Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing method and a program capable of improving a user's game satisfaction level by increasing user's expectation to a lottery.SOLUTION: An information processing device has a lottery part for performing a lottery of a usable object in a game. The lottery part manages a first lottery for performing a lottery of an object from a first aggregation and a second lottery for performing a lottery of an object from a second aggregation after starting the first lottery. In the second aggregation, the number of objects that can be provided included in the second aggregation associated in each user is regulated. The lottery part is controlled so as to prevent at least a portion of lottery result objects selected in the first lottery from undergoing lottery from the second aggregation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there have been known games, such as online games, in which a lottery is held in response to a user's request, and an object selected by the lottery (e.g., a character or an item that can be used in the game) is granted to the user.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that in a lottery, an object is selected from a deck containing a finite number of objects (referred to as "game media" in Patent Document 1) based on a probability of winning set for each object, and the selected object is removed from the deck and then given to the user. In such a lottery, the number of objects that can be provided to be the subject of the lottery is specified for each deck, and the number of objects contained in the deck decreases as the lottery is repeated. Therefore, if a desired object is contained in the deck, the user's probability of winning and obtaining the desired object is improved by repeating the lottery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-247977 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, many lotteries have a set period during which users can participate (hereinafter referred to as the holding period), and even if users repeat the lottery a certain number of times to obtain the desired object, the lottery holding period often ends before the user obtains the desired object. In this case, when the lottery holding period ends and a new lottery is held, the lottery starts from an initial state (a state where a lottery has not yet been held) in which the winning probability set for each object is preset, regardless of the lottery results up to that point. This reduces the user's expectations for the lottery, and there is a risk that the user will stop participating in lotteries, which will ultimately reduce the user's satisfaction with the game.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can heighten a user's expectations regarding the lottery and improve the user's game satisfaction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention has a lottery unit that draws objects that can be used in a game, and the lottery unit manages a first lottery in which objects are drawn from a first set and a second lottery in which objects are drawn from a second set after the start of the first lottery, the second set has a specified number of objects that can be provided that are included in the second set associated with each user, and the lottery unit controls so that at least a portion of the lottery result objects selected in the first lottery are not drawn from the second set. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, the likelihood that an object that is the same as the lottery result object selected in the first lottery will be selected in the second lottery is reduced, thereby increasing the user's expectations for the lottery and improving the user's game satisfaction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a game system including an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of an information processing device and a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of functions of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of functions of a server constituting an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a second set table. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the second set table. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a lottery management process. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a second set setting process. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a third set setting process. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a lottery process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An information processing device, an information processing method, and a program according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example given to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved from the embodiment described below without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Naturally, the present invention also includes equivalents thereof. In addition, in the following explanation, examples of screens displayed on the terminal are not shown, but examples of screen configurations, displayed information, and specific contents of the GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc., can be freely designed and changed according to design specifications and user preferences.

[0011] <About the game> The communication system (hereinafter referred to as game system S) shown in FIG. 1 is a communication system including an information processing device (hereinafter referred to as server 30) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and provides a user U with a game.

[0012] A "game" is an online game provided using the game system S, and is an electronic game in which the player progresses by completing various quests that arise (hereinafter, referred to as "play"). In this embodiment, an example of a game is a game in which a user U forms a team of multiple characters (for example, a group of four characters), controls the characters through predetermined actions to fight enemy characters, and progresses by sequentially challenging and clearing multiple quests prepared in the game. In addition, in the game of this embodiment, a lottery is held based on a request from the user U for an object (hereinafter, referred to as a lottery application), and the user U can obtain the object that is selected in the lottery (hereinafter, referred to as a lottery result object).

[0013] A "quest" refers to a task given to the user U in the game, that is, an individual event constituting the game. Specifically, it refers to an event in which the user U fights an enemy character using a character owned by the user U. Each of these quests has a set period and achievement conditions, and various quests occur as the game progresses. For example, when the user U plays a quest during the period and completes the quest by satisfying preset achievement conditions such as defeating an enemy character, this is called clearing the quest, and when the user U clears the quest, he or she can receive a clear reward. In addition, quests may include events in which the player encounters various characters, whether friendly or enemy, events in which the objective is to reach a certain point, or events in which objects such as items can be obtained.

[0014] An "object" includes, for example, a character that moves in response to the operation of the user U in the game, and an item for progressing through the game advantageously. The number of objects owned increases by lottery, logging in to the game, receiving a reward for clearing the game, or purchasing. The number of objects owned decreases by consuming, synthesizing, selling, or discarding the objects in the game.

[0015] A "lottery" is one of the events in the game in which the above objects can be obtained, and is conducted in response to a lottery application by user U while playing the game. In the lottery, multiple objects with different winning probabilities are prepared as candidates, one or a predetermined number of objects are selected from the multiple candidate objects, and the selected objects are given to user U as lottery result objects.

[0016] There are various types of lotteries, including, for example, a "single type" lottery that is held only once, and an "N-type" lottery that is held N times in succession (N is a natural number equal to or greater than 2). There are also various conditions for holding a lottery, including a lottery that can be held by consuming a lottery item that can be obtained for free, a lottery that can be held by consuming a lottery item that has been purchased for a fee, and a lottery that can be held as a reward for clearing a quest.

[0017] Each lottery has a set period of time, and various lotteries are held as the game progresses. That is, the lotteries occur in sequence over time, such as a first lottery, a second lottery, a third lottery, etc., and the user U can enter the lotteries by submitting lottery applications for those lotteries during the holding period. The first lottery and other lotteries such as the second lottery may be held overlappingly for a predetermined period of time. Also, the timing of holding other lotteries such as the second lottery may be after the start or end of the first lottery.

