable game console, a home game console, a PC, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, or a wearable device. The game device 12 also includes information processing devices that can substantially run a game using methods such as streaming, mirroring, or cloud gaming. The game history server 16 and the recommendation server 18 are information processing devices that have the function of providing predetermined services via the network 14. The user terminal 20 is an information processing device that can connect to the network, such as a portable game console, a home game console, a PC, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, or a wearable device. The game device 12 and the user terminal 20 may be so-called virtual terminals that run on the information processing device. In other embodiments, the game device 12 and the user terminal 20 may be the same information processing device.

[0040] Figure 2 shows an unspecified example of the electrical configuration of the game device 12 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the game device 12 includes a processor 30, to which a memory 32, storage 34, communication module 36, input unit 38, display 40, and audio output unit 42 are connected. Each element constituting the game device 12 may be formed as a single unit or may be detachable. Furthermore, the connections between the components may be wired or wireless.

[0041] The processor 30 is the processing unit of the game device 12. In this disclosure, the processor means, for example, a processing circuit such as a CPU, MPU, or GPU. The processor also means, for example, VR This also includes SoCs (System-on-a-chip) that incorporate multiple functions, such as AM (Video Random Access memory).

[0042] Memory 32 is a volatile storage medium and is used, for example, as working memory or buffer memory for the processor 30. Storage 34 is a non-volatile storage medium and is used, for example, to store game programs or various data. Storage 34 may be a storage medium that can be attached to or removed from the game device 12, such as a cartridge or optical disc.

[0043] For example, the game program and the data necessary to run the game are read from storage 34 and stored in memory 32. The processor 30 also uses the data stored in memory 32 to generate image data for displaying the screen on display 40, and outputs the generated image data to display 40.

[0044] In this disclosure, the term "game program" is not limited to programs that are primarily game-based, but can be any program that includes game elements. For example, it includes various programs that can be executed on the game device 12, such as document creation programs and email programs.

[0045] The communication module 36 communicates with external devices via the network 14. The communication module 36 has the hardware necessary for wired and / or wireless communication. The communication module 36 communicates with external devices, including other similar game devices 12, using a predetermined communication method.

[0046] The input unit 38 receives input from a user operating the game device 12. The input unit 38 may include, for example, a game controller, touch panel, mouse, keyboard, microphone, etc. The input unit 38 may also be an interface with a device that receives user input (for example, a game controller). In other words, the device that receives user input may be located outside the game device 12.

[0047] The display 40 displays an image generated as a result of information processing performed by the processor 30. The display 40 includes, for example, an LCD or an OLED. The display 40 may be located outside the game device 12. In this case, the game device 12 may include an interface circuit to the display 40.

[0048] The audio output unit 42 outputs based on audio data provided by the processor 30. The audio output unit 42 is, for example, a speaker, and converts the audio signal into an analog audio signal using a D / A converter. The audio output unit 42 outputs sound based on the converted audio data provided by the processor 30. The output by the audio output unit 42 is not limited to sound; for example, it may be an audio signal to be output to a connected external speaker.

[0049] Figure 3 shows an unspecified example of the electrical configuration of the recommendation server 18 shown in Figure 1. Although not shown in the illustration, the electrical configuration of the game history server 16 shown in Figure 1 is similar.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the recommendation server 18 includes a processor 60, to which memory 62, storage 64, and a communication module 66 are connected. Each element forming the recommendation server 18 may be formed as a single unit or may be detachable. The connections between the components may be wired or wireless. The recommendation server 18 also has a dedicated module for communicating with the game device 12 and / or the game history server 16. This could be an information processing device for a specific purpose, or it could be implemented using a general-purpose server.

[0051] The processor 60 is the processing unit of the recommendation server 18. Memory 62 is a volatile storage medium and is used, for example, as the working memory and buffer memory of the processor 60. Storage 64 is a non-volatile storage medium and is used, for example, to store programs and various data. The information processing program and necessary data executed by the processor 60 are read from storage 64 and stored in memory 62. The communication module 66 communicates with external devices via the network 14.

[0052] Figure 4 shows an unspecified example of the electrical configuration of the user terminal 20 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, the user terminal 20 includes a processor 80, to which a memory 82, storage 84, communication module 86, input unit 88, display 90, and audio output unit 92 are connected. Each element constituting the user terminal may be formed as a single unit or may be detachable. Furthermore, the connections between the components may be wired or wireless.

