Hometown return program, program, computer and information processing method

Abstract

To provide a novel hometown return program, program, computer, and an information processing method.SOLUTION: A method according to the present invention makes a computer (a server apparatus 2) function as reception means 221, storage means 222, group designating means 223, and arithmetic means 224. When the reception means 221 receives group identification information, the storage means 222 stores the received group identification information in a storage unit 23. When the reception means 221 receives user identification information and group designation information from a user terminal 3 owned by a user playing a game, the group designating means 223, based on the received user identification information and the received group designation information, designates the group identification information corresponding to the user identification information. The arithmetic means 224, based on charge information or a game result in a game played by the user, calculates charge data for a group relating to the group identification information corresponding to the user identification information of the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hometown restoration program, a program, a computer, and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] In regional revitalization, the decline in population and the concentration in the metropolitan area have become major problems. For example, while the population of large cities such as Tokyo continues to increase, in many regional cities, population decline and aging have become serious problems. In Japan, the birth rate and the number of births have been decreasing for a long time since the mid-1970s, and there is no stopping the population decline. In such a situation, it is expected that population decline and aging will further progress in regional cities. In addition, there is also a phenomenon of population outflow from regional cities to the metropolitan area due to the lack or scarcity of workplaces in the place of birth or origin (hometown).

[0003] In view of such a situation, Japan is also making various efforts to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] For example, formulating a regional comprehensive strategy, utilizing the regional revitalization acceleration subsidy, focusing on local Abenomics aiming at deepening regional revitalization, and making large-scale use for responding to local initiatives. Furthermore, a large amount of budget has been allocated to various subsidies, operating expenses, and other various government projects. However, despite these measures, there has not been much connection to regional revitalization. Therefore, with subsidies, it has been difficult for local enterprises to develop, people to gather, and the local economy to grow by improving local productivity and strengthening international competitiveness.

[0005] It is essential to respond appropriately to the progress of a declining birthrate and aging population, halt the population decline in regional cities, correct the over-concentration of population in metropolitan areas including the Tokyo area, and ensure a livable environment in each region in order to maintain a vibrant Japanese society for the future. To achieve this, it is necessary to aim for the creation of towns, people, and jobs. Furthermore, it is important that not only Japanese people, but also people from overseas, find Japan's regional cities attractive, choose to live in them, and contribute to their economic development, so that each region can create autonomous and sustainable local communities that make the most of their unique characteristics.

[0006] The goals could include creating regions where people can earn a living, ensuring a secure working environment, building connections with rural areas and creating new flows of people to rural areas, fulfilling aspirations for marriage, childbirth, and child-rearing, and creating attractive regions where people gather and can live with peace of mind. To achieve these goals, it is necessary to strengthen regional competitiveness by utilizing local resources and industries, secure and cultivate specialized personnel, create attractive and easy-to-work-in work environments and secure personnel, promote migration to rural areas using telework, promote settlement in rural areas through training and employment for young people by realizing attractive local universities and creating and expanding local industries, create and expand related populations, create and expand the flow of funds to rural areas through corporate hometown tax donations, support for marriage, childbirth, and child-rearing, balance work and child-rearing, promote initiatives tailored to local circumstances, and create vitality through urban development for a high quality of life and secure an environment that realizes a secure life. To address the aforementioned issues, promoting Society 5.0 in local communities, along with the advancement of Japan's Super City concept—a city development initiative utilizing digital technology—and the utilization of DX (Digital Transformation) in local communities, as well as the realization of the SDGs for regional revitalization, can all contribute to regional revitalization.

[0007] In recent years, e-sports (electronic sports), which treats competitive computer games as a sport, has attracted attention, and technologies for promoting e-sports are known. As an example of such an e-sports management system, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that can give preferential treatment to the game's progress according to the relationship between the player's position and preferential attributes. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-137905 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] It is necessary to promote regional revitalization by utilizing games such as the aforementioned esports, as well as various other games, in order to respond to the progress of the declining birthrate and aging population, to halt the decline in population, to correct the excessive concentration of population in the Tokyo metropolitan area, to secure a livable environment in each region, and to maintain a vibrant Japanese society for the future.

[0010] This disclosure aims to provide a new hometown return program, program, computer, and information processing method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The first aspect is, The computer is made to function as a receiving means, a storage means, a group designation means, and a calculation means. When the receiving means receives group identification information for identifying a group, the storage means stores the received group identification information in the storage unit. When the receiving means receives user identification information and group designation information from a user terminal held by a user playing the game, the group designation means designates the group identification information corresponding to the user identification information based on the received user identification information and group designation information. The calculation means is a program that calculates collection data to the organization relating to the organization identification information corresponding to the user identification information of the user, based on the billing information or game results in the game played by the user.

[0012] Furthermore, in the first aspect, The aforementioned computer is further made to function as a means of granting benefits, The reward granting means can grant rewards to the user in accordance with the collection data calculated by the calculation means.

[0013] Furthermore, in the first aspect, The benefits granted to the user by the calculation means may change the content of the game played by the user.

[0014] Furthermore, in the first aspect, The storage means stores game information relating to the game title, manufacturer name, or type in the storage unit in association with the organization identification information. The calculation means may calculate the collection data for the organization relating to the organization identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information only if the title, manufacturer name, or type of the game played by the user is included in the game information relating to the organization identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information.

[0015] Furthermore, in the first aspect, When the receiving means receives specific area information relating to the location or region of a specific area associated with the group identification information, the storage means associates the received specific area information and the group identification information and stores them in the storage unit. The calculation means may calculate the collection data to the organization relating to the organization identification information corresponding to the user identification information of the user, based on the billing information or game results in the game played by the user, only if the distance from the location of the specific area in the specific area information to the location of the user playing the game is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold distance, or only if the user's location is within the area of ​​the specific area in the specific area information.

