Terminal device, game execution method, program, and server

Abstract

The present invention provides a terminal device, a game execution method, a program, and a server capable of improving user motivation for exercise. [Solution] A terminal device for running a communication game, the communication game being a game that supports exercise performed by multiple people, including the user of the terminal device, comprising: a detection unit for detecting exercise performed by the user; a first acquisition unit for acquiring a first evaluation value, which is an evaluation value for the exercise detected by the detection unit; and a first output unit for outputting total value information, which is information that can identify the sum of the first evaluation value and a second evaluation value, which is an evaluation value for exercise performed by a collaborator, who is a participant in the communication game and is assigned to the user as a partner to exercise with the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a terminal device, a game execution method, a program, and a server.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a motion data management system including: a management data storage unit that acquires momentum data from a plurality of momentum measuring devices each measuring momentum data corresponding to the momentum of a plurality of users and stores the momentum data as management data necessary for health management; a support information providing unit that provides support information for assisting the motion of each user to a communication terminal in response to an input of a request signal from the communication terminal operated by each of the plurality of users, based on the management data of each user stored in the management data storage unit; an application data storage unit that stores data related to an application created for the purpose of enhancing the exercise motivation of each user; and an application execution unit that causes each user to use the application by the communication terminal. The application is a user-shared application that executes various events using points determined based on the momentum data of each user. The various events include special events that require a predetermined waiting period to elapse from the declaration of the start of the event to the execution of the event in response to a request. The application is characterized in that it determines a judgment point used for judging the execution result of the special event based on the momentum data of each user obtained during the required waiting period.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a video game processing device that displays a game screen on the display screen of a display device and controls the progress of a video game, and includes a player information storage means that stores player information, which includes character data indicating various data about a player character that the player can control, and a battle character information storage means that stores battle character information, which includes character data indicating various data about a battle character that the player character is participating in, and a battle character information storage means that stores battle character information, which includes character data indicating various data about the battle character, and a battle player information receiving means that searches for other devices that will be communication partners within a predetermined range in the vicinity of the device and automatically establishes a wireless connection, and receives other player information, which is player information stored in the other device that has been distributed from the other device by short-range wireless communication between terminals, and the battle player information receiving means The video game processing device is described, comprising: a means for updating the opponent character information so that the character indicated by the other player information received by means is included in the opponent character; a means for determining whether or not to start a simplified match in which the opponent character and the player character participate, according to a simplified match start condition which is a predetermined condition for starting a simplified match in which the winner and loser are easily determined by comparing the character data of the characters to be fought; a means for determining the result of the simplified match based on predetermined win / loss determination rules, the character data included in the player information, and the character data included in the opponent character information, in response to the determination by the means for starting a simplified match; and a means for updating the player information according to the result determined by the means for determining the result of the simplified match.

[0004] Patent Document 3 describes an exercise amount measurement system comprising means for detecting walking or running movements performed by a user in a fixed position and calculating a virtual movement speed and cumulative distance traveled, means for sending and receiving data with a server on a communication line and storing necessary data, means for displaying visual information, and means for setting an accurate time and measuring time, wherein the system pre-registers the user's information with the server as a virtual participant in a walking or running competition such as a real marathon, the server communicates the scheduled start time of the real competition to the user in advance, displays a start signal when the scheduled start time arrives, calculates a virtual cumulative distance traveled according to the walking or running movements performed by the user in a fixed position after the scheduled start time, recognizes the point in time when the cumulative distance traveled reaches the course distance from the start point to the finish point of the walking or running competition as the finish time, transmits the difference between the scheduled start time and the finish time as the required time to the server via the communication line, the server aggregates the required times of multiple users received and transmits them to the exercise amount measurement system, the exercise amount measurement system recognizes the user's ranking based on the aggregated required time and notifies the user of the ranking. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-162297 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-198555 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-011106 [Overview of the project]

[0006] One embodiment of the technology described herein provides a terminal device, a game execution method, a program, and a server capable of improving a user's motivation for exercise. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the technology of this disclosure is a terminal device for running a communication game, the communication game being a game that supports exercise performed by multiple people, including the user of the terminal device, and comprising: a detection unit for detecting exercise performed by the user; a first acquisition unit for acquiring a first evaluation value, which is an evaluation value for the exercise detected by the detection unit; and a first output unit for outputting total value information, which is information that can identify the sum of the first evaluation value and a second evaluation value, which is an evaluation value for exercise performed by a collaborator, who is a participant in the communication game and is assigned to the user as a partner to exercise with the user.

[0008] A second aspect of the technology of this disclosure is a terminal device relating to the first aspect, in which the assignment of collaborators to the user is performed in the background, in which at least one candidate using a communication game is on standby, and the candidate is assigned to the user as a collaborator on the condition that the user joins the communication game.

