JP6714284B1 - Game system, control method thereof, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase the possibility that a relationship is set between users via a physical medium. In a game system including a game machine (3) that reflects a relationship set between users in control of a game, when one of the users is a target user, the target user and other users Generating medium information for generating a physical medium Cp in which setting information necessary for setting a relationship with the user and visible symbol information 101 symbolizing the target user regarding the game are recorded, While controlling the medium output device so that the physical medium Cp is generated based on the medium information, the setting information recorded in the physical medium Cp is acquired and the setting information of the physical medium Cp is acquired. The user thus identified is identified as the partner user, and a relationship is set between the target user and the partner user based on the setting information obtained from the physical medium Cp. [Selection diagram] Fig. 5

Description

The present invention relates to a game system and the like that sets a relationship between users by using a physical medium such as a card.

2. Description of the Related Art There is widely known a game system having a mechanism for setting an appropriate relationship such as friends, groups, rivals, etc. between a plurality of users in a game and reflecting the relationship in the control of the game. Regarding the setting of the relationship between the users, the friend registration code is printed out to the user of the game machine, and the other user who has received the code causes the game machine to acquire the code to set the friend relationship. A mechanism has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP, 2016-189799, A

With the mechanism that uses the printed code, it is possible to set friend relationships relatively easily and reliably without the need for manual measures such as the user writing down information such as the user IDs of other users. is there. However, the code is a kind of identification information in which alphanumeric characters and the like are appropriately combined, and even if the code is recorded on a print medium, the user cannot understand the meaning of the code. Therefore, even by observing the code, it is impossible for the user to determine what kind of code the user received. If the user of the code transferor forgets the user of the transferor, it is difficult to expect a friend setting using the code.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system or the like that can increase the possibility that a relationship will be set between users via a physical medium.

A game system according to an aspect of the present invention is a game system including a game control unit that reflects a relationship set between users in the control of a game, and a medium output unit that generates and outputs a physical medium. In order to set the relationship between the identification information acquisition means for acquiring the identification information of each user and the target user and the other user as the other party user when any one of the users is the target user. Medium information generating means for generating medium information for generating a physical medium in which necessary setting information and visible symbolic information symbolizing the target user with respect to the game are recorded, and the generated medium information Output control means for controlling the medium output means so that the physical medium is generated based on the physical medium, setting information acquisition means for acquiring the setting information recorded on the physical medium, and the physical medium. Of the other user based on the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit with respect to the user who has acquired the setting information, and based on the setting information acquired by the setting information acquisition unit, the target user and the Relationship setting means for setting the relationship with the other party user.

A game system control method according to an aspect of the present invention includes a game control unit that reflects a relationship set between users in the control of the game, and a medium output unit that generates and outputs a physical medium. In the computer of the system, the identification information acquisition procedure for acquiring the identification information of each user, and when one of the users is the target user, the relationship is set between the target user and the other user as the other user. A medium information generating procedure for generating medium information for generating a physical medium in which setting information necessary for playing the game and visible symbolic information symbolizing the target user with respect to the game are recorded. An output control procedure for controlling the medium output means so that the physical medium is generated based on the medium information; a setting information acquisition procedure for acquiring the setting information recorded on the physical medium; Based on the setting information acquired in the setting information acquisition procedure, the counterpart user is identified based on the identification information acquired in the identification information acquisition procedure with respect to the user who acquired the setting information of the physical medium. And a relationship setting procedure for setting the relationship between the target user and the counterpart user.

A computer program according to an aspect of the present invention is a computer of a game system including game control means for reflecting a relationship set between users in control of a game, and medium output means for generating and outputting a physical medium. Is an identification information acquisition unit that acquires the identification information of each user, and is required to set the relationship between the target user and another user as the other party user when one of the users is a target user. Information generating means for generating medium information for generating a physical medium in which various setting information and visible symbolic information symbolizing the target user with respect to the game are recorded, based on the generated medium information Output control means for controlling the medium output means to generate the physical medium, setting information acquisition means for acquiring the setting information recorded on the physical medium, and the physical medium The other user is identified based on the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit with respect to the user who acquired the setting information, and the target user and the other user are identified based on the setting information acquired by the setting information acquisition unit. It is configured so as to function as a relationship setting means for setting the relationship between and.

The figure showing an example of the whole composition of the game system concerning one form of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of processing performed for printing out a card by the card vendor in FIG. 1. The figure which shows an example of the procedure in which a card is printed by lottery print. The figure which shows an example of transfer or exchange of the virtual card using a virtual board. The figure which shows an example of the procedure of the printing and use of the card in profile printing. The figure which shows an example of a profile card. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure for printing a card by memorial print. The figure which shows an example of a memorial card. The figure which shows the other example of a memorial card. The figure which shows the further another example of a memorial card. The figure which shows an example of a structure of the control system of a server. The figure which shows an example of a structure of a game machine, a card vendor, and a user terminal. The figure which shows an example of a structure of play data. The figure which shows an example of a structure of virtual board data. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of print management processing executed by the print management unit of the server. The figure which shows an example of a content selection screen. The figure which shows an example of a content home screen. The figure which shows an example of the procedure of the lottery print processing mainly performed by the lottery print processing part of a server. The figure which shows an example of the screen for displaying a lottery result. The figure which shows an example of the procedure of the print card selection process mainly performed by the lottery print process part of a server. The figure which shows an example of the screen for selecting the card for printing. The figure which shows an example of the screen for selecting the card of exchange origin. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the process performed with a game machine and a server in order to reserve printing of a profile card. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of processing executed by a profile print processing unit of the server to print a reserved profile card. The figure which shows an example of the procedure of the process which a game machine or a user terminal, and a server perform in order to set a friend relationship using a profile card. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the process performed by a game machine and a server in order to reserve printing of a memorial card. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of processing executed by a memorial print processing unit of the server to print a reserved memorial card. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure of processing executed by a print management unit of the server for processing a reserved profile card or memorial card according to an instruction from a user terminal.

(overall structure)
First, an example of the overall configuration of a game system according to an aspect of the invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 includes a server 2 and a plurality of game machines 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D capable of functioning as clients of the server 2 (hereinafter referred to as the game machine 3). Yes, and card vendor 4. Further, in the game system 1, the user terminal 5 can also be used as a client of the server 2. The server 2 may be configured as a single physical server using a single computer device, or may be configured as a logical server in which a plurality of computer devices are combined.

The game machines 3A to 3D are examples of game devices that provide users with games of different types. Although four types of game machines 3A to 3D are shown in FIG. 1, the type of the game machine 3 may be appropriate. The content of the game provided by each game machine 3 may be appropriate. For example, the game machine 3 may provide a music game, a dance game, a board game such as mahjong, and other various games. The types of games may be distinguished from each other from an appropriate point of view. For example, the types of games may be distinguished from other appropriate viewpoints such as the genre, title, version, etc. of the game. The game machine 3 is provided as a commercial game machine that allows the user to play the game in exchange for payment of a fee or provides the user with a service related to the game. The game machine 3 is installed in a store 6 as an example of a facility that operates a profit business using the game machine 3. Although a single store 6 is shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of stores 6 actually exist, and at least one game machine 3 is installed in each store 6.

The card vendor 4 is an example of a medium output device that prints a card associated with a game and outputs it to the user. At least one card vendor 4 is installed in each store 6. The user terminal 5 is an information communication device used for personal use by the user. For example, a smartphone may be used as the user terminal 5. An information communication device such as a mobile PC or a portable game machine may be used as the user terminal 5.

The server 2, the game machine 3, the card vendor 4, and the user terminal 5 can communicate information via the network 7. The network 7 includes a LAN 7 a for each store 6 configured to accommodate the game machine 3 and the card vendor 4 in the same store 6, and a WAN 7 b connecting the LAN 7 a and the server 2. WAN7b is the Internet as an example. The LAN 7a is connected to the WAN 7b via the router 7c installed in each store 6. The user terminal 5 is connected to the WAN 7b via an access point 7d prepared by a communication company or the like. The server 2 may also be connected to the WAN 7b with an appropriate configuration.

In the game system 1, there are virtual cards that are displayed on the screen of the card vendor 4 and the like, and cards that are printed and output to the user by the card vendor 4 as physical objects. In the following, the former may be read as a virtual card and the latter as a real card to distinguish them.

(Outline of card printing process)
FIG. 2 shows an outline of processing performed by the card vendor 4 to print out an actual card. The card vendor 4 first performs a standby process of displaying a title screen or the like and waiting for a user's start operation (step S1). When the user performs a predetermined start operation on the card vendor 4, the server 2 performs a user authentication process for authenticating the user via the card vendor 4 (step S2). When the user authentication is completed, a content selection process is performed to allow the user to select which type of game real cards should be printed (step S3). When the game type is selected, the process shifts to the content home that allows the user to select the type (or type) of the actual card to be printed (step S4). In the processing of the content home, any one of the three types of lottery print, profile print and memorial print can be selected. When the type of the real card is selected, the process corresponding to the selected type is performed (steps S5 to S7), and when any process is completed, the process is returned to the content home. Further, if there is no type selection in the content home, the process returns to the content select. When the user instructs the end of printing (or may be canceled) in the content selection, a predetermined end process is performed (step S8), and then the process returns to the standby process.

Next, specific examples of the lottery print, the profile print, and the memorial print performed in steps S5 to S7 of FIG. 2 will be sequentially described.

(About lottery print)
The lottery print process (step S5 in FIG. 2) is a process of selecting a virtual card associated with the game from a plurality of selection candidates by lottery and printing an actual card corresponding to the selected virtual card. FIG. 3 shows an example of a procedure for printing a card by lottery print. In the lottery print, one or more times of lottery regarding the virtual card Cv is performed based on the user's instruction to the card vendor 4. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the lottery is repeated from the first time to the Nth time. An appropriate upper limit may be set for the number of times of lottery. In one lottery, one virtual card Cv is selected by lottery from the selection candidate group GC as an example of options including various virtual cards Cv.

When the virtual card Cv is selected in one lottery, the user selects whether to print the selected virtual card Cv as the real card Cr or hold it as the virtual card Cv whose print output is suspended. be able to. When printing is suspended, the virtual card Cv selected in the current lottery is held as a card in which printing is suspended, and the next lottery is performed. Even in the second and subsequent lottery, the user can hold the printing of the selected virtual card Cv and select a new lottery. However, if an upper limit is set for the number of times of lottery, a new lottery cannot be selected after the upper limit is reached. The virtual card Cv for which printing is suspended can be released based on a user's instruction, and the real card Cr corresponding to the virtual card Cv can be printed. In the example of FIG. 3, after the Nth lottery, the user gives an instruction to release the hold of the two virtual cards Cv, and the real cards Cr corresponding to those virtual cards Cv are printed out.

In the lottery print, the user is charged a predetermined fee for each of the lottery and the print. As an example, the basic fee is charged for the first (first) lottery, and the additional lottery fee is charged for the second and subsequent lottery. As an example, the basic fee is set as the sum of the initial lottery unit price and the printing unit price. The initial lottery unit price is a unit price applied to the first lottery, and the printing unit price is a unit price applied to printing one real card Cr (one example of initial value). The additional lottery fee is the unit price per lottery applied to the second and subsequent lottery. Regarding printing, no new charges are incurred when printing only one real card Cr. On the other hand, when printing two or more real cards Cr, a print addition fee is additionally charged. That is, the basic fee corresponding to the first lottery includes the printing unit price for printing one real card Cr, and therefore, when printing two or more real cards Cr, the additional fee is calculated from the number of printed sheets. An amount obtained by multiplying the value obtained by subtracting 1 by the additional printing unit price is charged as the printing addition fee. The user may be allowed to select a special process for printing the real card Cr, and an additional fee may be additionally charged corresponding to the selection. As the special processing, options such as processing for adding a glossy feeling, hologram processing, and selection of high-quality printing mount may be prepared.

The basic fee, the additional lottery fee, the print addition fee, and the unit price for calculating these fees may be set in consideration of various factors such as the cost required for the processing, the profit, or the user's feeling of burden. For example, the initial lottery unit price and the additional lottery fee are unit prices corresponding to one lottery, but they do not necessarily have to be set to the same amount. The printing unit price included in the basic fee and the additional unit price for calculating the printing additional fee are also the unit prices corresponding to the printing of one actual card Cr, but they are not necessarily set to the same amount.

