JP6803255B2 - Computer system and game system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a computer system or the like that provides a game.

Introduced an online system that centrally manages player user data, including saved data, by connecting the server system to a commercial game device (also called an arcade game machine) installed in a game center, etc. The number of forms to play is increasing. In this system, a player obtains a dedicated IC card (also called a game card, etc.) and performs registration procedures, and simply holds the IC card over a commercial game device to store his or her own user data at any store at any time. But you can call it and enjoy the rest of the game. Also, if you deposit in advance to the electronic payment account linked to the IC card, you can electronically settle the play consideration just by holding the IC card over, and you can easily play the game in the game center without worrying about the cash you have. You can do it.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which user data of an existing player who already owns an IC card can be temporarily used even if the user does not own the IC card.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-206441

By applying the technology of Patent Document 1, an existing player who already owns an IC card and enjoys the game can give his / her own IC card to a friend who does not own the IC card and has not experienced the game. By lending it, the friend can try and play the game advanced to some extent without purchasing an IC card. In this case, the existing player can easily invite a friend who hesitates to play the game by pushing the back of a friend who is hesitant to judge whether the game is a game that he / she wants to play even after purchasing an IC card.

From the point of view of the game operator, it leads to an increase in customers, and from the point of view of existing players, it leads to an increase in the number of game friends who can play against each other and talk about the game, and if it is an invited friend, it can be tried firmly. .. So to speak, it is a mechanism of "Sampo good", and a mechanism that produces such effects is always required.

It should be noted that the problem is not limited to the card type such as an IC card, and the same applies when an information medium of another form (for example, a figure shape) is used.

The present invention has been devised for the purpose of providing a new technique that makes it easy to invite other users to the game in which the player is playing.

The first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is to carry the medium ID of the information-carrying medium of the soliciting player read by the medium reading unit and the information-bearing of the solicited player solicited to the game already played by the soliciting player. By inputting the medium ID of the medium, an ID storage unit (for example, FIG. 1) that stores the medium ID of the information-carrying medium possessed by each player, the player ID of the player, and the data ID of the user data related to the game in association with each other. The reception means (for example, the reception device 1170 in FIG. 1 and the server system 1100) that access the server system 1100 and the server storage unit 500s in FIG. 9 to receive a registration request for a solicitation relationship between the solicitation player and the solicited player. , The server processing unit 200s of FIG. 9, the solicitation-related designation reception control unit 220, the processing unit 200 of FIG. 15, the solicitation-related designation operation control unit 268, the solicitation-related designation processing of FIG. 16, and steps S40 to S56 of FIG. ,
The subject that has received the registration request by accessing the user data storage unit (for example, the storage 1140 in FIG. 1, the IC memory 1152, and the server storage unit 500s in FIG. 9) that stores user data related to the game of each player. Judgment means for determining whether or not the eligibility condition of the solicitation relationship is satisfied based on the user data of the solicitation player (for example, the server system 1100 in FIG. 1, the control board 1150, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 9, and the validity determination unit 222. , Steps S68-S76, S80) of FIG.
Registration means for registering the accepted solicitation relationship when affirmatively determined by the determination means (for example, server system 1100 in FIG. 1, control board 1150, server processing unit 200s in FIG. 9, solicitation relationship registration control unit 224, FIG. 17 steps S78, step S82) and
Based on the user data of the solicited player and / or the solicited player in the registered solicitation relationship, it is determined whether or not the privilege granting condition is satisfied, and the solicited player and / or the solicited player determined to satisfy the conditions is satisfied. A computer provided with privilege granting means for granting a given privilege (for example, the server system 1100 in FIG. 1, the control board 1150, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 9, the privilege granting unit 226, and the privilege granting process in FIG. 18). It is a system.

The "computer system" referred to here may be a system composed of a single computer, and of course, a system composed of a plurality of computers connected to each other via a communication line so as to be capable of data communication. You may.
Further, "user data" is information managed for each user, and is personal information, past game results, and save data (for example, player level and character level set based on game progress and past game results). It may include information such as skills and indicators such as, types and numbers of items and characters possessed, etc.), and electronic payment results related to the use of billing elements related to game play.

