Information systems and methods of operating information systems

Abstract

To reflect the situations in which a user has been utilizing various mutually different information services, in an exterior appearance of an avatar of the user.SOLUTION: A control system is equipped with: a first information acquisition section for acquiring first information if a first condition is established when a user utilizes a first information service, from a first system providing the first information service; a second information acquisition section for acquiring second information if a second condition is established when a user utilizes a second information service, from a second system providing the second information service different from the first information service; and an avatar processing section for applying one or more objects out of a plurality of objects including a first object corresponding to the first information and a second object corresponding to the second information, to an avatar representing the user in exchange services.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to technology that utilizes avatars that represent users. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, in social networking services such as SNS (Social Networking Service), avatars are used to represent each user. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for detecting the behavior of a user and generating an avatar with an appearance according to the detection result. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6102939 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, with the recent development of information and communication technology, a variety of information services, such as social networking sites (SNS) and game services, are provided to users. In Patent Document 1, only the results of detecting the user's actual behavior are reflected in the avatar, and the user's history of using various different information services is not reflected in the avatar. In consideration of the above, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to reflect the user's usage history of various different information services in the appearance of the user's avatar. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first information acquisition unit that acquires first information from a first system that provides a first information service when a first condition is met in a user's use of the first information service, a second information acquisition unit that acquires second information from a second system that provides a second information service different from the first information service when a second condition is met in the user's use of the second information service, and an avatar processing unit that applies one or more objects from a plurality of objects including a first object corresponding to the first information and a second object corresponding to the second information to an avatar representing the user in an interaction service.

[0006] An information system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a first system that provides a first information service, a second system that provides a second information service different from the first information service, and a control system that provides an interaction service, wherein the first system transmits first information to the control system when a first condition is met in a user's use of the first information service, and the second system transmits second information to the control system when a second condition is met in the user's use of the second information service, and the control system includes a first information acquisition unit that acquires the first information from the first system, a second information acquisition unit that acquires the second information from the second system, and an avatar processing unit that applies one or more objects from a plurality of objects including a first object corresponding to the first information and a second object corresponding to the second information to an avatar representing the user in the interaction service.

[0007] A method of operating a control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes obtaining first information from a first system that provides a first information service when a first condition is met in a user's use of the first information service, obtaining second information from a second system that provides a second information service different from the first information service when a second condition is met in the user's use of the second information service, and applying one or more objects from a plurality of objects including a first object corresponding to the first information and a second object corresponding to the second information to an avatar representing the user in a social networking service.

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer system to function as a first information acquisition unit that acquires first information from a first system that provides a first information service when a first condition is met in a user's use of the first information service, a second information acquisition unit that acquires second information from a second system that provides a second information service different from the first information service when a second condition is met in the user's use of the second information service, and an avatar processing unit that applies one or more objects from a plurality of objects including a first object corresponding to the first information and a second object corresponding to the second information to an avatar representing the user in a social interaction service. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an exchange screen related to an exchange service (profile service). [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an exchange screen relating to an exchange service (chat service). [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exchange screen related to an exchange service (virtual space service). [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a setting screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game server. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information system. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a registration process. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation when a user starts a game. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of an operation relating to setting of an avatar. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart of an operation relating to an exchange service. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an operation performed by the information system. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an operation executed by the information system of the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an operation executed by the information system of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below include various technically suitable limitations. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments exemplified below.

[0011] [First embodiment] 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an information system 100 according to a first embodiment. The information system 100 is a computer system for providing various services to each of a plurality of terminal devices 30 using a communication network (not shown) such as the Internet. Each terminal device 30 is, for example, a portable information device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, or a portable or stationary information device such as a personal computer. Note that a dedicated portable or stationary game console dedicated to playing games may also be used as the terminal device 30.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the terminal device 30. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the terminal device 30 includes a control device 31, a storage device 32, a communication device 33, an operation device 34, and a display device 35. The terminal device 30 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a plurality of devices configured separately from each other.

[0013] The control device 31 is one or more processors that control each element of the terminal device 30. Specifically, the control device 31 is configured by one or more types of processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The communication device 33 communicates with the information system 100 via a communication network.

[0014] The storage device 32 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 31 and various data used by the control device 31. For example, a known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media, is used as the storage device 32. Note that, for example, a portable recording medium that is detachable from the terminal device 30, or a recording medium to which the control device 31 can write or read via a communication network (for example, cloud storage) may also be used as the storage device 32.

[0015] The operation device 34 is an input device that accepts operations by the user U. For example, an operator operated by the user U or a touch panel that detects contact by the user U is used as the operation device 34. The display device 35 displays various images under the control of the control device 31. For example, various display panels such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL panel are used as the display device 35.

[0016] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the information system 100 includes a control system 10 and multiple game servers 20[n] (n is a natural number). The control system 10 communicates with each game server 20[n] and each terminal device 30 via a communication network. Each game server 20[n] communicates with the control system 10 and each terminal device 30 via a communication network. The game server 20[n] is a computer system that allows a user U of each terminal device 30 to play a game G[n]. The game G[n] may be any type of computer game.

[0017] The control system 10 provides an interaction service to each terminal device 30. The interaction service is a service in which multiple users U interact with each other. Figures 3 to 5 are explanatory diagrams of the interaction service. Figures 3 to 5 show an image Qa (hereinafter referred to as the "interaction screen") displayed on the display device 35 of each terminal device 30 in the interaction service. As illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, an avatar Av of each user U is used in the interaction service. The avatar Av is an object (e.g., a character) that represents the user U in the interaction service. The appearance of the avatar Av differs for each user U. The interaction service of the first embodiment includes a profile service, a chat service, and a virtual space service.

[0018] 3 is a schematic diagram of the interaction screen Qa1 of the profile service. The profile service is an interaction service in which each user U refers to the profiles of other users U. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the interaction screen Qa1 displays the profile of each user U along with the avatar Av of that user U.

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication screen Qa2 of a chat service. The chat service is a communication service in which multiple users U exchange arbitrary messages with each other. As illustrated in Figure 4, the communication screen Qa2 displays the avatar Av of each user U along with a chronological order of messages entered by each user U in sequence.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the interaction screen Qa3 of the virtual space service. The virtual space service is an interaction service in which multiple users U interact with each other in a virtual space. As illustrated in FIG. 5, on the interaction screen Qa3, avatars Av of the multiple users U are displayed in the virtual space. The multiple avatars Av operate in the virtual space in response to instructions from the user U via the operation device 34. For example, the avatar Av of each user U interacts with the avatars Av of other users U in the virtual space. As can be understood from the above example, the avatar Av of each user U is an object that represents the user U in the interaction service.

[0021] The control system 10 also displays an image (hereinafter referred to as a "setting screen") Qb on the display device 35 of each terminal device 30, which allows each user U to set their own avatar Av. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the setting screen Qb (Qb1, Qb2, Qb3). As illustrated in FIG. 6, a setting screen Qb is displayed for each of the multiple body parts (clothes / shoes / hairstyle) that make up the body of the avatar Av. The setting screen Qb for each body part is a screen that allows the user U to select one of multiple objects (hereinafter referred to as a "candidate object") Oc that can be applied to that body part.

[0022] The candidate objects Oc are elements that change the appearance of the avatar Av when applied to the user U's avatar Av. For example, each candidate object Oc related to "clothes" on the setting screen Qb1 is an item representing clothing to be worn by the avatar Av. Each candidate object Oc related to "shoes" on the setting screen Qb2 is an item representing footwear to be worn by the avatar Av. Furthermore, each candidate object Oc related to "hairstyle" on the setting screen Qb3 is an object representing the hairstyle, which is a part of the avatar Av's body.

[0023] A user U of the terminal device 30 can select one of a plurality of candidate objects Oc for each body part of the avatar Av. As illustrated in Fig. 6, the candidate object Oc (hereinafter referred to as "valid object") selected by the user U is applied to each body part of the avatar Av. As can be understood from the above explanation, the appearance of the avatar Av of each user U is set to correspond to the combination of valid objects selected by the user U for each body part.