[0018] In the lottery of this embodiment, one or more objects are selected as the lottery result object from a set that is preset for each lottery. Specifically, a first set is set for the first lottery, and the lottery result object in the first lottery is selected from the objects included in the first set. Also, a second set is set for the second lottery, and the lottery result object in the second lottery is selected from the objects included in the second set.

[0019] A "set" is a virtual box in the game that contains multiple objects that are candidates for the lottery result object. Each object included in the set has a specified number of objects that can be provided (one or more), and when selected as a lottery result object, the number of objects that can be provided is subtracted. Therefore, the probability of winning each object included in the set changes depending on the number of times the lottery is held. As mentioned above, the contents of the set change depending on the lottery results of the user U, so they are linked to each user U.

[0020] As a specific example, assume that the set contains 10 objects A, 10 objects B, and 80 other objects C to Z, and the total number of objects A to Z that can be provided in the set is 100. If the user U performs a lottery and one object A is selected as a lottery result object, the number of objects A that can be provided in the set is reduced by one. Therefore, when the next lottery is performed, the probability of object A being selected decreases from 10 / 100 to 9 / 99. On the other hand, the probability of object B being selected increases from 10 / 100 to 10 / 99. If the number of objects A that can be provided in the set becomes 0 as a result of further repeated lotteries, object A will not be selected in subsequent lotteries. In this way, if the lottery is repeated, the number of objects A that can be selected as a lottery result object and the total number of objects that can be provided in the set will decrease, and the probability of each object being selected will gradually change.

[0021] In this embodiment, when a second lottery is held to select a lottery result object (hereinafter referred to as a second lottery result object) from a second set after the start of a first lottery to select a lottery result object from a first set, at least a portion of the lottery result objects selected in the first lottery, i.e., objects that are the same as the lottery result objects included in the second set, are controlled so that they are not selected in the second lottery. For convenience, we will describe these as a first lottery and a second lottery, but the relationship between the first lottery and the second lottery is that the second lottery is a lottery that begins after the start or end of the first lottery.

[0022] As one specific method of the above control, when a second lottery is held, if an object identical to a lottery result object already selected in the first lottery is included in the initial set, at least a portion of the available number of objects identical to the lottery result object included in the second set (for example, the number of lottery result objects) is subtracted to set the second set. For example, in the first lottery, if user U obtains 50 lottery result objects (object A: 10, object B: 10, object C: 10, object D: 10, object E: 10), and 30 of those objects (object A: 10, object B: 10, object C: 5, object D: 5) are also included in the initial setting second set (for example, a total number available of 100), then the same objects as the 30 lottery result objects (object A: 10, object B: 10, object C: 5, object D: 5) are subtracted from the objects included in the initial setting second set, a new second set is set with a total number available of 70, and a second lottery is held. In this case, if the initial setting for the number of objects A in the second set is 10, the probability of object A being selected in the second lottery will be 0 / 70, and object A will not be selected in the second lottery. On the other hand, if the initial setting for the number of objects A in the second set is 15, the surplus 5 objects will remain, and so the probability of object A being selected in the second lottery will be 5 / 70, decreasing the probability of object A being selected in the second lottery.

[0023] As another specific method of the above control, when the second lottery is held, if an object that is the same as the lottery result object already selected in the first lottery is included in the second set of initial settings, at least a part of the object that is the lottery result object is selected. (for example, the number of lottery result objects) are replaced with other objects to set a second set. For example, in the first lottery, if user U obtains 50 lottery result objects (object A: 10, object B: 10, object C: 10, object D: 10, object E: 10), and 30 of those objects (object A: 10, object B: 10, object C: 5, object D: 5) are also included in the initial setting second set (for example, a total number of objects available: 100), then from the objects included in the initial setting second set, the same objects as the 30 lottery result objects (object A: 10, object B: 10, object C: 5, object D: 5) are replaced with other objects (object X: 10, object Y: 10, object Z: 10), a new second set is set with the total number of objects available remaining at 100, and a second lottery is held. Since it is sufficient that the number of objects to be replaced and the number of objects to be replaced are the same, the number of types of objects to be replaced (four types in this embodiment) may be the same as the number of types of objects to be replaced (three types in this embodiment), or may be different. Also, it is preferable that the rank of the object to be replaced (e.g., object X) is the same as the rank of the object to be replaced (e.g., object A).

[0024] "Rank" is an index showing the value of an object, and is determined by the values ​​of various parameters (setting data related to physical strength, attack power, speed, luck, special skills, etc.) possessed by the object. Generally, objects with high ranks are difficult to obtain due to a low probability of winning in a lottery, and are highly rare, with a low circulation amount in the game or a low amount of use by user U in the past.

[0025] In addition, even if the second set is left as the initial setting, when the user U performs the second lottery and an object identical to the lottery result object is selected as the second lottery result object, control may be performed so that a re-lottery is performed. In this case, if a re-lottery is performed until an object different from the lottery result object is selected, the object identical to the lottery result object will not be given to the user U in the second lottery.

[0026] In this embodiment, as described above, control is performed so that an object that is the same as the lottery result object selected in the first lottery is not selected in the second lottery. However, there are cases where it is advantageous for the user U if the same object as the lottery result object is selected in the second lottery. Therefore, it is possible for the user U not to perform the above control at his / her discretion. Specifically, before the first drawing of the second lottery, a notification is sent to the user U to confirm whether or not to control so that an object identical to the lottery result object is not selected in the second lottery. This notification confirms with the user U whether or not to carry over the lottery results in the first lottery, and the user U reflects his or her intention in the second lottery by responding to the notification before the first drawing of the second lottery.

