Programs and Information Processing Systems

Abstract

To improve the comfort of experiences related to a virtual world.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer to function as execution means and transaction transmission means. The execution means executes processing which triggers an event in a virtual world and is specific processing where payment of virtual currency managed by a block chain is required on the basis of a user operation related to the execution of specific processing. The transaction transmission means generates a transaction for the payment of virtual currency related to the execution of specific processing and transmits the generated transaction to the block chain network on the basis of the user operation. Specific processing includes processing for causing the user to acquire a specific object and processing for changing the parameters of a specific object. The execution means performs processing for causing the user to acquire the specific object after the completion of the payment, and performs processing for changing the parameters of the specific object without waiting for the completion of the payment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a program and an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Blockchain-based games have been known for some time (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). In these types of games, cryptocurrency may be required to progress through the game. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] "STEPN (Stepun / Stepun) - How to Start and Future Prospects Explained in Detail | How to Earn Money / How to Play and How Much Does Leveling Up Cost?", [online], [Searched October 4, 2023], Internet<https: / / www.caica.jp / media / crypto / stepn-about / > [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Incidentally, transactions using cryptocurrencies managed on a blockchain take time to complete. Specifically, in a blockchain, transaction information is stored in blocks, but due to events such as forks, generated blocks can be discarded. In cryptocurrency exchanges, however, a transaction is considered confirmed and settlement completed when multiple blocks are linked after a block containing information about a particular transaction. Furthermore, since generating a block (in other words, mining) takes a certain amount of time, it also takes time for a block containing transaction information to be added to the blockchain.

[0005] For this reason, in a process of generating an event in a virtual world where a payment in virtual currency is required, if the process is performed after waiting for the completion of the settlement, there is a problem that it takes time from when the user performs an operation related to the execution of the process until the event occurs. And thus, if it takes time from when the user performs an operation related to the execution of the process until the event occurs, there is a risk that the comfort level of the experience related to the virtual world will decrease.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to improve the comfort level of an experience related to a virtual world.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] According to an embodiment shown in the present disclosure, a computer is functioned as an execution means for executing a process of generating an event in a virtual world, in which a specific process requiring a payment in virtual currency managed by a blockchain is executed after an operation of a user related to the execution of the specific process and before the settlement is completed. a program is provided.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the comfort level of an experience related to a virtual world can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game system. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a game system. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen for displaying a map. [Figure 4] [[ID=太41]]It is a diagram showing an example of a screen for displaying a list of mountains acquired by a user. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of a game screen when mining is performed. [Figure 6]This is a diagram illustrating the flow of asset acquisition and consumption. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the timeline for acquiring and mining land. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a screen related to purchasing an ice axe. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a screen that displays a list of ice axes owned by the user. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of the process involved in generating mountains and determining the items that can be obtained from them. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows an example of the process involved in acquiring and mining a mountain. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows an example of a process that requires cryptocurrency payment to be executed before the settlement is completed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <Game System Hardware Configuration> As shown in Figure 1, the game system 1 of this embodiment comprises a plurality of terminal devices 10, a server 20, and a blockchain system (in other words, a blockchain network) 3. The blockchain system 3 also comprises a plurality of node devices 30.

[0012] The terminal device 10, the server 20, and the blockchain system 3 (in other words, the node device 30) are connected to each other via network 2. Network 2 may consist of, for example, the internet, a mobile communication system (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE (Long Term Evolution), etc.), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), other communication lines, or a combination thereof.

[0013] The server 20 (in other words, a computer or information processing device) may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or personal computer. The server 20 comprises a processor 21, memory 22, storage 23, a communication interface 24, and an input / output interface 25. These components of the server 20 are connected to each other by a communication bus.

[0014] The processor 21 controls the overall operation of the server 20. The processor 21 may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The processor 21 reads programs from the storage 23 and loads them into memory 22. The processor 21 executes the loaded programs.

[0015] Memory 22 is the main memory. Memory 22 is composed of storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). Memory 22 provides the processor 21 with a workspace by temporarily storing programs and various data read by the processor 21 from storage 23. Memory 22 also temporarily stores various data generated by the processor 21 while it is operating according to the program.

[0016] In this embodiment, the program may be a program that implements the game using the terminal device 10. Alternatively, the program may be a program that implements the game through cooperation between the terminal device 10 and the server 20. Furthermore, the program may be a program that implements the game through cooperation between the terminal device 10, the server 20, and the blockchain system 3. The game may, for example, be a game executed on a browser launched on the terminal device 10. Various data may include, for example, game-related data such as user information and game information, as well as instructions and notifications transmitted between devices such as the terminal device 10 and the server 20.

[0017] Storage 23 is an auxiliary storage device. Storage 23 is comprised of, for example, a storage device such as flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Various data related to the game is stored in Storage 23.

[0018] Communication IF24 controls the transmission and reception of various data over the network between the server 20 and terminal devices 10, etc. Furthermore, communication IF24 controls the transmission and reception of various data over the network between the server 20 and the blockchain system 3 (in other words, node devices 30).

[0019] The input / output interface 25 is an interface for the server 20 to receive data input and an interface for the server 20 to output data. The input / output interface 25 may include, for example, an input unit which is an information input device such as a mouse or keyboard, and a display unit which is a device that displays and outputs images.

[0020] The terminal device 10 (in other words, a computer or information processing device) may be, for example, a smartphone, feature phone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), tablet computer, personal computer, wearable device, or game device. The terminal device 10 may also be a portable device. The terminal device 10 may also be a portable device when the user is running a game.

[0021] The terminal device 10 comprises a processor 11, memory 12, storage 13, communication interface 14, input / output interface 15, input unit 17, and display unit 18. These components of the terminal device 10 are connected to each other by a communication bus.

[0022] The processor 11 controls the operation of the entire terminal device 10. The processor 11 may include a CPU, MPU, and GPU. The processor 11 reads a program from the storage 13 and loads it into the memory 12. The processor 11 executes the loaded program.

[0023] Memory 12 is the main memory. Memory 12 is composed of storage devices such as ROM and RAM. Memory 12 provides the processor 11 with a workspace by temporarily storing programs and various data read by the processor 11 from storage 13. Memory 12 also temporarily stores various data generated by the processor 11 while it is operating according to the program.

[0024] Storage 13 is an auxiliary storage device. Storage 13 is comprised of, for example, a storage device such as flash memory or an HDD. Various data related to the game is stored in Storage 13.

[0025] The communication IF 14 controls the transmission and reception of various data over the network between the terminal device 10 and the server 20, etc. The communication IF 14 may also control the transmission and reception of various data over the network between the terminal device 10 and the blockchain system 3 (in other words, the node device 30).

[0026] The input / output interface 15 is an interface for the terminal device 10 to receive data input and an interface for the terminal device 10 to output data. The input / output interface 15 may perform data input and output via, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus). The input / output interface 15 may include an input unit 17 or a display unit 18, etc.

[0027] The input unit 17 accepts input from the user. The input unit 17 may be, for example, a pointing device such as a touchpad or a mouse. The display unit 18 displays an image. The display unit 18 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The terminal device 10 may include, for example, a touchscreen, which is an electronic component combining the input unit 17 and the display unit 18. In this case, the input unit 17 may have the function of detecting the position input to the input surface by user operation (for example, touch operation, tap operation, slide operation, swipe operation, flick operation, pinch-in operation and pinch-out operation, etc.) and transmitting information indicating the detected position as an input signal.

[0028] Furthermore, the input unit 17 may be, for example, a keyboard, various physical buttons, various sensors (e.g., an accelerometer or angular velocity sensor), an operating stick, a camera, or a microphone. Also, the display unit 18 may be, for example, a projector.

[0029] In this embodiment, the input unit 17 is described as a keyboard and mouse. In this embodiment, operations on various UI elements such as buttons may be performed by moving the mouse cursor over the area on the display unit 18 where the buttons are displayed and clicking.

[0030] Multiple node devices 30 constitute the blockchain system 3. Each node device 30 maintains a distributed ledger. Each node device 30 stores the same data in the distributed ledger. As will be described in more detail later, in this embodiment, the assets held by the user are managed in the distributed ledger of the blockchain system 3.

[0031] The node device 30 (in other words, a computer or information processing device) may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or personal computer. The node device 30 comprises a processor 31, memory 32, storage 33, communication IF 34, and input / output IF 35. These components of the node device 30 are connected to each other by a communication bus.

[0032] The processor 31 controls the operation of the entire node device 30. The processor 31 may include a CPU, MPU, and GPU. The processor 31 reads a program from the storage 33 and loads it into memory 32. The processor 31 executes the loaded program.

[0033] Memory 32 is the main memory. Memory 32 is composed of storage devices such as ROM and RAM. Memory 32 provides the processor 31 with a workspace by temporarily storing programs and various data read by the processor 31 from storage 33. Memory 32 also temporarily stores various data generated by the processor 31 while it is operating according to the program.

[0034] Storage 33 is an auxiliary storage device. Storage 33 is composed of, for example, a storage device such as flash memory or an HDD.

[0035] The communication IF34 controls the transmission and reception of various data over the network between the node device 30 and the server 20. Alternatively, the communication IF34 may also control the transmission and reception of various data over the network between the node device 30 and the terminal device 10.

[0036] The input / output IF35 is an interface for the node device 30 to receive data input and an interface for the node device 30 to output data. The input / output IF35 may include, for example, an input unit which is an information input device such as a mouse or keyboard, and a display unit which is a device that displays and outputs an image.

[0037] Furthermore, the server 20 and terminal device 10 may function as node devices 30. In other words, the blockchain system 3 may include the server 20 and terminal device 10.

[0038] <Functional Configuration of the Game System> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20, terminal device 10, and node device 30. In this embodiment, the server 20 has functions such as providing various data and programs necessary to realize the game to each terminal device 10, and collecting and managing game-related data from each terminal device 10.

[0039] In this embodiment, the server 20 identifies each user and terminal device 10 using user accounts that are registered in advance for each game. The method of registering accounts is not particularly limited. For example, the terminal device 10 or another device such as a personal computer may transmit information necessary for user account registration to the server 20 based on user operations, and the server 20 may create and store each user's account based on the received information.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the server 20 functions as a control unit 210 and a storage unit 220 through the cooperation of the processor 21, memory 22, storage 23, communication IF 24, and I / O IF 25, etc. The storage unit 220 stores various data used by the control unit 210. These various data include, for example, programs, game information, and user information. The program is a program for realizing a game. The game information and user information are data that the control unit 210 refers to when executing the program.

[0041] Game information includes, for example, information for defining various virtual spaces (in other words, game spaces). A virtual space is a space where objects such as user-controllable characters (hereinafter also referred to as "player characters") are placed. Game information also includes, for example, information regarding the placement and settings of various objects such as buildings, trees, stones, and items placed within the virtual space. In the following, the character objects placed in the virtual space may simply be referred to as "characters."

[0042] User information is information managed for each game account. User information includes, for example, information about the player character, information about owned assets, information indicating the game's progress, and information about the mountains acquired by the user (mountains will be discussed later) (in other words, information about the rights related to running the game in a specific virtual space). Owned assets can be said to be the value owned by the user within the virtual space. Examples of such value include electronic currency, tokens, items, and characters. Examples of electronic currency include virtual currency (in other words, crypto assets) and in-game currency usable within the game. That is, the memory unit 220 may store information such as the electronic currency, tokens, items, or characters owned by each user, associated with identification information that can identify each user.

[0043] The control unit 210 controls various processes related to the game by executing programs stored in the memory unit 220. The control unit 210 includes a transmitting / receiving unit 211, a game control unit 212, an asset management unit 213, and a market management unit 214.

[0044] The transmitting / receiving unit 211 transmits or receives various types of data. For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 211 receives requests to transmit various types of data and programs, requests for synchronization processing to support multiplayer functionality, and data subject to synchronization processing from each terminal device 10, and passes them on to the game control unit 212, asset management unit 213, or market management unit 214, etc. The transmitting / receiving unit 211 also transmits various types of data and programs to each terminal device 10 according to the control of the game control unit 212, asset management unit 213, or market management unit 214, etc.

[0045] In this embodiment, the multiplayer function is a function that synchronizes the game processing of multiple accounts. The server 20 and terminal device 10 of the game system 1 execute various processes to support the multiplayer function when multiple accounts logged into the game system 1 participate in the same game.