The selection candidate group GC may include a plurality of types of virtual cards Cv having different values. The value of the card includes an objective value determined by the level of parameter values set on the card and a subjective value viewed from the user. Some cards have high objective and subjective values, some cards have high one value and some have low value, and some have low value. The objective value of the card is associated with the probability of drawing. A card with a high objective value has a relatively low probability of appearing in a lottery, and a card with a low objective value has a relatively high probability of appearing in a lottery. Cards with a significantly low probability have high rarity and are sometimes called rare cards. When the probability that a rare card is selected in the lottery is the appearance rate of the rare card, the appearance rate is differentiated according to the number of times of the lottery in the example of FIG. That is, if the appearance rate of rare cards in the first lottery is Pb1, the appearance rate of rare cards in the second lottery is Pb2, and the appearance rate of rare cards in the Nth lottery is PbN, the appearance rate Pb2 is the appearance rate. It is higher than Pb1, and the appearance rate PbN is set to be the same as the appearance rate Pb2 or higher than the appearance rate Pb2. It is not always necessary to increase the appearance rate of rare cards for each lottery. The appearance rate of rare cards should be gradually increased as the lottery is repeated. An upper limit may be set for the appearance rate. Alternatively, the appearance rate may be controlled so that the appearance rate becomes 100% when the number of times of lottery reaches a predetermined value, and the appearance of the rare card is confirmed.

As described above, in the lottery print, it is possible to select the next lottery while leaving the virtual card Cv selected in the lottery in the print pending state. Therefore, when the virtual card Cv that the user does not necessarily need is selected in the lottery, the user can temporarily suspend the printing of the real card Cr corresponding to the virtual card Cv and select the next lottery. If the desired virtual card Cv is not selected even in the next lottery, the user releases the hold of at least one virtual card Cv from the virtual cards Cv selected in the first and second times and causes the actual card Cr to be printed. Alternatively, a further lottery may be selected. As described above, in the lottery print, it is possible to increase the number of virtual cards Cv as print candidates by repeating the lottery, and appropriately select the virtual card Cv desired by the user from these candidates to print the real card Cr. Is. As a result, it is possible to reduce the waste of printing a card that is not necessarily required by the user, or reduce the time and labor required for the printing.

In the lottery print, since the fee is set for each lottery, it is possible to suppress or eliminate the risk that the lottery will be repeated without limitation until the desired card is obtained. On the other hand, since the appearance rate of rare cards increases as the lottery is repeated, it is possible to give the user motivation to suspend printing and select the lottery. Further, regarding printing, since the print addition fee is charged for each number of prints exceeding the minimum required number (one as an example), it is possible to suppress waste of printing even unnecessary or low cards. It is possible to reduce the cost burden on the user for printing.

The actual card Cr printed by the lottery print may be, for example, a card in which information such as parameters that can be reflected in the control of the game by being read by the game machine 3 is recorded. .. An example of this type of card is a card in which the value of a parameter that changes the value of an item used by a user in a game is recorded. However, the real card Cr is not necessarily limited to the example in which the information is recorded in a manner that can be read by the game machine 3. For example, when a card game associated with a game on the game machine 3 is played offline by using the real card Cr, a card used by being incorporated in a deck or the like in the card game is printed out as the real card Cr. May be. Further, the real card Cr may be printed as a card whose main purpose is to collect the user. Therefore, the game machine 3 is not limited to the example having the function of reading the information of the actual card Cr.

In FIG. 3, the holding of the virtual card Cv and the printing of the real card Cr corresponding to the virtual card Cv are managed separately for each store 6, and the printing of the real card Cr is performed at the store 6 where the corresponding virtual card Cv is acquired. Only the card vendor 4 therein may be capable of printing. That is, the lottery of the virtual card Cv, the print suspension, and the printing of the real card Cr may be managed so that they can be performed only within the same store 6. The lottery and printing are charged, and those charges are recorded as sales of the store 6. Therefore, if it is assumed that the lottery and printing are carried out at different stores 6, for example, the store 6 that records the basic fee associated with the first lottery as sales and the printing cost performed corresponding to the basic fee. This is different from the store 6 that bears the burden, and an accounting trouble such as the need to settle the printing unit price between both stores 6 occurs. In order to save such trouble, it is preferable to limit the lottery, print suspension and printing to the same store 6. However, if there is a situation in which such settlement is not a problem, a difference between the shop 6 in which the lottery is performed and the shop 6 in which the printing is performed may be allowed.

FIG. 3 shows an example in which the user has selected all of the virtual cards Cv that can be held in the print pending state by lottery. However, in the lottery print, the virtual card Cv for which one user has suspended printing is exchanged with the virtual card Cv for which another user has acquired, or the virtual card Cv for which printing has been suspended can be acquired by another user. It is also possible to transfer. FIG. 4 shows an example of the mechanism. In FIG. 4, a virtual board VB for a plurality of users is prepared. The virtual board VB is prepared as a storage space for the virtual card Cv shared by users, and is virtually set on the server 2, for example.

In FIG. 4, for example, each of the users A and B can move at least one virtual card Cv whose printing is suspended to the virtual board VB. In exchange for the movement, the other virtual cards Cv are acquired from the virtual board VB as their own virtual cards Cv. Can be exchanged for Cv. Further, when the user moves the virtual card Cv to the virtual board VB and does not acquire any virtual card Cv from the virtual board VB, the virtual card Cv can be transferred to another user. The virtual card Cv acquired from the virtual board VB is added as a virtual card Cv held by the user who acquired the virtual board VB in a print pending state. Therefore, similarly to the virtual card Cv set by the user, the hold can be released and selected as a print target. The storage period of the virtual card Cv on the virtual board VB may be limited and the virtual card Cv whose storage period has elapsed may be deleted.

As described above, in the case where the virtual board VB is provided, when the virtual card Cv that the user does not necessarily need is given to the user, it is transferred to another user without printing, or another virtual card Cv is not printed. It becomes possible to exchange with the user. Therefore, it is possible to suppress or eliminate waste of printing the actual card Cr that is not needed by the user. It is possible to provide an opportunity for the user to obtain the desired real card Cr without necessarily depending on the method of increasing the print candidates by repeating the lottery. On the other hand, even if unnecessary virtual cards Cv increase due to repeated lottery, the virtual board VB can be used as a place to dispose of them. When a part of the plurality of virtual cards Cv is selected as the output target card and the real card Cr is printed, the virtual card Cv left in the print hold state may be erased.

The virtual boards VB may also be installed separately for each store 6. For example, the virtual card Cv acquired by the user at the card vendor 4 of the specific store 6 can be moved only to the virtual board VB corresponding to the store 6, and the virtual card Cv acquired from the virtual board VB. May be limited to the same store 6. In this way, the reason why the virtual board VB is operated for each store 6 is that the same as in the example of FIG. Is. However, the virtual board VB may be installed beyond the frame of the store 6 when there is a situation in which the trouble of settlement is not a problem. Moreover, the virtual board VB is not limited to the example in which one virtual board VB is set in the store 6. Even in the same store 6, virtual boards VB may be installed separately for each game. In this case, the exchange and transfer of the virtual card Cv using the virtual board VB are performed within the same game. On the other hand, the virtual board VB may be commonly installed for a plurality of types of games. In that case, the virtual card Cv can be exchanged between different games. On the other hand, the virtual board VB may be installed separately for each user. In this case, the user who wishes to exchange the virtual card Cv browses the virtual boards VB of other users to search for the virtual card Cv to be exchanged. Therefore, it is convenient to control the permission or restriction (or prohibition) of viewing the virtual board VB in units of users.

The virtual card Cv placed on the virtual board VB may be associated with owner information that identifies the user who provided the virtual card CV to the virtual board VB as the owner user. As an example, the virtual card Cv in the virtual board VB may be associated with user identification information (for example, a user ID) that identifies a user of the owner as owner information. In this case, the virtual board VB can be made to function as a place where the owner of the virtual card Cv can be exchanged or transferred. For example, by providing a function of discriminating a user who wishes to exchange or transfer the virtual card Cv by using the owner information as a clue and providing an opportunity of communication for forming an agreement between the users, the user is provided with It is possible to realize a transaction in which the other party is specified. It is also possible to realize a bidirectional transaction in which a replacement condition is set when the virtual card Cv is provided to the virtual board VB, and the virtual card Cv is replaced between users who satisfy the condition. On the other hand, the information indicating the owner may not be associated with the virtual card Cv of the virtual board VB. In this case, the virtual card Cv placed on the virtual board VB has no owner. Therefore, the virtual board VB can be positioned as a place for other users to acquire the virtual card Cv determined to be unnecessary by each user. The user who acquires the virtual card Cv from the virtual board VB does not need to be aware of the user of the original owner, and cannot know it. Therefore, it is possible to easily use the virtual board VB.

The replacement of the virtual card Cv via the virtual board VB is not limited to the mode in which the replacement-source virtual card CV and the replacement-destination card Cv are simultaneously switched. For example, after the user moves a specific virtual card Cv to the virtual board VB, reserves the right to take in any virtual card Cv from the virtual board VB, and exercises the right at an appropriate time thereafter to make a request. It may be possible to replace the virtual card Cv from the virtual board VB with a time difference. Since the virtual card Cv placed on the virtual board VB fluctuates, the virtual card Cv desired to be replaced may not necessarily exist at the time when the user moves the virtual card Cv to the virtual board VB. If the exchange with a time difference is allowed, it becomes possible to move the virtual card Cv to the virtual board VB and take in the virtual card Cv from the virtual board VB at appropriate timings according to the convenience of the user. The possibility of acquiring the virtual card Cv that meets the user's wishes increases.

Some usage conditions may be set regarding the usage of the virtual board VB. For example, moving the at least one virtual card Cv to the virtual board VB may be set as the usage condition. If such a condition is set, the deviation between the number of virtual cards Cv taken into the virtual board VB and the number of virtual cards Cv taken out from the virtual board VB is suppressed, and the virtual cards Cv in the virtual board VB are prevented. It is possible to prevent a significant increase or decrease in the number of sheets. The virtual card Cv may be appropriately added to the virtual board VB by the judgment of the print management unit 21 of the server 2, for example, the virtual board management unit 24. For example, when it is determined that the number of virtual cards Cv of the virtual board VB is insufficient, the virtual board management unit 24 may appropriately generate the virtual cards Cv and arrange the virtual cards Cv on the virtual board VB. .. Such a virtual card Cv may be owned by a virtual user, for example.

(About profile print)
The profile printing process (step S6 in FIG. 2) is a process of printing a card (actual card) that can be used to set a predetermined relationship related to the game between the users. The predetermined relationship is a relationship reflected in the control of the game and corresponds to, for example, a friend, a group, or a rival. The influence of the relationship between the users on the control of the game includes, for example, the game is controlled such that the users who have the relationship of friends cooperate in the game play, and the characters and other items are lent and borrowed. Good. Alternatively, control may be performed such that chat can be performed during the game only between users who have a friend relationship set. The relationship between users is not limited to one-to-one, and may be realized, for example, in a mode in which users participate in the same group or community.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a procedure for printing and using a card in profile printing. In order to print the card by the profile print, first, a user who wants to print the card (target user) performs a predetermined reservation operation on the game machine 3 to the server 2 in the profile print card (hereinafter referred to as profile card). The printing is reserved (FIG. 5A). The reservation operation is an operation for designating the print contents of the profile card, and the server 2 stores print reservation information for printing the profile card corresponding to the reservation contents. The target user may browse the print reservation information of the profile card stored in the server 2 on the user terminal 5 and make adjustments such as processing, correction, and addition of the print content.

The print reservation information of the target user stored in the server 2 is provided to the card vendor 4 based on the instruction of the target user. When the target user selects the profile print at the card vendor 4, the profile card Cp as the actual card is printed out to the target user based on the given print reservation information ((b in FIG. 5). )). In the profile card Cp, the two-dimensional code 100 in which the setting information necessary for setting the above-described predetermined relationship between the target user and another user (counterpart user) is embedded, and a visible symbol that symbolizes the target user Symbol information 101 is recorded. “Visible” means that a viewer can express the meaning contents visually.

The printed profile card Cp is provided to the other party user who the target user wants to set a relationship such as a friend ((c) of FIG. 5). The provision of the profile card Cp is sufficient as long as it allows the other party user to use the profile card Cp at least temporarily, and may be realized in various modes such as transfer or loan. When the opponent user who has acquired the profile card Cp holds the two-dimensional code 100 of the profile card Cp over an image capturing device such as a camera of the game machine 3 or the user terminal 5 and causes the game machine 3 or the user terminal 5 to acquire the setting information, The game machine 3 or the user terminal 5 that has acquired this request requests the server 2 to set a relationship such as a friend with setting information. In response to this, the server 2 sets a relationship such as a friend between the target user and the other party user based on the setting information ((d) of FIG. 5). The opponent user can be identified by using user authentication via the game machine 3 or the user terminal 5, for example. The setting of relationships such as friends may require approval by the target user. That is, the setting of the relationship after the two-dimensional code 100 is read may be processed in the same manner as a normal friend application.

