Cloud gaming system, server equipment, and program

Abstract

We provide cloud gaming systems and other services that improve the balance between operating costs and service fees in cloud gaming systems. [Solution] The cloud game system includes a terminal storage unit that stores user terminals of users who have agreed to make their terminals nodes in grid computing as consent terminals, a resource management unit that, when a consent terminal meets status conditions, instructs the consent terminal to transmit computing resource information of the consent terminal and assigns tasks that can be processed by the consent terminal based on the computing resource information, and a reward granting unit that grants rewards to users who possess consent terminals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] At least one of the embodiments of the present invention relates to a cloud game system, a server device, and a program for providing cloud game services.

Background Art

[0002] In the video game industry, along with the improvement of the computing performance of computers, game software that leverages this computing performance has been developed. Therefore, users who play such game software have been required to own a computer with high computing performance.

[0003] Cloud game systems exist to solve such problems (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this system, a user terminal only performs game operation input to the cloud game server and output of the game screen, and the execution of the game application is performed on the cloud game server, so high computing performance is not required of the user terminal. This makes it possible to run video games on a variety of terminals.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Disclosure of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in conventional cloud gaming systems, cloud gaming service providers need to keep their cloud gaming servers in standby mode so that they can always accept connections from user terminals, which incurs significant server maintenance costs. However, raising cloud gaming service fees to account for operating costs, including server maintenance costs, would lead to user attrition and a decrease in revenue. Therefore, balancing operating costs and service fees is a challenge in operating cloud gaming services.

[0006] An objective of at least one embodiment of the present invention is to improve the balance between operating costs and service fees by adding new revenue to service providers through service operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In a non-limiting view, a system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a cloud game system that provides cloud game services via a network to user terminals owned by users, and includes: a storage unit that stores user terminals of users who have agreed to make their user terminals nodes in grid computing as consent terminals; a resource management unit that, when a consent terminal satisfies status conditions, instructs the consent terminal to transmit computing resource information of the consent terminal and assigns tasks that can be processed by the consent terminal based on the computing resource information; and a reward granting unit that grants rewards to users who own the consent terminals.

[0008] In a non-limiting view, a server device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a server device for providing cloud game services to a user terminal owned by a user via a network, and is characterized by comprising: a terminal storage unit that stores the user terminal as a node of grid computing; a resource management unit that, when the consent terminal satisfies status conditions, instructs the consent terminal to transmit computing resource information of the consent terminal and assigns tasks that can be processed by the consent terminal based on the computing resource information; and a reward granting unit that grants rewards to the user who owns the consent terminal.

[0009] From a non-limiting perspective, a program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for a computer to provide a cloud game service to a user terminal owned by a user via a network, and the program implements the following functions for the computer: a determination function that determines whether the user has consented to the user terminal becoming a node in grid computing and stores the terminal of a consenting user as a consenting terminal in the terminal storage unit; a resource management function that, when the consenting terminal satisfies status conditions, instructs the consenting terminal to transmit computing resource information of the consenting terminal and assigns tasks that can be processed by the consenting terminal based on the computing resource information; and a reward granting function that grants a reward to the user who owns the consenting terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] Each embodiment of the present invention resolves one or more of the shortcomings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a cloud gaming system corresponding to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server corresponding to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows an example of service processing performed by a cloud gaming system corresponding to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of server-side operation in service processing corresponding to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a cloud gaming system corresponding to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server corresponding to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal corresponding to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of service processing performed by a cloud gaming system corresponding to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the mining management unit in a server corresponding to at least one embodiment of the present invention during the mining process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The various components in each of the embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate, provided that no inconsistencies arise. Furthermore, some aspects described in one embodiment may be omitted in other embodiments. Also, operations and processes unrelated to the characteristic features of each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, the order of the various processes constituting the various flows described below is not necessarily in any particular order, provided that no inconsistencies arise in the processing content.

[0013] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cloud game system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the cloud game system 100 includes a server 10, and user terminals 20, 20₁ to 20ₙ (N is any arbitrary integer; hereinafter simply referred to as "terminals 20, 20₁ to 20ₙ") possessed by users of the cloud game system 100. The configuration of the cloud game system 100 is not limited thereto, and a configuration in which a single terminal is used by a plurality of users may be adopted, or a configuration including a plurality of servers may be adopted.

