Program, information processing method, and information processing apparatus.
The program enhances user engagement in location-based games by enabling users to set up reward granting locations and obtain customizable rewards, addressing facility distribution issues and increasing motivation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MIXI INC
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing location-based games suffer from uneven distribution of facilities, leading to dissatisfaction among users in areas with fewer facilities, and lack of customizable rewards, reducing motivation and entertainment value.
A program that allows users to set up reward granting locations on a map based on their operations, granting predetermined rewards when specific conditions are met, enhancing user engagement and motivation.
Enables users to obtain various rewards at desired locations, increasing game entertainment value and motivation by allowing customizable rewards and addressing facility distribution imbalances.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a program, an information processing method, and an information processing apparatus.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, based on information regarding the geographical position of a user (strictly speaking, an information terminal carried by the user) in the real space, measured using GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like (hereinafter referred to as position information), a position information game in which the game progresses has been known.
[0003] For example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a position information game in which items useful for the game can be obtained from facilities (PokéStops) arranged on a map, which is a position information game for collecting characters and the like. Also, Non-Patent Document 2 discloses a position information game in which an adventure is advanced by defeating enemy characters, etc., and a facility (home) that can recover the player's physical strength, etc., can be installed at an arbitrary location on the map.
Prior Art Documents
Non-Patent Documents
[0004]
Non-Patent Document 1
Non-Patent Document 2
Summary of the Invention
[0005] However, Non-Patent Document 1 states that facilities are not evenly distributed across all areas in the real world. Therefore, the number of facilities varies from region to region, which may cause dissatisfaction among users whose living area (residence, commute, or school area, etc.) is in an area with few facilities, potentially leading to a decrease in their motivation to play the game. Furthermore, Non-Patent Document 2 states that while users can set up a facility called a "home" in any location, they can only obtain pre-set, uniform effects there. This would be unsatisfying in terms of the game's entertainment value and could lead to a decrease in the desire to play the game.
[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a program, an information processing method, and an information processing device that can enhance the entertainment value of a game and stimulate the motivation of users to play the game, in a game that uses the location information of a user in real space. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program executed by a computer, which causes the computer to acquire the location information of a user in real space, to display the acquired current location information of the user on a map corresponding to the real space used in the game, to set up reward granting locations on the map based on operations performed by the user, and to grant the user a predetermined reward selected from a plurality of rewards when the user's current location information satisfies a first condition in relation to the reward granting location. [Effects of the Invention]
[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, in a game that uses the user's location information in real space, the user can set reward points on any location on the map where various rewards can be obtained, thereby enhancing the entertainment value of the game and stimulating the user's motivation to play the game. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0009] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram of a location-based game system including an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows the hardware configurations of an information processing device and a terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating the functions of a terminal related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the functions of a server that constitutes an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a sequence diagram showing the process of setting up reward distribution points. [Figure 6] (a) is a diagram showing an example of the display screen before setting up the reward point. (b) is a diagram showing an example of the display screen when setting up the reward point. [Figure 7] This is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the reward distribution process at the reward distribution point. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a display screen when granting benefits. [Figure 9] This is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the reward granting process at other reward granting locations. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a display screen when granting benefits. [Figure 11] This is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the reward granting process at the point where rewards are granted to approved users. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0010] The program, information processing method, and information processing apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the attached drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. In other words, the present invention can be modified or improved upon from the embodiments described below, without departing from its spirit. Naturally, the present invention also includes equivalents thereof. Furthermore, the screen examples shown in the diagrams referenced in the following explanation are merely examples, and the specific content of the screen configuration, displayed information, and GUI (Graphical User Interface) can be freely designed and modified according to the design specifications and user preferences.
[0011] <About location-based games> The program according to this embodiment is a program for providing a location-based game to user U, and is enjoyed by user U through a communication system (hereinafter referred to as the location-based game system S) which includes an information processing device on which the program is executed.
[0012] A "location-based game" is an electronic game in which, based on the user U's physical distance traveled in the real world and their current location (coordinates such as latitude and longitude), a character C and other objects corresponding to the user U move on a map formed in a space such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), or mixed reality (MR), progressing through the game by completing various quests (events) that occur. Hereafter, the term "game" will include "location-based games."
[0013] In this specification, "map" refers to a map within a game, which is a two-dimensional or three-dimensional representation in a space such as augmented reality, virtual reality, or mixed reality, created based on information corresponding to the geography of the real world. Virtual objects are placed on the map that reflect geographical elements in the real world, such as the location, size, and shape of roads and buildings.
[0014] A "quest" refers to a task given to user U within the game, that is, an individual stage that constitutes the game. Each quest has a set execution period and achievement conditions, and various quests occur as the game progresses. Examples of quests include quests aimed at reaching a certain location, quests that involve encountering or fighting enemy characters, or quests where items can be obtained. Note that clearing a quest by meeting the set achievement conditions is called "completing" the quest.
[0015] In this embodiment, as an example of the game, a game in which user U, who is a player, forms a group of a plurality of monster characters (hereinafter referred to as "monsters") that fight as a team, operates them by a predetermined action, and sequentially challenges and clears a plurality of quests prepared in the game is cited. Also, the monsters used in the game can be trained and leveled up with experience points, items, etc.
[0016] In addition, user U can obtain benefits such as items from the privilege granting point 52 installed by user U at an arbitrary location on the map or other privilege granting points 51 that randomly appear on the map.
[0017] "Privilege" refers to the general term for advantageous effects granted to user U in promoting the game or quests.
[0018] In this embodiment, as an example of the privilege, the following advantageous effects occur. (a) Obtain virtual currency items that can be used in the game or fragments thereof (objects that can be exchanged for a predetermined virtual currency item when a plurality of points are collected). (b) Obtain special monsters. (c) Obtain the qualification to play special quests. (d) Parameters that primarily affect the progress of the quest (setting data related to monster level, health, attack power, speed, or luck, etc.) will change in a favorable direction. (e) Parameters that primarily affect the calculation of quest completion rewards (setting data related to the amount of stamina recovered, the amount of experience points gained, the points gained, or the probability of special rewards occurring) will change in a favorable direction.