[0053] The processor 80 is the processing unit of the user terminal 20. Memory 82 is a volatile storage medium and is used, for example, as the working memory and buffer memory of the processor 80. Storage 84 is a non-volatile storage medium and is used, for example, to store music application programs and various data. Programs executed by the processor 80 and necessary data are read from storage 84 and stored in memory 82. The communication module 86 communicates with external devices via the network 14. The input unit 88 accepts operations from the user operating the user terminal 20. The input unit 38 may include, for example, a touch panel, buttons, and a microphone. The display 90 displays images generated as a result of information processing performed by the processor 80. The audio output unit 92 outputs based on audio data provided by the processor 80. The audio output unit 92 outputs sound based on audio data relating to music content provided by the processor 80. In the first embodiment, music content means music data for one or more songs. The format of the music data for multiple songs is not limited. For example, music data can be compiled in the form of playlists or albums. Music content can also include videos with audio, single sounds, sound effects, background music, narration, etc. This includes things like stimulants.

[0054] In the first embodiment, the user terminal 20 is capable of running an application (hereinafter referred to as the "music app") that can play music distributed by a music distribution service. Figure 5 shows an example of the home screen 100 of the music app. The home screen 100 is displayed as the initial screen when the music app is run, for example. The music app also includes an internet browser, in which case the execution subject may be an external information processing terminal.

[0055] In order to run or use the music application, it may be necessary or possible to log in to the music distribution service using a pre-registered ID and authentication information (hereinafter referred to as "account information"). Furthermore, an account information server may be provided for managing account information. In the first embodiment, the account information used in the music distribution service is associated with the game device 12 and includes user information in addition to the ID and authentication information.

[0056] User information includes personal information (such as name, nationality and place of residence, gender, language, date of birth, etc.), as well as friend lists, account information levels, and game purchases. This may include information such as subscription history and song purchase history.

[0057] There may be multiple account information servers. For example, there may be a music account information server that manages account information used in a music service and a game account information server that manages account information associated with the game device 12, and the account information on each server may be able to be linked. Furthermore, it may be possible to log in to the game device 12, or a game distribution service that distributes games playable on the game device 12, using the account information associated with the game device 12.

[0058] The home screen 100 shown in Figure 5 includes a display area 100a where images 102 representing music content are displayed, and a display area 100b where UI for transitioning to other screens within the music app is displayed. The display of music content on the home screen 100 is not limited to multiple images 102 being displayed vertically and horizontally as shown in the figure. For example, an image 102 corresponding to a single piece of music content may be displayed and switchable by swipe input or the like. Also, the display area 100b may always be displayed on other screens different from the home screen 100.

[0059] In the first embodiment, each of the multiple images 102 displayed on the home screen 100 is associated with music content. Images 102 are, for example, cover images associated with music content, or images related to games associated with music content (hereinafter referred to as "related games"). Images related to related games are, for example, images of scenes from the game when the related game is played, images of characters appearing in the related game, or the title image of the related game. Alternatively, for example, an image may have the title logo or title text of the related game superimposed on it.

[0060] In the first embodiment, when input is made targeting image 102, the system transitions to a playback screen 200 (see Figure 7) for playing the music content associated with image 102. The destination is not limited to the playback screen 200; for example, it may be a screen that displays details of the associated music content.

[0061] Furthermore, these images may also have the logo of the music content game title or the text of the game title superimposed on them. In the first embodiment, by making an input targeting image 102, the user transitions to the playback screen 200, which is a screen for playing the music content associated with that image. The destination is not limited to the playback screen 200; for example, it may be a screen that displays details of the associated music content.

[0062] In the first embodiment, multiple images 102 are displayed according to recommendation information obtained from the recommendation server 18. The recommendation information is information indicating music content to be recommended to the user. The recommendation information in the first embodiment includes identifiers for identifying multiple music content, given in array format, and on the home screen 100, multiple images 102 corresponding to each music content are displayed based on this.

[0063] The identifier for identifying music content is a music content-specific identifier that directly identifies the music content, but is not limited to that; for example, it may include an identifier for a related game. In this case, the music app may identify and display related music content based on the identifier for the related game. Furthermore, the format of the recommendation information is not limited to an array, and even if it is an array, the dimensions are not restricted. The recommendation information may also include information about the display position of the recommended music content on the home screen 100. The recommendation information may be, for example, a list containing only the identifier of each music content. Alternatively, the recommendation information may be, for example, image data containing the image 102 corresponding to each music content. good.

[0064] In the first embodiment, recommendation information is generated by the recommendation server 18 based on game history information provided by the game history server 16. The game history information is transmitted by the game history server 16 based on information about games played on the game device 12 (hereinafter referred to as "game execution information"). The game history information may be identical to the game execution information, generated based on the game execution information, or include a part of the game execution information. Alternatively, the game history information may be transmitted to the recommendation server 18 by obtaining a part of the game execution information stored in the game history server 16 based on a request from the recommendation server 18.