[0027] The "notification" refers to displaying a notification screen on the screen of the user terminal 10 during the screen transition when the first lottery of the second lottery is conducted while the user U is playing the game. This notification screen may be displayed as a dialog box on the screen of the user terminal 10, or the like.

[0028] On the other hand, in the case where another lottery is held after the first lottery and the second lottery, after controlling the object that is the same as the lottery result object selected in the first lottery so as not to be selected in the second lottery, the object that is the same as the lottery result object is not controlled so as to not be selected in another lottery. In other words, for the lottery result object that has already been controlled so as not to be selected in the second lottery, it is not subtracted or replaced from the set in the other lottery in order to maintain the game balance, and the possibility remains that the object that is the lottery result object will be selected again in a lottery other than the second lottery.

[0029] In addition, in the case where a third drawing is held after the first drawing and the second drawing, similarly to the above, after controlling the object that is the same as the lottery result object selected in the first drawing so that it is not selected in the second drawing, the object that is the same as the lottery result object selected in the second drawing may not be controlled to be selected in the third drawing, and the object that is the same as the second lottery result object selected in the second drawing may not be controlled to be selected in the third drawing. In other words, the lottery results may be carried over only once, and in the third drawing, the lottery results in the first drawing may not be carried over, but the lottery results in the second drawing may be carried over. Therefore, when holding the third lottery, if an object identical to the second lottery result object is included in the third set in the initial setting, at least a part of the available number of objects identical to the second lottery result object included in the third set (for example, the number of second lottery result objects) is subtracted to set the third set. Alternatively, at least a part of the objects identical to the second lottery result object (for example, the number of second lottery result objects) is replaced with other objects to set the third set.

[0030] In this embodiment, the number of objects that can be provided is also specified for each object included in the first set in the first lottery, and when the object is selected as a lottery result object, the number of objects that can be provided is subtracted, thereby changing the winning probability of each object included in the first set depending on the number of lotteries. However, in the first drawing, the winning probability of each object may not be changed depending on the number of drawing times as in the second drawing, and a drawing result object may be selected from among the plurality of objects included in the first set based on a predetermined, unchanging winning probability. Specifically, even if an object has been selected once as a drawing result object, it may not be deleted from the first set, and the object may be selected in subsequent drawings.

[0031] In this embodiment, not only can a user U play alone, but also a plurality of users U can simultaneously play a common quest in a so-called multiplay (hereinafter referred to as cooperative play) by operating their respective user terminals 10. In this cooperative play, a cooperative relationship is formed between a user U (hereinafter referred to as a host) who hosts a cooperative play for a specific quest and recruits companions, and a user U (hereinafter referred to as a guest) who responds to the recruitment and participates in the cooperative play, and the progress of the play is synchronized between the users playing cooperatively.

[0032] Cooperative play is carried out through the communication function of the user terminal 10 of each user U. Specifically, when a user U applies to participate in a cooperative play invited by a host and the host accepts the application, a communication path for cooperative play is established between the user U as a guest and the host. The qualifications for applying for cooperative play are not particularly limited and can be set arbitrarily. For example, a friend user who is another user U who has a friendship relationship with a certain user U and who has been mutually approved by the users U may apply.

[0033] After that, various data required for the cooperative play is transmitted and received according to a known communication method. The data at this time may be transmitted in a client-server manner via the server 30, or in a peer-to-peer (P2P) manner without the server 30. The cooperative play style is classified into a fully synchronous type and an asynchronous type, and either style may be adopted. The fully synchronous type includes a key input synchronous type and a command input type, and the asynchronous type includes a server-centralized processing type and a client-distributed processing type.

[0034] The cooperative play-compatible game includes a cooperative play game in which multiple users U cooperate, and a competitive game in which users U compete against each other, but either type may be used. The upper limit (maximum number of players) of the number of users U in one cooperative play is not particularly limited and may be set to any number, but is preferably set to a maximum of about four people, for example.

[0035] <About the configuration of the game system S> Next, the configuration of a game system S for providing the above game to a user U will be described. 1, the game system S is constructed so that a user U can play a game, and is composed of an information terminal (hereinafter referred to as a user terminal 10) operated by the user U, and a server 30. The user terminal 10 and the server 30 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network N such as the Internet.

[0036] The user terminal 10 is equipped with a program stored therein and a processor that executes the program, and is carried by its owner, a user U, who operates the user terminal 10 when playing. The user terminal 10 may be any known device used as a game terminal, such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, or a dedicated game device equipped with a communication function. The number of user terminals 10 constituting the game system S is not particularly limited and may be any number, but in FIG. 1, for convenience of illustration, the number of user terminals 10 is three.

[0037] The server 30 is a computer constituting the information processing device of the present invention. For example, it is constituted by a server computer managed by a game provider, and is responsible for game progress processing. Specifically, it manages the game account and status of each user U, and distributes data related to game progress processing (hereinafter referred to as game progress data) to each user U. In addition, the server 30 is not limited to a server device consisting of a single computer that independently performs a specific function, but may be constituted by a group of server devices consisting of multiple computers that are distributed and work together to perform a specific function.