[0019] A "reward granting location" is a location (facility) that user U can place anywhere on the map, and where, if a predetermined condition (first condition) is met, the reward associated with that reward granting location 52 is granted to user U. Here, the location that user U can designate as any location and where reward granting location 52 can be placed should be in the vicinity of the actual location where user U is located in real space. Furthermore, only one reward granting location 52 can be placed within a predetermined period (e.g., one day), and it can be moved unconditionally only once within that predetermined period (e.g., one day). In addition, once a reward is granted, user U will not be granted any further rewards for a predetermined period (e.g., one day).
[0020] "First condition" refers to the conditions under which the benefit set in association with benefit granting location 52 is granted to user U. For example, this could be the case when user U is actually located near the location in real space corresponding to benefit granting location 52 during the effect period of benefit granting location 52. If a benefit has already been granted from another benefit granting location 51, etc., the benefit from benefit granting location 52 may not be granted for a predetermined period, even if the first condition is met.
[0021] In principle, the reward location 52 will only be displayed on the user terminal 10 of the user U who set it up, and will not be displayed on the user terminal 10 of any other user U (hereinafter, when referred to as "the user U," it refers to the user U who set up the reward location 52). However, even for other users, if they are other users with whom the user U has a friendship and are mutually approved as friends (hereinafter referred to as "approved users"), the reward location 52 may be displayed to them, and if the specified conditions (third condition) are met, the reward set up in association with the reward location 52 may be granted to the approved user. In this case, the reward granted to the approved user may be equivalent to the reward granted to the user U, or may be slightly less advantageous.
[0022] The "third condition" refers to the conditions under which the reward set in association with reward granting location 52 is granted to the approved user. For example, this includes cases where the approved user is actually located near the real-world location corresponding to reward granting location 52 during the effect period of reward granting location 52, where the approved user is actually located near the person who was granted the reward, where the approved user participates in a co-op play (details will be described later) organized by the person who was granted the reward, or where the approved user has previously participated in a co-op play organized by the person who was granted the reward.
[0023] "Other reward locations" refer to locations (facilities) placed on the map regardless of user U's intentions, where, if the predetermined conditions (second condition) are met, the rewards associated with the other reward locations 51 are granted to user U. These locations are common to all users. The other reward locations 51 appear periodically or irregularly at any location on the map and disappear or move after the expiration of a predetermined validity period. Multiple other reward locations 51 may be placed at the same time.
[0024] The "second condition" is the condition for a reward set in association with another reward point 51 to be granted to user U. For example, it refers to the case where user U is actually located near the location in real space corresponding to the other reward point 51 during the effect period of the other reward point 51. If a reward has already been granted from reward point 52 or another reward point 51 (other reward point 51 other than the one in question if there are multiple other reward points 51), even if the second condition is met, the reward may not be granted from the other reward point 51 during the specified period.
[0025] In this embodiment, not only can a user U play alone, but it is also possible for multiple users U to operate their respective user terminals 10 to play a common quest simultaneously in so-called multiplayer mode (hereinafter referred to as cooperative play). In this cooperative play, a cooperative relationship is formed between a user U who organizes a cooperative play session for a specific quest and recruits participants (hereinafter referred to as the host), and users U who apply to the recruitment and participate in the cooperative play (hereinafter referred to as the guests), and the progress of the game is synchronized among the users playing cooperatively.
[0026] Cooperative play is conducted through the communication function of each user U's user terminal 10. Specifically, when a user U applies to participate in a cooperative play session offered by a host, and the host approves the application, that user U becomes a guest, and a communication path for cooperative play is established between them and the host. There are no particular restrictions on eligibility to apply for cooperative play, and these can be set arbitrarily. For example, a user U located within a predetermined distance from the host's current location in the real world may apply, or a user may apply to a host that has been pre-registered as an approved user.
[0027] Subsequently, the transmission and reception of various data required for cooperative play is carried out according to a known communication method. This data may be transmitted via a client-server system through server 30, or via a P2P (peer-to-peer) system without server 30. Furthermore, cooperative play can be classified into fully synchronous and asynchronous types, and either type may be adopted. Fully synchronous types include key input synchronization methods and command input methods, while asynchronous types include server-centralized processing types and client-distributed processing types.
[0028] In co-op play, the reward locations 52 for each user playing as a host and guest are displayed to each other, and the rewards associated with each other's reward locations 52 may also be granted to other users U. Here, the conditions for granting rewards to other users U may include not only the case where the first condition mentioned above is met, but also, for example, when the users are forming a co-op relationship and playing together for the first time, or when the users playing together are both approved users. Furthermore, in co-op play, the rewards granted to other users U may be equivalent to the rewards granted to the host, or slightly less advantageous.
[0029] Cooperative play games include cooperative games where multiple users cooperate, and competitive games where users compete against each other; either type is acceptable. Furthermore, there is no particular limit on the number of users (maximum number of players) in a single cooperative play session; it can be set to any number, although it is recommended to set it to a maximum of around 4 people.
[0030] <About the configuration of the location-based game system S> Next, we will explain the configuration of the location-based game system S for realizing the game described above. As shown in Figure 1, the location-based game system S is constructed for a user U to play games and consists of an information terminal operated by the user U (hereinafter referred to as the user terminal 10) and a server 30. The user terminal 10 and the server 30 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via a network N such as the Internet. In addition, the user terminal 10 is connected to GPS satellites G so as to be able to communicate.
[0031] The user terminal 10 is equipped with a program stored within the terminal and a processor that executes that program. It is carried by its owner, user U, and user U operates the user terminal 10 when playing the game. As the user terminal 10, any known device used as a game terminal can be used, such as a smartphone, mobile phone, notebook PC, tablet device, wearable device, or dedicated game device with communication capabilities. The number of user terminals 10 constituting the location-based game system S is not particularly limited and can be any number, but in Figure 1, for illustrative purposes, the number of user terminals 10 is shown as three.
[0032] Server 30 is a computer that constitutes the information processing device of the present invention. For example, it is composed of a server computer managed by a game provider and is responsible for processing the progress of the game. Specifically, it manages the game account, status, and location information of each user U and distributes game progress data to each user U. Furthermore, Server 30 is not limited to a server device consisting of a single computer that performs a specific function on its own, but may be composed of a group of server devices consisting of multiple computers that exist in a distributed manner but cooperate to perform a specific function.
