Game System

Abstract

To provide a game system that can increase user interest in poles and pole advertisements using gamification techniques.SOLUTION: A game system 1 obtains pole information or advertisement information from a two-dimensional code 31 of a pole information recording panel 3 or a two-dimensional code 211 of a pole advertisement 21 by a mobile communication terminal 4 and transmits it to a game server 5. Based on the pole information or advertisement information, the game server 5 determines whether or not a pole 2 from which a user U obtained the pole information or advertisement information is a preset target pole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a game system using gamification techniques.

Background Art

[0002] Utility pole advertisements are those that conduct publicity and advertising by attaching a signboard or the like to utility poles installed in large numbers on public roads and the like. They are easily noticed by many people and are widely recognized as one of the effective advertising means. To obtain a more effective publicity and advertising effect through such utility pole advertisements, it is necessary to attract the attention of pedestrians and the like to the utility pole advertisements or the utility poles themselves.

[0003] By the way, as one of the methods for changing the user's awareness, a method called gamification is known. Gamification is a method of incorporating game elements into fields other than games so that users can engage in the relevant field while having fun. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a game system in which game events are generated according to the moving position of a player, and a utility pole is used as one of the event generation positions where the event occurs. Although the invention described in Patent Document 1 is not related to gamification, by using the utility pole as the event generation position, it is possible to guide the user close to the utility pole.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the game system described in Patent Document 1 sets a detection range of 10m or more in diameter around the event occurrence location, and determines that the user has moved to the event occurrence location when the user enters this detection range. In other words, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, the utility pole is only used as a base point for the user's detection range, and therefore it is not possible to increase the user's interest in utility poles and utility pole advertisements.

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a game system that can increase user interest in utility poles and utility pole advertisements by utilizing gamification techniques. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problem, the invention of claim 1 allows the user to reach a utility pole Information A game system used in a game to acquire, wherein the game system is installed on the utility pole Including advertisements on utility poles The system comprises a means for recording utility pole information, the user's mobile communication terminal, and a server capable of communicating with the mobile communication terminal, wherein the mobile communication terminal is connected to the utility pole information recording means. Utility pole advertisements included from Advertising Information Obtained the obtained, and the aforementioned Advertising Information and user identification information Advertisement acquisition information The user Information acquired utility poles advertisement The system includes a utility pole acquisition means that transmits to the server, and the server includes a target utility pole setting means that sets at least one target utility pole from among a plurality of utility poles in a predetermined game area, and the mobile communication terminal Advertisement acquisition information Received, received A utility pole information database in which the advertising information of the acquired advertising information and the utility pole information and the advertising information related to the utility pole are stored in association, Based on this, the user Information Acquired Utility pole advertisements are installed. The utility pole is processed as an acquired utility pole, and the acquired utility pole Whether or not it is a target utility pole set by the aforementioned target utility pole setting means The system comprises a target utility pole determination means for determining whether or not it is the target utility pole, and a determination result notification means for transmitting the determination result of whether or not it is the target utility pole to the mobile communication terminal. The target utility pole determination means, if there are multiple utility poles that have the same utility pole advertisement as the one from which the user obtained information, processes the multiple utility poles that have the same utility pole advertisement as the one from which the user obtained information as acquired utility poles, and determines whether or not the acquired utility pole is the target utility pole. It is characterized by the following:

[0008] The invention of claim 2 is, A game system used in a game in which a user acquires information about utility poles, the game system comprising: a utility pole information recording means provided on the utility pole; the user's mobile communication terminal; and a server capable of communicating with the mobile communication terminal, wherein the mobile communication terminal comprises: a utility pole acquisition means that acquires utility pole information relating to the utility pole from the utility pole information recording means and transmits the acquired utility pole acquisition information, including the acquired utility pole information and user identification information, to the server as a utility pole from which the user has acquired information; and the server comprises: a target utility pole setting means that sets at least one target utility pole from among a plurality of utility poles in a predetermined game area; and a target utility pole setting means that receives the utility pole acquisition information from the mobile communication terminal and, based on the utility pole information of the received utility pole acquisition information, selects a utility pole from which the user has acquired information. The system includes: a target utility pole determination means that processes the acquired utility pole as an acquired utility pole and determines whether or not it is a target utility pole based on whether or not it is a target utility pole set by the target utility pole setting means; a determination result notification means that transmits the determination result of whether or not it is a target utility pole to the mobile communication terminal; and a point awarding means that awards points to the user according to the frequency of the user's participation in the game or the user's performance in acquiring target utility poles. The system is characterized by cooperating with other game systems or other point systems to award points from the other game systems or other point systems to the user, or to exchange the user's points for points from the other game systems or other point systems. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the invention of claim 1, users will observe utility poles more closely in order to obtain information about them, thus increasing their interest in utility poles and the advertisements attached to them.

[0013] Also , Yu Since users will start observing utility pole advertisements more closely in order to acquire advertising information, it is possible to increase user interest in utility pole advertisements and utility poles on which advertisements are attached.

[0014] moreover , electric When advertising information is obtained from a pole advertisement, other utility poles with the same advertisement attached are treated as already acquired poles. This creates an incentive to acquire advertising information, further increasing user interest in utility pole advertisements.

