Information processing system, information processing device, server device, portable information processing terminal, information processing program, and information processing method

Abstract

This information processing system comprises a game processing system, and a plurality of portable information processing terminals. Among the foregoing, the game processing system determines a first image that includes connection destination information for participating in a participatory game and that is for displaying on a first display device. A user who has connected to the game processing system from a portable information processing terminal is allowed to participate in the participatory game. Meanwhile, the portable information processing terminals determine a second image that includes connection destination information and that is for displaying on a second display device of the host terminal. If the first image or second image is included in an image captured by the host terminal, then the connection destination information that is included in the first image or the second image is used to connect to the game processing system.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of participating in a multi-player game. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a method of participating in a community using a QR code (registered trademark) has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method in which an academic conference participant uses his / her mobile terminal to register a community on an information management server, displays a QR code having the ID of the registered community on his / her mobile terminal, and has the mobile terminal of another academic conference participant read the QR code, thereby allowing the other academic conference participant to participate in the community. In the community participation method described in Patent Document 1, the other academic conference participant who reads the QR code can display the same QR code on his / her mobile terminal to allow yet another academic conference participant to participate in the community. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-206740 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the community participation method described in Patent Document 1 above requires conference participants to register other conference participants in a chain reaction, which poses the problem that the efficiency of participation registration decreases as the number of participants increases.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to perform efficient participation registration even when there are a large number of users participating in a multi-player game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing system including a game processing system and a plurality of portable information processing terminals, wherein the game processing system comprises a game execution means for executing a participatory game in which a plurality of users participate, a first image determination means for determining a first image to be displayed on a first display device, which includes connection destination information for participating in the participatory game, and a user management means for allowing the user who has connected to the game processing system from the portable information processing terminal to participate in the participatory game, and the portable information processing terminal comprises a second display device, a second image determination means for determining a second image to be displayed on the second display device of the portable information processing terminal, an imaging means for capturing an image, and a connection means for connecting to the game processing system using the connection destination information included in the first image or the second image if the captured image includes the first image or the second image.

[0007] The portable information processing terminal may display an image including the connection destination information on the second display device even while the multi-player game is being executed in the game processing system.

[0008] The game processing system may display an image including the connection destination information on the first display device before the multi-player game starts.

[0009] When an image including the connection destination information is displayed on the first display device after the multi-player game has started, the game processing system may suspend the multi-player game.

[0010] The game execution means may execute the multi-player game based on input information transmitted from the portable information processing terminal of the user participating in the multi-player game.

[0011] The input information may be data output by a touch input device or a motion sensor included in the portable information processing terminal.

[0012] The portable information processing terminal may determine, based on information received from the game processing system, to display a game screen or an input screen on the second display device.

[0013] The game processing system may transmit an image including the connection destination information to the portable information processing terminal in response to a request from the portable information processing terminal.

[0014] The image including the connection destination information may include authentication information, and when the portable information processing terminal connects to the game processing system, the user management means may allow the user connected to the game processing system to participate in the participatory game only when data including the authentication information is received.

[0015] The second image determination means may include information indicating a first user who is a user of the portable information processing terminal in the image including the connection destination information, and the game processing system may associate the first user with a second user who is a user of the portable information processing terminal connected to the game processing system.

[0016] The display screen of the first display device may be larger than the display screen of the second display device.

[0017] The game processing system may include a game device and a server device, and the connection means may connect to the server device based on the connection destination information.

[0018] The game processing system may include a game device and a server device, and the input information may be transmitted to the game device through the server device.

[0019] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device that constitutes an information processing system together with a plurality of portable information processing terminals, and is equipped with a game execution means for executing a participatory game in which a plurality of users participate, a first image determination means for determining a first image to be displayed on a first display device, which includes connection destination information for participating in the participatory game, and a user management means for allowing the user who has connected to the information processing device from the portable information processing terminal to participate in the participatory game, and the portable information processing terminal is equipped with a second display device, a second image determination means for determining a second image to be displayed on the second display device of the portable information processing terminal, an imaging means for capturing an image, and a connection means for connecting to the information processing device using the connection destination information included in the first image or the second image if the captured image includes the first image or the second image.

[0020] A server device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a server device that constitutes an information processing system together with a plurality of portable information processing terminals, and comprises: a game execution means for executing a participatory game in which a plurality of users participate; a first image determination means for determining a first image to be displayed on a first display device, which includes connection destination information for participating in the participatory game; and a user management means for allowing the user who has connected to the server device from the portable information processing terminal to participate in the participatory game.The portable information processing terminal comprises a second display device, a second image determination means for determining a second image to be displayed on the second display device of the portable information processing terminal, which includes the connection destination information, a photographing means for photographing an image, and a connection means for connecting to the server device using the connection destination information included in the first image or the second image if the photographed image includes the first image or the second image.

