Game program, information processing apparatus, information processing system, information processing method

Abstract

To solve the problem that an in-game reward is imparted only to a user viewing live coverage of moving image distribution (real time viewing), but a user who views the distributed moving image on a later date cannot receive a privilege.SOLUTION: A game program includes: a reception step for receiving, from a user, identification information corresponding to moving image content distributed to the user; a privilege selection step for selecting a privilege to be imparted to the user from a plurality of privileges on the basis of the identification information received in the reception step according to a progress status of the moving image content; and a privilege imparting step for imparting the privilege selected in the privilege selection step to the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a game program, an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in video distribution such as a live relay of a game tournament, a technique for giving in-game rewards to users who are watching in real time is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for providing a user-friendly game environment in which a user can smoothly input predictions in a prediction game. Patent Document 2 discloses a control method, an information processing apparatus, and a program of an information processing apparatus related to a service system in which a distribution platform and a content platform are linked to maintain a user's motivation for content generation and distribution.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a problem that in-game rewards are given only to users who are watching a live relay of video distribution (real-time viewing), and users who watch the distribution video at a later date cannot receive benefits. Therefore, the present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to motivate users to participate in the game by giving in-game benefits to both users who watch video content in real time and users who watch video content at a later date.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] A game program for causing a computer including a processor and a storage unit to execute, the game program including: a reception step of receiving, from a user, identification information corresponding to video content distributed to the user; a privilege selection step of selecting, according to the progress of the video content and based on the identification information received in the reception step, a privilege to be granted to the user from a plurality of privileges; and a privilege granting step of granting the privilege selected in the privilege selection step to the user.

Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, the user can enjoy the distribution of video content more and can be motivated to participate in the game.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to common components, and repeated explanations are omitted. Note that the following embodiments do not unduly limit the content of the present disclosure described in the claims. Also, not all of the components shown in the embodiments are essential components of the present disclosure. Also, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely.

[0009] <Configuration of Information Processing System 1> The information processing system 1 in the present disclosure is an information processing system that grants in-game privileges to both users who view video content in real time and users who view video content at a later date. The information processing system 1 includes information processing devices of the server 10 and the user terminal 20 connected via the network N. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the information processing system 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 10. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the user terminal 20.

[0010] Each information processing device is composed of a computer including an arithmetic unit and a storage unit. The basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer realized by the hardware configuration will be described later. For each of the server 10 and the user terminal 20, descriptions overlapping with the basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer described later will be omitted.

[0011] <Configuration of Server 10> The server 10 is an information processing device that provides a privilege granting service for granting in-game privileges to users who have watched video content in real time and also to users who have watched the video content at a later date. Note that the provided video content may be a so-called live relay that immediately distributes the captured video, or may be configured to distribute already recorded video content. In either case, the case where the viewer watches at the first distribution date and time is called real-time viewing, and the other cases are called later viewing. In the case of real-time viewing, the viewer cannot perform fast-forwarding, skipping, etc. of the video content, but in the case of later viewing, the viewer can immediately confirm the desired position of the video content by performing fast-forwarding, skipping, etc. of the video content. The server 10 includes a storage unit 101 and a control unit 104.

[0012] <Configuration of the Storage Unit 101 of Server 10> The storage unit 101 of the server 10 includes an application program 1011, a user table 1012, an object table 1013, a privilege application table 1014, a content table 1015, an event table 1016, and a privilege master 1017.

[0013] The application program 1011 is a program for causing the control unit 104 of the server 10 to function as each functional unit. The application program 1011 includes applications such as a web browser application.

[0014] The user table 1012 is a table that stores and manages information of member users (hereinafter referred to as users) who use the service. By registering for the use of the service, the information of the user is stored in a new record of the user table 1012. Thereby, the user can use the service according to the present disclosure. The user table 1012 is a table having columns of a user ID and a user name, with the user ID as the primary key. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of the user table 1012.

[0015] The user ID is an item that stores user identification information for identifying a user. The user identification information is an item for which a unique value is set for each user. The user name is an item that stores the name of the user. The user name may be set to any string such as a nickname instead of the real name.

[0016] The object table 1013 is a table for storing and managing information related to an object (object information). The object table 1013 is a table having columns of a user ID and an object ID. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the object table 1013.

[0017] The user ID is an item that stores user identification information for identifying a user. The object ID is an item that stores object identification information for identifying an object owned by a user specified by the user ID. Based on the object identification information, respective object information can be obtained by searching a table (not shown) that stores in-game characters, in-game items, in-game materials for generating in-game items, and the like.

[0018] The privilege application table 1014 is a table for storing and managing information related to privilege applications (privilege application information). The privilege application table 1014 is a table having columns of user ID, identification code, reception date and time, and valid flag. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the privilege application table 1014.