[0065] Game execution information includes, for example, game identification information and play information, and is associated with the user's account information. Of the information that may be included in the game execution information described below, information that is not included in the game execution information may be included in the game history information or recommendation information. In this case, the game history server 16 or recommendation server 18 may add the information that was not included in the game execution information. When information that was not included in the game execution information is to be added, for example, a request for the addition of information may be made to an external server, or the information to be added may be generated by the game history server 16 or recommendation server 18 based on the game execution information or game history information. Furthermore, the information to be added is not limited to information that may be included in the game execution information. For example, it may be information based on game execution information associated with another user's account information. Also, for example, it may be information about events related to the game or release information for games related to the game.

[0066] Game identification information is information used to identify a game, such as an identifier for a game. Game identification information may also be other information, such as the game title or a predetermined string assigned to a game. Game identification information may also be an identifier that indicates a set of multiple games, such as the game genre, game series, or predetermined game group. Game identification information may also include detailed information about the game, such as the game's release date. Game execution information may include game identification information for two or more games. Game execution information may also hold multiple data for the same game executed at different times. In this case, game execution information may include multiple identical game identification pieces associated with separate play information. Furthermore, game execution information is not limited to game identification information; it may include information about multiple games, or it may hold only a single game execution piece and generate multiple copies. Also, if a single game is executed multiple times, game execution information may be generated each time, or the same game execution information may be updated.

[0067] Play information is information that indicates the user's gameplay status, and includes, for example, play time information and play status information. In the first embodiment, play information is associated with game identification information.

[0068] Playtime information refers to information about the time spent playing a game, specifically the time spent playing. This includes, for example, initial play information (the date and time the user started playing), final play information (the date and time the user last played), and cumulative playtime information (the total playtime the user has played). Play status information includes, for example, platform identification information (the platform on which the user played the game) and play content information (the content of the gameplay).

[0069] When generating recommendation information, the most recent game played information or information based on it can be used to, for example, display music content related to games the user has recently played in a music app. It can be displayed preferentially at the top.

[0070] For example, if platform identification information is not included in game execution information but is included in game history information, and a game history server 16 is provided for each type of game device 12, then when the recommendation server 18 acquires the game history information, the platform identification information may be added by the recommendation server 18 based on the game history server 16 that acquired the information. However, this is not limited to this configuration, and any other information may be added to the game history information by the game history server 16 or the recommendation server 18.

[0071] Gameplay information refers to information about the content of gameplay. For example, gameplay information may refer to information about user choices in the game. For instance, when a player chooses a player character from several options in the game, gameplay information may indicate which player character was selected. Another example is gameplay information, which may refer to information about bosses defeated or events completed by the user in the game. Yet another example is gameplay information, which may refer to information about the game's progress, such as the completion rate indicating how many of multiple events have been completed, the player character's level, the types of characters and items the user possesses, or predetermined parameters and / or conditions met in the game. Information about the game's progress may be managed for each game on the game history server 16, or it may be managed collectively for multiple games. When managing information for multiple games collectively, game progress information may be managed, for example, on an account information basis. Game progress information compiled for multiple games may, for example, be the account information level that increases by completing missions that can be achieved in each predetermined game. Alternatively, the account information level may increase not only based on game progress, but also, for example, based on the total play time of the game.

[0072] When generating recommendation information, using gameplay information or information based on it allows for the prioritization of music content associated with events the user experienced while playing the game or with characters they used. Conversely, by excluding music content associated with events related to the game the user is playing but has not yet experienced, the user's gaming experience can be avoided.

[0073] In this way, by presenting music content to users according to recommendation information generated based on their gaming history, it is possible to recommend music content that is appropriate for the user.

[0074] 、 Easy content may belong to multiple groups.

[0075] The predetermined conditions for music content to be included in a group may or may not be based on game history information.

[0076] A group that meets certain conditions based on game history information is, for example, a group that includes music content associated with games that the user has played, where the game identification information includes an identifier for the related game (hereinafter referred to as "games played").

[0077] Furthermore, a group that satisfies predetermined conditions based on game history information is, for example, a group that includes music content associated with a boss or character that the user has defeated or played, where the play status information includes an identifier for a predetermined boss or character (hereinafter referred to as "characters that appeared in the games played"). In this case, the characters that appear in the relevant game may be separately obtained based on the game identification information.

[0078] Furthermore, a group that meets predetermined conditions based on game history information is, for example, a group that includes music content associated with a game whose last play date and time was within a predetermined number of days from the time the recommendation information was generated, based on game identification information and play time information (hereinafter referred to as "recently played games").

[0079] Furthermore, a group that satisfies predetermined conditions based on game history information is, for example, a group that includes music content associated with games whose release date, as included in the game identification information, is earlier than a predetermined year or period (hereinafter referred to as "nostalgic games"). In this case, music content included in the nostalgic games group may be selected based on the platform release date using platform identification information.