[0021] A portable information processing terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention is a portable information processing terminal that constitutes an information processing system together with a game processing system, the game processing system comprising: a game execution means for executing a participatory game in which a plurality of users participate; a first image determination means for determining a first image to be displayed on a first display device, which includes connection destination information for participating in the participatory game; and a user management means for allowing the user who has connected to the game processing system from the portable information processing terminal to participate in the participatory game. The portable information processing terminal comprises: a second display device; a second image determination means for determining a second image to be displayed on the second display device of the portable information processing terminal, which includes the connection destination information; an imaging means for capturing an image; and a connection means for connecting to the game processing system using the connection destination information included in the first image or the second image if the captured image includes the first image or the second image.

[0022] An information processing program according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing program executed on a computer of an information processing device that constitutes an information processing system together with a plurality of portable information processing terminals, and causes the computer to function as a game execution means for executing a participatory game in which a plurality of users participate, a first image determination means for determining a first image to be displayed on a first display device, which includes connection destination information for participating in the participatory game, and a user management means for allowing the user who has connected to the information processing device from the portable information processing terminal to participate in the participatory game, and the portable information processing terminal is equipped with a second display device, a second image determination means for determining a second image to be displayed on the second display device of the portable information processing terminal itself, an image capture means for capturing an image, and a connection means for connecting to the information processing device using the connection destination information included in the first image or the second image if the captured image includes the first image or the second image.

[0023] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing method executed by an information processing device that constitutes an information processing system together with a plurality of portable information processing terminals, and includes the steps of executing a participatory game in which a plurality of users participate, determining a first image to be displayed on a first display device, which includes connection destination information for participating in the participatory game, and having the user who has connected to the information processing device from the portable information processing terminal participate in the participatory game, wherein the portable information processing terminal is equipped with a second display device, a second image determination means that includes the connection destination information and determines a second image to be displayed on the second display device of the portable information processing terminal itself, an imaging means that captures an image, and a connection means that, if the captured image includes the first image or the second image, connects to the information processing device using the connection destination information included in the first image or the second image. Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, even when there are a large number of users participating in a multi-player game, participation registration can be performed efficiently. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an information processing system. [Diagram 2] A diagram showing an example of a situation in which a bingo game is played. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a game device 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of the volatile memory 13. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a server device 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of the volatile memory 33. [Figure 7] Block diagram showing an example of a smartphone 4 [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of a volatile memory 43. [Figure 9] A sequence diagram showing an example of a participation registration process. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 shows an example of a two-dimensional code displayed on a TV monitor 2. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 shows an example of a two-dimensional code displayed on the display 45. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing an example of a bingo game execution process. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows an example of a bingo card displayed on the display 45. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 shows an example of a roulette screen displayed on a TV monitor 2. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a pause screen. [Figure 16] A diagram showing an example of an option screen DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] 1. Embodiment 1-1.Configuration An information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a diagram showing an example of this information processing system. As shown in the figure, this information processing system includes a game device 1, a TV monitor 2, a server device 3, and multiple smartphones 4. Among the devices constituting this information processing system, the game device 1 and the TV monitor 2 are connected by a dedicated line 5, and the game device 1, the server device 3, and the multiple smartphones 4 are connected via a communication line 6 such as the Internet. Furthermore, the game device 1 and the server device 3 constitute a game processing system 7.

[0027] This information processing system is a system for allowing users of multiple smartphones 4 to play a multi-participation game. The multi-participation game referred to here is specifically a bingo game. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a situation in which this bingo game is played. The example shown in the figure is a situation in which many smartphone 4 users gather in one closed space (e.g., a party venue) and play the bingo game while watching the TV monitor 2.

[0028] In this situation, a user of a smartphone 4 who wishes to participate in a bingo game registers for participation in the bingo game by reading a two-dimensional code displayed on the TV monitor 2 or another user's smartphone 4 with his / her own smartphone 4. A bingo card is provided and displayed on the smartphone 4 of the user who has registered to participate. Numbers for the bingo game are drawn by lottery using a roulette displayed on the TV monitor 2, and the drawn numbers are displayed selectable on the smartphone 4. Numbers are drawn repeatedly, and when a number in one of the vertical, horizontal, or diagonal rows on the bingo card is selected, a bingo is established. This bingo game is played as a team match, and the team in which the majority of users have established a bingo first is the winning team. Each device constituting this information processing system will now be described.

