Program, terminal, and management device

Abstract

To provide a service that increases interest of a user.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer to function as: registration means capable of registering a character element in a predetermined game service; management means capable of managing the registered character element in either a first management form or a second management form; and usage control means for controlling the use of the registered character element in the game service to be possible on the condition that the registered character element is managed in the first management form, and for controlling the use of the registered character element in the game service to be impossible on the condition that the registered character element is managed in the second management form, and for controlling the use of the registered character element in services other than the game service to be possible.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, a terminal, and a management device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a game system that provides a user with a benefit after the end of a game service, depending on the period of time the user has used the game service (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] WO2013 / 161652 publication Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, some users may feel attached to the characters that appear in the game and want to use the characters in some way even after the game service has ended. Meeting the wishes of such users will result in providing a service that is more interesting to users.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a program, a terminal, and a management device that can provide a service that is more interesting to users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as: a registration means capable of registering character elements in a specified game service; a management means capable of managing the registered character elements in either a first management form or a second management form; and a usage control means that controls the registered character elements to be usable in the game service, provided that the registered character elements are managed in the first management form, and that controls the registered character elements to be usable in the game service and to be usable in services other than the game service, provided that the registered character elements are managed in the second management form.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a terminal comprising: a registration means capable of registering character elements in a specified game service; a management means capable of managing the registered character elements in either a first management form or a second management form; and a usage control means that controls the registered character elements to enable use in the game service, provided that the registered character elements are managed in the first management form, and that controls the registered character elements to disable use in the game service and enable use in services other than the game service, provided that the registered character elements are managed in the second management form.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as: a registration means capable of registering character elements in a specified game service; a management means capable of managing the registered character elements in either a first management form or a second management form; and a service provision means that provides a game service using the registered character elements managed in the first management form, and provides a service other than the game service using the registered character elements managed in the second management form.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a management device comprising: a registration means capable of registering character elements in a specified game service; a management means capable of managing the registered character elements in either a first management form or a second management form; and a service provision means for providing a game service using the registered character elements managed in the first management form, and for providing a service other than the game service using the registered character elements managed in the second management form. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a service that is more interesting to users. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a game card 1 (game medium) according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a game card 1 (game medium) in this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a service system according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of the terminal 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 2. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an example of the character element database D1, the character image database D2, and the character element information database D3. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the service server 3. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the user ID management database D4. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the character element management database D5. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the character element list database D6. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the user ID management process. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the service provision process. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a menu screen displayed on terminal 2 for selecting available services. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an operational flowchart of the game service provision process. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the character element registration process. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the operation of reading the picture 11 on the game card 1. In FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the browsing process. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the browsing process. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the browsing process. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the browsing process. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows an example of a transaction screen presented by the transaction service providing unit 85. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0013] First, an outline of this embodiment will be described.

[0014] In this embodiment, character elements registered by a user in a predetermined game service are managed in either a first management mode or a second management mode. The first management mode is a management mode that controls registered character elements (hereinafter referred to as registered character elements) so that they can be used in the game service. The second management mode is a management mode that controls registered character elements so that they can be used in services other than the game service.

[0015] Here, the predetermined game service refers to any type of game that uses registered character elements, including, for example, a competitive game between users and a role-playing game. Users can register additional character elements during the period in which the game service is provided, and once the provision of the game service ends, it becomes impossible to register character elements. Note that the game service may be multiple game services.

[0016] Character elements are associated with characters (people, creatures, items, etc.) used in game services and characters (people, creatures, items, etc.) used in services other than game services. Character elements are associated with virtual or tangible game media. Examples of virtual or tangible game media include virtual cards displayed on a computer and tangible cards. Character elements can be registered in game services using game media.

[0017] Services other than game services include trading services such as viewing characters associated with registered character elements, transferring (buying and selling) registered character elements to other users, and exchanging registered character elements between users, as well as services using characters associated with registered character elements in virtual spaces other than game services.

[0018] As mentioned above, the use of character elements is a concept that includes not only the use of character elements but also the transfer, exchange, etc. of character elements.

[0019] In this way, registered character elements are managed in either the first management form or the second management form, and when the registered character elements are managed in the first management form, the registered character elements are made available for use in game services, and when the registered character elements are managed in the second management form, the registered character elements are made unavailable for use in game services and are made available for use in other services.

[0020] Specific embodiments will be described below. In the following description, the game medium associated with the character elements will be described as a card-type game medium.

[0021] The game service in this embodiment uses game media associated with character elements and a game application that runs on a user's terminal. By acquiring the game media, the user can register the character elements associated with the game media in the game application. The user can use the character elements registered in the game application in the game and develop a character based on the character elements.

[0022] A plurality of characters appear in the game service according to this embodiment. The plurality of characters may be people, virtual creatures, items, etc., and each character is associated with a character element. Each character has character information. The character information is divided into first character information and second character information. The first character information of a character according to this embodiment is primarily invariant information that does not change as the game progresses on the game application, such as the character's profile information. The profile information includes information such as the character's name, birthplace, attributes, career history, initial ability values, and rarity. The second character information is primarily variable information that changes as the game progresses on the game application, such as the character's status information. The status information is information that represents the character's abilities (various abilities, hit points, magic points, experience points, level, acquired skills, etc.).