[0033] Network N can be any network that connects the user terminal 10 and the server 30 in a manner that enables data communication. It can be wired or wireless and includes the Internet, mobile communication networks, LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), intranet, and Ethernet (registered trademark), etc. Furthermore, the user terminals 10 may communicate with each other via Network N, or they may communicate directly without going through Network N via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi Direct, etc.
[0034] In the location-based game system S of this embodiment, the game progresses through the cooperation of the user terminal 10 and the server 30 as described above. Specifically, the server 30 performs some of the game progression processing, while the user terminal 10 performs some of the graphics processing. For example, the server 30 executes a program that includes certain rules, logic, and algorithms. Meanwhile, the user terminal 10, while synchronized with the server 30, moves each character C, monster, and other objects corresponding to each user U using the same rules, logic, and algorithms as the program executed on the server 30, generating various quests and progressing the game.
[0035] <Configuration of user terminal 10> Next, the configuration of the user terminal 10 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the user terminal 10 has a hardware configuration comprising a processor 11, a storage device 12, a communication interface (indicated as "communication I / F" in Figure 2) 13, an input device 14, and an output device 15, and these devices are electrically connected via a bus (not shown).
[0036] The processor 11 includes, for example, a Central Processing Unit, a Micro Processing Unit, a Graphics Processing Unit, or a Digital Signal Processor, and performs various arithmetic operations based on programs or data stored in the storage device 12, as well as controlling various parts of the user terminal 10. The programs executed by the processor 11 include an OS (Operating System), which is system software for controlling the entire user terminal 10, and application programs for games, etc. When these various programs are read and executed by the processor 11, the user terminal 10 functions as a location-based game system S.
[0037] The storage device 12 includes, for example, memory or storage, and stores various programs or data. The memory consists of semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and provides a workspace to the processor 11 by temporarily storing programs and data, and temporarily stores various data generated by the processing performed by the processor 11. Storage stores various data related to games and consists of, for example, flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), FD (Flexible Disc), MO disk (Magneto-Optical disc), CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD card (Secure Digital card), and USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory).
[0038] The communication interface 13 is configured, for example, by a network interface card (NIC) and controls the communication processing of the user terminal 10. The communication standard used by the communication interface 13 is not particularly limited; any public communication standard can be applied without restriction. Furthermore, the communication method used by the communication interface 13 may be wireless or wired.
[0039] The input device 14 is a device that receives operations from user U and generates data indicating the content of the received operations. For example, operation keys, operation buttons, a microphone for sound collection, and a camera for taking pictures provided on the user terminal 10 can be used.
[0040] The output device 15 is a device that draws images and text information on the screen and plays sound. For example, a liquid crystal display or organic EL (electroluminescence) display, a head-mounted display, and a speaker provided on the user terminal 10 can be used. In this embodiment, the output device 15 includes at least a display. The display may also combine the functions of both the input device 14 and the output device 15, such as a touch panel display.
[0041] Next, referring to Figure 3, we will explain the configuration of the user terminal 10 from a functional standpoint. As shown in Figure 3, the user terminal 10 comprises multiple functional units, specifically, an operation identification unit 16, a location information acquisition unit 17, a terminal-side storage unit 18, a terminal-side generation unit 19, a terminal-side transmission / reception unit 20, and a display processing unit 21. These functional units are realized through the cooperation of the hardware equipment of the user terminal 10 and the software program stored in the user terminal 10.
[0042] [Operation specification section 16] The operation identification unit 16 is mainly implemented by the processor 11 and the input device 14, and identifies the content of various operations performed by user U through the input device 14 of the user terminal 10. The operations identified by the operation identification unit 16 include operations for game progression and operations related to cooperative play (operations related to recruiting for cooperative play, applying for cooperative play, and accepting or rejecting such applications). Operations for game progression also include operations to instruct the setting of reward granting points 52, and operations to instruct the acquisition of rewards from reward granting points 52 or other reward granting points 51.
[0043] [Location information acquisition unit 17] The location information acquisition unit 17 is mainly implemented by the processor 11 and the communication interface 13, and acquires the location of the user terminal 10, that is, the location information (coordinate position) of the user U carrying the user terminal 10 in real space. Methods for acquiring location information include, for example, detecting the location of the user terminal 10 by signals from GPS satellites G, such as GPS, or detecting the location of the user terminal 10 by radio wave strength from a base station of a mobile phone system (not shown) or a Wi-Fi communication access point, etc.
[0044] [Terminal-side storage unit 18] The terminal-side storage unit 18 is mainly implemented by the processor 11 and the storage device 12, and stores various data related to game progress (for example, video data, image data, and audio data).
[0045] [Terminal-side generation unit 19] The terminal-side generation unit 19 is mainly implemented by the processor 11 and the storage device 12, and generates game operation data corresponding to the operations of user U identified by the operation identification unit 16, and location information data related to location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 17. The game operation data generated here includes operation data for setting up reward point 52 based on instructions to set up reward point 52, reward acquisition operation data based on instructions to acquire rewards from reward point 52 or other reward point 51, and operation data related to cooperative play (including operation data related to recruiting for cooperative play, applying for cooperative play, and accepting or rejecting such applications). This generated data is transmitted to the server 30 by the terminal-side transmission / reception unit 20.
[0046] [Terminal-side transceiver unit 20] The terminal-side transceiver unit 20 is mainly implemented by a processor 11, a storage device 12, and a communication interface 13, and transmits and receives data and information between the server 30 and the user terminals 10 of other users. For example, during gameplay, the terminal-side transceiver unit 20 receives game progress data sent from the server 30 and transmits game operation data and location information data indicating the current location of user U to the server 30. In addition, if a game is being played collaboratively, the terminal-side transceiver unit 20 may transmit and receive collaborative play data (specifically, each user U's game operation data) between the user terminals 10 of other users U.
