JP2003044759A - Server for controlling system for renting character through communication line - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a server that generates a possibility of feeling affection toward a character by easily and simply obtaining the character to utilize the character, dialoguing with the character with an individual topic of an operator while protecting operator's privacy, sharing information with the character, inseparably connecting the character in a virtual space and the operator in a real space into one and integrating the character into a portion of life of the operator. SOLUTION: Processing that prohibits using dialogue result information obtained from dialogues between the operator of a communication terminal device and the character entirely or partially is performed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a server for controlling a system for renting a character via a communication line such as the Internet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional game device or game system, a character imitating a moving object such as a human being or an animal appears, and the character performs various actions in a virtual space formed by a game program. There is something to do. The action of the character is defined by the game program or reflects the intention of the game player.

[0003]

However, the character in the conventional game device or game system is common to an unspecified number of players, and the character and action of the character are selected from predetermined ones. Since it was a thing, it cannot be unique to the intention or emotion of the player, and it is difficult for the player to recognize the character as his / her own property or as a character close to him / her. There has been a problem that it often loses interest or interest in the game itself.

On the other hand, in recent years, a game called a breeding game has also appeared, but it is unavoidable to select a predetermined action for the character's action, etc. Was not always able to be reflected in the character. Therefore, even if the characters are trained, they only select one of the predetermined results in the game program, and as the player repeats the game many times, they gradually get tired. Was happening.

Although a program for delivering mail by characters has also appeared, it is only for sending and receiving mail via characters, and information about the contents of the mail and the like is shared with the user of the program. It was impossible to do so, and it was merely a pursuit of visual interest in sending and receiving mail.

Furthermore, robots imitating moving objects such as humans and dogs have also appeared, and by giving emotions to the owners, some robots can behave like the owners or be cautious of the owners. I'm doing it. However, robots exist in the real world to the last, and attention is focused on how they can behave in the same manner or the same as humans, dogs, and the like that actually exist.

Further, the information input means of a robot such as a dog robot is, for example, a sensor corresponding to the eyes or a sensor corresponding to the ears, so that the kind of information that the robot can obtain is extremely scarce. There is. Therefore, it is difficult to share information with humans.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned software and robot are interested because it is impossible to determine whether or not the character or robot is suitable for one's personality or life without making a purchase. It was a great expense to those who made it, and when it was not suitable for them, it made them feel remorse and despair.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to easily and easily obtain and use a character, and also to interact with the character on a personal topic while preserving the privacy of the operator. And then
By sharing information with the character, the character in the virtual space and the operator in the real space are inseparably linked, and the character blends into a part of the operator's life. It is to provide a server that has the possibility of causing it.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, a part of the dialogue result information obtained from the dialogue between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character. Alternatively, it is characterized in that processing for prohibiting the use of all of them is performed.

As a result, in the present invention, the operator and the character can interact with each other while keeping the operator's privacy and talking about the operator's personal topics.

More specifically, the present invention provides the following.

(1) A character relating to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device, which is a server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line. For information,
The authority of limited use of the character information in the communication terminal device is defined, and use of part or all of the dialogue result information obtained from the dialogue between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character is prohibited. A server that is characterized in that processing is performed.

According to the above-mentioned invention (1), "a process of prohibiting the use of a part or the whole of the dialogue result information is performed". Therefore, for example, "the operator is another person (character "Personal information or information that should be kept secret" that will not be disclosed to the operator) or "third party who will use the character in the future" will not be used in future dialogues with the character. You can Therefore, the privacy of the operator can be surely protected from the present to the future, so that the operator can continue to use the character information with peace of mind, and the intimacy by continuing the dialogue with the character with peace of mind. Therefore, there is a possibility that the operator's attachment to the character and the sense of trust will increase.

(2) A character relating to a character displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device, which is a server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line. For information,
The authority of limited use of the character information in the communication terminal device is defined, and "the use of part or all of the dialogue result information obtained from the dialogue between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character is prohibited. A server for displaying "characters or images or a combination thereof" for performing "processing" on the display unit of the communication terminal device.

According to the above-mentioned invention (2), "a process of prohibiting the use of a part or all of the dialogue result information obtained from the dialogue between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character". To display "characters or images or a combination thereof" on the display unit of the communication terminal device.
Therefore, for example, "of the dialogue result information," personal information that the operator does not want others (including characters) to know or information that should be kept secret "", the operator or "use the character in the future. It is possible to clearly show to the operator that "a third party who will do so" and "processing to prevent the character from being used in future dialogues" will be performed. Therefore, the operator can understand that his or her own privacy is surely protected from the present to the future, so that the operator can continue to use the character information without anxiety, and also with the character with peace of mind. By continuing the dialogue or the like, it is possible to maintain an intimate relationship, and there is a possibility that the operator's attachment to the character and a sense of trust will become stronger.

(3) It is characterized in that the "character or image or combination thereof" is displayed when a process of losing the limited use authority of the character information to the operator is performed. The server described in (2) above.

According to the invention of (3) described above, until the "processing for losing the limited use authority of the character information to the operator" is performed (until the so-called rental ends), for example, the dialogue result information. Of the above, “personal information that the operator does not want others to know or information that should be kept secret” can be used in the dialogue between the operator and the character, so repeat the dialogue with the character. This makes it possible for the operator to recognize that "the information shared only by the operator and the character is shared by both parties". There is a possibility of giving a sense of solidarity and a sense of unity that "I know," and a sense of satisfaction that "the character and myself have such an intimate relationship".

(4) The "character or image or a combination thereof" is displayed when the operator is using the character information in a limited manner. server.

According to the above-mentioned invention (4), for example, "of the dialogue result information," personal information that the operator does not want others (including characters) to know or information that should be kept secret ". When the operator uses the character information for a limited amount of time, the operator or "a process that prevents the character from being used in future dialogues with the character and the third party who will use the character in the future". This can be immediately performed when the character has a dialogue using the "personal information or confidential information" (during the so-called rental period). Therefore, each time the operator can understand that his or her own privacy is surely protected from the present to the future, the operator can continue to use the character information without anxiety and the character can be reassured. By continuing the dialogue and the like, it is possible to maintain an intimate relationship, and there is a possibility that the operator's attachment to the character and a sense of trust will become stronger.

(5) The dialogue between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character is performed while the operator is using the character information for a limited amount of time. The server according to 1) or (2).

According to the above-mentioned invention (5), it is possible to perform a process of prohibiting the use of a part or all of the dialogue result information obtained from "the dialogue between the rented character and the operator". Therefore, when the operator finishes renting the character and the character becomes the object of rental again, it is possible to reliably prevent the privacy of the operator from being infringed by a third party. Therefore, the operator can continue to use the character information with peace of mind, can return the character with peace of mind, and can maintain a close relationship by continuing the dialogue with the character with peace of mind, There is a possibility that the operator's attachment to the character and the sense of trust will increase. Furthermore, since it is possible to reliably prevent the privacy of the operator from leaking,
It is possible to clarify to the person who newly rents the character that "the character can be rented with peace of mind", and this makes it possible to promote the rental of the character and further There is also the possibility that character variations can be enriched through promotion.

(6) A character relating to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device, which is a server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line. For information,
The authority of limited use of the character information in the communication terminal device is defined, and "" for a part or all of the dialogue result information obtained from the dialogue between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character, A "program for displaying" characters or images or a combination thereof "for performing a process of disabling the character or a person who will use the character in the future" on the display unit of the communication terminal device, A server which supplies the data to the communication terminal device as the data.

According to the invention of (6) above, the same advantages as those in (2) above can be obtained, and in the communication terminal device to which the above program is supplied, "characters or images or a combination thereof" can be obtained. It is possible to promptly create and display "," it is possible for the operator to promptly recognize that the above-described processing is performed, and it is possible to smoothly carry out a dialogue regarding the above-mentioned processing.

[Definition of Terms, etc.] The term "character" means not only a moving object such as a person, an animal or a plant, or a robot, but also various items such as an empty can or the like. This is a concept that also includes characters, and it is preferable that it has an appearance that the user wants to own.

The "character information" is information including image information of the character and character information of the character, and is a concept indicating information for characterizing the character externally and internally.

Further, "finite use" means that character information is limited in terms of time and area,
It is a concept that the character can be used within the restriction by restricting the content, and for example, the character can be displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device only within a predetermined period. Yes, this is a concept equivalent to so-called “rental”. In addition, the concept also includes regional restrictions that limit only people who live in a predetermined area and content restrictions that allow only predetermined functions to be used.

The above-mentioned "rental" is a concept indicating that a character can be used in a communication terminal device regardless of whether it is paid or free.

Furthermore, the "authority of limited use" is a concept indicating a qualification that allows limited use of character information, and the server determines this qualification and gives it to the communication terminal device.

Here, "dialogue result information" means, for example,
It means the dialogue content information in which the content of the dialogue is accumulated, the keyword information accumulated by conducting the dialogue on the words and sentences extracted from the mail, and the like.

Further, "processing for prohibiting the use of a part or all of the dialogue result information" is a processing for making a part or all of the dialogue result information unusable (the information itself is directly changed in this processing. There are two types of processing, namely, the processing that makes it unusable by setting and the processing that makes it unusable by setting the attribute of the information to “unusable”). Process of deleting a part or all, process of masking a part or all of the dialog result information, process of resetting (initializing) a part or all of the dialog result information, or overwriting a part or all of the dialog result information Means a process to be performed.