[0023] Not only are there users who enjoy playing games on game applications, but there are also users who aim to collect game media. Therefore, the game media provided to users are not virtual, but are tangible, tangible objects that users can actually recognize, and character elements are associated with (embodied in) the game media and provided to the users. The game media are, for example, game cards, which are objects (real objects) that have physical volume. Note that the game media are not limited to game cards, and may also be shaped objects such as figures that have the appearance of characters. In the following explanation, a case will be described in which the game media are game cards.

[0024] Figures 1 and 2 are diagrams showing an example of a game card 1 (game medium) in this embodiment, where Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the front side (first side) of the game card 1, and Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the back side (second side) of the game card 1.

[0025] A picture 11 is displayed on the front (first side) of game card 1 (game medium). The picture 11 of game card 1 includes a first character image 12, which is an image including the head and torso of the character associated with game card 1, a first background image 13, which is an image of the background of the first character image, and first character information (profile information) 14 of the character. The first character information on the front (first side) of game card 1 in FIG. 1 includes the character's name, character attributes, and character hit points. Note that the hit points written on game card 1 are initial values, and as will be described later, the character's hit points will exceed the initial value by using the character in the game.

[0026] The back (second side) of the game card 1 (game medium) displays first character information 14 of the character associated with the game card 1 and a second character image 15, which is an image of the character's head. The first character information on the back (second side) of the game card 1 in Fig. 2 describes the character's history, birthplace, etc.

[0027] It should be noted that the first character information 14 displayed on the front or back of the game card 1 does not need to display all of the first character information of the character, and only a portion of the first character information may be displayed.

[0028] Furthermore, as described above, it should be noted that, among the character information, all or part of the first character information (profile information) is displayed on the front or back of the game card 1, but the second character information (status information) is not displayed. This is because the amount of character information that can be displayed on a game medium, such as a game card, is limited due to design considerations and the size of the game medium. On the other hand, when a player obtains game card 1, they will likely want to know what kind of character the character on game card 1 is. Therefore, only the first character information, which does not change through games, etc. after obtaining game card 1, is printed on game card 1.

[0029] Next, the service system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0030] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a service system in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the service system is configured to include a game card 1, a terminal 2 provided for each user, and a service server 3. The terminal 2 and the service server 3 can be connected to a communication line N and can communicate with each other.

[0031] The communication line N refers to a communication path that allows data communication. In other words, the communication line N includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a telephone communication network, a cable network, the Internet, and other communication networks, regardless of whether the communication method is wired or wireless.

[0032] The terminal 2 is a computer capable of executing a game program and a web browser, and is connected to a communication line N via a wireless communication base station or the like, and is capable of performing data communication with the service server 3. The terminal 2 is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a portable game device, a home-use game device, an arcade game device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a controller for a home-use game device, etc. Basically, there are multiple terminals 2, and each is operated by a player.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of the terminal 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal 2 includes a display 21, a touch operation panel 22 integral with the display 21, a built-in speaker 23, and a camera 24. The terminal 2 also includes a control board, a built-in battery, a power button, a volume control button, and the like, which are not shown. The control board is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU, GPU, and DSP, ASIC, various IC memories such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a wireless communication module for wireless communication with a mobile phone base station. The control board is also equipped with a so-called I / F circuit (interface circuit), such as a driver circuit for the touch operation panel 22. These elements mounted on the control board are electrically connected to each other via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected to enable reading and writing of data and sending and receiving of signals.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 2. As shown in FIG.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, the terminal 2 includes an operation input unit 31, a reading unit 32, a display unit 33, a sound output unit 34, a communication unit 35, a storage unit 36, and a processing unit 37.

[0036] The operation input unit 31 allows the user to input various operations related to the service, and outputs an operation input signal corresponding to the operation input to the processing unit 37. The functions of the operation input unit 31 can be realized by, for example, elements that are directly operated by the player's fingers, such as a touch operation pad, a home button, a button switch, a joystick, or a trackball, as well as elements that detect movement or posture, such as an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a tilt sensor, or a geomagnetic sensor. In the example of the smartphone in FIG. 2, the operation input unit 31 corresponds to the touch operation panel 22.

[0037] The reading unit 32 is an imaging device including an imaging element, etc. The reading unit 32 corresponds to the camera 24 in the example of the smartphone in FIG.

[0038] The display unit 33 displays various game screens based on image signals input from the image generation unit 41. The functions of the display unit 33 can be realized by a display device such as a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display. In the example of the smartphone in FIG. 2, the display unit 33 corresponds to the display 21.

[0039] The sound output unit 34 outputs sound effects and the like related to services such as games based on the sound signals input from the sound generation unit 42. The sound output unit 34 corresponds to the speaker 23 in the example of the smartphone in FIG.

[0040] The communication unit 35 realizes communication by connecting to the communication line N. The function of the communication unit 35 can be realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, or the like.

[0041] The storage unit 36 ​​stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing is performed programs for operating the terminal 2 and realizing various functions of the terminal 2, and data used during execution of these programs. The storage unit 36 ​​can be realized by, for example, RAM, ROM, a solid state drive using IC memory such as flash memory, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD, or the like.

[0042] The storage unit 36 ​​stores a system program and programs for implementing the various functions (described later) of the calculation unit 40. The system program is a program for implementing the basic functions of the terminal 2 as a computer.

[0043] Furthermore, databases required for executing services are stored in storage unit 36. In this embodiment, a character element database D1, a character image database D2, and a character information database D3 are stored in storage unit 36. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing examples of character element database D1, character image database D2, and character element information database D3.