[0014] The server 10 and the plurality of user terminals 20, 20₁ to 20ₙ are each connected to a communication network 30 such as the Internet. Although not shown, the plurality of terminals 20, 20₁ to 20ₙ connect to the communication network 30 by performing data communication via wireless communication with base stations managed by communication carriers.

[0015] The cloud game system 100, which includes the server 10 and the plurality of user terminals 20, 20₁ to 20ₙ, executes various processes for controlling the progress of a video game. The progress of a video game means various progresses, changes, and the like that may occur in the video game. Examples of various progresses, changes, and the like that may occur in a video game include the progress of time, changes in parameters of game elements, and updates of specific statuses or flags.

[0016] The cloud game system 100 executes various processes for causing at least some of the plurality of user terminals 20, 20₁ to 20ₙ to operate as nodes for grid computing. Specifically, the cloud game system 100 executes various processes for causing the at least some user terminals to execute assigned tasks while providing cloud game services thereto. Details will be described later.

[0017] The server 10 is managed by the administrator of the cloud game system 100, and has various functions for providing information related to various processes to the plurality of user terminals 20, 201 to 20N. In this example, the server 10 is configured by an information processing apparatus such as a WWW server, and includes a storage medium for storing various types of information. Note that although the server 10 has a general configuration for performing various processes as a computer, such as a control unit, description thereof is omitted here. Further, in the cloud game system 100, it is preferable that the server 10 manages various types of information from the viewpoint of reducing the processing load on each of the plurality of user terminals 20, 201 to 20N. However, it is sufficient that a storage area is provided in a state accessible by the server 10, and for example, the cloud game system 100 may be configured such that a dedicated storage area is provided outside the server 10.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server 10A which is an example of the configuration of the server 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the server 10A at least includes a cloud game execution unit 11, a terminal storage unit 12, a resource management unit 13, and a reward granting unit 14.

[0019] The cloud game execution unit 11 is an element for receiving game operations from the user terminals 20, 201 to 20N possessed by respective users, executing a video game (game application) based on the operations, and transmitting video game information as a video stream to the user terminals 20, 201 to 20N. The video game information is information for reproducing a game play video based on the execution result of the video game. The user terminals 20, 201 to 20N display the game play video based on the received video game information on a display unit.

[0020] The terminal storage unit 12 is an element for storing users registered in the cloud game service as user information. In the user information, for example, information related to the cloud game service is set in association with user account information (identification information).

[0021] User information also includes information on whether the user's terminal is a consent terminal that has agreed to operate as a node in grid computing. For example, when server 10A enters into a contract for the use of cloud gaming services with each user (user terminals 20, 201 to 20N), it also receives whether or not the user agrees to the above. For users who have agreed, server 10A sets the user information to indicate that the terminal is a consent terminal. On the other hand, for users who have not agreed, server 10A sets the user information to indicate that the terminal is not a consent terminal.

[0022] Computing resources, on the other hand, refer to the physical or virtual resources necessary for a computer system to perform calculations and data processing. Examples include the CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0023] The resource management unit 13 is an element that, when a consent terminal meets the status conditions, instructs the consent terminal to transmit the usage status of computing resources as computing resource information, and assigns tasks that can be processed by the consent terminal based on the computing resource information.

[0024] The aforementioned tasks are beneficial to the cloud gaming service provider. Examples include tasks that directly generate revenue, such as blockchain mining, and tasks that improve the efficiency of operations, such as analyzing large amounts of data owned by the service provider.

[0025] Status conditions could include, for example, the user (consenting terminal) launching the cloud gaming service application or playing a cloud game. In other words, status conditions are conditions related to the state of the user (consenting terminal). The status conditions determine whether or not the consenting terminal is in a state where it can be assigned (executed) a task. For example, while playing the aforementioned cloud game, it is highly likely that other tasks that are resource-intensive due to the nature of the game are not running simultaneously, and it is presumed that the consenting terminal's surplus computing resources can be used to execute the task. Launching the application as described above means that the cloud gaming service application is running, communication between the consenting terminal and server 10A has been established, and the user (consenting terminal) is in a state where they can use the cloud gaming service (e.g., logged in). Note that the user's status related to the status conditions is included in the user information, for example, and is updated by server 10A.