[0009] A third aspect of the technology of this disclosure is a game execution method for executing a communication game on a terminal device, wherein the communication game is a game that supports exercise performed by multiple people, including the user of the terminal device, and the game execution method includes detecting exercise performed by the user, obtaining a first evaluation value which is an evaluation value for the detected exercise, and outputting first information which is identifiable information that is the sum of a second evaluation value which is an evaluation value for exercise performed by a collaborator who is a participant in the communication game and is assigned to the user as a partner to exercise with the user, and the first evaluation value.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the technology of this disclosure is a program that causes a computer to execute a process for running a communication game on a terminal device, wherein the communication game is a game that supports exercise performed by multiple people, including the user of the terminal device, and the process includes detecting exercise performed by the user, obtaining a first evaluation value which is an evaluation value for the detected exercise, and outputting first information which is identifiable information that is the sum of a second evaluation value which is an evaluation value for exercise performed by a collaborator who is a participant in the communication game and is assigned to the user as a partner to exercise with the user, and the first evaluation value.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the technology of this disclosure is a server that can communicate with a terminal device that runs a communication game, wherein the communication game is a game that supports exercise performed by multiple people, including the user of the terminal device, and the server comprises a second acquisition unit that acquires a first evaluation value, which is an evaluation value of the user's exercise detected by a detection unit of the terminal device, and a second evaluation value, which is an evaluation value of the exercise performed by a collaborator, who is a participant in the communication game and is assigned to the user as a partner to exercise with the user, and a second output unit that outputs total value information, which is information that can identify the sum of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram showing the schematic configuration of the communication game system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example of the electrical hardware configuration of a user device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This block diagram shows an example of the electrical hardware configuration of the server according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the essential functions of the processor in the user device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the essential functions of the processor in the user device according to this embodiment. [Figure 6]This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the main functions of the server processor according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the essential functions of the processor in the user device according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the essential functions of the processor in the user device according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of the flow of communication game control processing according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Examples of embodiments of the terminal device, game execution method, program, and server relating to the technology of this disclosure will be described in accordance with the attached drawings.

[0014] As an example, as shown in Figure 1, the communication game system 10 includes multiple user devices 12 and a server 14. A user device 12 is a terminal device that sends and receives input information from a user 16, location information of the user device 12, or image information to and from the server 14, and is, for example, a smartphone. A user device 12 is an example of a "terminal device" related to the technology of this disclosure. In the example shown in Figure 1, user devices 12A, 12B, and 12C are shown as multiple user devices 12. Hereafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, when it is not necessary to distinguish between user devices 12A, 12B, and 12C, they will simply be referred to as "user device 12". Here, for the sake of convenience of explanation, three user devices 12 are used as an example, but the technology of this disclosure is not limited to this, and there may be multiple user devices 12. Also, here, a smartphone is used as an example of a user device 12, but the technology of this disclosure is not limited to this, and may be a mobile phone, tablet terminal, notebook computer, and / or wearable device (for example, smart glasses or smartwatch, etc.).

[0015] The communication game system 10 is used by a plurality of users 16. In the example shown in FIG. 1, as the plurality of users 16, user 16A, 16B, and 16C are shown. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, when there is no need to distinguish and explain user 16A, 16B, and 16C, they are simply referred to as "user 16".

[0016] In the example shown in FIG. 1, each of the plurality of users 16 owns one user device 12. Users 16A to 16C respectively own user devices 12A to 12C. Note that, although the case where each user 16 using the user device 12 is one person is illustrated, two or more users 16 may use one user device 12, or one user 16 may use two or more user devices 12.

[0017] The plurality of user devices 12 are connected to the server 14 via the network 18. The plurality of user devices 12 and the server 14 are communicably connected to the network 18, for example. Also, the network 18 is composed of, for example, at least one of WAN (Wide Area Network) or LAN (Local Area Network). Further, the connection method between the plurality of user devices 12 and the network 18, and the connection method between the server 14 and the network 18 may be a wireless communication method or a wired communication method, respectively. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 1, although not shown, the network 18 includes, for example, a base station. The network 18 establishes communication between the plurality of user devices 12 and the server 14, and transmits and receives various information between the plurality of user devices 12 and the server 14. The server 14 receives a request from the user device 12 via the network 18, and provides a service corresponding to the request to the user device 12 that is the request source via the network 18. Note that the server 14 is an example of the "server" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0018] The user device 12 calculates GNSS information as position information 66 (see FIG. 5), which is information capable of specifying the current position of the user device 12, by using radio waves transmitted from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites 20. The GNSS information is, for example, latitude and longitude. In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, latitude and longitude are given as an example of the GNSS information. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the GNSS information may be latitude, longitude, and altitude.

[0019] In the communication game system 10, the communication game provided to the user 16 is a game that supports an exercise in which a plurality of users 16 participate. Here, the exercise includes walking performed by the user 16 while wearing the user device 12 (for example, storing it in a pocket). In the communication game system 10, a so-called position information game is provided as the communication game. That is, in the communication game system 10, by using the GNSS information acquired by the user device 12, the movement of the user 16 wearing each user device 12 is detected. Then, in the communication game, an avatar on the game screen moves according to the movement of the user 16. The avatar moves, for example, within a virtual space corresponding to the real space (for example, within a space in which an object imitating a road or a building in the real space is arranged) according to the movement of the user 16 in the real space (for example, an actual road or a building).

[0020] As an example, as shown in Figure 2, the user device 12 includes a computer 22, a communication interface 30, a receiver 32, a receiving device 34, a display 36, and an external interface 38. The computer 22 includes a processor 24, storage 26, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 28. The processor 24, storage 26, and RAM 28 are connected to a bus 40. The communication interface 30, receiver 32, receiving device 34, display 36, and external interface 38 are also connected to the bus 40. In the example shown in Figure 2, for illustrative purposes, only one bus is shown as bus 40, but bus 48 includes a data bus, address bus, control bus, etc. Computer 22 is an example of a "computer" related to the technology of this disclosure.

[0021] The processor 24 controls the entire user device 12. Memory is connected to the processor 24. The memory includes storage 26 and RAM 28. The processor 24 has, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In addition to the CPU, the processor 24 may also be equipped with a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) dedicated to image processing.