[0015] Also, Claim 2 According to this invention, points are awarded to users based on the frequency of their participation in the game and their success in acquiring target utility poles, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game and raising interest in utility poles and utility pole advertisements.

[0016] moreover , others By linking with other game systems, it is possible to award users with points from other game systems, or to exchange users' points for points from other game systems. This allows users to effectively utilize the points they earn, increasing the enjoyment of the game and raising interest in utility poles and utility pole advertisements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a schematic configuration diagram of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the outline of a hide-and-seek game held in the game system. [Figure 3] This is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a mobile communication terminal. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a game server. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing the data configuration of a utility pole information database. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the data configuration of a user information database. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the data configuration of a point information database. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing the progress procedure of a hide-and-seek game. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the game screen at the start of a hide-and-seek game. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing the game screen when searching for a target utility pole based on utility pole information. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing the game screen when searching for a target utility pole based on advertisement information. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing the game screen when a target utility pole is discovered based on utility pole information. [Figure 13] This is a schematic configuration diagram showing the state where the game server is linked with another game system.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the illustrated embodiments.

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a game system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Game system 1 of this embodiment is a game system that can increase user interest in utility poles and utility pole advertisements by utilizing gamification techniques. Game system 1 provides a hide-and-seek game in which the user playing the game walks outdoors and finds a target utility pole, thereby increasing the user's interest in utility poles and utility pole advertisements.

[0020] Game System 1 is operated by, for example, a power company D whose business includes the installation of utility poles and the provision of utility pole advertisements. Game System 1 consists of a utility pole information recording panel (utility pole information recording means) 3 installed on the outer surface of a utility pole 2 and multiple users U (U1~U) who play a hide-and-seek game. n ) Mobile communication terminal 4 (41~4 n The system comprises a mobile communication terminal 4 and a game server (hereinafter also referred to as the server) 5 that can communicate with the mobile communication terminal 4. The mobile communication terminal 4 communicates with the server 5 via a communication network NW. The communication network NW is, for example, a public communication network such as a mobile phone network or the internet.

[0021] Utility pole 2 is, for example, a utility pole installed by power company D, and a utility pole advertisement 21 created by power company D at the request of an advertiser is attached to its outer surface. Utility pole advertisements include sleeve advertisements that are installed so as to protrude from the side of utility pole 2, and wrap advertisements that are installed so as to wrap around the outer surface of utility pole 2, and the illustrated utility pole advertisement 21 is a wrap advertisement.

[0022] The utility pole advertisement 21 contains advertising information related to the advertisement content (such as the advertiser's name, address, telephone number, email address, business description, slogan, and URL of the advertiser's website) in text, numbers, etc. In addition to the aforementioned advertising information, the utility pole advertisement 211 also contains a two-dimensional code (for example, a QR code (registered trademark)) 211 that records the information of the utility pole 2 on which the utility pole advertisement 21 is installed. By reading the two-dimensional code 211 with the camera built into the mobile communication terminal 4, the advertiser's website can be displayed on the mobile communication terminal 4's web browser.

[0023] The utility pole information recording panel 3 is a panel that displays utility pole information related to utility pole 2 using a two-dimensional code 31, and is installed by the power company D. The utility pole information displayed by the two-dimensional code 31 includes, for example, the utility pole number (e.g., "○○ Main No. 1 M1") and utility pole location information (latitude, longitude). Because the utility pole information recording panel 3 is smaller in size than the roll-up advertisement type utility pole advertisement 21, it is attached to the outer surface of utility pole 2 using adhesive or double-sided tape.

[0024] The utility pole information recording panel 3 is attached to a utility pole 2 that is intended to attract the attention of pedestrians. The utility pole 2 that is intended to attract attention is a utility pole on which a utility pole advertisement 21 is attached. By attaching the utility pole information recording panel 3 to such a utility pole 2, users U playing the hide-and-seek game will draw their attention to the utility pole advertisement 21 and the utility pole 2 itself, thereby improving the advertising effectiveness of the utility pole advertisement 21.

[0025] The mobile communication terminal 4 is a so-called smartphone, and has the game application program 421 (see Figure 3) that constitutes the game system 1 of this embodiment installed on it. User U starts the game application program (hereinafter also called the game app) 421 and accesses the server 5, and plays the hide-and-seek game hosted by the server 5.

[0026] Server 5 is a so-called server-type computer device and has the game management program 531 (see Figure 5), which constitutes the game system 1 of this embodiment, installed on it. Through the processing of the game management program (hereinafter also referred to as the management program) 531, Server 5 plans and holds a hide-and-seek game in which at least one user U can participate, and manages the progress of the held game.

[0027] Figure 2 shows an overview of the hide-and-seek game held in game system 1. When server 5 receives play request information from a predetermined number of users U's mobile communication terminals 4, it determines the game start time, sets the game area, game duration, target utility pole, etc. according to the number of participants, and starts the hide-and-seek game.

[0028] User U, playing the hide-and-seek game, walks around within the game area set by Server 5 and uses the game application 421 to obtain utility pole information from the utility pole information recording panel 3. Specifically, the game application 421 uses the camera, which is standard on the mobile communication terminal 4, to photograph the 2D code 31 on the utility pole information recording panel 3 and reads the utility pole information from the 2D code in the captured image. The utility pole acquisition information, including the read utility pole information and User U's user ID (user identification information), is transmitted from the mobile communication terminal 4 to Server 5.