[0047] [Display processing unit 21] The display processing unit 21 is mainly implemented by the processor 11, storage device 12, and output device 15, and performs display processing to display data and information received by the terminal-side transmitting / receiving unit 20 on the display using a browsing function. Specifically, the display processing unit 21 draws the game screen at the start of the game, and during gameplay, it expands the game progress data received by the terminal-side transmitting / receiving unit 20 from the server 30 and displays video and other information on the game screen. Also, during gameplay, the display processing unit 21 displays video on the game screen that changes according to the game operation data generated by the terminal-side generation unit 19 (specifically, video that moves according to the user U's operations). In particular, based on the actual location information of user U in the real world acquired by the location information acquisition unit 17, it displays a character C indicating user U's location on the map within the game.
[0048] <Server Configuration> Next, the configuration of the server 30 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the server 30 has a hardware configuration similar to that of a typical server computer, comprising a processor 31, a storage device 32, and a communication interface 33, these components being electrically connected via a bus (not shown).
[0049] The processor 31 consists of a CPU, MPU, GPU, and DSP, and performs various processes by executing programs installed on the server 30. The programs executed by the processor 31 include an OS, which is system software for controlling the entire server 30, and application programs, which enable the server 30 to function as the information processing device of the present invention.
[0050] The storage device 32 includes, for example, memory or storage, and stores various programs or data. The memory consists of semiconductor memory such as ROM and RAM, and provides a workspace to the processor 31 by temporarily storing programs and data, and temporarily stores data generated by various processes performed by the processor 31. The storage stores various data related to user U, maps, games, etc., and is composed of, for example, flash memory, HDD, SSD, floppy disk, MO disk, CD, DVD, SD card, and USB memory. Alternatively, a server computer for the database connected to server 30 via network N may be used as storage.
[0051] The communication interface 33 is configured, for example, by a network interface card, and controls the communication processing of the server 30. The communication standard used by the communication interface 33 is not particularly limited; any public communication standard can be applied without restriction. Furthermore, the communication method used by the communication interface 33 may be wireless or wired.
[0052] Next, referring to Figure 4, we will explain the configuration of server 30 from a functional perspective. As shown in Figure 4, the server 30 comprises multiple functional units, specifically a server-side storage unit 34, a server-side transmission / reception unit 35, a server-side generation unit 36, a reward granting location setting unit 37, a reward selection unit 38, a determination unit 39, and a reward granting unit 40. These functional units are realized through the cooperation of the server 30's hardware and the software programs stored in the server 30. If the server 30 is composed of multiple computers, the above functions may be distributed so that each of the multiple computers performs a different function from the others.
[0053] [Server-side storage unit 34] The server-side storage unit 34 is mainly implemented by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and stores various types of data, including data related to the user U, data related to map information, and data related to game progress processing (game progress data). Data related to user U includes an identifier (user ID or terminal ID) that identifies user U or the user terminal 10 used by user U, and various information associated with that identifier. (This includes user U's personal information, user device 10 model, access history, payment history, or current location information or game progress status, etc.) The game progression data includes information about quests, information about reward locations 52 (reward details, validity period, location, number of moves, etc.), and information about other reward locations 51 (reward details, validity period, location, etc.).
[0054] [Server-side transceiver unit 35] The server-side transceiver unit 35 is mainly implemented by a processor 31, a storage device 32, and a communication interface 33, and transmits and receives data and information with the user terminal 10. For example, during gameplay, the server-side transceiver unit 35 transmits game progress data to user U's user terminal 10 and receives game operation data from that user terminal 10. It also receives location information data indicating user U's current location in the real world from user terminal 10 and transmits data (game progress data in a broad sense) that displays this location information on a map to user terminal 10. Furthermore, during cooperative gameplay, the server-side transceiver unit 35 receives cooperative play data from each user terminal 10 of multiple users U participating in the cooperative play and transmits data (game progress data in a broad sense) for synchronization among users U to each user terminal 10.
[0055] [Server-side generation unit 36] The server-side generation unit 36 is mainly implemented by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and generates data to be transmitted by the server-side transmission / reception unit 35. Specifically, the data generated here includes game progress data corresponding to game operation data received from the user terminal 10. The game progress data also includes data that displays location information on a map based on location information acquired from the user terminal 10, and data for synchronization among multiple users U playing the game together during cooperative play.
[0056] [Reward Distribution Point 37] The reward point placement unit 37 is mainly implemented by the processor 31 and the storage device 32. Based on the game operation data received by the server-side transmission / reception unit 35 from the user terminal 10, it places reward points 52 on the map or moves existing reward points 52 to other locations. It also places other reward points 51 at predetermined locations on the map periodically or irregularly.
[0057] [Bonus Selection Section 38] The reward selection unit 38 is mainly implemented by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and when a reward granting point 52 and other reward granting points 51 are set, it selects a reward from among several candidate rewards to be set in association with that reward granting point 52 or other reward granting point 51. In addition, it changes the rewards that have already been set in association with the reward granting point 52 or other reward granting point 51 by selecting them again at predetermined intervals.
[0058] Here, "predetermined time" could be a set time once a day to change the reward (for example, 4:00 AM), or it could be X hours after the last reward was selected (for example, 24 hours). Alternatively, it could be a period that fluctuates according to predetermined rules without being set in advance. For example, it could fluctuate depending on the content of the quest, or the timing of the next change could be randomly determined each time the reward content is changed.
[0059] [Judgment section 39] The determination unit 39 is mainly implemented by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and determines whether the current location of user U in the real world satisfies the aforementioned first or second condition, etc., based on the location information data received by the server-side transmitting / receiving unit 35 from the user terminal 10. Furthermore, if a benefit is to be granted to an approved user, it determines whether the approved user satisfies the aforementioned third condition.
[0060] [Benefit Granting Section 40] The reward granting unit 40 is mainly implemented by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and grants the reward set in association with the reward granting point 52 or other reward granting points 51 to user U or the approving user based on the determination result in the determination unit 39.
[0061] In general, the user terminal 10 and server 30 have various functions other than those described above, but here we will only describe the characteristic functions that have an effect in the location-based game system S of the present invention, and other known functions will not be illustrated or described.
[0062] <Regarding the processing flow of the location-based game system S> Next, the processing flow executed in the location-based game system S, which has the above configuration, will be explained with reference to the sequence diagram and the diagrams showing examples of each screen.