[0046] The game control unit 212 provides the game to the terminal device 10 by executing the arithmetic processing described in the program stored in the memory unit 220.

[0047] The game control unit 212 defines the virtual space based on the information for defining the virtual space included in the game information. The game control unit 212 places objects in the virtual space based on the object setting information included in the game information. The game control unit 212 controls the objects placed in the virtual space. Specifically, the game control unit 212 changes the position, orientation, shape, color, etc., of objects in the virtual space, and makes objects perform predetermined actions.

[0048] Furthermore, the game control unit 212 places the player character in the virtual space based on the play information transmitted from the terminal device 10. The game control unit 212 also performs various judgment processes related to the progress of the game based on the play information transmitted from the terminal device 10. In other words, the game control unit 212 controls objects and performs various judgment processes based on the user's input operations. Play information is output according to the user's input operations. For example, the play information may include the coordinate information of the player character as the content of the player character's operations, information about the player character's actions, and information indicating buttons operated by the user. The play information may also include information about the player character's settings. For example, the character's coordinate information is information indicating the character's position in the game space. For example, the action information is information about the character's actions. For example, a character's actions may include swinging a pickaxe, using various items, or jumping, as described later. For example, information about the character's settings may include information about the character's equipment and appearance. Furthermore, the character's settings can be changed by the user.

[0049] The game control unit 212 can place the player characters of multiple players in a single virtual space and control each player's player character based on the play information transmitted from each player's terminal device 10. In other words, the game control unit 212 controls the game space, which is an example of a virtual space, to be shared by multiple users.

[0050] Furthermore, when the game control unit 212 receives, for example, a request for synchronization processing to support the multiplayer function or data to be synchronized from the terminal device 10 via the transmission / reception unit 211, it executes the synchronization processing to support the multiplayer function. The game control unit 212 also commands the transmission / reception unit 211 to send game information or user information. For example, when the server 20 sends information to multiple terminal devices 10, the game control unit 212 synchronizes the game progressing among the terminal devices 10 by simultaneously sending the information to each terminal device 10. By executing the synchronization processing, it becomes possible to simultaneously reflect in-game events caused by an operation entered on one terminal device 10 to other terminal devices 10.

[0051] The asset management unit 213 manages the user's assets. The asset management unit 213 also manages some or all (in other words, at least some) of the user's assets in the distributed ledger of the blockchain system 3. In other words, the asset management unit 213 may store information about the user's assets in the storage unit 220 or in the distributed ledger. If the server 20 is configured to function as a node device 30, the asset management unit 213 may store information about the assets in the distributed ledger stored in its own storage unit 220. If the server 20 is not configured to function as a node device 30, the asset management unit 213 may perform control such as sending a request to the blockchain system 3 for storage in the distributed ledger.

[0052] The terminal device 10 has functions such as an input device that accepts user input operations, and an output device that outputs game images and sounds.

[0053] The terminal device 10 functions as a control unit 110 and a storage unit 120 through the cooperation of the processor 11, memory 12, storage 13, communication IF 14, and input / output IF 15, etc. The storage unit 120 stores various data used by the control unit 110. Examples of such data include programs, game information, and user information. The program is a program for implementing a game on the terminal device 10 side. The game information and user information are data that the control unit 110 refers to when executing the program. The game information and user information stored in the storage unit 120 may include the same information as the game information and user information stored in the storage unit 220.

[0054] The control unit 110 controls various processes related to the game executed in the terminal device 10 by executing a program stored in the memory unit 120. The control unit 110 includes, for example, an operation reception unit 111, a transmission / reception unit 112, a terminal processing unit 113, and a display control unit 114.

[0055] The operation reception unit 111 receives operations (hereinafter also referred to as "input operations") input by the user via the input unit 17. Specifically, the operation reception unit 111 detects input operations to the mouse or keyboard, which are input units 17. Input operations are not limited to operations that involve physical contact with the input unit 17, but may also include non-contact operations. The operation reception unit 111 can also receive input operations performed using operating devices connected via the input / output IF 15, in the same way as input operations to the input unit 17.

[0056] The transmitting / receiving unit 112 transmits or receives various types of data. For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 112 transmits various types of data and various requests to the server 20. As an example, the data that the transmitting / receiving unit 112 transmits to the server may include play information, game information, and user information. In other words, the transmitting / receiving unit 112 transmits to the server 20 information regarding input operations received by the operation reception unit 111.

[0057] Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit 112 receives various data, programs, and requests from the server. For example, the data that the transmitting / receiving unit 112 receives from the server 20 may include the type of object (e.g., character or item) to be placed in the game space, the coordinate information of the object, character action information, information about character settings, and other information. Also, for example, the data that the transmitting / receiving unit 112 receives from the server may include data for synchronization to support the multiplayer function. Synchronization data may include, for example, the data to be synchronized and the type of that data, and data to specify the timing of the synchronization.

[0058] The terminal processing unit 113 performs various processes related to the progress of the game. Based on the user's input detected by the operation reception unit 111, the terminal processing unit 113 identifies the user's instructions. Based on the identified instructions, the terminal processing unit 113 performs various judgment processes related to the progress of the game. Based on the results of the judgment processes, the terminal processing unit 113 communicates with the server 20 to advance the game.

[0059] The terminal processing unit 113 defines a virtual camera for specifying the area to be presented to the user within the virtual space. The terminal processing unit 113 positions the virtual camera within the virtual space by defining its position and orientation. The terminal processing unit 113 instructs the display control unit 114 to generate an image that renders the field of view defined by the virtual camera and the objects placed within this field of view. In other words, the terminal processing unit 113 instructs the display control unit 114 to display an image on the display unit 18 that corresponds to the progress of the game.

[0060] The position and orientation of the virtual camera can be determined as appropriate for each virtual space. For example, the terminal processing unit 113 positions the virtual camera based on the position and orientation of a specific object, so that the specific object is centered in the field of view with a specific orientation. In doing so, the terminal processing unit 113 adjusts the position and orientation of the virtual camera using the direction, distance, and angle relative to the specific object. The specific object may be a dynamic object such as a player character or a non-player character, or a static object such as a building, tree, or stone. Dynamic objects include player characters that operate based on the actions of each user and non-player characters that operate based on a program.

[0061] The display control unit 114 causes the display unit 18 to display images related to the game. A specific example will be given below.

[0062] The display control unit 114 generates an image that depicts the field of view of the virtual camera defined by the terminal processing unit 113 within the virtual space, along with the objects present in that field, and displays it on the display unit 18. The display control unit 114 can also superimpose objects related to the UI (User Interface) necessary for various game operations, such as icons, buttons, and menus showing various parameters, onto the image displayed on the display unit 18.

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may place objects in the virtual space and display a predetermined area of ​​the virtual space on the display unit 18 based on object data sent from the server 20 and information indicating the positions of various objects in the virtual space. Alternatively, the control unit 210 of the server 20 may place objects in the virtual space, control the virtual camera, generate an image to be displayed on the display unit 18, and send it to the terminal device 10, and the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may display the image on the display unit 18. In other words, various processes related to object control based on user input, virtual camera control, and generation of images to be displayed on the display unit 18 may be performed by the server 20 or by the terminal device 10.

[0064] The node device 30 functions as a control unit 310 and a storage unit 320 through the cooperation of a processor 31, memory 32, storage 33, communication IF 34, and input / output IF 35, etc. The storage unit 320 stores programs including a part of the game program, and distributed ledgers used in the blockchain system 3.

[0065] The control unit 310 controls the operation of the node device 30 by executing a program stored in the memory unit 320.

[0066] When the control unit 310 receives a request from the server 20 to register information regarding the possession of items or specific tokens when a user acquires various items or specific tokens described later (for example, from another user or the game operator (for example, acquired through mining described later)), it registers the information in the distributed ledger. The control unit 310 may also register information about the transaction history of each item or specific token in the distributed ledger based on information about the transaction (in other words, transfer) of items or specific tokens transmitted from the server 20 or terminal device 10. Specifically, the distributed ledger stores multiple blocks, each containing a hash value and a transaction. A transaction may be, for example, information indicating the transaction details of an item or specific token. A transaction includes, for example, input information indicating the transferor and output information indicating the transferee. The hash value is calculated from the information contained in the previous block, and the distributed ledger stores the transaction history of items and specific tokens, etc., with each block linked together like a chain by the hash value. By managing such transaction histories in the distributed ledger of each node device 30, information indicating which user owns which items, and information indicating how much of a particular token each user owns, can be stored on the blockchain. Alternatively, instead of transaction histories of items, information regarding each user's item ownership status may be managed in the distributed ledger to store information indicating which user owns which items on the blockchain. Thus, in the game of this embodiment, information on the ownership of items and specific tokens is stored on the blockchain. However, there may be items whose ownership information is not stored on the blockchain.

[0067] Note that the functions of the terminal device 10, server 20, and node device 30 shown in Figure 2 are merely examples. Each of the terminal device 10, server 20, and node device 30 may have at least some of the functions of the other devices. In other words, in this embodiment, the server 20 or node device 30 may have some or all of the functional blocks of the terminal device 10, the terminal device 10 or node device 30 may have some or all of the functional blocks of the server 20, and the terminal device 10 or server 20 may have some or all of the functional blocks of the node device 30. Furthermore, each of the devices such as the terminal device 10, server 20, and node device 30 does not have to be implemented by a single device, but may be implemented by multiple devices connected via a network, for example. Also, the game system 1 does not have to include, for example, the terminal device 10, server 20, or node device 30.

[0068] <Processing according to this embodiment> Next, the processing according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the processor 11 of the terminal device 10, the processor 21 of the server 20, or the processor 31 of the node device 30 will be described as performing the processing described later by executing a program stored in the game system 1. However, at least a portion of the processing described later that is performed by the processor 11 may be executed by a processor other than the processor 11 (for example, the processor 21 or the processor 31). Also, at least a portion of the processing described later that is performed by the processor 21 may be executed by a processor other than the processor 21 (for example, the processor 11 or the processor 31). Also, at least a portion of the processing described later that is performed by the processor 31 may be executed by a processor other than the processor 31 (for example, the processor 11 or the processor 21). In other words, the computer that executes the program in this embodiment may be any of the terminal device 10, the server 20, and the node device 30, or it may be realized by a combination of multiple devices. Also, some or all of the various processing may be executed on the blockchain.

[0069] Here, we will describe the overview of the game in this embodiment. In the game of this embodiment, there is a common map 40 that is shared among multiple users (specifically, all users) participating in the game. An example of map 40 is shown in Figure 3. Map 40 has multiple mountains arranged on it. In the map 40 shown in Figure 3, the positions of the mountains are indicated by triangular symbols.

[0070] The user acquires (in other words, selects) a mountain from the map 40 where they will mine (in other words, a virtual space where they play the game). Acquiring a mountain is done, for example, as follows: For example, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 displays the map 40 (in other words, a list of mountains that the user can acquire) on the display unit 18, as shown in Figure 3, based on a predetermined input operation by the user. Then, on the map 40 displayed on the display unit 18, the user can acquire a specific mountain by selecting it (for example, by clicking on the displayed specific mountain). Specifically, for example, when the display control unit 114 performs an operation to select a specific mountain from among the mountains displayed on the map 40, it displays an acquisition button 41 on the display unit 18 that accepts an operation to acquire the selected mountain. Then, the game control unit 212 allows the user to acquire the mountain selected by the user based on an operation on the acquisition button 41 (for example, a click operation).

[0071] Furthermore, users can mine specific items in the mountains they have acquired. In other words, once a user acquires a mountain, they can play a game where they mine in that mountain. That is, in this embodiment, "acquiring a specific mountain" can be rephrased as "acquiring the right to mine in a specific mountain," and further rephrased as "acquiring the right to play a game in a specific virtual space." It should be noted that the system may be configured to allow users to mine in a mountain without acquiring it (in other words, without acquiring the right to mine).