[0029] Additionally, user U can use the game app 421 to photograph the 2D code 211 on the utility pole advertisement 21 and read the advertisement information from the 2D code in the photographed image. The read advertisement information, along with user U's user ID, is transmitted from the mobile communication terminal 4 to the server 5.

[0030] Server 5 receives the utility pole acquisition information transmitted from the mobile communication terminal 4 and identifies the utility pole 2 acquired by user U based on the utility pole information contained in the acquisition information. Server 5 also determines whether the acquired utility pole 2 is the target utility pole and transmits the determination result to the mobile communication terminal 4. If the acquired utility pole 2 is the target utility pole, a predetermined number of points are awarded to user U.

[0031] In Figure 2, reference numeral 6 indicates an example of a game screen displayed on the mobile communication terminal of user U, who is playing a hide-and-seek game. User U plays the game while checking the game screen 6, which displays the game's progress. The game screen 6 includes a map display unit 61, a game status display unit 62 located at the lower left of the map display unit 61, an operation unit 63 located at the lower right of the map display unit 61, and a utility pole information display unit 64 located at the top of the map display unit 61.

[0032] The map display unit 61 displays a map of the game area and its surroundings, which can be zoomed in and out as desired. The map also displays roads, railway lines, buildings, and utility poles 2, indicated by circles. In the diagram, utility poles 2a with their interiors filled in indicate target utility poles found by user U. In the diagram, utility poles 2b with an "X" mark indicate utility poles that user U has confirmed are not target utility poles. This allows user U to easily distinguish between acquired target utility poles and those that have already been confirmed.

[0033] Furthermore, the map display unit 61 displays a user mark 611 indicating the user U's current location. In addition, a dashed line frame 612 is displayed around the utility pole 2c before the user U acquires and transmits the acquired utility pole information, allowing the user to confirm its location on the map.

[0034] The game status display unit 62 displays the progress of the game. For example, the game status display unit 62 displays the set number of target utility poles, the number of participants in the game, the number of utility poles acquired by user U, the number of points acquired, and the remaining game time. User U plays the game while checking the game status display unit 62 and acquires the target utility poles. The items displayed on the game status display unit 62 will be changed as appropriate depending on the type of hide-and-seek game described later.

[0035] The control unit 63 is equipped with an acquisition button 631, which is operated when acquiring utility pole information or advertising information for utility pole 2, and a transmission button 632, which sends the acquired utility pole information or advertising information to the server 5. The cancellation button 633 is operated when the acquired utility pole information or advertising information is to be discarded without being sent to the server 5.

[0036] The utility pole information display unit 64 displays the acquired utility pole information. Figure 2 shows the state where the utility pole number is displayed among the acquired utility pole information. In addition, if advertising information is acquired by the mobile communication terminal 4, the utility pole information of the utility pole 2 on which the utility pole advertisement 21 containing that advertising information is installed will be displayed on the utility pole information display unit 64. Furthermore, if a utility pole 2 displayed on the map display unit 61 is touched, the utility pole information of that utility pole 2 may also be displayed on the utility pole information display unit 64.

[0037] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the mobile communication terminal 4. The mobile communication terminal 4 mainly comprises a touch panel display 41, a storage unit 42, memory 43, a location information receiving unit 44, a camera 45, a communication unit 46, a main task 47, and a central processing unit 48 that controls these units.

[0038] The touch panel display 41 is a device in which a touch panel is superimposed on a display panel such as an LCD display. The touch panel display 41 receives touch operations from user U and inputs information to the mobile communication terminal 4, and also displays the information entered by the touch operation and the processing results of the mobile communication terminal 4.

[0039] The memory unit 42 is a memory area / storage device equipped with the function of storing various information, programs, and data, and is composed of flash ROM (Read Only Memory) that allows data to be read and written. The memory unit 42 stores the operating system for controlling the overall operation of the mobile communication terminal 4, as well as the game application 421. The game application 421 stores the user ID and password that were set when the user registered by accessing the server 5 at the time of initial startup.

[0040] Memory 43 is a memory area / storage device that has the function of being a working area for temporarily storing information and data generated when the central processing unit 48 executes various processes of the game application 421, and is composed of, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0041] The location information receiving unit 44 is a communication interface that receives location information from positioning satellites that constitute a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), such as GPS (Global Positioning System). In this embodiment, the location information receiving unit 44 is used to obtain the location information of user U in the hide-and-seek game.

[0042] Camera 45 is a so-called digital camera, consisting of an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS and an imaging lens. In this embodiment, camera 45 is used when acquiring utility pole information from the two-dimensional code 31 of the utility pole information recording panel 3 and when acquiring advertising information from the two-dimensional code 211 of the utility pole advertisement 21.

[0043] The communication unit 46 is a communication interface equipped with the function of transmitting and receiving / inputting signals and information transmitted via a communication network NW. Although not shown in detail in the diagram, the communication unit 46 includes a wide-area wireless communication unit, a wireless LAN communication unit, and a short-range wireless communication unit. The wide-area wireless communication unit is a communication circuit that performs LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication via a mobile phone communication network. The wireless LAN communication unit is a communication circuit that performs communication via wireless LANs installed in homes, public facilities, accommodations, etc. Furthermore, the short-range wireless communication unit is a communication circuit that performs communication over short distances of a few meters using Bluetooth® or the like.