[0024] The multiple candidate objects Oc selectable by the user U are divided into normal objects Oa and special objects Ob[n]. The special objects Ob[n] are candidate objects Oc that the user U is permitted to apply to the avatar Av when a specific condition (hereinafter referred to as the "unlocking condition") C[n] is met in each game G[n]. On the other hand, the normal objects Oa are candidate objects Oc that are permitted to be applied to the avatar Av even when the unlocking condition C[n] is not met.

[0025] As can be understood from the above explanation, when the unlocking condition C[n] is not satisfied in any of the multiple games G[n], multiple candidate objects Oc including only the normal object Oa are selectively applied to the avatar Av as valid objects. That is, the normal object Oa is the initial or constant candidate object Oc. On the other hand, when the unlocking condition C[n] is satisfied in any of the multiple games G[n], multiple candidate objects Oc including the normal object Oa and the special object Ob[n] of that game G[n] are selectively applied to the avatar Av as valid objects. That is, the unlocking condition C[n] of each game G[n] is a condition for permitting the user U to use the special object Ob[n] specific to that game G[n].

[0026] The special object Ob[n] corresponding to each game G[n] is an object with an appearance corresponding to that game G[n]. For example, an object with an appearance similar to a character appearing in the game G[n] or an object with an appearance related to the worldview or impression of the game G[n] is prepared as the special object Ob[n] of that game G[n]. For example, if heart marks are frequently used in the game G[n1], a heart mark is added to the special object Ob[n1] corresponding to the game G[n1], as illustrated in FIG. 6. On the other hand, if star marks are frequently used in the game G[n2] (n1 ≠ n2), a star mark is added to the special object Ob[n2] corresponding to the game G[n2], as illustrated in FIG. 6. In other words, the special object Ob[n] is an object with an appearance that reminds many users U of a specific game G[n]. As can be understood from the above explanation, the special object Ob[n] is expressed as an object unique to each game G[n]. For example, for a baseball game, special objects Ob[n] related to baseball such as baseball uniforms or baseball equipment are prepared, and for a soccer game, special objects Ob[n] related to soccer such as soccer uniforms or soccer equipment are prepared.

[0027] Each game server 20[n] in FIG. 1 is a computer system that provides a game service to each terminal device 30. The game service provided by the game server 20[n] is an information service that allows users U to play games G[n]. Each user U selectively plays a plurality of games G[n] provided by different game servers 20[n]. Each of the plurality of games G[n] is, for example, a computer game with a different title. The title is identification information assigned to each game G[n] to identify that game, and typically refers to the title (name) of the game.

[0028] Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game server 20[n]. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the game server 20[n] is a computer system including a control device 21, a storage device 22, and a communication device 23. The game server 20[n] may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

[0029] The control device 21 is configured, for example, by one or more processors that control each element of the game server 20[n]. Specifically, the control device 21 is configured by one or more types of processors, such as a CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC. The communication device 23 communicates with the control system 10 and each terminal device 30.

[0030] The storage device 22 is one or more memories that store the programs executed by the control device 21 and various data used by the control device 21. For example, a known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media, is used as the storage device 22. [n] Alternatively, the storage device 22 may be a portable storage medium that can be attached to or detached from the storage device 22, or a storage medium that the control device 21 can write to or read from via a communication network (for example, cloud storage).

[0031] The storage device 22 of each game server 20[n] stores game data Dg[n] for each of multiple users U. The game data Dg[n] is data related to the game G[n]. Specifically, the game data Dg[n] includes various information such as the ability values ​​of the characters used by the user U, or the user U's play history of the game G[n].

[0032] The storage device 22 of the first embodiment also stores condition data Dc[n]. The condition data Dc[n] is a data table in which correspondence between each of a plurality of unlocking conditions C[n] (C[n]-1, C[n]-2, ...) related to the game G[n] and each of a plurality of pieces of identification information Cid[n] (Cid[n]-1, Cid[n]-2, ...) is registered. The identification information Cid[n] is a code string for identifying each unlocking condition C[n].

[0033] As described above, the unlocking conditions C[n] are conditions that can be met in the process of the user U playing the game G[n]. For example, various conditions are specified as the unlocking conditions C[n], such as the ability score of the character used by the user U in the game G[n] reaching a predetermined value, the user U completing a predetermined event in the game G[n], or the user U achieving a predetermined result in the game G[n]. The content or total number of the unlocking conditions C[n] specified by the condition data Dc[n] differs for each game G[n]. As can be understood from the above explanation, multiple different unlocking conditions C[n] are stored in the storage device 22 for one type of game G[n].

[0034] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the information system 100. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the game server 20 [n] The control device 21 executes a program stored in the storage device 22 to realize a plurality of functions (an information processing unit 211 and a condition determining unit 212).

[0035] The information processing unit 211 transmits the game data Dg[n] of the user U to the terminal device 30 of the user U. The control device 31 of the terminal device 30 applies the game data Dg[n] to progress through the game G[n]. When play of the game G[n] ends, the control device 31 transmits result data Dr[n] from the communication device 33 to the game server 20[n]. The result data Dr[n] represents the results of the user U's play of the game G[n]. Specifically, the result data Dr[n] includes the user U's identification information Uid and a play result R[n]. The play result R[n] represents various information, such as the ability values ​​of the character used by the user U in the game G[n], the events the user U conquered in the game G[n], or the results the user U achieved in the game G[n]. The communication device 23 of the game server 20[n] receives the result data Dr[n] from the terminal device 30. The information processing unit 211 uses the result data Dr[n] to update the game data Dg[n].

[0036] The condition determination unit 212 determines whether each unlocking condition C[n] specified by the condition data Dc[n] is met. Specifically, the condition determination unit 212 determines whether each unlocking condition C[n] is met by using the result data Dr[n] (specifically, the play result R[n]) received from the terminal device 30. In other words, the result data Dr[n] is used both to update the game data Dg[n] and to determine whether the unlocking condition C[n] is met.

[0037] For example, the condition determination unit 212 determines whether the unlocking condition C[n], that is, the character's ability value exceeds a predetermined value, is fulfilled by referencing the character's ability value indicated by the play result R[n] of the result data Dr[n]. The condition determination unit 212 also determines whether the unlocking condition C[n], that is, the user U conquers a predetermined event in the game G[n], is fulfilled by referencing the achievements indicated by the play result R[n] of the result data Dr[n]. The condition determination unit 212 determines whether the unlocking condition C[n], that is, the user U achieves a predetermined achievement in the game G[n], is fulfilled by referencing the achievements indicated by the play result R[n] of the result data Dr[n]. In other words, the result data Dr[n] can also be expressed as information for determining whether the unlocking condition C[n] is fulfilled.

[0038] When the condition determination unit 212 determines that the unlocking condition C[n] has been met, it transmits notification data X[n] from the communication device 13 to the control system 10. The notification data X[n] is information representing the unlocking condition C[n] that has been met in the game G[n]. Specifically, the notification data X[n] includes the identification information Uid of the user U and the identification information Cid[n] of the unlocking condition C[n] that has been met in the game G[n]. The identification information Cid[n] is information associated with the unlocking condition C[n] in the condition data Dc[n]. As can be understood from the above explanation, the game server 20[n] determines whether each unlocking condition C[n] has been met, and transmits the notification data X[n] to the control system 10 when it determines that the unlocking condition C[n] has been met. That is, the notification data X[n] is data for notifying the control system 10 that the unlocking condition C[n] has been met as a result of the user U playing the game G[n].

[0039] Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control system 10. As illustrated in Fig. 9, the control system 10 is a computer system including a control device 11, a storage device 12, and a communication device 13. The control system 10 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

[0040] The control device 11 is configured, for example, by one or more processors that control each element of the control system 10. Specifically, the control device 11 is configured by one or more types of processors, such as a CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC. The communication device 13 communicates with each game server 20[n] and each terminal device 30.

[0041] The storage device 12 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 11 and various data used by the control device 11. For example, a known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media, is used as the storage device 12. Note that a portable recording medium that is detachable from the control system 10, or a recording medium to which the control device 11 can write or read data via a communication network (e.g., cloud storage) may also be used as the storage device 12.

[0042] The storage device 12 stores user data Z for each of multiple users U. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the user data Z for each user U includes the user U's identification information Uid, candidate data Za, and application data Zb. The candidate data Za specifies one or more candidate objects Oc selectable by the user U on the setting screen Qb. Specifically, the candidate data Za includes the identification information Oid of each candidate object Oc. The application data Zb specifies one or more valid objects actually selected by the user U on the setting screen Qb. Specifically, the application data Zb includes the identification information Oid of each valid object. The application data Zb can also be described as data representing the candidate objects Oc applied to the user U's avatar Av.