[0038] The network N may be any network that connects the user terminal 10 and the server 30 in a state that enables data communication. It may be wired or wireless, and includes the Internet, a mobile communication network, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), an intranet, Ethernet (registered trademark), and the like. The user terminals 10 may communicate with each other via the network N, or may communicate directly via Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wifi-Direct, or the like without going through the network N.

[0039] In the game system S of this embodiment, the user terminal 10 and the server 30 cooperate with each other in the above configuration to progress the game. Specifically, part of the game progress processing is performed on the server 30 side, and part of the graphic processing, etc. is executed on the user terminal 10 side. For example, the server 30 side executes a program including certain rules, logic, and algorithms. Meanwhile, the user terminal 10 side synchronizes with the server 30 and generates various quests according to the same rules, logic, and algorithms as the program executed on the server 30 to progress the game.

[0040] <Configuration of User Terminal 10> Next, the configuration of the user terminal 10 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 10 has, as its hardware configuration, a processor 11, a memory device 12, a communication interface (referred to as communication I / F in FIG. 2) 13, an input device 14 and an output device 15, and these devices are electrically connected via a bus not shown.

[0041] The processor 11 includes, for example, a central processing unit, a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit, or a digital signal processor, and executes various types of arithmetic processing based on programs or data stored in the storage device 12, and controls each part of the user terminal 10. The programs executed by the processor 11 include an OS (Operating System), which is system software for controlling the entire user terminal 10, and application programs for games, and the functions of the user terminal 10 constituting the game system S are fulfilled by reading and executing these various programs by the processor 11.

[0042] The storage device 12 includes, for example, a memory or storage, and stores various programs and data. The memory is composed of semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and provides a working area for the processor 11 by temporarily storing programs and data, and temporarily stores various data generated by the processing executed by the processor 11. The storage stores various data related to the game and is composed of, for example, flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), FD (Flexible Disc), MO disk (Magneto-Optical disc), CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD card (Secure Digital card), and USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory).

[0043] The communication interface 13 is configured, for example, by a network interface card (NIC) or the like, and controls communication processing of the user terminal 10. The communication standard used by the communication interface 13 is not particularly limited, and any public communication standard can be applied without restriction. The communication method used by the communication interface 13 may be a wireless method or a wired method.

[0044] The input device 14 is a device that receives an operation by the user U and generates data indicating the content of the received operation. As an example, an operation key, an operation button, a microphone for collecting sound, a camera for taking pictures, and the like provided on the user terminal 10 can be used.

[0045] The output device 15 is a device that draws a screen to display images and character string information, and plays back audio. As an example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display provided in the user terminal 10, a head-mounted display, a speaker, and the like can be used. In this embodiment, the output device 15 has at least a display. The display may have the functions of both the input device 14 and the output device 15, such as a touch panel display.

[0046] Next, the configuration of the user terminal 10 will be described again from a functional perspective with reference to FIG. 3, the user terminal 10 includes a plurality of functional units, specifically, an operation identification unit 16, a terminal-side storage unit 17, a terminal-side generation unit 18, a terminal-side transmission / reception unit 19, and a display processing unit 20. These functional units are realized by cooperation between the hardware devices of the user terminal 10 and programs stored in the user terminal 10 as software.

[0047] [Operation specification part 16] The operation identification unit 16 is mainly realized by the processor 11 and the input device 14, and identifies the contents of various operations performed by the user U through the input device 14 of the user terminal 10. The operations identified by the operation identification unit 16 include operations for progressing the game and operations related to joint play. Operations for progressing the game include operations for moving a character by a predetermined action, as well as operations for instructing a lottery application and operations for instructing the handover of lottery results. Operations related to joint play include operations related to soliciting joint play, applying for joint play, and approval or rejection of the application.

[0048] [Terminal side memory unit 17] The terminal-side storage unit 17 is mainly realized by the processor 11 and the storage device 12, and stores various data related to the progress of the game (for example, video data, image data, audio data, etc.).

[0049] [Terminal side generation unit 18] The terminal-side generating unit 18 is mainly realized by the processor 11 and the storage device 12, and generates game operation data and the like according to the operation content of the user U identified by the operation identifying unit 16. The game operation data generated here includes character operation data based on an operation to move a character by a predetermined action, lottery application instruction operation data based on an operation to instruct a lottery application, lottery result takeover instruction operation data based on an operation to instruct the takeover of lottery results, and joint play data based on an operation related to joint play, etc. These generated data are transmitted to the server 30 by the terminal-side transmitting / receiving unit 19.

[0050] [Terminal side transceiver unit 19] The terminal-side transmitting / receiving unit 19 is mainly realized by the processor 11, the storage device 12, and the communication interface 13, and transmits and receives data and information between the server 30 and the user terminals 10 of other users U. For example, while playing a game, the terminal-side transmitting / receiving unit 19 receives game progress data sent from the server 30 and transmits game operation data to the server 30. Furthermore, when a game is being played jointly, the terminal-side transmitting / receiving unit 19 may transmit and receive joint play data (specifically, game operation data of each user U) between the user terminals 10 of other users U.

[0051] [Display processing unit 20] The display processing unit 20 is mainly realized by the processor 11, the storage device 12, and the output device 15, and executes a display process to display data and information received by the terminal side transmitting / receiving unit 19 on the display by a browsing function. Specifically, the display processing unit 20 draws a game screen when the game starts, and during game play, expands game progress data received by the terminal side transmitting / receiving unit 19 from the server 30, and displays images and other information on the game screen. During game play, the display processing unit 20 also displays images that change according to game operation data generated by the terminal side generating unit 18 (specifically, images that move according to the operation of the user U) on the game screen.