[0044] The main task 47 is a group of tasks that perform various processes for the hide-and-seek game, which are realized when the game application 421 stored in the memory unit 42 is executed by the central processing unit 48.

[0045] The central processing unit 48 has functions to control and manage each part that makes up the mobile communication terminal 4, and for example, it is composed of a central processing unit (CPU). The central processing unit 48 implements each function according to the operating system and game application 421 stored in the memory unit 42.

[0046] The mobile communication terminal 4 performs various processes for user U to acquire the utility pole 2 in the hide-and-seek game. This process is performed by a main task 47, which consists of a game application 421 stored in the memory unit 42 being executed by the central processing unit 48. The main task 47 includes a startup task 471, a play request task 472, a game screen display task 473, a utility pole acquisition task (utility pole acquisition means) 474, and the like.

[0047] The startup task 471 is responsible for starting the game application 421 and automatically logging into the server 5. When an operation to start the game application 421 is performed on the mobile communication terminal 4, the startup task 471 starts the game application 421 and sends the user ID and password to the server 5 to perform automatic login. The startup task 471 also displays an initial screen on the touch panel display 41. The initial screen displays, for example, the cumulative number of points earned from games played in the past, a game selection button to select the type of game to play, a start play button to request the server 5 to start the game, and a logout button to log out of the server 5.

[0048] The game selection button allows you to choose from, for example, games 1 through 5. In game 1, multiple users U participate, and the first user U to find the target utility pole set by server 5 within the designated game area wins. In game 2, multiple users U participate, and the user U who finds the most target utility poles set by server 5 within the designated game area wins.

[0049] In the third game, multiple users U participate, and the first other user U to find a target utility pole set by one user U within a designated game area wins. If the target utility pole is not found, the user U who set the target utility pole wins. In the fourth game, multiple users U participate, and the most other users U who find multiple target utility poles set by one user U within a designated game area wins. If none of the target utility poles are found, the user U who set the target utility poles wins.

[0050] In the fifth game, the winner is determined by finding the target utility pole set by Server 5 within the designated game area. In other words, the fifth game can be played by User U alone. This allows players to enjoy the game at their own pace while taking a walk, without worrying about the presence of other users.

[0051] Furthermore, the types and content of the games are not limited to the first to fifth games described above. As long as the basic gameplay of finding a target utility pole whose location is unknown is achieved, the types and content of the games can be changed or added as appropriate.

[0052] The play request task 472 is a task for requesting server 5 to participate in (start) the selected hide-and-seek game. When the play start button is pressed on the initial screen, the play request task 472 sends play request information to server 5, which includes the user ID, location information obtained by the location information receiving unit 44, and the type of game selected.

[0053] The game screen display task 473 is a task for displaying the game screen 6 on the mobile communication terminal 4 of user U, who is participating in the hide-and-seek game. As shown in Figure 2, the game screen 6 is a screen for displaying the progress of the hide-and-seek game. The game screen display task 473 updates the game screen 6 as needed according to the progress of the hide-and-seek game.

[0054] The utility pole acquisition task 474 is the task for acquiring utility pole 2 in the hide-and-seek game. When the acquisition button 631 is operated on the game screen 6, the utility pole acquisition task 474 activates the camera 45 and takes a picture of the utility pole information recording panel 3 of utility pole 2. The utility pole acquisition task 474 also reads the utility pole information of utility pole 2 from the 2D code 31 of the captured image. The read utility pole information is displayed on the utility pole information display unit 64 on the game screen 6. When the send button 632 is operated on the game screen 6, the utility pole acquisition task 474 sends the read utility pole information and the user ID, along with the utility pole acquisition information, to the server 5.

[0055] Furthermore, when the acquisition button 631 is operated on the game screen 6, the utility pole acquisition task 474 activates the camera 45 and takes a picture of the 2D code 211 of the utility pole advertisement 21. The utility pole acquisition task 474 also reads the advertisement information of the utility pole advertisement from the 2D code 211 of the captured image. The utility pole information contained in the read advertisement information is displayed on the utility pole information display unit 64 on the game screen 6. When the send button 632 is operated on the game screen 6, the utility pole acquisition task 474 sends the read advertisement information and the advertisement acquisition information, including the user ID, to the server 5.

[0056] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of server 5. Server 5 mainly comprises an input unit 51, a display unit 52, a storage unit 53, a memory 54, a communication unit 55, a main task 56, and a central processing unit 57 that controls these units.

[0057] The input unit 51 is an interface that has the function of inputting information to the server 5 in response to commands from the server administrator, and is composed of, for example, a keyboard and a mouse.

[0058] The display unit 52 has functions such as displaying information input via the input unit 51 and displaying the processing results as a server 5, and is configured, for example, as a liquid crystal display.

[0059] The memory unit 53 is a memory area / storage device equipped with the function of storing various information, programs, and data, and is composed of, for example, a hard disk. The memory unit 53 stores the operating system for controlling the overall operation of the server 5, as well as the management program 531. The memory unit 53 also stores the utility pole information database 532, the user information database 533, and the point information database 534.