[0029] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the game device 1. As shown in the figure, the game device 1 includes a processor 11 such as a CPU, a non-volatile memory 12 such as a flash memory, a volatile memory 13 such as a DRAM, a slot 14 into which an external storage medium such as a memory card can be inserted, a communication unit 15 for communicating with the server device 3 via a communication line 6, a display 16 such as a liquid crystal display, a touch panel 17 arranged on the display 16, a speaker 18, and a controller 19 having operation buttons and an analog stick.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of the volatile memory 13 included in the game device 1. As shown in the figure, a game program is loaded into the volatile memory 13 from the non-volatile memory 12 or an external storage medium. The game program is an information processing program for allowing users of multiple smartphones 4 to play a bingo game. The game program is a program that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet or a non-transitory recording medium. In addition, the volatile memory 13 stores URL data, two-dimensional code data, participating user data, and game data. Each piece of data stored in the volatile memory 13 will be described below.

[0031] The URL data is text data of a URL used to participate in a bingo game. Specifically, the URL is information including the address of the server device 3 and a room ID, which are connection destination information, and a password, which is authentication information. This URL data is generated by the server device 3 and provided to the game device 1.

[0032] The two-dimensional code data is image data representing a two-dimensional code. This two-dimensional code data is generated according to a predetermined algorithm based on the URL data stored in the volatile memory 13. The two-dimensional code represented by this two-dimensional code data contains information represented by the original URL data.

[0033] The participating user data is data related to users participating in the bingo game. Specifically, the participating user data is a set of a user ID, a user name, and face photo data of each user. In this embodiment, the user ID is, for example, a session ID.

[0034] The game data is various parameters that are generated during the execution of the bingo game. Specifically, the game data includes team data indicating the members of each team, bingo card data indicating the bingo card provided to each user, selected number data indicating the number selected on the bingo card by each user, and bingo winner data indicating the user who has won bingo. The bingo game is executed based on these various parameters.

[0035] The game program loaded into the volatile memory 13 is executed by the processor 11. As a result, the functions of a user management unit 111, an image determination unit 112, and a game execution unit 113 are realized, as shown in FIG.

[0036] The user management unit 111 requests the server device 3 to create a room, and manages participating user data for users who have entered the created room.

[0037] The image determination unit 112 generates two-dimensional code data according to a predetermined algorithm based on the URL data stored in the volatile memory 13. Then, based on the generated two-dimensional code data, the image determination unit 112 displays a two-dimensional code on the TV monitor 2. Note that the screen of the TV monitor 2 on which the two-dimensional code is displayed is larger than the screen on which the two-dimensional code is displayed on the display 45 of the smartphone 4.

[0038] The game execution unit 113 executes the bingo game. At that time, the game execution unit 113 executes the bingo game based on input data transmitted from each smartphone 4. The input data transmitted from each smartphone 4 is input in each smartphone 4 using a touch panel 46 or a motion sensor 49, which will be described later. The above is the explanation of the game device 1.

[0039] Next, the server device 3 will be described. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the server device 3. As shown in the figure, the server device 3 includes a processor 31 such as a CPU, a non-volatile memory 32 such as an HDD, a volatile memory 33 such as a DRAM, and a communication unit 34 for communicating with the game device 1 or the smartphone 4 via the communication line 6.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of the volatile memory 33 included in the server device 3. As shown in the figure, a control program is read from the non-volatile memory 32 into the volatile memory 33. This control program is an information processing program for allowing users of multiple smartphones 4 to play a bingo game. Also, room data is stored in the volatile memory 33. This room data is data related to virtual rooms set on the server device 3. Specifically, the room data is made up of a set of a room ID, a password, and a user ID of a user who has entered the room for each room. The bingo game is played for each room identified by this room data.

[0041] The above control program loaded into the volatile memory 33 is executed by the processor 31. As a result, the functions of a user management unit 311 and a data relay unit 312 are realized, as shown in FIG.

[0042] The user management unit 311 creates a room upon receiving a room creation request transmitted from the game device 1. Specifically, a room ID and a password are issued, and stored in the volatile memory 33 in association with the user ID of the game device 1.

[0043] Furthermore, user management unit 311 generates URL data. This URL data is text data of a URL used to participate in a bingo game. The URL represented by this URL data is, specifically, information including the address of server device 3 and the issued room ID and password. User management unit 311 transmits the generated URL data to game device 1.

[0044] Furthermore, the user management unit 311 acquires a participation registration request transmitted from the smartphone 4, and determines whether or not a pair of a room ID and a password included in the acquired participation registration request is stored in the volatile memory 33. The reason for this determination is to prevent unspecified users from entering the room. If the result of this determination is that a pair of a room ID and a password is stored, the user ID of the smartphone 4 is stored in the volatile memory 33 in association with the above-mentioned room ID. As a result, the user of the smartphone 4 becomes able to participate in the bingo game played in the room identified by the above-mentioned room ID.