[0072] Furthermore, in the game of this embodiment, item A is provided for use in mining in the mountains. In order to mine, the user must possess item A. In other words, item A is an item necessary to participate in the game. In this embodiment, item A is a pickaxe. If the user does not possess item A, it may be impossible to acquire the mountain. In the game of this embodiment, multiple types of item A with different characteristics are provided. In addition, item A is an item that can be made into an NFT (Non-Fungible Token). Being an NFT means that information proving that item A is unique is stored on the blockchain. In other words, being an NFT means that an NFT corresponding to item A has been issued and is managed on the blockchain. Hereafter, digital assets such as items for which a corresponding NFT has been issued will also be referred to as NFTs. In this embodiment, the NFT creation of item A (in other words, the generation of item A) is performed by the game operator, and it is not possible for the user to do so (in other words, mint by the user). In other words, in the game of this embodiment, the user will not be able to obtain item A in its non-NFT state. However, it may be possible for the user to convert item A into an NFT.

[0073] Furthermore, in the game of this embodiment, users can acquire items B and C through mining. As will be explained in detail later, item B is an item that can be converted into an NFT. Item C is an item that can be exchanged for a predetermined token. Hereafter, the token that can be acquired by exchanging item C will be referred to as the "specific token".

[0074] Furthermore, in the game of this embodiment, item B exists in multiple forms and is a collectible item. Specifically, item B is a gem that the user collects. Item C is a mineral different from gem (hereinafter referred to as "pyroxene"). In other words, the game of this embodiment has a gameplay element in which the player uses a pickaxe as item A to mine in the mountains and obtains gems as item B and pyroxene as item C.

[0075] Furthermore, the specific tokens obtainable through exchange with item C are virtual currency. In the game of this embodiment, these specific tokens can be used to increase the rank of item A, repair item A, and convert item B into an NFT, etc.

[0076] Furthermore, regardless of whether or not they are NFTs, assets such as Item A, Item B, or Item C held by each user may be managed on a blockchain (in other words, a distributed ledger).

[0077] Mining in a mountain as a predetermined event is carried out, for example, as follows. For example, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 displays a list of mountains acquired by the user 44 on the display unit 18, as shown in Figure 4, based on a predetermined input operation by the user. The list of mountains 44 may also be a map 40 displayed on the display unit 18 showing the mountains acquired by the user. Furthermore, when the user selects a specific mountain from the mountains acquired by the user displayed on the display unit 18 (in other words, the mountains displayed in the list), the display control unit 114 displays a mining start button 46 on the display unit 18 that accepts an operation to start mining in the selected mountain. Then, the game control unit 212 starts mining in the mountain selected by the user based on an operation on the mining start button 46 (for example, a click operation).

[0078] When the mining start button 46 is pressed, the game control unit 212 places the player character 35 in the mountain 34, which is a virtual space for mining, as shown in Figure 5. The game control unit 212 then moves the player character 35 based on the user's input. In other words, the mountain 34 is a virtual space where the user can play a predetermined game (specifically, a mining game, or in other words, a predetermined in-game) by controlling the player character 35 (in other words, execute predetermined events). That is, starting mining in a particular mountain 34 can be said to be the start of playing a game in a particular virtual space, or it can be said to be entering a particular virtual space. Based on the user's input, the game control unit 212 moves the player character 35 within the virtual space or has the player character 35 perform actions using the pickaxe 36 (specifically, swinging the pickaxe 36). The method of controlling the player character 35 within the virtual space can be the same as in conventional action games, but for example, it may be as follows. The game control unit 212 may move the player character 35 within the mountain 34 based on the operation of the "W", "A", "S", and "D" keys on the keyboard. The game control unit 212 may also make the player character 35 jump based on the operation of the space key on the keyboard. Furthermore, the game control unit 212 may make the player character 35 perform a mining action, swinging the pickaxe 36 and digging in the mountain 34, based on a left-click operation on the mouse.

[0079] Mountain 34 contains buried gems and gemstones (in other words, they are placed there). Users can acquire the gems and gemstones they dig up (in other words, discover). Specifically, when the player character 35 controlled by the user digs up items such as gems and gemstones, the game control unit 212 grants the dug-up items to the user (in other words, allows them to acquire them).

[0080] Furthermore, mining can be interrupted midway. For example, the game control unit 212 causes the player character 35 to exit the mountain 34 (in other words, to end mining) based on the user's operation to open a predetermined menu screen and the operation to exit the mountain 34 on that menu screen. At this time, the game control unit 212 stores the progress of the mining in the memory unit 220. Then, when mining is started again in the same mountain 34, the game control unit 212 reads the stored progress and resumes mining from where it left off. That is, when mining is resumed, the previously mined portion of the mountain 34 will be in a mined state, and the gems and other items buried in the mountain 34 that were previously dug will be in a dug state. In other words, when the player exits the mountain 34 as a specific virtual space and re-enters, the changes made by the user when they entered the previous time will be reflected in the mountain 34. In other words, in this embodiment, it is possible to interrupt the game in a specific virtual space and resume it from where it left off.

[0081] Furthermore, users can arbitrarily dispose of mountains they have acquired. For example, as shown in Figure 4, when the user selects a specific mountain from the mountains they have acquired (in other words, the mountains displayed in the list) shown on the display unit 18, the display control unit 114 displays a dispose button 47 on the display unit 18 that accepts the operation related to disposing of the selected mountain. Then, the game control unit 212 disposes of the selected mountain (in other words, cancels the user's acquisition status for the selected mountain) based on the operation on the dispose button 47 (for example, a click). Disposed mountains disappear from the list of mountains acquired by the user 44, and mining becomes impossible at that mountain.

[0082] In this embodiment, the pickaxe used for mining is selected before mining begins by operating the mining start button 46. This operation for selecting the pickaxe can be the same as the operation for selecting the weapon to use (in other words, to equip the player character 35) in conventional games. It is also possible to change the pickaxe being used while mining is in progress.

[0083] The pickaxe used for mining has a durability value, which decreases with use (for example, from durability value "100" to durability value "0"). When the durability value reaches a predetermined value (for example, durability value "0"), the pickaxe becomes unusable. In other words, mining is not possible with a pickaxe whose durability has reached a predetermined value.

[0084] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 111 receives an operation from the user instructing them to restore the durability of the pickaxe (in other words, repair item A). The game control unit 212 then performs the process of restoring the durability of the pickaxe based on this operation. In addition, a predetermined amount of specific tokens is required to restore the durability of the pickaxe, and when the durability of the pickaxe is restored by this operation, the predetermined amount of specific tokens is consumed.

[0085] Pickaxes also have ranks assigned to them. These ranks include levels and other similar indicators. As a pickaxe's rank increases, certain parameters of the pickaxe change. Specifically, as a pickaxe's rank increases, certain parameters that affect the ease of obtaining gems and luminous stones (in other words, mining efficiency) change. More specifically, as a pickaxe's rank increases, parameters related to the speed at which the pickaxe is swung change, making the swing faster. This increases the mining speed, thus increasing mining efficiency. Additionally, as a pickaxe's rank increases, the maximum durability increases. This extends the time during which mining can be continued without restoring durability, thus increasing mining efficiency. Furthermore, as a pickaxe's rank increases, its power may increase, potentially increasing the amount that can be dug with a single swing (in other words, the impact a single operation has on the mountain). This increases the mining speed, thus increasing mining efficiency.

[0086] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 111 receives an operation to instruct the player to increase the rank of the ice axe. The game control unit 212 then performs the process of increasing the rank of the ice axe based on that operation. Increasing the rank of the ice axe requires a predetermined amount of specific tokens, and when the rank of the ice axe is increased by the operation, that predetermined amount of specific tokens is consumed.

[0087] In this embodiment, the game may also include items that can be obtained through different means than items A, B, and C. For example, there may be items that can be purchased in-game using in-game currency (for example, user assets that are not managed on the blockchain but are managed by the memory unit 220, etc.) (for example, items that can be equipped by the player character). This in-game currency may also be something that can be purchased with legal tender.

[0088] Furthermore, the various items in this embodiment (for example, Item A, Item B, and Item C) may be read as objects. Objects include characters, items, etc. That is, Item B and Item C, which are granted by playing the game (in other words, executing an event) in a mountain as a specific virtual space, may be characters, etc.

[0089] In this embodiment, the map is updated (in other words, newly generated) at predetermined intervals (specifically, once a day). In conjunction with the map update, the obtainable mountains are also updated (in other words, newly generated) at predetermined intervals (specifically, once a day). Furthermore, only one user can acquire a single mountain, and once a user acquires a mountain (in other words, the right to mine that mountain), other users cannot acquire that mountain. In other words, mountain acquisition is on a first-come, first-served basis. Note that map updates and updates to obtainable mountains may involve a complete overhaul of past maps and mountains (in other words, new maps and mountains are generated, and past maps disappear or past mountains become unobtainable), or past maps may be expanded, or new mountains may be added to previously generated mountains (in other words, the number of obtainable mountains increases), etc.

[0090] Here, the flow of asset acquisition and consumption in the game of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0091] As mentioned above, in the game of this embodiment, users need to possess a pickaxe in order to participate in the game. In this embodiment, pickaxes can be purchased from the in-game marketplace, and users purchase pickaxes from the marketplace. Pickaxes can also be purchased with specific tokens. Transactions in the marketplace are managed by the market management unit 214. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 111 of the terminal device 10 receives an operation from the user to select an item they wish to purchase. Information regarding this operation is then sent to the market management unit 214 of the server 20 via the transmission and reception units 112 and 211, and the market management unit 214, based on this operation, delivers the item selected by the user to the user and processes the payment from the user to the person who sold the item.

[0092] Next, the user uses the acquired pickaxe to mine in the mountains. Mining allows for the acquisition of several types of items, including gems and luminous ores.

[0093] The gemstones acquired by the user can be exchanged for specific tokens. The exchange of gemstones for specific tokens may be performed automatically, or it may be performed based on an operation instructing the user to perform the exchange. That is, for example, the gemstones may be automatically exchanged for specific tokens at a specific time, such as when the user leaves the mountain. In this embodiment, gemstones are granted to the user through mining in the mountain, and the gemstones are exchanged for specific tokens, but in this embodiment, specific tokens may be directly granted to the user in place of or in addition to gemstones through mining in the mountain.

[0094] In this embodiment, the specific token is a cryptocurrency managed on a blockchain. The specific token may be exchangeable for other cryptocurrencies at a designated exchange (e.g., a decentralized exchange).

[0095] Furthermore, gems acquired by the user can be converted into NFTs. In other words, in this embodiment, it is possible to issue NFTs corresponding to gems and manage them on the blockchain. Specifically, the operation reception unit 111 of the terminal device 10 may receive an operation from the user to select a gem that they wish to convert into an NFT within the game. Information regarding this operation is then sent to the asset management unit 213 of the server 20 via the transmission / reception units 112 and 211, and the asset management unit 213 may perform the process of converting the selected gem into an NFT based on this operation. In addition, a fee (for example, a predetermined amount of specific tokens) is required for NFT conversion, and when gems are converted into NFTs through this operation, this fee may be deducted from the user's assets. Furthermore, NFT-converted gems may be able to be bought and sold in the game's marketplace, etc. In other words, converting an item into an NFT can be said to be making the item available for buying and selling in the marketplace. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 111 of the terminal device 10 may receive an operation from the user to select a gem that they wish to sell (specifically, an NFT-converted gem). Information regarding the operation is then sent to the market management unit 214 of the server 20 via the transmitting / receiving units 112 and 211, and the market management unit 214 may put the gem selected by the user up for sale based on the operation. The market management unit 214 may then transfer the gem to another user if there is another user who wishes to purchase it, and also transfer the payment from that other user to the user who sold the gem. In other words, the NFT-converted item B may be tradable with other users.

[0096] Furthermore, gems may be exchangeable for specific tokens. Specifically, the operation reception unit 111 of the terminal device 10 may receive an operation from the user to select a gem that they wish to exchange for a specific token within the game. Information regarding this operation is then sent to the server 20 via the transmission / reception units 112 and 211, and the asset management unit 213 may, based on this operation, grant the user the specific token in exchange for the selected gem. In other words, gems may be items that can be converted into NFTs and exchanged for specific tokens. Note that the exchange between gems and specific tokens may be performed either before or after the gem is converted into an NFT, or both.

[0097] The game control unit 212 controls the game played by the user. The game control unit 212 includes a virtual space management unit 231 and a reward distribution unit 233. The virtual space management unit 231 performs a map creation process to create a map, an item overview determination process to determine the outline of items obtainable in each mountain (in other words, items placed in each virtual space), a virtual space creation process to create mountains, and an item detail determination process to determine the details of items obtainable in each mountain.