[0080] A group that meets predetermined conditions, not based on game history information, is, for example, a group that includes music content with a high number of plays within a predetermined period, based on the playback records of all users of a music streaming service.

[0081] In the first embodiment, the groups included in the recommendation information are determined by the recommendation server 18 from among a predetermined number of groups. The groups included in the recommendation information may be predetermined, determined based on the music content included in the recommendation information first, determined separately based on priority information, or a combination of these. The priority information is generated by the recommendation server 18 and is associated with each music content or group, indicating the degree of recommendation to the user (hereinafter referred to as "priority"). The priority information may be included in the recommendation information, or the recommendation information may be generated based on the priority information. Furthermore, the priority information may be determined for all music content or groups that may be included in the recommendation information, or it may be generated for only some of them. Furthermore, the priority information may be determined only for the music content or groups included in the recommendation information.

[0082] Priority information is determined based on game history information. For example, based on the cumulative time information included in the game history, users who have played games for a long time will be given higher priority for groups and music content that use game history information.

[0083] Furthermore, priority information may be determined based on factors other than game history information. For example, in a music app, operation records or input information may be used to set higher priority for groups or music content that the user is interested in.

[0084] Furthermore, as an example, priority information may be determined based on account information. For instance, check-in information for offline or online events associated with the account information may be referenced, and music content corresponding to those events may be given a higher priority. Alternatively, the time a user visited a specific facility associated with the account information may be referenced, and music content that was playing at that facility at that time may be given a higher priority.

[0085] As shown in Figure 5, in the first embodiment, each group is displayed horizontally on the home screen 100, along with a string indicating each group. The display format is not limited to this, nor are the number and types of groups limited to those shown in Figure 5. In the first embodiment, the position in which each music content and each group is stored in the array included in the recommendation information is determined according to the priority assigned to each music content and each group, and according to that array, the vertical position of the group and the horizontal position of the image 102 corresponding to the music content included in the group are determined. Furthermore, some or all of the positions of the image 102 corresponding to each group and each music content on the screen within the music app may be predetermined. The position of the image 102 is not the only thing that is determined based on priority. For example, the size of the corresponding image 102 may be determined according to the priority of the music content. Also, for music content whose priority exceeds a predetermined threshold, the corresponding image 102 may be highlighted.

[0086] In the first embodiment, the position of each music content within a group, that is, which element stores the identifier corresponding to the music content in a given row of the array, is also determined based on priority information. The priority information or priority of each music content may be determined based on different conditions for each group in which the music content is included. For example, for the "Recently Played Games" group, based on play time information, the music content associated with a game may be given a higher priority the more recent the last play of that game is. For example, for the "Nostalgic Games" group, based on play time information, the music content associated with a game may be given a higher priority the older the release date of that game. For example, for the "Characters Appearing in Played Games" group, based on game identification information and / or play time information, the music content associated with a character may be given a higher priority the more the cumulative play time of multiple games associated with that character is high, or the more games associated with that character have been played.

[0087] Furthermore, priority information or priority may be determined based on multiple conditions. Also, the conditions for determining priority may be common across multiple groups. For example, the final priority information to be included in recommendation information or for generating recommendation information may be determined based on two factors: priority information determined for each group and priority information determined based on conditions common to multiple groups. As an example of priority information being determined based on conditions common to multiple groups, when generating recommendation information at a predetermined time, a song played in the relevant game may be given a higher priority if it is music content associated with that time, such as a time signal.

[0088] Furthermore, for example, based on playtime information, users whose total cumulative playtime across all games (hereinafter referred to as "total playtime") exceeds a predetermined value may be given higher priority in music content or groups preferred by people who spend a lot of time playing games. In this case, the music content preferred by people who spend a lot of time playing games may be determined based on the usage history of each account information using the music distribution service, or it may be set in advance. This makes it possible to recommend music preferred by people who spend a lot of time playing games to users who spend a lot of time playing games with greater priority.

[0089] Furthermore, for example, based on game identification information, music content or groups associated with games that the user has not played may be given a higher priority. For instance, by adopting the above configuration for users whose total play time is less than a predetermined value, or for users whose game identifier included in the game identification information is less than a predetermined value, it is possible to encourage users who do not usually play games or who play only a limited variety of games to try new games.

[0090] Furthermore, for example, based on cumulative playtime information, the cumulative playtime for multiple games may be totaled for each game genre to which each game belongs, and music content or groups associated with games belonging to genres with high cumulative playtime, or music content or groups preferred by other users who prefer genres with high cumulative playtime, may be given higher priority.

[0091] Furthermore, music content distributed through music streaming services may include music content directly or indirectly related to games. For example, the extent to which game-related music content is included in recommended music content may be varied based on the total play time included in play time information and the time the user spends running a specified application other than a game. In other words, game-related music content may be given a higher priority.