[0063] The information processing method according to this embodiment is implemented using a location-based game system S that functions as a computer system; in other words, the information processing method according to this embodiment is applied to the information processing performed by the location-based game system S. Furthermore, the information processing according to this embodiment can be broadly divided into two stages during the game: the stage of setting up the reward granting point 52 (hereinafter referred to as the reward granting point setting process) and the stage of granting rewards from the reward granting point 52 or other reward granting points 51 (hereinafter referred to as the reward granting process). Each of these stages will be described individually below.
[0064] [Setting up reward distribution points] First, we will explain the process of setting up reward distribution points based on Figure 5. The "reward point placement process" is a process performed through communication between the user terminal 10 and the server 30, and refers to the process of placing a reward point 52 at any location on the map (hereinafter, this concept includes movement) based on instructions from user U to place a reward point 52 during gameplay.
[0065] As shown in Figure 5, when user U plays the game, first, the user terminal 10 acquires the current location information of the user terminal 10 in the real world using the location information acquisition unit 17 to determine the current location of user U, who is carrying the user terminal 10 (S101), and transmits this current location information as location information data to the server 30 (S102).
[0066] Server 30 receives location information data transmitted from user terminal 10 and obtains user U's current location information (S103). Server-side generation unit 36 then generates data on a map showing the obtained user U's current location information and the locations of other pre-placed reward points, and transmits this data to user terminal 10 as game progress data (S104).
[0067] When the user terminal 10 receives the above-mentioned game progress data transmitted from the server 30, the display processing unit 21 displays a map on the display that includes the user U's current location information and the location information of other reward locations based on that data (S105).
[0068] Figure 6(a) shows an example of the display screen shown on the user terminal 10 at this time, that is, an example of the display screen in the stage before setting up the reward point. As shown in Figure 6(a), the map displayed on the screen shows a character C, which is an object indicating the current location of user U, and other reward locations 51 that are pre-placed. Character C is displayed at a location corresponding to user U's current location in the real world and moves along with user U's movement in the real world. In addition, the other reward locations 51 are placed in multiple locations on the map and are displayed in a way that distinguishes between other reward locations where rewards have not yet been obtained and can be obtained at this time (other reward locations 51a before reward acquisition) and other reward locations where rewards have already been obtained and cannot be obtained at this time (other reward locations 51b after reward acquisition).
[0069] Next, when the user terminal 10 receives an operation from user U to instruct the installation of the reward granting point 52 via the operation identification unit 16 (S106:YES), the terminal-side generation unit 19 creates installation instruction information data for the reward granting point 52 and sends it to the server 30 (S107). If user U does not provide an instruction to set up reward point 52 (S113: NO), the process will terminate.
[0070] When the server 30 receives installation instruction data transmitted from the user terminal 10 (S108), the reward point installation unit 37 identifies the installation location of the reward point 52 from the user's current location information that was previously obtained (S109). Then, it determines whether or not there is already an installed reward point 52 (S110), and if there is an already installed reward point 52 (S110:YES), the server-side generation unit 36 generates data to confirm the movement (replacement) of the reward granting location 52 and sends it to the user terminal 10 as game progress data (S111).
[0071] When the user terminal 10 receives the above-mentioned game progress data transmitted from the server 30, the display processing unit 21, based on that data, presents an explanation of the conditions for moving (e.g., movement is possible unconditionally once a day, but a predetermined item is required for subsequent movements) and the effects of moving, and displays a movement confirmation screen on the display to confirm the user U's intention to move to the reward granting location 52 (S112). Then, when the user terminal 10 receives an operation from the user U to confirm the movement to the reward granting location 52 via the operation identification unit 16 (S113: YES), the terminal-side generation unit 19 creates movement instruction information data for the reward granting location 52 and transmits it to the server 30 (S114). If user U does not respond to the request to confirm the movement to reward location 52 (S113:NO), the process will terminate.
[0072] The server 30 then receives the movement instruction information data transmitted from the user terminal 10. (S115).
[0073] On the other hand, if there are no existing reward-granting locations 52 (S110: NO), that is, if a new reward-granting location 52 is to be established, the server 30 uses the reward selection unit 38 to select a reward from among several candidate rewards to be associated with that reward-granting location 52 (S116). At this time, data confirming the establishment of the reward-granting location 52 may be generated and sent to the user terminal 10 as game progress data.
[0074] Then, if the server 30 is to move an existing reward point 52, it receives the move instruction information data (S115), and if it is to set up a new reward point 51, it selects the reward (S116), sets up the reward point 52 (S117), and the server-side generation unit 36 generates data indicating the setting information of the reward point 52 (reward content and setting location, etc.) and sends it to the user terminal 10 as game progress data (S118). Furthermore, when moving reward grant location 52, instead of selecting a reward each time, the information regarding the content of the reward and the status of the reward (whether or not the reward has been granted) that was associated with the previous reward grant location 52 will be carried over.
[0075] When the user terminal 10 receives the above-mentioned game progress data transmitted from the server 30, the display processing unit 21 displays the reward-granting locations 52 on the map displayed on the display based on that data (S119).
[0076] Figure 6(b) shows an example of the display screen shown on the user terminal 10 at this time, that is, an example of the display screen when setting up a reward point. As shown in Figure 6(b), the map displayed on the screen shows the character C, which is an object indicating the current location information of user U, and the other reward points 51 that have been placed in advance, as well as the newly placed reward point 52. Reward point 52 is displayed in a position that overlaps with character C, and a sign 53 indicating that it is reward point 52 is also displayed so that it can be distinguished from the other reward points 51. At this time, the details of the reward set in association with reward point 52 may also be displayed. Although not shown in the diagram, when a location is moved, the reward location 52 at the time of the move disappears and the reward location 52 at the time of the move is newly displayed.
[0077] Once the series of steps described above are completed, the reward point placement process is finished. From then on, the above series of steps will be repeated while User U is playing the game. The above is an example of the process for setting up reward distribution points.
[0078] [Reward distribution process at reward distribution points] Next, we will explain the reward granting process at reward granting point 52 based on Figure 7. "Reward granting process at reward granting location" refers to a process performed through communication between the user terminal 10 and the server 30, in which, if the aforementioned first condition is met during gameplay, a reward is granted to user U based on user U's instruction to acquire a reward at reward granting location 52.