Furthermore, "processing for losing the limited use authority of the character information to the operator" means processing for returning the character rented by the operator.

Further, "when the character information is used finitely" means that the operator is renting the character.

A "communication terminal device" is composed of the portable communication terminal device 10, the portable game device 60 or the mobile phone 70 which will be described later. Further, the server 4 constitutes a “server”, and the public telephone line network 2 or the mobile telephone line network 3 constitutes a “communication line”.

[0035]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[System Configuration] FIG. 1 is a character rental system 1 having a portable communication terminal device 10, a portable game device 60 and a mobile phone 70 (hereinafter referred to as communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70) according to the present invention. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG. In the character rental system 1 shown in FIG. 1, a portable game device 60 is connected to the public telephone line network 2, and the portable game device 60 is connected to the server 4 via the public telephone line network 2 to form a server. 4 can receive various information.

Further, the portable communication terminal device 10 or the portable telephone 70 can be connected to the portable telephone line network 3 via the base station 5, and can access the server 4 via the public telephone line network 2. It is designed to be able to.

The above-mentioned server 4 is used for each communication terminal device 1.
The addresses of 0, 60, and 70 are managed, and the server 4 uses the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70.
It is possible to identify various information transmitted from, for example, information such as a password.

[Structure of Communication Terminal Device] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70.

In the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 shown in FIG. 2, the CPU (Central P
rocessing unit) 12, ROM 14, RAM 16 and non-volatile RAM 18 are connected, and the CPU 12 is a RO
Each unit is controlled according to a program stored in the M14, the RAM 16 or the nonvolatile RAM 18.

A keyboard 32 and a controller 34 are connected to the bus line 30 via the input interface 22. In addition, the display circuit 2 is provided on the bus line 30.
4, a sound processing circuit 25, and a communication interface 21 for exchanging information with the public telephone line network 2 are connected.

The display circuit 24 described above includes a display device 41.
Is connected to the sound processing circuit 25, and the speaker 42
Are connected. On the display device 41, various kinds of information including information on a character, which will be described later, are displayed according to an instruction from the CPU 12.

Further, the bus line 30 is also connected to a timer 20 for measuring a time such as a program execution time. The signal for starting the timer is CPU1
When issued from 2, the timer 20 initializes the timer value and starts counting the timer value. Further, when the signal for stopping the timer is issued from the CPU 12, the timer 20 stops counting the timer value and supplies the timer value at that time to the bus line 30. The date and time are set based on this timer value.

[Structure of Server] Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the server 4 for controlling the system for renting a character through a communication network such as the Internet has a hard disk drive 88, a CPU 82, a ROM 84, and an R.
It is composed of an AM 86 and a communication interface circuit 90. The hard disk drive 88 uses a program for communicating with the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, an unregistered user processing program, a registered user processing program, a dialogue information processing program, and dialogue result information, which will be described later. A program for prohibiting (a program for prohibiting the use of history), a program for notifying a rental deadline, a program for processing rental completion information, and the like, and
A program for displaying an image of a character is stored in the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70.

With the configuration as described above, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 and the server 4 are connected to each other via the public telephone line network 2 or the mobile telephone line network 3, and data can be transmitted and received. Therefore, the server can "transmit and receive data to and from the communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device through the communication line".

In the following, the communication terminal device 10,
60 or 70 and the server 4 have been started in advance, the variables used in the CPU 12 and the CPU 82 described above are initialized to predetermined values, and the communication terminal devices 10, 6
It is assumed that 0 or 70 and the server 4 are operating steadily.

[Outline of Character Rental System] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of a system for renting a character.
Shown in. In this specification, the term “rental” indicates that a character can be used in the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 regardless of whether it is paid or free.

The operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 designates and accesses the server 4 for renting the character. Thereby, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 7
On the display device 41 of 0, guidance information about character rental is displayed, and the appearance and character of the character are introduced. A plurality of types of characters are prepared, and the operator can select a character that is likely to be compatible with him or a character that he is interested in.

The operator who has selected the character performs a predetermined procedure to apply for rental of the character. Thereby, user registration is performed, and character information such as character image data and personality information is received from the server, and rental of the character is started.

At the same time when the rental of the character is started, the trial period is counted. During this trial period, the character can be used in the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 free of charge. For example, when a mail or a call is received by the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, a display indicating that the character has arrived is displayed, a display in which the character asks a question about the contents of the mail, or a character is displayed. Is displayed to invite the operator to the game.

During the trial period, restrictions may be set on the function of using the character. For example, it is possible to provide a function that cannot be used, such as notifying about incoming calls but not telling about incoming mails.

As described above, in the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, by interacting with the rented character or playing a game, the character of the character can be known more. After using the character for a while, if the operator determines that the character is not compatible with the character or gets tired of the character, the character can be exchanged.

When the predetermined trial period has elapsed, the server gives a notice as to whether or not to extend the rental period. When the operator wants to extend the rental period, the rental period can be extended by paying a predetermined number of chips to the server.

This chip increases as the character interacts with the game or plays a game, and indicates the degree of interaction with the character. As will be described later, the number of chips changes depending on the number of times of interaction with the character, the time, and the result of the game competition with the character. It is also possible that the chip can be purchased in exchange for a predetermined amount of money. By doing this, it is possible to increase the number of chips even if the operator likes the character but has difficulty in providing time for interacting with the character or is not good at playing the game. The character can then be rented.

Further, when the extension period elapses or when the operator desires to purchase the character, the operator can purchase the character by further paying the tip. By purchasing the character, the operator can permanently use the character in the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70.

If desired by the operator, the character may be purchased even during the trial period. Further, in this case, the number of chips to be paid may be set to be large.

[Description of Server Operation] (Discrimination Process of Registered User or Unregistered User) FIG. 5 shows a subroutine executed by the server 4 below.

It is assumed that the subroutine shown in FIG. 5 is called and executed at a predetermined timing from a main routine (not shown) that has been executed in advance.

First, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70
(Step S11). When it is determined that communication with the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is not possible, the present subroutine is immediately ended.

When it is determined that the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is in a communicable state, the user ID issued from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is received (step S12). The user ID is identification information for identifying the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, and is set by the server 4 as described later.

Next, the communication terminal device 1 connected to the server 4
It is determined whether the operator 0, 60 or 70 is a registered user (step S13). This judgment is made based on whether or not the above-mentioned user ID exists. That is, the server 4
However, when the user ID is received, it is determined that the user is a registered user, and when the user ID is not received, it is determined that the user is an unregistered user.

When it is determined in step S13 that the user is not a registered user, that is, when it is determined that the user is an unregistered user, an unregistered user process described later is called and executed (step S14). On the other hand, when it is determined that the user is a registered user, a registered user process described later is called and executed (step S15).

After executing the processing of step S14 or S15 described above, this subroutine is finished.

(Process of Unregistered User) FIG. 6 shows a subroutine of the process of an unregistered user which is called and executed in step S14 described above.

First, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70
Guidance information relating to the rental of the character is transmitted to (step S21).

When the guide information regarding the rental of the character is transmitted from the server 4, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives the guide information, and the communication terminal device 10, 60 is received.
In the display unit 60 or 70, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is displayed.
"Welcome to the character rental site" on the display
And a message prompting the user to select a character rental process such as "return", "continue", or "select".

When the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 selects a desired process, the communication terminal device 10, 6
Information about the process is transmitted from 0 or 70 to the server 4.

Next, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70
It is determined whether or not the information to continue the process has been received (step S22). When the information that the processing is not continued is received, this subroutine is immediately ended.

On the other hand, when the information that the processing is to be continued is received, the character selection processing is performed (step S2).
3). In this selection process, one character type is selected as a character from a plurality of character types. As will be described later, the server 4 prepares a plurality of character types as characters so that one character can be selected from the plurality of character types. By performing such processing, it is possible to “select from a plurality of character types”.

Further, the information indicating that the above-mentioned processing is to be continued constitutes "permission request information for limited use of the character information in the communication terminal device".

The above-described selection process may be performed by generating a random number and selecting the character type corresponding to the random number. In this case, one character type corresponding to a random number is selected from a plurality of character types.

The hard disk drive 8 of the server 4
In FIG. 8, a character introduction database as shown in FIG. 8 is stored in advance. This database stores images of a plurality of character types and messages corresponding to the character types. Step S2 described above
In 3, the database is searched and the image of the character type and the message corresponding to the character type are read out.

Next, the read character image,
The communication terminal device 1 sends a message corresponding to the character.
It is transmitted to 0, 60 or 70 (step S24).

When the image of the character or the message corresponding to the character is transmitted from the server 4, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives the image of the character or the message corresponding to the character and performs communication. In the display unit of the terminal device 10, 60 or 70, for example,
As shown in FIG. 7B, an image of the character, a message from the character, and a message prompting the user to select a process are displayed.

By performing such processing, it is possible to "display a display image regarding selection on the display unit of the communication terminal device".

The operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 judges whether or not the displayed character is acceptable, and inputs the approval / disapproval thereof by key operation. The permission / prohibition information is transmitted from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 to the server.

