Control method, computer, and control program

Abstract

To provide a control method or the like for permitting creation of an avatar image having higher originality while permitting effective utilization of an avatar item.SOLUTION: A control method includes: storing information relating to a main avatar and a sub-avatar into a storage part (32); storing a predetermined attribute into the storage part as an attribute of the sub-avatar in connection with user identification information following a first request of a user; outputting a sub-avatar image for indicating a sub-avatar associated with the attribute related to the user identification information to an output part (31) together with a main avatar image for indicating the main avatar; changing the attribute of the sub-avatar associated with the user identification information following a second request of the user; and changing the sub-avatar image to be outputted to the sub-avatar image for indicating the sub-avatar associated with attribute corresponding to the second request.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control method, a computer, and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, servers that provide games to mobile devices via communication networks have become widespread. Among the games provided by such servers, there are known games in which multiple users can participate (so-called "social games"). Generally, in social games, each user is represented by an avatar, which represents the user's face, hairstyle, clothing, accessories, etc.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a game system that provides a game to terminals connected to a game server via a communication network. In this game system, teams are formed with virtual users as members who progress through quest parts, battle parts, etc., and avatar images of the team members are displayed on each terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-104269 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In social games such as those described above, avatar items are provided for each type of face, hairstyle, clothing, accessories, etc., and each user can acquire and apply each item to their avatar to differentiate their own avatar from the avatars of other users. However, in recent years, there has been a demand for creating more unique avatar images.

[0006] Furthermore, a user can only apply one item per type to his or her avatar, and even if the user owns multiple items of the same type, the users cannot effectively use them.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a control method, computer, and control program that enable the effective use of avatar items while enabling the creation of more unique avatar images. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The control method of the present invention is a control method in a computer having a memory unit and an output unit, and includes storing information related to a main avatar and a sub-avatar in the memory unit, associating predetermined attributes with user identification information as attributes of the sub-avatar in accordance with a first request from a user and storing them in the memory unit, outputting to the output unit a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to the attribute associated with the user identification information together with a main avatar image representing the main avatar, and changing the attribute of the sub-avatar associated with the user identification information in accordance with a second request from the user, and changing the sub-avatar image to be output to a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to the attribute in accordance with the second request. The computer may be any computer that can execute the above procedure, such as a mobile terminal, a fixed terminal, or a server.

[0009] Furthermore, in the control method of the present invention, it is preferable that in the storing step, information relating to the multiple sub-avatars is stored in a memory unit, and in the output step, attributes of the multiple sub-avatars are associated with user identification information and stored in the memory unit in accordance with a first request, and multiple sub-avatar images representing the multiple sub-avatars respectively are output, and in the changing step, attributes of the multiple sub-avatars are changed in accordance with a second request, and the multiple sub-avatar images to be output are changed to sub-avatar images representing sub-avatars related to attributes in accordance with the second request.

[0010] Furthermore, in the control method of the present invention, it is preferable that, in the output step, in accordance with the first request, a predetermined placement position for the sub-avatar image is further associated with the user identification information and stored in a storage unit as the placement position of the sub-avatar image, and the sub-avatar image is output so that it is displayed at the placement position associated with the user identification information, and, in the change step, in accordance with the second request, the placement position of the sub-avatar image associated with the user identification information is changed, and the output sub-avatar image is changed so that it is displayed at the placement position in accordance with the second request.

[0011] In addition, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that, for each of a plurality of services provided by the computer, whether or not to output a sub-avatar image is automatically changed according to the size or shape of a display frame in which the main avatar image and the sub-avatar image are displayed in each service.

[0012] Furthermore, in the control method of the present invention, it is preferable that in the storing step, a plurality of items applicable to the main avatar and the sub-avatar are further stored in the memory unit in association with user identification information, and in the changing step, in accordance with the second request, an item selected by the user from among the plurality of items is applied to the main avatar, and an item selected by the user from among the plurality of items not applied to the main avatar is applied to the sub-avatar, the main avatar image is changed to a main avatar image including the item applied to the main avatar, and the sub-avatar image is changed to a sub-avatar image including the item applied to the sub-avatar.

[0013] In addition, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that a benefit be given to the user in accordance with a combination of an item applied to the main avatar and an item applied to the sub-avatar.

[0014] Furthermore, in the control method of the present invention, it is preferable to further set whether or not to output a sub-avatar image together with the main avatar image in accordance with a second request, and to execute a lottery for items applicable to the main avatar and the sub-avatar in accordance with a third request from the user, and when the lottery is executed and the sub-avatar image is set to be output, to increase the probability of winning the item related to the combination that will grant a benefit compared to when the sub-avatar image is set not to be output.

[0015] Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable to further set whether or not to output a sub-avatar image together with the main avatar image in accordance with a second request, create display data for purchasing items applicable to the main avatar and the sub-avatar, and output the created display data to an output unit, and if the display data is set to output a sub-avatar image, display items related to combinations that confer benefits in the display data in preference to other items.

[0016] Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that, in the storage step, for each of a plurality of users, information relating to the main avatar and sub-avatar and a plurality of items are stored in a memory unit in association with the user identification information of each user, and, in the output step, for each of a plurality of users, attributes of the sub-avatar are stored in the memory unit in association with the user identification information of each user, and, in the change step, items relating to a combination that confers a benefit to a user related to the user are applied to the main avatar and sub-avatar of the user.

[0017] Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that, in the storing step, information relating to the main avatar and sub-avatar for each of a plurality of users is stored in a memory unit in association with the user identification information of each user, and, in the output step, attributes of the sub-avatar for each of a plurality of users are stored in a memory unit in association with the user identification information of each user, and, in the changing step, the sub-avatar image output together with the user's main avatar image is changed to the sub-avatar image of a user related to the user.

[0018] Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that, in the output step, for each of a plurality of users, attributes of the sub-avatars are stored in a storage unit in association with user identification information of each user, and the sub-avatar images are output together with the main avatar image; and, in the modification step, for each of a plurality of users, attributes of the sub-avatars are modified and the sub-avatar images are modified, and, in accordance with a fourth request from the user, display data is created and output to the output unit, displaying a list of a history of creation or modification of the main avatar images and sub-avatar images of a plurality of users associated with the user, and the created or modified main avatar images and sub-avatar images.

[0019] In the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that the storage further stores attributes of the main avatar, and the output sets attributes of the sub-avatars to be different from the attributes of the main avatar.

[0020] The computer of the present invention includes a memory unit that stores information related to a main avatar and a sub-avatar, an output unit, a setting unit that, in accordance with a first request from a user, associates predetermined attributes with user identification information as attributes of the sub-avatar and stores them in the memory unit, and outputs to the output unit a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to the attributes associated with the user identification information along with a main avatar image representing the main avatar, and a change unit that, in accordance with a second request from the user, changes the attributes of the sub-avatar associated with the user identification information, and changes the output sub-avatar image to a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to the attributes in accordance with the second request.