[0092] Furthermore, certain elements in the music app may be changed based on recommendation information or game history information. For example, on the splash screen displayed between the time the user runs the music app and the initial home screen 100 is displayed, an image of a character associated with the title played may be displayed based on the game history information. Not limited to the splash screen, character images may be displayed in images within the music app, such as the music app's icon image, various UI images, and background images. In addition to character images, certain images related to the game, such as related items or game titles, may be displayed. Furthermore, not limited to images, music content associated with the title played may be played when a certain screen is displayed or in response to a certain operation in the music app. The music content played may be, for example, sound effects within the game. Furthermore, not limited to cases based on game history information, music content related to a certain game, such as sound effects, may be played in response to input on a screen or image related to that game.

[0093] Furthermore, there may be groups (hereinafter referred to as "game groups") that contain only music content related to a specific game. Also, not limited to groups, such music content may be displayed only on a specific screen in the music app (hereinafter referred to as the "game feature screen"). For example, an image 102 corresponding to a specific game may be displayed on the home screen 100, and the user may be redirected to the game feature screen based on input for that image 102. Also, for multiple games with the same or nearly identical associated music content due to the existence of different versions with similar content, or due to remakes, a different image 102 may be displayed for each, and the destination game feature screen may be the same. Furthermore, the display position of music content in game groups and game feature screens may be determined based on game history information or recommendation information. Also, game groups and game feature screens are not limited to a single game, but may include music content related to multiple games belonging to a specific series, for example.

[0094] Furthermore, there may be groups or screens (hereinafter referred to as "game device special screens") that contain only music content related to a predetermined type of game device 12, not limited to games. The game device special screens may, for example, contain music related to games that can be played on the game device 12. It may be possible to transition to a special feature screen. In this case, for example, images 102 corresponding to each game that can be transitioned to the special feature screen may be arranged based on the game execution information.

[0095] Figure 6 shows an example of a search screen 150 that may be included in a music application. The search screen 150 is a screen for searching for music content distributed on a music distribution service, and in the first embodiment, it includes an input area 152. In the first embodiment, the search screen 150 can be accessed by making inputs to the UI included in the display area 100b.

[0096] Users can search for music content distributed on a music distribution service by entering keywords in the input field 152. The specified music content is associated with information such as title, genre, title of related game, series of related game, and related characters, and the search is performed by matching the entered information with this information. However, not all music content is necessarily associated with all of this information. The search target is not limited to music content; it could also be, for example, a game feature screen or a group. Furthermore, the input in the first embodiment is not limited to keywords. For example, searching by sound or image may be possible. In this case, input may be performed using a microphone or camera.

[0097] The search screen 150 may include images 102 associated with music content or game feature screens, similar to the home screen 100. By placing images 102 associated with music content or game feature screens related to the user based on game history information, the user's search can be assisted.

[0098] Furthermore, users may be allowed to request that certain music content that did not appear in the search results be added to the music distribution service. Requests are not limited to music content; users may also request related game titles.

[0099] Figure 7 shows an example of a playback screen 200 for playing music content. In the first embodiment, the playback screen 200 includes an image 202 associated with the music content, a string 204 indicating the music content, and an operation UI 206 for playing the music content.

[0100] Image 202 associated with music content may be the same image as Image 102 associated with that music content, but with a different size. Alternatively, Image 202 may be a different image from the corresponding Image 102. For example, when a user is playing the related game, an image captured by the game device 12 may be displayed as Image 202. Furthermore, for music content played within the related game, an image of the scene in the related game containing that music content may be displayed as Image 202.

[0101] Regarding images 102 and 202, if they contain text, such as a game title, images based on language or regional information associated with the music app or account information may be displayed as images 102 and / or 202. Furthermore, images based on language or regional information may be displayed as images 102 and / or 202 even if they do not contain text.

[0102] The string 204 representing the music content may include, for example, the title of the music content and the title of the related game. The string 204 may also include the name of the related character.

[0103] Operation UI206 includes various UI elements necessary for performing operations on the playback screen. For example, sound This includes a UI for controlling the playback / pause of music content, a UI for transitioning to the playback of other music content, and a UI for controlling the repetition of the same music content after playback of the music content has finished. Operation UI 206 may also include, for example, a UI for controlling loop playback, which adjusts the length of the music content to a predetermined length. It may also include, for example, a UI for controlling the purchase of related games. For example, it may include a UI for controlling the access to a game distribution service and obtaining related games. In this case, login using account information is required for the game distribution service, and if it is possible to log in with the same account information for both the game distribution service and the music distribution service, the login process may be performed automatically using the account information used when using the music distribution service.