[0022] Storage 26 is a non-volatile storage device that stores various programs and parameters. Examples of storage 26 include flash memory (e.g., EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) and SSD (Solid State Drive)) and / or HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Note that flash memory and HDD are merely examples, and at least one of flash memory, HDD magnetoresistive memory, and ferroelectric memory may be used as storage 26.

[0023] Furthermore, the communication game control program 26A is stored in the storage 26. The communication game control program 26A is downloaded, for example, via the network 18 and stored in the storage 26. In the user device 12 according to this embodiment, the processor 24 in the computer 22 reads the communication game control program 26A from the storage 26 and executes the read communication game control program 26A on the RAM 28. As a result, the processor 24 operates as a determination unit 24A, a first acquisition unit 24B, and a first output unit 24C. The communication game control program 26A is an example of a "program" according to the technology of this disclosure. The first acquisition unit 24B is an example of a "first acquisition unit" according to the technology of this disclosure, and the first output unit 24C is an example of a "first output unit" according to the technology of this disclosure.

[0024] RAM28 is memory that temporarily stores information and is used as work memory by the processor24. Examples of RAM28 include DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or SRAM (Static Random Access Memory).

[0025] The communication interface 30 is connected to the network 18 via wireless communication and is responsible for the exchange of various types of information between the processor 24 and the server 14 via the network 18.

[0026] The receiver 32 receives radio waves from multiple GNSS satellites (not shown), including the GNSS satellite 20, in response to instructions from the processor 24, and outputs position information (see Figure 5) corresponding to the reception results to the processor 24.

[0027] The reception device 34 receives instructions from the user 16, etc. Examples of the reception device 34 include a touch panel 34A and hard keys. Instructions received by the reception device 34 are acquired by the processor 24. Here, an example of how input is received via the touch panel 34A has been described, but this is only one example, and instructions from the user 16, etc. may also be received via voice input through a microphone (not shown).

[0028] The display 36 displays various information under the control of the processor 24. An example of the display 36 is a liquid crystal display. However, other types of displays, such as organic EL displays, may also be used as the display 36.

[0029] In this example, an out-cell type touch panel display is used, in which the touch panel 34A is superimposed on the surface of the display area of ​​the display 36. However, the out-cell type touch panel display is merely one example; for example, an on-cell type or in-cell type touch panel display can also be used.

[0030] The external interface 38 is responsible for the exchange of various types of information between the user device 12 and devices located outside of it. An example of the external interface 38 is the USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface. Personal computers, USB memory sticks, memory cards, and / or printers can be connected to the USB interface.

[0031] As an example, as shown in Figure 3, the server 14 includes a computer 42, a communication interface 50, a receiving device 52, a display 54, and an external interface 56. The computer 42 includes a processor 44, storage 46, and RAM 48. The processor 44, storage 46, and RAM 48 are connected to a bus 58. The communication interface 50, the receiving device 52, the display 54, and the external interface 56 are also connected to the bus 58. In the example shown in Figure 3, for illustrative purposes, only one bus is shown as bus 58, but bus 58 actually includes a data bus, an address bus, a control bus, etc.

[0032] Since the hardware configuration of computer 42 (i.e., the processor 44, storage 46, and RAM 48) is basically the same as that of computer 22, a description of the hardware configuration of computer 42 will be omitted here.

[0033] Furthermore, the storage 46 stores the server control program 46A. In the server 14 according to this embodiment, the processor 44 in the computer 42 reads the server control program 46A from the storage 46 and executes the read server control program 46A on the RAM 48. As a result, the processor 44 operates as a second acquisition unit 44A, a derivation unit 44B, and a second output unit 44C. The second acquisition unit 44A is an example of a "second acquisition unit" according to the technology of this disclosure, and the second output unit 44C is an example of a "second output unit" according to the technology of this disclosure.

[0034] The communication interface 50 is connected to the network 18 in a communicative manner and is responsible for the exchange of various types of information between the processor 44 and the user device 12 via the network 18.

[0035] The reception device 52 receives instructions from the administrator of the server 14, etc. Examples of the reception device 52 include a remote controller, a touch panel, hard keys, and / or voice input via a microphone, etc. Instructions received by the reception device 52 are acquired by the processor 44.

[0036] The display 54 displays various information under the control of the processor 44. An example of the display 54 is a liquid crystal display. However, other types of displays, such as EL displays, may also be used as the display 54.

[0037] External I / F56 is responsible for the exchange of various types of information between the server 14 and devices located outside of it. An example of external I / F56 is the USB interface. Personal computers, USB memory sticks, memory cards, and / or printers can be connected to the USB interface.

[0038] For the sake of explanation, the following example will describe a scenario where user 16A plays a communication game on user device 12A, and user 16B is assigned as a collaborator, a participant in the communication game who cooperates with user 16A in physical activity. However, this is merely one example. From user 16B's perspective, user 16A is selected as a collaborator, and user 16B is playing the communication game. Of course, other users (for example, user 16C) may also be selected as collaborators.

[0039] As an example, as shown in Figure 4, in the processor 24 of the user device 12A, the determination unit 24A determines whether or not the cooperative mode has been selected by the user 16 (see Figure 1). Here, the cooperative mode is one of the modes of the communication game provided in the communication game system 10, in which a user (for example, user 16A) cooperates with another user (for example, user 16B) to perform exercises. User 16A selects the cooperative mode displayed on the game screen of the communication game by operating the touch panel 34A (see Figure 1). If the cooperative mode is selected by user 16A, the determination unit 24A determines that the cooperative mode has been selected.