According to the first invention, it becomes easy for a first user who is an existing player to invite a second user who is a friend to a game in which he / she is already playing. That is, the first user and the second user register the solicitation relationship with the former as the solicitation player and the latter as the solicitation player, and the first user (solicitation player) and / or the second user (solicitation player). ) Will be awarded to at least one of the two, depending on the achievements played after registration. In some cases, benefits are given to both parties.

Therefore, for the second user (invited player), there is no reason not to try the game when invited. For the first user (solicitation player), the privilege can be given to himself / herself depending on the play performance after their registration, so instead of keeping the invitation, the second user should satisfy the privilege granting condition. There are incentives to support, such as teaching game tips and tricks (for example, so that you can play the game continuously and get good results). As a result, the following secondary effects can be expected. That is, the improvement of the skill of the second user is improved much faster than that of playing alone, and the enjoyment of the game can be enjoyed sooner. For the first user, the number of game friends will increase. If it is a competitive game, it is convenient because the number of opponents increases. Of course, from the perspective of the game operator, the number of customers will increase, and it will be a "three-way good" mechanism.

In the second invention, the receiving means obtains the medium ID of the information-carrying medium possessed by the soliciting player from the device provided with the medium reading unit (for example, the receiving device 1170 in FIG. 1 and the commercial game device 1300) and the above. The computer system of the first invention, which accepts the solicitation-related registration request by inputting the medium ID of the information-carrying medium possessed by the solicited player.

According to the second invention, the media ID of the information-carrying medium possessed by the soliciting player and the media ID of the information-carrying medium possessed by the solicited player are read by one device provided with the media reading unit to register the solicitation relationship. The request will be accepted.

In the third invention, the eligibility conditions are that the solicited player has not played the game, is at the beginner level, has a blank period of a predetermined period of not playing, and is solicited. The computer system of the first or second invention, which comprises at least one of the number of times being a predetermined number of times or less.

According to the third invention, if the eligibility condition includes that the second user who is the invited player is an inexperienced person in the invited game, the effect of acquiring new customers can be obtained. In addition, if the eligibility conditions include that the second user is at the beginner level, the support effect of the soliciting player will help users who have started the game but are not able to improve well by themselves and are hitting a wall. The effect of relief can be obtained. In addition, if the eligibility condition includes that the second user has a blank period, the effect of returning the user who is estranged from the game play to the game can be obtained.

The fourth invention is the computer system of any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the determination means determines whether or not the eligibility condition is satisfied based on the user data of the solicited player and the invited player. is there.

According to the fourth invention, the eligibility condition can be determined based on the user data of the solicited player and the solicited player. Therefore, the eligibility condition can be defined based on various viewpoints according to the content of the user data.

In the fifth invention, the eligibility conditions are that the soliciting player is at a predetermined level or higher that is not a beginner level, has a predetermined item, has reached a predetermined play progress, and the number of solicitations is predetermined. The computer system of the fourth invention, which includes at least one of the number of times or less.

According to the fifth invention, it is possible that the solicited player provides appropriate support to the solicited player by including, for example, a condition in which the solicited player is recognized as an advanced player who is proficient in the game. Can be enhanced.

The sixth invention is the computer system of any one of the first to fifth inventions, wherein the privilege granting means variably determines the privilege to be granted according to the elapsed time from the registration.

According to the sixth invention, the benefits can be varied. In addition, if the content of the privilege is set to decrease as the elapsed time becomes longer, the effect of encouraging the game to be played as soon as possible after solicitation can be obtained.

The seventh invention determines whether or not the privilege granting means satisfies the privilege granting condition based on the user data of the invited player, and the solicited player and the solicited player determined to satisfy the condition. A computer system according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, which gives a privilege.

According to the seventh invention, the solicited player is also given a privilege depending on the play performance of the solicited player. Therefore, the solicited player teaches game tips and tricks so that the solicited player satisfies the privilege granting condition. Expected to have the effect of encouraging support.

The eighth invention is the computer system of any one of the first to seventh inventions, wherein the privilege granting condition includes at least that the invited player has played the game.

According to the eighth invention, some privilege can be given when the invited player plays after being invited.

In the ninth invention, the privilege granting condition is that the solicited player has reached the play level that is the standard for granting the privilege, or has reached the play progress that is the standard for granting the privilege. It is a computer system of any one of the first to seventh inventions including at least.