[0104] Operation UI206 includes, for example, the music currently playing on SNS (Social Networking Service). A UI for controlling content sharing may be included. In this case, for example, on a social networking service (SNS) where information including text can be shared, a post containing text may be automatically generated based on input to the operation UI 206, and a link to open the music content and text describing the music content may be automatically entered into the post. In this case, by including only the title of the related game in the text and not the title of the music content, it is possible to prevent users from unintentionally encountering information about the related game through the song title. The text may also be, for example, tags.

[0105] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, selected music content can be played, but the music content that can be played may be determined based on, for example, game identification information or information obtained from an account information server or game distribution service. For example, only music content related to games that the user has played may be made playable. For example, only a portion of the music content may be playable for games that the user has not purchased.

[0106] Figure 8 illustrates an unspecified example of the processing performed by the game device 12, the game history server 16, the recommendation server 18, and the user terminal 20 from the time a game is executed on the game device 12 until the music content recommended to the user is presented to the user on the user terminal 20. Each process performed in each device is executed by one of the processors included in each device, such as processor 30, the processor of the game history server 16, processor 60, or processor 80. In this case, each process may be performed by the cooperation of the processor and each element connected to the processor, such as a communication module.

[0107] The game device 12 executes game processing based on user input. Game processing may be performed by the game device 12, or by another information processing device that is communicatively connected to the game device 12.

[0108] In the game device 12, game execution information is generated when the game ends. This game execution information may be generated after the game ends, or it may be generated periodically. Furthermore, the game execution information may be generated in response to a request for game execution information from the game history server 16. Additionally, the game execution information may be generated at the start of the game.

[0109] Furthermore, game execution information is associated with the game device 12 or the user's account information. This association may be performed at the game device 12 or at the game history server 16 to which the game execution information was transmitted. Alternatively, the association may be performed using account information obtained from an external account information server.

[0110] The game device 12 periodically records game execution information, for example, at a predetermined time every day. The information is sent to the history server 16. Game execution information may be sent each time game execution information is generated, each time the game device 12 establishes a connection with the game history server 16, or in response to a request from the game history server 16.

[0111] Furthermore, game execution information may be transmitted simultaneously by multiple users. For example, when multiple users operate a single game device 12, game execution information associated with each of the multiple users may be transmitted simultaneously.

[0112] The game history server 16 stores the received game execution information in storage, associated with the account information. Each game execution information may be stored individually or as a unified collection.

[0113] The game history server 16 sends game history information based on game execution information to the recommendation server 18 in response to a request from the recommendation server 18. The game history information may be sent to the recommendation server 18 periodically, or it may be sent to the recommendation server 18 when the game history server 16 receives game execution information. In the first embodiment, the game history server 16 uses the recommendation server 18's API (Application Programming In response to a request via the interface, the game history information is sent to the recommendation server 18 in the requested data format based on the information contained in the game execution information.

[0114] The recommendation server 18 stores the received game history information in storage 64, associated with the account information. The recommendation server 18 may store the game history information as is if the game identifiers included in the game history information are not identical, or it may store only the difference in the game history information if the game identifiers included in the game history information are identical.

[0115] The user terminal 20 periodically requests the recommendation server 18 to send recommendation information. The request for recommendation information may be made, for example, when the music app is launched. Alternatively, it may be made when predetermined conditions are met, for example, when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed after the music app is launched, or when the user transitions to the home screen 100. In this case, the user terminal 20 may also send other information to the recommendation server 18, such as operation records or input information in the music app as described above. Furthermore, the timing of sending such other information is not limited to the above; for example, it may be sent in response to a request from the recommendation server 18.

[0116] The recommendation server 18 generates recommendation information based on game history information in response to a request for recommendation information from the user terminal 20, and sends it to the requesting user terminal 20. The generation of recommendation information does not have to be based on a request for recommendation information from the user terminal 20; for example, it may be based on the receipt of game history information, or it may be done periodically. In other words, the generation and transmission of recommendation information may occur at different times. Furthermore, the transmission of recommendation information from the recommendation server 18 to the user terminal 20 does not have to be based on a request for transmission from the user terminal 20. For example, recommendation information may be sent periodically, or it may be sent when the recommendation information is generated or updated.

[0117] The user terminal 20 receives recommendation information and, based on the received recommendation information, displays the home screen 100 shown in Figure 5 on the display 90.

[0118] Thus, according to the first embodiment, game execution information, game history information, and recommendation information are associated with the game device 12 or the user account information of the game device 12, thereby enabling the use of or association of the account information with the said account information. Music streaming services and music apps that utilize this technology can recommend music content. In other words, they can recommend music content that is appropriate for the user.