[0026] Furthermore, the resource management unit 14 manages task information, information about the consenting terminal to which the task was assigned, and so on.

[0027] The reward granting unit 14 is an element for granting rewards to users who possess a consenting terminal that provided computing resources.

[0028] The rewards could include various benefits, such as a reduction in the usage fee for the cloud gaming service or an expansion of the number of playable titles in the cloud gaming service. The reward granting unit 14 can grant rewards by, for example, setting the reward information to be granted in the user information of the eligible user.

[0029] Multiple user terminals 20, 201 to 20N are each managed by a user and consist of communication terminals capable of playing network-distributed games, such as mobile phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), and portable game consoles. The configuration of user terminals that the cloud game system 100 may include is not limited to the examples described above; any configuration that allows the user to recognize video games is acceptable. Other examples of user terminal configurations include so-called wearable devices such as smartwatches, and combinations of wearable devices with communication terminals.

[0030] Furthermore, each of the user terminals 20, 201 to 20N is connected to the communication network 30 and equipped with hardware (for example, a display device that shows a browser screen or game screen according to coordinates) and software for executing various processes by communicating with the server 10A. It should also be possible for each of the user terminals 20, 201 to 20N to communicate directly with each other without going through the server 10A.

[0031] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of service processing performed by the cloud gaming system 100. In this example, the service processing involves providing computing resources to the user terminal and processing related to the provision of rewards to the service provider. The following explanation will use the case where the server 10A and the user terminal 20 (consent terminal 20) perform the service processing as an example.

[0032] In service processing, for example, the process begins when the user terminal 20 sends a cloud game service usage request to the server 10A (step S11), and the server 10A receives it. The cloud game service usage request may include information about the title the user will play as a cloud game, as well as the user's account information.

[0033] When server 10A receives a request to use the cloud game service, it determines whether the request originates from a user terminal 20 that matches the user information stored in the terminal storage unit, and also determines whether the user terminal is a consent terminal that the system administrator has agreed to use as a node for grid computing (step S12). If the request originates from a terminal that does not match the user information stored in the terminal storage unit 12, the server does not send video game information to the terminal (the service processing is terminated).

[0034] Server 10A transmits video game information to the user terminal 20 to which the cloud game service is provided (step S13). The user terminal 20 to which the service is provided displays the gameplay video on its display unit as a video stream based on the received video game information. The user terminals to which the service is provided include user terminals that match the user information but are not consenting terminals, and consenting terminals. If the user (user terminal 20) is not playing the game, the process in step S13 is not executed. For example, if the user is selecting a game to play on the selection screen, this is considered not playing the game.

[0035] The process in step S13 is repeatedly executed until the cloud game service terminates. During this time, the server 10A receives operation input for the cloud game from the user terminal 20 and sends video game information reflecting the operation input to the user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 also displays gameplay footage based on the received video game information on its display unit.

[0036] When Server 10A determines that a user terminal 20 that meets the status conditions is a consenting terminal, it requests the consenting terminal 20 to send computing resource information (step S201). The consenting terminal 20 receives this request and sends the computing resource information to Server 10A (step S202). Based on the computing resource information of the consenting terminal 20, Server 10A assigns a task to the consenting terminal 20 (step S203). The consenting terminal 20 receives this request and executes the assigned task. In other words, the task is assigned to a consenting terminal that meets the status conditions and has sent the resource information to Server 10A. For example, while the status conditions are met, the consenting terminal 20 executes the task in the background while displaying gameplay footage. Also, for example, when the task is completed, the consenting terminal 20 can send a completion notification to Server 10A along with the task execution result.

[0037] Computing resource information may include information about the computing resources of the consenting terminal using the cloud gaming service. For example, computing resources may include CPU usage, CPU time, available RAM, and GPU memory. For example, the number of tasks to be assigned and the types of tasks to be assigned may be determined based on the computing resources.

[0038] If the task assigned to the consent terminal 20 is completed in step S203, the process may proceed again from step S201. Step S21 (steps S201 to S203) may be repeated while the status condition of the user's consent terminal 20 is met, and the process of step S21 also ends when the status condition is no longer met.

[0039] Server 10A rewards the user who possesses the consent terminal 20 that processed the task in step S21 (step S14).