[0060] The utility pole information database 532 stores information on multiple utility poles 2. As shown in Figure 5, the utility pole information database 532 stores, for each utility pole 2, the utility pole number, utility pole location information, advertising information, target utility pole correspondence information, and points in association.

[0061] The advertising information contains the advertising details of the installed utility pole advertisement 21. The advertising information includes the advertiser's name, address, telephone number, email address, business description, advertising slogan, and the URL of the advertiser's website, as displayed on the utility pole advertisement 21.

[0062] The target pole information stores information about whether or not the pole 2 can be set as a target pole. Examples of poles 2 that cannot be set as target poles include those installed on private property, or those located in places that are difficult or dangerous for user U to approach. Such poles 2 will not be set as target poles. This helps to prevent problems from occurring when user U enters private property.

[0063] The points in the utility pole information database 532 indicate the number of points awarded to user U when the utility pole 2 is acquired as a target utility pole. The number of points awarded when a target utility pole is acquired may be the same for all utility poles 2, or different points may be awarded for each utility pole 2. For example, utility poles with advertisements or utility poles located in hard-to-find locations for user U may be awarded higher points. Conversely, utility poles without advertisements or utility poles located in hard-to-find locations for user U may be awarded lower points.

[0064] The user information database 533 stores information about multiple users U. As shown in Figure 6, the user information database 533 stores a user ID, password, name, and email address associated with each user U.

[0065] The points information database 534 stores the points awarded to user U. As shown in Figure 7, the points information database 534 stores the user ID, the number of points awarded, and the date and time the points were awarded for each user U. The points information database 534 also stores the cumulative number of points for each user U. The points information database 534 is updated whenever user U participates in the hide-and-seek game and points are awarded or revoked.

[0066] Memory 54 is a memory / device that has the function of being a working area for temporarily storing information and data generated when the central processing unit 57 executes various processes of the management program 531, and is composed of RAM, for example. Communication unit 55 is a communication interface that has the function of sending and receiving / inputting signals and information transmitted via the communication network NW.

[0067] The main task 56 is a group of tasks that perform various processes in the utility pole acquisition game, which are realized when the management program 531 stored in the memory unit 53 is executed by the central processing unit 57.

[0068] The central processing unit 57 has functions to control and manage each part that makes up the server 5, and for example, it is composed of a CPU. The central processing unit 57 implements each function according to the operating system and management program 531 stored in the memory unit 53.

[0069] Server 5 hosts and runs the utility pole acquisition game and performs various processes to award points to user U according to the utility poles 2 acquired. This process is carried out by a main task 56, which consists of a management program 531 stored in the memory unit 53 being executed by the central processing unit 57. The main task 56 includes an authentication task 561, a game hosting task (target utility pole setting means) 562, a target utility pole determination task (target utility pole determination means) 563, a point awarding task (point awarding means) 564, and a determination result notification task (determination result notification means) 565, etc.

[0070] The authentication task 561 is a task that receives the user ID and password transmitted by the startup task 471 of the mobile communication terminal 4, compares them with the user information database 533, and performs authentication processing.

[0071] The game hosting task 562 is responsible for hosting and managing the progress of a hide-and-seek game in response to play request information transmitted by the play request task 472 on the mobile communication terminal 4. When the game hosting task 562 receives play request information from the mobile communication terminals 4 of a predetermined number of users U located within a predetermined area, it identifies those users U as participants in the game. The game hosting task 562 also determines the game hosting time and sets game conditions such as the game area, game time, and target utility pole, according to the number of participants. The game area indicates the area where the utility pole acquisition game is held, and the game time is the play time for the utility pole acquisition game.

[0072] The target utility poles are set according to the type of game being played. If the game is the first or fifth game described above, one target utility pole is set within the game area. If the game is the second game described above, multiple target utility poles are set within the game area. Furthermore, if the game is the third or fourth game described above, a number of target utility poles set by a user are set within the game area.

[0073] The game hosting task 562 sends the set game conditions to the mobile communication terminal 4 of user U who sent the play request information, and accepts the final intention to participate in the game. When the game hosting task 562 is about to start the game, it starts the hide-and-seek game and ends the hide-and-seek game after the game time has elapsed. The game area and game time set as game conditions may be set so that the game area is large and the game time is long when there are many participants, and so that the game area is small and the game time is short when there are few participants. Similarly, if the type of game is the second or fourth game described above, the number of target utility poles may be set to be large when there are many participants, and so that the number of target utility poles may be set to be small when there are few participants.

[0074] The target utility pole determination task 563 determines whether the utility pole 2 acquired by user U is a target utility pole, based on the utility pole information of the utility pole acquisition information received from the mobile communication terminal 4. Specifically, the target utility pole determination task 563 compares the utility pole information of the received utility pole acquisition information with the utility pole information database 532 to identify the utility pole 2 acquired by user U and processes the identified utility pole 2 as an acquired utility pole. The target utility pole determination task 563 also determines whether the acquired utility pole is a target utility pole set in the game hosting task 562. Information regarding acquired utility poles is temporarily stored in memory 54 or the like and used to confirm if the same utility pole 2 is acquired in the same game. If the same utility pole 2 is acquired in the same game, it is desirable that a message indicating this is sent to the mobile communication terminal 4.