[0040] If the first acquisition unit 24B determines that the cooperative mode has been selected in the determination unit 24A, it requests the server 14 to acquire collaborator information 60 via the communication interface 30. In response to the acquisition request from the user device 12A, the server 14 performs a process to match user 16A with other users 16 (i.e., assign them as collaborators). The server 14 holds multiple pieces of collaborator information 60, which are information that can identify collaborators in the cooperative mode of the communication game (for example, the registered name and ID number of user 16). In other words, in the collaborator assignment process performed by the server 14, at least one candidate using the communication game is waiting. As a result of the process, the server 14 transmits the collaborator information 60 (in this case, information that can identify user 16B, who has been selected as a collaborator) to the user device 12A via the network 18. In this way, a candidate is assigned to user 16 as a collaborator, provided that user 16 has joined the communication game.

[0041] Specifically, server 14 pre-collects the collaborator information 60 of users 16 who are currently playing the online game and have selected cooperative mode, and stores it as list 59. Server 14 may also collect the collaborator information 60 of users 16 who are already exercising and add it to list 59. In this case, if a collaborator stops exercising, server 14 deletes the collaborator information 60 from list 59, and if the collaborator resumes exercising, it stores the collaborator information 60 back in the list. This allows server 14 to match users 16 with collaborators according to their exercise status.

[0042] Then, when a request for collaborator information 60 is received from the user device 12, the collaborator information 60 of user 16 that matches predetermined conditions is selected from the list. The predetermined conditions include, for example, the condition that user 16 has started exercising. Other conditions include the condition that the waiting time (i.e., the time required for matching) is the longest in the list, or the condition that the user is attempting the same exercise as user 16A (for example, walking), or the condition that the user meets the matching conditions specified by user 16A.

[0043] Server 14 generates a display image 61 (i.e., an image used in the communication game) containing the collaborator information 60 selected from List 59 and sends it to the user device 12. Display image 61 shows the registered name of the collaborator indicated by the collaborator information 60. Thus, in this embodiment, the assignment of collaborators to user 16 is performed on server 14, not on user device 12. In other words, the assignment of collaborators to user 16 is performed in the background of processing on user device 12.

[0044] In the user device 12A, the first acquisition unit 24B acquires a display image 61 containing collaborator information 60 transmitted from the server 14 via the communication interface 30. The first acquisition unit 24B outputs the acquired display image 61 to the first output unit 24C. The first output unit 24C performs GUI (Graphical User Interface) control to display the display image 61, thereby displaying a screen containing collaborator information 60 on the display 36.

[0045] In the example shown in Figure 4, the display 36 shows an image of an avatar 62 corresponding to user 16A. A message 64 is also displayed, containing the registered name of the collaborator (in this case, user 16B) identified by the collaborator information 60. The message 64 contains the text, "Partner now available! Let's walk together with A!!" By viewing the content displayed on the display 36, user 16A recognizes that they have been matched with a collaborator named A and begins exercising in cooperative mode using the communication game. Here, the displayed text is merely an example; any text indicating successful matching with a collaborator is acceptable. Alternatively, marks or other symbols may be displayed instead of text, or in conjunction with text. For the sake of explanation, the following example describes a form in which walking is supported as user 16A's exercise by playing a communication game; however, other forms of exercise may also be supported.

[0046] As an example, as shown in Figure 5, when user 16A starts walking, user 16A's position changes. The change in user 16A's position is detected by receiver 32 as a change in position information 66 (e.g., GNSS information). Receiver 32 is an example of a "detection unit" related to the technology of this disclosure. In the processor 24 of user device 12A, first, the first acquisition unit 24B determines whether or not the timing for acquiring user 16A's position information (hereinafter also simply referred to as "position information acquisition timing") has arrived. Specifically, the determination of whether or not the position information acquisition timing has arrived is made by measuring a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) based on the output result of a clock (not shown) provided in user device 12A. If the position information acquisition timing has arrived, the first acquisition unit 24B acquires position information 66 from receiver 32.

[0047] The first acquisition unit 24B calculates the walking distance L based on the acquired location information 66. Specifically, it calculates the walking distance L from the location of user 16A indicated by the location information 66 acquired this time and the location of user 16A indicated by the location information 66 acquired last time. The first acquisition unit 24B outputs walking distance information 68, which is information indicating the calculated walking distance L, to the first output unit 24C. The walking distance L is an example of the "first evaluation value" related to the technology of this disclosure.

[0048] The first output unit 24C outputs the walking distance information 68 acquired from the first acquisition unit 24B to the communication interface 30. The communication interface 30 transmits the user 16A's walking distance information 68 to the server 14 via the network 18.

[0049] As an example, as shown in Figure 6, the server 14 obtains walking distance information 68 from the user device 12 via the network 18. Here, the walking distance information 68 transmitted from user device 12A is referred to as walking distance information 68A, and the walking distance information 68 transmitted from user device 12B is referred to as walking distance information 68B. If there is no need to distinguish between walking distance information 68A and 68B, it is simply referred to as "walking distance information 68".

[0050] In the processor 44 of server 14, first, the second acquisition unit 44A acquires walking distance information 68 transmitted from user devices 12A and 12B via the communication I / F 50. Specifically, the second acquisition unit 44A acquires walking distance information 68A indicating the walking distance of user 16A from user device 12A, and walking distance information 68B indicating the walking distance of user 16B from user device 12B. The second acquisition unit 44A outputs the acquired walking distance information 68 to the output unit 44B.