[0040] The rewards given to users may include a reduction in the usage fee for the cloud gaming service or an expansion of the game titles available on the service.

[0041] After completing step S14, server 10A determines whether the consenting terminal 20 has finished using the cloud game service (step S15). If it determines that the user has not finished using the service, it returns to the process in step S13. In other words, game execution and task assignment continue until the user finishes using the cloud game service. If it determines that the user has finished using the cloud game service, it terminates this service process. For example, if server 10A receives a termination request from user terminal 20, it should determine that the user has finished using the cloud game service.

[0042] Although the process shown in Figure 3 was explained for user terminal 20, the same process is performed for each user's user terminals 201 to 20N.

[0043] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of server 10A in service processing. Here, we will describe server 10A in the cloud game processing system 100.

[0044] Server 10A begins processing the service from the moment it receives a cloud game service usage request from a user terminal. Upon receiving the cloud game service usage request from a user terminal, Server 10A checks whether the user information stored in the memory unit matches the user terminal that made the request. At the same time, it also checks whether the user terminal is a consenting terminal based on the user information (step S31). If it is determined in step S31 that the user terminal matches the user information, it sends video game information to the user terminal (step S32). If it is determined in step S31 that the user terminal is a consenting terminal, Server 10A sends a request for computing resource information to the consenting terminal (step S33). Based on the computing resource information received from the consenting terminal, Server 10A sends a task to the consenting terminal (step S34). Server 10A rewards the user who possesses the terminal that processed the task (step S35).

[0045] As described above, in one aspect of the first embodiment, the server 10A, which has the function of providing cloud game services to user terminals, is configured to include a cloud game execution unit 11, a terminal storage unit 12, a resource management unit 13, and a reward granting unit 14. The system determines whether a user terminal is a consent terminal that the system administrator has agreed to operate as a node in grid computing, instructs the consent terminal to send computing resource information if it is a consent terminal, assigns tasks to consent terminals based on the computing resource information, has consent terminals that meet the status conditions execute the tasks, and grants rewards to consent terminals that have executed the tasks. This configuration provides users with new benefits for using the cloud game service and enables service providers to create new profits based on the task processing of consent terminals.

[0046] In other words, by utilizing the surplus computing resources of consenting devices running cloud games and rewarding service users in return, the balance between operating costs and service fees can be improved.

[0047] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. In the following, as an example of the second embodiment, blockchain mining will be used to describe a task that utilizes the computing resources of a consent terminal executed in a cloud game system.

[0048] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a cloud game system 100 in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 5, the cloud game system 100 includes a server 10B and user terminals 20B, 201B to 20NB (where N is any integer; hereinafter simply referred to as "terminals 20, 201 to 20N") owned by users of the cloud game system 100. Furthermore, server 10B belongs to a blockchain network formed by multiple nodes 30, 301 to 30M (where M is any integer; hereinafter simply referred to as "nodes 30, 301 to 30M"). Note that the configuration of the cloud game system 100 is not limited to this; it may also be configured so that multiple users use a single terminal, or server 10 may be connected to a pool server and not belong to a blockchain network.

[0049] In this embodiment, a task is assigned to at least some user terminals (consent terminals) based on the status condition that a user (consent terminal) is playing a cloud game. The consent terminals execute the above task in the background while displaying the gameplay video of the cloud game they are currently playing. Server 10B is also a node (pool server) of the blockchain network and assigns blockchain mining as a task to the consent terminals. Further details will be described later.

[0050] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of server 10B, which is an example of the configuration of server 10. As shown in Figure 6, server 10B comprises at least a cloud game execution unit 11B, a terminal storage unit 12B, a resource management unit 13B, and a reward granting unit 14.

[0051] The cloud game execution unit 11B is an element that receives game operations from user terminals 20B, 201B~20BN owned by each user, executes a video game (game application) based on those operations, and transmits video game information as a video stream to user terminals 20B~, 201B~20BN. The video game information is information for playing gameplay video based on the execution result of the video game. User terminals 20B, 201B~20NB display the gameplay video based on the received video game information on their display units.

[0052] Furthermore, the cloud game execution unit 11B updates the play information included in the user information. The play information is information that identifies whether or not the user is currently playing a video game.