[0098] Furthermore, some of the processes in this embodiment involve randomness. In this embodiment, randomness is achieved by performing calculations using a predetermined seed. This predetermined seed includes a seed using a blockchain (for example, the Bitcoin blockchain) and a seed using a virtual space ID, which will be described later, but it may also include only one of them. Specifically, in this embodiment, two types of seeds using blockchains (hereinafter referred to as "seed") are used. hlast "seed hfirst " and one type of seed using a virtual space ID (hereinafter referred to as "seed") mdid " ) and are available.

[0099] More specifically, a seed related to the hash of a blockchain as a seed using a blockchain (specifically, for example, the Bitcoin blockchain) and a seed related to a virtual space ID are used to achieve randomness. In the present embodiment, the hash at the end of an arbitrary period (for example, one day) (in other words, the hash value of the last generated block), hash last_yyyymmdd and hash last_yyyymmdd which is the hash of the first block generated on the day after the day when hash first_yyyymmdd+2 is generated (in other words, the hash value of the first generated block), are used as seeds related to the hash. In the present embodiment, the virtual space ID is used as a seed related to the virtual space ID. That is, in the present embodiment, seed hlast = hash last_yyyymmdd and seed hfirst = hash first_yyyymmdd+2 and seed mdid = the virtual space ID.

[0100] In the present embodiment, items that can be obtained on the map and each mountain are randomly determined based on various seeds. However, since the method of randomly determining predetermined matters such as the map and various objects based on a certain seed is well-known, the description thereof is omitted.

[0101] In the map creation process, the virtual space management unit 231 creates a map. Specifically, the virtual space management unit 231 performs, as the map creation process, a process of determining the terrain of a map (in other words, a virtual world) in which a plurality of mountains are arranged and a process of determining the arrangement of each mountain in the map. In addition, in the map creation process, the virtual space management unit 231 assigns an ID (in other words, identification information. Hereinafter, referred to as "virtual space ID") that enables each mountain in the created map to be identified. That is, a unique virtual space ID is assigned to each mountain in the created map. The virtual space ID may be composed of one or more numbers, and for example, serial numbers may be sequentially assigned to each mountain starting from 1.

[0102] In this embodiment, the map is created randomly. In other words, the map creation process is random. Specifically, the virtual space management unit 231 generates random numbers by performing calculations using a predetermined seed (hereinafter referred to as the "map creation seed"), and determines the terrain of the map and the arrangement of each mountain in the map based on the random numbers. The map creation seed is a seed hlast This includes. In other words, the virtual space management unit 231 is seed hlast The map is created using the function specified as an argument. That is, the virtual space management unit 231 creates the seed hlast (In other words, create a map corresponding to the blockchain hash.)

[0103] In the item overview determination process, the virtual space management unit 231 determines the overview of the obtainable items for each mountain (in other words, the items placed in each virtual space). Specifically, as part of the item overview determination process, the virtual space management unit 231 determines the number of item B buried in each mountain and the overview of the size of each item B (for example, a rough size such as small, medium, or large). That is, in the item overview determination process, for example, for each mountain, it is determined that the gems buried in that mountain and obtainable when mined from that mountain will be one large gem and two small gems, etc. The number of gemstones buried in each mountain may also be determined in the item overview determination process.

[0104] In this embodiment, the details of the obtainable items (specifically, the number and size of item B) are determined randomly. In other words, the determination of the details of the obtainable items is random. Specifically, the virtual space management unit 231 generates random numbers by performing calculations using a predetermined seed (hereinafter referred to as the "details determination seed"), and determines the details of the obtainable items based on these random numbers. The details determination seed is a seed hlast and seed mdid This includes. In other words, the virtual space management unit 231 is seed hlast and seed mdidThe function specified as an argument determines the outline of the items that can be obtained. In other words, the virtual space management unit 231 determines the seed hlast and seed mdid A predetermined lottery is conducted using and to determine the outline of obtainable items. In this case, when determining the outline of obtainable items for a certain mountain, the virtual space management unit 231 uses the virtual space ID of that mountain as seed mdid It is used as follows: That is, the virtual space management unit 231 sets the seed for each mountain. hlast In other words, the blockchain hash and the virtual space ID of each mountain determine the details of the items that can be obtained.

[0105] In the virtual space creation process, the virtual space management unit 231 creates a mountain as a 3D virtual space where the items determined in the item overview determination process can be obtained (in other words, where the items are placed). In this embodiment, the mountain is created randomly. In other words, the virtual space creation process has randomness. For example, the terrain of the mountain and the location where each item is buried in the mountain may be determined randomly. The virtual space management unit 231 generates random numbers by performing calculations using a predetermined seed (hereinafter referred to as the "virtual space creation seed"), and creates the mountain based on these random numbers. The virtual space creation seed is a seed hlast and seed mdid This includes the following. And the virtual space management unit 231 is seed hlast and seed mdid The summary of the obtainable items determined in the item summary determination process is used to create a mountain using a function specified as an argument. In other words, the virtual space management unit 231 creates a mountain using seed hlast and seed mdid A predetermined lottery is performed using and to create a mountain. In this case, when creating a mountain, the virtual space management unit 231 uses the virtual space ID of the mountain as seed mdid It is used as such. Also, when creating a mountain, the virtual space management unit 231 uses the outline of the obtainable items determined for that mountain as an argument. That is, the virtual space management unit 231 uses each mountain as seedhlast In other words, a mountain is created so that it corresponds to the blockchain hash, the virtual space ID of each mountain, and the summary of the obtainable items for each mountain determined in the item summary determination process.

[0106] In the item detail determination process, the virtual space management unit 231 determines the details of the items obtainable in each mountain, as determined in the item overview determination process. Specifically, the virtual space management unit 231 determines the type, size details, shape, or quality of item B obtainable in each mountain, as determined in the item overview determination process. More specifically, for example, if the overview of obtainable items has been determined as described above, such as two small gems and one large gem, the virtual space management unit 231 determines the type of each small and large gem, such as diamond, aquamarine, and red spinel. The virtual space management unit 231 also determines the quality of each small and large gem, such as low quality, medium quality, or high quality. Furthermore, the virtual space management unit 231 determines the size details of each small and large gem, such as 0.2 carats and 6.4 carats. Note that the quality of a gem may also be determined by considering the carat weight. For example, a larger carat weight may indicate higher quality.

[0107] In this embodiment, the details of the obtainable items (specifically, the type, quality, and detailed size of item B) are determined randomly. In other words, the determination of the reward details is random. Specifically, the virtual space management unit 231 generates random numbers by performing calculations using a predetermined seed (hereinafter referred to as the "detail determination seed"), and determines the details of the obtainable items based on these random numbers. The detail determination seed is a seed hfirst and seed mdid This includes the following. And the virtual space management unit 231 is seed hfirst and seed mdid The details of the obtainable items are determined using the function specified as an argument, along with the overview of the obtainable items determined in the item overview determination process. In other words, the virtual space management unit 231 determines the details of the obtainable items.hfirst and seed mdid A predetermined lottery is conducted using and to determine the details of the obtainable items. In this case, when determining the details of the obtainable items for a certain mountain, the virtual space management unit 231 uses the virtual space ID of that mountain as seed mdid It is used as such. Furthermore, when determining the details of obtainable items for a certain mountain, the virtual space management unit 231 uses the summary of obtainable items determined for that mountain as an argument. That is, for each mountain, the virtual space management unit 231 uses seed hfirst In other words, the details of the obtainable items are determined based on the blockchain hash, the virtual space ID of each mountain, and the overview of the obtainable items for each mountain determined in the item overview determination process.

[0108] Thus, in this embodiment, the details of the gemstones obtainable through mining (for example, some aspects such as type, quality, or detailed size) are not determined until the item detail determination process is executed.

[0109] Here, we will explain the timeline related to the acquisition and mining of the mountain, referring to Figure 7. Here, we will use the hash that was last generated on May 29, 2022. last_20220529 is seed hlast It is used as a hash, and is also the hash that was first generated on May 31, 2022. first_20220531 is seed hfirst This explanation will use examples of its use in generating maps and mountains, determining obtainable items, and so on.

[0110] First, the virtual space management unit 231 performs the map creation process using the last hash on May 29, 2022, and creates the map. Here, the last hash on May 29 (in other words, the last block) is determined retrospectively when the date of the timestamp included in the blockchain block changes to May 30. In other words, the seed hlastThis is determined by the generation of the first hash (in other words, the first block) on May 30, 2022. Therefore, in this embodiment, the virtual space management unit 231, at the time the first hash is generated on May 30 (in other words, after the hash is generated), last_20220529 Create a map using [this method].

[0111] Furthermore, the virtual space management unit 231 performs an item summary determination process using the last hash on May 29, 2022, and determines the summary of items that can be obtained for each pile. In addition, the virtual space management unit 231 performs a virtual space creation process using the last hash on May 29, 2022, and creates a pile in which the items whose summaries have been determined in the item summary determination process are placed. In this embodiment, the virtual space management unit 231 performs a hash at the time the first hash on May 30 is generated (in other words, after the hash is generated), last_20220529 This is used to determine the outline of items obtainable in each mountain. In addition, the virtual space management unit 231, at the time the first hash is generated on May 30 (in other words, after that hash is generated), last_20220529 Use this to create a mountain.

[0112] Furthermore, the virtual space management unit 231 controls the period during which mountain acquisition is possible. In this embodiment, the period during which mountain acquisition is possible is determined by the generation of the first hash of the day (seed related to the last hash of the previous day). hlast (The seed related to the hash is confirmed) and then the first hash is generated the following day. hfirst It is set during the period until it is confirmed. In other words, the virtual space management unit 231 hash last_20220529The period during which a mountain created using this method can be retrieved is controlled to last until the details of the items obtainable from that mountain are determined. In other words, once a mountain (in other words, a map) is created, it can be retrieved until the next mountain (in other words, a map) is created. The period during which a mountain can be retrieved may be set, for example, from the time the first hash of the day is generated until the end of that day (in other words, the day the mountain was created).

[0113] Furthermore, the virtual space management unit 231 performs item detail determination processing using the first hash on May 31, 2022, and determines the details for items for which the last hash on May 29, 2022 was used to determine the overview. In this embodiment, the virtual space management unit 231 performs hash determination at the time the first hash on May 31 is generated (in other words, after the hash is generated), first_20220531 The details of obtainable items are determined using this method. In other words, the virtual space management unit 231 determines the details of obtainable items in a mountain after the period during which the mountain can be obtained has elapsed. To put it another way, the virtual space management unit 231 controls the system so that the mountain cannot be obtained after the details of obtainable items have been determined.

[0114] The mountain (in other words, the right to mine the mountain) that determines the overview and details of the items that can be obtained is acquired by the user based on the user's actions, and items can be obtained by mining.

[0115] When a user performs an operation to select a mountain to acquire, the virtual space management unit 231 grants the selected mountain to the user based on that operation. In other words, the virtual space management unit 231 grants the user the right to mine the mountain they selected (in other words, the right to play the game in the selected virtual space).

[0116] When the user selects a mountain to acquire, the display control unit 114 displays detailed information 50 about the mountain the user can acquire on the display unit 18, as shown in Figure 3. For example, when the user selects a specific mountain on the map 40 that displays the mountains the user can acquire, the display control unit 114 displays detailed information 50 about that specific mountain on the display unit 18. In this embodiment, the detailed information 50 displays information about the gems that can be acquired on that specific mountain. In other words, the detailed information 50 displays information about the expected reward for that specific mountain. Specifically, the terminal processing unit 113 receives information about the outline of items that can be acquired on that specific mountain from the virtual space management unit 231, and based on this information, displays on the display unit 18 an outline of the number of gems that can be acquired when mining on the mountain and the size of each gem. This allows the user to see the detailed information 50 and then decide whether or not to acquire that specific mountain. In other words, in this embodiment, the virtual space management unit 231 can present to the user information regarding the rewards obtainable through gameplay (in other words, detailed information 50) before the user acquires the right to play games in the virtual space, and this information is displayed on the display unit 18. In this embodiment, the detailed information 50 presents an overview of the number of gems obtainable in the mountain and the size of each gem, and the user is guaranteed to obtain the number of gems and gems of the sizes indicated. However, the number and size of gems presented in the detailed information 50 are merely guidelines, and there may be cases where the user is unable to obtain the number of gems and gems of the sizes indicated in the detailed information 50 (in other words, the rewards as shown in the detailed information 50).