[0045] Next, the data relay unit 312 relays data transmitted and received between the game device 1 and the smartphone 4. The smartphone 4 whose data is relayed between the game device 1 and the smartphone 4 by the data relay unit 312 is associated with the same room ID as that of the game device 1. The above is the explanation of the server device 3.

[0046] Next, the smartphone 4 will be described. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the smartphone 4. As shown in the figure, the smartphone 4 includes a processor 41 such as a CPU, a non-volatile memory 42 such as a flash memory, a volatile memory 43 such as a DRAM, a communication unit 44 for communicating with the server device 3 via the communication line 6, a display 45 such as a liquid crystal display, a touch panel 46 arranged on the display 45, a speaker 47, a camera 48, and a motion sensor 49.

[0047] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of the volatile memory 43 included in the smartphone 4. As shown in the figure, a browser program is loaded from the non-volatile memory 42 into the volatile memory 43. The browser program is an information processing program for allowing a user of the smartphone 4 to play a bingo game. The browser program is a program that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet or a non-transitory recording medium. In addition, URL data and two-dimensional code data are stored in the volatile memory 43.

[0048] The URL data is text data of a URL used to participate in a bingo game. Specifically, the URL here is information including the address of the server device 3 and a room ID, which are connection destination information, and a password, which is authentication information. This URL data is generated by reading a two-dimensional code displayed on the TV monitor 2 or another smartphone 4 with the camera 48.

[0049] The two-dimensional code data is image data representing a two-dimensional code. This two-dimensional code data is generated according to a predetermined algorithm based on the URL data stored in the volatile memory 43. The two-dimensional code represented by this two-dimensional code data contains information represented by the original URL data.

[0050] The above-mentioned browser program loaded into the volatile memory 43 is executed by the processor 41. As a result, the functions of a connection unit 411, an image determination unit 412, and a game execution unit 413 are realized, as shown in FIG.

[0051] The connection unit 411 connects to the server device 3 using the URL data stored in the volatile memory 43. Specifically, the connection unit 411 transmits to the server device 3 a participation registration request including the room ID and password included in the URL data.

[0052] The image determination unit 412 generates two-dimensional code data according to a predetermined algorithm based on the URL data stored in the volatile memory 43. Then, the image determination unit 412 displays a two-dimensional code on the display 45 based on the generated two-dimensional code data.

[0053] The game executing unit 413 acquires the bingo card data transmitted from the game device 1, and displays the bingo card on the display 45. The game executing unit 413 also acquires the lottery number data transmitted from the game device 1, and determines whether or not the lottery number has been selected by the user on the bingo card. If the result of this determination is that the lottery number has been selected by the user, the game executing unit 413 transmits input data indicating that the lottery number has been selected to the game device 1. This concludes the explanation of Smartphone 4.

[0054] 1-2.Operation The operation of the information processing system will be described below, specifically, the participation registration process carried out before the start of the bingo game and the execution process of the bingo game will be described.

[0055] 1-2-1. Participant registration process 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the participation registration process, in which only one of the multiple smartphones 4 is shown in order to avoid complicating the explanation.

[0056] In the participation registration process shown in the figure, the user of the game device 1 creates a room on the server device 3 to play a bingo game. When the user performs a predetermined operation on the game device 1 to create a room, the user management unit 111 of the game device 1 transmits a room creation request to the server device 3 (step Sa1). In response to the room creation request, the user management unit 311 of the server device 3 creates a room (step Sa2). Specifically, a room ID and a password are issued, and the room ID and password are stored in the volatile memory 33 in association with the user ID of the game device 1. Next, the user management unit 311 generates URL data (step Sa3). This URL data is text data of a URL used to participate in the bingo game. The URL represented by this URL data is, specifically, information including the address of the server device 3 and the room ID and password issued in step Sa2. The user management unit 311 transmits the generated URL data to the game device 1 (step Sa4).

[0057] When the image determination unit 112 of the game device 1 acquires the URL data transmitted from the server device 3, it generates two-dimensional code data based on the acquired URL data in accordance with a predetermined algorithm (step Sa5). Then, based on the generated two-dimensional code data, it causes the TV monitor 2 to display a two-dimensional code (step Sa6). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional code displayed on the TV monitor 2. As shown in the figure, the two-dimensional code is displayed on the TV monitor 2, and thus the user of the smartphone 4 can read the two-dimensional code using his or her own smartphone 4. At this time, the TV monitor 2 on which the two-dimensional code is displayed is a monitor of a size that allows multiple users to view it at the same time, so that the multiple users of the smartphone 4 can read the two-dimensional code at once.