[0019] The user ID is an item for storing user identification information for identifying a user. The identification code is an item for storing the identification code information received from the user. The identification code information includes, in addition to a numerical sequence and a character string having a predetermined length, image information in which a character string such as a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark) is encoded. The user may be configured to accept only one unique piece of identification code information. That is, it may be configured such that the same identification code information cannot be received multiple times. The reception date and time is an item for storing the date and time when the identification code information was received from the user. The valid flag is an item for storing the validity of the identification code information received from the user. The identification code received by the privilege application process is stored with True as the default value, and when a privilege is granted to the user by the privilege granting process, a value of False is stored.

[0020] The content table 1015 is a table for storing and managing information related to content (content information). The content table 1015 is a table having columns of content ID, content name, event ID, streaming data, content data, and viewing period, with the content ID as the primary key. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the content table 1015.

[0021] The content ID is an item for storing content identification information for identifying content. The content name is an item for storing the name of the content. Any character string can be set as the content name. The event ID is an item that stores event identification information for identifying an event. The event identification information is an item for which a unique value is set for each event. The streaming data is an item that stores video content data when streaming video content. The content data is an item that stores video content data when distributing video content after the event ends. By providing the content data, it is possible to provide video content to the user even after the event ends. The viewing period is an item that stores information regarding the available period for viewing video content.

[0022] The event table 1016 is a table for storing and managing information related to an event (event information). The event table 1016 is a table having columns for the event ID, object ID, and holding period, with the event ID as the primary key. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the data structure of the event table 1016.

[0023] The event ID is an item that stores event identification information for identifying an event. The event identification information is an item for which a unique value is set for each event. The object ID is an item that stores object identification information for identifying an object. It may be configured such that a plurality of object IDs are associated and stored for each event ID. The holding period is an item that stores the holding period of the event. Specifically, it includes information on the start date and time and end date and time of the event. Based on the holding period, it is possible to determine whether the user watched the video content in real time during the event when watching the video content.

[0024] The privilege master 1017 is a table for storing and managing information related to privileges (privilege information). The privilege master 1017 is a table having columns of content ID, identification code, viewing conditions, and privilege content. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the data structure of the privilege master 1017.

[0025] The content ID is an item for storing content identification information for identifying content. The identification code is an item for storing identification code information. The viewing conditions are an item for storing information related to viewing conditions (viewing condition information). The viewing condition information stores information related to viewing conditions such as viewing during event held, viewing after event ends, and real-time viewing. Note that the viewing conditions may be configured to store the period during which the identification code is distributed by streaming for each identification code. In this case, instead of the unit of the event holding period, the privilege content can be changed for the range of the date and time when the identification code included in the video content is actually streamed. As the viewing conditions in the present disclosure, real-time viewing is performed when the identification code is received from the user within the date and time range during which the identification code is streamed, viewing during event held is performed when the identification code is received from the user within the date and time range of the event holding period, and viewing after event ends is performed when the identification code is received from the user within other date and time ranges. The viewing conditions may include viewing information related to the viewing status of the content to be viewed as a condition. The viewing information includes information related to the viewing status of the video-distributed content such as the number of viewers and the number of viewing times of the content. For example, when the number of viewers of the content is equal to or more than a predetermined number such as 10,000 people, a certain period such as 10 minutes after reaching the predetermined number or more may be included in the viewing conditions. The privilege content is an item for storing the content of the privilege for each identification code and viewing condition. For example, the content of the privilege may include the user newly possessing object information. The content of the privilege may include granting object information to the user. It may also include generating in-game items from predetermined in-game materials possessed by the user. The content of the privilege may include the content of the privilege granted to the in-game characters owned by the user. For example, the content of the privilege may include strengthening or weakening the performance values of the in-game characters owned by the user. The content of the privilege may include evolving the in-game characters owned by the user. The content of the privilege may include the content of the privilege granted to the in-game items owned by the user. For example, the content of the privilege may include strengthening or weakening the performance values of the in-game items owned by the user. The content of the privilege may include strengthening the in-game items owned by the user.

[0026] <Configuration of the control unit 104 of the server 10> The control unit 104 of the server 10 includes a user registration control unit 1041, a distribution unit 1042, and a privilege granting unit 1043. The control unit 104 realizes each functional unit by executing the application program 1011 stored in the storage unit 101.

[0027] The user registration control unit 1041 performs a process of storing information of a user who wishes to use the service according to the present disclosure in the user table 1012. The information stored in the user table 1012 is that the user opens a web page or the like operated by the service provider from an arbitrary information processing terminal, inputs information into a predetermined input form, and transmits it to the server 10. The user registration control unit 1041 stores the received information in a new record of the user table 1012, and the user registration is completed. Thereby, the user stored in the user table 1012 can use the service. Prior to the registration of the user information by the user registration control unit 1041 in the user table 1012, the service provider may perform a predetermined review to restrict the availability of the service by the user. The user ID may be any character string or number that can identify the user, any character string or number desired by the user, or the user registration control unit 1041 may automatically set any character string or number.