[0053] The terminal storage unit 12B is an element for storing user information of users registered with the cloud gaming service. User information includes, for example, user account information (identification information) and information related to the game service (e.g., play information).

[0054] User information also includes information on whether the user's terminal is a consent terminal, meaning it has agreed to operate as a node in grid computing. For example, when server 10B enters into a contract for the use of the cloud gaming service with each user (user terminals 20B, 201B~20NB), it also receives confirmation from the user whether they agree to the above. For users who have agreed, server 10B sets the user information to indicate that the terminal is a consent terminal. On the other hand, for users who have not agreed, server 10B sets the user information to indicate that the terminal is not a consent terminal.

[0055] The resource management unit 13B is an element that, when the consent terminal satisfies the status conditions, instructs the consent terminal to transmit the usage status of computing resources as computing resource information, and assigns tasks that can be processed by the consent terminal based on the computing resource information. In this embodiment, the status conditions are met when the user (consent terminal) is playing a cloud game (playing).

[0056] Furthermore, the resource management unit 13B includes a mining management unit 130. The mining management unit 130 is an element that causes consent terminals that are running a cloud game (status condition met) to perform blockchain mining as a task. Blockchain mining can be, for example, proof-of-work, which searches for a Nonce value that meets certain conditions based on the hash value of the previous block and transaction data. Running a cloud game means that the user (consent terminal) is playing the cloud game. Whether or not a cloud game is running can be determined by, for example, referring to the play information in the user information.

[0057] In this embodiment, pool mining is employed. Pool mining is a method in which multiple consent terminals belonging to a mining pool share the mining (search for Nonce values). The mining management unit 130 forms a mining pool with consent terminals that meet the status conditions and has the consent terminals belonging to the mining pool perform mining. The mining pool formed may be one or two or more.

[0058] The mining management unit 130 also maintains and regularly updates mining information necessary for blockchain mining (such as the hash value of the previous block and transaction data). The mining management unit 130 also manages information (e.g., account information) of users (consent terminals) to whom mining has been assigned.

[0059] To update the mining information, the mining management unit 130 retrieves mining information from the blockchain network to which server 10B belongs.

[0060] Furthermore, the mining management unit 130 receives mining success rewards from the blockchain network (administrator). The mining management unit 130 can receive success rewards (revenue) if it discovers the correct Nonce value as a result of the mining assigned to the consent terminal. The above success rewards are the rewards (revenue) that the service provider receives for having the consent terminal perform the task.

[0061] The reward granting unit 14 is an element for granting rewards to users who possess a consenting terminal that provided computing resources.

[0062] The reward could include, for example, a reduction in the usage fee for cloud gaming services. The reward granting unit 14 can grant the reward by, for example, setting the reward information to be granted in the user information of the user to be granted.

[0063] Multiple user terminals 20B, 201B~20NB are each managed by a user and consist of communication terminals capable of playing network-distributed games, such as mobile phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), and portable game consoles. The configuration of user terminals that the cloud game system 100 may include is not limited to the examples described above; any configuration that allows the user to recognize video games is acceptable. Other examples of user terminal configurations include so-called wearable devices such as smartwatches, and combinations of wearable devices with communication terminals.

[0064] Furthermore, each of the user terminals 20B, 201B to 20NB is connected to the communication network 30 and equipped with hardware (for example, a display device that displays a browser screen or game screen according to coordinates) and software for executing various processes by communicating with the server 10B. It should also be possible for each of the user terminals 20B, 201B to 20NB to communicate directly with each other without going through the server 10B.

[0065] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of terminal 20B, which is an example of the configuration of user terminal 20. As shown in Figure 7, user terminal 20B includes at least an input unit 21, a display unit 22, and a computing resource unit 23.

[0066] The input unit 21 is an element for sending operation inputs during use of the cloud gaming service to the server 10B.

[0067] The display unit 22 is an element for displaying a game stream based on video game information transmitted from the server 10B.

[0068] The computing resource unit 23 is an element that allows the user terminal 20 to execute cloud game services and tasks assigned by the server 10B. The computing resource unit 23 executes the above tasks in the background while displaying the gameplay video of the cloud game being played on the display unit 22.

[0069] User terminals 201B through 20NB have the same configuration as user terminal 20B.