[0016] Furthermore, in the first aspect, When the receiving means receives location information, which is information about the location of the user terminal held by the user playing the game, the calculation means may perform calculations by considering the location of the user terminal as the location of the user.

[0017] Furthermore, in the first aspect, The location or region of the specified area in the specified area information is a location or region in real space or virtual space. The calculation means may calculate the collection data to the organization relating to the organization identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information, based on the billing information or game results in the game played by the user, only if the distance from the location of the specific area in the specific area information in real space or virtual space to the user's location in real space or virtual space is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold distance, or if the user's location in real space or virtual space is within the area of ​​the specific area information in real space or virtual space.

[0018] Furthermore, in the first aspect, The calculation means can change the collection data for the group according to the situation of the game being played by the user.

[0019] Also, in a first aspect, Based on information regarding game data purchased by the user, in addition to the billing information or game results in the game played by the user, the calculation means may calculate the collection data for the group regarding the group identification information corresponding to the user identification information of the user.

[0020] Also, in a first aspect, The computer is further made to function as a transmission means, The transmission means can transmit the collection data calculated by the calculation means to a terminal related to the group.

[0021] Also, in a first aspect, The computer is further made to function as a privilege granting means, The privilege granting means grants a privilege to the user according to the collection data calculated by the calculation means, The transmission means can transmit information regarding the privilege granted by the privilege granting means to the terminal related to the group.

[0022] A second aspect is To make the computer function as a reception means, a storage means, a group designating means, and a calculation means, When the reception means receives group identification information for identifying a group, the storage means stores the received group identification information in a storage unit, When the reception means receives user identification information and group designation information from a user terminal possessed by a user who plays a game, the group designating means designates the group identification information corresponding to the user identification information based on the received user identification information and the group designation information. The calculation means is a local government contribution program that calculates collection data for the organization related to the organization identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information, based on the billing information or game results in the game played by the user.

[0023] The third aspect is, A computer that functions as a reception means, a storage means, a group designation means, and a calculation means by executing a program, When the receiving means receives group identification information for identifying a group, the storage means stores the received group identification information in the storage unit. When the receiving means receives user identification information and group designation information from a user terminal held by a user playing the game, the group designation means designates the group identification information corresponding to the user identification information based on the received user identification information and group designation information. The calculation means is a computer that calculates collection data to the organization relating to the organization identification information corresponding to the user identification information of the user, based on the billing information or game results in the game played by the user.

[0024] The fourth aspect is, An information processing method performed by a computer having a control unit, When the control unit receives group identification information for identifying a group, the control unit performs the step of storing the received group identification information in the storage unit. When the control unit receives user identification information and organization designation information from a user terminal owned by a user playing the game, the control unit performs the step of specifying the organization identification information corresponding to the user identification information based on the received user identification information and organization designation information. The control unit performs the steps of calculating collection data for the organization relating to the organization identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information, based on the billing information or game results in the game played by the user, This is an information processing method that includes [a specific feature / feature]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] This disclosure provides a new hometown return program, a program, a computer, and an information processing method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0026] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the flow of information between the components of the information processing system in this embodiment. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows the sequence of operations performed by the information processing system in this embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the location and area of ​​a specific area in this embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows the screen displayed on the game device's display when information is processed by the information processing system in this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the flow of other operations performed by the information processing system in this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] (Regional revitalization) As mentioned above, it is necessary to respond appropriately to the progress of the declining birthrate and aging population, to halt the population decline, correct the excessive concentration of population in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and ensure a livable environment in each region in order to maintain a vibrant Japanese society for the future (Article 1 of the Act on the Creation of Towns, People, and Jobs). The goals include creating a region where people can earn a living, ensuring a safe working environment, building connections with rural areas and creating a new flow of people to those areas, fulfilling aspirations for marriage, childbirth, and child-rearing, and creating an attractive region where people can gather and live with peace of mind. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to strengthen regional competitiveness by utilizing local resources and industries, secure and cultivate specialized personnel, create an attractive and easy-to-work environment and secure personnel, promote migration to rural areas by utilizing telework (remote work), promote the settlement of young people in rural areas through education and employment by realizing attractive local universities and creating and expanding local industries, create and expand related populations, create and expand the flow of funds to rural areas through corporate hometown tax donations, support for marriage, childbirth and child-rearing, balance work and child-rearing, promote initiatives that are tailored to the actual circumstances of each region, enhance the functions of towns for a high quality of life, create unique regions that utilize local resources, and create a vibrant environment that enables a safe life by creating towns where people can live with peace of mind. To address this, the promotion of Society 5.0 in local communities is leading to the advancement of the Super City concept, the utilization of DX (Digital Transformation) in local communities, and the realization of sustainable urban development, including the achievement of regional revitalization SDGs.

[0028] There is a system called "furusato nozei" (hometown tax donation) that allows citizens to choose their preferred municipality and make donations. This is expected to correct regional disparities between areas experiencing declining tax revenues due to depopulation and urban areas. On the other hand, there is also the phenomenon of "oshikatsu," where people make donations to their favorite celebrities or anime characters and engage in promotional activities, which satisfies users' sense of fulfillment. As a result of diligent research, the inventors of this invention have come up with an idea called "hometown charging," in which a portion of in-game charges can be donated to designated local governments or organizations, and in return, users can receive gifts (rewards). This invention provides a new hometown return program, program, computer, and information processing method to encourage hometown charging and realize regional revitalization. In this specification, "making a hometown charge" means that a user directly or indirectly spends money, similar to in-game charges, or that an organization such as a local government directly or indirectly receives money (including payments and obtains economic benefits).