[0117] Furthermore, the virtual space management unit 231 stores information indicating the mountains acquired by a user on the blockchain (for example, the Ethereum blockchain). Specifically, when a user acquires a certain mountain, the virtual space management unit 231 stores information indicating that the user has acquired that mountain on the blockchain. In other words, in this embodiment, the history of mountain acquisitions by users is stored on the blockchain. To put it another way, in this embodiment, information regarding rights to gameplay in a specific virtual space is stored on the blockchain. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the acquisition of mountains, items, etc., by fraudulent means. That is, in this embodiment, the right to acquire a predetermined item is obtained by acquiring a mountain with a limited acquisition period, and information indicating the mountains acquired by a user is stored on a blockchain that is difficult to tamper with. With this configuration, if a user acquires an item (specifically, a gem) by fraudulent means, it becomes possible to confirm that the user does not have the acquisition information of a mountain from which the item can be acquired, and thus it becomes possible to prove the fraudulent actions of the user. In addition, in this embodiment, mountain acquisition information is stored on a blockchain that is difficult to rewrite, and the timing of determining the details of the obtainable items is after the period during which the mountain can be acquired has elapsed, thus making it possible to more strongly prevent the fraudulent acquisition of items.

[0118] The game control unit 212 initiates mining in a mountain acquired by the user based on an operation instructing the user to start mining in the mountain. In the game of this embodiment, mining in the mountain is possible from the time when the outline of obtainable items is determined and the mountain is created, and it is also possible to start mining before the details of obtainable items are determined. Furthermore, it is also possible to start mining in the mountain after the details of obtainable items have been determined.

[0119] The reward distribution unit 233 grants items to the user based on mining in the mountains. Specifically, in this embodiment, gems and sapphires discovered through mining are granted to the user.

[0120] Here, there are two possible timings for determining item distribution based on mining in the mountains: before and after the item details are determined. In other words, there may be cases where the item details are not yet determined at the time the item distribution is determined. Specifically, in this embodiment, there may be a situation where a gem is discovered through mining in the mountains (in other words, the distribution of the gem is decided), but the details of the discovered gem have not yet been determined. In other words, in this embodiment, the details of the gem are determined after a predetermined period during which the mountain can be acquired (in other words, the period during which the right to play the game in a specific virtual space can be acquired), and mining in the mountains is possible during the period during which the mountain can be acquired, and a situation may occur where mining in the mountains is performed and gems are acquired during the period during which the mountain can be acquired. Users can check the gems they have acquired on a predetermined screen, such as a screen that displays a list of items they own (for example, a screen that can be opened after leaving the mountain), but after the user acquires a gem and until the details of that gem are determined, only an overview of the gem is displayed on the predetermined screen. Once the details are finalized, the specific gemstone will be available for viewing on the designated screen.

[0121] In this embodiment, map creation, mountain creation (in other words, virtual space creation), determination of the outline of obtainable items for each mountain, and determination of the details of obtainable items are performed daily, and the map and obtainable mountains are updated daily. That is, for example, in the example shown in Figure 7, the map creation process, item outline determination process, and virtual space creation process are performed using the last hash on May 30th, and for the items whose outlines were determined in the item outline determination process, the item detail determination process is performed using the first hash on June 1st. In this embodiment, the next map update and the update of obtainable mountains are performed after the period during which a mountain is obtainable has ended, but the next map update and the update of obtainable mountains may be performed during the period during which a mountain is obtainable. In other words, the hash used for map creation, mountain creation, determination of the outline of obtainable items for each mountain, or determination of the details of obtainable items does not have to be the last or first hash of the day.

[0122] In this embodiment, the hash generated at the end of each day is used to create the map and mountains and determine the outline of obtainable items. However, the hash generated at the end of each day (in other words, the last block of the day) is determined retrospectively by the generation of the first hash of the following day (in other words, the first block of the following day). Therefore, the creation of the map and mountains and the determination of the outline of obtainable items are performed after the generation of the first hash of the following day. It is conceivable that the creation of the map and mountains and the determination of the outline of obtainable items could be performed using the first hash of the following day. However, in this embodiment, by using the hash generated at the end of each day to create the map and mountains and determine the outline of obtainable items, the determination of the map and mountain creation and the outline of obtainable items and the determination of the details of obtainable items are performed based on different hashes. That is, when the processes related to the creation of the map and mountains and the determination of obtainable items are performed on consecutive days, the hash used to determine the details of items whose outline was determined the previous day and the hash used to determine the outline of items on the current day are not the same. In other words, in this embodiment, the game control unit 212 determines the details of an item using a specific hash within any repeating period (specifically, the first hash of the day), and determines an overview of the item using a hash different from that specific hash (specifically, the last hash of the day). Furthermore, since blockchains can fork, in this embodiment, when the first hash of the next day is generated, the map and mountain are created and the overview of obtainable items is determined using the hash generated at the end of the day, making it possible to process using a hash (in other words, a block) that is most likely to be adopted.

[0123] In this embodiment of the game, the lottery logic for gems, which are item B, is stored and made public on the blockchain. Specifically, the logic for determining the item overview and determining the item details is made public as a smart contract. That is, seed hlast The logic for determining the reward details using this will be exposed as a smart contract. hfirst The logic for determining the details of the reward using will be exposed as a smart contract. hlast and seed hfirstThe seed is a blockchain hash and is a publicly available seed. In other words, in this embodiment, the outline of items obtainable in each pile is determined by a predetermined logic using a predetermined seed, but the predetermined seed and the predetermined logic are publicly available, and each user can verify whether there is any fraud in determining the outline of the items using the publicly available predetermined seed and the predetermined logic. In addition, in this embodiment, the details of items obtainable in each pile are determined by a predetermined logic using a predetermined seed, but the predetermined seed and the predetermined logic are publicly available, and each user can verify whether there is any fraud in determining the details of the items using the publicly available predetermined seed and the predetermined logic. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a highly transparent system in which the operator's manipulation of item distribution does not interfere and this fact can be clearly presented to the user. Furthermore, by using a blockchain hash as the seed, the seed can be made unpredictable even for the operator and immutable and clear to anyone. In other words, with the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to make it so that even the operator cannot control the distribution of items, the user can verify it using the publicly available logic and it cannot be predicted in advance. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fraud in the granting of items, which could damage the value of the system. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the random numbers related to determining the outline and details of items are determined based on the blockchain hash, and since the random numbers are identifiable, it is possible to detect fraudulent manipulation of random numbers, and fraud such as manipulating random numbers to make predetermined objects appear fraudulently can be prevented. The logic for the virtual space creation process may also be stored on the blockchain and made public, or it may be kept private without being stored on the blockchain.

[0124] Furthermore, the detailed information 50 about a mountain may be displayed not only when the user acquires a mountain, but also when the user starts mining on a mountain, etc. For example, as shown in Figure 4, when a list of mountains 44 acquired by the user is displayed on the display unit 18, and the user selects a specific mountain, the display control unit 114 displays the detailed information 50 about that specific mountain on the display unit 18. For example, the detailed information 50 may display information about gems that can be obtained on that specific mountain (e.g., an overview of the number of gems and the size of each gem). In other words, the detailed information 50 may display information about the expected reward for that specific mountain. This allows the user to decide whether or not to mine on that specific mountain after viewing the detailed information 50. In addition, the detailed information 50 may also display the progress of the mining. Specifically, the detailed information 50 may include, for example, how many gems have been discovered, what percentage of the gem reserves have been discovered, how many pyroxenes have been discovered, what percentage of the pyroxene reserves have been discovered, or the progress of mining in that mountain (in other words, the progress of the game in that mountain), which is calculated based on the amount of gems discovered.

[0125] Furthermore, item A owned by a user may be available for lending to other users. Specifically, when a user lends item A to another user, the operation reception unit 111 of the other user's terminal device 10 may receive an operation from the other user instructing them to start mining on the mountain acquired by the user. Information regarding this operation is then sent to the game control unit 212 via the transmission / reception units 112 and 211, and the game control unit 212 may start mining on the mountain based on the operation from the other user. In other words, even if the other user does not own an ice axe, they may be able to borrow one and play the game. In this case, the other user's gameplay may take place on the mountain acquired by the ice axe lender. Also, the ice axe lender and borrower may be able to enter the same mountain and mine together. In other words, the ice axe lender and borrower may be able to play multiplayer in the same virtual space (for example, the mountain acquired by the lender).

[0126] (Processing requiring payment in cryptocurrency) In this embodiment, there are processes that require payment in cryptocurrency managed on the blockchain (specifically, a specific token) (hereinafter referred to as "paid processes"). Specifically, there are multiple types of paid processes, including processes related to the purchase of an ice axe (in other words, processes that allow the user to acquire an ice axe), processes related to the repair of an ice axe (in other words, processes that restore the durability of the ice axe), and processes related to the rank increase of an ice axe (in other words, processes that increase the rank of the ice axe).

[0127] The process for purchasing a pickaxe will now be explained. As mentioned above, pickaxes can be purchased from the in-game marketplace. The purchase of a pickaxe is carried out as follows, for example. For example, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 displays the shop screen 60, as exemplified in Figure 8, on the display unit 18 based on a predetermined input operation by the user. The shop screen 60 displays a list of pickaxes that can be purchased. The operation reception unit 111 accepts an operation to select a pickaxe to purchase from the displayed list (for example, a click operation on a specific displayed pickaxe). When a pickaxe to be purchased is selected, the display control unit 114 displays a dialog box (not shown) on the display unit 18 to confirm whether to proceed with the purchase of the selected pickaxe. This dialog box includes an execute button to accept an operation to execute the purchase and a cancel button to accept an operation to cancel the purchase. When an operation on the execute button (for example, a click operation) is performed, the control unit 110 of the terminal device requests the server 20 to purchase the selected pickaxe. The market management unit 214 of server 20, based on the request, grants the selected pickaxe to the user and executes a process to have the user pay the purchase price (in other words, a process to reduce the specific tokens held by the user by the amount of the purchase price). That is, the control unit 210 executes a process to have the user acquire the pickaxe as a paid transaction, based on the user's operation related to the execution of a paid transaction. It should be noted that when a specific pickaxe is displayed as a purchasable pickaxe on a user's terminal device 10, it is also said that the specific pickaxe is available in that user's shop.

[0128] Next, the processes related to ice axe repair and ice axe rank upgrade will be described. Ice axe repair and rank upgrade are performed, for example, as follows. For example, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 displays a list 64 of ice axes owned by the user on the display unit 18, as shown in Figure 9, based on a predetermined input operation by the user. The operation reception unit 111 accepts an operation to select a specific ice axe from the displayed list (for example, a click operation on a specific ice axe). When a specific ice axe is selected, the display control unit 114 displays a UI on the display unit 18 that accepts various operations on the selected ice axe. Specifically, the display control unit 114 displays a repair button 65 that accepts operations related to restoring the durability value of the ice axe, an upgrade button 66 that accepts operations related to increasing the rank of the ice axe, and a cell button 67 that accepts operations related to selling the ice axe on the display unit 18 as part of the UI. Furthermore, on the screen displaying the ice axe list 64, an indicator showing the remaining durability value may be displayed for the selected ice axe and for the ice axes displayed in the list. In the example shown in Figure 9, a meter 68 indicating the remaining durability value is displayed, but the indicator showing the remaining durability value may also be a numerical value or other display.

[0129] When the terminal device's control unit 110 receives an operation on the repair button 65 (for example, a click), it requests the server 20 to restore the durability of the selected pickaxe. Based on this request, the server 20's game control unit 212 restores the durability of the selected pickaxe and also executes a process to have the user pay for the durability restoration (in other words, a process to reduce the specific tokens held by the user by the amount of the price for the durability restoration). That is, the control unit 210 executes a process to restore the durability of the pickaxe as a paid process based on the user's operation related to the execution of a paid process.