The "play level" is, for example, a character level of a player character, a player level, or an index value corresponding thereto.
"Play progress" means the progress of the game. For example, how many game stages such as RPG maps and championship stages have been reached, how many endings have been reached in multi-ending, changes in the date and time in the virtual world, and how many major opponent characters have been captured. , How many items should be collected, how many characters should be rescued, and so on.

Then, by making it a condition for granting the privilege that these reach a predetermined standard, according to the ninth invention, the privilege is granted when the invited player plays the game repeatedly to some extent after being solicited. You will be able to do it.

The tenth invention is a server system which is a computer system according to any one of the first to ninth inventions, and a user terminal (for example, a commercial game device 1300 of the multiplayer compatible game device group 1001 of FIG. 1) for operation and input by a player. , The smartphone 1500) of FIG. 23) is a game system connected so as to be able to communicate with each other.

In the eleventh invention, a server system, which is a computer system according to any one of the first to ninth inventions, a device including the medium reading unit (for example, the reception device 1170 in FIG. 1), and a player play a game. This is a game system in which a user terminal (for example, the business game device 1300 shown in FIG. 1) and a user terminal (for example, the business game device 1300 shown in FIG.

According to the tenth or eleventh invention, the same effect as that of the first invention can be obtained in the game system.

The figure which shows an example of the structure of the game system in 1st Embodiment. The front view which shows the configuration example of the commercial game apparatus. The figure for demonstrating the outline from the player setting in 1st Embodiment to the reflection of a play result in the save data. The figure for demonstrating the mechanism of registration of a solicitation relation in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the display example of the menu screen which is the standby screen of the reception device in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the display example of the designation operation screen of the solicitation relation in 1st Embodiment (the 1). FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example of a solicitation-related designation operation screen in the first embodiment (No. 2). The figure for demonstrating the mechanism of privilege granting based on solicitation relation registration in 1st Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the configuration example of the server system in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the data structure example of the solicitation campaign definition data. The figure which shows the data structure example of the privilege grant definition data. The figure which shows the data structure example of the user management data. The figure which shows the data structure example of the save data management data. The figure which shows the data structure example of the solicitation relation registration data. The block diagram which shows an example of the functional structure of the multiplayer compatible game apparatus in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the designation process of the solicitation relation in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the registration process of the solicitation relation in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of privilege giving process in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the functional structure example of the server system in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the functional structure example of the multi-play compatible game apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the program and the data stored in the storage part of the multiplayer compatible game apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the solicitation-related registration process (solicitation-related registration process B) in the second embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the game system modification example.

Hereinafter, examples of embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described, but it goes without saying that the embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiments.

[First Embodiment]
First, a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described.
[Description of hardware configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the game system 1000 in the present embodiment. The game system 1000 of the present embodiment is a computer system including a server system 1100 capable of mutual data communication by connecting to a communication line 9, and a multiplayer compatible game device group 1001.

The multiplayer compatible game device group 1001 is set as an amusement facility in a commercial facility such as a game center. In the illustrated example, only one multiplayer-compatible game device group 1001 is described, but in an actual operation mode, a plurality of multiplayer-compatible game device groups 1001 can be connected to the server system 1100 via the communication line 9.

User 2 (2A, 2B, ...) Can play a game by electronic payment on any multiplayer compatible game device group 1001 by using the IC cards 8 (8A, 8B, ...) Owned by each user 2. The multiplayer compatible game device group 1001 acquires user data such as save data associated with the unique medium ID 10 (10A, 10B, ...) Stored in the IC card 8 from the server system 1100, thereby performing the previous time. A game that reflects the play results up to is provided to the user 2 so that the game can be played.

Next, each of these elements will be specifically described.

The IC card 8 is a physical information medium capable of carrying information. In the present embodiment, it will be described as a plastic card having a built-in contactless communication (also called short-range wireless communication) chip, that is, a so-called contactless IC card, but a so-called magnetic stripe card having a magnetic tape may also be used. .. Further, in the present embodiment, the physical shape of the information-carrying medium, which is the IC card 8, is not limited to the card type, and may be a character figure, a ring type, a coin type, or the like. A portable computer (for example, a smartphone) equipped with a non-contact communication function may be made to execute a predetermined application to realize the function as the IC card 8.