[0028] <Configuration of User Terminal 20> The user terminal 20 is an information processing device operated by a user who uses the service. The user terminal 20 may be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet, or may be a stationary PC (Personal Computer) or a laptop PC. It may also be a wearable terminal such as an HMD (Head Mount Display) or a wristwatch-type terminal. The user terminal 20 includes a storage unit 201, a control unit 204, an input device 206, and an output device 208.

[0029] <Configuration of Storage Unit 201 of User Terminal 20> The storage unit 201 of the user terminal 20 includes a user ID 2011 and an application program 2012.

[0030] The user ID 2011 is the user's account ID. The user transmits the user ID 2011 from the user terminal 20 to the server 10. The server 10 identifies the user based on the user ID 2011 and provides the service according to the present disclosure to the user. Note that the user ID 2011 includes information such as a session ID temporarily assigned by the server 10 for identifying the user using the user terminal 20.

[0031] The application program 2012 may be pre-stored in the storage unit 201, or may be configured to be downloaded from a web server or the like operated by a service provider via a communication IF. The application program 2012 includes applications such as a web browser application. The application program 2012 includes an interpreter-type programming language such as JavaScript (registered trademark) that is executed on the web browser application stored in the user terminal 20.

[0032] <Configuration of Control Unit 204 of User Terminal 20> The control unit 204 of the user terminal 20 includes an input control unit 2041, an output control unit 2042, and a privilege application unit 2043. By executing the user ID 2011 stored in the storage unit 201, the control unit 204 realizes each functional unit.

[0033] <Configuration of the input device 206 of the user terminal 20> The input device 206 of the user terminal 20 includes a camera 2061, a microphone 2062, a position information sensor 2063, a motion sensor 2064, and a touch device 2065.

[0034] <Configuration of the output device 208 of the user terminal 20> The output device 208 of the user terminal 20 includes a display 2081 and a speaker 2082.

[0035] <Operation of the information processing system 1> Hereinafter, each process of the information processing system 1 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the content distribution process. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the privilege application process. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the privilege granting process. FIG. 13 is an example of a screen showing the display screen of the video content distributed on the user terminal 20.

[0036] <Content distribution process> The content distribution process is a process of distributing video content obtained by shooting the situation of an event such as a game tournament. The user can check the current situation of the ongoing event and the situation of past events by viewing the video content.

[0037] <Outline of the content distribution process> A series of processes that receive identification information of video content to be viewed from a user, and when the current date and time are within the event holding period, transmit streaming data to the user terminal 20, and when the current date and time are outside the event holding period, transmit content data to the user terminal 20.

[0038] <Details of content distribution processing> The details of the content distribution processing will be described below.

[0039] In step S101, the user executes a web browser or the like stored in the user terminal 20 or another information processing terminal, and accesses the server 10 that provides the video content distribution service according to the present disclosure by inputting a predetermined URL. The URL includes a content ID for specifying the video content that the user desires to view.

[0040] In step S122, when the distribution unit 1042 of the server 10 receives an access from the user terminal 20, it specifies the content ID by referring to a table (not shown) or the like from a predetermined character string included in the URL. The distribution unit 1042 of the server 10 searches the content ID item of the content table 1015 based on the specified content ID to obtain the event ID. The distribution unit 1042 of the server 10 searches the event ID item of the event table 1016 based on the obtained event ID to obtain the holding period.

[0041] The distribution unit 1042 of the server 10 compares the current time with the holding period. When the current time is during the holding period, it searches the content ID item of the content table 1015 based on the specified content ID to obtain the streaming data. Note that the streaming data stores images of the event in progress taken by a camera (not shown).

[0042] The distribution unit 1042 of the server 10 compares the current time with the holding period. When the current time is outside the holding period, it searches the content ID item in the content table 1015 based on the specified content ID and acquires the content data. Note that the content data stores videos in which the state of the event is photographed, videos edited from the videos in which the state of the event is photographed, and the like.

[0043] In step S103, the server 10 transmits the acquired streaming data or content data (video content) to the user terminal 20. The display 2081 of the user terminal 20 displays the received video content. Thereby, the user can confirm the state of the held event through the video content on the display 2081 of the user terminal 20. In the present disclosure, the user executes the content distribution process using the user terminal 20. However, the content distribution process may be executed using any information processing terminal.

[0044] <Privilege application process> The privilege application process is a process in which a user who is viewing video content applies for a privilege associated with the video content.

[0045] <Overview of privilege application process> The privilege application process is a series of processes in which a user inputs an identification code included in video content from the user terminal and stores it as privilege application information.