[0070] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of service processing performed by the cloud gaming system 100. In this example, the service processing involves providing computing resources to the user terminal and processing related to the provision of rewards to the service provider. The following explanation will use the case where the server 10B and the user terminal 20B (consent terminal 20B) perform the service processing as an example.

[0071] In service processing, for example, a user terminal 20B sends a cloud game service usage request to server 10B (step S11), and the process begins when server 10B receives this request. The cloud game service usage request may include information about the title the user will play as a cloud game, as well as the user's account information.

[0072] When server 10B receives a request to use the cloud game service, it determines whether the request originates from user terminal 20B and matches the user information stored in terminal storage unit, and also determines whether the user terminal is a consenting terminal that the system administrator has agreed to use as a grid computing node (step S12). If the request originates from a terminal that does not match the user information stored in terminal storage unit 12B, the server does not send video game information to the terminal (the service processing is terminated).

[0073] Server 10B transmits video game information to user terminal 20B, which is the target of the cloud gaming service (step S13). The target user terminal 20B displays the received video game information as a video stream on its display unit. The target user terminals include user terminals that match the user information but are not consenting terminals, and consenting terminals. Also, if the user (user terminal 20B) is not playing the game, the process in step S13 is not executed. For example, if the user is selecting a game to play on the selection screen, this is considered not playing the game.

[0074] The process in step S13 is repeatedly executed until the cloud game service is terminated. During this time, the server 10B receives operation input for the cloud game from the user terminal 20B and sends video game information reflecting the operation input to the user terminal 20B. The user terminal 20B also displays gameplay footage based on the received video game information on its display unit.

[0075] Server 10B (game execution unit 11B) updates the user information (play information) of the user (user terminal) based on the processing status of step S13.

[0076] When server 10B determines that user terminal 20B that meets the status conditions is a consenting terminal, it requests consenting terminal 20B to send computing resource information (step S201-B). Server 10B determines whether the user (consenting terminal 20) is currently playing a cloud game (status condition) based on the play information.

[0077] The consenting terminal 20B receives this and transmits computing resource information to the server 10B (step S202).

[0078] Server 10B sends the mining task (mining information and Nonce value search range) to consent terminal 20B based on the computing resource information of consent terminal 20B (step S203-B). Server 10B forms a mining pool including consent terminal 20B and other consent terminals that meet the status conditions, and allocates its share of the mining to consent terminal 20B. Based on the computing resources of consent terminal 20B, Server 10B determines the search range for the Nonce value of the allocated mining.

[0079] The consenting terminal 20B searches for a Nonce value (the correct Nonce value) that can generate a hash value that meets the conditions within the defined range of Nonce values ​​based on the information received in step S203-B (step S204).

[0080] If the consenting terminal 20B finds the correct Nonce value within the search range, it sends the correct Nonce value to the server 10B as the search result. If the correct Nonce value is not found within the search range, it sends a search result to the server 10B stating that no Nonce value was found. (Step S205).

[0081] Furthermore, the consenting terminal 20B will, for example, perform the above mining in the background while displaying gameplay footage when the status condition is met (cloud game is running).

[0082] If the mining allocated to the consent terminal 20B is completed in step S205, the process may proceed again from step S201-B. Step S21-B (steps S201-B to S205) may be repeated while the status conditions of the user's consent terminal 20B are met, and the process of step S21-B also ends when the status conditions are no longer met.

[0083] Server 10B grants rewards to users who possess the consent terminal 20B that has undergone the mining process in step S21-B (step S14).

[0084] The rewards given to users include a reduction in the usage fee for the cloud gaming service. The rewards may be given immediately each time a mining process is completed, or they may be given in a lump sum after a specific period of time.

[0085] After completing step S14, server 10B determines whether the consenting terminal 20B has finished using the cloud game service (step S15). If it determines that the user has not finished using the service, it returns to the process in step S13. If it determines that the user has finished using the cloud game service, it terminates this service process. That is, game execution and task (mining) allocation will continue until the user finishes using the cloud game service. If it determines that the user has finished using the cloud game service, it terminates this service process. For example, if server 10B receives a termination request from user terminal 20B, it should determine that the user has finished using the cloud game service.

[0086] Although the process shown in Figure 8 was explained for user terminal 20B, the same process is performed for each user's user terminals 201B to 20NB.