A medium ID, which is unique identification information, is assigned to each of the IC cards 8 of the present embodiment, and the medium ID is stored in advance in the non-contact communication chip and is printed on the surface of the card by numbers or alphabets. It is printed. It may be printed on the surface of the card by a bar code.

The communication line 9 means a communication path capable of data communication. That is, the communication line 9 includes a telephone communication network, a cable network, a communication network such as the Internet, as well as a LAN (Local Area Network) using a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection and Ethernet (registered trademark). It is meaningful, and the communication method may be wired or wireless.

The server system 1100 is a computer system having a main body device 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and a storage 1140, and the main body device 1101 is equipped with a control board 1150.

The control board 1150 is equipped with various microprocessors such as CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as VRAM, RAM and ROM, and communication device 1153. Has been done. A part or all of the control board 1150 may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or a SoC (System on a Chip).

Then, in the server system 1100, the control board 1150 performs arithmetic processing based on a predetermined program and data, so that 1) a user management function related to user registration and the like and 2) user 2 (2A, 2B, ...) Are separated. A data management function that centrally manages user data such as save data in association with the medium ID 10 (10A, 10B, ...) stored in the IC card 8 (8A, 8B, ...) owned by the user, and 3) can be used in games. Realize an online shopping function that manages online shopping sites such as items.

Although the server system 1100 is described as a single unit, it may be configured such that a plurality of blade servers sharing each function are mounted and connected to each other via an internal bus so that data communication is possible. Alternatively, a configuration may be configured in which a plurality of independent servers installed at remote locations perform data communication via the communication line 9 to function as the server system 1100 as a whole.

The multiplayer compatible game device group 1001 is a game device group capable of supporting both single play and multiplayer for a predetermined game title. In the illustrated example, only one multiplayer-compatible game device group 1001 is shown, but in an actual operation mode, a plurality of multiplayer-compatible game device groups 1001 having different game titles to be executed are servers via the communication line 9. It is configured to be connectable to system 1100. The multiplayer-compatible game device group 1001 can be configured as, for example, a local system in which a store such as a game center or a section such as a shopping center is communicated and connected by a local network. The local network is included in the communication line 9 in this embodiment.

One multiplayer-compatible game device group 1001 is configured by connecting a reception device 1170 and a plurality of commercial game devices 1300 so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication line 9. In FIG. 1, the reception device 1170 and the business game device 1300 are represented as separate devices, but they may be configured as an integrated device. Further, the network configuration (network topology) and communication standard of the reception device 1170 and the plurality of commercial game devices 1300 in one multiplayer compatible game device group 1001 are not particularly limited.

The reception device 1170 is a device for a user to input various procedural operations for using various services related to game play. Also called a terminal device. The reception device 1170 includes, for example, a touch panel 1172, a deposit device 1174 that accepts deposits by coins or banknotes, and an IC card 8 (8A, 8B) that is an electronic payment medium owned by user 2 (2A, 2B, ...). , ...) Issuing machine 1176, and a medium reading device 1178 for reading information and writing information from the IC card 8. The reception device 1170 is installed at a location where a plurality of commercial game devices 1300 are installed, and is communicated with the commercial game device 1300 and the server system 1100.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a configuration example of the commercial game device 1300.
The commercial game device 1300 is a user terminal used by a user who is a player to play a game. In the present embodiment, the commercial game device 1300 has a joystick 1302, a button switch 1304, and a touch panel 1306 that functions as an image display device and a contact position input device as operation input means for the player to input operations to the housing body 1301. And. Further, the housing body 1301 includes a speaker 1310, a medium reading device 1344 capable of reading and writing data from the IC card 8, and a control board 1350.

In a configuration in which the reception device 1170 itself is omitted from the multiplayer compatible game device group 1001 and the function of the reception device 1170 is realized by the business game device 1300, the payment device 1330 is appropriately added to the business game device 1300. It is good to have.

The control board 1350 includes a CPU 1351, various microprocessors such as GPU and DSP, various IC memories 1352 such as VRAM, RAM and ROM, a communication device module 1353 for communication connection to a communication line 9, and an I / F controller 1357 ( Interface controller) etc. are installed.