[0021] The control program of the present invention is a control program for a computer having a memory unit and an output unit, and causes the computer to store information related to a main avatar and a sub-avatar in the memory unit, and in accordance with a first request from a user, store in the memory unit a predetermined attribute as an attribute of the sub-avatar in association with user identification information, output to the output unit a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to the attribute associated with the user identification information together with a main avatar image representing the main avatar, and in accordance with a second request from the user, change the attribute of the sub-avatar associated with the user identification information, and change the output sub-avatar image to a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to the attribute in accordance with the second request. Furthermore, a control method according to the present invention is a control method in a computer having a memory unit, and includes storing information relating to a main avatar and a sub-avatar in the memory unit, and in accordance with a first request from a user, storing in the memory unit predetermined attributes as attributes of the sub-avatar in association with user identification information, creating an image including a main avatar image representing the main avatar and a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to the attribute associated with the user identification information as an avatar image to be used to represent the user in a plurality of different services provided by the computer, and in accordance with a second request from the user, changing the attribute of the sub-avatar associated with the user identification information, and changing the sub-avatar image included in the avatar image to a sub-avatar image representing the sub-avatar related to the attribute in accordance with the second request. Furthermore, in the control method of the present invention, it is preferable that in the storing step, information relating to the multiple sub-avatars is stored in a memory unit; in the creating step, attributes of the multiple sub-avatars are associated with user identification information and stored in the memory unit in accordance with a first request, and multiple sub-avatar images representing each of the multiple sub-avatars are included in the avatar image; and in the modifying step, attributes of the multiple sub-avatars are modified in accordance with a second request, and the multiple sub-avatar images included in the avatar image are modified to sub-avatar images representing sub-avatars related to attributes in accordance with the second request. Furthermore, in the control method of the present invention, it is preferable that in the creation step, in accordance with a first request, a predetermined placement position for the sub-avatar image is further associated with user identification information and stored in a storage unit as the placement position of the sub-avatar image, and the avatar image is created so that the sub-avatar image is displayed at the placement position associated with the user identification information, and in the modification step, in accordance with a second request, the placement position of the sub-avatar image associated with the user identification information is modified, and the sub-avatar image included in the avatar image is modified so that it is displayed at the placement position in accordance with the second request. Furthermore, in the control method of the present invention, it is preferable that the sub-avatar image is placed at a predetermined position within the avatar image, and whether or not the sub-avatar image is to be displayed within the avatar image is set in accordance with the second request, and whether or not the sub-avatar image is to be displayed within the avatar image is automatically changed for each of a plurality of different services provided by the computer according to the size or shape of the display frame in which the avatar image is displayed in each service, regardless of whether or not the avatar image is set to be displayed within the avatar image. Furthermore, in the control method of the present invention, it is preferable that in the storing step, a plurality of items applicable to the main avatar and the sub-avatar are further stored in the memory unit in association with user identification information, and in the changing step, in accordance with the second request, an item selected by the user from among the plurality of items is applied to the main avatar, and an item selected by the user from among the plurality of items not applied to the main avatar is applied to the sub-avatar, the main avatar image is changed to a main avatar image including the item applied to the main avatar, and the sub-avatar image is changed to a sub-avatar image including the item applied to the sub-avatar. In addition, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that a benefit be given to the user in accordance with a combination of an item applied to the main avatar and an item applied to the sub-avatar. Furthermore, in the control method of the present invention, it is preferable to further set whether or not to display a sub-avatar image on the avatar image in accordance with a second request, and to execute a lottery for items applicable to the main avatar and the sub-avatar in accordance with a third request from the user, and when the lottery is executed and the sub-avatar image is set to be displayed on the avatar image, to increase the probability of winning the item related to the combination that will grant a benefit compared to when the sub-avatar image is set not to be displayed on the avatar image. Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, in accordance with a second requirement, it is further preferable to set whether or not to display a sub-avatar image on the avatar image, create display data for purchasing items applicable to the main avatar and the sub-avatar, and output the created display data to the output unit, and if the display data is set to display a sub-avatar image on the avatar image, it is preferable that items related to combinations that grant benefits are displayed preferentially in the display data over other items. Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that, in the storage step, for each of a plurality of users, information relating to the main avatar and sub-avatar and a plurality of items are stored in a memory unit in association with the user identification information of each user, and, in the creation step, for each of a plurality of users, attributes of the sub-avatar are stored in the memory unit in association with the user identification information of each user, and, in the modification step, items relating to a combination of users associated with the user that will be granted a benefit are applied to the user's main avatar and sub-avatar. Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that, in the storing step, information relating to the main avatar and sub-avatar for each of a plurality of users is stored in a memory unit in association with the user identification information of each user, and, in the creating step, attributes of the sub-avatar for each of a plurality of users are stored in a memory unit in association with the user identification information of each user, and, in the changing step, the sub-avatar image output together with the user's main avatar image is changed to the sub-avatar image of a user related to the user. Furthermore, in the control method of the present invention, it is preferable that in the creation step, for each of multiple users, the attributes of the sub-avatar are associated with the user identification information of each user and stored in a memory unit, and an avatar image is created; and in the modification step, for each of multiple users, the attributes of the sub-avatar are modified and the sub-avatar image is modified, and in accordance with a fourth request from the user, display data is created that displays a list of the history of creation or modification of avatar images of multiple users associated with the user and the created or modified avatar images, and is output to an output unit. In the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that the storage step further stores attributes of the main avatar, and the creation step sets attributes of the sub-avatars to be different from the attributes of the main avatar. The computer according to the present invention also includes a storage unit that stores information related to a main avatar and a sub-avatar, a setting unit that, in accordance with a first request from a user, stores in the storage unit predetermined attributes as attributes of the sub-avatar in association with user identification information, and creates an image including a main avatar image representing the main avatar and a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to the attribute associated with the user identification information as an avatar image to be used to represent the user in a plurality of different services provided by the computer, and a modification unit that, in accordance with a second request from the user, changes the attribute of the sub-avatar associated with the user identification information, and changes the sub-avatar image included in the avatar image to a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to the attribute in accordance with the second request. In addition, a control program according to the present invention is a control program for a computer having a memory unit, which causes the computer to perform the following operations: store information relating to a main avatar and a sub-avatar in the memory unit; in accordance with a first request from a user, store in the memory unit predetermined attributes as attributes of the sub-avatar in association with user identification information; create an image including a main avatar image representing the main avatar and a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to the attribute associated with the user identification information as avatar images to represent the user in a plurality of different services provided by the computer; in accordance with a second request from the user, change the attribute of the sub-avatar associated with the user identification information; and change the sub-avatar image included in the avatar image to a sub-avatar image representing the sub-avatar related to the attribute in accordance with the second request. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] The control method, computer, and control program of the present invention use a sub-avatar whose attributes can be changed in addition to a main avatar, allowing users to create more unique avatar images while making effective use of avatar items. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a communication system 1. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a mobile terminal 2. [Figure 3] 1A to 1C are schematic diagrams illustrating avatar images. [Figure 4] 10(a) to 10(c) are diagrams showing an example of a display screen of the mobile terminal 2. FIG. [Figure 5] 10(a) to 10(c) are diagrams showing an example of a display screen of the mobile terminal 2. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a server 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user table. [Figure 8]1A is a diagram showing an example of an avatar table, FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of an item table, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing an example of a history table. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of the communication system 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operational flow of a sub-avatar setting process. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of an operational flow of an avatar image update process. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of a history extraction process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to the inventions set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

[0025] 1. Overview of this embodiment In the communication system of this embodiment, a user participates in a service provided by a server using a mobile terminal. The server provides a plurality of services to the user, and the services provided by the server are, for example, a social game in which multiple users can participate, or an SNS (social networking service). In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the server provides a social game service.

[0026] In this game, each user is represented by an avatar, which represents the user's face, hairstyle, clothing, accessories, etc. An avatar is an object corresponding to each user and is a character representing the user's alter ego. In addition to a main avatar representing the user's alter ego, the avatar image representing each user also displays sub-avatars representing the user's family, friends, in-game friends, and other alter egos. Hereinafter, the image portion of the avatar image representing the main avatar may be referred to as the main avatar image, and the image portion representing the sub-avatar may be referred to as the sub-avatar image.

[0027] The main avatar and sub-avatar each have attributes such as gender and age, and each attribute can be changed according to a user's request. Attributes include, but are not limited to, gender and age, as long as they represent the characteristics or type of the main avatar and sub-avatar. Furthermore, users can purchase or acquire by lottery items categorized by type, such as the avatar's face, hairstyle, clothing, and accessories. Users can apply one item per type to each avatar. However, each item has a set attribute, and each item is applied only to the avatar associated with the set attribute. Furthermore, applying a uniquely identified item to multiple avatars is prohibited, and an item applied to a main avatar cannot be applied to a sub-avatar.

[0028] Avatars and items are electronic data that can be acquired, possessed, used, managed, exchanged, synthesized, enhanced, sold, discarded, and / or gifted by users within the game, but the manner in which avatars and items can be used is not limited to those explicitly stated in this specification.

[0029] If a user owns multiple items of the same type, or an item with attributes different from those of the main avatar, the user can apply the items that cannot be applied to the main avatar to the sub-avatar and effectively utilize them. Furthermore, since each user can apply items to each avatar while changing the attributes of the main avatar and sub-avatar, the number of combinations of items that can be applied to avatars increases dramatically compared to when only the main avatar is used or when the attributes of each avatar cannot be changed. This allows each user to create a highly unique avatar image.

[0030] 2. Configuration of Communication System 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a communication system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0031] The communication system 1 includes a plurality of mobile terminals 2 and a server 3. The mobile terminals 2 and the server 3 are connected to each other via a communication network, for example, via a base station 4, a mobile communication network 5, a gateway 6, and the Internet 7. A program executed on the mobile terminal 2 (for example, a browsing program) and a program executed on the server 3 (for example, a game program) communicate with each other using a communication protocol such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).

[0032] It should be noted that the mobile terminal 2 is assumed to be a multi-function mobile phone (a so-called "smartphone"), but the present invention is not limited to this. The mobile terminal 2 may be any device to which the present invention is applicable, such as a mobile phone (a so-called "feature phone"), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable game console, a portable music player, a tablet terminal, a tablet PC, or a notebook PC.

[0033] 2.1. Configuration of mobile device 2 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the mobile terminal 2. As shown in FIG.

[0034] The mobile terminal 2 includes a device communication unit 21, a device storage unit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, and a device processing unit 25. The mobile terminal 2 requests the server 3 to progress in the game in response to a user's operation of the operation unit 23 (buttons, etc.). The mobile terminal 2 also receives display data relating to the progress of the game from the server 3 and displays it.

[0035] The terminal communication unit 21 has a communication interface circuit including an antenna having a sensitivity band within a predetermined frequency band, and connects the mobile terminal 2 to a wireless communication network. The terminal communication unit 21 establishes a wireless signal link with the base station 4 by a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) system or the like via a channel assigned by the base station 4, and communicates with the base station 4. The terminal communication unit 21 then transmits data supplied from the terminal processing unit 25 to the server 3 or the like. The terminal communication unit 21 also supplies data received from the server 3 or the like to the terminal processing unit 25. The terminal communication unit 21 may also perform wireless communication with a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) access point (not shown) by a wireless communication system conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard.

[0036] The device storage unit 22 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory device. The device storage unit 22 stores an operating system program, a driver program, an application program, data, and the like used for processing by the device processing unit 25. For example, the device storage unit 22 stores, as driver programs, an input device driver program that controls the operation unit 23 and an output device driver program that controls the display unit 24. The device storage unit 22 also stores, as application programs, a program that acquires and displays display data related to the progress of the game. Computer programs may be installed into the device storage unit 22 from a computer-readable portable recording medium, such as a CD-ROM (compact disk read-only memory) or a DVD-ROM (digital versatile disk read-only memory), using a known setup program or the like. The device storage unit 22 also stores, as data, a user ID that is identification information of the user of the portable device 2, display data related to the progress of the game, video data, image data, and the like. The device storage unit 22 may also temporarily store temporary data related to predetermined processing.

[0037] The operation unit 23 may be any device capable of operating the mobile terminal 2, such as a touch panel or key buttons. A user can input letters, numbers, symbols, etc. using the operation unit 23. When operated by a user, the operation unit 23 generates a signal corresponding to the operation. The generated signal is then supplied to the device processing unit 25 as an instruction from the user.