[0051] The derivation unit 44B calculates a total value based on the walking distance information 68 acquired from the second acquisition unit 44A. The derivation unit 44B calculates the total walking distance by, for example, adding the walking distance of user 16A, indicated by the walking distance information 68A, and the walking distance of user 16B, indicated by the walking distance information 68B. The walking distance of user 16B is an example of the "second evaluation value" related to the technology of this disclosure, and the "total walking distance" is an example of the "total value" related to the technology of this disclosure. Here, an example of adding the walking distance of user 16A and the walking distance of user 16B is given and explained, but this is only an example. For example, the total value may be calculated using an arithmetic formula in which the walking distance of user 16A and the walking distance of user 16B are independent variables and the total value is the dependent variable. Alternatively, the total value may be calculated using a table in which the walking distance of user 16A and the walking distance of user 16B are input values ​​and the total value is the output value. The derivation unit 44B outputs total value information 69, which is information indicating the calculated total value, to the second output unit 44C.

[0052] The second output unit 44C generates a display image 70 based on the total value information 69 obtained from the derivation unit 44B. The display image 70 includes the total value indicated by the total value information 69. The second output unit 44C outputs the generated display image 70 to the communication interface 50. The communication interface 50 transmits the display image 70 to the user device 12 via the network 18.

[0053] As an example, as shown in Figure 7, in the processor 24 of the user device 12A, the first acquisition unit 24B acquires a display image 70 containing total value information 69 transmitted from the server 14 via the communication interface 30. The first acquisition unit 24B outputs the acquired display image 70 to the first output unit 24C. The first output unit 24C executes control to display the display image 70 on the display 36.

[0054] In the example shown in Figure 7, the display 36 shows an image of an avatar 62 corresponding to a user 16A who is walking. The position of the avatar 62 in the virtual space is updated in accordance with the movement of user 16A in the real space. In other words, within the screen of the display 36, the avatar 62 moves in accordance with the movement of user 16A.

[0055] Furthermore, the display area 76 displays the total value indicated by the total value information 69. The display area 76 contains the text "1.9km / 3.0km". This indicates the total value (1.9km) relative to the target walking distance (3.0km in this case). Here, the target distance is the target walking distance in playing this communication game. The target distance may be a pre-set value or a value specified by the user 16.

[0056] Furthermore, the display image 70 includes information about the collaborator displayed in the display area 72. The display area 72 contains an image of the avatar 74 corresponding to the collaborating user 16B, as well as text indicating the collaborator's registered name (e.g., "Mr. A"), walking distance (e.g., "1.2km"), and current exercise status (e.g., "Walking"). When the collaborating user 16B is walking, the avatar 74 shows the avatar walking. In other words, within the screen of the display 36, the avatar 62 corresponding to user 16A and the avatar 74 corresponding to user 16B are displayed on the screen of the display 36 in a way that allows for comparison.

[0057] User 16A can see what is happening to the target distance by looking at the content displayed on the display 36. They can also see how far a collaborator, person A (in this case, user 16B), has walked. In this way, user 16A can enjoy walking by looking at the display 36 during breaks, checking their own or their collaborator's walking progress, and seeing the remaining distance to the target. Furthermore, the display of the collaborator's avatar 62 and their exercise status allows them to feel like they are walking together with their collaborator, making the walk even more enjoyable.

[0058] Then, while user 16A continues walking, the processor 24 of user device 12A updates the display image 70 to be shown on display 36, as shown in Figure 8 as an example. Specifically, the processes shown in Figures 5 and 6 are performed between user device 12A and server 14 to calculate a total value corresponding to the walking of user 16A and user 16B. Then, display images 70A and 70B with the updated total value are generated and sent to user device 12A.

[0059] In the processor 24 of the user device 12A, the first acquisition unit 24B acquires the updated display image 70A, which includes the total value information 69 transmitted from the server 14. The first acquisition unit 24B outputs the acquired display image 70A to the first output unit 24C. The first output unit 24C executes control to display the display image 70A on the display 36. In the example shown in Figure 8, the display image 70A includes the text "2.7km / 3.0km" in the display area 76 and the text "1.6km" as the walking distance of the collaborator in the display area 72. In other words, the update of the display image 70 to the display image 70A shows that the walking distance is increasing as users 16A and 16B walk. The user device 12A and the server 14 repeat the processes shown in Figures 5 to 7 until user 16A's walking exceeds the target distance.

[0060] Furthermore, suppose that as a result of user 16A continuing to walk, the total value reaches the target distance. In this case, the first acquisition unit 24B acquires the updated display image 70B, which includes the total value information 69 transmitted from the server 14. The first acquisition unit 24B outputs the acquired display image 70B to the first output unit 24C. The first output unit 24C executes control to display the display image 70B on the display 36. In the example shown in Figure 8, the display image 70B includes the text "3.4km / 3.0km" in the display area 76 and the text "2.1km" in the display area 72 as the result of the collaborator's walking distance. That is, the update of the display image 70 to the display image 70B indicates that the target distance has been reached as a result of users 16A and 16B walking.

[0061] Furthermore, the display area 72 contains the text, "Total distance walked together: 3.4km, well done!!" In other words, the goal has been achieved through walking with a collaborator, and the display shows content praising the achievement of the goal as a reward. By viewing the content displayed on the display 36, user 16A can experience a sense of accomplishment from walking and / or a sense of unity from walking with a collaborator.

[0062] It should be noted that the example given here is a text-based reward, but this is merely one example. For example, the reward may be points and / or items usable in a communication game. Alternatively, the reward may be an increase in the user's level in the communication game or an increase in the number of usable characters. Furthermore, the reward may be points and / or coupon codes usable in the real world (for example, discount codes usable in stores or product exchange codes).

[0063] Next, the communication game control processing in the user device 12 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the communication game control processing of the user device 12. The flow of the communication game control processing shown in Figure 9 is an example of a "communication game execution method" related to the technology of this disclosure.