[0058] When the two-dimensional code is read by the camera 48 of the smartphone 4 (step Sa7), URL data is generated. This URL data is the same as the URL data generated in step Sa3. The connection unit 411 of the smartphone 4 uses this URL data to connect to the server device 3 (step Sa8). Specifically, a participation registration request including the room ID and password issued in step Sa2 is transmitted to the server device 3. When the user management unit 311 of the server device 3 acquires this participation registration request, it determines whether or not the pair of the room ID and password included in the acquired participation registration request is stored in the volatile memory 33 (step Sa9). If the result of this determination indicates that the pair of the room ID and password is stored, it transmits registration screen data to the smartphone 4 (step Sa10). On the other hand, if the pair of the room ID and password is not stored, it transmits an error message to the smartphone 4 (not shown).

[0059] When the connection unit 411 of the smartphone 4 acquires the registration screen data transmitted from the server device 3, it causes the display 45 to display the registration screen (step Sa11). This registration screen is a screen for registering the user name and facial photo data of the user of the smartphone 4 in the game device 1. When the user of the smartphone 4 operates this registration screen to input the user name and facial photo data (step Sa12), the connection unit 411 transmits this data and the user ID to the server device 3 as new user data (step Sa13).

[0060] Upon acquiring this participating user data, the user management unit 311 of the server device 3 stores the user ID of the smartphone 4 in the volatile memory 33 in association with the room ID acquired in the above step Sa9 (step Sa14). As a result, the user of the smartphone 4 becomes able to participate in the bingo game played in the room identified by the room ID. In addition, the user management unit 311 transmits the acquired participating user data to the game device 1 (step Sa15). Upon acquiring this participating user data, the user management unit 111 of the game device 1 stores it in the volatile memory 13 (step Sa16).

[0061] After transmitting the participating user data, the image determination unit 412 of the smartphone 4 generates two-dimensional code data according to a predetermined algorithm based on the URL data generated in the above step Sa7 (step Sa17). Then, based on the generated two-dimensional code data, a two-dimensional code is displayed on the display 45 (step Sa18). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional code displayed on the display 45. As shown in the figure, the two-dimensional code is displayed on the display 45, so that the user of the other smartphone 4 can read the two-dimensional code using his / her own smartphone 4. When the two-dimensional code is read by the other smartphone 4, the above steps Sa7 to Sa18 are executed, and the user of the other smartphone 4 is registered for participation. This concludes the explanation of the participation registration process.

[0062] In the participation registration process described above, a two-dimensional code required for participation registration in the bingo game is displayed on the TV monitor 2. Since the TV monitor 2 is a monitor of a size that allows multiple users to view it at the same time, multiple users of smartphones 4 can read the two-dimensional code at once to register for participation. In addition, a similar two-dimensional code is displayed on the smartphone 4 of a user who has completed participation registration. Users of smartphones 4 who have not yet completed participation registration can also complete participation registration by reading the two-dimensional code. Therefore, according to the participation registration process described above, participation registration can be completed efficiently even when there are a large number of users participating in the bingo game.

[0063] 1-2-2. Bingo game execution process FIG. 12 is a flow diagram showing an example of a bingo game execution process. In the bingo game execution process shown in the figure, the game execution unit 113 of the game device 1 divides participating users into two teams when starting a bingo game (step Sb1). This team division may be performed manually by the user of the game device 1 or may be performed automatically. After the team division is completed, the game execution unit 113 transmits different bingo card data to each smartphone 4 (step Sb2). After acquiring the bingo card data, the game execution unit 413 of the smartphone 4 displays the bingo card on the display 45. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a bingo card displayed on the display 45.

[0064] After transmitting the bingo card data, the game execution unit 113 of the game device 1 displays a roulette screen on the TV monitor 2 (step Sb3). FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the roulette screen displayed on the TV monitor 2. After displaying the roulette screen, the game execution unit 113 receives an operation of the user of the game device 1 on the roulette screen and draws a number (step Sb4). Then, the game execution unit 113 transmits lottery number data indicating the drawn number to each smartphone 4 (step Sb5). When the game execution unit 413 of the smartphone 4 acquires the lottery number data, the game execution unit 413 judges whether the lottery number has been selected by the user on the bingo card. If the result of this judgment indicates that the lottery number has been selected by the user, the game execution unit 113 transmits input data indicating that the lottery number has been selected to the game device 1. When the game execution unit 113 of the game device 1 acquires the input data from each smartphone 4, the game execution unit 113 updates the selected number data stored in the volatile memory 13 based on the acquired input data (step Sb6).