The server 4 receives the permission / prohibition information transmitted from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, and determines whether or not to accept the character introduced by the operator (step S25). When it is determined that the operator does not want to rent the introduced character, the above step S
23, the character selection process is performed again.

By performing such processing, it is possible to "make the character freely selectable from a plurality of character types so that the character can be exchanged in the communication terminal device".

In step S25 described above, when it is determined that the operator wants to rent the introduced character, user registration processing is performed (step S2).
6). This user registration process is performed by the communication terminal devices 10, 6
0 or 70 name, communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70
The communication terminal device 10, 60 or 7 with predetermined information such as a mail address and a telephone number for communicating with the server 4.
When the server 4 receives the information from 0 and determines that there is no defect, the user registration is completed. By performing this process, the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is changed from an unregistered user to a registered user, and one user ID described later is set for the operator.

After the processing of step S26 is completed, the program of the character using system is changed to the communication terminal device 10, 6
It is transmitted to 0 or 70 (step S27).

The program of this character use system includes a program for displaying the rented character in the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. For example, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70
A program for displaying an image that the rented character will inform you of incoming mail or phone call when you receive an email or phone call, or the character asks a question to the operator based on the content of the mail It includes a program for displaying an image and a program for displaying an image in which a character invites a game.

If the above-mentioned program of the character use system includes a function of limited use authority for the use of characters, the communication terminal device 1
0, 60 or 70 will manage the limited use time limit. With such a configuration, the character can be used only in a predetermined rental period in the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70, and the program transmitted by the server 4 causes the server 4 to use the “limited use for character information”. "Giving authority to the communication terminal device."

Further, as will be described later, the server 4 may manage the time limit for limited use. In this case, when the time limit for limited use is approached, the server 4 transmits information to that effect to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, and the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is based on the transmitted information. The character information is used in a limited manner.

In the case of such a configuration, the server 4 manages the limited use time limit, and thus "determines the limited use authority of the character information in the communication terminal device".
Do things. Further, since the information on the limited use time limit is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, the server 4 also “gives the communication terminal device the limited use authority for the character information”.

The above-described program of the character use system may be any programming language suitable for communication and display, and is a program created in a programming language such as JAVA (registered trademark).

Next, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70
The image data of the character displayed on the display device 41 is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S28). By performing such processing, "the character information can be supplied to the communication terminal device as data".

When the image data is included in the program transmitted in step S27, the image data need not be transmitted independently.

Next, with respect to the personality information that determines the personality and personality of the character and the dialogue result information, question information as to whether or not the past history is to be taken over is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. The personality information of this character is, as will be described later, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 7
This is information about the character of the character that is formed based on the dialogue between the operator of 0 and the character. Further, the dialogue result information is, as described later, the content of the dialogue between the operator and the character, and the words (keywords) used in the dialogue.
Are accumulated, and are information representing the character's individuality.

The communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 displays the question information transmitted from the server 4 on the display device 41,
Prompt for input of whether to take over past history. The operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 operates the keyboard 32 or the controller 34 to select and input an answer as to whether or not to take over the past history. Communication terminal device 10, 6
0 or 70 transmits this answer information to the server 4.

Here, the answer as to whether or not to take over the past history may be "take over all past history (or not take over)" or "take over a part of past history". Good. Then, in the case of "take over a part of the past history", for example, "the history of the character's" previous "rental owner is taken over, but the history of the previous rental owner is not taken over" or "character It is possible to make a selection such that the history of the "previously previous" rental owner is inherited, but the history of the "previous" rental owner is not inherited.

The server 4 receives the information of the answer as to whether or not to take over the past history transmitted from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, and judges whether or not to take over the past history of the personality information. (Step S29). When it is determined that the past history of the personality information is not taken over, the process proceeds to step S31 described below.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the past history of the personality information is to be taken over, the past history of the personality information of the character is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S30). By performing such processing, "the character information can be supplied to the communication terminal device as data". In addition, "character information including personality information is supplied as data to the communication terminal device".

Then, the database as shown in FIG. 9 described later is updated in the server 4 (step S31).
It should be noted that this database stores the operator information of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 and the information of the rented character, and is stored in the hard disk 88 of the server 4.

After the above processing is completed, this subroutine is completed.

Steps S27, S28 and S2 described above
By performing the processing of 9, the character information regarding the character displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device and the program including the program for displaying the character are supplied to the communication terminal device as data. .

In the above-mentioned step S21, when the guide information for renting the character is transmitted from the server 4 to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, it is displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. The displayed image is shown in FIG. Incidentally, this FIG.
The display part of the mobile phone 70 shown in FIG.

A message "Welcome to the character rental site" from the server 4 is displayed at the top of the display section. Further, an image of a character as an example of the character is displayed in the center of the display unit. Further, in the lower part of the display unit, a selection frame of "continue" and "return" showing options for continuing or returning the process is displayed.

In step S24 described above,
FIG. 7B shows a display image displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 when a character image or a message corresponding to the character is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. Shown in. In addition, this FIG.
7B is an enlarged view of the display unit of the mobile phone 70 shown in FIG. 1, as in FIG. 7A.

At the upper part of the display unit, the introduction sentence of the character from the server 4 "I'm a cute character. I want to play with you" is displayed. An image of an introduction character is displayed in the center of the display unit. Further, in the lower left part of the display unit, a selection frame of "next" and "return" showing options for advancing the process or returning to the process is displayed. Furthermore, a “select” frame for selecting the displayed character is displayed in the lower right part of the display unit.

In step S24 described above, the message from the character is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 7
FIG. 8 shows an example of a character introduction database to be referred to when transmitting to 0.

The left column stores character types, for example, "bully character", "cute character", "sluggish character", and the like.

The central column stores the name of the character corresponding to the character type. For example, "□"
Character names such as "chan", "○", and "x" are stored.

Further, in the right column, a self-introduction document from each of the characters is stored. For example, "I am
□ Right. It's fun to play with me. "," My name is ○. I want to play with you. ","I'm x. It might be good to play with me. "

The character introduction database also stores the image data of the introduction character,
The image data is read together with the introduction text of the character.

FIG. 9 shows a database generated or updated in the above step S31.

The first column is the area where the user ID is stored. This user ID is for identifying the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 or the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, and when the user registration process of step S26 is completed, the server 4 To allocate.

The second column is the area where the character ID is stored. This character ID is for identifying a rented character, and is used in step S2.
The server 4 assigns it when the user registration process 6 is completed. The character ID also includes information for identifying the character type.

The third column shows the number of rentals, and shows the number of times the character has been rented in the past.

The fourth column stores the rental start date, and stores the date when the user registration process of step S26 described above is completed.

The fifth column shows whether or not the rental of the character is during the trial period. For example, during the trial period, the stored value is set to "1", and the trial period is set. If not, the stored value is "0".
Set to.

The sixth column shows whether or not the character is rented during the extension period. For example, when the character is not rented, the value to be stored is set to "0", and the value is stored during the extension period. At some time, the number of times of extension is stored.

The seventh column stores whether or not the character has been bought. For example, when the character is not bought, the stored value is set to "0", and when the character is bought, it is stored. The value is set to "1".

The eighth column stores the number of chips. This number of chips is
For example, it increases when the player interacts with the character or plays a game with the character.

FIG. 10 shows a time chart when the above-mentioned subroutine of FIG. 6 is executed. The vertical line on the left side indicates the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, and the vertical line on the right side indicates the server 4.

When the process of step S21 described above is executed, character rental guide information is transmitted from server 4 to communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70.

On the other hand, when the processing is continued,
Information to the effect that processing will be continued is transmitted from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 to the server 4.

When the process of step S24 is executed, the introduction information such as the introduction character image is transmitted from the server 4 to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70.

On the other hand, when renting the introduced character, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is used.
The information of consent is transmitted from the server 4.

Further, in step S27, the program of the character use system is transmitted from the server 4 to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, and the communication terminal device 1 is transmitted.
When it is determined that 0, 60, or 70 has received all of the programs, the information indicating the end of reception is displayed in the communication terminal device 1.
It is transmitted from 0, 60 or 70 to the server 4.

Furthermore, in step S28, the character image data is transmitted from the server 4 to the communication terminal device 10,
When it is determined that the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 has received all of the character image data by being transmitted to the communication terminal device 1 or 60, the information indicating the end of reception is provided to the communication terminal device 1
It is transmitted from 0, 60 or 70 to the server 4.

Further, in step S29, the server 4 transmits, to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, question information as to whether or not the past history of the personality information that determines the personality of the character is to be taken over. .

On the other hand, when the history is taken over,
The communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 sends information to that effect to
It is transmitted to the server 4.

[Explanation of operation of communication terminal device] (Operation when receiving mail / operation when receiving phone call) According to the above-mentioned procedure, when the character is rented, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 When the mail is received, the image as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70.

At the upper part of the screen, a message from the character is displayed, such as "A mail has arrived from Kanna-chan. Read now?". An image of the rented character is displayed in the center of the screen. In addition, at the bottom of the screen, "read" or "do not read" the email.
A frame indicating the selection of or is displayed.

In this way, when the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives a mail while renting the character, the character is informed of the display.

Further, even when the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives a call, the character is informed to that effect.

As shown in FIG. 11, while renting a character, information indicating that the character is currently rented, such as "renting", may be displayed on the screen. By performing such processing, "the display image related to the notification information regarding the limited use of the character information is displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device".