[0046] <Details of privilege application process> The details of the privilege application process will be described below.

[0047] In step S301, the privilege application unit 2043 of the user terminal 20 executes a reception step of receiving, from the user, identification information corresponding to video content distributed to the user. The identification information corresponding to the video content may be in any form as long as it can be obtained by a user who has viewed the video content. A single video content may include a plurality of pieces of identification information. Specifically, the user checks the identification code included in the video content displayed on the display 2081 of the user terminal 20, and inputs the identification code by operating the input device 206 of the user terminal 20 or the like.

[0048] The reception step executes a step of receiving at least one selected identification information selected by the user from among a plurality of pieces of identification information corresponding to the video content. Specifically, FIG. 13 is an example screen of video content displayed on the display 2081 of the user terminal 20. Video content 60 is displayed and presented on the display 2081 of the user terminal 20. Object information 601, 602 such as in-game characters and in-game items is presented in the video content. In the present disclosure, the video content includes events related to a plurality of in-game characters in the video content. In the video content, a plurality of identification codes 611, 612 associated with the respective object information are presented in the vicinity of the object information 601, 602. That is, the user can participate in and apply for the privilege granting service according to the present disclosure by inputting the identification code arranged in the vicinity of the object information 601, 602 to the user terminal 20.

[0049] The reception step executes a step of receiving at least one selected identification information selected by the user from among a plurality of pieces of identification information included in the video content. Specifically, the user can select and input at least one of the identification codes 611 and 612 included in the video content 60. Note that the identification code that the user can input may be configured such that only one identification code can be input out of the multiple identification codes presented to the user at the same time.

[0050] The reception step executes a step of receiving at least one selected identification information selected by the user from among the multiple pieces of identification information presented to the user in association with each of the multiple in-game characters included in the video content. Specifically, the user may be configured to input the identification code 611 associated with one piece of object information 601 that the user likes out of the multiple pieces of object information 601 and 602, and not be able to input the other identification code 612.

[0051] The reception step executes a step of receiving, from the user, identification information based on the identification code included in the video content and visually presented to the user. Specifically, the user may be configured to input the identification code by operating the camera 2061 of the user terminal 20 to photograph the QR code (registered trademark) included in the video content 60.

[0052] The privilege application section 2043 of the user terminal 20 transmits a request including the user ID 2011 and the received identification code to the server 10. The control section 104 of the server 10 receives and accepts the request.

[0053] Note that the user may be configured to be able to input all the identification codes 611, 612,... associated with the multiple pieces of object information 601, 602,.... Also, it may be configured such that only a predetermined number of identification codes can be input out of the multiple identification codes 611, 612,.... For example, an operator who operates a privilege granting service according to the present disclosure distributes and delivers a plurality of identification codes 611, 612,... to users before the start of an event, and the users may input a predetermined number of identification codes 611, 612,... before the start of the event to participate in and apply for the privilege granting service according to the present disclosure.

[0054] In step S302, the control unit 104 of the server 10 stores the user ID 2011, the identification code, and the reception date and time of the request included in the received request in the user ID, identification code, and reception date and time items of a new record in the privilege application table 1014 of the server 10, respectively. Then, a value of True is stored in the valid flag item of the new record. Thereby, the application information of the user for the privilege granting service is stored.

[0055] In addition, when the control unit 104 of the server 10 receives a plurality of identification codes, it may be configured to store each identification code in a new record in the privilege application table 1014, respectively.

[0056] <Privilege Granting Process> The privilege granting process is a process of granting a privilege to a user who has applied for the privilege by the privilege application process.

[0057] <Overview of Privilege Granting Process> The privilege granting process is a series of processes that identify privilege application information for each user, identify the content viewed, identify the event associated with the content, identify the privilege content, and grant the privilege content to the user.

[0058] <Details of Privilege Granting Process> The details of the privilege granting process will be described below.

[0059] In step S501, the privilege granting unit 1043 of the server 10 identifies the privilege application information. Specifically, the privilege granting unit 1043 of the server 10 searches for records in which the value of True is stored in the valid flag item of the privilege application table 1014. That is, among the records stored in the privilege application table 1014, records for which the privilege granting process has not been completed are searched, and the items of user ID, identification code, and reception date and time are acquired and specified as privilege application information. Note that the privilege granting process may be configured to be executed periodically according to a predetermined time, day, day of the week, date of the month, date of the year, etc. In the present disclosure, for the sake of simplicity, the privilege granting process for a specific piece of privilege application information of 1 will be described, but the privilege granting process for other specified privilege application information is the same.

[0060] In step S502, the privilege granting unit 1043 of the server 10 searches for the item of the identification code in the privilege master 1017 based on the identification code included in the specified privilege application information, acquires the content ID, and specifies it. Thereby, it is possible to specify for which video content the user applied based on the associated identification code.