As described above, since the profile card Cp stores the information necessary for setting the relationship such as friends, the setting information such as the two-dimensional code 100 of the profile card Cp is stored in the game machine 3 or the user terminal 5. You can set the relationship just by reading. The target user who wants to set a friend only needs to pass the profile card Cp to the other user, and there is no need for manual measures such as teaching the user ID between these users. Therefore, even if the game machine 3 cannot be used immediately, for example, in the case where a user who has met outside the store 6 is desired to be added as a friend, by handing the profile card Cp, the relationship of friends or the like can be surely obtained at a later date. Can be set. Further, since the symbol information 101 of the target user is recorded on the profile card Cp, the user who receives the profile card Cp can easily recall the target user through the symbol information 101. Therefore, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the possibility that the other user forgets the target user.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the profile card Cp. The profile card Cp in FIG. 6 is a card printed out in association with the dance game. On the surface of the profile card Cp, a play image 101a obtained by photographing the target user who is playing, a name 101b in the game of the target user, and a play time 101c are recorded as an example of symbol information 101 that symbolizes the target user. A two-dimensional code 100 and an image 102 symbolizing a game title are recorded on the back surface of the profile card Cp. The terms "front side" and "rear side" are terms used to distinguish both sides of the profile card Cp, and are not intended to include other concepts such as the master-slave relationship of each side. In FIG. 6, the play image 101a shows the user in a white state, but an image of the user is actually recorded as the play image 101a. The name 101b is not limited to the real name, and may be a handle name or another alias used in the game.

In the two-dimensional code 100, setting information necessary for setting a friend relationship between the target user who printed the profile card Cp and the other party user is embedded. For example, a user ID as user identification information for identifying the target user is embedded in the two-dimensional code 100. The user ID corresponds to an example of setting information necessary for setting the friend relationship. When the target user belongs to some group and wants to set a relationship in which another user belongs to the same group, the two-dimensional code 100 is set with information for identifying the group, for example, a group ID as the setting information. It may be embedded in. The temporary identification code for setting the predetermined relationship is stored in the server 2 in association with the process to be performed for setting the relationship, and the issued identification code is set as the setting information in the two-dimensional code 100. You may embed it. When the relationship of friends and the like is set only within a game of the same type, information for determining the type of the target game may be added to the two-dimensional code 100 as setting information.

On the other hand, the symbol information 101 of the profile card Cp may include the content that symbolizes the target user to the extent that the viewer can recall the target user. In other words, by observing the symbolic information 101, any symbolic information 101 can be used as long as it includes a concrete expression that reminds the user of the target user in association with the game. For example, the play image 101a and the name 101b described above are sufficient items to remind the target user, but instead of or in addition to these items, the title in the game of the target user and the target user uniquely use them. Items such as game characters (avatars, etc.) based on the play-related information obtained in association with the play of the game by the target user may be used as the symbol information 101. In this case, the play-related information may include various kinds of information that can be collected in association with the play, such as a game result, progress status, achievement status, and success/failure of some condition. Items such as game scores, rankings, and status are generally difficult to remind a specific user by themselves, but they have a significantly high score, a high ranking, or a status that only a limited number of users can obtain. As long as it is a matter having saliency, it may be used as a symbol that can recall the target user.

Whether or not the target user can be recalled does not need to be based on all users of the game or general users. The profile card Cp is used to set a predetermined relationship between the target user and the other party user, and the range of users to whom the profile card Cp is given depends on the judgment of the target user. Is. Therefore, if the target user is a matter that can be used as an expression that symbolizes the target user within the range of the user who is supposed to distribute the profile card Cp, the symbol information 101 may be recorded in the profile card Cp.

An image being played may be used as the symbol information 101 as the play-related information. The play image 101a described above is an example of an image being played, but instead of this, a screen shot of a game image acquired while the target user is playing the game, or the like also shows items that may remind the target user. As long as it is included, it may be used as an image during play. Alternatively, even when the image captured by the user is used as the image being played, it is not always necessary to use the image including the face of the user. For example, an image of the user's hand operating the game machine 3 or an image of a part other than the user's face such as the step of the user playing the dance game is impressive to the user. When an expression or an expression having saliency is included, the user can be recalled through the image and can be used as at least a part of the symbol information 101.

The setting information for setting the relationship such as a friend does not necessarily need to be recorded in the profile card Cp in a form embedded in the two-dimensional code 100. For example, the setting information may be recorded in a one-dimensional code such as a bar code, or may be recorded in various other formats. When the mount used for the profile card Cp includes a storage area such as an RFID or a magnetic stripe layer, the setting information may be recorded in the storage area electronically or electromagnetically. That is, the setting information does not necessarily need to be recorded in a form that can be read by an optical reading unit, and the setting information is recorded in a form that can be read by an electronic or electromagnetic reading unit. Good.

(About Memorial Print)
The memorial print process (step S7 in FIG. 2) is a process of printing out a card (actual card) as a memory of the user playing the game. FIG. 7 shows an example of a procedure for printing a card by memorial print. In order to print the card by the memorial print, first, the user performs a predetermined reservation operation on the game machine 3 to print the card in the memorial print (hereinafter, referred to as a memorial card) to the server 2. Make a reservation (Fig. 7(a)). The reservation operation is an operation of designating the print contents of the memorial card, and the server 2 stores print reservation information for printing the memorial card corresponding to the reservation contents. The target user can browse the print reservation information of the memorial card stored in the server 2 on the user terminal 5 and perform adjustment operations such as processing, correction, and addition of the print content.

The print reservation information of the user stored in the server 2 is provided to the card vendor 4 based on the instruction of the target user. When the target user selects memorial print at the card vendor 4, the memorial card Cm as an actual card is printed out to the user based on the print reservation information ((b) in FIG. 7). The memorial information C that the user wishes to leave as a memorial of playing the game in the game is recorded on the memorial card Cm. The memorial information 110 only needs to include the content expressing the play content of the game to the extent that the viewer can recollect the result achieved by the user, the play content such as the record of the play. In other words, by observing the memorial information 110, the memorial information 110 may be used as long as it includes a specific expression that reminds the user of the play content. The play content to be expressed in the memorial information 110 may be appropriately selected as long as it is associated with the game. For example, if a user reaches a certain level in a game, gets a certain title, gets a certain item, decides a certain technique, wins by forming a certain hand, etc. If the user achieves certain achievements, the memorial information 110 corresponding to those achievements may be recorded in the memorial card Cm. Alternatively, when the user plays at a specific store 6, memorial information 110 such as a store visit memorial may be recorded in the memorial card Cm. In other words, it is possible to capture, as the memorial information 110, items that the user wants to record as a record on the actual card regarding the game.

The memorial information 110 may be recorded using various expression elements such as images and texts. For example, the memorial information 110 in which the achievement achieved by the user, the text indicating the progress state during the game, the snapshot of the game screen, the image of the user who is playing, etc. is recorded alone or in an appropriate combination is recorded in the memorial card Cm. May be done. Further, an image such as a certificate or a certificate indicating that the user has achieved some result may be recorded in the memorial card Cm as the memorial information 110.

The symbol information 101 of the profile card Cp and the memorial information 110 of the memorial card Cm do not necessarily have to be mutually exclusive. The same content as at least a part of the symbol information 101 may be recorded as the memorial information 110 on the memorial card Cm, or the same content as at least a portion of the memorial information 110 may be recorded as the symbol information 101 on the profile card Cp. Good. In short, the profile card Cp and the memorial card Cm may be distinguished by the presence or absence of the two-dimensional code 100.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the memorial card Cm output in association with the dance game. In the memorial card Cm of FIG. 8, the image 110a being played by the user is recorded as memorial information on the front surface, and the text 110b indicating the user's name and the date and time of play is recorded as memorial information on the back surface. Further, in the memorial card Cm of FIG. 8, an object 111 decorating the image 110a and a background image 112 showing a game title and the like are also recorded. The object 111 and the background image 112 may be specified by the user on the game machine 3 or by the user via the user terminal 5, for example.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the memorial card Cm output in association with the mahjong game, and FIG. 10 shows another example of the memorial card Cm output in association with the mahjong game. In the memorial card Cm of FIG. 9, a screen shot 110c when the user plays a specific role is recorded as commemorative information. On the other hand, in the memorial card Cm of FIG. 10, an image 110d of a certificate certifying that the user has won first place in the mahjong game competition is recorded as commemorative information. Images 110a to 110d in FIGS. 8 to 10 are examples of the memorial information 110, and various kinds of information that the user wants to leave as a record on the card as described above may be recorded as the memorial information 110 on the memorial card Cm. The memorial card Cm in FIG. 10 indicates that the user has satisfied the preset conditions in the game. Reservation and output of such a memorial card Cm are permitted only when corresponding conditions are satisfied. The condition may be appropriately set, and when the condition is satisfied, the memorial card Cm may be output as a commemoration of achieving this.

Both the profile print and the memorial print described above print the cards Cp and Cm by the card vendor 4 installed separately from the game machine 3, and therefore various kinds of equipment load or time load required for printing them. The game machine 3 can be released from the burden. In addition, at least a part of the print contents of the card, for example, the symbol information 101 or the memorial information 110 is acquired by the game machine 3 side to reserve the printing, and the card vendor 4 prints the cards Cp and Cm according to the reservation. The contents of Cp and Cm can be dynamically changed according to the game play of each user. Therefore, as compared with the case where the card vendor 4 prints out a standardized card having predetermined contents, it is possible to output a wide variety of cards, which can enhance interest in card printing.

Since the game machine 3 and the card vendor 4 are distinguished as different devices from each other, for example, when the user wants a card while playing a game on the game machine 3, the game is played at that time. Reservation operation can be performed on the machine 3 to prepare for printing. After that, the user can obtain the desired card only by instructing the card vendor 4 to print the reserved card. Assuming that the card vendor 4 performs all the operations necessary for printing cards, even if a card request is made during the playing of the game, the game machine 3 cannot perform the operation corresponding to the request. Moreover, if the card vendor 4 performs all the operations necessary for printing, such as selecting the type of game and designating the print content, the burden of the operation of the card vendor 4 increases. Such a feeling of burden can also be a factor that reduces the demand for cards generated during game play. If there is a situation in which the card vendor 4 is not vacant or distant from the card vendor 4, the risk is particularly high. On the other hand, if a print request is made when a card request is made during the game play, the user's burden on the operation of the card vendor 4 is reduced, and the user's card acquisition request is appropriately met. be able to.

(Control system of game system)
Next, an example of the configuration of the control system of the game system 1 for printing the various cards described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 shows an example of the main part of the control system in the server 2. The server 2 includes a control unit 10 and a storage unit 11. The control unit 10 is configured as a computer unit including a microprocessor and an internal storage device required for its operation. The storage unit 11 is a storage device using a magnetic disk or the like capable of storing and holding, and functions as an external storage device for the control unit 10. A database server may be used as at least a part of the storage unit 11.

In the storage unit 11, for example, game data Dg, play data Dp, and virtual board data Dv are recorded as data to be referred to by the server 2. The game data Dg includes various data such as image data and audio data to be used in the game played on the game machine 3. The basic data of the cards Cv and Cr such as the layout, format and template necessary for displaying the virtual card Cv or printing the real card Cr is also included in the game data Dg. The play data Dp is data for each user in which information related to the user's play of the game is stored. FIG. 11 shows the play data Dp corresponding to one user. Information on the virtual card Cv acquired by the user at the card vendor 4, information on the profile card Cp reserved by the user on the game machine 3, and information on the memorial card Cm are also stored in the play data Dp. The virtual board data Dv is data for discriminating the virtual card Cv placed on the virtual board VB.

The control unit 10 is provided with a game management unit 20 and a print management unit 21 as logical devices realized by a combination of the hardware and a predetermined server program PGs. The game management unit 20 provides the game machine 3 with various services related to games played on the game machine 3. For example, the game management unit 20 provides services such as provision of the play data Dp to the game machine 3, storage of the play data Dp updated by the game machine 3, and matching between users. The game management unit 20 is provided with a relationship management unit 22 as a further logical device for managing the relationship between the users such as friends.