(Operation of asking a question from the character)
In some cases, the character may ask about the content of the received mail. An example thereof is shown in FIG. For example,
It extracts words from the emails it receives and asks what they mean.

As shown in FIG. 12A, at the top of the screen, what is "Taro"? The question of the character "" is displayed. The word "Taro" is a word extracted from the received mail. An image of the character is displayed in the center of the screen. Further, at the bottom of the screen, a frame for selecting “answer” and “do not answer” to the question from the character is displayed.

When the operator answers the question from the character, a screen as shown in FIG. 12 (b) is displayed. On the left side of the screen, categories to which the word may belong, for example, "place", "food", "game name", and "person name" are displayed.

When the operator answers this, the character further asks a question and at the top of the screen, "Do you like or dislike" Taro "?" The question from the character is displayed. At the bottom of the screen, a frame for selecting whether the word indicates "like" or "dislike" is displayed. The operator
As described above, the question from the character is answered.

The question from this character is registered in the keyword database described later and is reflected in the character's personality and the like.

Further, in order to facilitate extraction of words, a standardized mail format may be used. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the word is extracted from the content of the received mail and the character asks a question about the word is shown, but the word may be extracted from the content of the transmitted mail. Furthermore, a word may be extracted from the content of the incoming or outgoing telephone call by performing processing such as voice recognition technology, and the character may ask a question about the word.

It should be noted that the character can ask not only the contents of the mail or the telephone but also various other contents. The processing performed at this time will be described in detail later in "Display processing of image when interacting with character".

(Operation of Competing Game with Character) Further, when the character is rented, the character may give an indication to the operator to compete the game. This example is shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 13A, a challenge message from the character "Do you want to play a game with me?" Is displayed at the top of the screen. In addition, at the bottom of the screen, a frame for selecting "Yes" or "No" for the challenge from the character is displayed.

When the operator receives a challenge from the character, the game is started.

When the game ends and, for example, the character wins, a screen as shown in FIG. 13B is displayed.
At the top of the screen, "My win, do you want to do it again?"
The message from the character is displayed, and a frame for selecting "play" or "not" for the game is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

As described above, the communication with the character is deepened through the notification of reception and transmission of mail, the notification of transmission and reception of telephone, the inquiry about the content of the mail and telephone, the game competition and the like. Of.

(Processing of Registered User) Step S mentioned above
FIG. 14 shows a subroutine of a registered user process called and executed in 15.

First, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70
It is determined whether or not the information issued from is the information indicating that the dialog information is desired to be transmitted (step S41). When it is determined that the information does not indicate that the interactive information is desired to be transmitted, the information for menu display is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S42).

Information for displaying the menu is displayed on the communication terminal device 1.
When 0, 60 or 70 is received, the communication terminal device 1
The image as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the display device 41 of 0, 60 or 70.

At the top of the screen, a message "Please select the desired process" is displayed. Below that, a list of processes such as "character exchange", "rental extension", "character purchase", "History prohibition process",
“Character return” and “End” are displayed.

The operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 selects the desired processing and selects the communication terminal device 10, 6 or 6.
0 or 70 transmits information identifying the selected process to the server 4.

The server 4 receives the information for identifying the selected process, and determines whether the process desired by the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is character exchange (step S43). .

When it is determined that the process desired by the operator is not character exchange, other processes such as rental extension and character purchase are performed (step S44), and the process proceeds to step S31 described above.

When it is determined that the operation desired by the operator is character exchange, the processing of steps S23 to S31 is executed. Incidentally, these steps S23 to S31
5 is the same as that shown in FIG. 5, and is denoted by the same reference numeral.

When it is determined in the above step S41 that the information transmitted from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is the information indicating that the conversation information is desired to be transmitted,
The dialogue information is received (step S45).

The communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 transmits the dialogue information to the server 4 at a predetermined timing,
For example, night or morning. For example, when transmitting at night, the conversation information for one day of the day is transmitted to the server 4. Also, when transmitting in the morning, the dialogue information for one day of the previous day is transmitted to the server 4. By performing such processing, R of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70
Even if the storage capacity of the AM 16 or the non-volatile RAM 18 is small, the dialogue information can be sufficiently stored, and the server 4
The dialogue information can be accurately transmitted to.

Further, the transmission timing may be matched with the motion of the displayed character. For example, at night, a message “I'm sleepy, I'm going to sleep.” From the character is displayed on the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 7.
It may be transmitted after being displayed on the display device 41 of 0. Also, in the morning, the message “Good morning!” From the character may be transmitted after being displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70.

The above-mentioned dialogue information is, for example, as shown in FIG.
It consists of items as shown in FIG.

The items include the number of times of interaction with the character, the time of interaction with the character, and the number of times the character responds to calls such as “Good morning!” And “Good night”. The number of times of this reply includes, for example, the number of times the character is called and the number of times the character is ignored.

The item also includes the number of answers to the question about the word included in the mail. The number of times of this reply includes the number of times of answering and the number of times of not answering.

Further, the items of the dialogue information include the number of times the operator has called for the character, the number of times the game has been played with the character, the classification of the words asked by the character, and the like.

As described with reference to FIG. 12, the words queried by the character are extracted from the received mail, and the categories of what the words mean and the different categories of likes and dislikes.

In step S45 described above, after receiving the dialogue information, the dialogue information processing described later is executed (step S46), and the personality information and the keyword information generated by the dialogue information processing are sent to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. It transmits (step S47), and moves the process to the above-mentioned step S31.

(Processing of dialogue information) Step S4 described above.
FIG. 17 shows a subroutine of interactive information processing called and executed in No. 6.

First, the total number of dialogues is calculated from the number of dialogues already stored in the database and the number of dialogues newly received from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S51). Next, the interaction time already stored in the database and the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 7
The total conversation time is calculated from the conversation time newly received from 0 (step S52).

Next, the number of replies to the call from the character already stored in the database and the number of replies to the call newly received from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 are used to make the call. The total number of answers is calculated (step S53). Next, the total number of times the call is ignored is calculated from the number of times the call from the character already stored in the database is ignored and the number of times the call newly received from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is ignored ( Step S54).

Next, with respect to the number of times the question about the word from the character already stored in the database is answered, and the question about the word from the character newly received from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is answered. Then, the total number of times the question is answered is calculated from the number of times answered (step S55). Next, the number of times that the question about the word from the character already stored in the database is not answered, and the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 7
The number of times the question is not newly answered from 0 and the total number of times the question is not answered are calculated from the number (step S56).

Next, the number of times the character already stored in the database is called and the communication terminal device 1
From 0, 60 or 70, the total number of times the character has been called and the total number of times the character has been called are calculated (step S57).

Furthermore, the number of times the game has already been stored in the database and the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 are executed.
The total number of game executions is calculated from the number of game executions newly received from (step S58).

Next, character character setting processing, which will be described later, is performed (step S59), keyword setting processing is performed (step S60), and this subroutine is terminated.

(Personality setting process) Step S59 described above.
FIG. 18 shows an example of a database used in the personality setting process in FIG.

FIG. 18 (a) is a database that defines the basic character defined according to each character type. The basic personality is, for example, "Kachiki", "Crazy", "Cute", "Naughty", etc. In addition, five personality parameters, "extroversion", "cooperation",
“Diligence”, “emotional stability”, and “intelligence” are quantified to determine the above basic character.

For example, for a winning character, the extroversion is set high and the emotional stability is set low. For cute characters, cooperation and diligence are set high.

The basic personality defined by these five personality parameters is first defined, and as the character is rented and interacts with the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, the personality parameter is set. The value of is changed. As shown in the example of FIG. 18B, as the character is rented and interacts with the operator, the value of the personality parameter changes. For example, when the dialogue time with the operator is long or the number of dialogues is large, the value of the personality parameter is changed so that the operator has a personality. Further, when the dialogue time with the operator is short or the number of dialogues is small, the value of the personality parameter is changed so that the personality avoids the operator.

In this way, the character of the character is gradually changed by the dialogue with the operator, and the character is determined 5
The values of the three personality parameters are stored as a personality database as shown in FIG. 18 (b). In this way, the character's character gradually changes according to each operator who rents the character, so that the operator tries to take care of the character diligently and feels attachment to the character. It becomes.

In the personality database shown in FIG. 18 (b) described above, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 or the user ID for identifying the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, and the rental to this operator The character ID for identifying the character being played and the values of the five personality parameters are stored, and the personality of the character rented by one operator can be determined.

By carrying out such a processing, even if a predetermined number of character types are prepared, a character type having a character corresponding to each of a plurality of operators is generated. Can be done.

As described above, it can be obtained by answering questions from the character regarding the content of the received or transmitted mail, the content of the incoming or outgoing telephone call, or by playing a game with the character. By processing the information as dialogue information as shown in FIG. 17,
Based on this dialogue information, without making "determine based on the interaction between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character"
By executing the process of updating the personality parameter, which is the personality information as shown in FIG. 18B, “the personality information that determines the personality of the character displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device is changed to the operator of the communication terminal device. And "determined based on interaction with the character".

The values of the above-mentioned five personality parameters may be changed only within a predetermined range, for example, ± 1. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the character's personality from changing significantly from the basic personality.