[0038] The display unit 24 may also be any device capable of displaying videos, images, etc., such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc. The display unit 24 displays videos corresponding to video data supplied from the device processing unit 25, images corresponding to image data, etc.

[0039] The device processing unit 25 includes one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. The device processing unit 25 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls the overall operation of the mobile device 2. The device processing unit 25 controls the operation of the device communication unit 21, display unit 24, etc. so that various processes of the mobile device 2 are executed in an appropriate order based on the programs stored in the device storage unit 22, operations on the operation unit 23, etc. The device processing unit 25 executes processes based on the programs (operating system programs, driver programs, application programs, etc.) stored in the device storage unit 22. The device processing unit 25 can also execute multiple programs (application programs, etc.) in parallel.

[0040] 2.1.1. Functions of the terminal processing unit 25 3(a) to 3(c) are schematic diagrams illustrating avatar images.

[0041] FIG. 3(a) shows an example of an avatar image displaying an avatar used in a game. Avatar image 300 shown in FIG. 3(a) is an example of an avatar image created when a sub-avatar is initially set. Avatar image 301 representing the main avatar is displayed on the right side of avatar image 300, and sub-avatar image 302 representing the sub-avatar is displayed on the left side of main avatar image 301. The main avatar and sub-avatar each have gender as an attribute. The initial values ​​of the attributes of the sub-avatar are selected by the user when the sub-avatar is initially set. The initial values ​​of the attributes of the sub-avatar may be determined in advance. The initial values ​​of the attributes of the sub-avatar may also be automatically determined by server 3 when the sub-avatar is set. In the example shown in FIG. 3(a), the gender of the main avatar is female, and the gender of the sub-avatar is female.

[0042] Figure 3(b) shows an example of an avatar image in which the gender of the sub-avatar has been changed from that shown in avatar image 300. In avatar image 310 shown in Figure 3(b), the gender of the sub-avatar has been changed from female to male in response to a request from the user.

[0043] FIG. 3(c) shows an example of an avatar image in which items have been applied to a sub-avatar from the state shown in avatar image 310. In avatar image 320 shown in FIG. 3(c), items related to the face, hairstyle, clothing, and accessories have been applied to the sub-avatar in accordance with a user's request. The user can apply items they own that have not been applied to the main avatar to the sub-avatar. This allows the user to effectively utilize unused redundant items.

[0044] 3(a) to 3(c), the user can freely change the attributes and applied items of the sub-avatar, which allows the user to create a highly unique avatar image.

[0045] FIG. 4(a) is a diagram showing an example of a home screen displayed on the display unit 24. As shown in FIG.

[0046] 4(a) is displayed when the game starts, etc. Each screen described below is displayed based on display data received from the server 3.

[0047] The home screen 400 displays a main game button 401, a sub-avatar setting button 402, an avatar image update button 403, an avatar image history button 404, a lottery button 405, a purchase button 406, and the like.

[0048] When the main game button 401 is pressed, a screen for playing the main game is displayed, and the user can play the main game. The main game may be, for example, a battle in which users pit their characters against each other, a so-called RAID battle in which multiple users cooperate to fight enemy characters (so-called non-player characters), or a quest that progresses according to a game scenario. A quest, which is generally also called an exploration or mission, involves multiple dungeons, each with multiple floors (stages), and the processing of each floor is executed sequentially. The processing of each floor includes a battle between the user's character and an enemy character, the granting of special items or other benefits to the user, and the like.

[0049] A character is an example of game media. Game media is electronic data used in a game, and includes, for example, cards, items, characters, and avatars. Game media is electronic data that can be acquired, possessed, used, managed, exchanged, combined, strengthened, sold, discarded, and / or gifted by a user in the game as the game progresses, but the manner in which game media can be used is not limited to those explicitly stated in this specification.

[0050] When the sub-avatar setting button 402 is pressed, a screen for setting a sub-avatar is displayed, allowing the user to set the sub-avatar. When the avatar image update button 403 is pressed, a screen for changing the avatar image is displayed, allowing the user to change the avatar image. When the avatar image history button 404 is pressed, a screen showing the history of avatar image creation or changes is displayed, allowing the user to check the history.

[0051] When the lottery button 405 is pressed, a screen (not shown) for conducting a lottery for an item to be applied to the avatar is displayed, and the user can conduct a lottery for the item. When the purchase button 406 is pressed, a screen (not shown) for purchasing an item to be applied to the avatar is displayed, and the user can purchase the item.

[0052] FIG. 4(b) is a diagram showing an example of a sub-avatar setting screen displayed on the display unit 24. As shown in FIG.

[0053] 4(b) is displayed when the sub-avatar setting button 402 is pressed on the home screen 400. The sub-avatar setting screen 410 displays a display selection button 411, a placement position selection button 412, and a gender selection button 413 for the first sub-avatar, a display selection button 414, a placement position selection button 415, and a gender selection button 416 for the second sub-avatar, a setting button 417, a back button 418, etc.

[0054] Display selection buttons 411 and 414 are radio buttons for selecting whether or not to display sub-avatar images representing each sub-avatar within the avatar image.

[0055] Position selection buttons 412 and 415 are radio buttons for selecting the position of each sub-avatar within the avatar image. The user can select the left side, center, or right side as the position. Alternatively, the user may select the top side, center, or bottom side as the position. Alternatively, the user may input arbitrary coordinates within the avatar image as the position.

[0056] Gender selection buttons 413, 416 are radio buttons for selecting the gender of the first sub-avatar, and the user can select either male or female as the gender. If the avatar attributes include age, an age selection button (not shown) for selecting the age of the first sub-avatar is displayed, and the user can select the age of the first sub-avatar.

[0057] When setting button 417 is pressed, the sub-avatar is set according to the display / non-display, placement position, and attributes selected using each of selection buttons 411-416, and avatar images are created including a main avatar image representing the main avatar and a sub-avatar image representing the newly set sub-avatar. A screen showing the results of the avatar image creation is then displayed, allowing the user to confirm the created avatar images. When back button 418 is pressed, home screen 400 is displayed again.

[0058] Note that the initial values ​​of whether or not a sub-avatar is displayed, its position, attributes, etc. may be predetermined rather than being selected by the user. Alternatively, the initial values ​​of whether or not a sub-avatar is displayed, its position, attributes, etc. may be automatically determined by server 3. In such a case, when sub-avatar setting button 402 is pressed on home screen 400, sub-avatar setting screen 410 is not displayed, and a screen showing the result of creating an avatar image including a sub-avatar image according to the predetermined initial values ​​or the initial values ​​determined by server 3 is displayed.

[0059] FIG. 4(c) is a diagram showing an example of a creation result screen displayed on the display unit 24.

[0060] 4(c) is displayed when the setting button 417 is pressed on the sub-avatar setting screen 410. The creation result screen 420 displays an avatar image 421, a home button 425, a back button 426, and the like.

[0061] Avatar image 421 includes main avatar image 422, first sub-avatar image 423 representing a newly set first sub-avatar, second sub-avatar image 424 representing a newly set second sub-avatar, etc. Main avatar image 422 is displayed according to settings pre-stored in server 3. Note that sub-avatar setting screen 410 may display settings for the main avatar as well as settings for the sub-avatars so that the user can select them. In this case, main avatar image 422 is displayed according to the settings selected on sub-avatar setting screen 410. First sub-avatar image 423 and second sub-avatar image 424 are displayed according to the attributes (gender), placement position, etc. selected on sub-avatar setting screen 410.

[0062] Creation result screen 420 shows an example in which an item has been applied to the main avatar, but if an item has not yet been applied to the main avatar, main avatar image 422 will be displayed in a state in which no item has been applied, similar to first sub-avatar image 423 and second sub-avatar image 424. When home button 425 is pressed, home screen 400 is displayed again. When back button 426 is pressed, sub-avatar setting screen 410 is displayed again.

[0063] FIG. 4(d) shows an example of an avatar image update screen displayed on display unit 24. As shown in FIG.

[0064] 4(d) is displayed when avatar image update button 403 is pressed on home screen 400. Avatar image update screen 430 displays main avatar change button 431, first sub avatar change button 432, second sub avatar change button 433, back button 434, etc.

[0065] When change main avatar button 431 is pressed, a screen for changing the main avatar is displayed, allowing the user to change the main avatar. When change first sub avatar button 432 is pressed, a screen for changing the first sub avatar is displayed, allowing the user to change the first sub avatar. When change second sub avatar button 433 is pressed, a screen for changing the second sub avatar is displayed, allowing the user to change the second sub avatar. When back button 434 is pressed, home screen 400 is displayed again.

[0066] FIG. 5(a) is a diagram showing an example of the first sub-avatar change screen displayed on the display unit 24. As shown in FIG.

[0067] 5(a) is displayed when the change first sub-avatar button 432 is pressed on the avatar image update screen 430. Note that the screen for changing the main avatar and the screen for changing the second sub-avatar are similar to the first sub-avatar change screen 500, so detailed explanations will be omitted and the following will describe the screen for changing the first sub-avatar as a representative example.

[0068] The first sub-avatar change screen 500 displays a display selection button 501, a placement position selection button 502, a gender selection button 503, an item 504, an item selection button 505, an update button 506, a back button 507, and the like.

[0069] Display selection button 501, placement position selection button 502, and gender selection button 503 are the same as display selection button 411, placement position selection button 412, and gender selection button 413 shown in FIG. 4(b), respectively. Note that the main avatar is restricted to always be displayed within the avatar image, so display selection buttons are not displayed on the screen for changing the main avatar. Furthermore, if age is included in the avatar attributes, an age selection button (not shown) for selecting the age of the first sub-avatar is displayed.