[0029] [This embodiment] The information processing system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0030] <Description of Information Processing System 1> In the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, the server device 2 (computer) and the user terminal 3 (game device) are connected to each other via a communication network 6 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The user terminal 3 is, for example, a personal computer, smartphone, tablet terminal, portable or stationary game console, etc. In addition, in the example shown in Figure 1, the terminal 4 of the organization that receives the hometown tax payment, and the hometown tax payment management system and benefit provision system 5, which will be described later, for providing benefits to users who have made hometown tax payments are also connected to the server device 2 via the communication network 6 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0031] <Overview of Information Processing System 1> Server device 2 (computer) stores game programs and game data, and enables each user terminal 3 to play the game by sending and receiving game-related control signals to and from each user terminal 3. Server device 2 can also enable multiplayer gameplay with multiple user terminals 3. The "games" eligible for hometown tax payments are not particularly limited and include competitive games, cooperative games (including team competitions), sports games, action games, puzzle games, etc.

[0032] User terminal 3 executes a predetermined game based on user input. To do this, each user terminal 3 receives (specifically, downloads and installs) the game program and game data from server device 2 via the communication network 6.

[0033] Each user is assigned account information (user identification information), including identification information and a password, associated with user terminal 3. This account information is transmitted from user terminal 3 to server device 2 upon login and used for user authentication on server device 2. Additionally, the recipient's address for sending benefits may be registered as part of the account information.

[0034] After user authentication, communication between the server device 2 and the user terminal 3 becomes possible. After logging in, the user terminal 3 receives data necessary for game progression (data related to game progress) from the server device 2, and proceeds with the game while outputting game images and sounds to the display 37 and speaker 39 based on the user's input.

[0035] <Configuration of Information Processing System 1> The hardware configurations of server device 2 and user terminal 3, etc., will be described below with reference to Figure 1.

[0036] <Configuration of Server Device 2> As shown in Figure 1, the server device 2 has a network interface 21, a control unit 22, and a storage unit 23. The network interface 21 and the storage unit 23 are electrically connected to the control unit 22 via a bus 24.

[0037] The network interface 21 is connected to each user terminal 3, the organization's terminal 4, the hometown tax donation business management system and the reward provision system 5 (terminals of reward providers, etc.) via the internet and communication networks 6 such as LANs.

[0038] The control unit 22 consists of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the server device 2.

[0039] The control unit 22 functions as a reception means 221, a storage means 222, a group designation means 223, a calculation means 224, a benefit granting means 225, and a transmission means 226 by executing various programs stored in the storage unit 23, which will be described later.

[0040] The reception means 221 receives group identification information, which will be described later, as well as user identification information and group designation information from user terminals held by users playing the game. The reception means 221 can also receive specific area information related to the location or region of a specific area associated with the group identification information, as well as user location information. "Organization Identification Information" refers to information (accounts) used to identify an organization, and "User Identification Information" refers to information (accounts) used to identify a user. "Organization Designation Information" refers to information used by users to designate an organization to receive their hometown tax payments. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, "organization" includes local governments such as prefectures and municipalities, as well as UNICEF, the Red Cross, charitable organizations and NPOs to which users wish to donate, corporations eligible for tax deductions for donations, and organizations that make donations to charities on behalf of others. A "specific area" refers to an area related to an organization that receives hometown tax payments, but is not limited to the land parcel where that organization is located. A specific area may include facilities and historical buildings such as parks, event venues, baseball fields, stadiums, community centers, old castles, scenic spots such as mountains and lakes, or buildings such as bridges. Furthermore, the location or area of ​​a specific area may be a location or area in real space or virtual space.

[0041] The storage means 222 stores the group identification information received by the receiving means 221 in the storage unit 23. The storage means 222 can also store game information (game identification information) such as the game title, manufacturer name, or type in the storage unit 23 in association with the group identification information. The storage means 222 can also store specific area information received by the receiving means 221 in the storage unit 23 in association with the group identification information.

[0042] The organization designation method 223 designates the organization designation information corresponding to the user designation information based on the received user designation information and organization designation information. Since the organization designation information corresponds to the user designation information, the recipient of the hometown charge is determined. In other words, unless an organization has registered with the hometown charge system related to this disclosure in advance, that organization will not receive hometown charges from game users.

[0043] The calculation means 224 calculates collection data to an organization related to the organization identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information, based on the billing information or game results in the game the user is playing. This determines the amount of tax or donation to the organization specified by the user. For example, if the return gift is an item where a donation of 10,000 yen gets you 3,000 yen worth of virtual currency, the amount of tax or donation to the organization specified by the user will be 10,000 yen. In addition to billing information, etc., the collection data can also be calculated while satisfying other conditions such as the game title and specific area information, as will be described later. "Based on game results" means that donations can be made to any organization based on in-game achievements (history information stored in the memory unit, i.e., the user's effort). For example, the conditions for making a hometown donation may be set to be met when the game play time exceeds a certain amount, when a certain amount of stamina (the right to play the game) is consumed, when items are collected, when a boss character is defeated, when a certain amount of walking is done, when a certain amount of points is accumulated, or when the user is located in a certain place (for example, within a specific area of ​​the municipality making the donation). Hereinafter, the donation information and game results will be collectively referred to as "donation information, etc."

[0044] The reward granting means 225 grants rewards to the user according to the collection data calculated by the calculation means 224. For example, the user may be granted a reward equivalent to 1 to 30% of the amount of money corresponding to the collection data. The user can also choose not to receive a reward. Such a choice can be made at the time of billing.