On the other hand, the print management unit 21 provides the game machine 3, the card vendor 4, and the user terminal 5 with various services related to card printing in the card vendor 4. In order to provide these services, the print management unit 21 is provided with a lottery print processing unit 23, a virtual board management unit 24, a profile print processing unit 25, and a memorial print processing unit 26 as further logical devices. The lottery print processing unit 23 is in charge of lottery print-related processes such as lottery or hold of the virtual card Cv in the lottery print, generation of data necessary for printing the real card Cr corresponding to the virtual card Cv. The virtual board management unit 24 is in charge of processing related to management of the virtual board data Dv. The profile print processing unit 25 is in charge of processes related to profile print, such as reservation of printing for the profile card Cp and generation of data necessary for printing. The memorial print processing unit 26 is in charge of processing related to memorial print such as reservation of printing for the memorial card Cm and generation of data necessary for printing.

The control unit 10 of the server 2 is provided with a user authentication unit 27 and a payment processing unit 28 as further logical devices. The user authentication unit 27 authenticates the user in response to requests from the game machine 3, the card vendor 4, and the user terminal 5 as clients. The payment processing unit 28 executes payment processing for collecting a fee from the user in response to requests from the game machine 3, the card vendor 4, and the user terminal 5, respectively. As the payment process, various payment processes using the network 7, such as electronic currency payment, credit card payment, online payment provided by a financial institution, and the like may be used. However, with respect to payment by the game machine 3 and the card vendor 4, cash payment using currency may be used instead of or in addition to the payment using the network 7.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a main part of a control system in each of the game machine 3, the card vendor 4, and the user terminal 5. The game machine 3 includes a control unit 30 configured as a computer unit including a microprocessor and an internal storage device required for its operation. To the control unit 30, a card reader 31, a camera 32, an operation detection device 33 are connected as input devices, and a display device 34 is connected as an output device. The card reader 31 is provided to read the user identification information required for user authentication from the authentication medium carried by the user. As the authentication medium, for example, a card including a storage unit such as a magnetic stripe or RFID is used. The card here is different from the actual card Cr printed by the card vendor 4. The camera 32 is used to acquire an image of the user during the game or read the two-dimensional code 100 of the profile card Cp. The operation detection device 33 detects a user operation. For example, a touch panel arranged on the screen of the display device 34 may be used as at least a part of the operation detection device 33. The display device 34 is used to display a game screen or the like.

The control unit 30 is provided with a game control unit 35 and a print management unit 36 as a logical device realized by a combination of the hardware and a predetermined game machine program PGg. The game control unit 35 controls the progress of the game played by the user while referring to the output of the operation detection device 33. The print management unit 36 executes the process associated with the printing of the real card Cr by the card vendor 4 according to the instruction from the server 2. For example, the print management unit 36 acquires the information necessary for reserving the printing of the profile card Cp and the memorial card Cm and provides it to the server 2. That is, the print management unit 36 is a logical device that gives the game machine 3 a control function related to printing of the actual card Cr.

The card vendor 4 includes a control unit 40 configured as a computer unit including a microprocessor and an internal storage device required for its operation. To the control unit 40, a card reader 41 and an operation detecting device 42 are connected as input devices, and a display device 43 and a printer 44 are connected as output devices. The card reader 41 is provided to read the user identification information required for user authentication from the authentication medium carried by the user. The authentication medium is as described above. The operation detection device 42 detects a user operation. For example, a touch panel arranged on the screen of the display device 43 may be used as at least a part of the operation detection device 42. The display device 43 is used to display a guide screen or the like in the card vendor 4. The printer 44 functions as an example of a medium output device by printing and outputting the real card Cr.

The control unit 40 is provided with a print management unit 45 and a printer control unit 46 as a logical device realized by a combination of the hardware and a predetermined vendor program PGv. The print management unit 45 executes the processing associated with the printing of the real card Cr by the card vendor 4 according to the instruction from the server 2. For example, the print management unit 45 acquires the information necessary for providing the user with the lottery print, profile print, and memorial print services according to the instruction from the server 2, and provides the information to the server 2. That is, the print management unit 45 is a logical device that gives the card vendor 4 a user interface function related to printing of the actual card Cr. The printer control unit 46 controls the printer 44 according to the information provided by the server 2.

The user terminal 5 includes a control unit 50 configured as a computer unit including a microprocessor and an internal storage device required for its operation. A camera 51 and an operation detection device 52 are connected to the control unit 50 as an input device, and a display device 53 is connected to an output device. Each of the camera 51, the operation detection device 52, and the display device 53 is general-purpose hardware provided in an information communication terminal such as a smartphone.

The control unit 50 is provided with a service management unit 55 as a logical device realized by a combination of the hardware and a predetermined user terminal program PGu. The service management unit 55 provides the user terminal 5 with an interface function necessary for providing the user of the user terminal 5 with the service related to the game of the game machine 3 and the service related to the printing of the real card Cr in the card vendor 4. It is a logical device to give. For example, the service management unit 55 has an interface function for adjusting the contents of the profile card Cp or the memorial card Cm reserved by the user on the game machine 3, such as processing and correction, or a two-dimensional code of the profile card Cp. An interface function for setting relationships such as friends using 100 is provided.

Each of the game machine 3, the card vendor 4, and the user terminal 5 may be appropriately provided with various kinds of hardware such as a storage unit functioning as an external storage device for the control units 30, 40, 50 and an output device such as a speaker. However, their illustration is omitted. Further, each of the control units 30, 40, and 50 may be appropriately provided with a logical device other than that illustrated. The programs PGs, PGg, PGv, and PGu shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 are provided and installed in a state of being recorded in a predetermined storage medium. However, the programs PGg, PGv, and PGu directed to each of the game machine 3, the card vendor 4, and the user terminal 5 as clients may be distributed from the server 2 via the network 7.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the structure of the play data Dp. As described above, the play data Dp is data provided separately for each user. In the example of FIG. 13, the play data Dp includes a user ID, content ID, play record, friend information, and print-related information. The user ID is an example of user identification information that identifies a user, and is uniquely set for each user. The content ID is an example of game identification information for identifying the type of game, and is uniquely set for each type of game. The user ID and the content ID specify which play data Dp is related to which game of which user. The play record is a record of the user's play regarding the game corresponding to the content ID. The play record includes various kinds of information necessary for continuing the game from the end of the previous time, and corresponds to so-called game save data. For example, various kinds of information for discriminating the progress state of the game, the result, etc. are stored as a play record. The friend information is for identifying another user who has a friend relationship with the user, and for example, the user ID of the friend user is recorded as the friend information.

The print-related information is data associated with the printing of the card by the card vendor 4, and includes the information of the holding card and the information of the print reservation. The information of the hold card is information for the user to determine the virtual card Cv whose print is held in the lottery print. For example, the information on the hold card is a card ID as an example of card identification information for identifying the virtual card Cv for which printing is held, the date and time when the virtual card Cv was acquired by the user, and the virtual card Cv was acquired. A store ID is included as an example of store identification information for identifying the store 6. The card Id is uniquely set for each virtual card Cv. The store ID is uniquely set for each store 6. For the store ID, for example, a table in which the game machine 3 of the store 6 or the router 7c is associated with unique identification information (as an example, a MAC address) is prepared in advance on the server 2 side, and when the information is acquired from the game machine 3, the store 6 side The identification information of the game machine 3 or the router 7c can be discriminated by the clue.

The print reservation information is information for determining the contents of the profile card Cp or the memorial card Cm reserved by the game machine 3. For example, the print reservation information includes card ID, reservation date/time, store ID, type, and content information. The card ID is identification information uniquely set for the profile card Cp or the memorial card Cm to be printed. The store ID is a store ID corresponding to the store 6 reserved for printing the profile card Cp or the memorial card Cm. The type information is information for identifying whether the print-reserved card is the profile card Cp or the memorial card Cm. The content is information for specifying the two-dimensional code 100, the symbol information 101, or the memorial information 110 to be recorded in the reserved profile card Cp or memorial card Cm. For example, the content information includes information that specifies the layout, format, background image of the card, etc. included in the game data Dg, a screen shot acquired by the game machine 3, or an image of the user. When recorded on the cards Cp and Cm, the images may be stored in the server 2 in association with the image identification numbers, and the image identification numbers may be included in the content information. The server 2 may generate image data of the virtual card Cv and include the image data in the print reservation information.

FIG. 14 shows the structure of one record RDv corresponding to one virtual card Cv in the virtual board data Dv. The virtual board data Dv is a set of records RDv created for each virtual card Cv. The record RDv illustrated in FIG. 14 includes information on a store ID, a content ID, a card ID, a storage date and time, an owner, and an exchange condition. The store ID is the store ID of the store 6 to which the virtual board VB on which the virtual card Cv is placed is applied. The content ID is a content ID assigned to the type of game corresponding to the virtual card Cv. The card ID is identification information uniquely set for each virtual card Cv. The storage date and time is information indicating the date and time when the virtual card Cv specified by the card ID is placed on the virtual board VB. The owner is information indicating the user who placed the virtual card Cv specified by the card ID on the virtual board VB, and the user ID of the user is recorded as the owner information. The exchange condition is information indicating the content of the exchange condition when the owner user sets some exchange condition for the virtual card Cv. When the concept of the owner is not applied to the virtual card Cv of the virtual board VB, the owner information and the exchange condition information may be omitted. It is not always necessary to provide information on exchange conditions even when applying the owner's concept.

(Processing of game system)
Next, specific examples of various processes performed by the game system 1 in relation to printing of cards will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Overall processing)
FIG. 15 shows a print management process executed by the print management unit 21 of the server 2 in cooperation with the print management unit 45 of the card vendor 4 in order to manage the progress in the card vendor 4 according to steps S2 to S8 of FIG. An example of the procedure is shown. When the user instructs the card vendor 4 to start the process while the card vendor 4 repeats the standby process, the print management unit 45 requests the server 2 to start the process shown in FIG. When the processing of FIG. 15 is started, the print management unit 21 of the server 2 requests the print management unit 45 of the card vendor 4 to acquire information necessary for user authentication, and provides the obtained information to the user authentication unit 27. Then, user authentication is performed (step S101). In this case, the print management unit 45 of the card vendor 4 acquires the information obtained by acquiring the user ID through the card reader 41 and the password through the operation detection device 42 as information necessary for user authentication, for example. Provide to the server 2.

When the user authentication is completed, the print management unit 21 starts the content selection process (step S102), and subsequently corresponds to the user ID acquired by the user authentication and the store ID of the store 6 in which the card vendor 4 is installed. The play data Dp is acquired (step S103). After that, the print management unit 21 displays the content selection screen on the display device 43 (step S104). For example, the illustrated content selection screen 200 is displayed. The content selection screen 200 includes a list 201 of game titles T1, T2, T3 as selection candidates. When print reservation information is present in the play data Dp acquired in step S103, the index 202 is added to the game title for which the print reservation is present on the content selection screen 200, so that the print reservation is completed. May be indicated to the user.

After that, the print management unit 21 determines whether or not the user has selected any game title (game type) from the list 201 of the content selection screen 200 (step S105). When any game title is selected, the print management unit 21 determines whether or not the play data Dp acquired in step S103 includes data corresponding to the content ID of the selected game title. (Step S106). If it is determined that there is data, the print management unit 21 proceeds to content home processing, and switches the screen of the display device 43 from the content select screen 200 to the content home screen (step S107). For example, the content home screen 210 shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the display device 43. The content home screen 210 is displayed to let the user select either lottery print, profile print, or memorial print. For example, tabs 211, 212, and 213 corresponding to each print are provided, and the user selects one of the tabs and gives an instruction to start the selection of the card type. FIG. 17 shows a state where the lottery print tab is selected. When the reservation information exists for the profile print or the memorial print, the index 216 may be displayed on the tab 212 or 213 of the type having the reservation information on the content home screen 210.

When the tab 211 for the lottery print is selected, the information section 214 for the purpose of explaining the lottery print is displayed on the content home screen 210, and the lottery button 215 for instructing the lottery and the content selection screen. A return button 217 for returning to 200 is displayed. When the user operates the lottery button 215, the user is instructed to start the lottery print. When the profile print tab 212 or the memorial print tab 213 is selected, for example, the reservation content is displayed in a portion corresponding to the information section 214, and a button for instructing printing is displayed in a portion corresponding to the lottery button 215. It may be displayed, and when this is operated, the start of profile printing or memorial printing may be instructed.

Returning to FIG. 15, when the content home screen 210 is displayed, the print management unit 21 determines whether the user has instructed to start either lottery print, profile print, or memorial print (step S108). When the start is instructed, the print management unit 21 instructs the lottery print processing unit 23, the profile print processing unit 25, or the memorial print processing unit 26 to perform processing according to the type selected by the user (step S1090). When the corresponding process ends, the process returns to step S107. During this time, the print management unit 45 of the card vendor 4 may display an appropriate screen on the display device 43 according to an instruction from the server 2.