[0070] Items that can be applied to the avatar among the items owned by the user are listed as items 504, and item selection buttons 505 are displayed corresponding to each listed item. By pressing an item selection button 505, the user can apply the item corresponding to that item selection button 505 to the first sub-avatar. Note that item selection buttons corresponding to items that have not been applied to avatars other than the first sub-avatar, i.e., the main avatar and second sub-avatar, are displayed as selectable, and item selection buttons corresponding to items that have already been applied to avatars other than the first sub-avatar are displayed as unselectable.

[0071] When Update button 506 is pressed, the first sub-avatar is changed according to the settings selected by each button. After the first sub-avatar is changed, the avatar image is also changed, and a screen showing the updated avatar image is displayed, allowing the user to confirm the changed avatar image. When Back button 507 is pressed, the first sub-avatar remains unchanged, and avatar image update screen 430 is displayed again.

[0072] FIG. 5(b) is a diagram showing an example of an update result screen displayed on the display unit 24.

[0073] 5(b) is displayed when the update button 506 is pressed on one of the avatar change screens, such as the first sub-avatar change screen 500. The update result screen 510 displays an avatar image 511, a home button 515, a back button 516, and the like.

[0074] Avatar image 511 is an avatar image changed according to settings selected by buttons on each avatar change screen, such as first sub-avatar change screen 500. Avatar images 511 include main avatar image 512, first sub-avatar image 513, second sub-avatar image 514, etc. Among main avatar image 512, first sub-avatar image 513, and second sub-avatar image 514, an image representing a changed avatar is displayed according to settings selected by the user, and images representing other avatars are displayed according to settings stored in server 3.

[0075] When the home button 515 is pressed, the home screen 400 is displayed again. When the back button 516 is pressed, the avatar change screen is displayed again.

[0076] FIG. 5(c) is a diagram showing an example of an avatar image history screen displayed on display unit 24. As shown in FIG.

[0077] Avatar image history screen 520 shown in FIG. 5(c) is displayed when avatar image history button 404 is pressed on home screen 400. Avatar image history screen 520 displays creation or modification histories 521, 531 of avatar images of the user and related users associated with the user in the order in which they were created or modified. Related users include, for example, other users who are friends with the user, users who have helped the user in a past battle with an enemy character, users who have previously competed with the user, and / or users who belong to a group with which the user has previously competed. Alternatively, related users may be users designated by the user as users whose avatar image history the user wishes to view.

[0078] The histories 521 and 531 respectively display text 522 and 532, avatar images 523 and 533, comment creation buttons 524 and 534, voting buttons 525 and 535, and comment areas 526 and 536. The text 522 and 532 display the name of the user who created or changed the avatar image and a message indicating that the avatar image was created or changed. The avatar images 523 and 533 are created or changed avatar images. By pressing the comment creation buttons 524 and 534, users can post comments about the avatar images 523 and 533. By pressing the voting buttons 525 and 535, users can vote for the avatar images 523 and 533. The users who created or changed the avatar images receive rewards based on the number of votes cast for each avatar image within a specified period. The comment areas 526 and 536 display comments posted by each user.

[0079] The history of creation or modification of related users' avatar images is displayed in chronological order on a timeline, allowing users to immediately recognize when a friend user has changed their avatar. Furthermore, since only the history of the user's and related users' avatar images is displayed, users can simultaneously view the latest avatars of multiple related users and easily compare their own avatar with the avatars of others. Furthermore, by registering users with good fashion sense as related users, users can refer to the outfits of registered users.

[0080] If the number of related users is less than a predetermined number, the server 3 may automatically select a user with a large number of votes and display the history of the selected user's avatar image on the avatar image history screen. This allows users to view the outfits of popular users. Furthermore, by using the avatar image history screen, each user can make their avatar available to others, encouraging them to create better avatar images, thereby revitalizing the avatar service.

[0081] 2.1.1. Configuration of the terminal processing unit 25 The device processing unit 25 includes at least a browsing execution unit 251. The browsing execution unit 251 is a functional module realized by a program executed by a processor included in the device processing unit 25. Alternatively, the browsing execution unit 251 may be implemented in the mobile terminal 2 as firmware.

[0082] The browsing execution unit 251 acquires and displays display data related to the progress of the game. That is, in response to an instruction from the user, the browsing execution unit 251 transmits an acquisition request for display data related to the progress of the game to the server 3 via the device communication unit 21. The browsing execution unit 251 also receives corresponding display data from the server 3 via the device communication unit 21. The browsing execution unit 251 creates drawing data based on the received display data. That is, the browsing execution unit 251 analyzes the received display data to identify control data and content data, lays out the identified content data based on the identified control data, and creates drawing data. The browsing execution unit 251 then outputs the created drawing data to the display unit 24. The browsing execution unit 251 also stores each piece of information included in the display data in the device storage unit 22 while a communication connection with the server 3 is established.

[0083] 2.2. Server 3 Configuration Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the server 3. Fig. 7 and Figs. 8(a) to 8(c) are diagrams showing examples of data structures of various tables stored in the server storage unit 32.

[0084] The server 3 includes a server communication unit 31, a server storage unit 32, and a server processing unit 33. The server 3 progresses the game in response to a request from the mobile terminal 2. The server 3 also creates display data related to the progress of the game and transmits it to the mobile terminal 2.

[0085] The server communication unit 31 is an example of an output unit, and includes a communication interface circuit for connecting the server 3 to the Internet 7, and communicates with the Internet 7. The server communication unit 31 then supplies data received from the mobile terminal 2 or the like to the server processing unit 33. The server communication unit 31 also transmits data supplied from the server processing unit 33 to the mobile terminal 2 or the like.

[0086] The server storage unit 32 includes, for example, at least one of a magnetic tape device, a magnetic disk device, and an optical disk device. The server storage unit 32 stores an operating system program, a driver program, an application program, data, etc. used for processing by the server processing unit 33. For example, the server storage unit 32 stores, as an application program, a game program that progresses a game and creates display data related to the game results. The computer program may be installed into the terminal storage unit 22 from a computer-readable portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM using a known setup program, etc.

[0087] The server storage unit 32 also stores data such as the user table shown in Fig. 7, the avatar table shown in Fig. 8(a), the item table shown in Fig. 8(b), the history table shown in Fig. 8(c), image data of each avatar and each item, various image data related to the progress of the game, etc. Furthermore, the server storage unit 32 may temporarily store temporary data related to a predetermined process.

[0088] 7 shows a user table for managing users. The user table stores, for each user, information such as the user's identification information (user ID), password, name, owned item information, main avatar information, first sub-avatar information, second sub-avatar information, and user IDs of related users in association with each other.

[0089] The owned item information stores, for each item that the user owns and that can be applied to the avatar, an identification number (ownership ID) for managing the owned item, an identification number (item ID) for the item, etc. Items include, for example, the face and hairstyle of the avatar, and the clothes and accessories worn by the avatar.

[0090] The main avatar information stores, in association with each other, the main avatar's identification information (avatar ID), gender, the position of the main avatar image within the avatar image, and the identification number of the item applied to the main avatar (application ID). Information indicating male or female is stored as the gender. Information indicating right, center, or left side is stored as the position within the avatar image. The application ID is an ownership ID corresponding to each item currently applied to the main avatar.

[0091] The first sub-avatar information stores the avatar ID and gender of the first sub-avatar, the position of the first sub-avatar image within the avatar image, a display flag, an application ID, etc., in association with each other. The display flag stores whether or not the first sub-avatar image is to be displayed within the avatar image. The application ID is an ownership ID corresponding to each item currently applied to the first sub-avatar.

[0092] The second sub-avatar information stores the avatar ID and gender of the second sub-avatar, the position of the second sub-avatar image within the avatar image, a display flag, an application ID, etc., in association with each other. The display flag stores whether or not the second sub-avatar image is displayed within the avatar image. The application ID is an ownership ID corresponding to each item currently applied to the second sub-avatar.

[0093] The main avatar, first sub-avatar, and second sub-avatar themselves may be defined in common for all users, and each user's avatar may be identified by its attributes, applied items, etc. In this case, the avatar IDs of the main avatar, first sub-avatar, and second sub-avatar may be stored in common for all users, rather than being stored in the user table in association with the user ID of each user.

[0094] If each avatar has age as an attribute, the age of each avatar is also stored in each avatar information. Furthermore, each avatar information may store information indicating the top, center, or bottom of the avatar image, or any coordinates within the avatar image, as the placement position of the avatar.

[0095] 8(a) shows an avatar table for managing avatars. The avatar table stores, for each avatar, the avatar ID of the avatar, the file name of the image data for each avatar by gender, and other information in association with each other. If each avatar has age as an attribute, the avatar table is further classified by age, and the avatar table stores the file name of the image data for each avatar by age.

[0096] 8(b) shows an item table for managing items. The item table stores, for each item, the item ID, name, image data file name, rarity, type, gender, group, etc., in association with the item.

[0097] Rarity is a parameter that indicates the rarity of an item in the game, and the rarer the item, the rarer it is and the more difficult it is to obtain. Examples of rarity stored include normal, rare, S (super) rare, SS (double super) rare, SSS (triple super) rare, and legend. Examples of types stored include face, hairstyle, clothing, and accessories. Examples of groups stored include genres such as music, sports, swimming, and mountain climbing. Additionally, for example, identification information for other services (games) provided by the server 3 may be stored as a group. In this case, multiple items linked to other services, i.e., multiple items available for avatar services provided by other services, are stored in association with the identification information for the group.

[0098] 8(c) shows a history table that manages the history of creation or modification of avatar images of a user and the user's related users. The history table is managed for each user. For each history of creation or modification of an avatar image by the user and the user's related users, the history table stores, in association with each other, the identification information (history ID) of the history, the date and time, the target user ID, the file name of the image data, information indicating whether it was created or modified, the number of votes, comment information, etc.