[0045] The "rewards" are not particularly limited and may include not only tangible items such as local specialties like agricultural products, seafood, and handicrafts from the region where the receiving organization for the hometown charge is located, or gift certificates (regional development vouchers) and coupons usable at that organization, but also intangible items such as points, stamps, NFTs (non-fungible tokens), and game items. Gift certificates (regional development vouchers) and coupons may also be intangible items managed as digital information. Furthermore, the rewards may change the content of the game, and may relate to game effects, i.e., the presentation and parameters in the game. They may also be set up to allow players to receive downloadable music, images, or videos related to the organization, or images, videos, NFTs, or avatars of celebrities or local characters associated with the organization. Furthermore, if the organization is a local government, users may receive special benefits if they are from or registered in the local government's household register. Benefits may also be increased based on the number of times or duration spent in a specific area of ​​the local government, the amount of time spent playing the game, the number of login days or times (number of continues), and the number of hometown charges or the total amount charged. In this way, if rewards are granted for making hometown contributions to designated organizations through the game, it will motivate players to play the game and to make hometown contributions, ultimately providing a starting point for solving social issues such as regional revitalization.

[0046] As a specific setting when the gift returned to the user is a privilege (product or service) used in the game, for example, the following modes are possible. The game user logs in to the game with their own account (user identification information) and selects the gift to be obtained in the game. The gifts include products where 3,000 yen worth of virtual currency can be obtained with a donation of 10,000 yen, products where a predetermined weapon item (virtual object) can be obtained with a donation of 6,000 yen, products where the right to continue × 1 time can be obtained with a donation of 300 yen, products where the stamina is fully restored × 1 time with a donation of 300 yen, and so on. Here, as described above, since it is necessary to associate the group identification information with the user identification information when conducting hometown taxation, among the local governments registered in the charging system, which local government (group identification information) to pay to is also selected at the time of charging (that is, based on the user identification information and group designation information received by the reception means 221, the group designation means 223 designates the group identification information corresponding to the user identification information). Then, when a gift of 3,000 yen worth of virtual currency is selected based on the user's operation in the game, a settlement process of 10,000 yen is performed, and the collection data of 10,000 yen is calculated by the calculation means 224. In addition, procedures regarding the user's own tax deduction (such as the one-stop special case system) can also be applied together. On the other hand, when no donation is made to a group such as a local government, products where 3,000 yen worth of virtual currency can be obtained with a payment of 3,000 yen, products where a predetermined weapon item (virtual object) can be obtained with a payment of 2,000 yen, products where the right to continue × 1 time can be obtained with a payment of 100 yen, products where the stamina is fully restored × 1 time with a payment of 100 yen, and so on can be purchased.

[0047] The transmission means 226 transmits the collection data calculated by the calculation means 224 and the information regarding the privilege granted by the privilege granting means 225 to the terminal 4 of the group. Also, as shown by the dotted line at the bottom of Figure 2, the transmission means 226 can transmit the privilege information to the hometown tax payment business management system and the privilege providing system 5, and can also provide privileges and gifts to the user.

[0048] The storage unit 23 consists of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and SSD (Solid State Drive). As mentioned above, the storage unit 23 stores the group identification information received by the reception means 221, and can also store game information and specific area information in association with this group identification information. In addition, the storage unit 23 stores various programs, including a part of the game program of this embodiment, as well as various data necessary for the progress of the game, map information, and so on. Furthermore, the storage unit 23 stores user operation input history information corresponding to each operation for each user.

[0049] <User terminal 3 configuration> As shown in Figure 1, the user terminal 3 has a display 37, a touchpad 38, and a speaker 39. The user terminal 3 also has a network interface 31, a control unit 32, a graphics processing unit 33, an operation unit 34, an audio processing unit 35, and a storage unit 36, and further has GPS functionality. The network interface 31, graphics processing unit 33, operation unit 34, audio processing unit 35, and storage unit 36 ​​are electrically connected to the control unit 32 via a bus 40.

[0050] The network interface 31 is connected to the communication network 6 in a communicative manner for sending and receiving various types of data between the user terminal 3 and the server device 2.

[0051] The graphics processing unit 33 renders game images, including characters and various objects related to the virtual space, in video format according to the game image information output from the control unit 32, which will be described later. The graphics processing unit 33 is connected to, for example, a display 37, and the game images rendered in video format are displayed on the display 37 as a game screen (Figure 5). In such a game screen, specific area information may be displayed, for example, as "battle location".

[0052] The control unit 34 is connected to the touchpad 38 and transmits and receives data related to operation input to the touchpad 38. The user inputs an operation signal to the user terminal 3 by touching the touchpad 38.

[0053] The audio processing unit 35 is connected to the speaker 39 and, following instructions from the control unit 32 (described later), plays and synthesizes game audio, which is then output from the speaker 39.

[0054] The control unit 32 consists of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the user terminal 3. The control unit 32 functions as a communication means 321, a game execution means 322, and a notification control means 323 by executing various programs stored in the memory unit 36, which will be described later.

[0055] The communication means 321 is a function that communicates with the server device 2 via the network interface 31. The communication means 321 generates and transmits information that the server device 2 can process in response to various operation signals received by the operation unit 34 from the touchpad 38. For example, the communication means 321 transmits account information, new game data download request information, etc., to the server device 2. The communication means 321 also receives new game data, etc., sent from the server device 2 in response to the download request information.

[0056] The game execution means 322 executes a game program and generates two-dimensional or three-dimensional game image information by reading data such as virtual game space objects and textures contained in the game data from the storage unit 36 ​​(described later) or by using data received from the server device 2, in accordance with the user's operation of the touchpad 38 on the user terminal 3. As the game image information is processed by the graphics processing unit 33, the processed game images are sequentially displayed on the display 37.