When the start of the process is not instructed in step S108, the print management unit 21 determines whether the return button 217 in FIG. 17 is operated to instruct the return to the content selection screen 200 (step S110). When the return is instructed, the print management unit 21 returns to the process of step S102. This is to give the user the opportunity to select another game and print the card. On the other hand, when the return to the content selection screen 200 is not instructed for a certain time or more, the print management unit 21 executes a predetermined ending process (step S111; corresponding to step S8 in FIG. 2) and ends the process in FIG. The ending process of step S211 is a process of ending the play at the card vendor 4 by the user, and may be executed as a so-called logout process of discarding the information acquired by the user authentication.

When it is determined in step S106 that the play data Dp does not exist, the print management unit 21 determines whether the user has performed a return operation (step S112). The process is similar to step S110. If there is a return operation, the process returns to step S102, and if there is no return operation, the process proceeds to step S111. Even when it is determined in step S105 that the title is not selected, the print management unit 21 determines whether or not there is a return operation (step S113). Since the content selection screen 200 is displayed at this stage, whether or not there is a return operation may be determined depending on whether or not the return button 203 is operated on the content selection screen 200, for example. When there is a return operation in step S113, the print management unit 21 returns to the process of step S101. On the other hand, if there is no return operation, the process proceeds to step S111.

Next, the processing of the print management unit 21 in step S109 of FIG. 15 will be described.

(Processing of lottery prints)
FIG. 18 shows an example of the procedure of the lottery print processing executed by the print management unit 21 of the server 2 mainly by the lottery print processing unit 23 when the start of the lottery print is instructed. When the lottery print is instructed, the lottery print processing unit 23 first settles the fee corresponding to the first lottery, that is, the basic fee of FIG. 3 (step S201), and when the settlement is completed, the virtual card Cv to be given to the user. Is selected by lot (step S202). The payment is executed in cooperation with the payment processing unit 28, for example. However, in the case of payment by cash, it may be determined through the print management unit 45 of the card vendor 4 whether or not the charged fee has been paid by the card vendor 4. The lottery print processing unit 23 may cause the display device 43 of the card vendor 4 to display an appropriate screen for confirming the execution of the settlement process or the lottery process for the user via the print management unit 45 of the card vendor 4.

When the lottery is completed, the lottery print processing unit 23 sets the virtual card Cv selected in the lottery as a holding card (step S203). For example, by recording information such as the card ID of the selected virtual card Cv in the play data Dp in association with the user ID and the store ID, the selected virtual card Cv may be added as a holding card. Subsequently, the lottery print processing unit 23 notifies the print management unit 45 of the card vendor 4 of the virtual card Cv selected in the lottery, and displays it on the display device 43 (step S204). In this case, for example, FIG. The lottery result screen 220 shown in is displayed. The lottery result screen 220 is displayed so as to include, for example, the selected virtual card Cv, a re-lottery button 221, and a print button 222.

After displaying the lottery result screen 220, the lottery print processing unit 23 determines whether the number of times of lottery has reached the upper limit value (step S205 of FIG. 18). If the upper limit has not been reached, the lottery print processing unit 23 determines whether the user has selected re-lottery (step S206). For example, when the re-lottery button 221 is operated on the lottery result screen 220 of FIG. 19, it is determined that the re-lottery has been selected.

When the user selects the re-lottery, the lottery print processing unit 23 executes the settlement of the fee corresponding to the second and subsequent lottery, that is, the additional lottery fee of FIG. 3 (step S207), and the lottery probability is a value according to the number of times of lottery. (Step S208). After that, the lottery print processing unit 23 returns to the process of step S202 and randomly selects the virtual card Cv. By repeating the processing of steps S202 to S208, the lottery is repeated until the number of times of lottery reaches the upper limit value, and the virtual cards Cv that have been lottered are sequentially recorded in the play data Dp as the reserved cards.

When it is determined in step S205 that the number of times of lottery has reached the upper limit value, or when it is determined in step S206 that the user has not selected re-lottery (for example, when the print button 222 in FIG. 19 is operated) The lottery print processing unit 23 proceeds to print card selection processing (step S210). The print card selection process is a process of displaying a list of holding cards and allowing the user to select the virtual card Cv to be printed. Details of the print card selection process will be described later.

When the print card is selected, the lottery print processing unit 23 counts the number of virtual cards Cv selected as the print target (step S211), and thereafter, the fee according to the number, that is, the print addition fee of FIG. 3 is settled. Yes (step S212). The payment in this case may be executed in cooperation with the payment processing unit 28, or may be executed via the print management unit 45 of the card vendor 4. When the number of printed sheets is one, the printing fee is included in the basic fee, and thus step S212 may be processed as no charge. However, when the user selects a special process such as gloss processing related to printing, an additional fee corresponding to the process may be settled in step S212.

When the settlement is completed, the lottery print processing unit 23 instructs the card vendor 4 to print (step S213). In this case, the server 2 provides the card vendor 4 with the print information necessary for printing the real card Cr corresponding to the virtual card Cv selected as the print target, for example, at least a part of the print data. When data such as a layout, a format, or a template for printing the real card Cr has already been provided to the card vendor 4, the values of unspecified parameters in those layouts are used as print information by the server 2 May be provided to the card vendor 4. In the card vendor 4, the print information provided from the server 2 is provided to the printer control unit 46, and the printer 44 is controlled according to the instruction of the printer control unit 46 to print the real card Cr. While the printing of the real card Cr is in progress, the print management unit 45 of the card vendor 4 may display an appropriate screen showing the progress status on the display device 43.

The lottery print processing unit 23 of the server 2 waits until the print completion is notified by the card vendor 4 after instructing the print in step S213, and when the print is completed, updates the information of the holding card (step S214). In this case, the information on the hold card is updated so that the virtual card Cv selected as the print target is deleted from the play data Dp. After that, the lottery print processing unit 23 ends the process of FIG. 18, and the print management unit 21 returns to step S107 of FIG. 15 accordingly.

FIG. 20 shows an example of a more specific procedure of the print card selection process (step S210 of FIG. 18) executed mainly by the lottery print processing unit 23. The print card selection process of FIG. 20 is a process for selecting the virtual card Cv to be printed from the virtual cards Cv set to be held, but the procedure is also assumed assuming the replacement of the virtual card Cv using the virtual board VB. It is set.

In the print card selection process of FIG. 20, the lottery print processing unit 23 confirms the holding card based on the information of the holding card recorded in the play data Dp (step S231), and subsequently, information for specifying the holding card. Is provided to the card vendor 4, and a selection screen for allowing the user to select a print card is displayed on the display device 43 (step S232). For example, the card selection screen 230 shown in FIG. 21 is displayed. The card selection screen 230 includes, for example, a card display unit 231 in which virtual cards Cv whose printing is suspended are displayed side by side, a confirm button 232, and a virtual board button 233. A check box 234 for selecting a print target is attached near the virtual card Cv, for example, on the lower side. When the user operates the check box 234, the virtual card Cv corresponding to the check box 234 is selected as a print target. However, instead of the check box 234, the virtual card Cv may be directly selected.

After the print card selection screen 230 is displayed, the lottery print processing unit 23 determines whether the user has selected to use the virtual board VB (step S233). For example, it may be determined that the use of the virtual board VB is selected when the virtual board button 233 of FIG. 21 is operated. When the use of the virtual board VB is selected, the lottery print processing unit 23 causes the user to select the virtual card Cv to be moved to the virtual board VB as the exchange source card (step S234). In this case, for example, the replacement source card selection screen 240 shown in FIG. 22 may be displayed. The replacement source card selection screen 240 includes a card display unit 241 in which virtual cards Cv whose printing is suspended are displayed side by side, and a confirm button 242, similarly to the print card selection screen 230 of FIG. A return button 243 for canceling the use of the virtual board VB may be further included. A check box 244 for selecting an exchange target is attached near the virtual card Cv, for example, on the lower side. When the user operates the check box 244, the virtual card Cv corresponding to the check box 244 is selected as the exchange source card. However, instead of the check box 244, the virtual card Cv may be directly selected.

Returning to FIG. 20, when the exchange source card is selected by the user, the lottery print processing unit 23 sets exchange conditions for the exchange source card based on the user's instruction (step S235). However, if the replacement condition is not attached, the process of step S235 may be skipped. Next, the lottery print processing unit 23 requests the virtual board management unit 24 to extract a replaceable virtual card Cv. In response to this, the virtual board management unit 24 allows the user to replace the replacement card with the replacement card. Is extracted as a replacement card candidate (step S236). In this case, the virtual board management unit 24 extracts the record DRv (see FIG. 14) of the virtual card Cv associated with the store ID of the store 6 in which the card vendor 4 is installed from the virtual board data Dv, and obtains it. The selected virtual card Cv may be a candidate for a replacement card. When a replacement condition is set for the virtual card Cv of the virtual board VB, the replacement card may be extracted as a candidate for the replacement card only when the replacement condition is satisfied.

When the virtual card Cv as a candidate for replacement is extracted by the virtual board management unit 24, the lottery print processing unit 23 receives the information, presents the candidate of the replacement card to the user, and based on the user's instruction. The virtual card Cv to be exchanged is selected as the exchange destination card (step S237). In this case, a screen similar to the replacement source card selection screen 240 of FIG. 22 may be displayed. However, in step S237, it is not always necessary to select a replacement card. In other words, the user may select his/her own holding card as the card to be moved to the virtual board VB, and do not ask for the replacement card, or do not specify the replacement card at this time. When the user finishes selecting the card, the lottery print processing unit 23 determines the exchange content (step S238), and executes the exchange in cooperation with the virtual board management unit 24 (step S239). Note that the number of virtual cards Cv that can be selected as the replacement card may be limited to the number of virtual cards Cv that the user has selected as the replacement card.

The exchange in step S239 may be executed as follows, for example. First, when the user selects an exchange destination card, the play data Dp is updated so that the exchange destination card is recorded in the user's play data Dp as a holding card. At the same time, by deleting the record RDv of the replacement card from the virtual board data Dv, the replacement card is removed from the virtual board VB. If the replacement card is not selected, those processes are not performed. On the other hand, regarding the exchange source card, first, the play data Dp is updated so that the exchange source card is deleted from the holding card recorded in the play data Dp of the user. At the same time, information about the replacement source card is recorded in the virtual board data Dv. As a result, the replacement source card is moved to the virtual board VB, and thereafter, it becomes possible for any user to select the replacement destination card.

If the user has not selected a replacement card in step S237, the replacement card is deleted from the user's holding card and moved to the virtual board VB. Instead, the replacement card is not added to the user's hold card in this process. In this case, only the process of step S239 is executed so that the replacement source card moves to the virtual board VB. For example, such a process can be applied to a case where the user determines that printing is not required and provides the virtual board VB unconditionally for use by a third party. Alternatively, when the user moves the card to the virtual board VB in a state in which some exchange condition is set for the exchange source card, and then another user specifies exchange so as to satisfy the exchange condition, the exchange is performed between the users. The process of step S239 may be executed so that the card is exchanged via the virtual board VB. In this case, the process of recording the exchange source card in the information of the holding card is performed on the play data Dp of both parties of the exchange. Even if the exchange condition is not set for the card, if one user temporarily moves his/her hold card to the virtual board VB, and then another user selects the card and instructs the exchange. , Cards may be exchanged with each other via the virtual board VB.

When the card exchange is processed in step S239, the lottery print processing unit 23 returns to the display of the card selection screen 230 shown in FIG. 21, and selects the card to be printed based on the user's instruction (step S240). ). In step S240, at least one card is selected. The reason is that in the lottery print, the basic fee is collected at the time of the first lottery including the printing unit price of one real card Cr, and the user has the right to print one card. This is to be consumed during the lottery print processing. In other words, setting the virtual card Cv in the print hold state means that the right to print the card Cr is reserved. In step S240, at least one card is selected as a print target so that the lottery print does not end without consuming the right. Therefore, when selecting a replacement card in step S237, it is necessary to limit the number of replacement cards in step S237 so that the number of holding cards held by the user does not become 0 due to the processing in step S239.

When the print target is selected in step S240, the lottery print processing unit 23 proceeds to the process of step S211 in FIG. When the use of the virtual board is not selected in step S233 of FIG. 20, the lottery print processing unit 23 skips the processes of steps S234 to S239 and proceeds to the process of step S240.