[0075] Furthermore, the target utility pole determination task 563 determines whether the utility pole 2 acquired by user U is a target utility pole based on the advertising information of the advertising acquisition information received from the mobile communication terminal 4. Specifically, the target utility pole determination task 563 compares the advertising information of the received advertising acquisition information with the utility pole information database 532 to identify the utility pole 2 on which the utility pole advertisement 21 containing that advertising information is installed, and processes the identified utility pole 2 as an acquired utility pole. The target utility pole determination task 563 also determines whether the acquired utility pole is a target utility pole set in the game hosting task 562.

[0076] The target utility pole determination task 563 processes multiple utility poles 2 that have the same utility pole advertisement 21 as the one acquired by user U as acquired utility poles 21, and determines whether the acquired utility poles are the target utility poles. In other words, advertisers may install the same utility pole advertisement 21 on multiple utility poles 2 to increase the advertising effect. In such cases, by treating multiple utility poles 2 as acquired when user U acquires one piece of advertising information, user U will be encouraged to actively acquire advertising information from utility pole advertisements 21. That is, by creating an incentive that it is advantageous to acquire advertising information, user U's interest in utility pole advertisements 21 can be increased.

[0077] The point awarding task 564 is a task for awarding points to user U based on the determination result of the target utility pole determination task 563. If the utility pole 2 acquired by user U is the target utility pole, the point awarding task 564 awards points to user U based on the user ID of the utility pole acquisition information or advertisement acquisition information, which are registered in the utility pole information database 532. Specifically, the point awarding task 564 awards points to user U by storing the points it has awarded in the point information database 534.

[0078] The judgment result notification task 565 transmits the judgment result of the target utility pole judgment task 563 and point awarding information indicating the point awarding result of the point awarding task 564 to the user U's mobile communication terminal 4. The game screen display task 473 of the mobile communication terminal 4 changes the display content of the game screen 6 based on the judgment result of the target utility pole judgment task 563. Specifically, if the utility pole 2 acquired by user U is the target utility pole, the circle mark indicating utility pole 2 is filled in. If the utility pole 2 acquired by user U is not the target utility pole, an X mark is added to utility pole 2. The game screen display task 473 changes the number of points in the game status display section 62 of the game screen 6 based on the point awarding information.

[0079] Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be explained in accordance with the flowchart shown in Figure 8 and the game screens 6 shown in Figures 9 to 12. User U operates the mobile communication terminal 4 to launch the game application 421 (step S1). The launch task 471 sends the user ID and password to the server 5 to perform automatic login (step S2).

[0080] The authentication task 561 of server 5 performs authentication by comparing the received user ID and password with the user information database 533 (step S3).

[0081] When user U selects a type of hide-and-seek game by operating the game selection button displayed on the initial screen of the mobile communication terminal 4 and then operates the play start button (step S4), the play request task 472 sends play request information, including the user ID, location information, and the selected game type, to the server 5 (step S5). In this embodiment, we will describe the case where a first game is selected as the type of hide-and-seek game in which multiple users U participate, and the first user U to find the target utility pole set by the server 5 within a predetermined game area is the winner.

[0082] When the game hosting task 562 of server 5 receives play request information from a predetermined number of user U mobile communication terminals 4 located within a predetermined area, it identifies those user U as players participating in the game. The game hosting task 562 also determines the game start time and sets game conditions such as the game area, game duration, and target utility pole according to the number of participants (step S6).

[0083] The game hosting task 562 sends the set game conditions to the mobile communication terminal 4 of user U who sent the play request information, and accepts the final intention to participate in the game (step S7). The game hosting task 562 starts the hide-and-seek game when the game hosting time arrives and ends the hide-and-seek game after the game time has elapsed.

[0084] The game screen display task 473 of the mobile communication terminal 4 displays the game screen 6 on the touch panel display 41 (step S8). The game screen display task 473 also updates the game screen 6 as needed according to the progress of the utility pole acquisition game.

[0085] Figure 9 shows the state of the game screen 6 at the start of the game. At the start of the game, the map display unit 61 has a small map scale, showing a wide area. The map display unit 61 also displays a user mark 611 indicating the user U's current location and the set game area 613. User U searches for the target utility pole by appropriately changing the map scale on the map display unit 61.

[0086] When the acquisition button 631 is operated on the game screen 6, the utility pole acquisition task 474 activates the camera 45 and takes a picture of the utility pole information recording panel 3 of utility pole 2. The utility pole acquisition task 474 also reads the utility pole information of utility pole 2 from the 2D code 31 of the captured image. The read utility pole information is displayed on the utility pole information display unit 64 on the game screen 6 (step S9). When the transmit button 632 is operated on the game screen 6, the utility pole acquisition task 474 sends the read utility pole information and the user ID, along with the utility pole acquisition information, to the server 5 (step S10).

[0087] The target utility pole determination task 563 compares the received utility pole acquisition information with the utility pole information database 532 to identify utility pole 2 acquired by user U, and processes the identified utility pole 2 as an acquired utility pole. The target utility pole determination task 563 also determines whether the acquired utility pole is the target utility pole set in the game hosting task 562 (step S11).

[0088] The point awarding task 564 awards points to user U based on the determination result of the target utility pole determination task 563 (step S12). The determination result notification task 565 transmits the determination result of the target utility pole determination task 563 and point awarding information indicating the point awarding result of the point awarding task 564 to user U's mobile communication terminal 4 (step S13). The game screen display task 473 of the mobile communication terminal 4 changes the display content of the game screen 6 based on the determination result of the target utility pole determination task 563 and the point awarding information (step S14).