[0065] After updating the selected number data, the game execution unit 113 judges whether or not there is a user who has newly achieved bingo based on the updated selected number data (step Sb7). If the result of this judgment is that there is a user who has newly achieved bingo (YES in step Sb7), the bingo achiever data stored in the volatile memory 13 is updated (step Sb8) and the process proceeds to step Sa9. On the other hand, if the result of this judgment is that there is no user who has newly achieved bingo (NO in step Sb7), the bingo achiever data is not updated and the process returns to step Sb4.

[0066] In step Sb9, the game execution unit 113 judges whether or not any of the teams has met the victory condition based on the updated bingo winner data. The victory condition here is that the majority of users on the team have achieved bingo. If the result of this judgment shows that any of the teams has met the victory condition (YES in step Sb9), the team that has met the victory condition is judged to be the winning team (step Sb10), and the bingo game ends. On the other hand, if the result of this judgment shows that none of the teams has met the victory condition (NO in step Sb9), the process returns to step Sb4. This concludes the description of the bingo game execution process.

[0067] During the above bingo game execution process, the user of the game device 1 can display a pause screen on the TV monitor 2. When the user selects the pause button, the game execution unit 113 of the game device 1 interrupts the progress of the bingo game and displays a pause screen on the TV monitor 2. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of this pause screen. As shown in the figure, this pause screen includes the two-dimensional code displayed on the TV monitor 2 in the above step Sa6. A user of the smartphone 4 who has not yet registered for participation can register for participation by reading this two-dimensional code. A user who has registered for participation can participate from the next bingo game.

[0068] Further, the user of the smartphone 4 can display an option screen on the display 45 during the above-mentioned bingo game execution process. When the user selects an option button (see symbol B in FIG. 13), the game execution unit 413 of the smartphone 4 displays the option screen on the display 45. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of this option screen. As shown in the figure, this option screen includes the two-dimensional code displayed on the display 45 in the above-mentioned step Sa18. A user of the smartphone 4 who has not yet registered for participation can register for participation by reading this two-dimensional code. A user who has registered for participation can participate from the next bingo game. Note that, unlike the display of the pause screen, the display of this option screen does not interfere with the progress of the bingo game.

[0069] 2. Variations The above embodiment may be modified as described below. The modified examples described below may be combined with each other.

[0070] 2-1. Variation 1 The game device 1 is an example of an information processing device capable of executing the above game program. Instead of the game device 1, other information processing devices such as a smartphone may execute the above game program.

[0071] 2-2. Variation 2 The smartphone 4 is an example of a portable information processing terminal capable of executing the above-mentioned browser program. Instead of the smartphone 4, other portable information processing terminals such as a tablet terminal may execute the above-mentioned browser program.

[0072] 2-3. Variation 3 A part or all of the functions of the game device 1 may be realized by the server device 3. Conversely, a part or all of the functions of the server device 3 may be realized by the game device 1. In other words, the arrangement of the functions in the game processing system may be changed as appropriate according to the convenience of the provider of the system.

[0073] 2-4. Variation 4 The bingo game is an example of a multi-participation game that can be provided by the information processing system. The information processing system may provide a competitive game or a cooperative game other than the bingo game. Alternatively, the information processing system may provide a questionnaire survey service as an example of a game.

[0074] 2-5. Variation 5 The game device 1 may display the two-dimensional code on its own display 16 in addition to or instead of the TV monitor 2. Alternatively, the two-dimensional code may be displayed on a screen using a projector.

[0075] 2-6. Variation 6 Instead of the two-dimensional code, the game device 1 and the smartphone 4 may generate a barcode or an image with an embedded digital watermark and display it on the display device. Alternatively, an image directly representing the text data of the URL data may be generated and displayed on the display device. In this case, the image is subjected to character recognition to extract the original URL data.

[0076] The game device 1 and the smartphone 4 may generate different types of images and display them on the display device. For example, the game device 1 may generate and display a two-dimensional code, while the smartphone 4 may generate and display a barcode.

[0077] 2-7. Variation 7 Instead of the URL data, the game device 1 may acquire two-dimensional code data generated based on this URL data from the server device 3. In this case, the image determination unit 112 of the game device 1 displays a two-dimensional code on the TV monitor 2 based on the two-dimensional code data acquired from the server device 3, without generating two-dimensional code data from the URL data.

[0078] 2-8. Variation 8 The smartphone 4 may not generate the two-dimensional code by itself, but may acquire it from the server device 3. For example, in the above-described participation registration process, the server device 3 may receive participating user data transmitted from the smartphone 4 and transmit two-dimensional code data to the smartphone 4. In this case, the image determination unit 412 of the smartphone 4 displays the two-dimensional code on the display 45 based on the two-dimensional code data acquired from the server device 3, without generating two-dimensional code data from the URL data.