[0087] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the mining management unit 130 in server 10B during mining processing. Here, we will explain the operation of the mining management unit 130 in the cloud game processing system 100.

[0088] During the mining process, the primary task is to report the mining results.

[0089] The mining process is triggered when the correct Nonce value is received from the consenting terminal. The mining management unit 14 sends the correct Nonce value to nodes 30,301-30M belonging to the blockchain network (step S51).

[0090] The mining management unit 130 receives a mining success reward from the blockchain network administrator based on its discovery of the correct Nonce value (step S52).

[0091] As described above, in one aspect of the second embodiment, the server 10B, which has the function of providing cloud game services to user terminals, is configured to include at least a cloud game execution unit 11B, a terminal storage unit 12B, a resource management unit 13B, and a reward granting unit 14. Therefore, the system administrator can use the consent terminal as a blockchain mining device while the status conditions of the consent terminal are met.

[0092] In other words, operating a cloud gaming service makes it possible to create new forms of monetary value. Furthermore, rewards are given to users (consenting devices) who provide surplus computing resources during gameplay. This allows for an improved balance between operating costs and service fees.

[0093] In the second embodiment described above, the server 10B determined the search range for Nonce values ​​based on the computing resources of the consent terminal 20B, but the search for all Nonce values ​​may be assigned to the consent terminal 20B. In other words, mining may be assigned to the consent terminal 20B as solo mining.

[0094] In the second embodiment described above, server 10B itself belongs to the blockchain network and performs blockchain mining, but server 10B does not have to belong to a blockchain. For example, server 10B may not belong to a blockchain but belong to one of the mining pools. In this case, server 10B obtains mining information from the pool server of the mining pool to which it belongs. Server 10B only needs to send the correct Nonce value to the pool server.

[0095] In the second embodiment described above, the reward given to the user possessing the consent terminal may vary based on the time the task was performed. That is, the reward given to the user (consent terminal) may vary based on the time the consent terminal was performing the task (the time it was providing computing resources). For example, the time from when the status condition is met to when it is not met may be used as the time the consent terminal was performing the task. The resource management unit 13B measures the time the consent terminal was performing the task. The reward granting unit 14 then determines the reward according to the time the consent terminal was performing the task. For example, the longer the above time, the greater the reduction in the cloud game service usage fee may be. [Note] The above description of the embodiments is written so that a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains can implement the invention described below. [1] A cloud gaming system that provides cloud gaming services to user terminals owned by users via a network, A terminal storage unit that stores user terminals of users who have consented to their terminals being used as nodes in grid computing as consent terminals, A resource management unit that, when the consent terminal meets the status conditions, instructs the consent terminal to transmit computing resource information of the consent terminal, and assigns tasks that can be processed by the consent terminal based on the computing resource information, A reward granting unit that grants rewards to users who possess the aforementioned consent terminal, A cloud gaming system that has this feature. [2] The aforementioned reward varies based on the amount of time the consenting terminal provided computing resources. [1] The cloud gaming system described in [1]. [3] The aforementioned task is blockchain mining. [1] The cloud gaming system described in [1]. [4] The resource management unit forms a mining pool with at least some of the consent terminals that satisfy the status conditions, and assigns pool mining as the task to the consent terminals belonging to the mining pool. [3] The cloud gaming system described in [3]. [5] The aforementioned status condition is whether the consenting device is playing a cloud game. A cloud gaming system described in any of [1] through [4]. [6] A server device for providing cloud gaming services to a user's terminal via a network, A terminal storage unit that stores user terminals of users who have consented to their terminals being used as nodes in grid computing as consent terminals, A resource management unit that, when the consent terminal meets the status conditions, instructs the consent terminal to transmit computing resource information of the consent terminal, and assigns tasks that can be processed by the consent terminal based on the computing resource information, A reward granting unit that grants rewards to users who possess the aforementioned consent terminal, A server device characterized by being equipped with the following features. [7] The aforementioned reward varies based on the amount of time the consenting terminal provided computing resources. [6] The server device described. [8] In the aforementioned task, blockchain mining is assigned to the consent terminal. [7] The server device described. [9] In the aforementioned task, a mining pool is formed at the consent terminal, and pool mining is performed. [8] The server device described above.