[0044] The character element database D1 in FIG. 6 stores a card number, a character ID (identification information), picture feature data, a management form, and a registration flag, all of which are associated with one another. The card number is an identification number assigned to each type of game card 1. The character element ID is an identification number assigned to each character element. The picture feature data is data on the feature amount of the picture 11 displayed (printed) on the surface of the game card 1. The management form indicates the management form of the character, and is assigned a "0" if the character is managed in the first management form, and a "1" if the character is managed in the second management form. At the start of the game service, the management form flag is assigned a "0" indicating that the character is managed in the first management form. As for the registration flag, a registration flag ("1") is set for character elements registered in the game application from the game card 1, as described below. This means that the user owns the character element associated with the game card 1.

[0045] The character image database D2 in FIG. 6 is a database in which various images used to display characters of character elements are stored in association with character IDs.

[0046] 6 is a database in which the first character information of the character element, the second character information of the character, and the character ID are stored in association with each other. Note that these databases can be downloaded by the service server 3 as character elements used in the game are added or changed.

[0047] The processing unit 37 comprehensively controls the operation of the terminal 2 based on the programs and data stored in the memory unit 36, and various input signals from the operation input unit 31 and the reading unit 32. The functions of the processing unit 37 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, and an IC memory. The processing unit 37 includes a calculation unit 40, an image generation unit 41, a sound generation unit 42, and a communication control unit 43 as its main functional units.

[0048] The calculation unit 40 executes various processes for realizing the game service of this embodiment and other services, and outputs the processing results to the image generation unit 41 and the sound generation unit 42. The calculation unit 40 includes a game card reading control unit 51, a character recognition unit 52, a service presentation unit 53, a game execution control unit 54, and a service execution control unit 55.

[0049] The game card reading control unit 51 controls the reading unit 32 to read the picture 11 on the face of the game card 1. To control the reading, the game card reading control unit 51 displays guidelines and operation information for reading the game card 1 on the display unit 33. Then, the game card reading control unit 51 outputs image data of the picture 11 on the face of the game card 1 that has been read to the character recognition unit 52.

[0050] The character recognition unit 52 uses the picture feature data of each game card 1 in the character element database D1 to recognize the character element associated with the picture 11 on the front surface of the read game card 1 using known image recognition technology. If the character recognition unit 52 can recognize the character element, it sets a registration flag ("1") in the registration flag field. This means that the player has acquired (possessed) the character element associated with the game card 1. In other words, a character element with a registration flag ("1") set in the registration flag field of the character element database D1 becomes a character element owned by the player in games and other services.

[0051] The service presentation unit 53 is a unit that selects services that use character elements. The service presentation unit 53 checks the character element database D1 and presents the services that can be provided. Specifically, the service presentation unit 53 checks the management form field of each character in the character element database D1 and makes the following determinations.

[0052] (1) If the character management type fields in the character element database D1 are all "0", a game service is presented.

[0053] (2) If part of the character management type field in the character element database D1 is "1", game services and other services are presented.

[0054] (3) If all the fields of the character management type in the character element database D1 are "1", a service other than a game service is presented.

[0055] In this embodiment, services other than the game service include a viewing service for characters associated with registered character elements, a trading service for registered character elements, and a virtual space service using characters of registered character elements.

[0056] The game execution control unit 54 executes a game service using the acquired character elements via the display unit 33 or the sound output unit 34. Execution of the game service changes the status information of the character used in the game service. The game execution control unit 53 changes the status information of the character elements used in the game service, and reflects the changed status information in the second character information in the character element information database D2.

[0057] The service execution control unit 55 executes services other than game services. The executed services include a service for viewing characters associated with registered character elements, a service for trading registered character elements, and a virtual space service using characters associated with registered character elements. The service execution control unit 55 can also implement each service using a browser. For example, the service execution control unit 55 primarily communicates with a server via HTTP to acquire content, and presents the service by arranging and drawing text and images based on the results of syntax analysis of the acquired content according to its type (HTML / XHTML / XML, document, image, etc.). Furthermore, the service execution control unit 55 can display and execute Flash applications and Java applets, if plug-ins supporting those applications are available.

[0058] The image generation unit 41 generates one game screen per frame time (for example, 1 / 60 seconds) based on the processing results of the game calculation unit 40, and outputs an image signal of the generated game screen to the display unit 33. The functions of the image generation unit 41 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a video signal IC, a program such as a video codec, an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, an IC memory used for expanding texture data, etc.

[0059] The sound generation unit 42 generates sound signals such as sound effects and background music related to the service, audio information for operation assistance information, and various operation sounds based on the processing results of the calculation unit 40, and outputs them to the sound output unit 34. The function of the sound generation unit 42 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a voice synthesis IC, or an audio codec capable of playing back audio files.

[0060] The communication control unit 43 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with the service server 3 .

[0061] Next, a description will be given of the service server 3. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the service server 3.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 7, the device includes a processing unit 60, a communication unit 61, and a storage unit 62.

[0063] The processing unit 60 performs overall control of the operation of the service server 3 based on the programs and data stored in the storage unit 62. The functions of the processing unit 60 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, and an IC memory. The processing unit 60 includes, as its main functional units, a calculation unit 70 and a communication control unit 71.