[0099] The date and time is the date and time when the user or a user related to the user created or changed the avatar image. The image data file name is the file name of the avatar image created or changed by the user or a user related to the user. The number of votes is the number of votes given to that avatar image by each user on avatar image history screen 520. The comment information stores, for each comment posted by each user on that avatar image on avatar image history screen 520, the user ID of the user who posted the comment, the content of the comment, etc., in association with each other.

[0100] 2.2.1. Configuration of the server processing unit 33 The server processing unit 33 includes one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. The server processing unit 33 is, for example, a CPU, and performs overall control of the overall operation of the server 3. The server processing unit 33 controls the operation of the server communication unit 31 and other units so that various processes of the server 3 are executed in an appropriate order based on the programs and the like stored in the server storage unit 32. The server processing unit 33 executes processes based on the programs (such as operating system programs, driver programs, and application programs) stored in the server storage unit 32. The server processing unit 33 can also execute multiple programs (such as application programs) in parallel.

[0101] The server processing unit 33 includes a progress control unit 331, a main game execution unit 332, a setting unit 333, a change unit 334, a history management unit 335, a benefit granting unit 336, a lottery execution unit 337, and a purchase execution unit 338. Each of these units is a functional module realized by a program executed by a processor included in the server processing unit 33. Alternatively, each of these units may be implemented in the server 3 as firmware.

[0102] The progress control unit 331 controls the start and progress of the game, and appropriately instructs the main game execution unit 332, setting unit 333, change unit 334, history management unit 335, benefit granting unit 336, lottery execution unit 337, and purchase execution unit 338 to execute processes. The progress control unit 331 exchanges necessary data with the mobile device 2 via the server communication unit 31.

[0103] 4(a) to 5(c) is received from the portable terminal 2, the progress control unit 331 executes or instructs each unit to create display data for displaying buttons for receiving instructions from the user, text information notifying the user, images, etc. in a layout appropriate for that screen, and transmits that data to the portable terminal 2. Then, when a button is pressed on the screen displayed on the portable terminal 2 and a request for the next screen corresponding to that button is received from the portable terminal 2, the progress control unit 331 similarly executes or instructs each unit to create display data for the next screen and transmits that data to the portable terminal 2.

[0104] In particular, when the user performs an operation to start a game using the portable device 2 or an operation to transition to the home screen, and a corresponding home screen request is received from the portable device 2, the progress control unit 331 creates display data for displaying the home screen 400. Then, the progress control unit 331 transmits the created display data to the portable device 2.

[0105] Furthermore, when the user presses the main game button 401 on the home screen 400 displayed on the mobile device 2 and a corresponding main game request is received from the mobile device 2, the progress control unit 331 instructs the main game executing unit 332 to execute the main game. The progress control unit 331 then transmits the display data for executing the main game, created by the main game executing unit 332, to the mobile device 2.

[0106] Furthermore, when the user presses the sub-avatar setting button 402 on the home screen 400 displayed on the portable device 2 and a corresponding sub-avatar setting screen request is received from the portable device 2, the progress control unit 331 instructs the setting unit 333 to create a sub-avatar setting screen. Then, the progress control unit 331 transmits display data for displaying the sub-avatar setting screen 410 created by the setting unit 333 to the portable device 2.

[0107] Furthermore, when the user presses the Set button 417 on the sub-avatar setting screen 410 displayed on the mobile device 2 and a corresponding sub-avatar setting request is received from the mobile device 2, the progress control unit 331 instructs the setting unit 333 to set the sub-avatar. Then, the progress control unit 331 transmits display data for displaying the creation result screen 420 created by the setting unit 333 to the mobile device 2.

[0108] Furthermore, when the user presses avatar image update button 403 on home screen 400 displayed on portable device 2 and a corresponding avatar image update screen request is received from portable device 2, progress control unit 331 instructs change unit 334 to create an avatar image update screen. Then, progress control unit 331 transmits display data for displaying avatar image update screen 430 created by change unit 334 to portable device 2.

[0109] Furthermore, when the user presses one of the avatar change buttons 431-433 on avatar image update screen 430 displayed on mobile device 2 and a corresponding avatar change screen request is received from mobile device 2, progress control unit 331 instructs change unit 334 to create an avatar change screen. Then, progress control unit 331 transmits display data for displaying the avatar change screen created by change unit 334 to mobile device 2.

[0110] Furthermore, when the user presses update button 506 on the avatar change screen displayed on portable device 2 and a corresponding avatar image update request is received from portable device 2, progress control unit 331 instructs change unit 334 to update the avatar image. Then, progress control unit 331 transmits display data for displaying update result screen 510 created by change unit 334 to portable device 2.

[0111] Furthermore, when the user presses avatar image history button 404 on home screen 400 displayed on portable device 2 and a corresponding avatar image history screen request is received from portable device 2, progress control unit 331 instructs history management unit 335 to create an avatar image history screen. Then, progress control unit 331 transmits display data for displaying avatar image history screen 520 created by history management unit 335 to portable device 2.

[0112] Furthermore, when the user presses comment creation button 524, 534 or vote button 525, 535 on avatar image history screen 520 displayed on mobile device 2 and a corresponding posting request is received from mobile device 2, progress control unit 331 instructs history management unit 335 to record the comment or vote for the avatar image. Then, progress control unit 331 transmits display data for displaying avatar image history screen 520 updated by history management unit 335 to mobile device 2.

[0113] Furthermore, when the user presses the lottery button 405 on the home screen 400 displayed on the portable device 2 and a corresponding item lottery screen request is received from the portable device 2, the progress control unit 331 instructs the lottery execution unit 337 to create an item lottery screen. Then, the progress control unit 331 transmits display data for displaying the item lottery screen (not shown) created by the lottery execution unit 337 to the portable device 2. Furthermore, when a request is made on the item lottery screen to draw an item, the progress control unit 331 instructs the lottery execution unit 337 to draw an item.

[0114] Furthermore, when the user presses the purchase button 406 on the home screen 400 displayed on the portable device 2 and a corresponding item purchase screen request is received from the portable device 2, the progress control unit 331 instructs the purchase execution unit 338 to create an item purchase screen. Then, the progress control unit 331 transmits display data for displaying the item purchase screen (not shown) created by the purchase execution unit 338 to the portable device 2.

[0115] When the main game execution unit 332 receives an instruction from the progress control unit 331 to execute the main game, it creates display data for executing the main game based on the information included in the main game request, and passes the created display data to the progress control unit 331. Thereafter, the main game is executed using the created display data.

[0116] When the progress control unit 331 instructs the setting unit 333 to create a sub-avatar setting screen, the setting unit 333 creates display data for displaying the sub-avatar setting screen and passes the created display data to the progress control unit 331.

[0117] Furthermore, when setting unit 333 receives an instruction from progress control unit 331 to set a sub-avatar, setting unit 333 sets the sub-avatar by storing predetermined information as sub-avatar information in the user table in association with the user ID of the user who requested the sub-avatar setting. Setting unit 333 then creates avatar images so that each sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar associated with each attribute stored in the user table is displayed together with the main avatar image at the respective positions stored in the user table. Next, setting unit 333 outputs creation result screen display data displaying the created avatar images to server communication unit 31 via progress control unit 331.

[0118] The setting unit 333 first identifies the user ID included in the sub-avatar setting request, information indicating the sub-avatar to be set, whether to display the sub-avatar image within the avatar image, the position of the sub-avatar image within the avatar image, and information indicating the attribute (gender) of the sub-avatar. Next, the setting unit 333 associates the avatar ID of the sub-avatar to be set with the identified user ID and stores it in the user table. Next, the setting unit 333 stores each of the identified information as avatar information of the avatar to be set in the user table, associated with the identified user ID.

[0119] Setting unit 333 may store predetermined initial values ​​as the attribute (gender), location, and display flag of each piece of avatar information. Alternatively, setting unit 333 may automatically determine the attribute (gender), location, and display flag of each piece of avatar information. For example, setting unit 333 determines whether to display the first sub-avatar and the second sub-avatar to "display." Setting unit 333 also determines the display location of the first sub-avatar image to be on the left side, and the display location of the second sub-avatar image to be on the right side. Setting unit 333 also determines the gender of the first sub-avatar and the second sub-avatar to be male.

[0120] Furthermore, setting unit 333 may determine the settings of each sub-avatar based on the settings of the main avatar. For example, setting unit 333 may set the placement position of the first sub-avatar image to be adjacent to the main avatar image (or to the left if there is space on both sides), and set the placement position of the second sub-avatar image to an area that does not overlap with the main avatar image and the first sub-avatar image. Setting unit 333 may also set the attributes of the first sub-avatar and the second sub-avatar to be the same as the attributes of the main avatar. Alternatively, setting unit 333 may set the attributes of the first sub-avatar and the second sub-avatar to be different from the attributes of the main avatar. Alternatively, setting unit 333 may set the attributes of the first sub-avatar to be the same as the attributes of the main avatar, and set the attributes of the second sub-avatar to be the same as the attributes of the main avatar.

[0121] Next, setting unit 333 references the user table, avatar table, and item table to extract main avatar information associated with the identified user ID, and reads a main avatar image related to the attribute indicated in the main avatar information and an image of an item applied to the main avatar from server storage unit 32. Next, setting unit 333 references the user table and avatar table to extract first sub-avatar information and second sub-avatar information, and reads a first sub-avatar image related to the attribute indicated in the first sub-avatar information and a second sub-avatar image related to the attribute indicated in the second sub-avatar information from server storage unit 32. Setting unit 333 creates avatar images such that the main avatar image includes an image of the item and is placed at the position indicated in the main avatar information, the first sub-avatar image is placed at the position indicated in the first sub-avatar information, and the second sub-avatar image is placed at the position indicated in the second sub-avatar information. If the display flag indicated in each piece of sub-avatar information indicates non-display, setting unit 333 does not display the sub-avatar image representing that sub-avatar among the avatar images.