[0057] The game execution means 322 then places characters on the game image according to the user's input on the user terminal 3, and controls the characters' actions in the virtual game space according to the user's input and the progress of the game.

[0058] The notification control means 323 controls the display on the display 37 and the audio output of the speaker 39 in response to user operations on the user terminal 3 when the game is being played.

[0059] The storage unit 36 ​​consists of an HDD, RAM, ROM, and SSD. The storage unit 36 ​​stores game data downloaded from the server device 2, various programs including parts of the game program, and account information for the user terminal 3.

[0060] <Configuration of the group's terminal 4> The group's terminal 4 may be, for example, a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet device, and is not particularly limited as long as it can transmit group identification information, game information, specific area information, etc.

[0061] <Configuration of the tax payment management system and the benefit provision system 5> The tax payment management system and the reward provision system 5 provide users with rewards and return gifts, including tangible and intangible items, on behalf of recipients of the Furusato Tax Payment, and are not particularly limited. Existing systems may be used.

[0062] <Operation Flow of Information Processing System 1> Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the sequence of operations of the information processing system 1 (server device 2) in this embodiment. Note that the order in which the receiving means 221 receives information is not limited to the order described below.

[0063] Based on user input from the organization, the organization registration application information is sent from terminal 4 to server device 2, and the reception means 221 accepts the organization's organization identification information (account registration) (step St101).

[0064] Next, the storage means 222 stores the received organization identification information in the storage unit 23 and generates a unique organization account (step St102).

[0065] Furthermore, based on the user's input while playing the game, user registration application information and organization designation information are sent from the user terminal 3 to the server device 2, and the reception means 221 receives user identification information (user account) and organization designation information (step St103).

[0066] Next, the group designation means 223 designates the group designation information corresponding to the user designation information based on the received user designation information and group designation information (step St104).

[0067] Next, the memory means 222 stores game information (game identification information) relating to the game title, manufacturer name, or type in the memory unit 23 (step St105). Step St105 may be performed before, after, or simultaneously with each of the above steps St101 to 104.

[0068] Next, it is determined whether the title, manufacturer name, or type (game information) of the game to be played by the user, as received by the reception means 221, is included in the game identification information (game title, manufacturer name, or type) associated with the organization identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information, which is stored in the storage unit 23 (step St106). If the answer in step St106 is "NO," then, in the example shown in Figure 3, you will not be able to make hometown charges, but you will still be able to play the game. On the other hand, if the result in step St106 is "YES", the process proceeds to the next step.

[0069] Next, the receiving means 221 receives specific area information relating to the location or region of a specific area associated with the group identification information, and the storage means 222 associates the received specific area information and the group identification information and stores it in the storage unit 23 (step St107).

[0070] Then, it is determined whether the distance d1 from the location p1 of the specific area in the specific area information to the location up of the user playing the game is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold distance (Figure 4(a)), or whether the user's location up is within the region R of the specific area in the specific area information (Figure 4(b)) (Step St108). The GPS function of the user terminal 3 can be used to determine the user's location up. If you select "NO" in step St108, you will not be able to make a hometown payment, but you may still be able to play the game. On the other hand, if the result in step St108 is "YES", proceed to the next step.

[0071] Next, the calculation means 224 reads the status of the game the user is playing (step St109).

[0072] Next, the calculation means 224 calculates collection data for the organization related to the organization identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information, based on the billing information or game results in the game the user is playing (step St110). For example, if a donation of 1000 yen is set to grant 300 yen worth of virtual currency as a reward, then if a 1000 yen charge is made, 1000 yen will be calculated as the collection data. Furthermore, the amount to be collected can be changed based on the game status or game results read in step St109.

[0073] Next, the reward granting means 225 grants a reward to the user (user's account) according to the collection data calculated by the calculation means 224 (step St111). In the example above, if a donation of 1000 yen is made, 300 yen worth of virtual currency will be granted as a reward.

[0074] Next, the transmission means 226 transmits information regarding the benefits granted by the benefit granting means 225 to the group's terminal 4 (step St112).

[0075] In this way, the hometown tax payment system for organizations that users wish to support will be terminated.

[0076] To summarize, in the hometown charge program, computer (server device 2), and information processing method according to this embodiment, the computer (server device 2) functions as a receiving means 221, a storage means 222, a group designation means 223, and a calculation means 224. When the receiving means 221 receives group identification information for identifying a group, the storage means 222 stores the received group identification information in the storage unit 23. When the receiving means 221 receives user identification information and group designation information from a user terminal 3 held by a user playing the game, the group designation means 223 designates the group identification information corresponding to the user identification information based on the received user identification information and group designation information. The calculation means 224 calculates collection data for the group related to the group identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information based on the charge information or game results in the game played by the user.

[0077] <Effects> With the hometown charge program, computer (server device 2), and information processing method according to this embodiment, the receiving means 221 receives the organization identification information, and the storage means 222 stores the user identification information and organization designation information in the storage unit 23. The organization designation means 223 associates the organization identification information with the user identification information, thereby automatically identifying the organization to which the user wishes to make a hometown charge. Then, the calculation means 224 calculates the collection data for the organization to which the user wishes to make a hometown charge based on the charge information, etc. In this way, the user can support their desired organization through the game and contribute to regional revitalization. Games are being re-evaluated through esports and other means, and this hometown-based payment program aims to achieve self-realization for gamers and contribute to society. Furthermore, because the game is played on a daily basis, the hometown payment system allows users to be aware of the organizations they pay to on a regular basis, making them more likely to actually visit or travel to those places. In addition, holding events in collaboration with the locations where the game stages are set creates a synergistic effect, as there is a natural affinity between local areas and games. Game events can also be participated in remotely via the internet. This allows players to participate in the game from the region where they have made a hometown payment, and since the performance of characters differs depending on the location of participation, it can provide an opportunity to visit local areas.