[0064] As an example, in the communication game control process shown in Figure 9, first, in step ST10, the determination unit 24A determines whether or not the user 16A has selected cooperative mode. If cooperative mode is selected in step ST10, the determination is affirmed, and the communication game control process proceeds to step ST12. If cooperative mode is not selected in step ST10, the determination is denied, and the communication game control process proceeds to step ST30.

[0065] In step ST12, the first acquisition unit 24B requests the server 14 to acquire collaborator information 60. After the processing in step ST12 is completed, the communication game control process moves on to step ST14.

[0066] In step ST14, the first acquisition unit 24B acquires the display image 61 transmitted from the server 14 in response to the acquisition request in step ST12. The display image 61 contains collaborator information 60. After the processing in step ST14 is completed, the communication game control process proceeds to step ST16.

[0067] In step ST16, the first output unit 24C executes control to display the display image 61 acquired by the first acquisition unit 24B in step ST14 on the display 36. After the processing in step ST16 is completed, the communication game control process proceeds to step ST18.

[0068] In step ST18, the first acquisition unit 24B determines whether or not the timing for acquiring location information has arrived. If the timing for acquiring location information has arrived in step ST18, the determination is affirmed, and the communication game control process proceeds to step ST20. If the timing for acquiring location information has not arrived in step ST18, the determination is denied, and the communication game control process performs the determination in step ST18 again.

[0069] In step ST20, the first acquisition unit 24B acquires position information 66 from the receiver 32. After the processing in step ST20 is completed, the communication game control process proceeds to step ST22.

[0070] In step ST22, the first acquisition unit 24B calculates the walking distance L of the user 16 based on the position information 66 acquired in step ST20. After the processing in step ST22 is completed, the communication game control process proceeds to step ST24.

[0071] In step ST24, the first output unit 24C outputs walking distance information 68 indicating the walking distance L calculated by the first acquisition unit 24B in step ST22. The output walking distance information 68 is transmitted to the server 14 via the communication interface 30. After the processing in step ST24 is completed, the communication game control process proceeds to step ST26.

[0072] In step ST26, the first acquisition unit 24B acquires the display image 70 transmitted from the server 14. The display image 70 contains total value information 69. After the processing in step ST26 is completed, the communication game control process moves on to step ST28.

[0073] In step ST28, the first output unit 24C executes control to display the display image 70 acquired by the first acquisition unit 24B in step ST26 on the display 36. After the processing in step ST28 is completed, the communication game control process proceeds to step ST30.

[0074] In step ST30, the processor 24 determines whether the conditions for terminating the communication game control process (hereinafter referred to as "termination conditions") have been met. One example of a termination condition is that a display image 70B indicating that the total value has reached the target distance has been displayed. Another example of a termination condition is that an instruction to terminate the communication game control process has been received by the touch panel 34A. If the termination conditions are not met in step ST30, the determination is denied, and the communication game control process proceeds to step ST18. If the termination conditions are met in step ST30, the determination is affirmed, and the communication game control process terminates.

[0075] As described above, in the communication game system 10 according to this embodiment, a communication game that supports walking is executed on the user device 12A, in which multiple people, including users 16A and 16B, participate. On the user device 12A, the first acquisition unit 24B of the processor 24 calculates the walking distance L of user 16A based on the position information 66 obtained via the receiver 32, and the first output unit 24C outputs walking distance information 68 indicating the walking distance L. The first acquisition unit 24B then acquires a display image 70 from the server 14. The display image 70 displays total value information 69, which shows the sum of the walking distance L of user 16A and the walking distance of user 16B as a collaborator. The first output unit 24C outputs the display image 70 to the display 36. The display image 70 including the total value information 69 is then displayed on the display 36. User 16A visually confirms the sum of their own walking distance L and the walking distance of their collaborator. This allows us to recognize that, for example, a target distance that would have been difficult for user 16A to achieve alone becomes more likely to be achieved when the walking distance of the collaborator is added. As a result, user 16A's motivation for exercise improves.

[0076] Furthermore, in the communication game system 10 according to this embodiment, the assignment of collaborators to user 16A is performed by the server 14. The server 14 holds collaborator information 60 that can identify user 16 who is using the communication game and has selected to play the communication game in cooperative mode. In response to a request from user device 12A to acquire collaborator information 60, the server 14 assigns collaborators to user 16A. This reduces the load on user device 12A in terms of calculation processing related to collaborator assignment.

[0077] (modified version) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a cooperative mode is selected in a communication game in which users 16 cooperate to perform exercises, but the technology of this disclosure is not limited to this. In this modified example, after the cooperative mode is selected, it is possible to switch to a competitive mode in response to instructions from user 16. The competitive mode is a mode in the communication game in which users 16 compete against each other in exercise. Specifically, walking distance information 68 is transmitted from the user device 12 of user 16 playing the communication game in competitive mode to the server 14. The server 14 compares the walking distance of user 16A with that of user 16B, and transmits a display image corresponding to the comparison result to each user 16's user device 12. For example, if user 16A's walking distance is less than user 16B's walking distance, the display image transmitted to user 16A's user device 12A includes text such as "You're losing!!". By viewing the display image shown on the display 36, user 16A continues walking in order to increase their walking distance. In this way, the presence of a competitor increases the user 16's motivation to exercise.