As described above, according to various processes related to the lottery print, when the virtual card Cv that the user does not necessarily desire is selected in the lottery, the user holds the virtual card Cv in a state in which printing is suspended and further It is possible to select the lottery and increase the virtual cards Cv as print candidates. Therefore, it is possible to suppress or eliminate waste of printing of the real card Cr corresponding to the virtual card Cv regardless of whether the user desires. In addition, by using the virtual board VB, the virtual card Cv in the print pending state can be exchanged with the virtual card Cv acquired by another user, or the virtual card Cv can be transferred for printing by another user. It is possible to promote effective utilization of the virtual card Cv among users and further suppress waste of printing unnecessary cards.

Note that, as described above, the valid period may be set for the storage of the virtual card Cv on the virtual board VB. For example, the virtual board management unit 24 periodically checks the storage date and time of the virtual card Cv recorded in the virtual board data Dv, and the virtual board management unit 24 deletes the record RDv of the virtual card Cv whose valid period has passed. You may.

In the above description, the transfer or exchange of the virtual card Cv using the virtual board VB is performed as a part of the lottery print processing, but the use of the virtual board VB is not limited to such an example. Good. For example, the processes of steps S234 to S239 of FIG. 20 are prepared as processes that can be executed separately from the process of the lottery print, and when the user gives an instruction to use the virtual board VB, the processes are executed to save the virtual card Cv. The transfer and the exchange may be performed independently of the lottery print. In this case, the virtual board VB may be used not only by the card vendor 4 but also by another terminal device. For example, the virtual board VB may be accessed from the user terminal 5 to transfer or exchange the virtual card Cv. When using the virtual board VB from the user terminal 5, the user may select the store 6. Further, the virtual card Cv in the hold state is set as an output target, and the process of printing the corresponding real card Cr can be executed based on the user's instruction from the card vendor 4 separately from the lottery print. Good. In this case, since the lottery for the virtual card Cv is omitted, the fee required for printing may be charged instead of the fee for the first lottery.

(Processing of profile print)
Next, a specific example of processing related to profile printing will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 to 25. Regarding the profile print, first, there are stages of reservation, printing of the profile card Cp, and use of the profile card Cp, and therefore, the description will be given in order below.

FIG. 23 shows an example of a procedure of a profile print reservation process executed by the print management unit 36 of the game machine 3 and the print management unit 21 of the server 2 in cooperation with each other to reserve the profile print. The process of FIG. 23 is a process that is additionally executed when the user plays the game on the game machine 3. Therefore, it is assumed that the user authentication process necessary for identifying the user has already been executed between the game machine 3 and the server 2 at the start of the game, and the server 2 has already acquired the user ID.

In the game machine 3, the process of FIG. 23 is started mainly by the print management unit 36 at a predetermined timing associated with the user playing the game. For example, the process of FIG. 23 is started at the timing when the game play ends. Alternatively, when the game play is divided into a plurality of stages and sequentially advanced, the process of FIG. 23 may be started at the stage when one stage is completed.

When the process of FIG. 23 is started, the print management unit 36 first displays a predetermined guide screen on the display device 34 and prompts the user to select the print content of the profile card Cp (step S301). For example, as the profile card Cp, when a plurality of layouts, templates, etc. are prepared as card options, the user is allowed to select one of the options. The print management unit 36 also allows the user to select the symbol information 101 to be recorded on the profile card Cp. For example, when the user is playing a game, since the game play data Dp is held in the game machine 3, the user's name, current grade, and progress status are referred to by referring to the play data Dp. The user may be discriminated and appropriately selected as the symbol information 101. If the game machine 3 has appropriately acquired a screenshot of the game screen in progress of the game or an image being played by the user, the obtained image is presented to the user and used as the symbol information 101. May be selected by the user.

When the print content is selected, the print management unit 36 instructs the server 2 to make a print reservation together with the information designating the print content (step S302). As a result, the processing on the game machine 3 side ends. When the print reservation is instructed, the profile print processing unit 25 of the server 2 starts the reservation management process of FIG. In the process, the profile print processing unit 25 confirms the user ID already acquired by the server 2 (step S251), and generates the two-dimensional code 100 in which the user ID is embedded as the setting information (step S252). Subsequently, the profile print processing unit 25 makes a print reservation necessary for printing the profile card Cp based on the print reservation information sent from the game machine 3 and the two-dimensional code 100 generated in step S252. Information is generated (step S253), and the obtained information is recorded in the play data Dp in association with the user ID of the user and the store ID of the store 6 in which the game machine 3 is installed (step S254). After that, the profile print processing unit 25 finishes the processing of FIG. The game machine 3 may be notified of the completion of the print reservation, and the user may be notified of the completion of the reservation.

The print reservation information generated in step S253 is used to cause the printer 44 of the card vendor 4 to print the profile card Cp including the print content selected in step S301 and the two-dimensional code 100 generated in step S252. The information necessary for the above may be generated in an appropriate format. For example, the print reservation information may be generated such that the print content selected in step S301 and the two-dimensional code 100 generated in step S252 are included as the content in the print reservation information illustrated in FIG. .. The image data obtained by adding the two-dimensional code 100 to the print content selected in step S301 may be generated in step S253 and recorded in the play data Dp.

In FIG. 24, when the card vendor 4 gives an instruction to start profile printing, the print management unit 21 of the server 2 mainly executes the profile print processing unit 25 as the process of step S109 of FIG. An example of the procedure of a process is shown. When the profile print is instructed, the profile print processing unit 25 first determines the user ID of the user who operates the card vendor 4 (the user ID acquired in step S101 of FIG. 15) and the card vendor 4. The print reservation information regarding the profile card Cp is acquired from the play data Dp corresponding to the store ID of the placed store 6 (step S261).

Next, the profile print processing unit 25 causes the display device 43 to display print candidates for the profile card Cp based on the acquired print reservation information, and allows the user to select a card to be printed (step S262). The screen in this case may be similar to the screens 230 and 240 illustrated in FIG. 21 or 22, for example.

When the user selects a card to be printed, the profile print processing unit 25 causes the user to specify the number of prints (step S263), and then settles a fee according to the number of prints (step S264). In this case, the print unit price per sheet is multiplied by the number of printed sheets to determine the charge, and the charge may be processed by the payment processing unit 28 or cash payment by the card vendor 4. The printing unit price of the profile card Cp may be set to be the same as or different from the printing unit price of the basic fee in the lottery print or the additional unit price in the printing addition fee. The additional charge may be added when the special processing is designated by the user. An upper limit may be set for the number of printed sheets in step S263.

When the settlement process is completed, the profile print processing unit 25 provides the card vendor 4 with print reservation information corresponding to the card to be printed selected in step S262, and instructs the card vendor 4 to start printing (step S265). In response to this, in the card vendor 4, print reservation information is passed from the print management unit 45 to the printer control unit 46, and printing of the selected profile card Cp is started. The profile print processing unit 25 of the server 2 waits until the printing is completed by the card vendor 4, and when the printing is completed, deletes the print reservation information regarding the card selected as the print target (step S266). After that, the profile print processing unit 25 finishes the processing of FIG. 24, whereby the print management unit 21 of the server 2 returns to the processing of step S107 of FIG.

FIG. 25 shows an example of a procedure of processing performed by the game system 1 to set a predetermined relationship between users using the profile card Cp. Note that, although FIG. 25 shows an example of setting a friend relationship between users, the relationship between users is not limited to friends, as described above. The relationship can be set using either the game machine 3 or the user terminal 5. In FIG. 25, the case where the game machine 3 is used and the case where the user terminal 5 is used are described together. .. In practice, either the game machine 3 or the user terminal 5 is used.

First, a case of setting a relationship using the game machine 3 will be described. When the user requests the game machine 3 to set the relationship, the game control unit 35 of the game machine 3 starts the friend setting process, first acquires the information necessary for user authentication from the user, and notifies the server 2 of this. Yes (step S311). The user in this case is the other party user in FIG. In response to this, the relationship management unit 22 of the server 2 uses the user authentication unit 27 to perform user authentication (step S271). Note that the user authentication may be omitted if the user authentication is completed before the processing of FIG. 25 is started.

Next, the game control unit 35 of the game machine 3 captures the two-dimensional code 100 of the user's profile card Cp with the camera 32 (step S312), and adds the obtained information of the two-dimensional code 100. The server 2 is requested to set friendship (step S313). In response to this, the relationship management unit 22 of the server 2 confirms the user ID of the user who should set the friend relationship, that is, the target user of FIG. 5 based on the information of the two-dimensional code 100 (step S272). After that, the relationship management unit 22 sets the play data Dp corresponding to both user IDs so that the friend relationship is set between the user ID acquired in the user authentication in step S271 and the user ID confirmed in step S272. Is updated (step S273). As a result, a friend relationship is set between the target user and the other user in FIG. When the friend relationship is set, the relationship management unit 22 notifies the game machine 3 of the setting result (step S274), and in response, the game control unit 35 of the game machine 3 notifies the user of the setting result. Notify (step S314). With the above, the process of FIG. 25 is completed.

When the friend relationship is independently set for each game type (game title), the two-dimensional code 100 is generated so that the content ID of FIG. 13 is embedded in the two-dimensional code 100 (step S252 of FIG. 23). 25, the content ID is confirmed in addition to the target user in step S272 in FIG. 25, and the friend relationship may be recorded only in the corresponding content ID in step S273. In this case, the friend relationship can be set only for the type of game indicated by the symbol information 101 or the like of the profile card Cp. In order to embed the content ID in the two-dimensional code 100, the server 2 may acquire the content ID or information for identifying the content ID from the game machine 3 in the process of FIG. 13, for example.

On the other hand, the same procedure may be used when setting the friend relationship using the user terminal 5. That is, the process of steps S401 to S404 corresponding to steps S311 to S314 of FIG. 25 is executed by the service management unit 55 of the user terminal 5, or the relationship management unit 22 of the server 2 controls the service management unit 55 to control the user interface. The processing of steps S401 to S404 may be executed while using the information.

As described above, according to the mechanism for setting the friend relationship by using the profile card Cp, the user causes the game machine 3 or the user terminal 5 to read the two-dimensional code 100 of the profile card Cp, so that the target user You can set up a friend relationship between and. Therefore, there is no need to use a manual method of teaching the user IDs among the users and writing them down. Even if the game machine 3 and the user terminal 5 cannot be used immediately, the friend relationship can be set with certainty. Since the symbol information 101 of the target user is recorded in the profile card Cp, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the possibility of forgetting who the target user was.

(Memorial print processing)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 26 and 27, a specific example of processing related to memorial printing will be described. With respect to the memorial print, there are stages of reservation and printing of the memorial card Cm, and therefore, they will be described below in order.

FIG. 26 shows an example of the procedure of the memorial print profile print reservation process executed by the print management unit 36 of the game machine 3 and the print management unit 21 of the server 2 in cooperation with each other to reserve the memorial print. The process of FIG. 26 is a process that is additionally executed when the user plays the game on the game machine 3. Therefore, it is assumed that the user authentication process necessary for identifying the user has already been executed between the game machine 3 and the server 2 at the start of the game, and the server 2 has already acquired the user ID.

In the game machine 3, the process of FIG. 26 is started mainly by the print management unit 36 at a predetermined timing associated with the user playing the game. For example, the process of FIG. 26 is started at the timing when the game play ends. Alternatively, when the game play is divided into a plurality of stages and sequentially advanced, the process of FIG. 26 may be started when one stage is completed. However, in the case where printing of the memorial card Cm is enabled when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game, the process of FIG. 26 may be started at an appropriate timing after the time when the condition is satisfied.

When the process of FIG. 26 is started, the print management unit 36 first displays a predetermined guide screen on the display device 34 and prompts the user to select the print content of the memorial card Cm (step S331). For example, when a plurality of layouts, templates and the like are prepared as the memorial card Cm as card options, the user is allowed to select one of the options. The print management unit 36 also allows the user to select the memorial information 110 to be recorded on the memorial card Cm. For example, when the options of the memorial information 110 according to the user's grade, such as a certificate, are prepared, the options may be presented to the user for selection. In the case where the memorial information 110 includes the user's grade and the like, the user may be allowed to specify the information to be included in the memorial information 110 from the play data Dp. In the case where the game machine 3 has appropriately acquired a screenshot of the game screen during the game, or an image being played by the user, the obtained image is presented to the user and used as the memorial information 110. May be selected by the user.