[0122] Next, setting unit 333 creates creation result display data for displaying the created avatar, and passes the data to progress control unit 331. Next, setting unit 333 instructs history management unit 335 to record the history of the created avatar.

[0123] Setting unit 333 may automatically change whether to display a sub-avatar within an avatar image for each service provided by server 3 or depending on whether mobile device 2 is a smartphone or a feature phone. For example, setting unit 333 changes whether to display a sub-avatar within an avatar image according to the size or shape of a display frame in which the avatar image is displayed in each service or each mobile device.

[0124] For example, even if the display flag of the sub-avatar indicates display, setting unit 333 displays the sub-avatar within the avatar image only when the size (area) of the display frame is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, and does not display the sub-avatar within the avatar image when the size is less than the predetermined value. In this way, setting unit 333 can prevent the avatar from being displayed too small within the display frame and becoming difficult to see.

[0125] Furthermore, even if the display flag of a sub-avatar indicates display, setting unit 333 displays the sub-avatar within the avatar image only when the shape of the display frame is a square or a horizontally long rectangle, and does not display the sub-avatar within the avatar image when the shape is a vertically long rectangle. This allows setting unit 333 to prevent avatars arranged on the left and right from protruding from the display frame.

[0126] Furthermore, setting unit 333 may automatically change the position, pose, etc. of each avatar within the avatar image depending on each service provided or whether mobile device 2 is a smartphone or a feature phone. For example, setting unit 333 changes the position, pose, etc. of each avatar within the avatar image depending on the size or shape of the display frame in which the avatar image is displayed in each service or each mobile device.

[0127] For example, the setting unit 333 arranges the avatars so that they are spaced apart when the size of the display frame is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and arranges the avatars so that they are close together when the size is less than the predetermined value. Furthermore, the setting unit 333 causes each avatar to pose with its arms spread out when the size is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and causes each avatar to pose with its arms not spread out when the size is less than the predetermined value.

[0128] Furthermore, if the shape of the display frame is a square or a horizontally long rectangle, the setting unit 333 arranges the avatars horizontally, and if the shape is a vertically long rectangle, the setting unit 333 arranges the avatars vertically. Furthermore, if the shape is a square or a horizontally long rectangle, the setting unit 333 causes each avatar to pose with both arms spread out to the sides, and if the shape is a vertically long rectangle, the setting unit 333 causes each avatar to pose with both arms pointed up. This enables the setting unit 333 to display an optimal avatar image for each service provided or type of mobile device.

[0129] When instructed by progress control unit 331 to create an avatar image update screen, change unit 334 creates display data for displaying avatar image update screen 430 and passes the created display data to progress control unit 331.

[0130] Furthermore, when the progress control unit 331 instructs the change unit 334 to create an avatar change screen, the change unit 334 creates display data for displaying the avatar change screen and passes the created display data to the progress control unit 331. The change unit 334 identifies the user ID and information indicating the avatar to be changed included in the avatar change screen request. The change unit 334 extracts, from the user table, avatar information and owned item information corresponding to the identified user ID. The change unit 334 then creates display data for the avatar change screen, which includes radio buttons with the values ​​indicated in the avatar information of the avatar to be changed set as initial values, and owned items indicated in the owned item information and their selection buttons. Note that, among the owned items, the selection button for an item that has already been applied to the avatar to be changed is displayed to indicate that it has been selected, and the selection buttons for items that have already been applied to avatars other than the avatar to be changed are displayed as unselectable.

[0131] Furthermore, when the progress control unit 331 instructs the modification unit 334 to update the avatar images, the modification unit 334 modifies whether or not to display an image representing each avatar within the avatar image, the display position of the image representing each avatar within the avatar image, the attribute (gender) of each avatar, and the items applied to each avatar. Note that the modification unit 334 does not change whether or not to display the main avatar image within the avatar image, but always displays the main avatar image. Next, the modification unit 334 modifies the main avatar image and / or sub-avatar image displayed within the avatar image to the main avatar image and / or sub-avatar image representing the avatar related to the modified attribute. Furthermore, the modification unit 334 modifies the main avatar image and / or sub-avatar image within the avatar image so that they are displayed at the modified positions. Next, the modification unit 334 applies an item selected by the user to the avatar within the avatar image. Note that the modification unit 334 applies an item selected by the user from items not applied to other avatars to each avatar. Next, change unit 334 outputs update result screen display data, which displays the changed avatar image, to server communication unit 31 via progress control unit 331.

[0132] Change unit 334 first identifies the user ID included in the avatar image update request, information indicating the avatar to be changed, whether an image representing the avatar should be displayed within the avatar image, the position of the image representing the avatar within the avatar image, the attributes (gender) of the avatar, and information indicating items to be applied to the avatar. Change unit 334 then changes the avatar information (gender, position, display flag, and application ID) of the avatar to be changed associated with the identified user ID in the user table according to the identified pieces of information. Change unit 334 then changes the avatar image according to the changed avatar information.

[0133] Modifying unit 334 modifies the avatar image in the same manner as when setting unit 333 created the avatar image. Note that modifying unit 334 also reads out, from server storage unit 32, images of items to be applied to each sub-avatar, and modifies the avatar image so that each sub-avatar image includes the image of the item.

[0134] Next, change unit 334 creates update result display data for displaying the changed avatar, and passes the data to progress control unit 331. Furthermore, setting unit 333 instructs history management unit 335 to record the history of the changed avatar.

[0135] Note that when the modification unit 334 changes the attributes, placement position, or applied items of the main avatar in accordance with a request from the user, the modification unit 334 may also change the attributes, placement position, or applied items of the sub-avatar in accordance with the change in the attributes, placement position, or applied items of the main avatar. For example, the modification unit 334 may change the attributes of the sub-avatar to attributes different from those of the main avatar. Alternatively, the modification unit 334 may change the attributes of the sub-avatar to attributes the same as those of the main avatar. Furthermore, the modification unit 334 may change the placement position of the sub-avatar image so that it does not overlap with the placement position of the main avatar image. Furthermore, the modification unit 334 extracts items that belong to the same group as the items applied to the main avatar and applies them to the sub-avatar. As a result, when the main avatar is changed, the sub-avatar is automatically changed to an optimal state, thereby improving user convenience.

[0136] Furthermore, the change unit 334 may save each piece of currently stored avatar information as a template in response to a user request. This allows the user to easily restore a favorite avatar image at any time. In particular, if the user does not like the changed avatar, the user can easily return the avatar image to its original state.

[0137] Furthermore, similar to the setting unit 333, the modification unit 334 may automatically change whether or not to display a sub-avatar within the avatar image, the position of each avatar within the avatar image, or the pose of each avatar, depending on each service provided by the server 3 or whether the mobile terminal 2 is a smartphone or a feature phone.

[0138] When setting unit 333 or change unit 334 instructs history management unit 335 to record the history of avatar images, history management unit 335 stores the history of each avatar image in the history table. History management unit 335 extracts related users of the user who created or changed the avatar image from the user table, and stores the history of the created or changed avatar image in the history table for the user who created or changed the avatar image and the related users. History management unit 335 assigns a history ID to each avatar image and stores the history ID in the history table in association with the date and time the avatar image was created or changed, the user ID of the user who created or changed the avatar image, and information indicating whether the avatar image was created or changed. History management unit 335 also stores 0 as the initial value for the number of votes and blank as the initial value for comment information.

[0139] When the progress control unit 331 instructs the history management unit 335 to create an avatar image history screen, the history management unit 335 creates display data that lists the history of avatar image creation or changes for the user and the user's related users, and the avatar images that have been created or changed, and outputs the display data to the server communication unit 31 via the progress control unit 331.

[0140] History management unit 335 identifies the user ID included in the avatar image history screen request, extracts histories related to avatar images of the user and users related to the user from the history table corresponding to the identified user ID, and reads the avatar images from server storage unit 32. History management unit 335 creates display data for avatar image history screen 520 that displays a list of the extracted histories and the read avatar images, and passes the display data to progress control unit 331.

[0141] Note that, with regard to the history of avatar image changes, history management unit 335 may display only history of avatar images in which multiple avatars have been changed, and may not display (or may collapse) history of avatar images in which only one avatar has been changed. Alternatively, history management unit 335 may display only history of avatar images in which the main avatar has been changed. Alternatively, history management unit 335 may display only the most recent history within a predetermined time period or the history with the highest number of votes or the highest harmony level (described below) for the history of the same user. This prevents a large number of avatar images with little change from being displayed on avatar image history screen 520, making it difficult to view the avatar images.

[0142] Furthermore, when history management unit 335 receives an instruction from progress control unit 331 to record a comment on an avatar image, it identifies the user ID of the user who posted the comment, the history ID, and the comment content included in the posting request, and stores the identified comment content in association with the identified history ID in the history table corresponding to the identified user ID. History management unit 335 also stores the comment content in the history tables of other users in a similar manner. History management unit 335 then recreates display data for avatar image history screen 520 and passes the recreated data to progress control unit 331.

[0143] Furthermore, when history management unit 335 receives an instruction from progress control unit 331 to record votes for an avatar image, it identifies the user ID and history ID of the user who voted, which are included in the posting request, and adds a predetermined value (e.g., 1) to the number of votes associated with the identified history ID in the history table corresponding to the identified user ID. History management unit 335 also updates the number of votes in the history tables of other users in a similar manner. History management unit 335 then recreates display data for avatar image history screen 520 and passes the recreated data to progress control unit 331.