[0079] As shown in Figure 7, when user U plays the game, first, the user terminal 10 acquires the current location information of the user terminal 10 in the real world using the location information acquisition unit 17 to determine the current location of user U, who is carrying the user terminal 10 (S201), and transmits this current location information as location information data to the server 30 (S202).
[0080] When the server 30 receives location information data transmitted from the user terminal 10 and obtains the current location information of user U (S203), the determination unit 39 determines whether the obtained current location of user U satisfies the aforementioned first condition (S204). If the first condition is met (S204: YES), the server-side generation unit 36 generates data on a map that shows the obtained current location information of user U and information notifying that it is possible to obtain a reward from the reward granting point 52, and transmits it to the user terminal 10 as game progress data (S205). If the aforementioned first condition is not met (S204:NO), the process will terminate immediately.
[0081] When the user terminal 10 receives the above-mentioned game progress data transmitted from the server 30, the display processing unit 21 displays the user U's current location information and information notifying the user that it is possible to obtain a reward from the reward granting point 52 on the map displayed on the display (S206).
[0082] Figure 8 shows an example of the display screen shown on the user terminal 10 at this time, that is, an example of the display screen when a reward is awarded from the reward awarding point 52. As shown in Figure 8, the map displayed on the screen shows a character C, which is an object indicating the current location of user U, as well as reward granting locations 52 and other reward granting locations 51. In addition, a reward acquisition area 54 is displayed, which is information indicating that it is possible to acquire a reward from reward granting location 52.
[0083] The reward acquisition area 54 is, for example, a circle with the reward granting point 52 as its center point. When character C enters the reward acquisition area 54, user U can acquire the reward from the reward granting point 52. The reward acquisition area 54 is displayed when character C enters the reward acquisition area 54 or approaches a predetermined distance. Note that the reward acquisition area 54 is not limited to a circle.
[0084] Next, when the user terminal 10 receives an operation from user U via the operation identification unit 16 to instruct the user to acquire a reward from the reward granting point 52 (S207:YES), the terminal-side generation unit 19 creates reward acquisition instruction information data and sends it to the server 30 (S208). If user U does not respond to an instruction to claim the reward (S207:NO), the process will terminate.
[0085] When the server 30 receives the reward acquisition instruction data transmitted from the user terminal 10 (S209), it grants the user U the reward set in association with the reward grant location 52. (S210) The information for reward grant location 52 is updated to "acquired" (S211). Then, the server-side generation unit 36 generates data indicating that the reward granting is complete and sends it to the user terminal 10 as game progress data (S212). Please note that reward locations 52, which have been updated to "acquired," will be invalidated until a predetermined time has elapsed, making it impossible to acquire the reward.
[0086] When the user terminal 10 receives the game progress data transmitted from the server 30, the display processing unit 21 displays information notifying the completion of the reward granting based on that data. (S213).
[0087] Once the series of steps described above are completed, the reward distribution process at reward distribution point 52 is finished. From then on, the above series of steps will be repeated while user U is playing the game. The above is an example of the reward distribution process at reward distribution point 52.
[0088] [Benefit granting process at other benefit granting locations] Next, based on Figure 9, the reward granting process at other reward granting locations 51 will be explained. "Reward granting process at other reward granting locations" refers to a process performed through communication between the user terminal 10 and the server 30, in which, if the aforementioned second condition is met during gameplay, special reward 4 is granted to user U based on user U's instruction to acquire a reward at reward granting location 51.
[0089] As shown in Figure 9, when user U plays the game, first, the user terminal 10 acquires the current location information of the user terminal 10 in the real world using the location information acquisition unit 17 to determine the current location of user U, who is carrying the user terminal 10 (S301), and transmits this current location information as location information data to the server 30 (S302).
[0090] When the server 30 receives location information data transmitted from the user terminal 10 and obtains the current location information of user U (S303), the determination unit 39 determines whether the obtained current location of user U satisfies the second condition described above (S304). If the second condition is met (S304: YES), the server-side generation unit 36 generates data on a map that shows the obtained current location information of user U and information notifying that it is possible to obtain rewards from other reward-granting locations 51, and transmits this data to the user terminal 10 as game progress data (S305). If the aforementioned second condition is not met (S304:NO), the process will terminate immediately.
[0091] When the user terminal 10 receives the above-mentioned game progress data transmitted from the server 30, the display processing unit 21 displays the user U's current location information and information notifying the user that it is possible to obtain rewards from other reward locations 51 on the map displayed on the display (S306).
[0092] Next, when the user terminal 10 receives an operation from user U via the operation identification unit 16 to instruct the user to acquire a reward from another reward granting location 51 (S307:YES), the terminal-side generation unit 19 creates reward acquisition instruction information data and sends it to the server 30 (S308). If user U does not respond to an instruction to claim the reward (S307:NO), the process will terminate.
[0093] When the server 30 receives the reward acquisition instruction data sent from the user terminal 10 (S309), it grants the user U the rewards set in association with other reward grant locations 51 (S310), and updates the information for the other reward grant locations 51 to "acquired" (S311). Then, the server-side generation unit 36 generates data indicating that the reward granting is complete and sends it to the user terminal 10 as game progress data (S312). Furthermore, other reward locations 51 that have been updated to "acquired" will be invalidated until a predetermined time has elapsed, making it impossible to acquire the rewards.
[0094] When the user terminal 10 receives the game progress data transmitted from the server 30, the display processing unit 21 displays information notifying the completion of the reward granting based on that data. (S313).
[0095] Once the series of steps described above are completed, the reward distribution process at the other reward distribution points 51 will be finished. From then on, the above series of steps will be repeated while User U is playing the game. The above is an example of the reward granting process at another reward granting location 51.
[0096] In this embodiment, user U may be able to obtain rewards simultaneously from both reward granting point 52 and other reward granting points 51. That is, the reward granting process at reward granting point 52 and the reward granting process at other reward granting points 51 may occur simultaneously or consecutively.
[0097] Figure 10 is an example of a display screen shown on the user terminal 10, and is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when rewards are awarded from both the other reward awarding point 51 and reward awarding point 52. As shown in Figure 10, the map displayed on the screen shows a character C, which is an object indicating the current location of user U, a reward granting location 52, and other reward granting locations 51. In addition, a reward acquisition area 54, which is information indicating that it is possible to acquire a reward from reward granting location 52, and a reward acquisition area 55, which is information indicating that it is possible to acquire a reward from other reward granting locations 51, are also displayed.