[0130] Furthermore, when an operation (for example, a click) is performed on the upgrade button 66, the terminal device's control unit 110 requests the server 20 to increase the rank of the selected pickaxe. Based on this request, the server 20's game control unit 212 increases the rank of the selected pickaxe and also executes a process to have the user pay the price for the rank increase (in other words, a process to reduce the specific tokens held by the user by the amount of the price for the rank increase). That is, the control unit 210 executes a process to increase the rank of the pickaxe as a paid process based on the user's operation related to the execution of a paid process.

[0131] Furthermore, when an operation (e.g., a click) is performed on the cell button 67, the terminal device's control unit 110 requests the server 20 to list the selected pickaxe on the marketplace. Based on this request, the server 20's marketplace management unit 214 puts the user's selected pickaxe up for sale, making it possible for other users who wish to purchase it to buy it from that user (e.g., by paying with a specific token). In other words, the listed pickaxe becomes visible on other users' shop screens 60.

[0132] In this embodiment, the pickaxes listed on the marketplace include those sold by the game operator and those sold by other users. That is, users can purchase pickaxes from the game operator or from other users. When purchasing a pickaxe from the game operator, the payment is sent to the game operator. When purchasing a pickaxe from another user, the payment is sent to that other user. The payment for restoring the durability of a pickaxe is sent to the game operator. The payment for increasing the rank of a pickaxe is also sent to the game operator.

[0133] Here, we will explain the relationship between the timing of payment completion and the timing of the paid processing.

[0134] When a user performs an operation related to the execution of a paid process, the control unit 210 generates a transaction related to the payment of the consideration required for the paid process (hereinafter referred to as the "transaction related to the paid process"), sends it to the blockchain system 3 network, and shares it with the entire network (in other words, multiple (in other words, all) node devices 30). In the blockchain system 3, mining is performed to generate a block containing the transaction related to the paid process, and the block generated by mining is added to the blockchain. As a result, the consideration required for the paid process is transferred (in other words, paid) from the user to the recipient of the consideration (for example, the game operator). The transaction related to the paid process includes information such as the sender (for example, the user), the recipient (for example, the game operator), and the amount to be transferred (in other words, the amount to be paid as consideration required for the paid process).

[0135] Furthermore, payment of the consideration required for the paid processing (in other words, settlement) is completed after a predetermined period has elapsed following the user's operation related to the execution of the paid processing. The control unit 210 determines that payment of the consideration required for the paid processing (in other words, settlement) has been completed. In this embodiment, the control unit 210 determines that settlement is complete only after waiting for a predetermined number of blocks to be appended after the block containing the transaction related to the paid processing, which was generated based on the user's operation related to the execution of the paid processing. For example, the control unit 210 checks whether a predetermined number of blocks have been appended after the block containing the transaction related to the paid processing, and determines that settlement is complete (in other words, it is considered to be completed) if it is confirmed that the blocks have been appended. Furthermore, the control unit 210 may, when it generates a transaction related to a paid process based on an operation by the user to execute a paid process, determine that the settlement was not completed (in other words, the settlement failed) if it is not confirmed that a predetermined number of blocks have been added after the block containing the transaction related to the paid process even after a certain period of time has elapsed from a predetermined reference point (for example, from the time the transaction related to the paid process was generated). Furthermore, the control unit 210 may also check whether the block containing the transaction related to the paid process, which was generated based on an operation by the user to execute a paid process, has been added to the blockchain, and determine that the settlement has been completed if it is confirmed that it has been added.

[0136] In any case, payments using cryptocurrency managed on a blockchain require a certain amount of time from the time the payment operation (in other words, the operation to execute the paid transaction) is performed until the settlement is completed. Specifically, payments using cryptocurrency managed on a blockchain require mining the block in which the transaction is stored, so at least the time required for such mining will be needed before the settlement is completed. In addition, if the blockchain needs to wait for a certain number of blocks to be appended after the block in question, it will take even longer for the settlement to be completed.

[0137] As described above, payments using cryptocurrency managed on a blockchain take a certain amount of time to complete. Therefore, if paid processing is performed only after the payment is completed, there will be a delay between the user performing the action related to the paid processing and the predetermined event occurring in the virtual world as a result of the paid processing. This delay between the user performing the action related to the paid processing and the event occurring may reduce the comfort level of the virtual world experience. Specifically, for example, if a user performs an action on the repair button 65 to restore the durability of an ice axe, but it takes time for the durability to be restored, the ice axe cannot be used immediately, hindering the progress of the game and potentially reducing the comfort level of gameplay. Therefore, in this embodiment, a comfortable gameplay experience is achieved by performing the paid processing before the payment is completed.

[0138] The control unit 210 executes at least some of the paid processes after the user has performed an operation related to the execution of the paid process, but before the payment is completed. In other words, the control unit 210 executes at least some of the paid processes without waiting for the payment to be completed. Hereinafter, paid processes that are executed without waiting for the payment to be completed will be referred to as "specific paid processes." Specific paid processes include, for example, the process of restoring the durability value of the ice axe, which is executed based on an operation on the repair button 65.

[0139] In this embodiment, the control unit 210 executes a specific paid transaction when a block containing a transaction related to the specific paid transaction, generated based on an operation by the user to execute the specific paid transaction, is added to the blockchain. Specifically, the control unit 210 checks whether a block containing a transaction related to the specific paid transaction has been added to the blockchain, and executes the specific paid transaction if it is confirmed that it has been added. In other words, the control unit 210 executes the specific paid transaction on the condition that an operation related to the execution of the specific paid transaction has been performed and a block containing information related to the payment of cryptocurrency has been added to the blockchain. That is, in this embodiment, the settlement related to the specific paid transaction is completed after waiting for a predetermined number of blocks to be added after the block containing the transaction related to the specific paid transaction. However, when a block containing a transaction related to the specific paid transaction is added to the blockchain, the specific paid transaction is executed without waiting for the settlement to be completed. Furthermore, "executing a specific paid processing when a block containing a transaction related to a specific paid processing is added to the blockchain (or on the condition that it has been added)" means that the specific paid processing is executed at least after the block has been added to the blockchain. For example, this may include cases where the specific paid processing is performed on the condition that several more blocks are added after the block has been added to the blockchain.

[0140] In other words, in this embodiment, a specific process relating to an event in the virtual world (in other words, an event within the game) that requires payment in virtual currency managed by the blockchain (in other words, a specific paid process) is executed after the user's operation related to the execution of the specific process, but before the payment is completed. Specifically, a process to restore the durability of a pickaxe as a specific paid process, in other words, a process that causes the event in the virtual world of restoring the durability of a pickaxe, is executed after the user's operation related to restoring the durability of a pickaxe, but before the payment is completed. The specific paid process may also include a process to increase the rank of a pickaxe, in other words, a process that causes the event in the virtual world of increasing the rank of a pickaxe. Furthermore, the specific paid process may also include a process relating to the purchase of a pickaxe, in other words, a process that causes the event in the virtual world of acquiring a pickaxe. In other words, the specific paid process may also be a process related to a predetermined object in the virtual world (for example, an object owned or used by the user). Furthermore, the specified object is not limited to a pickaxe; it may also be other items or a specified character such as a player character. In this embodiment, "character" includes the user's avatar. The specified paid processing may include all paid processing. In addition, events in the virtual world that occur as a result of executing the specified paid processing may be events that are beneficial to the user in the progress of the game. Regardless of the type of game, events within the game are basically included in events in the virtual world.

[0141] Furthermore, the control unit 210 may execute the specified paid processing at the time an operation related to the execution of the specified paid processing is performed. Alternatively, the control unit 210 may execute the specified paid processing at the time a transaction related to the specified paid processing is generated (for example, at the time it is generated and sent to the blockchain system 3 network). In addition, if an operation related to the execution of the specified paid processing is performed, the control unit 210 may execute the specified paid processing after a certain period of time has elapsed from a predetermined reference time.

[0142] Furthermore, the phrase "execute the specified paid processing after the operation related to the execution of the specified paid processing has been performed but before the settlement is completed" does not mean that the specified paid processing must always be executed before the settlement is completed, nor does it mean that the specified paid processing can be executed after the settlement is completed. In other words, for example, in a configuration where the specified paid processing is executed after a certain period of time has elapsed from a predetermined reference point when an operation related to the execution of the specified paid processing has been performed, depending on the relationship between the time taken for mining and the certain period of time, the specified paid processing may be executed after the settlement is completed. However, the phrase "execute the specified paid processing after the operation related to the execution of the specified paid processing has been performed but before the settlement is completed" means that the specified paid processing can be executed after the settlement is completed in this manner.

[0143] Furthermore, the control unit 210 may check whether the user possesses the amount of virtual currency required for the specified paid processing, and if it is confirmed that the user possesses such a quantity, it may execute the specified paid processing. In other words, the control unit 210 does not wait until the settlement is complete, but may execute the specified paid processing only after confirming in advance whether the user possesses the amount of virtual currency required for the specified paid processing.

[0144] Furthermore, if a specific paid process is executed before the settlement is completed, and the settlement is not completed thereafter, the control unit 210 may settle the uncompleted settlement during the next execution of the specific paid process. In other words, for example, in a configuration where a specific paid process is executed before the settlement is completed, there may be cases where the settlement for the specific paid process is not completed despite the execution of the specific paid process. Specifically, this may occur due to user fraud or system malfunctions. Therefore, if the settlement for the specific paid process is not completed for any reason (in other words, if payment is not made), the control unit 210 may settle the uncompleted specific paid process during the next execution of the specific paid process. In other words, the control unit 210 may require the user to pay the consideration for the uncompleted specific paid process during the next execution of the specific paid process. In other words, when an operation related to the execution of the next specified paid processing (for example, an operation on the repair button 65) is performed, the control unit 210 may generate a transaction related to the specified paid processing for which settlement was not completed (specifically, a transaction related to the payment of the consideration for said specified paid processing), and may have the user pay the consideration for the specified paid processing for which settlement was not completed. At this time, the control unit 210 may instruct the control unit 110 of the user's terminal device 10 to display a message on the display unit 18 asking whether it is okay to perform settlement (in other words, whether it is okay to perform payment for the paid processing for which settlement was not completed), and may perform settlement based on the user's operation to consent to the execution of settlement.

[0145] Furthermore, when the control unit 210 performs settlement for uncompleted payments during the execution of the next specified paid processing, it generates a transaction related to the next specified paid processing and has the user pay the consideration for the next specified paid processing. However, the transaction related to the next specified paid processing and the transaction related to the specified paid processing for which settlement was not completed may be generated as separate transactions, or they may be combined into a single transaction. Also, the control unit 210 may execute the next specified paid processing after the settlement for uncompleted payments (in other words, payment for the specified paid processing for which settlement was not completed (in other words, settlement)) has been completed (in other words, on the condition that it has been completed). Also, the control unit 210 may execute the next specified paid processing after the payment for the next specified paid processing (in other words, settlement) has been completed (in other words, on the condition that it has been completed).

[0146] In other words, the control unit 210 may refrain from executing the next specified paid processing until the settlement of the uncompleted payment is completed. Note that this settlement may be performed based on an operation different from the operation related to the execution of the next specified paid processing (for example, an operation on the repair button 65). For example, this settlement may be performed based on an operation for performing settlement that is independent of the operation related to the execution of the specified paid processing.

[0147] Furthermore, the control unit 210 may execute a specific paid processing after an operation related to the execution of a specific paid processing has been performed, but before the settlement is completed, if a parameter indicating the user's creditworthiness satisfies certain conditions. The parameter indicating creditworthiness may be, for example, a parameter relating to the user's transaction history (in other words, performance). The parameter relating to the transaction history may be, for example, the total transaction amount for transactions made within a predetermined period, the number of transactions made within a predetermined period, or a parameter relating to the user's rank which increases in accordance with the execution of transactions. Here, the predetermined period may be, for example, the period from when the game was first played until the present, or it may be the period from the present to a few days, a few weeks, or a few months ago. Also, here, "transaction" may be rephrased as "payment of virtual currency" (for example, a payment that has been successfully settled). Also, "transaction" may be rephrased as "execution of a specific paid processing". Furthermore, the parameter indicating creditworthiness may be the user's total play time within a predetermined period, the number of predetermined objects (for example, pickaxes, gems, mountains, etc.) held, or a parameter relating to the user's rank which increases in accordance with game play. In other words, parameters indicating trustworthiness may also be parameters related to the user's gameplay record. Furthermore, parameters related to the number of objects that can be obtained using virtual currency, such as the number of pickaxes owned, may be included in parameters related to transaction history.