[0061] In step S503, the privilege granting unit 1043 of the server 10 searches for the item of the content ID in the content table 1015 based on the acquired content ID and acquires the event ID. The privilege granting unit 1043 of the server 10 searches for the item of the event ID in the event table 1016 based on the acquired event ID and acquires the holding period. The privilege granting unit 1043 of the server 10 compares the current date and time with the acquired holding period, and if the current date and time is within the holding period, the process ends. If the current date and time is outside the holding period, the process proceeds to step S504 and continues. Note that in the present disclosure, the privilege granting process is executed after the event for the privilege application information stored during the event, but it may also be configured to execute the privilege granting process during real-time viewing or during the event without waiting until the end of the event. In this case, since the user can receive the privilege granting during the event, the user can be more strongly motivated to participate in the event.

[0062] In step S504, the privilege granting unit 1043 of the server 10 executes a privilege selection step of selecting a privilege to be granted to the user from a plurality of privileges according to the progress status of the video content and based on the identification information received in the reception step. The privilege selection step executes a step of selecting a privilege to be granted to the user from a plurality of privileges according to the progress status of the video content and based on the selected identification information received in the reception step. Specifically, the privilege granting unit 1043 of the server 10 searches for the identification code and viewing condition items of the privilege master 1017 based on the identification code and reception date and time included in the privilege application information, and selects and acquires the privilege content. Specifically, based on the viewing condition items of the privilege master 1017, the privilege granting unit 1043 of the server 10 can select and specify different privilege contents according to whether the privilege application information specified in step S501 is any one of "real-time viewing", "viewing during event holding", and "viewing after event end".

[0063] Also, when the viewing condition includes viewing information related to the viewing status of the content as a condition, the viewing condition items of the privilege master 1017 may be searched based on the viewing information such as the number of viewers and the number of viewing times of the content, and the privilege content may be selected and acquired.

[0064] In step S504, the privilege selection step may execute a step of selecting a privilege to be granted to the user according to the progress status of the video content. Specifically, the operator who operates the privilege granting service according to the present disclosure can change the privilege content to be granted to the user according to the progress status of the event by updating the privilege master 1017 according to the progress status of the event. Thereby, the user can enjoy viewing the video content and applying for privilege granting more.

[0065] In step S504, the privilege selection step may execute a step of selecting a privilege related to the in-game character included in the video content.

[0066] For example, as an example, an event related to a game tournament of a battle game in which a plurality of in-game characters such as object information 601 and 602 fight against each other will be described. At this time, as the privilege content of the identification codes 611 and 612 in "real-time viewing", it may be possible to give the user the object information 601 and 602, respectively.

[0067] Thereby, the privilege selection step can execute a step of selecting, as a privilege to be given to the user, a privilege related to at least one in-game character among a plurality of in-game characters included in the video content, based on the selection identification information received in the reception step. That is, the privilege selection step executes a step of selecting, as a privilege to be given to the user, a privilege related to the in-game character associated with the selected selection identification information, based on the selection identification information received in the reception step.

[0068] It may be a step of selecting a first privilege to be given to the user when the identification information is received in the first period in the reception step, and a step of selecting a second privilege to be given to the user when the identification information is received in the second period in the reception step. The first period is a predetermined period during the distribution of the video content, the second period is a period other than the first period, and the first privilege may be a privilege having a more advantageous effect than the second privilege. That is, for one identification code, the privilege for "real-time viewing" may be more advantageous than the privilege for "viewing during event holding" or "viewing after event end". Also, the privilege for "viewing during event holding" may be more advantageous than the privilege for "viewing after event end". Thereby, it is possible to encourage the user to view the video content in real time. For example, when the privilege to be granted is the granting of object information to the user, the performance value of the object information granted for "real-time viewing" may be better than the performance value of the object information granted for "viewing during event held" or "viewing after event ends".

[0069] In step S504, the privilege selection step is a step of selecting, based on the selection identification information, the first privilege to be granted to the user when the identification information is received in the first period in the reception step, and when the identification information is received in the second period in the reception step, a step of not selecting, based on the selection identification information, the second privilege to be granted to the user is executed. Specifically, in a new record of the privilege master 1017, "identification code 611", "real-time viewing", and "granting of object information 601" are stored in the items of the identification code, viewing condition, and privilege content. Similarly, in a new record of the privilege master 1017, "identification code 612", "real-time viewing", and "granting of object information 602" are stored in the items of the identification code, viewing condition, and privilege content. Then, when the battle game ends, for example, when the in-game character related to the object information 601 wins, as the privilege content of the identification codes 611 and 612 in "viewing after event ends", the granting of the object information 601 to the user is respectively set. That is, for the user who views the video content after the event ends and executes the privilege application process, a configuration may be adopted in which only the object information 601 related to the winning in-game character is granted. For the user who views the video content after viewing the event, a configuration may be adopted in which the privilege content based on the identification information is not granted to the user. Specifically, in the new record of the privilege master 1017, the items of identification code, viewing conditions, and privilege content are stored with "identification code 611", "viewing after event end", and "granting of object information 601". Similarly, in the new record of the privilege master 1017, the items of identification code, viewing conditions, and privilege content are stored with "identification code 612", "viewing after event end", and "granting of object information 601". Similarly, privilege content regarding "viewing during event" may be set. Thereby, when applying for the privilege granting service according to the present disclosure based on the same identification code 612, different privileges will be granted to the user according to the date and time when the identification code is received. It can motivate the user to watch the video content in real time.