[0144] Note that history management unit 335 may change the predetermined value to be added to the number of votes depending on the number of avatars displayed in the voted avatar image. For example, history management unit 335 may set the predetermined value to 1 if only the main avatar is displayed in the avatar image, set the predetermined value to 2 if the main avatar and one sub-avatar are displayed in the avatar image, and set the predetermined value to 3 if the main avatar and two sub-avatars are displayed in the avatar image. Users will use sub-avatars to increase the number of votes for their own avatar image, so this may encourage the use of sub-avatars.

[0145] The reward granting unit 336 grants a reward to each user according to the number of votes for the avatar image created or modified by that user at a predetermined timing, such as when an event held in the game ends. The reward granting unit 336 grants a reward to users who have created or modified avatar images up to a predetermined rank in descending order of the number of votes. The reward is, for example, an item that can be applied to the avatar. The reward granting unit 336 assigns a property ID to the item to be granted, and stores the item ID and property ID of the item as property item information in the user table in association with the user ID, thereby granting the reward to the user.

[0146] The bonus granting unit 336 may also grant a bonus to the user according to the combination of items applied to each avatar in each avatar image. For example, the bonus granting unit 336 grants a bonus to the user when the items applied to the main avatar, the items applied to the first sub-avatar, and the items applied to the second sub-avatar match a predetermined combination. A combination for which a bonus is granted is, for example, a combination of three items such as matching clothing or accessories. Matching items are, for example, similar items, items with different colors, items that share a part (such as a mark or pattern), etc. Note that a combination for which a bonus is granted may also be a combination of two or four or more items.

[0147] Furthermore, if the items applied to the avatars include poses, the reward granting unit 336 may grant a reward to the user when a combination of poses taken by the three avatars matches a predetermined combination.

[0148] Furthermore, the reward granting unit 336 may notify the user of a hint about a combination that will grant a reward by displaying it on the creation result screen 420, the update result screen 510, or the like. For example, if a reward will be granted if a predetermined number of items (e.g., one) are applied to each avatar in addition to the items currently applied thereto, the reward granting unit 336 notifies the user of information about the items (e.g., item names). Note that the reward granting unit 336 may notify the user of all combinations that will grant a reward. Since the user will try to acquire missing items in order to obtain the reward, it is possible to increase the user's motivation to enter a lottery for items or to purchase items.

[0149] The hint notified by the benefit granting unit 336 may be of any type, and may be, for example, a hint unrelated to the granting of a benefit. For example, the notified hint may simply be a hint that recommends an item to be applied to the sub-avatar based on an item applied to the main avatar. For example, the recommended item may be an item that is highly harmonious with the item applied to the main avatar, as described below, or an item that is similar in shape, color, size, or the like.

[0150] The reward granting unit 336 may also calculate a harmony degree representing the degree to which the items applied to each avatar are in harmony, and grant a reward to the user based on the harmony degree. In this case, the reward granting unit 336 identifies, from the item table, the group to which each item applied to each avatar displayed in the avatar image belongs. Then, for each item, the reward granting unit 336 adds a predetermined value to the harmony degree for the group to which the item belongs. If the harmony degree for any group is equal to or greater than a threshold, the reward granting unit 336 determines that the items applied to each avatar are in harmony, and grants a reward to the user.

[0151] The bonus granting unit 336 may also change the predetermined value to be added to the harmony degree depending on the rarity of each item. For example, the bonus granting unit 336 may increase the predetermined value as the rarity of each item increases. The bonus granting unit 336 may also calculate the harmony degree for each type of item, and when the harmony degree for any type is equal to or greater than a threshold, grant the item of that type as a bonus.

[0152] When the lottery execution unit 337 is instructed by the progress control unit 331 to create an item lottery screen, it creates an item lottery screen for executing a lottery for items applicable to each avatar, and passes it to the progress control unit 331. Furthermore, when the lottery execution unit 337 is instructed by the progress control unit 331 to execute a lottery for an item, it executes a lottery for an item applicable to each avatar. The lottery execution unit 337 assigns a possession ID to an item won by lottery in the user table, and stores the item ID and possession ID of the item in association with the user ID as possession item information, thereby granting the item to the user.

[0153] In addition to an item lottery in which one item can be won in one draw, the lottery execution unit 337 may also provide an item lottery in which multiple items can be won in one draw. In this case, the lottery execution unit 337 makes it easier to win an item associated with a combination consisting of two items among the combinations that grant the above-mentioned benefit in an item lottery in which two winning items can be won than in two item lotteries in which one winning item can be won twice. In an item lottery in which two winning items can be won, the lottery execution unit 337 increases the probability that both or at least one of the combinations consisting of two items that grant a benefit will be included among the items won in one draw. Similarly, in an item lottery in which three winning items can be won, the lottery execution unit 337 makes it easier to win an item associated with a combination consisting of three items than in three item lotteries in which one winning item can be won twice. This encourages users to participate in more item lotteries in which multiple winning items can be won in order to obtain an item associated with a combination that grants a benefit, thereby promoting the lottery game.

[0154] Furthermore, the lottery execution unit 337 may provide a lottery in which the attributes of the items to be won are predetermined. For example, the lottery execution unit 337 may provide a lottery in which a male item is won, a lottery in which a female item is won, a lottery in which a combination of a male item and a female item is won in a single lottery, a lottery in which a combination of multiple male items is won in a single lottery, a lottery in which a combination of multiple female items is won in a single lottery, etc. In this case, the lottery execution unit 337 makes it easier to win items related to each attribute combination among the combinations that grant the above-mentioned benefits in a lottery in which the attributes of the items to be won are predetermined than in a regular item lottery. In order to obtain items related to a desired attribute combination, users will be more likely to enter item lotteries related to each attribute more frequently, which can contribute to the activation of the lottery game.

[0155] Furthermore, the lottery execution unit 337 may increase the probability of winning an item associated with a combination that provides a special benefit when a sub-avatar is set to be displayed within the avatar image compared to when a sub-avatar is not set to be displayed within the avatar image. The lottery execution unit 337 reads the display flag of the first sub-avatar information and the display flag of the second sub-avatar information of the user who executed the lottery from the user table, and determines whether a sub-avatar is set to be displayed within the avatar image. When both the display flag of the first sub-avatar information and the display flag of the second sub-avatar information indicate display, the lottery execution unit 337 increases the probability of winning an item associated with a combination consisting of three items. When only one of the display flag of the first sub-avatar information and the display flag of the second sub-avatar information indicates display, the lottery execution unit 337 increases the probability of winning an item associated with a combination consisting of two items.

[0156] Since users tend to display sub-avatars within their avatar images in order to increase the chances of receiving a special benefit, it is possible to promote the use of sub-avatars.

[0157] When the progress control unit 331 instructs the purchase execution unit 338 to create an item purchase screen, the purchase execution unit 338 creates display data for displaying an item purchase screen for purchasing items applicable to each avatar, and outputs the display data to the server communication unit 31 via the progress control unit 331.

[0158] If a sub-avatar is set to be displayed within an avatar image, the purchase execution unit 338 displays items related to a combination that will grant a benefit on the item purchase screen in priority over other items. For example, the purchase execution unit 338 displays items related to a combination that will grant a benefit above other items. Alternatively, the purchase execution unit 338 displays items related to a combination that will grant a benefit larger than other items.

[0159] The purchase execution unit 338 reads from the user table the display flag of the first sub-avatar information and the display flag of the second sub-avatar information of the user who executed the lottery, and determines whether the sub-avatar is set to be displayed within the avatar image. If both the display flag of the first sub-avatar information and the display flag of the second sub-avatar information indicate display, the purchase execution unit 338 prioritizes displaying items associated with a combination of three items. If only one of the display flag of the first sub-avatar information and the display flag of the second sub-avatar information indicates display, the lottery execution unit 337 prioritizes displaying items associated with a combination of two items.

[0160] 9 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of the communication system 1. This operation sequence is executed mainly by the device processing unit 25 and the server processing unit 33 in cooperation with each element of the mobile terminal 2 and the server 3, based on programs stored in advance in the terminal storage unit 22 and the server storage unit 32.

[0161] First, when the user presses the sub-avatar setting button 402 using the operation unit 23 while the home screen 400 is displayed on the display unit 24 of the portable device 2, the browsing execution unit 251 of the portable device 2 transmits a sub-avatar setting request to the server 3 via the device communication unit 21 (step S101). When the progress control unit 331 of the server 3 receives the sub-avatar setting request from the portable device 2, the setting unit 333 executes a sub-avatar setting process (step S102). The sub-avatar setting process will be described in detail later. Next, the progress control unit 331 transmits display data of the creation result screen created by the setting unit 333 in the sub-avatar setting process to the portable device 2 (step S103). When the display data of the creation result screen is received from the server 3 via the device communication unit 21, the browsing execution unit 251 of the portable device 2 generates drawing data based on the received display data and displays the creation result screen 420 on the display unit 24 (step S104).

[0162] Furthermore, when the user presses update button 506 using operation unit 23 while the avatar change screen is displayed on display unit 24 of portable device 2, browsing execution unit 251 of portable device 2 transmits an avatar image update request to server 3 via device communication unit 21 (step S105). When progress control unit 331 of server 3 receives the avatar image update request from portable device 2, change unit 334 executes avatar image update processing (step S106). Details of the avatar image update processing will be described later. Next, progress control unit 331 transmits display data for the update result screen created by change unit 334 in the avatar image update processing to portable device 2 (step S107). When display data for the update result screen is received from server 3 via device communication unit 21, browsing execution unit 251 of portable device 2 creates drawing data based on the received display data and causes display unit 24 to display update result screen 510 (step S108).