The I / F controller 1357 includes, for example, 1) a driver circuit for the touch panel 1306, 2) a circuit for receiving signals from the joystick 1302 and the button switch 1304, 3) an output amplifier circuit for outputting an audio signal to the speaker 1310, and 4). A signal input / output circuit to the deposit device 1330 and the medium reader 1344 are mounted.

Each element mounted on the control board 1350 is electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and is connected so as to be able to read / write data and transmit / receive signals. A part or all of the control board 1350 may be realized by ASIC, FPGA, or SoC.

The control board 1350 executes a game program to execute arithmetic processing, and controls each part of the commercial game device 1300 in response to operation input from the joystick 1302, the button switch 1304, and the touch panel 1306 to enable game play. .. It is assumed that the commercial game device 1300 stores necessary programs and various setting data in advance in the IC memory 1352, but each time it is started, it is downloaded from an external device (for example, a server system 1100 or a reception device 1170). It may be configured.

Under the control of the control board 1350, the commercial game device 1300 directly transmits the result of the operation input via the joystick 1302, the touch panel 1306, or the information read from the IC card 8 to the server system 1100, or the reception device 1170. It is transmitted to the server system 1100 via. Then, various data for playing the game are received from the server system 1100. Then, an image of the game screen is generated and displayed on the touch panel 1306, and sound signals of sound effects and operation sounds are generated and emitted from the speaker 1310. That is, the player can enjoy the game play by operating the joystick 1302 or the like while watching the game screen displayed on the touch panel 1306 and listening to the game sound flowing from the speaker 1310.

[Explanation of mechanism]
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an outline from the player setting in the present embodiment to the reflection of the play result in the save data.

The user 2 performs a new registration procedure for the user on the reception device 1170 and purchases the IC card 8 as a My Card. Then, in order to play the game, the player is registered on the commercial game device 1300 to be used. Specifically, when the IC card 8 is held over the medium reading device 1344 of the commercial game device 1300 to be used, the commercial game device 1300 automatically reads the medium ID 10 from the IC card 8. Then, the server system 1100 is accessed to perform processing related to electronic payment of the play consideration, and the server system 1100 is requested to inquire about the read medium ID (circled number "1" in FIG. 3).

If the user 2 uses the IC card 8 for the first time, since the received medium ID 10 does not have an association with the data ID 12 in the first place, a new unique data ID 12 is issued assuming that the corresponding association data does not exist. New ID association data 628 with the received medium ID 10 is created and stored.

The server system 1100 that received the inquiry request searches for the data ID 12 associated with the received medium ID 10 with reference to the ID association data 628 (circled number "2" in FIG. 3), and the searched data. The save data 632 associated with the same data ID 631 as the ID 12 is further searched (circled number "3" in FIG. 3).

If the user 2 uses the IC card 8 for the first time, the save data 632 does not exist, so the predetermined save data 632 that is the initial data indicating the unplayed state is created and stored.

Further, the server system 1100 that has received the inquiry request searches for the user account 601 from the user management data 600 associated with the received medium ID 10 (circled number "4" in FIG. 3).

The user management data 600 is created according to the user registration procedure. The user registration procedure is not limited to the configuration in which the reception device 1170 accepts the user registration procedure. Similar to a known game system, it may be realized by performing it on a separately designated website. The user management data 600 stores information such as a unique user account 601, payment medium book data 602 for electronic payment, possessed card list 603, and possessed data ID list 604.

The possessed card list 603 stores the medium ID 10 of the IC card 8 issued in the new registration procedure of the user and the medium ID 10 of the IC card 8 added in the additional registration procedure of the IC card. The possessed card list 603 can be omitted as appropriate.

On the other hand, the possessed data ID list 604 stores the data ID 12 associated with the medium ID 10 of the IC card owned by the user. Therefore, the server system 1100 can search in the order of the received medium ID 10 → data ID 631 → user account.

Then, the server system 1100 has the saved data 632 searched by following the order of received medium ID 10 → data ID 12 → data ID 631 → save data 632, and received medium ID 10 → data ID 12 → data ID 631 → user account 601. The user account 601 searched according to the above is returned to the commercial game device 1300 that has requested the inquiry as the inquiry result (circled number "5" in FIG. 3).