[0148] Furthermore, the control unit 210 may execute a second process, which is a process that generates an event in the virtual world, is different from a specific paid process, and requires payment in cryptocurrency managed on the blockchain, after the settlement is completed. In other words, the control unit 210 may execute some of the paid processes as specific paid processes, or in other words, first paid processes, without waiting for the settlement to be completed, and execute other parts of the paid processes as second paid processes, waiting for the settlement to be completed (in other words, on the condition that the settlement has been completed). For example, the process of restoring the durability of a pickaxe may be included in the first paid process, and the process of allowing the user to acquire the pickaxe may be included in the second paid process. Also, among paid processes (for example, similar paid processes), processes requiring a small amount of money (in other words, the amount of cryptocurrency) may be included in the first paid process, and processes requiring a large amount of money may be included in the second paid process.

[0149] Furthermore, the first paid process may be a process of relatively low importance, and the second paid process may be a process of relatively high importance. Here, the level of importance may be determined, for example, by the amount of money required for the process, or by the degree of impact on the progress of the game. Also, information indicating the level of importance for each process may be stored in the storage unit 220, and the control unit 210 may decide based on this information whether to wait for the completion of payment before executing the process or to execute the process without waiting. Also, when executing a paid process, the control unit 210 may determine whether a predetermined parameter that determines the level of importance (for example, the amount of money required for the process) exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and decide whether to wait for the completion of payment before executing the process or to execute the process without waiting depending on whether it exceeds the threshold value. Furthermore, it is not necessary to store information for determining the level of importance.

[0150] Furthermore, the first paid transaction may be a transaction to pay a fee to the first party, and the second paid transaction may be a transaction to pay a fee to the second party. For example, the control unit 210 may execute a predetermined paid transaction where the recipient is the game operator without waiting for the settlement to be completed, and execute a predetermined paid transaction where the recipient is another user after waiting for the settlement to be completed. Specifically, for example, the control unit 210 may execute a transaction to restore the durability of a pickaxe where the recipient is the game operator without waiting for the settlement to be completed, and execute a transaction to purchase a pickaxe (or gems, etc.) from another user where the recipient is another user (in other words, a transaction to obtain a pickaxe from another user) after waiting for the settlement to be completed.

[0151] Furthermore, ice axe repair may be performed on multiple ice axes at once, rather than on each individual ice axe. In other words, the paid process may include the process of restoring the durability of multiple ice axes. For example, the display control unit 114 may display a Repair All button 69 on the screen that displays the list 64 of ice axes owned by the user, as illustrated in Figure 9, which accepts operations related to restoring the durability of multiple ice axes (for example, all ice axes owned by the user). The operation reception unit 111 may then accept an operation on the Repair All button 69 (for example, a click) as an operation to instruct the user to restore the durability of multiple ice axes owned by the user. The game control unit 212 may then perform the process of restoring the durability of the ice axes owned by the user (specifically, multiple ice axes) based on that operation. Furthermore, restoring the durability of an ice axe based on an operation on the repair all button 69 (in other words, the process of restoring the durability of multiple ice axes) may require a larger number of specific tokens than restoring the durability of an ice axe based on an operation on the repair button 65 (in other words, the process of restoring the durability of a single ice axe). In such a configuration, the first paid process may include the process of restoring the durability of an ice axe executed based on an operation on the repair button 65, and the second paid process may include the process of restoring the durability of an ice axe executed based on an operation on the repair all button 69. In other words, the control unit 210 may execute the paid process based on the first operation without waiting for the settlement to be completed, and execute the paid process based on the second operation after waiting for the settlement to be completed. Furthermore, the control unit 210 may execute paid processing related to a specific object without waiting for the settlement to be completed for paid processing that produces an effect on a first quantity of the specific object, and wait for the settlement to be completed for paid processing that produces an effect on a second quantity of the specific object that is greater than the first quantity.

[0152] Furthermore, paid processing may include paid processing where the time from the operation related to execution to execution is relatively long, and paid processing where the time from the operation related to execution to execution is relatively short. Here, paid processing with a relatively long time to execution and paid processing with a relatively short time to execution may be included in specific paid processing, or some of them may not be included in specific paid processing. For example, the control unit 210 may increase the time from the operation related to the execution of paid processing to execution of paid processing as the amount of money required for processing (in other words, the amount of virtual currency) increases. Also, for example, the control unit 210 may make the time from the operation related to the execution of paid processing to execution of paid processing differ depending on the type of paid processing. Also, the control unit 210 may increase the time from the operation related to the execution of paid processing to execution of paid processing as the processing is more important. Specifically, for example, in the case of processing to restore the durability of a pickaxe, if the amount of money required for processing is large, the time until processing is executed may be longer than when the amount of money required for processing is small. Furthermore, for example, the process of allowing a user to acquire an ice axe may take longer to execute than the process of restoring the durability of the ice axe. Here, the time until the process is executed may be managed by a timer or the like, or it may be determined by the trigger for the execution of the process. For example, the control unit 210 may manage the waiting time until a paid process is executed by a timer in the storage unit 220, and for one paid process, it may be executed after a first specified time (for example, a specified number of minutes) has elapsed from a predetermined reference time, and for another paid process, it may be executed after a second specified time that is longer than the first specified time has elapsed from a predetermined reference time. Also, for example, the control unit 210 may execute one paid process when a block containing the transaction related to that paid process is added to the blockchain, and for another paid process when a predetermined number of blocks have been added after the block containing the transaction related to that other paid process, so that as a result the time until the other paid process is executed is longer than the time until the first paid process is executed.

[0153] Furthermore, when the control unit 210 performs a specific paid processing without waiting for the completion of payment, it may set a predetermined object owned by the user (for example, a pickaxe, a gem, a mountain, etc.) as collateral, and if the payment is not completed successfully, it may execute a process to restrict the use of the predetermined object set as collateral. Here, restricting use may mean, for example, restricting buying and selling (for example, buying and selling on the marketplace), or restricting the progress of the game using the predetermined object set as collateral (for example, mining using the pickaxe set as collateral). The control unit 210 may also lift the restriction on use based on the completion of settlement for the payment that was not completed successfully. The control unit 210 may also lift the restriction on use based on the elapsed period of time. The predetermined object set as collateral may be determined by the control unit 210 based on an operation in which the user selects an object to set as collateral from among the objects owned by the user, or it may be determined without the user's selection.

[0154] Furthermore, if the control unit 210 performs a specific paid processing without waiting for the completion of payment, and the payment is not completed successfully thereafter, it may perform processing to revert the matters that changed due to the specific paid processing back to their state before the specific paid processing was performed. For example, if the control unit 210 restores the durability of an ice axe, and the payment related to the restoration of said durability is not completed, it may perform processing to revert the durability of the ice axe back to its state before the restoration. Also, if the control unit 210 performs a specific paid processing without waiting for the completion of payment, and the payment is not completed successfully thereafter, it may perform processing to make the matters that changed due to the specific paid processing less favorable than before the specific paid processing was performed. For example, if the control unit 210 restores the durability of an ice axe, and the payment related to the restoration of said durability is not completed, it may perform processing to make the durability of the ice axe lower than it was before the restoration.

[0155] Furthermore, if the control unit 210 performs a specific paid transaction without waiting for the settlement to be completed, and the settlement is not completed successfully thereafter, it may perform a process to revert at least a portion of the game's progress that has progressed since the execution of the specific paid transaction to the state before the specific paid transaction was performed. For example, if the control unit 210 restores the durability of a pickaxe, and the settlement related to the restoration of said durability is not completed, it may perform a process to revert the mining progress of the mountain where mining was performed after the durability was restored (for example, the mountain where mining was performed using the pickaxe) to the state before the durability was restored. In this case, the control unit 210 may also perform a process to cause at least a portion of the items (for example, gems or luminous stones, etc.) acquired through mining after the durability was restored to be lost from the user's assets.

[0156] In other words, the control unit 210 may perform a process that causes the user to lose at least a portion of the benefits enjoyed by the user as a result of the execution of a specific paid process if the specific paid process is executed before the settlement is completed and the settlement is not completed thereafter. Here, the benefits enjoyed include, for example, the recovery of durability, the progress of the game by using the pickaxe with restored durability (for example, changes in the state of the virtual space by mining), and the acquisition of items by using the pickaxe with restored durability.

[0157] Furthermore, as an alternative method to solve the problem of the time delay between when a user performs an operation related to the execution of a paid process and when a predetermined event occurs as a result of the paid process, it is conceivable to configure the system so that virtual currency is exchanged in advance for predetermined points usable within the game, and the paid process is executed using those predetermined points. However, in such a configuration, the user may experience a decrease in the comfort of gameplay due to the effort required to exchange virtual currency for those predetermined points, and because the number of assets the user has to manage increases. In contrast, with the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to execute paid processes using virtual currency directly, thereby realizing a more comfortable gameplay experience.

[0158] In this embodiment, the screen displaying the map 40 as illustrated in Figure 3, the screen displaying the list of mountains acquired by the user 44 as illustrated in Figure 4, the shop screen 60 as illustrated in Figure 8, and the screen displaying the list of ice axes owned by the user 64 as illustrated in Figure 9, etc., may be displayed, for example, by clicking on a predetermined button such as a tab that is displayed while these various screens are being displayed (in other words, displayed on the game screen). That is, for example, the screen displaying the map 40 or the screen displaying the list of acquired mountains 44 may be displayed based on an operation on the mine button 91 as illustrated in Figure 9. Also, the screen displaying the list of owned ice axes 64 may be displayed based on an operation on the item button 92 as illustrated in Figure 9. Also, the shop screen 60 may be displayed based on an operation on the shop button 93 as illustrated in Figure 9. Also, the home screen (not shown) may be displayed based on an operation on the home button 94 as illustrated in Figure 9. Furthermore, the screen may switch between displaying the map 40 (in other words, a list of obtainable mountains) and displaying a list of obtained mountains 44 based on operations performed on the map display button 95 and the My Mine display button 96, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.

[0159] In this embodiment, various paid processes, such as processes to restore the durability of an ice axe, processes to increase the rank of an ice axe, and processes to allow the user to acquire an ice axe, can be executed in a predetermined situation (in other words, a situation where the user is not in a predetermined virtual space, such as a mountain) that is not in operation of mining (in other words, during predetermined in-game gameplay). However, at least a part of the paid processes may be executed while mining is in progress. For example, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 displays a menu screen on the display unit 18 based on a predetermined input operation by the user while mining is in progress. The menu screen also displays a button (for example, a repair button 65) that accepts an operation related to restoring the durability of an ice axe owned by the user (for example, an ice axe currently in use), and when this button is pressed, the control unit 210 performs a process to restore the durability of the ice axe owned by the user. Since it is well known that a predetermined menu screen will be displayed based on user actions during in-game execution, and that various processes will be performed based on various actions on that predetermined menu screen, illustrations of the menu screen will be omitted.

[0160] (Processing flow) Next, we will explain an example of the processes executed by game system 1, referring to the flowchart. First, we will explain an example of the processes related to the generation of mountains and the determination of items that can be obtained from mountains, referring to the flowchart shown in Figure 10.

[0161] The virtual space management unit 231 obtains the hash generated at the end of the day from a specific blockchain (step S1). Then, the virtual space management unit 231 uses the obtained hash as a seed (specifically, seed hlast ) is used to perform calculations and create a map (step S2). Specifically, the virtual space management unit 231 determines the terrain of the map and the arrangement of mountains in the map, and assigns a virtual space ID to each mountain in the map that makes it possible to identify each mountain.

[0162] Next, the virtual space management unit 231 determines an overview of the items that can be obtained for each mountain on the map created in step S2 (step S3). Specifically, the virtual space management unit 231 uses the hash obtained in step S1 and the virtual space ID of each dungeon as seeds (specifically, seed hlast , seed mdid This is used to perform calculations and determine the number of items obtainable from each mountain and an overview of the size of each item.

[0163] Next, the virtual space management unit 231 creates a stack of items whose outline was determined in step S3 (in other words, a stack in which the items are placed) (step S4). Specifically, the virtual space management unit 231 uses the hash obtained in step S1 and the virtual space ID of each stack as a seed (specifically, seed hlast , seed mdid It is used as a function to perform calculations and create a mountain.