As described above, the character's character is formed in correspondence with the dialogue with the owner who rented the character. By performing such processing, when the owner who rents the character changes, the character formed by the previous owner is inherited, and the database shown in FIG. 18B is updated. It will go.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, five parameters “extroversion”, “cooperation”, “hard work”, “emotional stability”, and “intelligence” are set as numerical values as parameters that determine the character's character. Although the parameterized character is used, the parameters characterizing the character's character are not limited to these five parameters, and elements used for so-called character diagnosis and the like may be digitized and used.

As described above, since the character's personality is formed by the dialogue with the owner,
At the beginning of renting a character, the character formed by the owner in the past becomes the character of the character, and as the time for dialogue with the new owner becomes longer and the number of dialogues increases, the character The character changes and becomes a character formed by a new owner.

When renting a character, it may be possible to select whether the character's character is the basic character or the character changed by the past owner is inherited. In step S29 of FIG. 6 described above, the determination as to whether or not to take over the past history of the personality information is performed by this selection process, and is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 in step S30. The past history of the personality information of the character is the personality information corresponding to the personality formed by the past owner.

(Keyword Setting Process) FIG. 19 shows an example of the word database used in the above-mentioned keyword setting process.
It shows in (a). It should be noted that the example of the word database shown in FIG. 19A shows a database for one character ID, and words for all operators who have rented that character from the past to the present are shown. It is something to remember.

Here, in FIG. 19A, the fifth
"Use" in the column indicates whether or not the stored word can be used when the character has a dialogue,
“1” indicates that it can be used, and “0” indicates that it cannot be used. As described above, in the present embodiment, the operator can select whether or not to take over the past history (part or all) of the character (see step S29 in FIGS. 6 and 14), and The history inheritance status is indicated by the "use" flag of "1" or "0".

The database shown in FIG. 19 is
It corresponds to a database of keyword information as "dialogue result information".

As described above with reference to FIG. 12, the words are words extracted from the contents of the mail or telephone sent to the operator who rented the character, and as described above, various characters are used. It is a word obtained by asking the operator about the content, and the category of the word and the classification of likes and dislikes are obtained by the character asking the operator about the word and answering the question. .

A keyword database is generated based on the word database described above. As shown in FIG. 19B, this keyword database is obtained by extracting a predetermined number of words, for example, 10 words, which have been frequently used, from the word database. In step S47 of FIG. 14 described above, this keyword database is transmitted from the server 4 to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. In this way, by extracting only a predetermined number of words as keywords, the communication terminal device 1
Even if the storage capacity of the RAM 16 of 0, 60, or 70 or the nonvolatile RAM 18 is small, the keywords can be sufficiently stored.

Further, in the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, it is possible to use the keyword to perform a display for calling from the character to the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. For example, in FIG.
As shown in, using the keyword "Kanna-chan",
It is possible to display a message from a character such as "You haven't received a call from Kanna-chan these days. Did you have a quarrel?"

As described above, the word extracted from the mail is stored as a keyword, and the character is used by the character to display a message, which may increase the degree of intimacy between the character and the operator. .

Further, the extracted character may be defined by reflecting the character of the character. The method of extracting words is changed based on the value of the personality parameter stored in the personality database described above. For example, when renting a cute character, only the favorite word is extracted. By doing so, a message from the character using only the operator's favorite word is displayed. For example, when the operator is favoring a person called "Kanna-chan",
When the “person” “Kanna-chan” is registered as “I like” in the word database shown in FIG. 19A, “Kanna-chan” which is one of the favorite words is extracted, It is stored in the word database shown in FIG. 19 (b). When an email from "Kanna-chan" is received, a message such as "I received an email from Kanna-chan" is displayed.

In the case of a bullish character, only the disliked words are extracted. By doing so, a message from the character using only the word that the operator dislikes is displayed. For example, when the operator dislikes the person “Taro”, FIG.
In the word database shown in, "person" called "Taro"
When "is disliked" is registered, "Taro", which is one of the disliked words, is extracted and stored in the word database shown in FIG. 19 (b). When a call is received from "Taro", a message such as "That Taro has called" is displayed.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the word is extracted as it is has been shown. However, not only the word but also the phrase or the clause of the sentence can be extracted, and the synonym and the antonym of the extracted word can be extracted. It is also possible to perform processing such as conversion. By doing so, it is possible to display a message having a larger amount of information, or to display a message that more strongly reflects the character of the character.

By processing in this manner, it is possible to "process the information obtained by the exchange based on the personality information and supply it to the communication terminal device as the data", or "by the exchange. It is possible to process the obtained information based on the personality information, supply it to the communication terminal device as the data, and display it on the display unit of the communication terminal device. ”

By processing in this way, the character's personality can be reflected in the message, and there is a possibility that the character will feel a sense of familiarity or interest. In addition, there is a possibility that the character in the virtual space and the operator in the real space can be inseparably integrated, or information can be shared with the character.

[Image Display Processing During Dialogue with Character] As described above, the character can ask not only the contents of the mail or the telephone but also various other contents.

The databases used for this processing are shown in FIGS. 19, 30 and 31. It should be noted that these databases may be held by the server 4 or may be held by the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70.

Here, FIG. 19 shows a database of keyword information as "dialogue result information" (the contents of the database have been described above), and FIG.
Indicates a database relating to conversation content information (conversation history) as “conversation result information”. The databases shown in FIGS. 19 and 30 are updated every moment in response to the dialogue between the character and the operator.

Here, FIG. 30 shows a database for storing the contents of the dialogue with the character. In the first column, "user ID", in the second column, "date and time of dialogue", and in the third column. The "contents of the dialogue" is stored in the fourth column as a flag indicating whether or not to "use".

In the example shown in FIG. 30, the third column contains
"Content of dialogue" is "question" and "response to it"
It is stored as a group.

The "use" in the fourth column indicates whether or not the stored dialogue contents can be used when the character has a dialogue, and "1" indicates that it can be used, "0" indicates that it cannot be used. As described above, in the present embodiment, the operator can select whether or not to inherit the past history (a part or all) of the character (see step S29 in FIGS. 6 and 14). The status of handing over the history of is indicated by the flag of "1" or "0" of "use".

Further, FIG. 31 shows a database of messages used by the character in dialogue. The database shown in FIG. 31 is set in advance by the server 4.

FIG. 31A shows a database of "general type messages" such as "What are you doing now?"
(B) What did you do with "xxx"? , Etc.,
The database of "embedded message" which can be made into a message by embedding a word in the part of "xxx" is shown.

In FIG. 31, each message is
It is associated with a given category to indicate the context in which the message is used.

(Explanation of Image Display Processing in Dialogue) When the character and the operator interact, the communication terminal devices 10, 6
FIG. 29 shows a subroutine of processing for displaying an image on the display device 41 of 0 or 70. In addition, this subroutine is
For example, after making / receiving a call or sending / receiving mail,
After a preset time has elapsed, or when an execution command of this subroutine is sent from the server 4, it is called from a main routine that is executed in advance and executed.

First, it is determined whether or not the general type message is displayed as the first displayed message (step S111). For example, after making / receiving a call or sending / receiving a mail, a built-in message may be displayed to ask a question about the contents of the call or mail, or after a preset time has passed. And the execution instruction of this subroutine is the server 4
When it is sent from, the general message is displayed.

When it is determined that the general message is displayed, the general message arbitrarily selected from FIG. 31 (a) is displayed on the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S113). For example, when the message selected from FIG. 31 (a) is "Where did you go yesterday?", That message is displayed as shown in FIG. 33 (a).

When the operator makes some reply to the displayed message, the reply information for the message is processed (step S114), and the message corresponding to the reply information is displayed (step S115).

For example, in response to the message "Where did you go yesterday?" From the character as shown in FIG. 33A, after the operator selected the selection frame "answer", When the operation button or the like of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is pressed and "Amusement park" is input to reply, this "Amusement park" is returned in step S114.
Information is accumulated in the databases shown in FIGS. 19 and 30 (at this time, the “category of the word”, “like / dislike”, etc. may be asked if necessary). Then, in order to have a dialogue using the word "amusement park", in step S115, what has been done with the embedded message "" xxx "according to the category of the word from FIG. 31 (b)? By selecting “” and incorporating the word into the message, the message “What did you do at the amusement park?” Is displayed.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not this subroutine is finished (step S116). For example, step S
In response to the message "What happened at the amusement park?" Displayed at 115, if the operator selects the selection frame "Do not answer", this subroutine is ended as it is, and the operator "answers". When the above selection frame is selected and a reply is given, the processing from step S114 onward is repeated.

For example, in this step S116,
When the operator selects the selection frame of "answer" and inputs "I saw the fireworks" and replies, step S114
In this case, the information of "I saw the fireworks" will be accumulated in the database of FIGS. 19 and 30 (at this time,
The reply information "I saw the fireworks" may be stored in the database of FIG. 19 separated by words, and may be stored as it is in the database of FIG. 30). Then, in order to have a dialogue using this reply information, in step S115, it is determined from FIG. 31 (a) that the category of the information ("fireworks look" belongs to the category "action" from the verb "mita". Select the general message "Did you enjoy yourself?" In response to the message.

Then, in step S116, since the displayed message is a "question-type message" of "is it fun?", If the operator does not select the selection frame of "do not answer", The processing after step S114 is repeated.