[0043] The storage device 12 also stores registration data E. As illustrated in Fig. 9, the registration data E is a data table in which correspondence between unlocking conditions C[n] and special objects Ob[n] for each of a plurality of games G[n] is registered. Specifically, the registration data E associates identification information Cid[n] (Cid[n]-1, Cid[n]-2, ...) of each of the plurality of unlocking conditions C[n] with identification information Oid[n] (Oid[n]-1, Oid[n]-2, ...) of the special object Ob[n] that is permitted to be selected when the unlocking condition C[n] is satisfied.

[0044] 8, the control device 11 of the control system 10 realizes multiple functions (an authentication processing unit 111, an information acquisition unit 112, an avatar processing unit 113, and an exchange management unit 114) by executing a program stored in the storage device 12. The authentication processing unit 111 executes authentication processing for a user U of each terminal device 30. The authentication processing is processing to confirm that the user U is a legitimate user who has been registered in advance.

[0045] The information acquisition unit 112 acquires notification data X[n] from each game server 20[n]. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 112 receives the notification data X[n] transmitted from each game server 20[n] via the communication device 13. As described above, the notification data X[n] is transmitted from the game server 20[n] when the unlocking condition C[n] is met. Therefore, the information acquisition unit 112 acquires the notification data X[n] from the game server 20[n] when the unlocking condition C[n] is met in the game G[n] played by the user U. In addition, the information acquisition unit 112 registers the special object Ob[n] corresponding to the unlocking condition C[n] represented by the notification data X[n] as one of multiple candidate objects Oc selectable by the user U.

[0046] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the detailed procedure of a process (hereinafter referred to as "registration process") executed by the information acquisition unit 112 of the control system 10. The registration process is repeated, for example, at predetermined time intervals.

[0047] When the registration process starts, the information acquisition unit 112 determines whether the communication device 13 has received notification data X[n] from any of the multiple game servers 20[n] (Sb141). If the communication device 13 has not received notification data X[n] (Sb141: NO), the information acquisition unit 112 ends the registration process.

[0048] On the other hand, when notification data X[n] is received (Sb141: YES), the information acquisition unit 112 identifies (Sb142) the identification information Oid[n] corresponding to the identification information Cid[n] included in the notification data X[n] from among the multiple pieces of identification information Oid registered in the registration data E. That is, the special object Ob[n] corresponding to the unlocking condition C[n] notified of its fulfillment by the notification data X[n] is identified.

[0049] The information processing unit 211 identifies the user data Z corresponding to the identification information Uid included in the notification data X[n] from the storage device 12 (Sb143). That is, the user data Z of the user U for whom the unlocking condition C[n] is satisfied is identified. Note that the order of identifying the identification information Oid[n] (Sb142) and identifying the user data Z (Sb143) may be reversed.

[0050] The information processing unit 211 adds the identification information Oid[n] identified in step Sa2 to the candidate data Za of the user data Z identified in step Sb143 (Sb144). That is, the special object Ob[n] corresponding to the unlocking condition C[n] established by the user U playing the game G[n] is added as a candidate object Oc selectable by the user U. This completes the registration process.

[0051] The avatar processing unit 113 in Figure 8 manages the avatar Av of each user U. Specifically, the avatar processing unit 113 adds, to the application data Zb, the identification information Oid of the candidate object Oc selected by the user U on the setting screen Qb from among multiple candidate objects Oc specified by the candidate data Za in the user data Z. That is, the candidate object Oc selected by the user U is applied to the avatar Av of the user U as a valid object. Furthermore, the avatar processing unit 113 generates an image of the avatar Av of the user U in the interaction service by applying one or more valid objects selected by the user U to the initial avatar Av.

[0052] The communication management unit 114 provides the above-mentioned communication service to each terminal device 30. Specifically, the communication management unit 114 transmits image data of the communication screen Qa (Qa1, Qa2, Qa3) illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 to the terminal device 30, thereby causing the communication screen Qa to be displayed on the display device 35. As described above, the communication screen Qa displays the avatar Av configured by the avatar processing unit 113.

[0053] 11 is a flowchart of the processing executed by the terminal device 30 and the information system 100 when the user U starts playing the game G[n]. When the user U instructs the start of an action by operating the operation device 34, the control device 31 of the terminal device 30 transmits an authentication request from the communication device 33 to the control system 10 (Sa11). The authentication request includes the identification information Uid of the user U.

[0054] The control device 11 of the control system 10 receives an authentication request transmitted from the terminal device 30 via the communication device 13 (Sb11). The control device 11 executes authentication processing using the identification information Uid included in the authentication request (Sb12). Specifically, the control device 11 determines the legitimacy of the user U based on whether or not user data Z including the identification information Uid in the authentication request is stored in the storage device 12. The control device 11 transmits the result of the authentication processing (hereinafter referred to as the "authentication result") from the communication device 13 to the requesting terminal device 30 (Sb13). The control device 11 executes the above processes (Sb11 to Sb13) to implement the authentication processing unit 111.

[0055] The control device 31 of the terminal device 30 receives the authentication result sent by the control system 10 via the communication device 33 (Sa12). If the authentication result is successful, the control device 31 accepts a selection of one of multiple games G[n] from the user U (Sa13). The control device 31 transmits an information request from the communication device 33 to the game server 20[n] of the game G[n] selected by the user U (Sa14). The information request includes the user U's identification information Uid.

[0056] The control device 21 of the game server 20[n] receives the information request via the communication device 23 (Sc11). The control device 21 transmits the game data Dg[n] of the user U to the terminal device 30 that originated the request (Sc12). Specifically, the control device 21 acquires the game data Dg[n] corresponding to the identification information Uid in the information request from the storage device 22, and transmits the game data Dg[n] from the communication device 23 to the terminal device 30 that originated the request. The information processing unit 211 is realized by the control device 21 executing the above processes (Sc11, Sc12).

[0057] The control device 31 of the terminal device 30 receives the game data Dg[n] via the communication device 33 (Sa15). The control device 31 applies the game data Dg[n] to control the progress of the game G[n] (Sa16). Specifically, the control device 31 progresses the game G[n] in response to instructions from the user U via the operation device 34. Note that if the authentication result is unsuccessful, the exchange of information requests (Sa14, Sc11) and the exchange of game data Dg[n] (Sa15, Sc12) are not executed. As can be understood from the above explanation, in the first embodiment, game services related to each game G[n] are provided to the user U on the condition that the authentication process by the control system 10 is successful. In other words, by successfully completing a single authentication process by the control system 10, the user U can selectively play multiple games G[n]. Therefore, compared to a configuration requiring individual authentication processes for each game G[n], the user U can play each game G[n] through a simple procedure. As can be understood from the above explanation, the control system 10 is a portal server that controls a plurality of game servers 20[n].

[0058] The user U can instruct the game G[n] to end by operating the operation device 34. When the user U finishes playing the game G[n], the control device 31 of the terminal device 30 transmits the result data Dr[n] to the game server 20[n] (Sa17). As described above, the result data Dr[n] includes the identification information Uid and the play result R[n].

[0059] The control device 21 of the game server 20[n] receives the result data Dr[n] via the communication device 23 (Sc13). The control device 21 determines whether each unlocking condition C[n] specified by the condition data Dc[n] is met for the user U (Sc14). Specifically, the control device 21 determines whether each unlocking condition C[n] is met by referring to the play result R[n] of the result data Dr[n]. If the control device 21 determines that any one of the unlocking conditions C[n] specified by the condition data Dc[n] is met, the control device 21 transmits notification data X[n] to the control system 10 via the communication device 23 (Sc15). The control device 21 executes the above processes (Sc13 to Sc15), thereby realizing the condition determination unit 212 of FIG. 8. Note that if none of the unlocking conditions C[n] is met, the notification data X[n] is not transmitted to the control system 10.

[0060] The control device 11 of the control system 10 executes the registration process illustrated in Fig. 10 (Sb14). Specifically, the control device 11 adds the special object Ob[n] corresponding to the unlocking condition C[n] that has been met for the user U as a candidate object Oc for the user U. That is, the control device 11 functions as the information acquisition unit 112 of Fig. 8.