[0089] Figure 10 shows the result of the user U obtaining the pole information of pole 2c through steps S9 to S14 described above, and determining whether or not this pole 2c is the target pole. As shown in game screen 6, in this embodiment, pole 2d is set as the target pole. Therefore, since pole 2c is not the target pole, an "X" mark is displayed on pole 2c in game screen 6.

[0090] When the acquisition button 631 is operated on the game screen 6, the utility pole acquisition task 474 activates the camera 45 and takes a picture of the 2D code 211 of the utility pole advertisement 21. The utility pole acquisition task 474 also reads the advertisement information of the utility pole advertisement from the 2D code 211 of the captured image. The utility pole information contained in the read advertisement information is displayed on the utility pole information display unit 64 on the game screen 6 (step S15). When the send button 632 is operated on the game screen 6, the utility pole acquisition task 474 sends the advertisement acquisition information, including the read advertisement information and the user ID, to the server 5 (step S16).

[0091] The target utility pole determination task 563 of server 5 compares the advertisement information of the received advertisement acquisition information with the utility pole information database 532, identifies the utility pole 2 on which the utility pole advertisement 21 containing that advertisement information is installed, and processes the identified utility pole 2 as an acquired utility pole. The target utility pole determination task 563 also determines whether the acquired utility pole is the target utility pole set in the game hosting task 562 (step S17).

[0092] In step S17, similar to step S12, points are awarded to user U based on the result of the target utility pole determination task 563. Also, in step S19, similar to step S13, the result of the target utility pole determination task 563 and the point awarding information are transmitted to user U's mobile communication terminal 4. In step S20, similar to step S14, the display content of the game screen 6 is changed based on the result of the target utility pole determination task 563 and the point awarding information.

[0093] Figure 11 shows the result of steps S15 to S20 described above, in which user U obtains advertising information from the 2D code 211e of the utility pole advertisement 21e installed on utility pole 2e, and determines whether or not this utility pole 2e is the target utility pole. As shown in game screen 6, in this embodiment, utility pole 2d is set as the target utility pole. Therefore, since utility pole 2c is not the target utility pole, an "X" mark is displayed on utility pole 2e in game screen 6.

[0094] Additionally, since the same utility pole advertisement as utility pole advertisement 21e is installed on utility pole 2f and utility pole 2g, utility pole 2f and utility pole 2g are also processed as acquired utility poles, and an "X" mark is displayed. As a result, the number of utility poles acquired by user U becomes 4, and the number of acquired utility poles displayed in the game status display unit 62 is updated.

[0095] Figure 12 shows the result of steps S9 to S14 described above, in which user U takes a picture of the utility pole information recording panel 3d of utility pole 2d, obtains utility pole information of utility pole 2d from the two-dimensional code 31d of the captured image, and determines whether or not this utility pole 2d is the target utility pole. As described above, in this embodiment, since utility pole 2d is set as the target utility pole, utility pole 2d on the game screen 6 is filled in and a message such as "Found!!" is displayed. Also, since user U has found the target utility pole, the number of points on the game status display unit 62 is updated.

[0096] As described above, according to the game system 1 of this embodiment, the mobile communication terminal 4 acquires utility pole information from the utility pole information recording panel 3 installed on the utility pole 2, and transmits the acquired utility pole information, including the acquired utility pole information and user ID, to the server 5 as a utility pole acquired by user U. The server 5 processes the utility pole 2 acquired by user U as an acquired utility pole based on the utility pole information of the received acquired utility pole information, and determines whether the acquired utility pole is a target utility pole, and transmits the determination result to the mobile communication terminal 4. As a result, user U will observe the utility pole 2 carefully in order to acquire utility pole information, and thus it is possible to increase user U's interest in the utility pole 2 and the utility pole advertisement 21 attached to the utility pole 2.

[0097] Furthermore, according to the game system 1 of this embodiment, the mobile communication terminal 4 acquires advertising information from the utility pole advertisement 21 attached to the utility pole 2, and sends the acquired advertising information, including the user ID, to the server 5 as the utility pole advertisement acquired by user U. The server 5 processes the utility pole 2 on which the utility pole advertisement 21 acquired by user U is located as an acquired utility pole based on the advertising information of the received acquired advertising information and the utility pole information database 532, and determines whether the acquired utility pole is the target utility pole. As a result, user U will observe the utility pole advertisement 21 more carefully in order to acquire advertising information, thereby increasing user U's interest in the utility pole advertisement 21 and the utility pole 2 to which the utility pole advertisement 21 is attached.

[0098] Furthermore, according to the game system 1 of this embodiment, when advertising information is obtained from a utility pole advertisement 21, utility pole 2 to which the same utility pole advertisement 21 is attached is processed as an acquired utility pole. This creates an incentive to obtain advertising information, making it more advantageous to do so and further increasing user U's interest in utility pole advertisements 21.

[0099] Furthermore, according to the game system 1 of this embodiment, points are awarded to the user U according to their success in acquiring the target utility pole, which enhances the enjoyment of the hide-and-seek game and increases interest in the utility pole 2 and the utility pole advertisement 21.