[0064] The calculation unit 70 includes a user ID management unit 81, a character element management unit 82, a game service providing unit 83, a browsing service providing unit 84, a transaction service providing unit 85, and a virtual space service providing unit 86.

[0065] The user ID management unit 81 manages user IDs using a user ID management database D4 stored in the storage unit 62. The user ID is an identifier that is used in common across multiple services provided to users and is used to identify and authenticate each user. When a new user is registered, the user ID management unit 81 issues a new user ID, returns the user ID to the terminal 2, and notifies the character element management unit 82 of the user ID.

[0066] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the user ID management database D4. The user ID management database D4 stores a user's common user ID, the user's username, the user's password, the user's address, and the currency (coins) that can be used in the services owned by the user, in association with each other.

[0067] The user ID management unit 81 uses the user ID management database D4 to identify and authenticate the user, and notifies the character element management unit 82, game service providing unit 83, browsing service providing unit 84, transaction service providing unit 85, or virtual space service providing unit 86 of the authentication result.

[0068] Character element management unit 82 uses a character element management database D5 to manage the management form of character elements registered by a user. A character element management database D5 is provided for each user ID, and when a new user ID is notified from user ID management unit 81, a new character element management database D5 corresponding to that user ID is set up. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a character element management database D5. The example in FIG. 9 shows an example in which a character element management database D5 is provided for each user ID. The character element management database D5 for one user ID stores a card number, a character element ID, a management form, a registration flag, a registration date, first character information, and second character information in association with each other.

[0069] The character element management unit 82 has a first management mode and a second management mode. The first management mode is a management mode that enables the use of registered character elements (registered character elements) in game services. The second management mode is a management mode that disables the use of registered character elements (registered character elements) in game services and enables their use in browsing services, trading services, and virtual space services other than game services. When a game service using registered character elements is started, the character element management unit 82 sets the management mode flags of all character elements in the character element management database D5 to "0," indicating the first management mode. Furthermore, each time a user registers a character element using a card, the registration flag for that character element is changed from "0" to "1," and the user's possession of the character element is recorded. This enables the user to use the game service with the registered character elements.

[0070] There are two ways to change character elements from the first management form to the second management form:

[0071] One method is to change the management mode of all character elements from the first management mode to the second management mode upon the termination of the game service. In this case, the character element management unit 82 changes the management mode flags of all character elements in the character element management database D5 from "0" to "1" at a specified date and time after the announcement of the termination of the game service. This makes it impossible to use the game service for character elements. Another method is to change the management mode at the user's choice. In this case, the character element management unit 82 changes the management mode of a character element upon the user's designation of that character element.

[0072] In this embodiment, the two methods are used in combination, allowing the user to change the management form from the start of the game service until its end, and adopting a method in which the management form of all character elements is changed from the first management form to the second management form upon the end of the game service.

[0073] In addition, the character element management unit 82 manages changes in character elements that occur as the user executes various services, together with the service presentation unit 53 of the terminal 2, and synchronizes the character element database D1 in the terminal 2 with the character element management database D5.

[0074] The game service providing unit 83 executes a game using game elements in response to a game service execution request from the terminal 2. The service execution request from the terminal 2 includes the user's common user ID and password.

[0075] The viewing service providing unit 84 executes the viewing service for character elements using a character element list database D6 as shown in Fig. 10. All character elements that can be viewed by a user can be viewed regardless of whether the user owns them. However, character elements are displayed in such a way that it is possible to distinguish whether the user owns them or not.

[0076] The transaction service providing unit 85 executes transactions of character elements between users. Transactions include the exchange of character elements with other character elements and the buying and selling of character elements. The buying and selling of character elements is carried out using in-service currency. Furthermore, when a user's ownership of a character element changes due to the exchange of character elements with other character elements or the buying and selling of character elements, the transaction service providing unit 85 notifies the character element management unit 82, and the character element management unit 82 changes the registration flag in the character element management database D5 of each user. For example, if user A transfers a character element with character ID "100" that he owns to user B through a sale, the transaction service providing unit 85 changes the registration flag for character ID "100" in user A's character element management database D5 from "1" to "0," and changes the registration flag for character ID "100" in user B's character element management database D5 from "0" to "1." As a result, the ownership of the character element with character ID "100" is transferred from user A to user B.

[0077] The virtual space service providing unit 86 provides services in the virtual space using characters with character elements whose registration flag is "1" in the user's character element management database D5. The images used in the virtual space are virtual space images in the character element list database D6.

[0078] The communication control unit 71 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with the terminal 2 .

[0079] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0080] First, the process of issuing and registering a user ID for users to use the service will be described. Figure 11 is a flowchart of the user ID management process.

[0081] To obtain a user ID, the user makes a user ID issuance request using the terminal 2. Specifically, the service presenting unit 53 of the terminal 2 transmits the user ID issuance request to the service server 3. The user ID issuance request includes the user name, desired password, and the user's address.

[0082] Upon receiving the user ID issuance request, the user ID management unit 81 of the service server 3 starts the user ID management process (Step 100).

[0083] If the user ID issuance request is for a new user (Step 101), the user ID management unit 81 issues a user ID (Step 102). On the other hand, if the user ID issuance request is not for a new user but is already registered, the user ID management unit 81 sends a registration notification to the terminal 2 (Step 106).