[0061] 12 is a flowchart of the operation related to setting the avatar Av. When the user U instructs the setting of the avatar Av by operating the operation device 34, the control device 31 of the terminal device 30 transmits a setting request from the communication device 33 to the control system 10 (Sa21). The setting request includes the identification information Uid of the user U.

[0062] The control device 11 of the control system 10 receives a setting request via the communication device 13 (Sb21). The control device 11 transmits a display instruction for the setting screen Qb from the communication device 13 to the requesting terminal device 30 (Sb22). Specifically, the control device 11 identifies the user data Z corresponding to the identification information Uid in the setting request from the storage device 12, and transmits the candidate data Za included in the user data Z to the terminal device 30 as a display instruction for the setting screen Qb. The control device 31 of the terminal device 30 receives the display instruction including the candidate data Za via the communication device 33 (Sa22). The control device 31 causes the display device 35 to display the setting screen Qb of FIG. 6 including the plurality of candidate objects Oc specified by the candidate data Za (Sa23). Note that the image of each candidate object Oc is displayed using, for example, image data stored in advance in the storage device 32 of the terminal device 30 or image data received from the control system 10 together with the candidate data Za.

[0063] Through the above-described registration process, a special object Ob[n] corresponding to the fulfilled unlocking condition C[n] is registered in the candidate data Za. Therefore, the multiple candidate objects Oc displayed on the setting screen Qb include not only multiple normal objects Oa but also special objects Ob[n] corresponding to the fulfilled unlocking condition C[n], as illustrated in FIG. 6 . The user U operates the operation device 34 to select a desired candidate object Oc from the multiple candidate objects Oc for each body part of the avatar Av. Specifically, the user U can select one of the multiple candidate objects Oc, including the normal object Oa and the special object Ob[n]. The control device 31 accepts the user U's selection of the candidate object Oc (Sa24). The control device 31 transmits a selection notification to the control system 10 via the communication device 33 (Sa25). The selection notification includes identification information Oid of one or more candidate objects Oc selected by the user U.

[0064] The control device 11 of the control system 10 receives the selection notification via the communication device 13 (Sb23). The control device 11 updates the application data Zb of the user U in accordance with the result of the user U's selection of the candidate object Oc (Sb24). For example, when a new candidate object Oc is selected for each body part of the avatar Av, the control device 11 adds the identification information Oid of the candidate object Oc to the application data Zb. Furthermore, when an existing candidate object Oc for each body part of the avatar Av is changed, the control device 11 changes the identification information Oid in the application data Zb to the identification information Oid of the changed candidate object Oc. In other words, the candidate object Oc selected by the user U is set as the valid object. The avatar processing unit 113 is realized by the control device 11 executing the above processes (Sb23, Sb24).

[0065] 13 is a flowchart of the operation related to the interaction service. When the user U instructs the start of a desired interaction service by operating the operation device 34, the control device 31 of the terminal device 30 transmits a request to start the interaction service from the communication device 33 to the control system 10 (Sa31). The start request includes the identification information Uid of the user U.

[0066] The control device 11 of the control system 10 receives the start request via the communication device 13 (Sb31). The control device 11 generates an image of the avatar Av of the user U (Sb32). Specifically, the control device 11 obtains the application data Zb of the user data Z corresponding to the identification information Uid in the start request from the storage device 12. The control device 11 generates the avatar Av of the user U by applying one or more valid objects indicated by the identification information Oid specified by the application data Zb to the initial avatar Av. In other words, the control device 11 functions as an avatar processing unit 113 that applies the valid objects to the avatar Av of the user U.

[0067] The timing at which the avatar Av of the user U is generated is not limited to the above example. For example, the control device 11 may generate the avatar Av of the user U at the stage when the application data Zb of the user U is updated in the process illustrated in FIG. 12 (for example, immediately after step Sb24). Also, the process of generating an image of the avatar Av of the user U is not necessarily required. For example, assuming a social interaction service in which a three-dimensional avatar Av is placed in a virtual space as illustrated in FIG. 5, the control device 11 may identify part data of the body part indicated by the identification information Oid specified by the application data Zb and register the part data for the user U, thereby generating a 3D model of the avatar Av.

[0068] The control device 11 causes the requesting terminal device 30 to display the communication screen Qa including the avatar Av of the user U (Sb33). Specifically, the control device 11 transmits image data of the communication screen Qa including the avatar Av of the user U from the communication device 13 to the terminal device 30. The control device 31 of the terminal device 30 receives an instruction to display the communication screen Qa via the communication device 33 (Sa32), and causes the display device 35 to display the communication screen Qa represented by the image data (Sa33). That is, the communication screens Qa (Qa1 to Qa3) exemplified in FIGS. 3 to 5 are displayed on the display device 35. The operations of the information system 100 and the terminal device 30 have been described above.

[0069] As illustrated in FIG. 14, assume that a user U plays two different games G[n] (G[n1], G[n2]) (n1 and n2 are different natural numbers). The game server 20[n1] provides a game service that allows the user U to play the game G[n1]. The game server 20[n2] provides a game service that allows the user U to play the game G[n2].

[0070] When the unlocking condition C[n1] is satisfied while the user U is playing the game G[n1], the game server 20[n1] transmits notification data X[n1] specifying the unlocking condition C[n1] to the control system 10. The control device 11 (information acquisition unit 112) of the control system 10 acquires the notification data X[n1] from the game server 20[n1]. That is, the control device 11 acquires the notification data X[n1] from the game server 20[n1] that provides the game service of the game G[n1] when the unlocking condition C[n1] is satisfied while using the game service. The above functions realized by the control device 11 correspond to a "first information acquisition unit," and the notification data X[n1] is an example of "first information." Furthermore, the game server 20[n1] is an example of a "first system," and the game service of the game G[n1] is an example of a "first information service." The unlocking condition C[n1] is an example of a "first condition."

[0071] The control device 11 adds the identification information Oid[n1] corresponding to the identification information Cid[n1] specified by the notification data X[n1] to the candidate data Za. That is, the special object Ob[n1] corresponding to the unlocking condition C[n1] established in the game G[n1] is added to the candidate objects Oc of the user U. The special object Ob[n1] is an example of a "first object."

[0072] On the other hand, if the unlocking condition C[n2] is satisfied when the user U plays the game G[n2], the game server 20[n2] transmits notification data X[n2] specifying the unlocking condition C[n2] to the control system 10. The control device 11 (information acquisition unit 112) of the control system 10 acquires the notification data X[n2] from the game server 20[n2]. That is, the control device 11 acquires the notification data X[n2] from the game server 20[n2] that provides the game service of the game G[n2] when the unlocking condition C[n2] is satisfied when the user U uses the game service. The above functions realized by the control device 11 correspond to a "second information acquisition unit," and the notification data X[n2] is an example of "second information." The game server 20[n2] is an example of a "second system," and the game service of the game G[n2] is an example of a "second information service." The unlocking condition C[n2] is an example of a "second condition."

[0073] The control device 11 (information acquisition unit 112) adds the identification information Oid[n2] corresponding to the identification information Cid[n2] specified by the notification data X[n2] to the candidate data Za. That is, the special object Ob[n2] corresponding to the unlocking condition C[n2] established in the game G[n2] is added to the candidate objects Oc of the user U. The special object Ob[n2] is an example of a "second object." As a result of the above operation, as can be seen from FIG. 14, the special object Ob[n1] (identification information Oid[n1]) corresponding to the game G[n1] and the special object Ob[n2] (identification information Oid[n2]) corresponding to the game G[n2] are included in the multiple candidate objects Oc of the user U.

[0074] Furthermore, the control device 11 (avatar processing unit 113) applies one or more valid objects from among multiple candidate objects Oc, including special object Ob[n1] and special object Ob[n2], to the avatar Av of the user U. For example, if the user U selects the special object Ob[n1] and the special object Ob[n2] as valid objects, the identification information Oid[n1] and the identification information Oid[n2] are registered in the application data Zb of the user U, as illustrated in FIG. 14. That is, the control device 11 applies the special object Ob[n1] and the special object Ob[n2] in parallel to the avatar Av of the user U.