[0070] In step S504, the privilege granting unit 1043 of the server 10 may be configured to, in the case of a single user having a plurality of the same identification codes stored, identify the privilege content based on one identification code and ignore the other identification codes. That is, the user may be configured to be able to receive only the granting of one privilege content based on one identification code. Also, in the privilege application process, only the privilege application information of one identification code may be stored. Also, even in the case of a single user having a plurality of different identification codes stored, the privilege content may be identified based on one identification code and the other identification codes may be ignored. For example, when the user is executing the privilege application process based on identification code 611 and identification code 612, the privilege granting unit 1043 of the server 10 may be configured to identify the privilege content based on the identification code 611 received by the earliest privilege application process and ignore the other identification code 612. Specifically, the identification code 611 and the identification code 612 belong to a predetermined identification code group, and the privilege granting unit 1043 of the server 10 may be configured to identify the privilege content based on one of the plurality of identification codes belonging to the predetermined identification code group and ignore the other identification codes. The user needs to select a predetermined identification code from a plurality of identification codes, and the user can enjoy more services.

[0071] In step S505, the privilege granting unit 1043 of the server 10 executes a privilege granting step of granting the privilege selected in the privilege selection step to the user. The privilege granting unit 1043 of the server 10 grants a privilege to the user based on the privilege content specified in step S504. For example, in the case of a privilege content of granting predetermined object information to the user, in a new record of the object table 1013, the user ID of the user to whom the privilege is to be granted and the object ID related to the object information to be granted are associated and stored. Thereby, it is expressed that the user has acquired new object information. Thereby, the user has received the grant of the privilege content. After granting a privilege to the user, the privilege granting unit 1043 of the server 10 stores a value of False in the valid flag item of the target record in the privilege application table 1014. Thereby, it is stored that the processing of the privilege application information by the user is completed.

[0072] <Basic Hardware Configuration of Computer> FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a basic hardware configuration of a computer 90. The computer 90 includes at least a processor 901, a main storage device 902, an auxiliary storage device 903, and a communication IF 991 (Interface). These are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus 921.

[0073] The processor 901 is hardware for executing an instruction set described in a program. The processor 901 is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

[0074] The main memory device 902 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by programs and the like. For example, it is a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0075] The auxiliary storage device 903 is a storage device for storing data and programs. For example, it includes flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, semiconductor memory, and the like.

[0076] The communication IF 991 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for communicating with other computers via a network using wired or wireless communication standards. The network is composed of various mobile communication systems constructed by the Internet, LAN, wireless base stations, etc. For example, the network includes 3G, 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), wireless networks (e.g., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) that can be connected to the Internet by a predetermined access point, etc. When connecting wirelessly, communication protocols such as Z-Wave (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. are included. When connecting wired, the network also includes those directly connected by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, etc.

[0077] Note that all or part of each hardware configuration can be provided in a distributed manner among a plurality of computers 90 and connected to each other via a network to virtually realize the computer 90. In this way, the computer 90 is a concept that includes not only a single housing or a computer 90 housed in a case but also a virtualized computer system.

[0078] <Basic Functional Configuration of Computer 90> The functional configuration of a computer realized by the basic hardware configuration of computer 90 (Figure 14) will be described. The computer includes at least functional units of a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit.

[0079] Note that the functional units included in computer 90 can also be realized by dispersing all or part of each functional unit among a plurality of computers 90 interconnected by a network. Computer 90 is a concept that includes not only a single computer 90 but also a virtualized computer system.

[0080] The control unit is realized by the processor 901 reading out various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 903 and expanding them in the main storage device 902, and executing processing according to the programs. The control unit can realize a functional unit that performs various information processes according to the type of program. Thereby, the computer is realized as an information processing device that performs information processing.

[0081] The storage unit is realized by the main storage device 902 and the auxiliary storage device 903. The storage unit stores data, various programs, and various databases. Also, the processor 901 can secure a storage area corresponding to the storage unit in the main storage device 902 or the auxiliary storage device 903 according to the program. Further, the control unit can cause the processor 901 to execute processes of adding, updating, and deleting data stored in the storage unit according to various programs.