[0084] When user ID management unit 81 issues a user ID, it registers the user ID in user ID management database D4 (Step 103). Next, user ID management unit 81 generates a character element management database D5 associated with the registered user ID (Step 104). Character element management unit 82 sets the registration flags and management form flags for all character elements in the newly generated character element management database D5 to "0" (Step 105).

[0085] Through the above operations, the user can obtain a user ID to be used for multiple services. The user can also use the obtained user ID to obtain currency (coins) to be used for various services. The currency (coins) can be obtained by paying for them electronically using a credit card or other means. The currency (coins) obtained by the user is recorded by the user ID management unit 81 in the currency (coins) field of the user's record in the user ID management database D4.

[0086] Next, the service provision process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0087] First, the service presenting unit 53 of the terminal 2 performs a login process including entering a user ID and password (Step 200).

[0088] The user ID management unit 81 of the service server 3 authenticates the user ID and password and determines whether to log in (Step 201). If authentication is not possible, an error notification is sent to the terminal 2 and the process ends (Step 211). If authentication is possible, the authentication result is notified to the character element management unit 82.

[0089] The character element management unit 82 refers to the character element management database D5 for the user ID of the logged-in user (Step 202), checks the management format of the character elements (Step 203), and selects a selectable service (Step 204).

[0090] If the management style of all character elements of the user ID is the first management style, i.e., if all the management style flags of the character elements are "0" (Step 205), the character element management unit 82 selects the game service (Step 206). If some of the management styles of the character elements of the user ID are the first management style (Step 207), i.e., if the management style flags of the character elements include "0" and "1", the character element management unit 82 selects the game service and other services (browsing service, trading service, virtual space service) (Step 208). If the management style of all character elements of the user ID is the second management style (Step 207), i.e., if all the management style flags of the character elements are "1", the character element management unit 82 selects other services (browsing service, trading service, virtual space service) (Step 208).

[0091] The character element management unit 82 presents the selected service to the terminal 2 (Step 210).

[0092] The service presentation unit 53 of terminal 2 displays available services on terminal 2. Fig. 13 shows a menu screen for selecting available services displayed on terminal 2. The user selects a service to use and starts using it. The service presentation unit 53 of terminal 2 instructs each execution control unit of the selected service to start execution.

[0093] In the above-described flowchart, when the game service starts, all management modes are the first management mode, so the only service available to the user is the game service. However, as the game service progresses, the number of available services increases. Therefore, the processing of the game service will be explained below.

[0094] The operation of the game service will now be described with reference to Fig. 14, which is a flowchart showing the operation of the game service provision process.

[0095] A game execution control unit that receives an execution instruction from the service presenting unit 53 54 The menu of terminal 2 is displayed (Step 300). The menu displayed includes new character element registration, character element browsing, and playing a competitive game. When new character element registration is selected (Step 301), the game execution control unit 54 The character element registration process starts (Step 304). When the character element viewing is selected (Step 302), the game execution control unit 54 When a battle game is selected (Step 303), the game execution control unit 54 The competitive game process starts (Step 306).

[0096] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the character element registration process (Step 304). Fig. 15 is a flowchart of the character element registration process.

[0097] When new character element registration is selected, Character recognition control unit52 gives instructions to the game card reading control unit 51. The game card reading control unit 51 controls the reading unit 32 (camera 24) so ​​that it can take an image, and displays guidelines on the display unit 33 as a guide for reading the image 11 on the game card 1 (Step 400). FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the operation of reading the image 11 on the game card 1. In the example of FIG. 16, a guide line 100 having the same shape as the game card 1 and a scan start button 101 that instructs the start of scanning are displayed. The player operates the terminal 2 so that the outer edge of the game card 1, which has been photographed by the reading unit 32 and displayed on the display unit 33, is aligned with the guide line 100. When the outer edge of the game card 1 is aligned with the guide line 100, the player touches the scan start button 101.

[0098] When the game card reading control unit 51 detects a touch on the scan start button 101, it starts scanning the game card 1 (Step 401). The image 11 of the scanned game card 1 is output from the game card reading control unit 51 to the character recognition control unit 52.

[0099] The character recognition control unit 52 compares the image of the picture 11 on the scanned game card 1 with each picture characteristic data in the character database D1, and identifies the character corresponding to the picture 11 on the scanned game card 1 (Step 402).

[0100] If the character corresponding to the picture 11 on the scanned game card 1 is identifiable (Step 403), the character recognition control unit 52 sets a registration flag (adds "1") in the registration flag field of the character database D1 corresponding to the identified character element (Step 404). The character recognition control unit 52 displays on the display unit 33 that a new character has been acquired (Step 405). The character recognition control unit 52 transmits the character element ID of the newly acquired character element together with the user ID to the service server 3 (Step 406). Note that if the character is identifiable but already owned (the registration flag has already been set), the character recognition control unit 52 displays a message indicating that the character is already owned and terminates the process. On the other hand, if the character corresponding to the picture 11 on the scanned game card 1 cannot be identified (Step 303), the character recognition control unit 52 displays an error on the display unit 33 (Step 407) and terminates the process.

[0101] The character element management unit 82 of the server 3 receives the character element ID and user ID of the newly acquired character element from the terminal 2, changes the registration flag of the received character element ID in the character element management database D5 of the user ID from 0 to 1, and writes the date the character element ID was received as the registration date.