[0052] <Server 30 Configuration> Next, the configuration of the server 30 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, server 30 has the same hardware configuration as a typical server computer, and includes a processor 31, a storage device 32, and a communication interface (referred to as communication I / F in FIG. 2) 33, and these devices are electrically connected via a bus not shown.

[0053] The processor 31 is configured with a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, a DSP, etc., and executes various processes by executing programs installed in the server 30. The programs executed by the processor 31 include an OS, which is system software for controlling the entire server 30, and application programs for causing the server 30 to function as the information processing device of the present invention.

[0054] The storage device 32 includes, for example, a memory or storage, and stores various programs and data. The memory is composed of semiconductor memory such as ROM and RAM, and provides a working area for the processor 31 by temporarily storing programs and data, and temporarily stores data generated by various processes executed by the processor 31. The storage stores various data related to the user U and games, etc., and is composed of, for example, a flash memory, HDD, SSD, FD, MO disk, CD, DVD, SD card, USB memory, etc. Note that a server computer for a database connected to the server 30 via the network N may be used as the storage.

[0055] The communication interface 33 is configured, for example, by a network interface card or the like, and controls the communication processing of the server 30. The communication standard used by the communication interface 33 is not particularly limited, and any public communication standard can be applied without restriction. The communication method used by the communication interface 33 may be a wireless method or a wired method.

[0056] Next, the configuration of the server 30 will be described again from a functional perspective with reference to FIG. 4, the server 30 includes a plurality of functional units, specifically, a server-side storage unit 34, a server-side transmission / reception unit 35, a server-side generation unit 36, a lottery unit 37, and a notification unit 38. These functional units are realized by cooperation between the hardware devices of the server 30 and programs as software stored in the server 30. When the server 30 is configured by a plurality of computers, the above functions may be distributed so that each of the plurality of computers performs a different function.

[0057] [Server side storage unit 34] The server-side storage unit 34 is mainly realized by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and stores various data including data related to the user U and data for game progress. The data related to the user U includes an identifier (user ID or terminal ID) that identifies the user U or the user terminal 10 used by the user U, and various information associated with the identifier. (Including user U's personal information, the model of the user terminal 10, login history, payment history, and game progress such as status, etc.). The game progress data includes information about characters owned by the user U, information about other objects such as items owned by the user U, information about quests, etc. It also includes information about groups set for each user U.

[0058] Information regarding the sets is set and stored for each set, such as a first set associated with a first lottery, a second set associated with a second lottery, a third set associated with a third lottery, etc. In particular, for a set other than the first set, for example, the second set, it is set so that an object identical to the lottery result object selected in the first lottery is not selected in the second lottery. The second set can be set by a number of methods, and the contents of the objects included in the second set may differ depending on, for example, whether the object identical to the lottery result object is set by subtracting the number of objects that can be provided at the time of initial setting, or whether the object identical to the lottery result object is set by replacing it with another object.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5, when setting objects that are the same as the lottery result objects by subtracting the number available at the time of initial setup, the second set table T1 linked to each user U includes items such as an "identification number" indicating an index for identifying the object, a "rank" indicating the rank of the object (for example, rank 1 to rank 5), an "initial setup number" indicating the number available at the time of initial setup of the object, a "number" indicating the actual number available by subtracting the number of lottery result objects from the number available at the time of initial setup for objects that are the same as the lottery result objects selected in the first lottery, and a "remaining number" 1 indicating the remaining number available by subtracting the number of times the object was selected as the second lottery result object in the second lottery from that number.

[0060] For example, if 30 objects (object 001: 5, object 010: 5, object 020: 10, and other objects: 10) are selected as the lottery result objects in the first lottery, the second set table T1 (total number of objects that can be provided: 100) is set as the number of objects that can be provided, which is 15, obtained by subtracting the number of objects 001 selected in the first lottery, 5, from the initial setting number of objects 001, 20. Similarly, 10 objects 010 and 0 objects 020 are set as the number of objects that can be provided. On the other hand, for objects that were not selected in the first lottery (e.g., object XXX), or objects that were not included in the first lottery but were included in the second lottery (e.g., object 015), the initial setting number is set as the number of objects that can be provided. Then, as a result of subtracting a total of 30 objects, the total number of objects that can be provided is changed from 100 to 70 and set.

[0061] Also, as shown in Figure 6, when the same object as the lottery result object is replaced with another object and set, the second set table T2 linked to each user U contains items such as "identification number," "rank," "initial setting number," "quantity," and "remaining number," similar to the second set table T1, but the contents thereof differ from the second set table T1.

[0062] For example, in the first lottery, if 30 objects (object 001: 5, object 010: 5, object 020: 10, and other objects: 10) are selected as the lottery result objects, in the second set table T2 (total number of objects that can be provided: 100), first, the number of objects 001 selected in the first lottery, 5, is subtracted from the initial setting number of objects 001, 20, and the number of objects 001 that can be provided is set to 15. Then, the 5 objects are replaced with other objects 002 of the same rank (rank 1), and the number of objects 002 that can be provided is set to 5. Similarly, the 5 objects 010 are replaced with other objects 011 of the same rank (rank 1), and the 10 objects 020 are replaced with other objects 021 of the same rank (rank 2). Then, the total number of objects that can be provided is set to 100 without being changed. The relationship between the object selected in the first lottery (replaced object) and the other object (replacement object) does not have to be a one-to-one relationship, and the other object may be an object that is included in the second set in advance. For example, when five objects 001 are replaced with other objects, three of the objects may be replaced with object 002, and the remaining two may be replaced with object 015 of the same rank (rank 1) that was included in the second set in advance.