[0082] The database refers to a relational database and is for managing a set of data called a table, which is structurally defined by rows and columns, and a master, in association with each other. In a database, a table is called a table, a master, a column of a table is called a column, and a row of a table is called a record. In a relational database, the relationship between tables and masters can be set and associated. Normally, each table and each master has a column that serves as a primary key for uniquely identifying records, but setting the primary key for a column is not mandatory. The control unit can cause the processor 901 to add, delete, or update records in specific tables and masters stored in the storage unit according to various programs.

[0083] Note that the databases and masters in the present disclosure may include any data structure (such as a list, dictionary, associative array, object, etc.) in which information is structurally defined. The data structure shall also include data that can be regarded as a data structure by combining data with functions, classes, methods, etc. described in any programming language.

[0084] The communication unit is realized by the communication IF 991. The communication unit realizes the function of communicating with other computers 90 via a network. The communication unit can receive information transmitted from other computers 90 and input it to the control unit. The control unit can cause the processor 901 to perform information processing on the received information according to various programs. Also, the communication unit can transmit the information output from the control unit to other computers 90.

[0085] <Supplementary Note> The matters described in each of the above embodiments are appended below.

[0086] (Supplementary Note 1) A game program for causing a computer including a processor and a storage unit to execute: a reception step (S301) of receiving, from a user, identification information corresponding to video content distributed to the user; a privilege selection step (S504) of selecting, according to the progress status of the video content and based on the identification information received in the reception step, a privilege to be granted to the user from a plurality of privileges; and a privilege granting step (S505) of granting the privilege selected in the privilege selection step to the user. As a result, the user can be given benefits according to the progress of the video content based on the identification information included in the video content. Since the in-game benefits given change according to the progress of the video content, the distribution of the video content can be enjoyed more.

[0087] (Appendix 2) The reception step (S301) is a step of receiving at least one selected identification information selected by the user from among a plurality of identification information corresponding to the video content, and the privilege selection step (S504) is based on the selected identification information received in the reception step according to the progress of the video content. A game program according to Appendix 1, which is a step of selecting a privilege to be given to the user from a plurality of privileges. As a result, according to the identification information previously selected by the user, the user can be given in-game benefits, and the user can engage in real-time viewing of the video content with interest in selectively receiving which identification information.

[0088] (Appendix 3) The privilege selection step (S504) is a step of selecting a privilege related to an in-game character included in the video content, which is a game program according to Appendix 1. As a result, by giving the user an in-game privilege related to an in-game character included in the video content, both the video content and the game can be enjoyed. The user can be motivated to participate in the game.

[0089] (Appendix 4) The video content includes events related to a plurality of in-game characters in the video content. The reception step (S301) is a step of receiving at least one selected identification information selected by the user from among the plurality of identification information included in the video content. The privilege selection step (S504) is a step of selecting, as a privilege to be granted to the user, a privilege related to at least one in-game character among the plurality of in-game characters included in the video content based on the selected identification information received in the reception step. The game program according to Appendix 3. Accordingly, depending on the identification information selected by the user, the user can receive the granting of in-game privileges related to different in-game characters.

[0090] (Appendix 5) The reception step (S301) is a step of receiving at least one selected identification information selected by the user from among the plurality of identification information presented to the user in association with each of the plurality of in-game characters included in the video content. The privilege selection step (S504) is a step of selecting, as a privilege to be granted to the user, a privilege related to the in-game character associated with the selected identification information based on the selected identification information received in the reception step. The game program according to Appendix 1. Accordingly, the identification information is presented to the user in association with in-game characters such as Pokémon in the video content. When the user selects at least one selection event information among the identification information, the user can receive the granting of an in-game privilege related to the in-game character associated with the identification information.

[0091] (Appendix 6) The privilege selection step (S504) is a step of selecting a first privilege to be granted to the user when the identification information is received in the first period in the reception step, and is a step of selecting a second privilege to be granted to the user when the identification information is received in the second period in the reception step. The game program according to Appendix 1. Accordingly, by changing the in-game benefits granted according to the timing when the user inputs the identification information, it is possible to motivate the user to watch in real time and also grant in-game benefits to users who have missed the real-time viewing.

[0092] (Appendix 8) The reception step (301) is a step of receiving identification information from the user based on an identification code included in the video content and visually presented to the user. The first period is a predetermined period during which the identification code is being distributed, for the game program described in Appendix 7. Accordingly, the identification code is presented on the game distribution screen, and the user can receive the identification information by inputting the identification code.

[0093] (Appendix 9) The first benefit is a benefit having a more advantageous effect than the second benefit, for the game program described in Appendix 6. Accordingly, it is possible to motivate the user to watch the video content in real time.