[0102] By performing the above operations, the user can register the character elements associated with the game card 1 that the user owns in the game application, and can execute services using the characters, which will be described later.

[0103] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the browsing process (Step 305). Fig. 17 is a flowchart of the browsing process, and Figs. 18 and 19 are diagrams for explaining the browsing process.

[0104] When the player selects the viewing process, the game execution control unit 54reads the card number and character ID of the character registered by the player from the character element database D1 (Step 500). The card number and character ID to be read are those in the character element database D1 for which the registration flag (1) is set in the registration field.

[0105] Game execution control unit 54 reads out the list image of the character corresponding to the acquired character ID from the character image database D2 (Step 501).

[0106] Game execution control unit 54 The acquired list image is arranged on the arrangement map 111 shown in Fig. 18 (Step 502). In the example of Fig. 18, the list arrangement map 111 has set thereon square arrangement areas 112 for arranging the list images of the characters, the number of which is equal to the number of characters provided by the management side, and each arrangement area 112 is assigned a card number. Game execution control unit 54 The acquired list image is virtually placed in the placement area 112 of the card number of the character corresponding to the list image. 54 In the placement area 112 of the list placement map 111 where no list image is placed, an unregistered image (an image of a question mark) indicating that the character is not registered is placed (Step 503). Note that the unregistered image is stored separately from the character image by the game execution control unit. 54 are stored in advance. This completes the list layout image 113 in which the images for list and the images not yet held are arranged. Note that the list layout image 113 may be a diagram of a layer configuration including a layer of the list layout map 111 and layers of the images for list and the images not yet held.

[0107] Game execution control unit 54 selects a character to be displayed in the selected character presentation area 114. In the initial display of this example, the game execution control unit 54The game execution control unit selects the character with the smallest card number from among the registered characters (Step 504). Hereinafter, the character displayed in the selected character presentation area 114 will be referred to as the selected character. 54 The image of the selected character is read from the character image database D2 and displayed in the selected character presentation area 114 (Step 505).

[0108] Game execution control unit 54 displays various submenus in the selected character display area (Step 506).

[0109] Game execution control unit 54 Among the list layout images 113, the list layout image 113 corresponding to the list layout image presentation area 115 is displayed (Step 507).

[0110] 18, in the initial display of this example, the list layout image 113 displayed in the list layout image presentation area 114 of the character list presentation screen is an image corresponding to the range from the top of the list layout image 113 to the bottom of the list layout image presentation area 114. By flicking or swiping the screen of the list layout image presentation area 114, the player can scroll the list layout image 113 in the direction of the flick or swipe, and view the list layout image 113 of characters that are not displayed.

[0111] Here, if the user selects to change the management mode from the submenu (Step 508), the game execution control unit 54 18, a management mode change confirmation screen is displayed (Step 509). When the user selects to change to the second management mode, the game execution control unit 54 changes the management mode flag of the character ID of the selected character element in the character element database D1 from "0" to "1." As a result, the character element of the character ID cannot be used for the game service, but can be used for other services. 54notifies the service presenting unit 53 of the change, and the service presenting unit 53 reports the change to the service server 3.

[0112] Next, the game execution control unit 54 The competitive game process (Step 306) will be described. 54 The fighting game is executed using a character ID with a registration flag of "1" in the character element database D1. When the second character information (level, ability value) of the character element is changed by the fighting game, the game execution control unit 54 updates the second character information of the character ID in the character element database D1. 54 notifies the service presenting unit 53 of the change, and the service presenting unit 53 reports the change to the service server 3.

[0113] Next, the browsing service provided by the browsing service providing unit 84 of the service server 3 will be described.

[0114] During the period when the game service is provided, viewing can be performed within the game, and since many character elements are managed by the first management form, it is thought that there will not be much use of the viewing service during the period when the game service is provided. However, even during the period when the game service is provided, when using other services such as trading services, or after the end of the game service, the viewing service will be used to understand character elements.

[0115] The browsing service provided by the browsing service providing unit 84 is 54The browsing process is performed by the service server 3, and the results are sent to the service execution control unit 55 of the terminal 2, which then displays them. The difference is that the character elements targeted are those with the second management mode. That is, the character elements targeted are those with a management mode of "1" in the character element list database D6, and if the registration flag for that character element is "1," this means that the user owns that character element. Note that the browsing service may also be configured to allow the management mode to be changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, a button for changing to the first management mode is provided on the screen for the selected character element, and when the button for changing to the first management mode is selected, the character element management unit 82 changes the management mode flag for that character element.

[0116] The transaction services provided by transaction service providing unit 85 will now be described.

[0117] The transaction services provided by the transaction service providing unit 85 are the exchange and buying and selling of character elements (transfer for a fee or free of charge). When a request for transaction services is made, the transaction service providing unit 85 sends a transaction service menu screen to the terminal 2. Figure 21 shows an example of a transaction screen presented by the transaction service providing unit 85. The example in Figure 21 uses a web browser, and displays selectable buttons for "List of characters available for trading" and "List of characters currently on sale."