For example, in this step S114,
The operator selects the "Answer" selection box and clicks "Yes".
In the case of replying by inputting, "YES" is stored in the database of FIG. 30 in step S114. Then, in order to have a dialogue using this reply information, in step S115, the general type message "Good!" Is selected from FIG. 31A and that message is displayed.

Then, in step S116, since the displayed message is a "message which is not in the question format", which is "good," it is judged that the dialogue is ended, and this subroutine is ended.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S111 that the embedded message is to be displayed,
Select a message from FIG. 31 (b) (for example,
"Are you eating" xxx "these days? Message),
Words or sentences extracted from FIG. 19 or FIG. 30 (for example, “Tonkatsu” having the same category as the selected message)
Word) in the message (step S
112), for example, a message such as "Have you eaten tonkatsu recently" as shown in FIG. 33 (b) is displayed on the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S).
113).

When the operator replies to this message by selecting the selection frame "No", the information "No" is stored in the database of FIG. 30 in step S114. To go. And in order to have a dialogue in response to this "no" reply,
In step S115, the general message "Why?" Selected from FIG. 31A is displayed.

Then, in step S116, since the displayed message is a "question-type message" of "why?", The operator "does not answer".
If the selection frame is not selected, further step S1
The processing after 14 is repeated.

[0211] In response to the message "Why?" From the character, the operator presses the operation button or the like of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 after the operator selects the selection frame "Answer". When the user responds by inputting "I'm on a diet", in step S114, the information "I'm on a diet" is accumulated in the database of FIGS. 19 and 30 (at this time, " The reply information "because of dieting" may be stored in the database of FIG. 19 separated by words, and may be stored as it is in the database of FIG. 30). Then, in order to have a dialogue using this reply information, in step S115, the general message "Give up!" Selected from FIG. 31A is displayed.

As described above, when the character and the operator interact with each other, the processing shown in FIG. 29 is repeated, and the processing of step S114 described above is repeated, so that the databases shown in FIGS. The stored information (dialogue result information) is accumulated.

That is, the "dialogue result information" includes the accumulated dialogue result information obtained from the dialogue between the operator (the same applies to the past operators) and the character at that time. .

As an example, FIG. 32 shows how keyword information stored in the database of FIG. 19 is accumulated.

FIG. 32 (a) shows that when the operator rents a "character that has never been rented to anyone in the past", the operator and the character interact with each other.
It shows how keyword information is accumulated.

FIG. 32 (b) shows that when the operator rents a "character that has been rented to another person in the past", the operator and the character interact with each other.
This shows how the keyword information obtained from the dialogue with the operator is accumulated (the shaded portion in FIG. 32 (b) shows the keyword information obtained from the dialogue with the operator). .

Although not shown, the dialogue content information stored in the database of FIG. 30 is also accumulated in the same manner as that shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 32, "interaction result information with the operator" increases as the operator interacts with the character. Therefore, a new dialogue is created using the interaction result information. As the number of dialogues with the character increases, the longer the character is rented and the time after the character is purchased, the more "the memory of the dialogue between the character and the operator (that is, the talk result information). ) Is increasing ”
This makes it possible for the operator to recognize that, and there is a possibility that attachment to the character will be further increased.

Then, the above-mentioned steps S114 to S1.
15, the processing in S112 to S115 (see FIG. 29) is "dialogue result information obtained from a dialogue between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character or" the character information was finitely used in the past. The "character or image or a combination thereof" created based on either or both of the dialogue result information obtained from the dialogue between the "third party" and the character, and the operator of the communication terminal device This is the process of displaying on the display unit of the communication terminal device when a new dialogue is made with the character ”.

Further, in the databases shown in FIGS. 19 and 30, since the past history takeover status is indicated by the “use” flag, “the“ character or image or a combination thereof ”is the result of the dialogue”. It is created by using information extracted from the information included in the information (information indicated by the "1" flag of "use"). "
That is realized.

Furthermore, the image shown in FIG. 33 (b) corresponds to "a character or an image or a combination thereof" created based on the dialogue result information, and this image is "related to the character information. Or both as a message from the character, or both. "

According to the above-described processing of the present invention, the "image" suitable for the dialogue with the operator can be displayed so that the character can speak to the operator.

For example, when the “image” is created based on the dialogue result information obtained from the dialogue between the “operator of the communication terminal device” and the character,
The character and the operator have a conversation on a topic according to the operator's current situation, a topic of interest to the operator, or a personal topic of the operator (for example, a topic that cannot be said to other people). be able to.

When the “image” is created based on the dialogue result information obtained from the dialogue between the “person who has used the character information in a limited manner in the past” and the character, It is possible for the character and the operator to have a conversation on a topic that the character does not know about the operator, a topic that the operator does not expect, etc., and it is possible to raise the operator's interest and interest in the character.

Furthermore, since the "dialogue result information" includes the "accumulation" of the dialogue result information obtained from the dialogue between the operator and the character at that time, there are many dialogues with the character. Indeed, the longer the character is rented or the time it has been purchased, the more the memory of the dialogue between the character and the operator (that is, the dialogue result information) can be increased.

Since the "image" is created by using the information extracted from the information included in the dialogue result information, the topic spoken by the character is set to be close to the operator's preference. It becomes possible to do.

The image display processing as described above may be performed by either the server 4 or the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. When the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 performs the above-described processing, the server 4 displays ““ conversation result information ”.
A program for displaying an “image” created based on the above on the display unit of the communication terminal device when the operator of the communication terminal device and the character newly interact with each other. It will be supplied to 70 as data. In this case, in addition to the same advantages as those described above, in the communication terminal device supplied with the program, it is possible to quickly create and display the "image". It is possible to have a smooth dialogue with.

[Rental Deadline Notification Processing] When the character rental deadline is approaching, the server 4 sends a message to that effect to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. The processing at this time is shown in FIG.

First, it is determined whether it is time to notify the rental deadline (step S81). This timing is the timing at which the rental start date recorded in the database shown in FIG. 9 is compared with today's date and, for example, the rental end date or the day before the rental end date is notified. To determine.

If it is determined that it is not the timing to notify, this subroutine is immediately ended. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is time to notify the rental deadline, information indicating that the rental deadline is approaching is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S82).

When the guide information indicating that the rental period is approaching is transmitted from the server 4, the communication terminal devices 10, 60
Or 70 receives this guidance information and communication terminal device 1
For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the display unit of 0, 60, or 70 has the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70.
The message such as "You can play with me until today. Let's play with me" and "I can play with you until tomorrow. Also, with you I want to play. "Is displayed.

By performing such processing, a message indicating that the rental period is about to expire is sent from the server 4 to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. The notification information regarding the limited use of the character information regarding "is supplied to the communication terminal device". Further, since the message received by the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is displayed on the display device 41 on the communication terminal device, “a display image related to the notification information regarding the limited use of the character information is displayed on the communication terminal device. It is displayed on the display section. "

Note that, as shown in FIG. 22A or 22B, a message reflecting the character of the character may be displayed. For example, a bullish character displays a bullish message, and a cute character displays a pretty message. By doing so, it is possible to produce a character with individuality, and also to make the character feel more attached or interested.

In the above-described embodiment, the notification of the rental deadline is shown on the day when the rental ends or on the day before the rental, but it may be notified every other time, for example, every day after the rental is started. .

[Character Return Processing] FIG. 34 shows a subroutine of character return processing that is called and executed when the character return is selected in step S44 of FIG. 14 described above. As described above, in step S44 of FIG. 14, processing such as rental extension is also performed.

First, the server 4 transmits the guide information regarding the return of the character to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S121). When the guide information about the return of the character is transmitted from the server 4, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives this guide information, and the display unit of the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 displays For example, as shown in FIG. 35 (a), a message such as "I will return the character you are currently renting" and an image of the character you are currently renting are displayed.

Next, the server 4 transmits guidance information as to whether or not to return the character (step S122). When the guide information as to whether or not to return the character is transmitted from the server 4, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives this information and displays it on the display unit of the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. For example, as shown in FIG. 35 (b), a message such as “Are you sure you want to return this character?” And a selection frame of “Yes” or “No” are displayed.

The operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 operates the keyboard 32 or the controller 34 to
Select and enter the answer as to whether or not to return the character. Then, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 transmits the information of this answer to the server 4.

After the processing of step S122 described above, when the server 4 receives from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 the information indicating whether or not to return the character, the information indicates that the character is to be returned. It is determined whether the information is information (step S123).

When it is determined that the received information is information indicating that the character will not be returned, this subroutine is immediately ended. On the other hand, when it is determined that the received information is information for returning the character, use prohibition processing of the history of the current user (operator), which will be described later, is performed (step S124), and the present subroutine ends. That is, when the present subroutine ends after the processing of step S124, the character return processing is completed.

(Explanation of History Use Prohibition Process) When the information indicating that the character is returned is received from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (YES route of step S123 in FIG. 34), the server 4 shows in FIG. From the database relating to keyword information, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 7
0 operator keywords (words) are sequentially extracted, and whether or not to prohibit the use of the keyword after returning the character (that is, whether to prohibit the person who rents the character from using the keyword in the future) Or not) send guidance information.

Here, as the processing for prohibiting the use, there is, for example, processing such as deletion, masking, resetting or overwriting. In the following, when the server 4 adopts "delete" as the processing for prohibiting the use. Will be described as an example.