[0100] In the above embodiment, a two-dimensional code is used to indicate the utility pole information and advertising information, but one-dimensional codes or three-dimensional codes may also be used. Alternatively, a short-range wireless device for transmitting the utility pole information and advertising information may be installed on the utility pole 2, and the short-range wireless communication function of the mobile communication terminal 4 may be used to transmit the utility pole information and advertising information to the server 5.

[0101] Furthermore, while the above embodiment described a hide-and-seek game in which each user U searches for a target utility pole as an example, it is also possible to configure multiple teams composed of multiple users, and for each team to cooperate in searching for the target utility pole. In this case, it is preferable to have a function to create teams among acquaintances, or a function to match users who do not know each other and create teams. In addition, the game application 421 of the mobile communication terminal 4 may be provided with a function to enable communication within the team using chat or email. Moreover, while the above embodiment described points being awarded according to the acquisition and generation of the target utility pole, points may also be awarded according to the frequency of user U's participation in the hide-and-seek game.

[0102] Furthermore, while the above embodiment described an example in which a unique point system 1 is used to award points, for example, as shown in Game System 1A in Figure 13, the Server 5 may be linked with another game system or another point system 8, and the user U may be awarded points from the other game system or the other point system 8. Alternatively, the user's points may be exchangeable with points from the other game system or the other point system 8.

[0103] As another game system or point system 8, for example, if a power company D operates a point system that awards electricity usage points according to the amount of electricity used, these electricity usage points may be awarded to the user U of the game in this embodiment, or points may be made available for exchange. This would increase not only the user U's interest in the utility poles 2 and utility pole advertisements 21, but also their interest in the power company D. Furthermore, the points earned can be effectively utilized, increasing the enjoyment of the game and further increasing interest in the utility poles 2 and utility pole advertisements 21. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 1. Game System 2 utility poles 21 Utility pole advertisements 211 2D code 3. Utility pole information recording panel (utility pole information recording means) 31 2D code 4. Mobile communication terminals 421 Game Application Programs 471 Startup Tasks 472 Play Request Tasks 473 Game screen display task 474 Utility pole acquisition task (means of acquiring utility poles) 5. Game Server (Server) 531 Game Management Program 532 Utility Pole Information Database 561 Authentication Task 562 Game hosting task (means for setting target utility poles) 563 Target utility pole determination task (Target utility pole determination means) 564 Point Award Task (Method of Awarding Points) 565. Judgment Result Notification Task (Judgment Result Notification Means) 6 Game Screen 8 Other game systems

Claims

1. A game system used in a game where the user acquires information about utility poles, The game system comprises a means for recording utility pole information, including utility pole advertisements installed on the utility pole, the user's mobile communication terminal, and a server capable of communicating with the mobile communication terminal. The aforementioned mobile communication terminal is The utility pole information recording means includes a utility pole information acquisition means that acquires advertising information from utility pole advertisements included in the utility pole information recording means, and transmits the acquired advertising information, including the acquired advertising information and user identification information, to the server as a utility pole advertisement from which the user has acquired information. The aforementioned server, A target utility pole setting means for setting at least one target utility pole from among multiple utility poles within a designated game area, A target utility pole determination means receives the advertisement acquisition information from the mobile communication terminal, processes the utility poles on which the user has acquired an advertisement as acquired utility poles based on the advertisement information of the received advertisement acquisition information and a utility pole information database in which the utility pole information and the advertisement information are stored in association with each other, and determines whether the acquired utility pole is a target utility pole based on whether or not it is a target utility pole set by the target utility pole setting means. The system includes a determination result notification means that transmits the determination result of whether or not it is the target utility pole to the mobile communication terminal, The target utility pole determination means, if there are multiple utility poles that have the same utility pole advertisement as the one from which the user obtained information, processes the multiple utility poles that have the same utility pole advertisement as the one from which the user obtained information as acquired utility poles, and determines whether or not the acquired utility pole is the target utility pole. A game system characterized by the following features.

2. A game system used in a game where the user acquires information about utility poles, The game system comprises a utility pole information recording means installed on the utility pole, the user's mobile communication terminal, and a server capable of communicating with the mobile communication terminal. The aforementioned mobile communication terminal is The system includes a utility pole acquisition means that acquires utility pole information relating to the utility pole from the utility pole information recording means, and transmits the acquired utility pole acquisition information, including the acquired utility pole information and user identification information, to the server as a utility pole from which the user has acquired information. The aforementioned server, A target utility pole setting means for setting at least one target utility pole from among multiple utility poles within a designated game area, A target pole determination means that receives the utility pole acquisition information from the mobile communication terminal, processes the utility poles for which the user has acquired information based on the utility pole information of the received utility pole acquisition information as acquired utility poles, and determines whether or not the acquired utility pole is a target utility pole based on whether or not it is a target utility pole set by the target utility pole setting means, A determination result notification means that transmits the determination result of whether or not it is the target utility pole to the mobile communication terminal, The system includes a point-granting means for awarding points to the user in accordance with the frequency of the user's participation in the game or the user's performance in acquiring the target utility poles, It can be linked with other game systems or other point systems. The system grants the user points from the other game system or the other point system, or exchanges the user's points for points from the other game system or the other point system. A game system characterized by the following features.

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