[0079] 2-9. Variation 9 When generating a two-dimensional code, the smartphone 4 may generate the two-dimensional code based on the user ID of the smartphone 4 itself in addition to the URL data. The two-dimensional code generated in this way includes the user ID of the smartphone 4 itself in addition to the original URL data. In the other smartphone 4 that reads this two-dimensional code, the original URL data and the user ID are restored. By referring to this restored user ID, it becomes possible to determine which smartphone 4 the other smartphone 4 read the two-dimensional code of to register for participation. In the game device 1, by acquiring and referring to this user ID, the smartphone 4 that read the two-dimensional code and the smartphone 4 that was read may belong to the same team when dividing the teams. More specifically, the user IDs of the smartphone 4 that read the two-dimensional code and the smartphone 4 that was read may be associated with each other to generate team data.

[0080] 2-10. Variation 10 In the above bingo game execution process, the bingo game is played as a team match, but the bingo game may also be played as an individual match.

[0081] 2-11. Variation 11 In the above-described participation registration process, a password is used as authentication information to prevent unspecified users from entering the room, but the use of this password may be omitted.

[0082] 2-12. Variation 12 In the above-described bingo game execution process, every time a lottery number is selected by the user, input data indicating that the lottery number has been selected is transmitted from the smartphone 4 to the game device 1. However, this transmission timing is merely an example, and the input data may be transmitted only in the following three cases. (1) When the minimum number of squares required to get a bingo is filled (in the example shown in Figure 13, the "4" square) (2) When the number of reach lines increases (including when the number of lines increases from "0" to "1") (3) When bingo is achieved

[0083] 2-13. Variation 13 In the above-described bingo game execution process, the game execution unit 113 of the game device 1 draws numbers in response to an operation by the user of the game device 1, but the numbers may also be drawn in response to an operation by the user of any of the smartphones 4 instead of the user of the game device 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1...game device, 2...TV monitor, 3...server device, 4...smartphone, 5...dedicated line, 6...communication line, 7...game processing system, 11...processor, 12...non-volatile memory, 13...volatile memory, 14...slot, 15...communication unit, 16...display, 17...touch panel, 18...speaker, 19...controller, 31...processor, 32...non-volatile memory, 33...volatile memory, 34...communication unit, 41...processor, 42...non-volatile memory, 43...volatile memory, 44...communication unit, 45...display, 46...touch panel, 47...speaker, 48...camera, 49...motion sensor, 111...user management unit, 112...image determination unit, 113...game execution unit, 311...user management unit, 312...data relay unit, 411...connection unit, 412...image determination unit, 413...game execution unit

Claims

1. An information processing system including a game processing system and a plurality of portable information processing terminals, The game processing system includes: A game execution means for executing a multi-user game in which a plurality of users participate; a first image determination means for determining a first image to be displayed on a first display device, the first image including connection destination information for participating in the multi-player game; a user management means for allowing the user who has connected to the game processing system from the portable information processing terminal to participate in the multi-player game, The portable information processing terminal includes: A second display device; and a second image determination means for determining a second image to be displayed on the second display device of the portable information processing terminal, the second image including the connection destination information; An image capturing means for capturing an image; a connection means for connecting to the game processing system using the connection destination information included in the first image or the second image when the captured image includes the first image or the second image, An information processing system in which the portable information processing terminal used by the user to operate the active participatory game displays the second image including the connection destination information on the second display device of the user's portable information processing terminal, even while the participatory game is being executed in the game processing system.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the game processing system displays an image including the connection destination information on the first display device before a start of the multi-player game.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the game processing system suspends the multi-player game when an image including the connection destination information is displayed on the first display device after the multi-player game has started.

4. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein said game execution means executes said multi-player game based on input information transmitted from said portable information processing terminal of said user participating in said multi-player game.

5. The information processing system according to claim 4 , wherein the input information is data output by a touch input device or a motion sensor included in the portable information processing terminal.

6. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the portable information processing terminal determines, based on the information received from the game processing system, a game screen or an input screen to be displayed on the second display device.

7. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein said game processing system transmits an image including said connection destination information to said portable information processing terminal in response to a request from said portable information processing terminal.

8. the image including the connection destination information includes authentication information, The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the user management means, when the portable information processing terminal is connected to the game processing system, allows the user connected to the game processing system to participate in the multi-player game only when data including the authentication information is received.

9. The second image determination means includes information indicating a first user who is a user of the portable information processing terminal in the image including the connection destination information, The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the game processing system associates the first user with a second user who is a user of the portable information processing terminal connected to the game processing system.

10. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the display screen of the first display device is larger than the display screen of the second display device.

11. The game processing system includes a game device and a server device.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein said connection means connects to said server device based on said connection destination information.

12. The game processing system includes a game device and a server device. The information processing system according to claim 4 , wherein the input information is transmitted to the game device through the server device.

13. An information processing device constituting an information processing system together with a plurality of portable information processing terminals, A game execution means for executing a multi-user game in which a plurality of users participate; a first image determination means for determining a first image to be displayed on a first display device, the first image including connection destination information for participating in the multi-player game; a user management means for allowing the user who has connected to the information processing device from the portable information processing terminal to participate in the multi-player game; The portable information processing terminal includes: A second display device; and a second image determination means for determining a second image to be displayed on the second display device of the portable information processing terminal, the second image including the connection destination information; An image capturing means for capturing an image; a connection means for connecting to the information processing device by using the connection destination information included in the first image or the second image when the captured image includes the first image or the second image, An information processing device in which the portable information processing terminal used by the user to operate the active participatory game displays the second image including the connection destination information on the second display device of the user's portable information processing terminal, even while the participatory game is being executed on the information processing device.

14. A server device constituting an information processing system together with a plurality of portable information processing terminals, A game execution means for executing a multi-user game in which a plurality of users participate; a first image determination means for determining a first image to be displayed on a first display device, the first image including connection destination information for participating in the multi-player game; a user management means for allowing the user who has connected to the server device from the portable information processing terminal to participate in the multi-player game; The portable information processing terminal includes: A second display device; and a second image determination means for determining a second image to be displayed on the second display device of the portable information processing terminal, the second image including the connection destination information; An image capturing means for capturing an image; a connection means for connecting to the server device by using the connection destination information included in the first image or the second image when the captured image includes the first image or the second image, A server device, wherein the portable information processing terminal used by the user to operate the active participatory game displays the second image including the connection destination information on the second display device of the user's portable information processing terminal, even while the participatory game is being executed on the server device.

15. A portable information processing terminal constituting an information processing system together with a game processing system, The game processing system includes: A game execution means for executing a multi-user game in which a plurality of users participate; a first image determination means for determining a first image to be displayed on a first display device, the first image including connection destination information for participating in the multi-player game; a user management means for allowing the user who has connected to the game processing system from the portable information processing terminal to participate in the multi-player game, The portable information processing terminal includes: A second display device; and a second image determination means for determining a second image to be displayed on the second display device of the portable information processing terminal, the second image including the connection destination information; An image capturing means for capturing an image; a connection means for connecting to the game processing system using the connection destination information included in the first image or the second image when the captured image includes the first image or the second image, A portable information processing terminal used by the user to operate the active participatory game displays the second image including the connection destination information on the second display device of the user's portable information processing terminal, even while the participatory game is being executed in the game processing system.

16. An information processing program executed on a computer of an information processing device constituting an information processing system together with a plurality of portable information processing terminals, A game execution means for executing a multi-user game in which a plurality of users participate; a first image determination means for determining a first image to be displayed on a first display device, the first image including connection destination information for participating in the multi-player game; a user management means for allowing the user who has connected to the information processing device from the portable information processing terminal to participate in the multi-player game; and causing the computer to function as The portable information processing terminal includes: A second display device; and a second image determination means for determining a second image to be displayed on the second display device of the portable information processing terminal, the second image including the connection destination information; An image capturing means for capturing an image; a connection means for connecting to the information processing device by using the connection destination information included in the first image or the second image when the captured image includes the first image or the second image, An information processing program in which the portable information processing terminal used by the user to operate the active participatory game displays the second image including the connection destination information on the second display device of the user's portable information processing terminal, even while the participatory game is being executed on the information processing device.

17. An information processing method executed by an information processing device constituting an information processing system together with a plurality of portable information processing terminals, comprising: A step of executing a multi-user game in which a plurality of users participate; determining a first image to be displayed on a first display device, the first image including connection destination information for participating in the multi-player game; A step of having the user who has connected to the information processing device from the portable information processing terminal participate in the multi-player game. Including, The portable information processing terminal includes: A second display device; and a second image determination means for determining a second image to be displayed on the second display device of the portable information processing terminal, the second image including the connection destination information; An image capturing means for capturing an image; a connection means for connecting to the information processing device by using the connection destination information included in the first image or the second image when the captured image includes the first image or the second image, An information processing method, in which the portable information processing terminal used by the user to operate the active participatory game displays the second image including the connection destination information on the second display device of the user's portable information processing terminal, even while the participatory game is being executed on the information processing device.

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