[0118] When a user selects a tradable character list, the trading service providing unit 85 retrieves character elements whose management status is "1" from the character element list database D6 and displays them in a list. At this time, the trading service providing unit 85 may refer to the first character information and second character information for the character element in the character element list database D6 to present the value and price of the character element. For example, the trading service providing unit 85 may refer to the character element's registration period, the number of registered character elements, the character element's rarity based on the first character information, and the character element's level and ability values ​​based on the second character information, and calculate the value and price using a predetermined formula. In particular, the second character information changes as the game progresses, allowing the user to enjoy developing character elements in the game even more. The user selects and registers character elements to buy, sell, or exchange from the tradable character elements. If the user wishes to exchange character elements for other character elements, the user also specifies the character elements they wish to exchange.

[0119] When the user selects the list of characters currently being offered for sale, the transaction service providing unit 85 displays a list of character elements currently being offered for sale by the user. The user selects the character element they wish to purchase or exchange for the desired character element, and then performs the purchase or exchange.

[0120] When a user's ownership of a character element changes due to an exchange of character elements with another character element or the sale and purchase of a character element, the transaction service providing unit 85 notifies the character element management unit 82. The character element management unit 82 changes the registration flag in the character element management database D5 of each user. For example, if user A transfers a character element with character ID "100" that he owns to user B through a sale and purchase, the transaction service providing unit 85 changes the registration flag for character ID "100" in user A's character element management database D5 from "1" to "0," and changes the registration flag for character ID "100" in user B's character element management database D5 from "0" to "1." As a result, the ownership of the character element with character ID "100" is transferred from user A to user B, and user B can use the character element with character ID "100" for various services.

[0121] The virtual space service provided by the virtual space service providing unit 86 provides services in the virtual space using characters with character elements whose registration flag is "1" in the user's character element management database D5. The images used in the virtual space are virtual space images in the character element list database D6.

[0122] In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which a user can change the first management mode and second management mode of a character element while a game service is being provided. However, it is conceivable that the provision of a game service may end. In such a case, the character element management unit 82 changes all management mode flags in the character element management database D5 to "1" on the day the provision of the game service ends. This makes it impossible to use the character element in the game service, but it remains possible to use the character element in other services.

[0123] In this embodiment, character elements registered during a game service period are managed in two management modes, so that character elements registered through the game service can be used in services other than the game service. Furthermore, even after the game service has ended, character elements that users have become attached to and registered through the game service can be used in services other than the game service, which is advantageous for users. As a result, a service that is more interesting for users can be provided.

[0124] Some or all of the above-described embodiments may also be described as in the following supplementary notes, but are not limited to the following.

[0125] [Appendix 1] Computer, A registration means for registering character elements in a predetermined game service; a management means capable of managing the registered character elements in either a first management form or a second management form; a usage control means for controlling the registered character elements to be usable in the game service on the condition that the registered character elements are managed in the first management format, and for controlling the registered character elements to be usable in the game service and to be usable in services other than the game service on the condition that the registered character elements are managed in the second management format; A program that functions as a

[0126] [Appendix 2] The service other than the game service is at least one of the following services: viewing the registered character elements, trading the registered character elements, and using the registered character elements in a virtual space. The program described in Appendix 1.

[0127] [Appendix 3] the management means controls the registered character elements so that the registered character elements can be managed in the second management mode after the registered character elements have been managed in the first management mode; 1. A program according to claim 1 or 2.

[0128] [Appendix 4] the management means controls the registered character elements so that they can be managed in the second management mode after the expiration of a period during which the game service in which the registered character elements can be used ends. 1. A program according to any one of appendices 1 to 3.

[0129] [Appendix 5] the registration means controls the character element to be registerable from the game service during a service provision period of the game service; 1. A program according to any one of appendices 1 to 4.

[0130] [Appendix 6] the use control means controls the transfer of the registered character element managed in the second management form from the user to another user, or the exchange of the registered character element managed in the second management form of another user, according to the value of the registered character element managed in the second management form; 1. A program according to any one of appendices 1 to 5.

[0131] [Appendix 7] the usage control means controls the registered character elements managed in the first management form so that they can be used in a game application installed on a user terminal, and controls the registered character elements managed in the second management form so that they can be used in a browser on the user terminal; 1. A program according to any one of appendices 1 to 6.

[0132] [Appendix 8] the registration means registers character elements using images read from a tangible game medium; 1. A program according to any one of appendices 1 to 7.

[0133] [Appendix 9] The game medium is a card on which a character is printed. 10. A program according to any one of appendices 1 to 8.

[0134] [Appendix 10] the usage control means allows the registered character element to be displayed in a display form different from a picture of the game medium in the game and in services other than the game; 10. A program according to any one of appendices 1 to 9.

[0135] [Appendix 11] a registration means for registering character elements in a predetermined game service; a management means capable of managing the registered character elements in either a first management form or a second management form; a usage control means for controlling the registered character elements to be usable in the game service on the condition that the registered character elements are managed in the first management format, and for controlling the registered character elements to be usable in the game service and to be usable in services other than the game service on the condition that the registered character elements are managed in the second management format; A terminal comprising:

[0136] [Appendix 12] Computer, A registration means for registering character elements in a predetermined game service; a management means capable of managing the registered character elements in either a first management form or a second management form; a service providing means for providing a game service using the registered character elements managed in the first management mode, and for providing a service other than the game service using the registered character elements managed in the second management mode; A program that functions as a

[0137] [Appendix 13] The service other than the game service is at least one of the following services: viewing the registered character elements, trading the registered character elements, and using the registered character elements in a virtual space. 12. The program described in Appendix 12.