[0163] Furthermore, when the user presses avatar image history button 404 using operation unit 23 while home screen 400 is displayed on display unit 24 of portable device 2, browsing execution unit 251 of portable device 2 transmits an avatar image history screen request to server 3 via device communication unit 21 (step S109). When progress control unit 331 of server 3 receives the avatar image history screen request from portable device 2, history management unit 335 executes history extraction processing (step S110). Details of the history extraction processing will be described later. Next, progress control unit 331 transmits display data for the avatar image history screen created by history management unit 335 in the history extraction processing to portable device 2 (step S111). When display data for the avatar image history screen is received from server 3 via device communication unit 21, browsing execution unit 251 of portable device 2 creates drawing data based on the received display data, and displays avatar image history screen 520 on display unit 24 (step S112). This ends the operation sequence.

[0164] 10 shows an operational flow of the sub-avatar setting process, which is executed in step S102 of FIG.

[0165] The setting unit 333 first identifies the user ID included in the sub-avatar setting request, information indicating the avatar to be set, whether to display a sub-avatar image within the avatar image, the position of the sub-avatar image within the avatar image, and information indicating the attribute (gender) of the sub-avatar (step S201). The setting unit 333 then stores the identified information in the user table as avatar information for the avatar to be set in association with the identified user ID (step S202). The setting unit 333 then creates an avatar image such that each sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar associated with each attribute stored in the user table is displayed together with the main avatar image at the respective positions stored in the user table (step S203). The setting unit 333 then creates creation result display data that displays the created avatar image (step S204). The history management unit 335 then stores the history of the avatar images created by the setting unit 333 in the history table of the identified user and the user's related users (step S205), thereby completing the series of steps.

[0166] 11 shows an operational flow of the avatar image updating process. The avatar image creating process shown in FIG. 11 is executed in step S106 of FIG.

[0167] The change unit 334 first identifies the user ID included in the avatar image update request, information indicating the avatar to be changed, whether an image representing the avatar should be displayed within the avatar image, the position of the image representing the avatar within the avatar image, the avatar's attributes (gender), and information indicating items to be applied to the avatar (step S301). Next, the change unit 334 changes the avatar information of the avatar to be changed associated with the identified user ID in the user table according to the identified information (step S302). Next, the change unit 334 changes each avatar image according to the changed avatar information (step S303). Next, the change unit 334 creates update result display data for displaying the changed avatar image (step S304). Next, the history management unit 335 stores the history of the avatar images changed by the change unit 334 in a history table of the identified user and the user's related users (step S305), and the series of steps ends.

[0168] 12 shows an operational flow of the history extraction process, which is executed in step S110 of FIG.

[0169] History management unit 335 first identifies a user ID included in the avatar image history screen request (step S401). Next, history management unit 335 extracts histories related to avatar images of the user and related users from the history table corresponding to the identified user ID, and reads the avatar images from server storage unit 32 (step S402). Next, history management unit 335 creates display data for avatar image history screen 520 that displays a list of the extracted histories and the read avatar images (step S403), and ends the series of steps.

[0170] As described above, server 3 creates an avatar image that displays a sub-avatar image together with a main avatar image, and displays the created avatar image on mobile device 2. This allows the user to apply items not used in the main avatar to the sub-avatar and make effective use of them. Furthermore, server 3 changes whether or not the sub-avatar is displayed, its position, attributes, and the items to be applied, in response to a user request. This allows the user to create a highly unique avatar image.

[0171] Furthermore, since it is possible to simultaneously display avatars with multiple attributes within an avatar image, it is possible to increase the user's desire to purchase items with multiple attributes. Furthermore, even if a user acquires an item for a gender different from the gender of the main avatar through an item lottery or the like, the user can apply the item to a sub-avatar of a gender that is applicable to the item, thereby enabling effective use of the item.

[0172] Furthermore, when two avatars are displayed in an avatar image, the positions of the avatars are only linearly related, but when three avatars are displayed in an avatar image, the positions of the avatars are planarly related. Therefore, by displaying three or more avatars in an avatar image, it is possible to dramatically increase the variety of avatar images.

[0173] Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in this embodiment, the server 3 displays a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar owned by the user on the user's avatar image. However, the server 3 may also display a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar owned by a related user on the user's avatar image. In this case, the setting unit 333 receives a user's selection of related users and sub-avatars owned by the related users, and creates an avatar image that displays a main avatar image representing the user's main avatar and a main avatar image representing the sub-avatar of the selected related user. Similarly, the changing unit 334 receives a user's selection of related users and sub-avatars owned by the related users, and changes the avatar image by changing the user's sub-avatar image to the sub-avatar image of the selected related user. This expands the variety of avatar images and enables users to exchange or lend (rent) sub-avatars with each other, thereby stimulating communication between users.

[0174] The server 3 may also apply items owned by related users to an avatar owned by the user. In this case, the modification unit 334 accepts a selection of related users and items owned by the related users from the user and applies the items owned by the selected related users to the user's main avatar and / or sub-avatar. The modification unit 334 may apply only items owned by the selected related users that are part of a combination that will grant a benefit to the user's main avatar and sub-avatar. Alternatively, the modification unit 334 may apply only items indicated in avatar information saved as a template to the user's main avatar and sub-avatar. Furthermore, the above-mentioned hint may indicate related users who own or have applied to their main avatar or sub-avatar an item that, when combined with an item owned by the user or applied to their main avatar or sub-avatar, will constitute a combination that will grant a benefit. This expands the variety of avatar images and enables users to exchange or rent items with each other, thereby stimulating communication between users.

[0175] Furthermore, communication system 1 may provide a community for recruiting users who wish to provide sub-avatars or items to be displayed on the avatar image. Users can use this community to exchange sub-avatars or items with other users, thereby stimulating communication between users.

[0176] The server 3 may also set the sub-avatar to be available only to users who meet certain conditions. For example, the server 3 may set the sub-avatar to be available only to users who own all types of men's items and all types of women's items. Alternatively, the server 3 may set the sub-avatar to be available only to users who own multiple items of the same type or multiple items belonging to the same group. Users will try to collect each item so that they can use the sub-avatar, which can increase users' desire to purchase items.

[0177] The server 3 may also be configured with multiple servers. In this case, the multiple servers are distributed over a network, and each server cooperates to share and execute the above-mentioned processes executed by the server 3.

[0178] Furthermore, the game executed on the mobile terminal 2 may be a hybrid game in which part of the processing is performed by both the server 3 and the mobile terminal 2. In this case, for example, each screen related to the progress of the game is displayed as a web screen on the mobile terminal 2 based on display data generated by the server 3, and other screens such as menu screens are displayed as native screens by a native app installed on the mobile terminal 2.

[0179] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make various changes, substitutions, and alterations thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0180] 1. Communication Systems 3 Server 31 Server Communication Department 32 Server storage unit 33 Server processing unit 331 Progress Control Unit 332 Main Game Execution Department 333 Settings 334 Changes 335 History Management Department 336 Benefits Granting Department 337 Lottery Execution Department 338 Purchasing Execution Department

Claims

1. a step of selecting, by a first means, a second item to be applied to an avatar of the second user in accordance with a request by the second user; a step in which a second means selects a first item owned by a third user to be applied to an avatar of the first user in accordance with a request from the first user, wherein only items that form a predetermined combination with the second item among the items owned by the third user are selectable as the first item; A control method comprising: a third means displaying, in accordance with a request by the first user, an avatar image including an avatar of the first user to which the first item has been applied and an avatar of the second user to which the second item has been applied.

2. The control method according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined combination is a combination that provides a benefit to the first user.

3. The control method according to claim 2 , further comprising the step of displaying information relating to the awarding of the bonus together with the avatar image.

4. The control method according to claim 3 , wherein the information regarding the provision of the benefit is information indicating a plurality of items that constitute the combination.

5. A control method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a fifth means includes a step of setting whether or not to include an avatar of the second user in the avatar image in accordance with a request by the first user.

6. a sixth means including a step of drawing an item applicable to an avatar of the first user in accordance with a request by the first user; 6. The control method of claim 5, wherein, in the lottery for the applicable items, when the avatar image is set to include the avatar of the second user, the probability of winning the item related to the combination for which the benefit is granted is higher than when the avatar image is set not to include the avatar of the second user.

7. a seventh means including a step of progressing a battle game in which an avatar of the first user appears; A control method described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the third user is a user who rescued the first user in a past battle against an enemy character, a user who has previously battled the first user, and / or a user who belongs to a group that has previously battled the first user.

8. The control method according to claim 1 , wherein the third means places the avatar of the second user in an area within the avatar image that does not overlap with the avatar of the first user.

9. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an eighth means includes a step of storing the number of votes for the avatar image by any user as a vote count, and outputting a screen including the vote count.

10. The control method according to claim 9 , wherein a ninth means includes a step of granting a benefit to the first user according to the number of votes.

11. a first means for selecting a second item to be applied to an avatar of a second user in accordance with a request by the second user; a second means for selecting a first item owned by a third user to be applied to an avatar of the first user in accordance with a request by the first user, wherein only an item that forms a predetermined combination with the second item among the items owned by the third user is selectable as the first item; and a third means for displaying an avatar image including an avatar of the first user to which the first item has been applied and an avatar of the second user to which the second item has been applied in accordance with a request by the first user.

12. Computer, a first means for selecting a second item to be applied to an avatar of a second user in accordance with a request by the second user; a second means for selecting a first item owned by a third user to be applied to an avatar of the first user in accordance with a request by the first user, wherein only an item that forms a predetermined combination with the second item among the items owned by the third user is selectable as the first item; and a third means for displaying an avatar image including an avatar of the first user to which the first item has been applied and an avatar of the second user to which the second item has been applied in accordance with a request by the first user.

Images