[0119] In this first embodiment, the home screen 100 is displayed based on recommendation information. However, the screen displayed based on recommendation information is not limited to the home screen 100. For example, the display of other screens, such as the search screen 150, may be changed based on the received recommendation information. Furthermore, actions based on recommendation information are not limited to screen displays. For example, recommended music content may be played on a predetermined screen within a music app. Alternatively, recommended music content may be displayed as a playlist within a music app based on recommendation information.

[0120] Furthermore, in this first embodiment, the recommendation server 18 recommends songs to be played in the music app based on game history information, but it is not limited to that.

[0121] For example, the recommendation server 18 may recommend games or game content from a game distribution service based on information associated with the user's account information in a music distribution service. Simultaneously, the recommendation server 18 may also recommend music content based on information associated with the user's account information in a game distribution service, or on their game history. Music content may be recommended based on the games the user usually plays, and games or game content may be recommended based on the songs the user usually listens to. Game content may, for example, be an item that unlocks music content playable within the game.

[0122] As another example, the recommendation server 18 may recommend music content to be played in a music app based on game history information, and may also recommend music content used in games that use music content based on information associated with the user's account information in a music distribution service. For example, in a game where the user makes predetermined inputs in time with the music content that is playing, the recommendation server 18 may recommend music content to be used in the game.

[0123] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, music content is recommended on a user terminal 20 linked to the same account information as the user's account information, based on the user's game execution information, but this is not limited to that. For example, the recommendation server 18 may recommend music content based on the game execution information or game history information of other users who have a predetermined relationship with the user. In other words, information about other users' game play may be used when generating recommendation information. A predetermined relationship is, for example, a friend, or a user with the same regional information or language information. In addition, recommendation information for the user may be generated based on other information of other users. For example, other information could be a record of how other users have used the music application.

[0124] Furthermore, while the first embodiment described a case where game execution information is transmitted from the game device 12 to the game history server 16, the game history server 16 may not be included in the configuration, and the game execution information may be transmitted from the game device 12 to the recommendation server 18. In this case, the game execution information is stored in the storage 64 at the recommendation server 18. Also, the game history server 16 and the recommendation server 18 may be implemented by the same server.

[0125] Furthermore, the user terminal 20 may send push notifications linked to the game device 12. For example, a push notification prompting the user to launch a music app may be sent in conjunction with the start or end of a game on the game device 12.

[0126] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, we described a case where the game history server 16 sends game history information to the recommendation server 18, and the recommendation server 18 generates recommendation information based on the information of games that have been played. However, the system is not limited to this, and for example, the user may input games they have played in a music app, and game history information may be generated based on that input.

[0127] (Second example) The information processing system 10 of the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, except that when displaying images 102 on various screens of the music application on the user terminal 20, it changes the display manner of images 102 corresponding to music content that has been excluded based on exclusion information, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0128] Exclusion information refers to information that includes predetermined conditions regarding music content, set by the user on a music distribution service, music app, or user device 20. These predetermined conditions regarding music content may include, for example, predetermined related games or characters, or related game series. If these are included in the exclusion information, music content associated with them will be excluded. Exclusion information may also automatically include games the user has not played, based on game history information, without user settings. This prevents the user from unintentionally encountering information about games they have not played. Furthermore, exclusion information may not only include excluded items, but also information about non-excluded items, and music content may be excluded based on information about non-excluded items.

[0129] Exclusion information may include, for example, game genre information, and music content associated with related games that are associated with a specific game genre selected by the user may be excluded. This prevents unwanted songs from being displayed to the user.

[0130] A change in the display mode may, for example, involve changing the state in which image 102 is displayed from a state in which it is hidden, or it may involve replacing image 102 with another image. The replacement image may, for example, be common to image 102 that corresponds to multiple or all music content.

[0131] Figure 9 shows an unspecified example of the home screen 100 of the second embodiment. Image 102a is Image 102 with a modified display mode corresponding to music content that has been excluded based on exclusion information. The display mode may be changed for elements associated with music content that has been excluded, not just Image 102. Furthermore, the screen on which the display mode is changed is not limited to the home screen 100. For example, on a screen that displays a playlist containing music content that has been excluded, the music content that has been excluded may be hidden.

[0132] Furthermore, exclusion information may be sent, for example, from the user terminal 20 to the recommendation server 18. In this case, the exclusion information is used when the recommendation server 18 generates recommendation information, and music content that is excluded by the exclusion information is not recommended. To achieve this process, for example, a separate determination may be made as to whether or not music content that is excluded by the exclusion information is included, or the priority of each music content may be changed. Moreover, these processes are not limited to the recommendation server 18, but may also be performed in the music application.

[0133] In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to recommend appropriate music content to the user.

[0134] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, by changing the display method of some music content in the music app, it is possible to prevent users from unintentionally learning game information or from being presented with music content that the user does not want.