[0063] [Server side transmission / reception unit 35] The server-side transmitting / receiving unit 35 is mainly realized by the processor 31, the storage device 32, and the communication interface 33, and transmits and receives data and information to and from the user terminal 10. For example, while a game is being played, the server-side transmitting / receiving unit 35 transmits game progress data to the user terminal 10 of the user U, and receives game operation data from the user terminal 10. Also, while a game is being played jointly, the server-side transmitting / receiving unit 35 receives joint play data from each of the user terminals 10 of the multiple users U playing jointly, and transmits data for synchronizing between the users U (game progress data in a broad sense) to each user terminal 10.

[0064] [Server-side generation part 36] The server-side generation unit 36 ​​is mainly realized by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and generates data to be transmitted by the server-side transmission / reception unit 35. The data generated here specifically includes game progress data corresponding to the game operation data received from the user terminal 10, etc. The game progress data also includes lottery application display data for displaying a lottery application screen on the user terminal 10, lottery result display data for displaying a lottery result screen on the user terminal 10, notification data for displaying a notification screen on the user terminal 10 to confirm whether or not to carry over the lottery results from the first lottery to the second lottery, and data for synchronizing between multiple users U playing the game together while the game is being played together.

[0065] [Lottery Section 37] The lottery unit 37 is realized mainly by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and carries out a lottery based on a lottery application instruction from the user terminal 10, and provides the user U with a lottery result object.

[0066] The lottery unit 37 also manages a number of lotteries held, such as a first lottery in which an object is selected from a first set and a second lottery in which an object is selected from a second set after the start of the first lottery, and controls so that an object identical to the lottery result object selected in the first lottery is not selected from the second set. Specifically, when the second lottery is held, if an object identical to the lottery result object is included in the second set in the initial setting, the lottery unit 37 subtracts the number of objects that can be provided that are identical to the lottery result object included in the second set according to the number of lottery result objects, and sets the second set. Alternatively, the lottery unit 37 replaces the object identical to the lottery result object with another object according to the number of lottery result objects, and sets the second set. After controlling so that an object identical to the lottery result object selected in the first lottery is not selected in the second lottery, the object identical to the lottery result object is not controlled so that it is not selected in another lottery, leaving open the possibility that an object identical to the lottery result object will be selected again in a lottery other than the second lottery.

[0067] In addition, when the lottery unit 37 manages a third lottery in addition to the first lottery and the second lottery, after controlling the object that is the same as the lottery result object selected in the first lottery so as not to be selected in the second lottery, the lottery unit 37 does not control the object that is the same as the lottery result object selected in the first lottery so as not to be selected in the third lottery, and controls the object that is the same as the second lottery result object selected in the second lottery so as not to be selected in the third lottery. Specifically, when the third lottery is held, if an object that is the same as the second lottery result object is included in the third set in the initial setting, the number of objects that can be provided that are the same as the second lottery result object included in the third set is subtracted according to the number of the second lottery result objects, and the third set is set. Or, the object that is the same as the second lottery result object is replaced with another object according to the number of the second lottery result objects, and the third set is set.

[0068] [Notification section 38] The notification unit 38 is mainly realized by the processor 31, the storage device 32, and the communication interface 33, and cooperates with the server-side transmitting / receiving unit 35 to notify the user U of whether or not to control the lottery result object so that it is not drawn from the second set by sending notification data to the user terminal 10 before the first drawing of the second lottery. This notification confirms with the user U whether or not to carry over the lottery results from the first lottery to the second lottery.

[0069] In general, the user terminal 10 and the server 30 have various functions other than those described above, but here we will only explain the characteristic functions that provide an effective effect in the game system S of the present invention, and will not illustrate or explain other known functions, etc.

[0070] <Processing flow of game system S> Next, the flow of processing executed in the game system S configured as above will be described with reference to FIGS. The information processing method of this embodiment is realized by using a game system S that functions as a computer system; in other words, the information processing method of this embodiment is applied to the information processing performed by the game system S.

[0071] [Lottery management process] First, the lottery management process will be described with reference to FIG. The "lottery management process" refers to a process executed by the server 30, which manages multiple lotteries that are held sequentially for each user U. Note that, in this embodiment, an example is given in which a first lottery, a second lottery, and a third lottery are held, but this is not limiting, and other lotteries may also be held.

[0072] 7, the server 30 first sets a first set (S101) and starts a first lottery (S102). After the first lottery starts, the server 30 sets a second set (S103) and starts a second lottery (S104). After the second lottery starts, the server 30 sets a third set (S105) and starts a third lottery (S106). Then, the process ends.

[0073] When the above series of steps is completed, the lottery management process ends. After that, the above series of steps are repeatedly performed while the user U is playing the game, or periodically or irregularly according to the passage of time even when the user U is not playing the game. The above is an example of the lottery management process.

[0074] The second set setting process and the third set setting process executed within the lottery management process will be described in detail below.

[0075] [Second set setting process] First, an example of the second set setting process will be described with reference to FIG. The "second set setting process" is a process executed by the server 30, and is a process executed in step S103 of the lottery management process described above.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 8, the server 30 transmits notification data to the user terminal 10 to notify the user U as to whether or not to control so that an object identical to the lottery result object is not selected in the second lottery (S201).

[0077] Then, the server 30 receives lottery result transfer instruction operation data from the user terminal 10, and when it accepts an intention to transfer the lottery results in the first lottery from the user U (S202: YES), it identifies the lottery result object selected in the first lottery (S203).