[0075] As described above, in the first embodiment, if the unlocking condition C[n1] is satisfied while the user U is playing a game G[n1], the user U is able to use the special object Ob[n1] corresponding to the game G[n1]. Furthermore, if the unlocking condition C[n2] is satisfied while the user U is playing a game G[n2], the user U is able to use the special object Ob[n2] corresponding to the game G[n2]. One or more valid objects among the multiple candidate objects Oc are applied to the avatar Av used in the social networking service. That is, the user U's experience playing various different games G[n] is reflected in the user U's avatar Av. Therefore, other users U of the social networking service can guess, from the appearance of the user U's avatar Av, the games G[n] (G[n1], G[n2]) that the user U has played in the past among the various different games G[n]. Furthermore, when the unlocking condition C[n] is satisfied in the game G[n], the special object Ob[n] corresponding to the game G[n] becomes available to the avatar Av, thereby encouraging the user U to play the game G[n].

[0076] In the first embodiment, a special object Ob[n1] corresponding to the game G[n1] and a special object Ob[n2] corresponding to the game G[n2] are applied to the avatar Av in parallel. Therefore, from the avatar Av to which the special object Ob[n1] and the special object Ob[n2] are applied, it can be inferred that the user U has played both the game G[n1] and the game G[n2].

[0077] In the first embodiment, each game server 20[n] determines whether the unlocking condition C[n] is met. However, a configuration (hereinafter referred to as a "comparative example") in which the control system 10 determines whether each unlocking condition C[n] is met is also envisioned. In the comparative example, the control device 11 of the control system 10 uses the result data Dr[n] to determine whether the unlocking condition C[n] is met for each of the multiple games G[n]. However, in the comparative example, the result data Dr[n] is transmitted from the game server 20[n] to the control system 10 for each play of the game G[n] in each terminal device 30. Therefore, the amount of communication between the control system 10 and each game server 20[n] may become excessive. In contrast to the comparative example, in the first embodiment, each game server 20[n] determines whether the unlocking condition C[n] is met, and if the unlocking condition C[n] is met, notification data X[n] is transmitted from the game server 20[n] to the control system 10. If the unlocking condition C[n] is not met, the notification data X[n] is not transmitted to the control system 10. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the amount of communication between the control system 10 and each game server 20[n] can be reduced compared to the comparative example. Furthermore, because the game server 20[n] determines whether the unlocking condition C[n] is met, there is also the advantage that the processing load on the control system 10 is reduced compared to the comparative example. Note that, in a situation where the amount of communication or processing load is not a particular problem, the control system 10 may determine whether each unlocking condition C[n] is met. In other words, the comparative example is also encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0078] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that, in the following exemplary embodiments, for elements whose functions are similar to those of the first embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be used, and detailed descriptions of each element will be omitted as appropriate.

[0079] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the information system 100 in the second embodiment. The configuration of the information system 100 in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 15, in the second embodiment, in addition to the game server 20[n1] and the game server 20[n2], a game server 20[n3] is assumed (n3 ≠ n1, n2). The game server 20[n3] provides a game service that allows a user U to play a game G[n3]. The game server 20[n3] is an example of a "third system," and the game service of the game G[n3] is an example of a "third information service."

[0080] When the unlocking condition C[n3] is met while the user U is playing the game G[n3], the game server 20[n3] transmits notification data X[n3] specifying the unlocking condition C[n3] to the control system 10. That is, when the unlocking condition C[n3] is met in the game G[n3], the control device 11 (information acquisition unit 112) of the control system 10 acquires the notification data X[n3] from the game server 20[n3]. The above function realized by the control device 11 corresponds to a "third information acquisition unit," and the notification data X[n3] is an example of "third information."

[0081] The control device 11 (information acquisition unit 112) of the second embodiment adds a special object Ob[n3] corresponding to the combination of notification data X[n1] and notification data X[n3] to the multiple candidate objects Oc of the user U. Specifically, when the control device 11 acquires notification data X[n1] and notification data X[n3], it adds identification information Oid[n3] of the special object Ob[n3] corresponding to the combination to the candidate data Za of the user U. As can be understood from the above explanation, the special object Ob[n3] is added to the candidate objects Oc of the user U on the condition that both the unlocking condition C[n1] for the game G[n1] and the unlocking condition C[n3] for the game G[n3] are satisfied. That is, when the unlocking condition C[n1] is satisfied in the user U's play of the game G[n1] and the unlocking condition C[n3] is satisfied in the user U's play of the game G[n3], the user U becomes able to select the special object Ob[n3]. When the unlocking condition C[n3] is satisfied alone (when the unlocking condition C[n1] is not satisfied), the special object Ob[n3] is not added to the candidate objects Oc. The special object Ob[n3] is an example of a "third object." As in the first embodiment, the control device 11 (avatar processing unit 113) applies the valid object selected by the user U from among the multiple candidate objects Oc to the user U's avatar Av.

[0082] In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the control device 11 (information acquisition unit 112) adds identification information Oid[n1] to candidate data Za upon acquisition of notification data X[n1], and adds identification information Oid[n2] to candidate data Za upon acquisition of notification data X[n2]. However, only the combination of notification data X[n1] with notification data X[n3] may be considered. In other words, at the stage where notification data X[n1] has been acquired but notification data X[n3] has not yet been acquired, the control device 11 does not need to add identification information Oid[n1] to candidate data Za.

[0083] The second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, a special object Ob[n3] corresponding to a combination of notification data X[n1] obtained when the unlocking condition C[n1] is satisfied and notification data X[n3] obtained when the unlocking condition C[n3] is satisfied is included in the candidates for application to the avatar Av. That is, the user U needs to play both the game G[n1] and the game G[n3] in order to use the special object Ob[n3]. Therefore, play of the game G[n1] and the game G[n3] can be effectively promoted.

[0084] In the above description, a case has been exemplified in which the special object Ob[n1] is added to the candidate objects Oc of the user U when the unlocking condition C[n1] is satisfied, but a case in which the special object Ob[n1] is not added simply because the unlocking condition C[n1] is satisfied alone is also conceivable. That is, the special object Ob[n] may be granted only when both the unlocking condition C[n1] and the unlocking condition C[n3] are satisfied. In addition, in the above description, a case in which the special object Ob[n] is not added when the unlocking condition C[n3] is satisfied alone has been exemplified, but the special object Ob[n] may also be added when the unlocking condition C[n3] is satisfied alone.

[0085] [Third embodiment] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the information system 100 in the third embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 16, in the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, in addition to the game server 20[n1] and the game server 20[n2], a game server 20[n3] is assumed (n3 ≠ n1, n2). The game server 20[n3] provides a game service that allows a user U to play a game G[n3]. The game server 20[n3] is an example of a "third system," and the game service of the game G[n3] is an example of a "third information service."

[0086] When the unlocking condition C[n3] is met while the user U is playing the game G[n3], the game server 20[n3] transmits notification data X[n3] specifying the unlocking condition C[n3] to the control system 10, as in the second embodiment. That is, when the unlocking condition C[n3] is met in the game G[n3], the control device 11 (information acquisition unit 112) of the control system 10 acquires the notification data X[n3] from the game server 20[n3]. The above function realized by the control device 11 corresponds to a "third information acquisition unit," and the notification data X[n3] is an example of "third information."

[0087] 16, it is assumed that the identification information Oid-A of the candidate object Oc-A is registered in the candidate data Za before the notification data X[n3] is acquired. The candidate object Oc-A is a special object Ob[n] that is added to the candidate objects Oc when the unlocking condition C[n] in a specific game G[n] is met, or a normal object Oa that is registered as an initial candidate object Oc. The candidate object Oc-A is an example of a "third object."

[0088] When notification data X[n3] is acquired due to the satisfaction of unlocking condition C[n3], the control device 11 (avatar processing unit 113) changes the existing candidate object Oc-A to candidate object Oc-B. Specifically, the control device 11 changes the identification information Oid-A of the candidate data Za to the identification information Oid-B of the candidate object Oc-B. As in the first embodiment, the control device 11 (avatar processing unit 113) applies the valid object selected by the user U from among multiple candidate objects Oc to the avatar Av of the user U. Therefore, when the user U selects the changed candidate object Oc-B, the control device 11 (avatar processing unit 113) applies the candidate object Oc-B to the avatar Av as the valid object. The candidate object Oc-B is an example of a "changed third object."