When the guide information indicating whether or not the use is prohibited is transmitted from the server 4, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70.
In the display unit of the display device 41 of FIG. 36, is the word “○ × company” deleted, for example, as shown in FIG. Message and a selection frame of "Yes" or "No" are displayed.

[0244] Here, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70
When the operator operates the keyboard 32 or the controller 34 to select the selection frame “Yes” and sends a message to that effect to the server 4, the server 4 further prohibits the use of data including the keyword. Send guidance information on whether or not.

When the guide information indicating whether to prohibit the use of the data including the keyword is transmitted from the server 4, the display unit of the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 displays, for example, in FIG. "" ○ company "as shown in b)
Can I delete all data containing the word? Message and a selection frame of "Yes" or "No" are displayed.

Then, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70
When the operator operates the keyboard 32 or the controller 34 to select the “YES” selection frame and sends it to the server 4, the server 4 relates to the word “○ × company” in the database of FIG. All data,
And all the data including the word "○ company" in the database of FIG. 30 are deleted.

After that, when the server 4 transmits the information indicating that the use of the data including the keyword is prohibited, the server 4 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 displays, for example, FIG. A message such as “Deleted all data including the word“ ○ × company ”” and a selection frame of “OK” or “Return” are displayed. By referring to this display screen, the operator can confirm that the "history use prohibition process after character return" has been performed.

When the above-mentioned processing is performed, a display screen as shown in FIG. 37 may be displayed instead of the display screen as shown in FIG.

Here, the case where the server 4 adopts "mask" as the process of prohibiting the use will be described as an example. When the guide information indicating whether the use is prohibited is transmitted from the server 4. , The word "" company "as shown in FIG. 37 (a) is prohibited on the display unit of the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70? Message and a selection frame of "Yes" or "No" are displayed.

Here, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70
When the operator selects the “YES” selection frame and sends a message to that effect to the server 4, the server 4 further sends guidance information as to whether or not to prohibit the use of data containing the keyword.

When the guide information is transmitted from the server 4, the display section of the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 displays, for example, "" ○ * as shown in FIG. 37 (b).
Can I ban all data containing the word "company"? Message and a selection frame of "Yes" or "No" are displayed.

Then, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70
When the operator selects the "Yes" selection frame and sends it to the server 4, the server 4 sets the use flag for the word "○ company" in the database of FIG. 19 to "0". At the same time, the usage flags for all the data including the word “○ × company” in the database of FIG. 30 are set to “0”.

After that, when the server 4 sends the information indicating that the use of the data including the keyword is prohibited, the server 41 of the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 displays, for example, FIG. A message such as “The use of all data including the word“ ○ × company ”has been prohibited” and a selection frame of “OK” or “Return” are displayed.

Here, the processing in step S124 described above is "processing for prohibiting use of part or all of the dialogue result information obtained from the dialogue between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character". Equivalent to.

Further, the display screens shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 display the message "" Use of part or all of the dialogue result information obtained from the dialogue between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character is prohibited. Which corresponds to the “character or image or combination thereof” for performing “processing”, and corresponds to step S1 described above.
In 24, the process for displaying the display screens shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 is ““ Prohibit the use of part or all of the dialogue result information obtained from the dialogue between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character ”. "Processing for""displaying" characters or images or combinations thereof "on the display unit of the communication terminal device".

Further, as described above, the display screens shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 "displayed when the character return process is performed" indicate that "the process of losing the limited use authority of the character information to the operator is lost.""What was displayed when it was done."

[0257] In addition, the "dialogue between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character" performed until the above-mentioned character return processing is "the operator makes limited use of the character information. What was done while
Equivalent to.

(Explanation of Another Example of History Use Prohibition Processing) In the above description, the case of performing the “history use prohibition processing of the current user (operator)” when performing the character return processing has been described ( In step S124 of FIG. 34), the processing can be performed even while renting the character.

In this case, for example, when the operator wants to perform the process, the "history use prohibition process" on the display screen shown in FIG. 15 may be selected. When the operator selects the "history use prohibition process", the server 4 performs the "history use prohibition process" by performing the same process as the process in step S124 described above.
6 or the display screen as shown in FIG.
It is displayed on the display unit of the display device 41 of 0, 60 or 70.

Further, the processing can be performed while the operator and the character are having a dialogue.

For example, as shown in FIG. 38, when the character speaks "What is the company XX?"
The operator does not want to tell the character about "" company. I want to erase the word "○ x company" from the memory of the character. When selecting, the selection frame of “do not answer” is selected, and at this time, the server 4 performs the “history use prohibition process” by performing the same process as the process in step S124 described above. do it. still,
Also in this case, the display screen as shown in FIG. 36 or 37 is displayed on the display unit of the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 in the process of processing.

Here, as described above, the display screens shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 "displayed while the character is rented" are "displayed when the operator uses the character information for a limited amount of time." Is equivalent to

According to the present invention, "a process of prohibiting the use of a part or the whole of the dialogue result information is performed". Therefore, for example, "the operator is not the other person (including the character)" in the dialogue result information. "Personal information that should not be known or information that should be kept secret" should not be used in future dialogues between the operator or "third party who will use the character in the future" and the character. it can.
Therefore, the privacy of the operator can be surely protected from the present to the future, so that the operator can continue to use the character information with peace of mind, and the intimacy by continuing the dialogue with the character with peace of mind. Therefore, there is a possibility that the operator's attachment to the character and the sense of trust will increase.

The processing for displaying the screen (image) as shown in FIG. 36 and FIG. 37 may be performed by either the server 4 or the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. When the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 performs the above-described processing, the server 4 displays ““ a part of the dialogue result information obtained from the dialogue between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character or "A program for displaying" characters or images or a combination thereof "for performing" processing for prohibiting all use "on the display unit of the communication terminal device,
The data is supplied to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 as data. In this case, in addition to the same advantages as those described above, in the communication terminal device supplied with the above program, it is possible to quickly create and display the "image", and the above process is performed. That is, the operator can be promptly recognized, and the dialogue regarding the above processing can be smoothly performed.

[Character Purchase Processing] FIG. 14 described above.
FIG. 23 shows a subroutine of the process of purchasing the character which is called and executed when the purchase of the character is selected in step S44. As described above, in step S44 of FIG. 14, processing such as rental extension is also performed.

First, the guide information regarding the purchase of the character is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S101). When the guide information regarding the purchase of the character is transmitted from the server 4, the communication terminal devices 10 and 6
0 or 70 receives this guidance information, and the communication terminal device 1
In the display unit of 0, 60, or 70, for example, FIG.
24 (b) after a message such as "Do you know anything about being able to buy me?" Is displayed on the display unit of the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG.
A message such as "50 or more chips are required to buy me" is displayed on the display unit of the display device 41 of 60 or 70.

By performing such processing, information indicating that the rented character can be purchased, that is, the authority to permanently use the character can be obtained is displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. Is displayed on the display unit, and it is displayed that the "authority for limited use", which is the rental of the character, can be switched to the "authority for permanent use", which is the purchase of the character. By doing so, it is possible to “display the display image relating to the ability to change the limited use authority to the permanent use authority on the display unit of the communication terminal device”.

By doing so, the fact that the character can be purchased is shown in the communication terminal devices 10, 60.
Or, it may be possible to accurately convey to the operator of 70, to rethink that the character can be personalized, or to give an opportunity to further deepen the relationship with the character. Occurs.

Next, guide information regarding the chip is transmitted (step S102). When the guide information regarding the chip is transmitted from the server 4, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 7 is transmitted.
0 receives this information, and the display unit of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 displays, for example, as shown in FIG.
In the display section of the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, "When playing a game with me or playing with me,
You can add more chips. 25B, or a message such as "In addition to this, you can increase the number of chips by exchanging money for chips." As shown in FIG. 25 (b).

By carrying out the above-mentioned processing, it is possible to deepen the "interaction" between the operator and the character by playing a game with the character, taking care of the character's opponent or taking care of them, and playing together. In addition, the degree of “interchange” can be replaced with “compensation”, which is a chip, and “conversion of the degree of exchange to the consideration for the exchange” can be performed, and thus “communication terminal device It is also possible to "accompany the interaction between the operator and the character."

Further, by doing so, it is possible to accurately inform the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 as to how the character can be purchased, and the chips have already been acquired sufficiently. The operating operator can know that the character can be purchased with peace of mind. In addition, an operator who has not yet acquired a chip may have a feeling that he or she must sufficiently interact with the character ahead.

Furthermore, an operator who is economically affordable, an operator who likes the character but is not good at the game, or an operator who cannot spend much time can buy the character. There is also a possibility that the operator can be made clear and that the operator can be relieved and interact with the character.

Next, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70
The number of chips owned by the operator is obtained, and information indicating whether or not the operator can buy the character is transmitted (step S103). When the information indicating whether or not the operator can purchase the character is transmitted from the server 4, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives this information, and the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives the information. If you can buy the character on the display,
For example, as shown in FIG. 26A, the communication terminal device 10,
In the display section of the display device 41 of 60 or 70, "You are now,
I have 62 chips, so you can buy me. Message such as "is displayed.
Further, if the character cannot be purchased with the current number of chips, it is displayed that the character cannot be purchased at the present time.