[0094] (Appendix 10) The reception step (S301) is a step of receiving at least one selected identification information selected by the user from among a plurality of identification information included in the content. The benefit selection step (S504) is a step of selecting, based on the selected identification information, the first benefit to be granted to the user when the identification information is received in the first period, and not selecting, based on the selected identification information, the second benefit to be granted to the user when the identification information is received in the second period, for the game program described in Appendix 5. Accordingly, it is possible to motivate the user to watch the video content in real time. Also, for users who have missed the real-time viewing of the video content, it is possible to motivate their participation in the game by granting in-game benefits.

[0095] (Appendix 11) An information processing apparatus including a processor and a storage unit, wherein the processor executes a game program according to any one of Appendices 1 to 10. Accordingly, the user can be given a privilege according to the progress of the video content based on the identification information included in the video content. Since the in-game privilege changes according to the progress of the video content, the distribution of the video content can be enjoyed more.

[0096] (Appendix 12) An information processing system including an information processing apparatus including a processor and a storage unit, wherein the processor executes a game program according to any one of Appendices 1 to 10. Accordingly, the user can be given a privilege according to the progress of the video content based on the identification information included in the video content. Since the in-game privilege changes according to the progress of the video content, the distribution of the video content can be enjoyed more.

[0097] (Appendix 13) An information processing method executed by a computer including a processor and a storage unit, wherein the processor executes a game program according to any one of Appendices 1 to 10. Accordingly, the user can be given a privilege according to the progress of the video content based on the identification information included in the video content. Since the in-game privilege changes according to the progress of the video content, the distribution of the video content can be enjoyed more.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0098] 1 Information processing system, 10 Server, 101 Storage unit, 104 Control unit, 106 Input device, 108 Output device, 20 User terminal, 201 Storage unit, 204 Control unit, 206 Input device, 208 Output device

Claims

1. A game program for causing a computer including a processor and a storage unit to execute, a reception step of receiving, from a user, identification information corresponding to video content distributed to the user; a privilege selection step of selecting a privilege to be granted to the user from a plurality of privileges; a privilege granting step of granting the privilege selected in the privilege selection step to the user; and causing the above to be executed, wherein the privilege selection step selects a first privilege based on the identification information when the identification information is received in the first period in the reception step; and selects a second privilege not based on the identification information when the identification information is received in the second period in the reception step. This is the step. Game program.

2. The reception step is a step of receiving at least one selected identification information selected by the user from among a plurality of identification information corresponding to the video content, and the privilege selection step is a step of selecting a privilege to be granted to the user from a plurality of privileges based on the selected identification information received in the reception step. The game program according to claim 1.

3. The privilege selection step is a step of selecting a privilege related to in-game characters included in the video content. The game program according to claim 1.

4. The video content includes events related to a plurality of in-game characters in the video content, the reception step is a step of receiving at least one selected identification information selected by the user from among a plurality of identification information included in the video content, and the privilege selection step is a step of selecting, as a privilege to be granted to the user, a privilege related to at least one in-game character among a plurality of in-game characters included in the video content based on the selected identification information received in the reception step. The game program according to claim 3.

5. The reception step is a step of receiving at least one selected identification information selected by the user from among a plurality of identification information presented to the user in association with each of a plurality of in-game characters included in the video content. The privilege selection step is a step of selecting, as a privilege to be granted to the user, a privilege related to an in-game character associated with the selected selection identification information based on the selection identification information received in the reception step. The game program according to claim 1.

6. The first period is the real-time viewing period of the video content. The second period is a period other than the real-time viewing period of the video content. The game program according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A game program for causing a computer including a processor and a storage unit to execute, a reception step of receiving, from a user, identification information corresponding to video content distributed to the user; a privilege selection step of selecting a privilege to be granted to the user from a plurality of privileges; a privilege granting step of granting the privilege selected in the privilege selection step to the user; to execute, The privilege selection step is when the identification information is received during the real-time viewing period of the video content in the reception step, selecting a first privilege based on the identification information; when the identification information is received during a period other than the real-time viewing period of the video content in the reception step, selecting a second privilege not based on the identification information; a step. Game program.

8. The reception step is a step of receiving, from the user, identification information based on an identification code included in the video content and visually presented to the user. The game program according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7.

9. The first privilege is a privilege having a more advantageous effect than the second privilege. The game program according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7.

10. An information processing apparatus including a processor and a storage unit, causing the processor to execute the game program according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7. Information processing apparatus.

11. An information processing system including an information processing apparatus including a processor and a storage unit, causing the processor to execute the game program according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7. Information processing system.

12. An information processing method executed by a computer including a processor and a storage unit, Causing the processor to execute the game program according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7 Information processing method

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