Then, the business game device 1300 receives and stores the save data 632 and the user account 601 to complete the player registration, and starts the game play control in the single play mode or the multi play mode desired by the user 2.

After the play is completed, the commercial game device 1300 creates save data for update. Then, along with the update request requesting the server system 1100 to update the save data 632, the read medium ID 10 and the save data for update are transmitted.

When the server system 1100 receives the update request, it searches for the data ID 631 associated with the received medium ID, and further searches for the save data 632 associated with the data ID 631. Then, the searched save data 632 is updated so as to reflect the contents of the received update save data.

By the way, in the game system 1000 of the present embodiment, as a device for making it easy for users having an IC card 8 associated with the save data 632 to invite other users to the game they are playing, registration of solicitation relations and It has two mechanisms:, granting benefits based on the play record after registration.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a mechanism for registering a solicitation relationship.
The first user 2A wants to invite his friend, the second user 2B, to the game he is playing. Both users have IC cards 8 (8A, 8B), respectively. Then, the game system 1000 of the present embodiment has a solicitation-related registration function for registering that the first user 2A solicits the second user 2B, and a function for granting benefits when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the solicitation. And have.

Specifically, the first user 2A and the second user 2B use the reception device 1170 to input a solicitation-related designation operation in which the former is a "solicitation player" and the latter is a "solicitation player" ( Circled numbers “1” in FIG. 4).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of the menu screen W5, which is the standby screen of the reception device 1170. The contents of the menu items on the menu screen W5 can be set as appropriate, and the menu item 30 (the item of "apply for the solicitation campaign" in the illustrated example) related to the designation of the solicitation relationship is prepared there.

On the menu screen W5, any menu item can be selected by a predetermined item selection operation. On the menu screen W5, the content description 32 of the menu item and the execution operation icon 34 for inputting the execution operation of the menu item in the selected state are displayed in association with the menu item in the selected state.

When the menu item 30 related to the solicitation-related designation is selected and the operation input to the execution operation icon 34 is detected, the reception device 1170 shifts from the menu screen W5 to the solicitation-related designation operation screen W6 as shown in FIG. The screen display switches.

On the designated operation screen W6, explanation 40 of application qualifications and precautions and procedure explanations 41, 42, 43 for each procedure stage are displayed. The first user 2A and the second user 2B operate according to these procedure explanations 41, 42, 43. The number of procedure stages can be set as appropriate.

When each of the contents shown in the procedure explanations 41, 42, and 43 is carried out, the check mark 44 is attached and the display form is changed, and a notification to that effect is given. Incidentally, the example of FIG. 6 shows a state in which "procedure 1" has been performed.

In the "procedure 1" of the present embodiment, the reception device 170 requests that the IC card 8 of the user designated as the solicitation player be held over the medium reading device 1178, and determines that the execution is performed when the reading of the medium ID is completed. In "Procedure 2", the IC card 8 of the user designated as the solicited player is requested to be held over the medium reading device 1178, and when the reading of the medium ID is completed, it is determined to be executed.

In "Procedure 3", the operation input on the user side is not required, but the validity of the solicitation-related designation is determined as inside the process. That is, the media ID of the soliciting player and the media ID of the solicited player read in procedures 1 and 2 are transmitted from the reception device 1170 to the server system 1100 together with the registration request for the solicitation relationship. Upon receiving the solicitation-related record request or the like, the server system 1100 determines the validity of the solicitation-related designation.

The validity determination in this embodiment is as shown in FIG. 4 (circled number “2” in the figure).
1) The first user 2A is qualified as a solicitation player = the solicitation player eligibility condition is satisfied.
2) The second user 2B is qualified as a solicited player = the solicited player eligibility condition is satisfied.
3) Within the solicitation campaign period,
This is done depending on whether the three sub-conditions of the above are satisfied, that is, whether or not the AND condition of these three sub-conditions is satisfied. The validity determination may be realized by omitting some of these three conditions or as an OR condition. Of course, it is also possible to add the fourth and subsequent conditions other than these to the validity judgment.