Next, it is judged whether or not the character can be purchased (step S104). When it is determined that the character cannot be purchased, this subroutine is immediately ended.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the character can be purchased, information indicating whether or not the character is to be purchased is transmitted (step S105). When the information indicating whether or not to purchase the character is transmitted from the server 4, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives this information, and the display unit of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 displays
For example, as shown in FIG. 26B, a message such as "Would you like to buy me?" And a selection frame of "buy" or "do not buy" are displayed.

The operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 operates the keyboard 32 or the controller 34 to
Select and enter the answer as to whether or not to buy the character. The communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 transmits the information of this answer to the server 4.

After receiving the information as to whether or not to purchase the character from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 after the processing of step S105 described above, the server 4 indicates that the information indicates that the character will be purchased. It is determined whether there is any (step S106).

When it is determined that the received information is information indicating that the character will not be purchased, this subroutine is immediately ended. On the other hand, when it is determined that the received information is information for purchasing the character, the database shown in FIG. 9 is updated (step S10).
7) Then, this subroutine is finished.

The above-mentioned database shown in FIG. 9 includes information as to whether or not a character has been bought, and items for managing the number of chips. By updating these items, the fact that the character has been bought has been obtained. Can be updated, the change in the number of chips can be updated, and the rented character can be purchased by the number of chips indicating the degree of interaction with the character, that is, from the rental "limited use authority". Purchasing "permanent authority"
You can build a server or system that can switch to.

By performing the processing as described above, it is possible to “change the authority of limited use to the authority of permanent use” or “to change the authority through consideration for exchange”. To get.

By doing so, it becomes possible to permanently use the character that has become familiar during the rental, and the operator develops the consciousness that he or she is his own character, and is able to meet the character with peace of mind under this consciousness. Possibilities arise. Furthermore, the information exchanged only between the operator and the character can be shared, and there is a possibility that the character can be enhanced to be positioned as a so-called life partner.

[Rental Completion Processing] When the rental period ends, it is necessary to prohibit the use of characters in the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. This process is shown in FIG.

First, it is determined whether it is time to send the rental completion information (step S91). When it is determined that it is not the time to send the rental completion information, this subroutine is immediately ended.

When it is determined that it is time to transmit the rental completion information, the rental completion information is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S9).
2).

When the rental completion information is transmitted from the server 4, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives this rental completion information, and the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is received.
The value of the flag used in the program executed in is set to a predetermined value, for example 1. This flag indicates whether the character is rented or has been rented.
The value of the flag is “0” when the character is rented, and the value of the flag is “1” when the rental is completed.

When the rental completion information described above is received from the server 4, the value of the flag is set to "1". When a character is displayed or a character is called after the value of this flag is set to "1", for example, a message as shown in FIG. 28, "The rental period has passed. I can't play with you anymore, but if you like, please sign up again. Then, you can play with me again. "Is displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. , The action of the function using the character is prohibited.

By carrying out such processing, the server 4 gives "a limited use authority for character information to the communication terminal apparatus" and "a limited use authority for character information in the communication terminal apparatus". It also defines.

Further, the value of the above-mentioned flag indicates whether or not the "limited use authority" is given,
This is to "give the communication terminal device the authority of limited use of character information independently of the program".

In this case, it is possible to visually indicate that the rental period has ended by displaying only the message without displaying the character image. Further, since the image of the character is not displayed, it is possible to cause a sad feeling of wanting to see the rented character again, and to make the character rent again.

The contents of the message are
The character of the rented character may be reflected. By doing so, the operator can remember the character and have the desire to display the character again, and can be motivated to rent the character again.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, "finite use of character information" is shown when the rental period is expired. However, there are regional restrictions corresponding to those who live in a predetermined area and a predetermined limit. The content may be restricted so that only the function of can be used.

[0292]

According to the present invention, the character can be easily and easily obtained and used, and "a part of the dialogue result information obtained from the dialogue between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character or By performing the processing of prohibiting the use of all the characters, it is possible to allow the operator and the character to interact with each other on the operator's personal topics while preserving the privacy of the operator. There is a possibility that the character in the virtual space and the operator in the real space are inseparably integrated with each other so that the character is blended into a part of the life, thereby making the character feel attached.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a character rental system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a server 4.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a system for renting a character.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine that is executed in the server 4.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of processing of an unregistered user which is called and executed in step S14 of the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 7 shows communication terminal devices 10 and 60 when guide information for renting a character is transmitted from server 4.
Or (a) which shows an example of the message displayed on the display part of the display device 41 of 70, and (b) which shows an example of the message which urges selection of a character.

FIG. 8 is a table showing an example of a character introduction database that is referred to when a message from a character is transmitted to communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 in step S24.

FIG. 9 is a table showing an example of a database generated or updated in step S31.

FIG. 10 is a time chart when the subroutine of FIG. 6 is executed.

11 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 when the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives a mail. FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 when the character asks a question about the content of the received mail.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 when a character offers a game battle to an operator.
It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on the display device 41 of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of an unregistered user process called and executed in step S15 of FIG.

FIG. 15: Communication terminal device 1 for displaying information for menu display
When 0, 60 or 70 is received, the communication terminal device 1
It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on the display device 41 of 0, 60, or 70.

FIG. 16 is a table showing items included in dialogue information between a character and an operator.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of interactive information processing called and executed in step S46 of the subroutine of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a table showing an example of a database used for character personality setting processing.

FIG. 19 is a table showing an example (a) of a word database used for a keyword setting process and an example (b) of a keyword database generated based on the word database.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a communication terminal device 10, 6 using keywords.
It is a figure which shows the example of a display when a character calls an operator of 0 or 70.

FIG. 21: When the character rental period is approaching, the server 4 informs the communication terminal device 10, 6 of that effect.
It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the process transmitted to 0 or 70.

FIG. 22 shows the communication terminal device 10, when the guide information indicating that the rental deadline is approaching is transmitted from the server 4.
Reference numeral 60 or 70 is a diagram showing an example of an image received on the guidance information and displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of character purchase that is called and executed when the processing of step S44 of FIG. 14 is executed.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 after the process of step S101 of FIG. 23 is executed.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 after the process of step S102 of FIG. 23 is executed.

26 is an example (a) of an image displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 after the process of step S103 of FIG. 23 is executed, and step S105 of FIG.
After the processing of is executed, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 7
It is a figure which shows the example (b) of the image displayed on the display part of 0.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of processing when the rental period ends.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a message displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 when the rental completion information is received from the server 4.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of processing for displaying an image on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 when the character and the operator interact with each other.

FIG. 30 is a table showing an example of a database relating to dialogue content information as “dialogue result information”.

FIG. 31 is a table showing a database of messages used by a character in a dialogue, (a) shows a database of “general type messages”, and (b) shows a database of “embedded type messages”.

32 is a diagram showing how keyword information stored in the database of FIG. 19 is accumulated.

FIG. 33 (a) is a diagram showing an example of an image in which a “general message” is displayed, and FIG. 33 (b) is a diagram showing an example of an image in which a “embedded message” is displayed.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for returning a character which is called and executed when the processing of step S44 of FIG. 14 is executed.

35A is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 after the processing of step S121 of FIG. 34 is executed, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the image displayed on the display part of the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 after the process of step S122 of 34 is performed.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a case where the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 7 is executed when the history use prohibition process of step S124 of FIG. 34 is executed.
It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on the display part of 0.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 7 when executing the history use prohibition process in step S124 of FIG. 34;
It is a figure which shows the other example of the image displayed on the display part of 0.

FIG. 38 is a view during the dialogue between the operator and the character.
Before executing the history use prohibition process, the communication terminal device 1
It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on the display part of 0, 60, or 70.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Character rental system 2 Public telephone network (communication line) 3 Mobile phone network (communication line) 4 servers 10 Portable communication terminal device (communication terminal device) 41 Display (Display) 60 Portable game device (communication terminal device) 70 Mobile phone (communication terminal device)

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Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A server which can send and receive data to and from a communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, the character information relating to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device. Regarding, regarding the limited use authority of the character information in the communication terminal device, and the use of a part or all of the dialogue result information obtained from the dialogue between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character. A server that is characterized by performing a prohibition process. 2. A server which can send and receive data to and from a communication terminal device in a state of being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, the character information relating to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device. Regarding the limited use of the character information in the communication terminal device, and "using a part or all of the dialogue result information obtained from the dialogue between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character". A server for displaying "characters or images or a combination thereof" for performing "processing for prohibiting" on the display unit of the communication terminal device. 3. The "character or image or a combination thereof" is displayed when a process of losing the limited use authority of the character information to the operator is performed. The server according to item 2. 4. The server according to claim 2, wherein the “character or image or combination thereof” is displayed when the operator uses the character information for a limited amount of time. 5. The dialogue between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character is performed while the operator is using the character information for a limited amount of time. Or the server according to 2. 6. A server which can send and receive data to and from a communication terminal device in a state of being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, the character information relating to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device. Regarding the limited use authority of the character information in the communication terminal device, and "" a part or all of the dialogue result information obtained from the dialogue between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character. A "program for displaying" characters or images or a combination thereof "for performing" processing for prohibiting use "on the display unit of the communication terminal device" is supplied to the communication terminal device as the data. server.