[0078] Next, the server 30 judges whether the second set in the initial setting includes an object that is the same as the lottery result object (S204), and if the second set in the initial setting includes an object that is the same as the lottery result object (S204: YES), it subtracts at least a part of the available number of objects that are the same as the lottery result object included in the second set (for example, the number of lottery result objects), or replaces at least a part of the objects that are the same as the lottery result object (for example, the number of lottery result objects) with other objects (S205).On the other hand, if the second set in the initial setting does not include an object that is the same as the lottery result object (S204: NO), the above subtraction or replacement is not performed.

[0079] Then, the server 30 stores the second set to be applied in the second lottery in the server-side storage unit 34 (S206), and ends the process. If the server 30 has not received the lottery result transfer instruction operation data from the user terminal 10 (S202: NO), the server 30 ends the process. The above is an example of the second set setting process.

[0080] [Third group setting process] Next, an example of the third set setting process will be described with reference to FIG. The "third set setting process" is a process executed by the server 30, and is a process executed in step S105 of the lottery management process described above.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 9, the server 30 transmits notification data to the user terminal 10 to notify the user U as to whether or not to control so that an object identical to the second lottery result object is not selected in the third lottery (S301).

[0082] Then, the server 30 receives lottery result transfer instruction operation data from the user terminal 10, and when it accepts from the user U an intention to transfer the lottery results in the second lottery (S302: YES), it identifies the second lottery result object selected in the second lottery (S303).

[0083] Next, the server 30 judges whether the third set in the initial setting includes an object identical to the second lottery result object (S304), and if the third set in the initial setting includes an object identical to the second lottery result object (S304: YES), it subtracts at least a part of the available number of objects identical to the second lottery result object included in the third set (for example, the number of second lottery result objects), or replaces at least a part of the objects identical to the second lottery result object (for example, the number of second lottery result objects) with other objects (S305). On the other hand, if the third set in the initial setting does not include an object identical to the second lottery result object (S304: NO), the above subtraction or replacement is not performed.

[0084] Then, the server 30 stores the third set to be applied in the third lottery in the server-side storage unit 34 (S306), and ends the process. Note that, if the server 30 has not received the lottery result transfer instruction operation data from the user terminal 10 (S302: NO), the server 30 ends the process as it is. The above is an example of the third set setting process.

[0085] [Lottery process] Next, the lottery process will be described with reference to FIG. The "lottery process" refers to a process executed by the server 30, which executes a lottery in response to a lottery application from a user U during the period in which each lottery is held, and provides a lottery result object to the user U. In this embodiment, the same process is executed for each of the first lottery, the second lottery, and the third lottery.

[0086] 10, when the server 30 receives lottery application instruction operation data from the user terminal 10 and accepts a lottery application from the user U (S401), it selects a lottery result object from a set containing multiple candidate objects based on the winning probability set for each object (S402), and grants the selected lottery result object to the user U (S403). After that, it deletes the object selected as the lottery result object from the set, that is, it subtracts the number of objects that can be provided corresponding to the lottery result object included in the set according to the number of winnings (N objects in the case of an N-consecutive type) (S404), and overwrites and stores the set after the number of objects that can be provided is subtracted in the server-side storage unit 34 (S405).

[0087] Then, the lottery result display data, which is data for game progress notifying the user of the lottery result, is generated (S406), and the lottery result display data is transmitted to the user terminal 10 of the user U. (S407), and the processing ends.

[0088] When the series of steps described above is completed, the lottery process ends. Thereafter, while the user U is playing the game, or more precisely, during the period in which each lottery is held, the series of steps described above is repeatedly performed. The above is an example of the lottery process.

[0089] <Other embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In the above embodiment, the server 30 executes the program of the present invention and functions as the information processing device of the present invention, but some or all of the functions of the server 30 as the information processing device may be provided in the user terminal 10. For example, the user terminal 10 may be provided with a function equivalent to the lottery unit 37, etc.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the object that is the same as the lottery result object selected in the first lottery is controlled not to be selected in the second lottery. Similarly, the object that is the same as the object that the user U already owns may be controlled not to be selected in a subsequent lottery (for example, the second lottery, etc.).

[0091] In the present embodiment, an online game that utilizes data communication between the user terminal 10 operated by the user U and the server 30 has been described as an example of a game. However, the type of game is not particularly limited, and the game may be an offline game that does not require data communication. Also, for example, the game may be a social game that can be used with only a web browser and an SNS (Social Networking Service) account.

[0092] <Summary> The main features of the information processing device, information processing method, and program according to the above-described embodiment are as follows.

[0093] [1] The information processing device of this embodiment has a lottery unit that draws objects that can be used in the game, and the lottery unit manages a first lottery to draw objects from a first set and a second lottery to draw objects from a second set after the start of the first lottery, and the second set has a specified number of objects that can be provided that are included in the second set associated with each user, and the lottery unit controls so that at least a portion of the lottery result objects selected in the first lottery are not drawn from the second set. According to the above-mentioned information processing device, the possibility that an object that is the same as the lottery result object selected in the first lottery will be selected in the second lottery is reduced, thereby increasing the user's expectations for the lottery and improving the user's game satisfaction.

[0094] [2] In the above information processing device, the lottery unit controls so that at least a portion of the lottery result objects are not selected from the second set by subtracting the lottery result objects from the available number in the second set. In this way, by subtracting the lottery result object from the number available in the second set, the possibility that an object identical to the lottery result object will be selected in the second lottery is reliably reduced to six, thereby increasing the user's expectations for the lottery and further improving the user's game satisfaction.