[0078] Furthermore, in the program, computer (server device 2), and information processing method according to this embodiment, the computer (server device 2) may also function as a reward granting means 225, and the reward granting means 225 may grant rewards to users according to the collection data calculated by the calculation means 224. Similar to the hometown tax donation system, it is possible to offer benefits (return gifts) equivalent to 30% of the collected money. In this way, if benefits are given to users who make hometown payments, it will become an incentive to make hometown payments, thus realizing regional revitalization through games.

[0079] Furthermore, in the program, computer (server device 2), and information processing method according to this embodiment, the benefits granted to the user by the calculation means 224 may change the content of the game played by the user. This "game content" refers to the presentation of the game, such as background images and sound effects, as well as the parameters of characters and other elements within the game. If the rewards make the game content more appealing to gamers, it will serve as an incentive for making hometown-based payments. For example, items related to the organization could appear, the number or effects of items could be changed, game characters' abilities could be enhanced, special images could be displayed only for those who make hometown-based payments, or special moves could be enabled in fighting games, etc. The game background could also be an actual landscape related to the organization, and the appearance of game characters could be based on local mascots or specialty products related to the organization. Furthermore, move names and character names could be based on names related to the local government. In addition, if the player is located in a specific area of ​​the donated local government, the game character's abilities could change, or other benefits could be gained by playing the game in that area.

[0080] Furthermore, in the program, computer (server device 2), and information processing method according to this embodiment, the storage means 222 stores game information relating to the game title, manufacturer name, or type in the storage unit 23 in association with the organization identification information, and the calculation means 224 may calculate collection data for the organization relating to the organization identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information only if the game title, manufacturer name, or type of the game played by the user is included in the game information relating to the organization identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information. In this way, if users can find out in advance the title, manufacturer, or type of game that supports hometown-based payments, they can make hometown-based payments through their favorite game (game identification information such as manufacturer or game type) and support their favorite local government or organization. Furthermore, awareness of games that support hometown-based payments will increase, allowing local governments to collect donations and realize regional revitalization.

[0081] Furthermore, in the program, computer (server device 2), and information processing method according to this embodiment, when the receiving means 221 receives specific area information relating to the location or region of a specific area associated with the group identification information, the storage means 222 associates the received specific area information and the group identification information and stores them in the storage unit 23. The calculation means 224 may calculate collection data for the group relating to the group identification information of the user, based on the billing information or game results in the game played by the user, only if the distance from the location of the specific area in the specific area information to the location of the user playing the game is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold distance, or if the user's location is within the region of the specific area in the specific area information. Thus, the system may be configured so that collection data is not calculated, or in other words, hometown charges cannot be made, unless the user is in a designated location or area within a specific area. Furthermore, as another example, the system may be configured so that a predetermined collection data (hometown charge amount) is calculated if the user is in a designated area, even if they do not make a purchase or play a game. Alternatively, the system may be configured so that collection data is calculated even if the user does not make a purchase or play a game in the designated area, but the amount collected increases (the collection data changes) if the user makes a purchase or plays a game in the designated area. As a result, through the hometown-based billing system, it is expected that users will be attracted to regions designated by organizations, for example, and various economic effects such as increased spending on food and beverages, accommodation, and souvenirs can be expected, ultimately contributing to regional revitalization. The program, computer (server device 2), and information processing method according to this embodiment are also useful in nationwide travel support campaigns promoted by the government and other organizations.

[0082] Furthermore, in the program, computer (server device 2), and information processing method according to this embodiment, when the receiving means 221 receives location information, which is information about the location of the user terminal 3 held by the user playing the game, the calculation means 224 may perform calculations by considering the location of the user terminal 3 as the user's location. In this way, the location of the user terminal 3, which is the means of playing the game, can be considered as the user's location up (Figure 4), and the GPS function of the user terminal 3 can be suitably used as a means of determining the user's location up. In addition, instead of using group designation information, it may be possible to select a specific group at the location where the user terminal 3 is located using location information.

[0083] Furthermore, in the program, computer (server device 2), and information processing method according to this embodiment, the location or region of the specific area in the specific area information is a location or region in real space or virtual space, and the calculation means 224 may calculate collection data for organizations related to organization identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information based on billing information or game results in the game played by the user, only if the distance from the location of the specific area in the specific area information in real space or virtual space to the user's location in real space or virtual space is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold distance, or if the user's location in real space or virtual space is within the region of the specific area in the specific area information in real space or virtual space. While the ideal scenario for realizing regional revitalization would be to actually invite users to the regions of organizations that implement the "hometown tax," it is possible to get a feel for the atmosphere of these organizations within a virtual space that corresponds to the real-world space of the local government. Even if users cannot actually visit or travel to the region, this can provide an incentive for them to visit or move there in the future.

[0084] Furthermore, in the program, computer (server device 2), and information processing method according to this embodiment, the calculation means 224 may change the collection data for the organization depending on the status of the game being played by the user (steps St109 to St110). As mentioned above, it is possible to offer rewards (gifts) equivalent to 30% of the collected money, but this percentage can also be changed depending on the game results, thus making regional revitalization more effective through the game. In addition, for example, when drawing gacha or roulette in the game, it is possible to set it up so that the amount charged (collected data) can be newly entered or increased or decreased. Furthermore, depending on the game situation, such as when the game is over, when stamina runs out, or when continuing the game, it is possible to set it up so that the destination for hometown charges and return gifts (products) are recommended and the amount charged (collected data) can be newly entered or increased or decreased. In this way, by setting up rewards, it becomes an incentive to play the game and an incentive to make hometown charges, and in turn the social issue of regional revitalization is solved.