[0078] Furthermore, while the above modified example describes a configuration in which the system can switch from cooperative mode to competitive mode in response to instructions from user 16, the technology of this disclosure is not limited to this. Switching to competitive mode may occur when an indicator used to determine whether or not the goal has been achieved (hereinafter also simply referred to as the evaluation indicator) meets predetermined conditions. For example, switching from cooperative mode to competitive mode may occur when the total walking distance in cooperative mode reaches a predetermined value (for example, 80% or more of the target distance, or 100m remaining to the target distance). This increases the likelihood of achieving the goal, and as users 16 compete with each other to achieve the goal, their motivation for exercise is further enhanced.

[0079] Furthermore, as another condition for switching from cooperative mode to competitive mode, the switch may occur in response to a display regarding the acquisition of additional rewards, depending on the user's (16) response. In this case, the server (14) sends a display image to the user device (12) that includes a display regarding the acquisition of additional rewards. The display regarding the acquisition of additional rewards is a display that asks the user (16) whether or not to perform exercises to obtain additional rewards. Additional rewards are rewards obtained in addition to the rewards obtained from exercises in cooperative mode, based on exercises performed during competitive mode. For example, the display image may include text such as "Do you want to start Chance Time?", and may also display soft keys. For example, the user (16) responds whether or not to perform exercises to obtain additional rewards by selecting a soft key via the touch panel (34A).

[0080] If the user chooses to exercise in order to earn an additional reward, the system switches from cooperative mode to competitive mode. In competitive mode, user 16 performs exercise to earn an additional reward (for example, walking a longer distance than other users). Within the online game, user 16 is then provided with an additional reward based on the results of their exercise in competitive mode. This additional reward is provided separately from the reward in cooperative mode and may include points and / or items usable in the online game. Alternatively, an increase in the reward in cooperative mode (for example, doubling the reward for achieving the goal) may be offered as an additional reward. In this way, the presence of competitors and the possibility of earning additional rewards increase user 16's motivation to exercise.

[0081] (Other variations) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the total value information 69 is output to a display 36 and visually recognized by the user 16. However, the technology of this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, it may be output to a printing device such as a printer and recognized by the user 16 when printed on paper or the like. Alternatively, the total value information 69 may be output to an audio output device such as a speaker, earphone, or headphones and recognized as sound by the user 16. Furthermore, the total value information 69 may be output to a storage device 26 and an external storage device (e.g., a USB memory stick).

[0082] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which display images 61, 70, 70A, and / or 70B are generated by the server 14 and transmitted to the user device 12, the technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, information such as total value information 69 may be transmitted from the server 14 to the user device 12, and the display images 61, 70, 70A, and / or 70B may be generated in the processor 24 of the user device 12. Alternatively, the processing related to the generation of display images 61, 70, 70A, and / or 70B may be carried out in cooperation between the server 14 and the user device 12.

[0083] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which the processing related to the calculation of the total value is performed on the server 14, the technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto. The processing related to the calculation of the total value may also be performed on the user device 12. In this case, the user device 12 obtains information indicating the walking distance of the collaborator from the server 14 and calculates the total value by adding the walking distance of the user 16 and the walking distance of the collaborator derived in the user device 12.

[0084] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which the walking distance L of user 16 is calculated based on position information 66 detected by receiver 32, the technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto. The walking distance L may be calculated based on the output result of an inertial sensor (not shown) mounted on the user device 12, either in place of or together with the output result of the position information 66 from receiver 32. For example, the distance traveled by user device 12 may be estimated based on the time-series change in acceleration output from the inertial sensor. Alternatively, the number of steps taken by user 16 may be estimated from the output result from the inertial sensor (change in acceleration along the vertical direction), and the distance traveled may be estimated according to the number of steps. Moreover, the receiver 32 and the inertial sensor do not need to be mounted on user device 12, but may be mounted on an external device (for example, a smartwatch worn by user 16) that is communicatively connected to user device 12.

[0085] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which the walking distance L is the evaluation index for achieving the goal, the technology of this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, instead of the walking distance L, or together with the walking distance L, the number of steps and / or the time spent walking (i.e., walking time) may be used to determine whether or not the goal has been achieved. In this case, the walking time is measured by a timer mounted on the user device 12.

[0086] Furthermore, while walking was given as an example of exercise performed by user 16 in the above embodiment, the technology of this disclosure is not limited to this. Examples of exercise include running, jogging, cycling, mountain climbing, or swimming. In the case of these exercises, evaluation indicators include the distance traveled and / or the time spent exercising. Other examples include strength training such as push-ups, sit-ups, or squats. In this case, evaluation indicators include the number of repetitions (e.g., the number of push-ups) and / or the time spent exercising.

[0087] Furthermore, although the above embodiments described an example in which the user device 12 is a portable terminal device such as a smartphone, the technology of this disclosure is not limited to this. The user device 12 may also be a training device installed in a gym or the like (for example, a treadmill).

[0088] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which user 16B participates as a collaborator of user 16A, the technology of this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, there may be multiple collaborators.

[0089] In the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which communication game control processing is performed by the processor 24 of the user device 12 was described, but the technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the device that performs communication game control processing may be located outside the user device 12. An example of a device located outside the user device 12 is a server. For example, the server may be implemented by cloud computing. Here, cloud computing is given as an example, but this is merely an example, and for example, the server may be implemented by a mainframe, or by network computing such as fog computing, edge computing, or grid computing. Here, a server is given as an example of a device located outside the user device 12, but this is merely an example, and instead of a server, at least one personal computer or the like may be used. Furthermore, the communication game control processing may be performed in a distributed manner by multiple devices, including the user device 12 and devices located outside the user device 12.