When the print content is selected, the print management unit 36 attaches the information designating the print content and instructs the server 2 to make a print reservation (step S332). As a result, the processing on the game machine 3 side ends. When the print reservation is instructed, the memorial print processing unit 26 of the server 2 starts the reservation management process of FIG. In that process, the memorial print processing unit 26 generates print reservation information necessary for printing the memorial card Cm based on the print reservation information sent from the game machine 3 (step S281), and obtains the information. The information is recorded in the play data Dp in association with the user ID of the user and the store ID of the store 6 in which the game machine 3 is installed (step S282). After that, the memorial print processing unit 26 finishes the processing of FIG. The game machine 3 may be notified of the completion of the print reservation, and the user may be notified of the completion of the reservation.

The print reservation information generated in step S281 is generated in an appropriate format as long as the information is necessary for causing the printer 44 of the card vendor 4 to print the memorial card Cm including the print content selected in step S331. May be done. For example, the print reservation information may be generated such that the print content selected in step S331 is included as the content in the print reservation information illustrated in FIG. Image data corresponding to the print content selected in step S331 may be generated in step S281 and recorded in the play data Dp.

In FIG. 27, when the card vendor 4 gives an instruction to start the memorial print, the print management unit 21 of the server 2 mainly executes the memorial print processing unit 26 as the process of step S109 of FIG. An example of the procedure of a process is shown. When the memorial print is instructed, the memorial print processing unit 26 first determines the user ID of the user who operates the card vendor 4 (the user ID acquired in step S101 of FIG. 15) and the card vendor 4. The print reservation information regarding the memorial card Cm is acquired from the play data Dp corresponding to the store ID of the placed store 6 (step S291).

Next, the memorial print processing unit 26 causes the display device 43 to display print candidates for the memorial card Cm based on the acquired print reservation information, and allows the user to select a card to be printed (step S292). The screen in this case may be similar to the screens 230 and 240 illustrated in FIG. 21 or 22, for example.

When the user selects a card to be printed, the memorial print processing unit 26 allows the user to specify the number of prints (step S293), and then settles a fee according to the number of prints (step S294). In this case, the print unit price per sheet is multiplied by the number of printed sheets to determine the charge, and the charge may be processed by the payment processing unit 28 or cash payment by the card vendor 4. The printing unit price of the memorial card Cm may be set to be the same as or different from the printing unit price of the basic fee in the lottery print or the additional unit price in the print addition fee. The printing unit price of the memorial card Cm may be the same as or different from the printing unit price of the profile card Cp. The additional charge may be added when the special processing is designated by the user. An upper limit may be set for the number of printed sheets in step S293.

When the payment process is completed, the memorial print processing unit 26 provides the card vendor 4 with print reservation information corresponding to the card to be printed selected in step S292, and instructs the card vendor 4 to start printing (step S295). In response to this, in the card vendor 4, print reservation information is passed from the print management unit 45 to the printer control unit 46, and printing of the selected memorial card Cm is started. The memorial print processing unit 26 of the server 2 waits until the printing by the card vendor 4 is completed, and when the printing is completed, deletes the print reservation information regarding the card selected as the printing target (step S296). After that, the memorial print processing unit 26 finishes the processing of FIG. 27, whereby the print management unit 21 of the server 2 returns to the processing of step S107 of FIG.

As is clear from the above description, the process related to the reservation and printing of the profile card Cp and the process related to the reservation and printing of the memorial card Cm are the symbol information 101 and the memorial information 110. And the two-dimensional code 100 is printed. Since the symbol information 101 and the memorial information 110 are not exclusive, for example, the profile print processing unit 25 and the memorial print processing unit 26 are integrated, and only when the printing of the profile card Cp is designated, the print contents are not printed. You may distinguish the procedure of a printing process so that the dimension code 100 may be included.

As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, the card reserved for printing in the server 2 may be browsed by the user terminal 5 or adjustment such as processing may be possible. FIG. 28 shows an example of processing for realizing such adjustment. FIG. 28 is a process executed by the server 2 while using the service management unit 55 of the user terminal 5 for controlling the user interface, for example. For example, when the user requests access to the server 2 at the user terminal 5, the print management unit 21 of the server 2 acquires information necessary for user authentication from the user terminal 5 and provides this to the user authentication unit 27 to provide the user with the information. Is authenticated (step S501). Next, the print management unit 21 determines the card for which the user has made a print reservation based on the print reservation information stored in the play data Dp in association with the user ID of the user, and uses the card of the user terminal 5 The card to be adjusted is displayed on the display device 53 and selected (step S502). In this case, the print reservation information corresponding to the specific game title or the specific store 6 may be narrowed down according to the user's instruction, and only the obtained card may be presented to the user.

When the user selects the card, the print management unit 21 causes the user to adjust the print content of the card (step S503). For example, a tool for processing and correcting the print contents of the card may be displayed on the display device 53 of the user terminal 5, and the contents of the card may be adjusted using the tool. The contents of the adjustment may be, for example, addition of a frame or stamp, addition of text, effect processing, or the like. When the adjustment of the print content by the user is completed, the print management unit 21 updates the print reservation information according to the adjusted print content (step S504), and thereafter ends the processing of FIG.

As described above, regarding the profile print and the memorial print, the symbol information 101 or the memorial information 110 to be printed on the cards Cp, Cm is acquired by the game machine 3 side, and the information 101, 110 is included in the print content. Thus, the print reservation information is saved in the server 2. Then, on the card vendor 4 side, the cards Cp and Cm are printed according to the stored print reservation information. Therefore, the game machine 3 can be released from various burdens such as a facility burden and a time burden required for printing the cards Cp and Cm on the game machine 3 side. The contents of the cards Cp and Cm can be dynamically changed according to the game play of each user, and since the card vendor 4 is compatible with a plurality of types of games, a wide variety of cards can be output, As a result, interest in card printing can be increased.

Next, a modified example of the game system 1 described above will be described.

The game system 1 is not limited to the example including the server 2, the game machine 3, the card vendor 4, and the user terminal 5, and the entire configuration thereof may be appropriately changed according to the function to be realized by the game system 1. .. For example, when it is not necessary to share a card vendor for a plurality of types of games in lottery printing, the card vendor is omitted and a printer is mounted on the game machine 3, and processing relating to lottery print is performed between the server 2 and the game machine 3. May be executed as appropriate. Furthermore, the so-called stand-alone game machine that is not connected to the network is equipped with a function for executing various processes related to lottery print, and processes such as lottery of the virtual card Cv, setting of print hold, and printout after releasing hold are performed. It may be completed in the aircraft 3. In that case, if the game machine 3 can hold the play data of a plurality of users, the function of the virtual board VB is mounted on the single game machine 3 and the virtual card Cv is transferred or exchanged in the game machine 3. It is also possible to realize

As for profile print and memorial print, if it is not necessary to support a plurality of types of games, the card vendor is omitted and the printer is mounted on the game machine 3 in the same manner as described above, and the profile is set between the server 2 and the game machine 3. The process relating to the print or the memorial print may be appropriately executed, or the process of the profile print or the memorial print may be completed in the game machine 3.

Further, instead of or in addition to the server 2, a server may be installed in the store 6 and at least part of the above-described processing may be executed by the server in the store. When various processes are executed by the in-store server, management based on the store ID may be omitted. The game machine is not limited to an example of playing a single type of game, but a single game machine may be configured to selectively play a plurality of types of games. Instead of or in addition to the game control unit 35 of the game machine 3, the server 2 may be provided with a game control unit, and the server 2 may be caused to perform at least a part of various processes related to the game. The user terminal 5 is not indispensable, and the game system may be configured in a mode not using this.

In the above-described embodiment, the print management unit 21 of the server 2 mainly executes the print management process of FIG. 15, the lottery print process of FIG. 18, and the print card selection process of FIG. Although 45 is in charge of the user interface, at least part of the processing may be executed by the card vendor 4.

The charge setting in the lottery print described above is an example, and the charge to the user may be changed appropriately. For example, a fee may be set so that the printing unit price is not calculated in the first lottery, and the fee corresponding to the number of printed sheets may be collected at the time of printing. In this case, since the consideration for printing is not charged at the time of the first lottery, it is not necessary for the user to set the right to print at least one real card. Therefore, with respect to the use of the virtual board VB, it is possible to make a modification such that the lottery print is finished in a state where all the holding cards are moved to the virtual board VB. The change in the probability due to the repetition of the lottery is not essential, and the lottery may be repeated with a certain probability. When the probability is not changed, for example, the additional lottery fee may be appropriately set to give the user motivation to select the re-lottery.

In the above-described embodiment, the common virtual board VB is used for each store 6, but the virtual board VB may be set for each user, for example. In that case, for example, the information of the hold card may be used as a virtual board VB for each user, and the virtual card Cv set by each user on hold may be selectable by another user as a replacement card. In this case, by appropriately setting the exchange condition, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience that the holding card is exchanged without the user's knowledge. It is also possible to set a non-exchangeable condition for the virtual card Cv that is not desired to be exchanged. When setting the virtual board VB for each user, the ownership of the virtual board VB itself can be set by associating the entire virtual board VB with the user ID. In that case, it is possible to clarify which user owns the virtual card Cv in the virtual board VB without associating the owner information for each virtual card Cv. If the virtual board VB is set for each user, there is an advantage that the suspension, release of the suspension, or designation as the replacement source card of the virtual card Cv can be collectively managed in the virtual board VB.

The exchange of the virtual cards Cv using the virtual board VB is not necessarily limited to the virtual cards Cv relating to the same type of game. The virtual card Cv may be exchangeable between different types of games. Furthermore, when the user moves the virtual card Cv to the virtual board VB and does not acquire the virtual card Cv instead of the virtual card Cv from the virtual board VB, some kind of reward, for example, points usable in the game is given to the user. Good.

In the lottery print described above, the virtual card Cv is an example of an item to be given to the user, and is a virtual or conceptual existence that represents the item in a visually comprehensible manner. Therefore, the item does not necessarily have to be expressed in the form of the virtual card Cv. Elements such as characters and objects expressed in a certain form on the screen may be used as items to be given to the user.

On the other hand, the real card Cr corresponds to an example of a physical medium output corresponding to the item. The real card is a physical card that embodies attributes such as appearance of the corresponding virtual card and parameters such as capability values on a physical article such as a print mount. However, the appearance of the actual card does not necessarily have to be the same as the item. It is sufficient that the item and the physical medium are associated with each other so that the viewer can recognize that the attribute such as the virtual card is recorded on the article such as the print mount. The physical medium is not limited to a two-dimensional printed matter, and may be, for example, a three-dimensional article in which the characteristics of the item are fixed.

On the other hand, in the profile print or the memorial print, since the purpose is to print out the profile card Cp or the memorial card Cm as an actual card, the virtual card Cv virtually represents those cards Cp, Cm. It may be represented on the screen as an object.

In the above-described embodiment, the card vendor 4 can select the lottery print, the profile print, or the memorial print, and the actual card corresponding to the selected type can be printed out. However, those types can be used alone or in an appropriate combination. It may be implemented in a game system. The lottery print does not necessarily need to be provided as a part of the function of the game system. A lottery print function may be implemented for a medium providing system applicable to various uses for outputting a physical medium to a user. Furthermore, the lottery print is not limited to the example of using the lottery to select an item, and may be selected by a method other than the lottery, such as selecting an item according to conditions.

Various aspects of the invention derived from each of the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below.

A game system according to an aspect of the present invention is a game system including a game control unit that reflects a relationship set between users in the control of a game, and a medium output unit that generates and outputs a physical medium. In order to set the relationship between the identification information acquisition means for acquiring the identification information of each user and the target user and the other user as the other party user when any one of the users is the target user. Medium information generating means for generating medium information for generating a physical medium in which necessary setting information and visible symbolic information symbolizing the target user with respect to the game are recorded, and the generated medium information Output control means for controlling the medium output means so that the physical medium is generated based on the physical medium, setting information acquisition means for acquiring the setting information recorded on the physical medium, and the physical medium. Of the other user based on the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit with respect to the user who has acquired the setting information, and based on the setting information acquired by the setting information acquisition unit, the target user and the Relationship setting means for setting the relationship with the other party user.

A game system control method according to an aspect of the present invention includes a game control unit that reflects a relationship set between users in the control of the game, and a medium output unit that generates and outputs a physical medium. In the computer of the system, the identification information acquisition procedure for acquiring the identification information of each user, and when one of the users is the target user, the relationship is set between the target user and the other user as the other user. A medium information generating procedure for generating medium information for generating a physical medium in which setting information necessary for playing the game and visible symbolic information symbolizing the target user with respect to the game are recorded. An output control procedure for controlling the medium output means so that the physical medium is generated based on the medium information; a setting information acquisition procedure for acquiring the setting information recorded on the physical medium; Based on the setting information acquired in the setting information acquisition procedure, the counterpart user is identified based on the identification information acquired in the identification information acquisition procedure with respect to the user who acquired the setting information of the physical medium. And a relationship setting procedure for setting the relationship between the target user and the counterpart user.