[0085] Furthermore, in the program, computer (server device 2), and information processing method according to this embodiment, the computer (server device 2) may be further configured to function as a transmission means 226, and the transmission means 226 may transmit the collection data calculated by the calculation means 224 to the organization's terminal 4. Alternatively, the computer (server device 2) may be further configured to function as a reward granting means 225, and the reward granting means 225 may grant rewards to users according to the collection data calculated by the calculation means 224, and the transmission means 226 may transmit information regarding the rewards granted by the reward granting means 225 to the organization's terminal 4. In this way, local governments and other organizations can find out that hometown tax payments have been made and that they should be granted benefits based on the collection data. "Terminals related to the organization" also include terminals in the hometown tax business management system and the benefit provision system 5. Therefore, collection data and benefit information (donation information) can also be sent to these systems, and benefits and return gifts can be granted or delivered to users (Figure 2). For example, in the case of NFTs, a URL can be sent from the organization's terminal 4 to the user's terminal 3.

[0086] [Other embodiments] The various control means and processing procedures described in the above embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, its applications, or their uses. The various control means and processing procedures can be modified as appropriate without altering the essence of this disclosure.

[0087] For example, the above-described embodiment explains an example in which users are given rewards (return gifts) according to the collected data, but this disclosure is not limited to this. The hometown charging system proposed here is a system that allows users to donate a portion of their in-game charges to designated organizations for the purpose of regional revitalization and receive return gifts, but unlike the embodiment described above, it is also possible to make a donation only through the game. Below, other embodiments of this disclosure in which users do not receive rewards under the hometown charging system will be described.

[0088] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of another series of operations of the information processing system 1 (server device 2) in this embodiment. Steps St201 to St204 are the same processes as steps St101 to St104 which were explained with reference to Figure 3, so their explanation is omitted. Also, as mentioned above, the order in which the receiving means 221 receives information is not limited to the order described below.

[0089] After step St204, in this embodiment, the calculation means 224 calculates collection data to be made to the organization relating to the organization identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information, based solely on the billing information in the game the user is playing (step St205). For example, if a user is charged to purchase a weapon item (virtual object) for 1000 yen, 10 yen may be collected and donated to the organization.

[0090] Next, the transmission means 226 transmits information regarding the collection data calculated by the calculation means 224 to the organization's terminal 4 (step St206).

[0091] In this way, the hometown tax payment system for organizations that users wish to support will be terminated.

[0092] The Furusato Nozei (hometown tax) system offers tax deductions and a portion of the donation amount (payment amount) is provided to taxpayers as a return gift. On the other hand, the Furusato Charge System proposed here allows users to donate a portion of their payment (charge amount) without receiving a return gift. This system is expected to encourage continuous donations without financial strain through everyday gaming. Furthermore, playing games (making in-game purchases) allows users to contribute to society.

[0093] Furthermore, in another embodiment, in the program, computer (server device 2), and information processing method according to the above embodiment, the calculation means 224 may calculate collection data for organizations relating to organization identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information, based on information regarding purchased game data in addition to billing information or game results in the game played by the user. For example, in addition to purchasing virtual currency as an in-game purchase, when a user purchases a game (including downloadable content) via a server device 2 (Figure 2) that manages the e-commerce site, or via an e-commerce site that performs processing similar to server device 2, the system may be configured to allow the user to input a separate charge amount (collection data) in addition to the game price. In this way, the Furusato billing system can realize regional revitalization even on an e-commerce platform.

[0094] Furthermore, in the hometown charge program, computer (server device 2), and information processing method according to this embodiment, the "organization" that receives the hometown charge is not limited to local government administrations, but may also be a charitable organization, including UNICEF, the Red Cross, NPO corporations, organizations that are eligible for tax deductions for donations, and organizations that make donations to charitable organizations on behalf of others.

[0095] Furthermore, in the hometown tax program, computer (server device 2), and information processing method according to this embodiment, after the calculation of the collection data, the system may be configured to transmit application data for receiving tax benefits, similar to the so-called one-stop special measures for hometown tax donations, to local governments and tax offices.

[0096] Furthermore, when users enter their hometown payment information, the system may be configured to allow them to specify how the hometown payment will be used. For example, if users could specify that the money they pay through the hometown tax system be used for childcare support, park maintenance support, or environmental protection support, the hometown tax system would become more user-friendly.

[0097] Furthermore, in the program, computer (server device 2), and information processing method according to this embodiment, the reward granting means 225 may change the content of the reward granted to the user based on the distance from the location p1 in the specific area or predetermined locations p2, p3 in area R to the user's location up. "Predetermined location within the specific area R" may be, for example, the central location p2 within the specific area R, or any location p3 within the specific area R determined by the organizer of the game tournament. In this case, the distance d2 or d3 from the user's location up is the subject of determination (see Figure 4). By offering more luxurious or rarer rewards to users who are closer to specific locations such as location p1, it is possible to encourage users to commit more to hometown-based in-game purchases.