[0098] The reward acquisition area 55 is, for example, a circle with another reward granting point 51 as its center point. When character C enters the reward acquisition area 55, user U can acquire rewards from the other reward granting points 51. The reward acquisition area 55 is displayed when character C enters the reward acquisition area 55 or approaches a predetermined distance. Note that the reward acquisition area 55 is not limited to a circle, similar to the reward acquisition area 54.
[0099] As shown in Figure 10, if a portion (or all) of the reward acquisition area 54 at reward granting point 52 and the reward acquisition area 55 at another reward granting point 51 overlap, when character C enters the overlapping area, user U becomes eligible to acquire rewards from both reward granting point 52 and the other reward granting point 51 simultaneously. The reward granting process at reward granting point 52 and the reward granting process at the other reward granting point 51 are then executed simultaneously or consecutively, allowing the user to acquire rewards from both.
[0100] [Benefit granting process at the point where benefits are granted to approved users] Next, based on Figure 11, we will explain the reward granting process at reward granting point 52 for approved users. "The reward granting process at the reward granting point for approved users" refers to a process performed through communication between the user terminal 10 and the server 30, in which, if an approved user other than the user meets the aforementioned third condition during gameplay, the reward is granted to the approved user based on the approved user's instruction to acquire the reward at the reward granting point 52.
[0101] As shown in Figure 11, when an authorized user plays the game, the user terminal 10 first obtains its current location information in the real world using the location information acquisition unit 17 to identify the current location of the authorized user carrying the user terminal 10 (S401), and then transmits this current location information as location information data to the server 30 (S402).
[0102] When the server 30 receives location information data transmitted from the user terminal 10 and obtains the current location information of the approved user (S403), the determination unit 39 determines whether the obtained current location of the approved user satisfies the third condition described above (S404). If the third condition is met (S404: YES), the server-side generation unit 36 generates data on a map that shows the obtained current location information of the approved user and information notifying that it is possible to obtain a reward from the reward granting point 52 set up by a user U other than the approved user, and transmits it to the user terminal 10 as game progress data (S405). If the aforementioned third condition is not met (S404:NO), the process will terminate immediately.
[0103] When the user terminal 10 receives the above-mentioned game progress data transmitted from the server 30, the display processing unit 21 displays the current location information of the authorized user and information indicating that the user is in a state where they can obtain a reward from the reward granting location 52 on the map displayed on the display (S406).
[0104] Next, when the user terminal 10 receives an operation from an authorized user via the operation identification unit 16 to instruct the user to acquire a reward from the reward granting point 52 (S407:YES), the terminal-side generation unit 19 creates reward acquisition instruction information data and sends it to the server 30 (S408). If the authorized user does not respond to the request to claim the reward (S407:NO), the process will terminate.
[0105] When the server 30 receives the reward acquisition instruction data sent from the user terminal 10 (S409), it grants the approved user the reward associated with the reward grant location 52 (S410), and updates the information for the reward grant location 52 to indicate that the approved user has already acquired it (S411). Then, the server-side generation unit 36 generates data indicating that the reward grant has been completed and sends it to the user terminal 10 as game progress data (S412). Furthermore, reward point 52, which has been updated to "acquired," will be invalidated for the approving user until a predetermined time has elapsed, and that approving user will be unable to acquire the reward.
[0106] When the user terminal 10 receives the game progress data transmitted from the server 30, the display processing unit 21 displays information notifying the completion of the reward granting based on that data. (S413).
[0107] Once the series of steps described above are completed, the reward distribution process at reward distribution point 52 is finished. From then on, the above series of steps will be repeated while the approved user is playing the game. The above is an example of the reward granting process at reward granting point 52 for approved users.
[0108] <Other Embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. In the above embodiment, the server 30 is made to execute the program of the present invention and function as an information processing device of the present invention. However, some or all of the functions of the server 30 as an information processing device may be provided in the user terminal 10. For example, functions corresponding to the reward granting location setting unit 37, reward selection unit 38, determination unit 39, and reward granting unit 40 may be provided in the user terminal 10.
[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an online game utilizing data communication between a user terminal 10 operated by user U and a server 30 was described as an example of a game. However, the type of game is not particularly limited, and it may be an offline game that does not require data communication. Alternatively, it may be a social game that can be used with only a web browser and an SNS (Social Networking Service) account.
[0110] <Summary> The main features of the program, information processing method, and information processing apparatus according to the embodiment described above are as follows.
[0111] [1] The program according to this embodiment is a program executed by a computer, which causes the computer to acquire location information of user U in real space, to display the acquired current location information of user U on a map corresponding to the real space used in the game, to set up reward granting points 52 on the map based on operations performed by user U, and to grant user U a predetermined reward selected from a plurality of rewards when the current location information of user U satisfies a first condition in relation to the reward granting points 52. 7 According to the program described above, in a game that uses the location information of user U in the real world, the user can place reward points 52 where various benefits can be obtained at any location on the map, thereby enhancing the entertainment value of the game and stimulating the motivation of user U to play the game.
[0112] [2] The above program causes the computer to set up other reward points 51 different from reward point 52 at predetermined locations on the map, and if the user U's current location information satisfies the second condition in relation to the other reward point 51, the program grants the user U other rewards corresponding to the other reward point 51. By doing so, user U can obtain rewards not only from the reward-granting locations 52 that they themselves have set up, but also from other pre-set reward-granting locations 51, allowing them to obtain a wider variety of rewards. This enhances the entertainment value of the game and further stimulates user U's desire to play the game.
[0113] [3] The above program causes the computer to select a predetermined reward from among several rewards when setting up the reward awarding point 52. By doing this, when a reward point 52 is set up, a predetermined reward is selected from among several rewards, allowing user U to obtain a wider variety of rewards. This enhances the entertainment value of the game and further stimulates user U's desire to play the game.