[0135] It should be noted that the configuration of the information processing system, various screens, and specific numerical values ​​shown in each of the above embodiments are merely examples and should not be considered limiting; they can be appropriately modified according to the actual product. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 10. Information Processing Systems 12 ... Game device 16…Game history server 18... Recommendation Server 20 ... User terminal 30, 60, 80… processors 32, 62, 82... memory 34, 64, 84... storage 36, 66, 86…communication modules 38, 88 ... Input section 40, 90… display 42, 92 ... Audio output section

Claims

1. An information processing system including a game device, a first server, a second server, and an information processing device, The aforementioned game device, The game execution unit that runs the game, The system includes a first transmission unit that transmits game execution information relating to the game executed by the game execution unit to the first server. The first server is, A storage control unit for storing the game execution information transmitted by the first transmission unit, The system includes a second transmission unit that transmits the game execution information stored by the memory control unit to the second server, The second server is, A recommendation information generation unit generates recommendation information based on the game execution information transmitted by the second transmission unit, The system includes a third transmission unit that transmits the aforementioned recommendation information to the information processing device, The aforementioned information processing device is A recommendation display control unit that displays music content to be recommended based on the recommendation information transmitted by the third transmission unit, An information processing system comprising a playback unit for playing the aforementioned music content.

2. The aforementioned game execution information is associated with the game device or the user account information of the game device. The recommendation information generation unit generates the recommendation information associated with the account information, The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the third transmission unit transmits the recommendation information to the information processing device associated with the account information or to the information processing device of the user associated with the account information.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the game execution information includes game identification information for identifying the game.

4. The aforementioned game execution information further includes date and time information when the game was executed, The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein the recommendation information generation unit generates recommendation information including the latest game information indicating the game associated with more recent date and time information, or music content associated with the game.

5. The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein the game identification information includes game genre information indicating the genre of the game.

6. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the game execution information includes game play time information indicating the cumulative time the game was executed.

7. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the game execution information includes game progress information indicating the user's progress in the game.

8. The information processing device further comprises a fourth transmission unit that transmits input information based on input to the information processing device to the second server. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the recommendation information generation unit generates recommendation information based on the input information transmitted by the fourth transmission unit.

9. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the recommendation information generation unit generates recommendation information based on game execution information associated with account information different from the account information.

10. An information processing system including a game device, one or more servers, and an information processing device, The game execution unit that runs the game, A storage control unit that stores game execution information related to a game executed by the aforementioned game execution unit, A recommendation information generation unit generates recommendation information based on the game execution information stored by the memory control unit, An information processing system comprising a recommendation display unit that displays music content to be recommended based on the aforementioned recommendation information.

11. An information processing system including a game device, one or more servers, and an information processing device, The game device includes a game execution unit that executes a game, The aforementioned one or more servers A storage control unit that stores game execution information related to a game executed by the aforementioned game execution unit, A recommendation information generation unit generates recommendation information based on the game execution information stored by the memory control unit, The system includes a recommendation information transmission unit that transmits the recommendation information generated by the recommendation information generation unit, The information processing device is an information processing system comprising a recommendation display unit that displays music content to be recommended based on recommendation information transmitted by the recommendation information transmission unit.

12. An information processing system including a game device associated with account information, one or more servers, and an information processing device associated with said account information, The game device includes a first transmission unit that transmits game content identification information for identifying selected game content to one or more servers. The information processing device includes a second transmission unit that transmits music content identification information for identifying selected music content to the one or more servers. The aforementioned one or more servers A first storage control unit stores the game content identification information transmitted by the first transmission unit in association with the account information associated with the game device that transmitted the game content identification information, The system includes a second storage control unit that stores music content identification information transmitted by the second transmission unit in association with account information associated with the information processing device that is the source of the music content identification information, The game device further includes a game content recommendation display unit that displays game content to be recommended based on music content identification information associated with account information obtained from the one or more servers. The information processing device further comprises a music content recommendation display unit that displays music content to be recommended based on game content identification information associated with account information obtained from the one or more servers, making it an information processing system.

13. A recommendation system that presents music content based on recommendation information. A recommendation device that transmits the recommendation information to an information processing device which includes a playback unit for playing the aforementioned music content, A recommendation information generation unit that generates the recommendation information based on game execution information related to a game played on a game device, A recommendation device comprising a transmission unit for transmitting the recommendation information to the information processing device.

14. A recommendation method for a recommendation device, comprising transmitting the recommendation information to an information processing device which includes a recommendation display control unit that displays music content to be recommended based on recommendation information and a playback unit that plays the music content, Based on game execution information related to games played on the game device, the recommendation information is generated. A recommendation method for transmitting the aforementioned recommendation information to the information processing device.

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