[0138] [Appendix 14] the management means controls the registered character elements so that the registered character elements can be managed in the second management mode after the registered character elements have been managed in the first management mode; 14. The program according to claim 12 or 13.

[0139] [Appendix 15] the management means controls the registered character elements so that they can be managed in the second management mode after the expiration of a period during which the game service in which the registered character elements can be used ends. 15. A program according to any one of appendices 12 to 14.

[0140] [Appendix 16] the registration means controls the character element to be registerable from the game service during a service provision period of the game service; 16. A program according to any one of appendices 12 to 15.

[0141] [Appendix 17] the service providing means, on the condition that the registered character element managed in the second management form is transferred or exchanged, controls the transferred or exchanged registered character element so as to be invisible to the user and visible to the user to whom the transferred or exchanged element is to be transferred or exchanged; 17. A program according to any one of appendices 12 to 16.

[0142] [Appendix 18] the service providing means evaluates the value of the registered character elements managed in the second management form; 18. A program according to any one of appendices 12 to 17.

[0143] [Appendix 19] the service providing means determines a value of the registered character element in accordance with character information of the registered character element; A program according to any one of appendices 12 to 18.

[0144] [Appendix 20] a registration means for registering character elements in a predetermined game service; a management means capable of managing the registered character elements in either a first management form or a second management form; a service providing means for providing a game service using the registered character elements managed in the first management mode, and for providing a service other than the game service using the registered character elements managed in the second management mode; A management device comprising:

[0145] Although the present invention has been described above by way of preferred embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of its technical concept. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 1 game card 2. Terminal 3 Service Server 3

Claims

1. Computer, a registration means for identifying a character element associated with the item from the item and registering the identified character element as a character element to be used in a predetermined game service; a management means capable of managing the registered character elements in either a first management form or a second management form; a usage control means for controlling the registered character element to be usable in the game service on the condition that the registered character element is managed in the first management format, and for controlling the registered character element to be usable in the game service on the condition that the registered character element is managed in the second management format, and for controlling the registered character element to be usable in the game service and for controlling the use of a transaction service involving the registered character element to be usable; It functions as the management means manages the registered character elements in the first management format during a period in which the game service in which the registered character elements can be used is provided, and manages the registered character elements in the second management format after the period in which the game service in which the registered character elements can be used has ended. program.

2. the registration means controls the character element to be registerable from the game service during a service provision period of the game service; The program according to claim 1.

3. the use control means presents a value of the registered character element calculated using character information of the registered character element managed in the second management form, and controls the transfer of the registered character element managed in the second management form from the user to another user, or the exchange of the registered character element with the registered character element managed in the second management form of another user. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the usage control means controls the registered character elements managed in the first management format so that they can be used in a game application installed on a user terminal, and controls the registered character elements managed in the second management format so that they can be used in a browser on the user terminal; The program according to claim 2.

5. the registration means registers character elements using images read from a tangible game medium; The program according to claim 2.

6. The game medium is a card on which a character is printed. The program according to claim 5.

7. the usage control means allows the registered character element to be displayed in a display form different from a picture of the game medium in the game and in services other than the game; The program according to claim 5.

8. a registration means for identifying a character element associated with an item from the item and registering the identified character element as a character element to be used in a predetermined game service; a management means capable of managing the registered character elements in either a first management form or a second management form; a usage control means for controlling the registered character element to be usable in the game service on the condition that the registered character element is managed in the first management format, and for controlling the registered character element to be usable in the game service and to be usable in a transaction service involving the registered character element on the condition that the registered character element is managed in the second management format; Equipped with the management means manages the registered character elements in the first management format during a period in which the game service in which the registered character elements can be used is provided, and manages the registered character elements in the second management format after the period in which the game service in which the registered character elements can be used has ended. Terminal.

9. Computer, a management means capable of managing, in either a first management mode or a second management mode, a character element identified from an item associated with the character element as a character element to be used in a predetermined game service; a service providing means for providing a game service using the registered character elements managed in the first management format and for providing a transaction service targeting the registered character elements managed in the second management format; It functions as the management means manages the registered character elements in the first management format during a period in which the game service in which the registered character elements can be used is provided, and manages the registered character elements in the second management format after the period in which the game service in which the registered character elements can be used has ended. program.

10. the management means controls the game service during the service provision period, so that character elements identified from the game service and from the goods can be registered as registered character elements to be used in the game service; The program according to claim 9.

11. the service providing means, on the condition that the registered character element managed in the second management form is transferred or exchanged, controls the transferred or exchanged registered character element so as to be invisible to the user and visible to the user to whom the transferred or exchanged character element is to be transferred or exchanged; The program according to claim 10.

12. the service providing means calculates a value of the registered character element using character information of the registered character element managed in the second management form, presents the calculated value of the registered character element, and controls the transfer of the registered character element managed in the second management form from the user to another user, or the exchange of the registered character element with the registered character element managed in the second management form of another user, The program according to claim 9 or 10.

13. a management means for managing, in either a first management mode or a second management mode, a character element identified from an item associated with the character element as a character element to be used in a predetermined game service; a service providing means for providing a game service using the registered character elements managed in the first management format and for providing a transaction service targeting the registered character elements managed in the second management format; Equipped with the management means manages the registered character elements in the first management format during a period in which the game service in which the registered character elements can be used is provided, and manages the registered character elements in the second management format after the period in which the game service in which the registered character elements can be used has ended. Management device.

Images