[0114] [4] The above program causes the computer to change the predetermined benefits at predetermined intervals. By doing this, the rewards change at set intervals, allowing user U to obtain a wider variety of rewards, thereby enhancing the game's entertainment value and further stimulating user U's motivation to play the game.
[0115] [5] The above program causes the computer to move the reward granting location 52 while retaining the predetermined rewards, based on the operations performed by user U. By doing this, user U can arbitrarily move the reward location 52, thereby enhancing the game's entertainment value and further stimulating user U's desire to play the game.
[0116] [6] The above program causes the computer to recruit co-players for User U to play the game with User U, and to grant other User U rewards based on predetermined rewards when other User U joins the game as a co-player. By doing this, other users U who play the game together with user U who set up reward point 52 can also receive various rewards, thereby enhancing the entertainment value of the game and further stimulating the motivation of users U to play the game.
[0117] [7] The above program causes the computer to display the reward location 52 on the map of the approved user for the approved user approved by user U. By doing this, approved users who have been approved by user U, who set up the reward point 52, can also check the location of the reward point 52 where they can receive various rewards, thereby enhancing the entertainment value of the game and further stimulating the motivation of user U to play the game.
[0118] [8] The above program causes the computer to grant a predetermined benefit to an approved user if the approved user approved by user U meets the third condition. By doing so, approved users who have been approved by user U who has set up a reward point 52 can also receive various rewards by fulfilling certain conditions, thereby enhancing the entertainment value 8 of the game and further stimulating the motivation of user U to play the game.
[0119] [9] Furthermore, according to the information processing method of this embodiment, the computer acquires the location information of user U in real space, displays the acquired current location information of user U on a map corresponding to the real space used in the game, sets up reward granting points 52 on the map based on the operation performed by user U, and grants user U a predetermined reward selected from among multiple rewards when the current location information of user U satisfies a first condition in relation to the reward granting points 52. By doing so, in a game that uses the location information of user U in the real world, users can place reward points 52 where they can receive various benefits at any location on the map, thereby enhancing the entertainment value of the game and stimulating the motivation of user U to play the game.
[0120]
[10] Furthermore, the information processing device according to this embodiment includes: a location information acquisition unit (location information acquisition unit 17 and server-side transmitting / receiving unit 35) that acquires location information of user U in real space; a location information display unit (display processing unit 21 and server-side transmitting / receiving unit 35) that displays the acquired user's current location information on a map corresponding to the real space used in the game; a reward granting point setting unit 37 that sets up reward granting points 52 on the map based on operations performed by user U; and a reward granting unit 40 that grants user U a predetermined reward selected from a plurality of rewards when the user's current location information satisfies a first condition in relation to the reward granting point 52. By doing so, in a game that uses the location information of user U in the real world, users can place reward points 52 where they can receive various benefits at any location on the map, thereby enhancing the entertainment value of the game and stimulating the motivation of user U to play the game. [Explanation of symbols]
[0121] 10 User terminals 11 processors 12 Storage device 13. Communication Interfaces 14 Input devices 15 Output device 16 Operation specific part 17 Location information acquisition section 18 Terminal-side storage unit 19 Terminal-side generation unit 20 Terminal-side transceiver 21 Display Processing Unit 30 servers 31 processors 32 Storage device 33. Communication Interfaces 34 Server-side storage 35 Server-side transceiver 36 Server-side generation unit 37. Location of points where benefits are awarded 38. Selection of Bonus Items 39 Judgment section 40. Special Offer Section 51 Other reward locations 51a Other reward locations before obtaining the reward 51b Other reward locations where rewards have already been obtained 52 locations where benefits are awarded 53 Signboard 54 Areas where benefits can be obtained 55 Areas where benefits can be obtained C Character G GPS satellite N Network S Location-based game system U User
Claims
1. The processor comprises, The user's location information in the real world is displayed on a map corresponding to the real world used in the game. When the user's location information is within a first area corresponding to a first point on the map, the first benefit is made available to the user. The second benefit is made available to the user when the user's location information is within a second area corresponding to a second point set by the user on the map. A third region, set based on the first region and the second region, is displayed on the map in an identifiable manner. When the user's location information is within the third area on the map, the first and second benefits are made available to the user. A confirmation screen displaying the conditions for moving the second location and an explanation of the effects of the move is displayed on the user's terminal. After displaying the confirmation screen, the second location is moved in accordance with the operation received from the user. Information processing device.
2. The processor displays the user's location information in real space on a map corresponding to the real space used in the game. The processor enables the user to acquire a first benefit when the user's location information is in a first area corresponding to a first point on the map. The processor enables the user to acquire a second benefit when the user's location information is in a second area corresponding to a second point set by the user on the map. The processor displays a third region, which is set based on the first region and the second region, on the map in an identifiable manner. The processor enables the user to acquire the first and second benefits when the user's location information is in the third area on the map. The processor displays a confirmation screen on the user's terminal showing the conditions for moving the second point and an explanation of the effect of the move. After the processor displays the confirmation screen, it moves the second location in response to the operation received from the user. Information processing methods.
3. The user's location information in the real world is displayed on a map corresponding to the real world used in the game. When the user's location information is within a first area corresponding to a first point on the map, the first benefit is made available to the user. The second benefit is made available to the user when the user's location information is within a second area corresponding to a second point set by the user on the map. A third region, set based on the first region and the second region, is displayed on the map in an identifiable manner. When the user's location information is within the third area on the map, the first and second benefits are made available to the user. A confirmation screen displaying the conditions for moving the second location and an explanation of the effect of the move is shown on the display. After displaying the confirmation screen, the second location is moved in accordance with the operation received from the user. A program that instructs the processor to perform a task.
4. Equipped with a server and terminals, The aforementioned server, The user's location information in the real world is displayed on a map corresponding to the real world used in the game. When the user's location information is within a first area corresponding to a first point on the map, the first benefit is made available to the user. The second benefit is made available to the user when the user's location information is within a second area corresponding to a second point set by the user on the map. A third region, set based on the first region and the second region, is displayed on the map in an identifiable manner. When the user's location information is within the third area on the map, the first and second benefits are made available to the user. A confirmation screen displaying the conditions for moving the second location and an explanation of the effects of the move is displayed on the user's terminal. After displaying the confirmation screen, the second location is moved in accordance with the operation received from the user. system.