[0089] The third embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the existing candidate object Oc-A is changed in accordance with the notification data X[n3] obtained when the unlocking condition C[n3] is satisfied. Therefore, the use of the game G[n3] is promoted, and the appearance of the avatar Av can be diversified compared to a mode in which the candidate object Oc-A is not changed.

[0090] [Variations] The above-described embodiments can be modified in various ways. Specific modifications that can be applied to the above-described embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be combined to the extent that they are not mutually contradictory.

[0091] (1) In the above-described embodiments, a candidate object Oc selected by the user U from among multiple candidate objects Oc is unconditionally applied to the avatar Av. However, a configuration in which the candidate object Oc is applied to the avatar Av in exchange for the consumption of a value medium possessed by the user U is also envisioned. The value medium is, for example, money (physical currency or digital currency) or points that can be used for the exchange service, or other media that have value as consideration for the exchange service. The quantity of the value medium required to apply the candidate object Oc may be set individually for each special object Ob[n]. Also envisioned is a configuration in which the normal object Oa is applied to the avatar Av without requiring the consumption of a value medium, and the consumption of a value medium is required only for the special object Ob[n].

[0092] In addition, when the unlocking condition C[n] is satisfied, a special object Ob[n] corresponding to the unlocking condition C[n] may be applied to the avatar Av as a valid object. In other words, the user U may not have to select a valid object from multiple candidate objects Oc.

[0093] (2) In the above-described embodiments, the special object Ob[n] is added to the candidate object Oc when the unlocking condition C[n] is satisfied. However, other conditions may be required to add the special object Ob[n]. For example, the special object Ob[n] may be added to the candidate object Oc when the unlocking condition C[n] is satisfied and the user U consumes a predetermined amount of a value medium. The above embodiments can also be described as embodiments in which the right to purchase the special object Ob[n] with a value medium is granted to the user U when the unlocking condition C[n] is satisfied.

[0094] (3) In the second embodiment described above, the special object Ob[n3] is added to the candidate object Oc when the unlocking condition C[n1] and the unlocking condition C[n3] are satisfied. However, the total number of conditions required to add the special object Ob[n3] is not limited to the above example. For example, the special object Ob[n3] may be added to the candidate object Oc when three or more unlocking conditions C[n] are satisfied. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the condition is satisfied when multiple unlocking conditions C[n] (C[n1], C[n3]) corresponding to different games G[n] are satisfied. However, a configuration is also envisioned in which the special object Ob[n] is added to the candidate object Oc when multiple different unlocking conditions C[n] (C[n]-1, C[n]-2) in a single game G[n] are satisfied.

[0095] (4) In the above-described embodiments, a game service that allows a user U to play a game G[n] has been exemplified, but the present disclosure is applicable to any type of information service, not limited to a game service. For example, examples of "information services" include a social networking service (SNS) that allows each user U to post information and interact with other users U, an electronic transaction service that allows users U to purchase various products, a distribution service that allows users U to watch various content such as videos or music, an information search service that allows users U to search for desired information, and an exchange service that allows multiple users U to interact with each other.

[0096] Examples of the ban-releasing condition C[n] in an SNS include when the number of times a user U posts or quotes information reaches a predetermined value, when the number of times information posted by the user U is positively evaluated (the so-called "likes") reaches a predetermined value, or when the number of followers of the user U reaches a predetermined value. In an SNS, examples of the ban-releasing condition C[n] include when the user U follows a specific person, when the user U is followed by a specific person, or when a mutual follow relationship is established between the user U and a specific person. When the ban-releasing condition C[n] is established, that is, when a follow / follower relationship is registered with a specific person, a special object Ob[n] specific to the person is preferably granted or permitted to the user U. For example, an object related to the impression of the specific person or an object created by the person is granted to the user U as the special object Ob[n].

[0097] Examples of the release condition C[n] in an electronic transaction service include when the total amount of purchases made through electronic transactions reaches a predetermined value, when the number of purchases reaches a predetermined value, or when a specific product is purchased. Examples of the release condition C[n] in a distribution service include when the number of times a user U has viewed content reaches a predetermined value, or when a user U has viewed specific content. Examples of the release condition C[n] in an information search service include when the number of searches reaches a predetermined value. Examples of the release condition C[n] in a social interaction service include when the total number of users U with whom a social relationship (follow / follower relationship) has been established reaches a predetermined value, or when the number of interactions with other users U reaches a predetermined value.

[0098] In each of the above-described embodiments, an example has been given in which multiple game servers 20[n] provide the same type of information service (game service), but multiple servers constituting the information system 100 may also provide different types of information services.

[0099] (5) In the above-described embodiments, notification data X[n] including identification information Cid[n] of the unlocking condition C[n] was exemplified. However, the format or content of the notification data X[n] is not limited to these examples. For example, the notification data X[n] may include identification information Oid[n] of a special object Ob[n] corresponding to the unlocking condition C[n]. For example, the storage device 22 of each game server 20[n] stores registration data E that associates the unlocking condition C[n] for the game G[n] with the identification information Oid[n] of the special object Ob[n]. The control device 21 identifies the special object Ob[n] corresponding to the unlocking condition C[n] that has been fulfilled by referencing the registration data E. The control device 21 transmits notification data X[n] including the identification information Oid[n] of the special object Ob[n] from the communication device 23 to the control system 10. The control device 11 of the control system 10 adds the identification information Oid[n] included in the notification data X[n] to the candidate data Za of the user U. As can be understood from the above explanation, it is not necessarily necessary for the control system 10 to recognize the unlocking condition C[n] that has been met in the game G[n].

[0100] (6) In the above-described embodiments, the game server 20[n] transmits notification data X[n] to the control system 10 when the unlocking condition C[n] is met. However, the timing at which the notification data X[n] is transmitted to the control system 10 is not limited to the above examples. For example, the control system 10 may transmit an information request to each game server 20[n] at a predetermined interval. The game server 20[n] that receives the information request transmits notification data X[n] representing the unlocking condition C[n] that has been met since the previous information request was received to the control system 10. That is, each time the control system 10 requests information, notification data X[n] is transmitted from each game server 20[n] to the control system 10.

[0101] In addition, assuming a situation in which the unlocking condition C[n] is met infrequently, even if the control system 10 sends an information request to each game server 20[n], there is a high possibility that the unlocking condition C[n] has not been met since the reception of the most recent information request. Therefore, there is a high probability that notification data X[n] will not be transmitted in response to an information request from the control system 10. In other words, there is a possibility that the amount of communication of information requests from the control system 10 to each game server 20[n] will increase more than necessary. Considering the above circumstances, when the unlocking condition C[n] is met infrequently, it is preferable that each game server 20[n] transmits notification data X[n] to the control system 10 upon the fulfillment of the unlocking condition C[n], as exemplified in each of the above-mentioned embodiments. On the other hand, when the unlocking condition C[n] is met frequently, it is preferable that notification data X[n] be transmitted from the game server 20[n] for each information request from the control system 10.

[0102] The aforementioned forms in which notification data X[n] is transmitted to the control system 10 immediately after the release condition C[n] is satisfied, and the form of this modified example in which notification data X[n] is transmitted in response to an information request from the control system 10, are collectively expressed as forms in which notification data X[n] is transmitted to the control system 10 when the release condition C[n] is satisfied.

[0103] (7) In each of the above-mentioned forms, the identification information Uid of the user U is shared for the communication service and the game service, but different identification information may be used for the communication service provided by the control system 10 and the game service provided by each game server 20[n].

[0104] (8) In the above-described embodiments, the candidate object Oc that changes the appearance of the avatar Av has been exemplified, but the candidate object Oc is not limited to an element that changes the appearance of the avatar Av. For example, a form in which the movement of the avatar Av changes when the candidate object Oc is applied is also conceivable. For example, movement data representing the physical movement of the avatar Av (e.g., a habit or other gesture) may be applied to the avatar Av as the candidate object Oc. Changing the candidate object Oc changes the movement of the avatar Av. Also, for example, audio data representing the voice of the avatar Av may be applied to the avatar Av as the candidate object Oc. Changing the candidate object Oc changes the tone of voice or the content of speech of the avatar Av. As can be understood from the above explanation, the candidate object Oc is comprehensively expressed as an element that changes the avatar Av when applied.