[0098] The effects and advantages of this embodiment will also be achieved when these other embodiments are adopted. Furthermore, it is possible to combine this embodiment with other embodiments, and other embodiments with each other, as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 1. Information Processing System 2. Server device (computer) 3. User terminals 22 Control Unit 23 Memory section 221 Reception Method 222 Memory means 223 Group Designation Method 224 Arithmetic means 225 Methods for granting benefits 226 Transmission method

Claims

1. The computer functions as a reception means, a storage means, a group designation means, a calculation means, and a means of granting benefits. When the receiving means receives group identification information for identifying a group, the storage means stores the received group identification information in the storage unit. When the receiving means receives user identification information and group designation information from a user terminal held by a user playing the game, the group designation means designates the group identification information corresponding to the user identification information based on the received user identification information and group designation information. The calculation means calculates collection data for the organization relating to the organization identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information, based on the billing information in the game played by the user. The reward granting means is a program that grants a reward to the user in accordance with the collection data calculated by the calculation means.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the benefit is a virtual currency usable in the game.

3. The program according to claim 1, wherein the bonus is to change the content of the game, and the content of the game is at least one of the following in the game: background image, sound effects, character parameters, number of items, effect of items, display of special images, and enabling the activation of special techniques.

4. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the billing information is billing information for purchasing items within the game.

5. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the receiving means receives user identification information and organization designation information from the user terminal owned by the user playing the game, it receives a designation of how the organization will use the billing information.

6. The computer functions as a reception means, a storage means, a group designation means, a calculation means, and a means of granting benefits. When the receiving means receives group identification information for identifying a group, the storage means stores the received group identification information in the storage unit. When the receiving means receives user identification information and group designation information from a user terminal held by a user playing the game during gameplay, the group designation means designates the group identification information corresponding to the user identification information based on the received user identification information and group designation information. The calculation means calculates collection data for the organization relating to the organization identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information, based on the results of the game the user is playing. The reward granting means is a program that grants a reward to the user in accordance with the collection data calculated by the calculation means.

7. The game result is an outcome within the game, The calculation means, when it determines that the achievements within the game have been met, calculates the collection data for the organization. The program according to claim 6, wherein the determination that the in-game achievement has been met is made when the game play time exceeds a predetermined time, when a predetermined amount of parameters necessary to run the game is consumed, when items are collected, when a predetermined character is defeated, when the user walks a predetermined amount of distance, when a predetermined amount of points is accumulated, or when the user terminal is located in a predetermined location.

8. The computer functions as a reception means, a storage means, a group designation means, a calculation means, and a means of granting benefits. When the receiving means receives group identification information for identifying a group, the storage means stores the received group identification information in the storage unit. When the receiving means receives user identification information and group designation information from a user terminal held by a user playing the game, the group designation means designates the group identification information corresponding to the user identification information based on the received user identification information and group designation information. The calculation means calculates collection data for the organization relating to the organization identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information, based on the billing information in the game played by the user. The aforementioned benefit granting means is a hometown reward program that grants benefits to the user in accordance with the collection data calculated by the calculation means.

9. The computer functions as a reception means, a storage means, a group designation means, a calculation means, and a means of granting benefits. When the receiving means receives group identification information for identifying a group, the storage means stores the received group identification information in the storage unit. When the receiving means receives user identification information and group designation information from a user terminal held by a user playing the game during gameplay, the group designation means designates the group identification information corresponding to the user identification information based on the received user identification information and group designation information. The calculation means calculates collection data for the organization relating to the organization identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information, based on the results of the game the user is playing. The aforementioned benefit granting means is a hometown reward program that grants benefits to the user in accordance with the collection data calculated by the calculation means.

10. A computer that functions as a reception means, a storage means, a group designation means, a calculation means, and a privilege granting means by executing a program, When the receiving means receives group identification information for identifying a group, the storage means stores the received group identification information in the storage unit. When the receiving means receives user identification information and group designation information from a user terminal held by a user playing the game, the group designation means designates the group identification information corresponding to the user identification information based on the received user identification information and group designation information. The calculation means calculates collection data for the organization relating to the organization identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information, based on the billing information in the game played by the user. The reward granting means is a computer that grants a reward to the user in accordance with the collection data calculated by the calculation means.

11. A computer that functions as a reception means, a storage means, a group designation means, a calculation means, and a privilege granting means by executing a program, When the receiving means receives group identification information for identifying a group, the storage means stores the received group identification information in the storage unit. When the receiving means receives user identification information and group designation information from a user terminal held by a user playing the game during gameplay, the group designation means designates the group identification information corresponding to the user identification information based on the received user identification information and group designation information. The calculation means calculates collection data for the organization relating to the organization identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information, based on the results of the game the user is playing. The reward granting means is a computer that grants a reward to the user in accordance with the collection data calculated by the calculation means.

12. An information processing method performed by a computer having a control unit, When the control unit receives group identification information for identifying a group, the control unit performs the step of storing the received group identification information in the storage unit. When the control unit receives user identification information and organization designation information from a user terminal owned by a user playing the game, the control unit performs the step of specifying the organization identification information corresponding to the user identification information based on the received user identification information and organization designation information. The control unit performs the steps of calculating collection data for the organization relating to the organization identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information, based on the billing information in the game played by the user. The control unit performs the step of granting benefits to the user according to the calculated collection data, An information processing method equipped with [a specific feature].

13. An information processing method performed by a computer having a control unit, When the control unit receives group identification information for identifying a group, the control unit performs the step of storing the received group identification information in the storage unit. When the control unit receives user identification information and group designation information from a user terminal held by a user playing the game during gameplay, the control unit performs the step of specifying the group identification information corresponding to the user identification information based on the received user identification information and group designation information. The control unit performs the steps of calculating collection data for the organization relating to the organization identification information corresponding to the user's user identification information, based on the results of the game the user is playing. The control unit performs the step of granting benefits to the user according to the calculated collection data, An information processing method equipped with [a specific feature].

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