[10] The aforementioned status condition is whether the consenting device is playing a cloud game. A server device as described in any of [6] through [9].

[11] A program that enables a computer to provide cloud gaming services to a user's terminal via a network, To the aforementioned computer, A determination function that determines whether the user has consented to the user terminal being used as a node in grid computing, and stores the terminal of a user who has consented as a consenting terminal in the terminal storage unit, A resource management function that, when the consent terminal meets the status conditions, instructs the consent terminal to transmit computing resource information of the consent terminal, and assigns tasks that can be processed by the consent terminal based on the computing resource information, A reward-granting function that grants rewards to users who possess the aforementioned consent device, A program to achieve this.

[12] The aforementioned reward varies based on the amount of time the consenting terminal provided computing resources.

[11] The program described.

[13] In the aforementioned task, blockchain mining is assigned to the consent terminal.

[12] The program described.

[14] In the aforementioned task, a mining pool is formed at the consent terminal, and pool mining is performed.

[13] The program described in

[13]

[15] The aforementioned status condition is whether the consenting device is playing a cloud game. The program described in any of

[11] through

[14] . [Industrial applicability]

[0096] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is useful for improving the balance between operating costs and service fees in a cloud gaming system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 10 servers 11 Cloud Gaming Execution Unit 12 Terminal Storage Unit 13 Resource Management Department 14. Reward Distribution Department 20 User Terminals 100 Cloud Gaming Systems

Claims

1. A cloud gaming system that provides cloud gaming services to user terminals owned by users via a network, A terminal storage unit that stores user terminals of users who have consented to their terminals being used as nodes in grid computing as consent terminals, A resource management unit that, when the consent terminal meets the status conditions, instructs the consent terminal to transmit computing resource information of the consent terminal, and assigns tasks that can be processed by the consent terminal based on the computing resource information, A reward granting unit that grants rewards to users who possess the aforementioned consent terminal, A cloud gaming system that has this feature.

2. The aforementioned reward varies based on the amount of time the consenting terminal provided computing resources. The cloud gaming system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned task is blockchain mining. The cloud gaming system according to claim 1.

4. The resource management unit forms a mining pool with at least some of the consent terminals that satisfy the status conditions, and assigns pool mining as the task to the consent terminals belonging to the mining pool. The cloud gaming system according to claim 3.

5. The cloud gaming system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the status condition is whether the consenting terminal is playing a cloud game.

6. A server device for providing cloud gaming services to user terminals owned by users via a network, A terminal storage unit that stores user terminals of users who have consented to their terminals being used as nodes in grid computing as consent terminals, A resource management unit that, when the consent terminal meets the status conditions, instructs the consent terminal to transmit computing resource information of the consent terminal, and assigns tasks that can be processed by the consent terminal based on the computing resource information, A reward granting unit that grants rewards to users who possess the aforementioned consent terminal, A server device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

7. The aforementioned reward varies based on the amount of time the consenting terminal provided computing resources. The server device according to claim 6.

8. In the aforementioned task, blockchain mining is assigned to the consent terminal. The server device according to claim 7.

9. In the aforementioned task, a mining pool is formed at the consent terminal, and pool mining is performed. The server device according to claim 8.

10. The aforementioned status condition is whether the consenting device is playing a cloud game. A server device according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

11. A program that enables a computer to provide cloud gaming services to a user's terminal via a network, To the aforementioned computer, A determination function that determines whether the user has consented to the user terminal being used as a node in grid computing, and stores the terminal of a user who has consented as a consenting terminal in the terminal storage unit, A resource management function that, when the consent terminal meets the status conditions, instructs the consent terminal to transmit computing resource information of the consent terminal, and assigns tasks that can be processed by the consent terminal based on the computing resource information, A reward-granting function that grants rewards to users who possess the aforementioned consent device, A program to achieve this.

12. The aforementioned reward varies based on the amount of time the consenting terminal provided computing resources. The program according to claim 11.

13. In the aforementioned task, blockchain mining is assigned to the consent terminal. The program according to claim 12.

14. In the aforementioned task, a mining pool is formed at the consent terminal, and pool mining is performed. The program according to claim 13.

15. The aforementioned status condition is whether the consenting device is playing a cloud game. The program according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

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