[0105] (9) In each of the above embodiments, the control system 10 and the multiple game servers 20[n] are exemplified as separate devices, but the functions of one or more game servers 20[n] may be installed in the control system 10. Also, the functions of two or more game servers 20[n] may be realized by a single device.

[0106] (10) The functions of the control system 10 according to each of the above-described embodiments are realized by the cooperation of one or more processors (control devices 11) and programs. Also, the functions of the game server 20[n] according to each of the above-described embodiments are realized by the cooperation of one or more processors (control devices 21) and programs.

[0107] The programs exemplified above can be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on a computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, such as an optical recording medium (optical disk) such as a CD-ROM, but also includes any known type of recording medium, such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that a non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium other than a transitory, propagating signal, and does not exclude volatile recording media. In addition, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes a program via a communication network, the storage device that stores the program in the distribution device corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium.

[0108] [Note] From the above description, for example, preferred aspects of the present disclosure can be understood as follows: Note that, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, reference numerals in the drawings are conveniently written in parentheses below, but this is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the illustrated aspects.

[0109] [Appendix 1] A control system (10) according to one aspect (Supplementary Note 1) of the present disclosure includes a first information acquisition unit (112) that acquires first information (X[n1]) from a first system (20[n1]) that provides a first information service when a first condition (C[n1]) is satisfied in the use of the first information service by a user (U), and acquires first information (X[n1]) from a second system (20[n2]) that provides a second information service different from the first information service when the user (U) uses the second information service. The system includes a second information acquisition unit (112) that acquires second information (X[n2]) when a second condition (C[n2]) is satisfied, and an avatar processing unit (113) that applies one or more objects (Oc) among a plurality of objects (Oc) including a first object (Ob[n1]) corresponding to the first information (X[n1]) and a second object (Ob[n2]) corresponding to the second information (X[n2]) to an avatar (Av) that represents the user (U) in the interaction service.

[0110] In the above-described aspect, when the first condition (C[n1]) is satisfied in the first information service, the first information (X[n1]) is acquired, and when the second condition (C[n2]) is satisfied in the second information service, the second information (X[n2]) is acquired. Then, one or more objects (Oc) among a plurality of objects (Oc) including a first object (Ob[n1]) corresponding to the first information (X[n1]) and a second object (Ob[n2]) corresponding to the second information (X[n2]) are applied to the avatar (Av) of the user (U). That is, the circumstances in which the user (U) has used various different information services are reflected in the avatar (Av) of the user (U). Therefore, other users (U) of the communication service can infer from the avatar (Av) of the user (U) which information services the user (U) has used in the past among various different information services. Furthermore, when the first condition (C[n1]) is satisfied in the use of the first information service, the first object (Ob[n1]) corresponding to the first information (X[n1]) becomes applicable to the avatar (Av). This promotes the use of the first information service by the user (U). Similarly, the use of the second information service is also promoted.

[0111] An "information service (first information service / second information service)" is any service provided via a communication network such as the Internet. Examples of "information services" include a game service that provides a user (U) with a game (G[n]), a social networking service (SNS) that allows users (U) to post information and interact with other users (U), an electronic transaction service that allows users (U) to purchase various products, a distribution service that distributes various content such as videos or music, an information search service that allows users (U) to search for desired information, and an exchange service that provides exchanges between multiple users (U).

[0112] The first information service and the second information service may be the same or different services. For example, the first information service and the second information service may be the same type of game service that provides different titles of games (G[n]). In addition, in a case where the first information service is a game service and the second information service is an SNS, the first information service and the second information service are different types of services. Note that the information service (first information service / second information service) may be a combination of multiple information services of different types. Also, there is no need to strictly distinguish between the same type and different type of information services. The first information service and the second information service may be information services provided by different providers.

[0113] A "condition (first condition (C[n1]) / second condition (C[n2]))" in an information service is a condition that may be met when a user (U) uses the information service. For example, in the case of a game service, examples of "conditions" include the ability score of the character operated by the user (U) reaching a predetermined value, conquering a specific event in the game, and achieving a predetermined result in a competitive event (esports) for a competitive game. In addition, in the case of a social networking service, examples of "conditions" include the number of times the user (U) has posted information reaching a predetermined value, the number of times the information posted by the user (U) has been positively evaluated (the so-called "likes") reaching a predetermined value, and the number of followers of the user (U) reaching a predetermined value.

[0114] The first information (X[n1]) is information transmitted from the first system (20[n1]) when a first condition (C[n1]) is satisfied in the use of the first information service. For example, the first information (X[n1]) is information indicating that the first condition (C[n1]) is satisfied in the use of the first information service, or information specifying an object (Ob[n1]) that the user (U) can acquire when the first condition (C[n1]) is satisfied. The first information (X[n1]) may be transmitted from the first system (20[n1]) at any time. For example, the first information (X[n1]) may be transmitted from the first system (20[n1]) immediately after the first condition (C[n1]) is satisfied, or may be transmitted from the first system (20[n1]) in response to a request from the control system (10) after the first condition (C[n1]) is satisfied. Similarly, the second information (X[n2]) is information transmitted from the second system (20[n2]) when the second condition (C[n2]) is satisfied in the use of the second information service. For example, the second information (X[n2]) is information indicating that the second condition (C[n2]) is satisfied in the use of the second information service, or information specifying an object (Ob[n2]) that the user (U) can acquire when the second condition (C[n2]) is satisfied. The time at which the second information (X[n2]) is transmitted from the second system (20[n2]) is arbitrary.

[0115] An "interaction service" is an information service that allows multiple users (U) to interact with each other. For example, various information services are included in the concept of an "interaction service," such as a profile service that allows each user (U) to refer to the profile of the user (U) of their choice, a chat service that allows each user (U) to exchange messages with each other, and a virtual society service that allows each user (U)'s avatar (Av) to interact with each other in a virtual space.

[0116] An "avatar (Av)" is an object (e.g., a character) that represents a user (U) in a social networking service. For example, biological objects such as humans or animals, as well as non-biological objects such as robots, are used as "avatars (Av)." Avatars (Av) are used in social networking services. For example, in a profile service, an avatar (Av) image is used to represent the profile of each user (U). Also, in a chat service, an avatar (Av) image of each user (U) who sends each message is used. In a virtual social networking service, each avatar (Av) is placed in a virtual space and interacts with the avatars (Av) of other users (U) by acting according to instructions from the user (U).

[0117] An "object (Oc) (first object (Ob[n1]) / second object (Ob[n2]))" is an element that changes the user's (U) avatar (Av) when applied to the avatar (Av). Specifically, an element that changes the appearance or movement of the avatar (Av) is exemplified as an object (Oc). Specifically, an object (Oc) related to the appearance of the avatar (Av) is, for example, an item worn by the avatar (Av) (hereinafter referred to as "wearable item") or an element that constitutes the body of the avatar (Av) (hereinafter referred to as "body element") is exemplified as an "object (Oc)". Examples of wearable items include clothing, accessories, and jewelry (e.g., glasses). Examples of body elements include elements related to physical features such as hairstyle, hair color, facial shape, skin color, and contours. Furthermore, an example of the object (Oc) relating to the movement of the avatar (Av) is an object (Oc) that represents a behavior (for example, a habit) that moves a part of the body of the avatar (Av).

[0118] The "multiple objects (Oc)" may consist only of objects (Ob[n]) that result from the fulfillment of specific conditions in the information service, or may include initial or regular objects (Oa) that are prepared regardless of the fulfillment of conditions in the information service.

[0119] "Applying" an object (Oc) to an avatar (Av) means changing the appearance or behavior of the avatar (Av) compared to before application, depending on the form of the object (Oc). For example, applying a wearable item means changing the appearance of the avatar (Av) to the state in which the avatar (Av) is wearing the wearable item. Applying a body element means changing the appearance of the part of the avatar (Av) corresponding to the body element to the appearance of the body element. Applying an object (Oc) related to the behavior of the avatar (Av) means having the avatar (Av) perform the behavior.