[0090] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which the communication game control program 26A is stored in storage 26, the technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the communication game control program 26A may be stored in a portable storage medium such as an SSD or USB memory. The storage medium is a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium. The communication game control program 26A stored in the storage medium is installed in the computer 22. The processor 24 executes communication game control processing according to the communication game control program 26A.

[0091] In the above embodiment, a computer 22 is exemplified, but the technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto, and devices including ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and / or PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices) may be used instead of the computer 22. Alternatively, a combination of hardware and software configurations may be used instead of the computer 22.

[0092] The hardware resources used to perform the various processes described in the above embodiment include the following types of processors. Examples of processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that functions as a hardware resource for performing communication game control processing by executing software, i.e., a program. Other examples of processors include dedicated electronic circuits, which are processors with circuit configurations specifically designed to perform particular processing, such as FPGAs, PLDs, or ASICs. Each processor has built-in or connected memory, and each processor uses memory to perform communication game control processing.

[0093] The hardware resources that perform communication game control processing may consist of one of these various processors, or a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a processor and an FPGA). Alternatively, the hardware resources that perform communication game control processing may consist of a single processor.

[0094] Examples of configurations using a single processor include, firstly, a configuration in which one or more processors and software are combined to form a single processor, and this processor functions as a hardware resource that executes communication game control processing. Secondly, there is a configuration using a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system, including multiple hardware resources that execute communication game control processing, on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as exemplified by SoCs (System-on-a-chip). Thus, communication game control processing is realized using one or more of the above types of processors as hardware resources.

[0095] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors can more specifically utilize electronic circuits that combine circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. Also, the above communication game control processing is merely an example. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary steps can be deleted, new steps added, or the processing order rearranged, as long as it does not deviate from the main purpose.

[0096] The descriptions and illustrations presented above are detailed explanations of the technical aspects of this disclosure and are merely examples of the technical aspects. For example, the above descriptions of the structure, function, operation, and effect are examples of the structure, function, operation, and effect of the technical aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that you may delete unnecessary parts, add new elements, or replace elements in the descriptions and illustrations presented above, as long as you do not deviate from the essence of the technical aspects of this disclosure. Furthermore, in order to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding of the technical aspects of this disclosure, explanations of common technical knowledge and the like that do not require special explanation to enable the implementation of the technical aspects of this disclosure have been omitted from the descriptions and illustrations presented above.

[0097] In this specification, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B." That is, "A and / or B" means that it may be A alone, or B alone, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, the same concept as "A and / or B" applies when expressing three or more things linked by "and / or."

[0098] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually noted to be incorporated by reference. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 10 Communication Game System 12, 12A, 12B, 12C User Devices 14 Servers 16, 16A, 16B, 16C User 18 Network 20 satellites 22 Computers 24 processors 24A Judgment section 24B 1st acquisition part 24C 1st output section 26 storage 26A Communication Game Control Program 28 RAM 30 Communication I / F 32 receivers 34 Reception Device 34A Touch Panel 36 displays 38 External I / F 40 buses 42 Computers 44 processors 44A 2nd acquisition part 44B Derivation part 44C Second Output Section 4 wireless storage 46A Server control program 48 bus 50 Communication I / F 52 Reception devices 54 displays 56 External I / F 58 Bus 59 List 60. Information on collaborators 61,70,70A,70B Display image 62,74 Avatars 64 Messages 66 Location information 68, 68A, 68B Walking distance information 69 Total Value Information 72,76 display area L Walking distance

Claims

1. A terminal device for running communication games, The aforementioned communication game is a game that supports exercise in which multiple people, including the user of the terminal device, participate. A detection unit that detects the movement performed by the user, A first acquisition unit acquires a first evaluation value, which is an evaluation value for the motion detected by the detection unit, A first output unit outputs total value information which is information that can identify the sum of a second evaluation value, which is an evaluation value of the exercise by a collaborator assigned to the user as a partner to perform the exercise with the user, and a first evaluation value, among participants in the aforementioned communication game. A terminal device equipped with the following features.

2. The assignment of collaborators to the aforementioned users is performed in the background. In the background, at least one candidate is waiting and using the aforementioned online game. On the condition that the user participates in the communication game, the candidate is assigned to the user as a collaborator. The terminal device according to claim 1.

3. A method for executing a game on a terminal device, The aforementioned communication game is a game that supports exercise in which multiple people, including the user of the terminal device, participate. To detect the movement performed by the user, To obtain a first evaluation value, which is an evaluation value for the detected motion, and Outputting first information that identifies the sum of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value, which is the evaluation value of the exercise by a collaborator assigned to the user as a partner in the communication game who performs the exercise with the user. A method for running the game, including the game execution method.

4. On the computer, The process of running a communication game on a terminal device, The aforementioned communication game is a game that supports exercise in which multiple people, including the user of the terminal device, participate. The aforementioned process is, To detect the movement performed by the user, To obtain a first evaluation value, which is an evaluation value for the detected motion, and Outputting first information that identifies the sum of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value, which is the evaluation value of the exercise by a collaborator assigned to the user as a partner in the communication game who performs the exercise with the user. A program that performs a process that includes this.

5. A server that can communicate with a terminal device that runs a communication game, The aforementioned communication game is a game that supports exercise in which multiple people, including the user of the terminal device, participate. A second acquisition unit acquires a first evaluation value, which is the user's evaluation value of the exercise detected by the detection unit of the terminal device, and a second evaluation value, which is the evaluation value of the exercise by a collaborator, who is a participant in the communication game and is assigned to the user as a partner to perform the exercise with the user. A second output unit outputs total value information, which is information that can identify the sum of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value. A server equipped with the following features.

Images