A computer program according to an aspect of the present invention is a computer of a game system including game control means for reflecting a relationship set between users in control of a game, and medium output means for generating and outputting a physical medium. Is an identification information acquisition unit that acquires the identification information of each user, and is required to set the relationship between the target user and another user as the other party user when one of the users is a target user. Information generating means for generating medium information for generating a physical medium in which various setting information and visible symbolic information symbolizing the target user with respect to the game are recorded, based on the generated medium information Output control means for controlling the medium output means to generate the physical medium, setting information acquisition means for acquiring the setting information recorded on the physical medium, and the physical medium The other user is identified based on the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit with respect to the user who acquired the setting information, and the target user and the other user are identified based on the setting information acquired by the setting information acquisition unit. It is configured so as to function as a relationship setting means for setting the relationship between and.

According to the above aspect, not only the setting information necessary for setting the relationship between users but also the visible symbol information that symbolizes the target user is recorded on the physical medium. The other party user who received it can remind what kind of user the target user was by using the symbol information as a clue. This reduces or eliminates the possibility that the physical medium is not used due to the other user forgetting the target user, and increases the possibility that a relationship will be set between the users via the physical medium. be able to.

Note that the computer program according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided in a state of being stored in a storage medium. Using this storage medium, for example, by installing and executing the computer program according to the present invention in a computer, it is possible to realize the system of the present invention using the computer. The storage medium storing the computer program may be a non-transitory storage medium such as a CDROM.

In the above aspect, the medium information generation unit generates the medium information such that the setting information includes the identification information of the target user, and the relationship setting unit adds the identification information included in the setting information to the identification information. The target user may be identified on the basis of the target user, and the relationship may be set between the identified target user and the opponent user. According to this, the target user can be easily identified by acquiring the setting information recorded on the physical medium. The other party user can obtain the setting information of the physical medium by an appropriate method when the other party user obtains the setting information. Therefore, it is possible to identify the users who should establish a relationship and to establish a relationship between them reliably.

Further, the game control means records the play-related information obtained by associating with the play of the game by each user in the play data associated with the identification information of each user, and the medium information generating means is configured to perform the target information. The medium information may be generated such that the symbol information based on the play-related information recorded in the play data associated with the user identification information is recorded in the physical medium. The symbol information based on the play-related information obtained by associating with the game play by the target user is recorded on the physical medium, so that the observer who observes the symbol information can relatively easily associate the target user with the game. Can be recalled from.

The game control means records, as the play-related information, information about the performance of the play in the play data, and the medium information generating means, the symbol based on the information of the performance of the play recorded in the play data. The media information may be generated such that information is recorded on the physical media. According to this, by including the performance record of the target user in the symbol information, the target user can be evoked by using the performance score as a clue. For example, when the target user has a remarkable result or has a peculiar result, such a result is relatively well known among users as a symbol of the target user. In such a case, if the symbol information is generated based on the play record, it is possible to enhance the effect of recalling the target user.

The game control means records information on the image being played in the play data as the play-related information, and the medium information generating means records the image being played on the physical medium as the symbol information. The medium information may be generated as described above. According to this, by causing the game control means to acquire the characteristic image being played as the play-related information and recording it in the play data, and recording the symbol information on the physical medium so as to include the characteristic image. It is possible to enhance the effect of evoking the target user.

The game control means may further include an image capturing unit that acquires an image of a user who plays the game, and the game control unit may record the image acquired by the image capturing unit in the play data as the image being played. According to this, the image of the user who is playing can be included in the symbol information, and the effect of reminding the target user can be further enhanced.

In the above aspect, the game system includes a server and a plurality of terminal devices that function as clients for the server, and at least one terminal device is another game device that causes the user to play the game. A device is provided as a user terminal device provided for use by the user, and the identification information acquisition unit and the setting information acquisition unit of the user are provided via at least one of the game device and the user terminal device. The identification information and the setting information may be acquired respectively. According to this, when the user causes the game device or the user terminal device to read the setting information of the physical medium, the setting information acquisition means acquires the setting information. On the other hand, the game device and the user terminal device usually have a function of reading the identification information of the user, and the identification information acquisition means acquires the identification information of the user who has read the setting information via these devices. be able to.

Further, at least two terminal devices are provided as game devices for providing different kinds of games to the user, and the medium information generating means is configured to play the game based on an instruction of the user who desires to output the physical medium. The type may be selected, and the medium information may be generated such that the symbol information corresponding to the selected type of game is recorded on the physical medium. According to this, it is possible to record the symbol information according to the type of the game in the physical medium, and make the user who observes the symbol information recall the target user in association with the type of the game.

In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the invention described above, a correspondence relationship between each aspect and the embodiment is shown below. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated form.

In the above embodiment, the game control unit 35 of the game machine 3 corresponds to an example of the game control means, and the camera 32 thereof corresponds to an example of the image pickup means. The printer 44 of the card vendor 4 corresponds to an example of a medium output unit. Further, in the server 2, the user authentication section 27 acquires the user authentication information via the game management section 20 and the print management section 21 to function as an example of an identification information acquisition unit. The profile print processing unit 25 functions as an example of a medium information generating unit by executing steps S252 and S253 of FIG. 23, and the print reservation information recorded in step S254 corresponds to an example of medium information. The print processing unit 25 functions as an example of an output control unit by executing step S265 of FIG. Furthermore, the relationship management unit 22 of the server 2 functions as an example of setting information acquisition means by executing step S272 of FIG. 25, and functions as an example of relationship setting means by executing step S273.

Further, the lottery print processing unit 23 functions as an item exchange means by executing steps S234 to S239 in FIG. In that case, the exchange source card selected in step S234 corresponds to an example of the exchange source item, the exchange destination card selected in step S237 corresponds to an example of the exchange destination item and another item, and is extracted in step S236. The corresponding card corresponds to an example of the item of the exchange candidate.

1 Game System 2 Server 3 Game Machine 4 Card Vendor 5 User Terminal 6 Stores 10, 30, 40, 50 Control Unit 21 Print Management Section 22 Relationship Management Section 23 Lottery Print Processing Section 24 Virtual Board Management Section 25 Profile Print Processing Section 26 Memorial Print processing unit 35 Game control unit 36 Print management unit 44 Printer 45 Print management unit 46 Printer control unit 55 Service management unit 100 Two-dimensional code 101 Symbol information 110 Memorial information 200 Content selection screen 210 Content home screen 220 Lottery result screen 230 Print card Selection screen 240 Replacement source card selection screen Cm Memorial card Cp Profile card Cr Real card Cv Virtual card VB Virtual board

Claims (10)

The game control means for reflecting the relationship set between the users in the control of the game and the medium output means for printing and outputting the printed matter as the physical medium are provided , and the game control means is for paying a predetermined fee. In exchange, it is provided so as to control the game in a commercial game machine that causes the user to play the game, and the medium output means is provided in a medium output device connected to the game machine via a network. A game system that
Identification information acquisition means for acquiring the identification information of each user,
Setting information necessary to set the relationship between the target user and another user when any user is set as the target user, and visible symbol information that symbolizes the target user with respect to the game. Medium information generating means for generating medium information for generating a physical medium in which is recorded,
Output control means for controlling the medium output means so that the physical medium is generated based on the generated medium information;
Setting information acquisition means for acquiring the setting information recorded on the physical medium,
If the setting information of the physical medium wherein the other user has acquired the setting information acquiring unit, based on the identification information acquiring unit acquires identification information about the other user, to acquire the setting information the other user identified as counterpart user has, based on said setting information counterpart user has acquired the setting information acquiring unit, the relationship set for setting the relationship between the counterpart user and the target user Means and
Equipped with
The medium information generation unit generates and saves the medium information as print reservation information based on a reservation operation of the target user on the game machine,
The output control unit designates the printed matter as the physical medium corresponding to the stored print reservation information based on an operation including designation of the number of prints by the target user on the medium output device. A game system that controls the medium output unit so that the medium is output according to the number of printed sheets . The medium information generating unit generates the medium information such that the setting information includes the identification information of the target user,
The said relationship setting means identifies the said target user based on the said identification information contained in the said setting information, and sets the said relationship between the identified said target user and the said other party user. Game system. The game control means records the play-related information obtained in association with the play of the game by each user in the play data associated with the identification information of each user,
The medium information generation unit generates the medium information such that the symbol information based on the play-related information recorded in the play data associated with the identification information of the target user is recorded in the physical medium. The game system according to claim 2. The game control means, as the play-related information, records information about the performance of the play in the play data,
4. The game system according to claim 3, wherein the medium information generation unit generates the medium information such that the symbol information based on the play performance information recorded in the play data is recorded in the physical medium. .. The game control means, as the play-related information, records information about the image being played in the play data,
The game system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the medium information generation unit generates the medium information so that the image being played is recorded as the symbol information on the physical medium. Further comprising an image pickup means for obtaining an image of a user who plays the game,
The game system according to claim 5, wherein the game control means records the image acquired by the imaging means in the play data as the image being played. A server and a plurality of terminal devices functioning as clients for the server,
At least one terminal device is provided as the commercial game machine , and at least one other terminal device is provided as a user terminal device provided for use by the user,
2. The identification information acquisition means and the setting information acquisition means are capable of respectively acquiring the identification information and the setting information of the user via at least one of the game machine and the user terminal device. The game system according to claim 6. At least two of the terminal device is provided as a game machine for providing a game machine and different kinds of games for the business user,
The medium information generating means selects the type of the game based on an instruction from a user who desires to output the physical medium, and the symbol information corresponding to the selected type of game is recorded on the physical medium. The game system according to claim 7, wherein the medium information is generated as described above. The game control means for reflecting the relationship set between the users in the control of the game and the medium output means for printing and outputting the printed matter as the physical medium are provided , and the game control means is for paying a predetermined fee. In exchange, it is provided so as to control the game in a commercial game machine that causes the user to play the game, and the medium output means is provided in a medium output device connected to the game machine via a network. On the computer of the game system
Identification information acquisition procedure to acquire the identification information of each user,
Setting information necessary to set the relationship between the target user and another user when any user is set as the target user, and visible symbol information that symbolizes the target user with respect to the game. A medium information generation procedure for generating medium information for generating a physical medium on which is recorded,
An output control procedure for controlling the medium output means so that the physical medium is generated based on the generated medium information,
A setting information acquisition procedure for acquiring the setting information recorded on the physical medium;
If the setting information of the physical medium wherein the other user has acquired by the setting information obtaining step, based on the other identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition procedure with respect to the user, the setting information identifying the other user that is acquired as a counterpart user, wherein based on the setting information counterpart user has acquired by the setting information obtaining step, the relationship between the counterpart user and the target user Relationship setting procedure to be set,
Was executed,
In the medium information generating procedure, the medium information is generated and stored as print reservation information based on a reservation operation of the target user on the game machine,
In the output control procedure, the printed matter as the physical medium corresponding to the stored print reservation information is designated based on an operation including designation of the number of prints by the target user in the medium output device. Controlling the medium output unit so that the medium is output according to the number of printed sheets,
Game system control method. The game control means for reflecting the relationship set between the users in the control of the game and the medium output means for printing and outputting the printed matter as the physical medium are provided , and the game control means is for paying a predetermined fee. In exchange, it is provided so as to control the game in a commercial game machine that causes the user to play the game, and the medium output means is provided in a medium output device connected to the game machine via a network. the computer of the game system you are,
Identification information acquisition means for acquiring the identification information of each user,
Setting information necessary to set the relationship between the target user and another user when any user is set as the target user, and visible symbol information that symbolizes the target user with respect to the game. Medium information generating means for generating medium information for generating a physical medium in which and are recorded,
Output control means for controlling the medium output means so that the physical medium is generated based on the generated medium information,
If the setting information of the physical medium wherein the other user has acquired the setting information acquiring unit, based on the identification information acquiring unit acquires identification information about the other user, to acquire the setting information the other user identified as counterpart user has, based on said setting information counterpart user has acquired the setting information acquiring unit, the relationship set for setting the relationship between the counterpart user and the target user means,
To function as,
The medium information generation unit generates and saves the medium information as print reservation information based on a reservation operation of the target user on the game machine,
The output control unit designates the printed matter as the physical medium corresponding to the stored print reservation information based on an operation including designation of the number of prints by the target user on the medium output device. Controlling the medium output means so that the medium is output according to the number of printed sheets,
A computer program configured as.

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