[0120] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 2) of Supplementary Note 1, the first information service is a game service that provides the user (U) with a first game (G[n1]), and the second information service is a game service that provides the user (U) with a second game (G[n2]) that has a different title from the first game (G[n1]). According to the above aspect, an avatar (Av) to which one or more objects (Oc) corresponding to games that the user (U) has played in the past is used in the social networking service. Therefore, other users (U) of the social networking service can guess the games (G[n]) that the user (U) has played in the past from the appearance of the avatar (Av) of the user (U).

[0121] A "game service" is an information service that provides a game (G[n]) to a user (U). Specifically, examples of a "game service" include an information service that provides game data (Dg[n]) based on the user's (U's) past play to the user's (U's) terminal device (30), or a cloud game service in which a cloud server controls the progress of a game.

[0122] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 3) of Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, the avatar processing unit (113) can apply the first object (Ob[n1]) and the second object (Ob[n2]) to the avatar (Av) in parallel. According to the above aspect, the first object (Ob[n1]) corresponding to the first condition (C[n1]) in the first information service and the second object (Ob[n2]) corresponding to the second condition (C[n2]) in the second information service can be applied to the avatar (Av) in parallel. Therefore, it can be inferred that the user (U) has used both the first information service and the second information service from the avatar (Av) to which the first object (Ob[n1]) and the second object (Ob[n2]) are applied.

[0123] With respect to a first object (Ob[n1]) and a second object (Ob[n2]), "applied in parallel" means that the period during which the first object (Ob[n1]) is applied to an avatar (Av) overlaps in time with the period during which the second object (Ob[n2]) is applied to the avatar (Av).

[0124] A control system (10) according to any one of specific examples (Supplementary Note 4) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3 includes a third information (X[n3]) acquisition unit (112) that acquires third information (X[n3]) from a third system (20[n3]) that provides a third information service when a third condition (C[n3]) is satisfied in the user's (U) use of the third information service, and the plurality of objects (Oc) includes a third object (Ob[n3]) corresponding to a combination of the first information (X[n1]) and the third information (X[n3]). In the above aspect, a third object (Ob[n3]) corresponding to a combination of the satisfaction of the first condition (C[n1]) in the first information service and the satisfaction of the third condition (C[n3]) in the third information service is included in candidates for application to an avatar (Av). That is, the user (U) needs to use both the first information service and the third information service to acquire the third object (Ob[n3]), which can promote the use of the first information service and the third information service.

[0125] A control system (10) according to any one of specific examples (Supplementary Note 5) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3 includes a third information (X[n3]) acquisition unit (112) that acquires third information (X[n3]) from a third system (20[n3]) that provides a third information service when a third condition (C[n3]) is satisfied in the user's (U) use of the third information service, the plurality of objects (Oc) includes a third object (Oc-A), and the avatar processing unit (113) changes the third object (Oc-A) according to the third information (X[n3]) and applies the changed third object (Oc-B) to the avatar (Av). In the above aspect, the third object (Oc-A) changes according to the third information (X[n3]) acquired when the third condition (C[n3]) in the third information service is satisfied. Therefore, the use of the third information service is promoted and the appearance of the avatar (Av) can be diversified.

[0126] An information system (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first system (20[n1]) that provides a first information service, a second system (20[n2]) that provides a second information service different from the first information service, and a control system (10) that provides an exchange service, wherein the first system (20[n1]) transmits first information (X[n1]) to the control system (10) when a first condition (C[n1]) is satisfied in the use of the first information service by a user (U), and the second system (20[n2]) transmits first information (X[n1]) to the control system (10) when a second condition (C[n2]) is satisfied in the use of the second information service by the user (U). (10), and the control system (10) includes a first information acquisition unit (112) that acquires the first information (X[n1]) from the first system (20[n1]), a second information acquisition unit (112) that acquires the second information (X[n2]) from the second system (20[n2]), and an avatar processing unit (113) that applies one or more objects (Oc) among a plurality of objects (Oc) including a first object (Ob[n1]) corresponding to the first information (X[n1]) and a second object (Ob[n2]) corresponding to the second information (X[n2]) to an avatar (Av) that represents the user (U) in the interaction service.

[0127] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 7) of Supplementary Note 6, the first system (20[n1]) determines whether the first condition (C[n1]) is met, and transmits the first information (X[n1]) if it is determined that the first condition (C[n1]) is met, and the second system (20[n2]) determines whether the second condition (C[n2]) is met, and transmits the second information (X[n2]). In the above aspect, the first system (20[n1]) determines whether the first condition (C[n1]) is met, and the second system (20[n2]) determines whether the second condition (C[n2]) is met. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the control system (10) determines whether the first condition (C[n1]) and the second condition (C[n2]) are met, the amount of communication between the first system (20[n1]) or the second system (20[n2]) and the control system (10) can be reduced.

[0128] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 8) of Supplementary Note 6 or Supplementary Note 7, the control system (10) includes an authentication processing unit (111) that executes authentication processing for the user (U), and the first information service or the second information service is provided to the user (U) on the condition that the authentication processing is successful. According to the above aspect, the first information service and the second information service are provided to the user (U) on the condition that the authentication processing by the control system (10) is successful. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which separate authentication processing is required for each of the first information service and the second information service, the user (U) can use the first information service and the second information service through a simple procedure.

[0129] A method of operating a control system (10) according to one aspect (Appendix 9) of the present disclosure includes acquiring first information (X[n1]) from a first system (20[n1]) that provides a first information service when a first condition (C[n1]) is met in a user (U)'s use of the first information service, acquiring second information (X[n2]) from a second system (20[n2]) that provides a second information service different from the first information service when a second condition (C[n2]) is met in a user (U)'s use of the second information service, and applying one or more objects (Oc) among a plurality of objects (Oc) including a first object (Ob[n1]) corresponding to the first information (X[n1]) and a second object (Ob[n2]) corresponding to the second information (X[n2]) to an avatar (Av) that represents the user (U) in an interaction service.

[0130] A program according to one aspect (Appendix 10) of the present disclosure causes a computer system to function as a first information acquisition unit (112) that acquires first information (X[n1]) from a first system (20[n1]) that provides a first information service when a first condition (C[n1]) is met in a user (U)'s use of the first information service; a second information acquisition unit (112) that acquires second information (X[n2]) from a second system (20[n2]) that provides a second information service different from the first information service when a second condition (C[n2]) is met in a user (U)'s use of the second information service; and an avatar processing unit (113) that applies one or more objects (Oc) among a plurality of objects (Oc) including a first object (Ob[n1]) corresponding to the first information (X[n1]) and a second object (Ob[n2]) corresponding to the second information (X[n2]) to an avatar (Av) that represents the user (U) in an interaction service. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 100...information system, 10...control system, 11, 21, 31...control device, 12, 22, 32...storage device, 13, 23, 33...communication device, 20[n]...game server, 30...terminal device, 34...operation device, 35...display device, 211...information processing unit, 212...condition determination unit, 111...authentication processing unit, 112...information acquisition unit, 113...avatar processing unit, 114...communication management unit.

Claims

1. a first system providing a first information service; a second system providing a second information service different from the first information service; a control system for providing an AC service; the first system determines whether a first condition is met in the user's use of the first information service, and when it determines that the first condition is met, transmits first information to the control system; the second system determines whether a second condition is met in the use of the second information service by the user, and when it determines that the second condition is met, transmits second information to the control system; The control system includes: a first information acquisition unit that acquires the first information from the first system; a second information acquisition unit that acquires the second information from the second system; an avatar processing unit that applies one or more objects among a plurality of objects including a first object corresponding to the first information and a second object corresponding to the second information to an avatar that represents the user in the interaction service. Information systems.

2. the control system includes an authentication processing unit that executes authentication processing for the user; The first information service or the second information service is provided to the user on the condition that the authentication process is successful. The information system of claim 1.

3. A first system for providing a first information service; a second system providing a second information service different from the first information service; Control systems that provide AC services and A method of operating an information system comprising: the first system determines whether a first condition is met in the user's use of the first information service, and when it determines that the first condition is met, transmits first information to the control system; the second system determines whether a second condition is met in the use of the second information service by the user, and when it determines that the second condition is met, transmits second information to the control system; The control system includes: obtaining the first information from the first system; obtaining the second information from the second system; Applying one or more objects among a plurality of objects including a first object corresponding to the first information and a second object corresponding to the second information to an avatar representing the user in the social interaction service. How information systems work.

Images