[0095] [3] In the above information processing device, the lottery unit controls so that at least a part of the lottery result objects are not selected from the second set by replacing the lottery result objects with other objects in the second set. In this way, by replacing the lottery result object within the second set, the possibility that an object identical to the lottery result object will be selected in the second lottery is reliably reduced, thereby increasing the user's expectations for the lottery and further improving the user's game satisfaction.

[0096] [4] The information processing device described above may further include a notification unit that notifies a user, before an initial drawing of the second drawing, whether or not to control so that the lottery result object is not drawn from the second set. In this way, the user is notified and allowed to decide whether or not to reduce the possibility that an object identical to the lottery result object will be selected in the second lottery, thereby increasing the user's expectations for the lottery and further improving the user's level of satisfaction with the game.

[0097] [5] In the above information processing device, after controlling at least a part of the lottery result objects not to be selected from the second set, the lottery unit does not control the lottery result objects not to be further selected from other sets. In this way, in lotteries other than the second lottery, there remains the possibility that the same object as the lottery result object will be selected again, so that the user's expectations for the lottery can be increased while maintaining game balance, and the user's game satisfaction can be further improved.

[0098] [6] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the lottery unit manages a third lottery to draw objects from the third set after the start of the second lottery, controls at least a portion of the lottery result objects not to be drawn from the second set, and then does not control the lottery result objects not to be drawn from the third set, and controls at least a portion of the second lottery result objects selected in the second lottery not to be drawn from the third set. In this way, in the third lottery, while leaving open the possibility that an object identical to the lottery result object will be selected again, the possibility of an object identical to the second lottery result object selected in the second lottery is reduced, thereby increasing the user's expectations for the lottery while maintaining game balance, and further improving the user's game satisfaction.

[0099] [7] Furthermore, according to the information processing method of this embodiment, a computer draws objects usable in the game, and manages a first lottery in which an object is drawn from a first set and a second lottery in which an object is drawn from a second set after the start of the first lottery, the second set has a specified number of objects that can be provided that are included in the second set associated with each user, and controls so that at least a portion of the lottery result objects selected in the first lottery are not drawn from the second set. According to the above information processing method, the likelihood that an object that is the same as the lottery result object selected in the first lottery will be selected in the second lottery is reduced, thereby increasing the user's expectations for the lottery and improving the user's game satisfaction.

[0100] [8] Furthermore, according to a program of this embodiment, the program is executed by a computer, and causes the computer to draw objects usable in the game, and manage a first lottery in which objects are drawn from a first set, and a second lottery in which objects are drawn from a second set after the start of the first lottery, the second set having a specified number of objects that can be provided that are included in the second set associated with each user, and the program controls so that at least a portion of the lottery result objects selected in the first lottery are not drawn from the second set. According to the above program, the likelihood that an object that is the same as the lottery result object selected in the first lottery will be selected in the second lottery is reduced, thereby increasing the user's expectations for the lottery and improving the user's game satisfaction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 10 User terminal 11 Processors 12 Storage device 13 Communication Interface 14 Input Devices 15 Output Devices 16 Operation specific part 17 Terminal side memory unit 18 Terminal side generation unit 19 Terminal side transmission / reception unit 20 Display processing section 30 Servers 31 Processors 32 Storage device 33 Communication Interface 34 Server side storage unit 35 Server side transmission / reception unit 36 Server-side generation unit 37 Lottery Section 38 Notification Department N Network S Game System U User

Claims

1. A processor is provided. The processor, conducting a first drawing to select an object usable in the game from the first set; After the first drawing, before a second drawing is performed in which the object is drawn from a second set, which is set separately from the first set and is associated with each user, and in which the number of objects that can be provided is specified, the user is asked whether or not to carry over the drawing record from the first drawing; performing a process of subtracting or replacing at least a part of the objects included in the second set that are the same as the objects selected in the first lottery with other objects according to the result of the confirmation, and then performing the second lottery; Information processing device.

2. a processor performing a first drawing to draw an object usable in the game from the first set; the processor, after the first drawing, confirms with the user whether or not to carry over the drawing record in the first drawing before a second drawing in which the object is drawn from a second set which is set separately from the first set and which is associated with each user and in which the number of the object that can be provided is specified; a processor executes a process of subtracting or replacing at least a part of the objects included in the second set that are the same as the objects selected in the first lottery according to a result of the confirmation, and then executes the second lottery. method.

3. causing the processor to perform a first drawing to draw an object usable in the game from the first set; a processor, after the first drawing, before a second drawing in which the object is drawn from a second set which is set separately from the first set and which is associated with each user and in which the number of the object that can be provided is specified, has the processor confirm with the user whether or not to carry over the drawing record in the first drawing; causing the processor to execute a process of subtracting or replacing at least a part of the objects included in the second set that are the same as the objects selected in the first lottery with other objects according to a result of the confirmation, and then executing the second lottery; program.

4. A server and a terminal are provided, The server, conducting a first drawing to select an object usable in the game from the first set; After the first drawing, before a second drawing is performed in which the object is drawn from a second set, which is set separately from the first set and is associated with each user, and in which the number of objects that can be provided is specified, confirming with the terminal of the user whether or not to carry over the drawing record from the first drawing; performing a process of subtracting or replacing at least a part of the objects included in the second set that are the same as the objects selected in the first lottery with other objects according to the result of the confirmation, and then performing the second lottery; system.

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