[0164] Next, the virtual space management unit 231 obtains the first hash generated two days after the day the hash obtained in step S1 was generated (step S5). Next, the virtual space management unit 231 determines the reward details for each mountain on the map created in step S2 (step S6). Specifically, the virtual space management unit 231 uses the hash obtained in step S5 and the virtual space ID of each mountain as seeds (specifically, seed hfirst , seed mdid This is used to perform calculations and determine the type, size details, shape, or quality of item B as an item obtainable in each mountain.

[0165] Next, we will explain an example of the process related to acquiring a mountain and mining in the mountain, referring to the flowchart shown in Figure 11.

[0166] The operation reception unit 111 of the terminal device 10 receives an operation to acquire a mountain for mining from among several mountains on the map (step S11). In other words, the operation reception unit 111 receives an operation to select a specific mountain from among several mountains. In further terms, the operation reception unit 111 receives an operation related to acquiring the right to play a game in a specific virtual space.

[0167] When an operation is performed to acquire a mountain for mining, the game control unit 212 grants the user a specific mountain based on that operation (step S12). In other words, the game control unit 212 grants the user the right to play the game in a specific virtual space based on the user's operation.

[0168] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 111 receives an operation from the user to instruct the start of mining on the mountain they have acquired (step S13). In other words, the operation reception unit 111 receives an operation from the user to instruct the start of playing the game in the virtual space in which the user has the right to play the game.

[0169] Furthermore, the game control unit 212 initiates mining based on an operation by the user instructing them to start mining in the mountain (step S14). In other words, the game control unit 212 initiates gameplay in a specific virtual space based on an operation by the user instructing them to start playing the game in that specific virtual space. The game to be started may be one in which the user manually controls a player character, etc., or it may be one in which the game control unit 212 automatically advances the game without user intervention. Specifically, for example, the player character may automatically perform mining, and the gems etc. dug up by the player character may be given to the user as a reward. The user may also be able to choose whether to advance the game manually or automatically.

[0170] Next, the reward distribution unit 233 distributes rewards to the user based on mining in the mountains (step S15). In other words, the reward distribution unit 233 distributes rewards to the user based on playing a game in a specific virtual space. Specifically, the reward distribution unit 233 distributes gems and sapphires to the user based on mining in the mountains.

[0171] Next, we will explain an example of the process in which a specific transaction requiring payment in cryptocurrency (in other words, a specific paid transaction) is executed after the user has performed an action related to the execution of the specific transaction, but before the payment is completed, referring to the flowchart shown in Figure 12.

[0172] The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 accepts an operation related to the execution of a specific paid process (step S21). Specifically, the control unit 110 accepts an operation on the repair button 65 as an operation related to the execution of a process to restore the durability value of the ice axe as a specific paid process.

[0173] Next, when an operation related to the execution of a specific paid processing is performed, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 sends a request to the server 20 to execute the specific paid processing (step S22).

[0174] Next, the control unit 210 of the server 20 generates a transaction related to the specific paid processing (in other words, a transaction related to the payment of the consideration required for the specific paid processing) based on the request for execution of the specific paid processing transmitted from the terminal device 10 (in other words, based on the operation related to the execution of the specific paid processing) (step S23). The control unit 210 also transmits the generated transaction to the blockchain system 3 network and shares it with the entire network (step S24). Note that the generation of the transaction and transmission to the network may be performed by the control unit 110 or the like of the terminal device 10.

[0175] Next, the blockchain system 3 performs mining to generate a block containing transactions related to specific paid processing, and adds the block to the blockchain (step S25).

[0176] Next, the control unit 210 determines whether or not a block containing the transaction related to the specific paid processing has been added to the blockchain (step S26). If the control unit 210 confirms that the block has been added to the blockchain (YES in step S26), it executes the specific paid processing (step S27). On the other hand, the control unit 210 does not execute the specific paid processing until it confirms that the block has been added to the blockchain.

[0177] Furthermore, the control unit 210 determines whether a predetermined number of blocks have been added after the block containing the transaction related to the specific paid processing (step S28). When the control unit 210 confirms that a predetermined number of blocks have been added after the block containing the transaction related to the specific paid processing (YES in step S28), it determines that the settlement for payment of the consideration for the execution of the specific paid processing has been completed (step S29). The control unit 210 may also notify the terminal device 10 (in other words, the user) that the settlement has been completed. In other words, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 may display a screen on the display unit 18 that allows the user to confirm that the settlement has been completed after the settlement has been completed. The control unit 210 stores information (in other words, a flag) indicating that the settlement has been completed in the storage unit 220 once the settlement is complete.

[0178] Furthermore, information indicating that a block containing a transaction related to a specific paid processing has been added to the blockchain (in other words, information used for the determination in step S26) may be obtained, for example, by the control unit 210 accessing a storage unit of the blockchain system 3 server or the like that stores such information at a predetermined timing, and when the block is added to the blockchain, it may be sent from the blockchain system 3 to the control unit 210. Also, information indicating that a predetermined number of blocks have been added after the block containing a transaction related to a specific paid processing (in other words, information used for the determination in step S28) may be obtained, for example, by the control unit 210 accessing a storage unit of the blockchain system 3 server or the like that stores such information at a predetermined timing, and when a predetermined number of blocks have been added after the block containing a transaction related to a specific paid processing, it may be sent from the blockchain system 3 to the control unit 210.

[0179] In this embodiment, items, cryptocurrencies, tokens, and various logics (in other words, smart contracts) managed on the blockchain may be managed on the same blockchain, or some may be managed on different blockchains. Furthermore, the hashes used for various processes may be hashes from the same blockchain, or hashes from other blockchains. Existing blockchains such as Ethereum or Bitcoin may be used. In addition, NFTs corresponding to items A and B (in other words, NFT-enabled items A and B) may be able to be bridged from the blockchain on which they were issued to other blockchains.

[0180] Furthermore, each configuration according to this embodiment can also be applied to content other than the game according to this embodiment (in other words, a service).

[0181] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its essence. Within the scope of the invention, it is possible to freely combine each component, modify any component, or omit any component. Furthermore, the processing flow described herein is merely an example, and the order and configuration of each process may differ. In addition, some of the various judgment processes described herein may not exist. In other words, the processing flow and specific judgment processes may differ from those exemplified herein.

[0182] <Note> The matters described in the above embodiments may also be described as follows:

[0183] (Note 1) Computers, This system functions as an execution means (e.g., control unit 210) that executes a specific process that generates an event in a virtual world, requiring payment in cryptocurrency managed on a blockchain, after a user operation related to the execution of the specific process has been performed, but before the payment is completed. program. With this configuration, it becomes possible to execute specific processes that require cryptocurrency payment without waiting for the settlement to be completed. This shortens the time between a user's action and the execution of a specific process, thereby improving the user experience in the virtual world.

[0184] (Note 2) The execution means checks whether the user possesses the amount of virtual currency required for the specific process, and if it is confirmed that the user possesses it, it executes the specific process. The program described in Appendix 1. With this configuration, the system checks in advance whether the user possesses the required amount of cryptocurrency for a particular process before executing it. This reduces the time between a user's action and the occurrence of an event in the virtual world, while also reducing the probability that a settlement related to a particular process will not be completed.

[0185] (Note 3) The execution means executes the specific process when a block containing information relating to the payment of the consideration for the specific process is added to the blockchain. The program described in Appendix 1. The creation and addition of a block to the blockchain indicates that the user's actions related to the execution of a specific process are not fraudulent and that the user has a strong intention to pay. Furthermore, even if the block is destroyed due to a fork or other event, there is a high probability that the settlement will be successfully completed by another block. Therefore, this configuration significantly reduces the probability of a settlement not being completed while shortening the time between a user's action and the execution of a specific process and the occurrence of an event in the virtual world.

[0186] (Note 4) The execution means executes a second process, which is a process that generates an event in the virtual world, is different from the specific process, and requires payment of the virtual currency, after the settlement is completed. The program described in Appendix 1. With this configuration, among the multiple processes that generate events in the virtual world and require payment in virtual currency, it is possible to improve user comfort by shortening the time between the user's action and the event occurring for some processes, while preventing situations where payment cannot be collected by performing the process without receiving compensation.

[0187] (Note 5) Computers, If the aforementioned specific process is executed before the settlement is completed, and the settlement is not completed thereafter, the settlement means (e.g., control unit 210) is configured to perform the settlement of the uncompleted settlement during the next execution of the aforementioned specific process. The program described in Appendix 1. This configuration prevents specific processes from being executed one after another without payment being made.

[0188] (Note 6) The execution means executes the specific process after the operation is performed but before the payment is completed, if the parameter indicating the user's creditworthiness satisfies specific conditions. The program described in Appendix 1. With this configuration, it is possible to differentiate whether or not to perform certain processes before the completion of payment, depending on the user's creditworthiness.

[0189] (Note 7) Computers, If the aforementioned specific process is executed before the payment is completed, and the payment is subsequently not completed, the control unit (e.g., 210) will function as a loss mechanism that causes the user to lose at least a portion of the benefits enjoyed by the user as a result of the execution of the aforementioned specific process. The program according to claim 1. This configuration makes it possible to prevent users from enjoying benefits from performing specific processes without paying any compensation.

[0190] (Note 8) The aforementioned specific process is a process that changes the parameters of a specific object within the virtual world. The program described in one of the appendices 1 through 7. This configuration makes it possible to shorten the time between a user's action and a change in the parameters of an object in the virtual world.

[0191] (Note 9) The system includes an execution means (e.g., a control unit 210) that executes a specific process that generates an event in a virtual world, requiring payment in cryptocurrency managed on a blockchain, after a user operation related to the execution of the specific process has been performed, but before the payment is completed. Information processing system. With this configuration, the same effects as the program described in Appendix 1 can be achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0192] 1 Game system, 3 Blockchain system, 10 Terminal device, 11 Processor, 12 Memory, 13 Storage, 14 Communication IF, 15 Input / Output IF, 17 Input unit, 18 Display unit, 20 Server, 21 Processor, 22 Memory, 23 Storage, 24 Communication IF, 25 Input / Output IF, 30 Node device, 31 Processor, 32 Memory, 33 Storage, 34 Communication IF, 35 Input / Output IF, 110 Control unit, 111 Operation reception unit, 112 Transmit / receive unit, 113 Terminal processing unit, 114 Display control unit, 120 Memory unit, 210 Control unit, 211 Transmit / receive unit, 212 Game control unit, 213 Asset management unit, 214 Market management unit, 220 Memory unit, 231 Virtual space management unit, 233 Reward distribution unit, 310 Control unit, 320 Memory unit

Claims

1. Computers, An execution means that performs a process that generates an event in a virtual world, which requires payment in a cryptocurrency managed on a blockchain, based on user operations related to the execution of the said specific process, Based on the user's operation, a transaction transmission means is configured to generate a transaction for the payment of virtual currency related to the execution of the specific process and transmit it to the blockchain network. When the block containing the transaction is added to the blockchain, or when a predetermined number of blocks are appended to the block, the settlement for the payment of cryptocurrency related to the execution of the specific process is completed. The aforementioned specific process includes a process that allows the user to obtain a specific object, and a process that changes the parameters of the aforementioned specific object. The execution means executes the process of allowing the user to acquire the specific object after waiting for the payment to be completed, and executes the process of changing the parameters of the specific object without waiting for the payment to be completed. program.

2. An execution means that performs a process that generates an event in a virtual world, which requires payment in a cryptocurrency managed on a blockchain, based on user operations related to the execution of the said specific process, The system includes a transaction transmission means that generates a transaction for the payment of virtual currency related to the execution of the specific process based on the user's operation and transmits it to the blockchain network, When the block containing the transaction is added to the blockchain, or when a predetermined number of blocks are appended to the block, the settlement for the payment of cryptocurrency related to the execution of the specific process is completed. The aforementioned specific process includes a process that allows the user to obtain a specific object, and a process that changes the parameters of the aforementioned specific object. The execution means executes the process of allowing the user to acquire the specific object after waiting for the payment to be completed, and executes the process of changing the parameters of the specific object without waiting for the payment to be completed. Information processing system.

Images