The solicited player eligibility conditions and the solicited player eligibility conditions can be set as appropriate.
The solicited player eligibility condition in the present embodiment is defined as a requirement for the first user 2A to be recognized as a skilled player who is skilled in the game. Then, the solicited player eligibility condition is a requirement for the second user 2B to be recognized as a beginner or a beginner equivalent of the game title, and / or a estranged person who is estranged from playing the game title. Defined as a requirement to be recognized.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the solicited player eligibility condition of the present embodiment is automatically promoted and set according to the user information 20A (for example, the play record) of the first user 2A related to the game title. Player level 612, play history data 613 that can be used to know the play frequency, save data 632, etc.).

The solicited player eligibility condition of the present embodiment is determined from the user information 20B of the second user 2B related to the game title.

If the user has never played the game title in the past, the user information 20B of the second user 2B is newly created according to the solicitation-related designation operation. At that time, various parameter values are set to predetermined initial values that are recognized as unplayed. For example, at the player level, "1", the parameter value indicating the game progress in the save data is a predetermined value indicating "before the start of play", and the parameter value indicating the growth degree of the player character in the save data is the character type. The corresponding desired value and the parameter value indicating the equipment of the player character among the save data are also set as predetermined initial values.

Whether or not the second user 2B has played in the past but has not played much, that is, is recognized as a estranged person, is determined from the play history data 613 of the user information 20B of the second user 2B. I can judge.

Then, when it is determined that the designation of the solicitation relationship is valid, the server system 1100 stores the solicitation relationship for which the designated operation has been performed as a regular registration (circled number "3" in FIG. 4). That is, the "procedure 3" related to the designation of the solicitation relationship is completed, and the screen display of the reception device 1170 changes as in the example of the solicitation-related designation operation screen W7 shown in FIG. 7, for example. That is, the registration completion notification 45 indicating that the solicitation-related registration has been completed is displayed.

The function of the reception device 1170 related to the registration of the solicitation relationship shall be realized by the business game device 1300 in a configuration in which the reception device 1170 is omitted.

Next, the privilege grant will be described.
In the present embodiment, when the first user 2A and the second user 2B play the game after the solicitation relationship is officially registered, the privilege is given according to the play record.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a mechanism for granting benefits based on solicitation-related registration.
When the solicitation player (first user 2A) and the solicited player (second user 2B) who have been registered for the solicitation relationship play the game after the solicitation relationship is registered, the save data 632 is saved according to the play record as described above. The player level 612 and the play history data 613 are updated (see FIG. 3).

Therefore, the server system 1100 determines whether or not the privilege granting condition is satisfied for each registered solicitation relationship.

The privilege granting conditions can be set as appropriate, but in the present embodiment, the privilege granting condition for the solicited player, which is a condition for granting the privilege to the solicited player, and the condition for granting the privilege to the invited player There are conditions for granting benefits for a certain invited player. Then, the privileges 22A and 22B are given to the solicited player and the solicited player by the combination of these ANDs or ORs.

Specifically, for example, the solicitation player privilege granting condition is determined based on the change in the parameter value related to the condition from the user information 20A of the first user 2A at the time of solicitation relationship registration. Similarly, the privilege granting condition for the solicited player is determined based on the change in the parameter value related to the condition from the user information 20B of the second user 2B at the time of registering the solicited relationship.

The parameter values related to the solicited player privilege granting condition and the invited player privilege granting condition referred to here can be appropriately set according to the game content. For example, it is possible to increase the index value of the play level such as the player level and the player character, the number of plays and the frequency of play, the level up of the player character, the progress of the game scenario, and the like. The total purchase price and the number of purchased items in online shopping may be targeted.

The benefits 22A and 22B may have the same content or may have different contents.
The content of the privilege to be given can be set as appropriate according to the content of the game. For example, in-game items that can be used in the game, characters that can be used as player characters, and the right to change the design of the character (for example, goods to wear such as clothing, change of skin color / pattern, change of body shape, etc. Right to change hairstyle, etc.), right to use voice to read out the character's dialogue, right to draw lots for items and characters to win, right to open new game stages, online shopping coupons, right to discount gameplay consideration, special BGM usage permission rights, etc. can be set as benefits.

[Explanation of functional configuration]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server system 1100 according to the present embodiment. The server system 1100 in the present embodiment includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, a sound output unit 390s, an image display unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

The operation input unit 100s is a means for inputting various operations for management. The keyboard 1106 and the touch panel 1108 of FIG. 1 correspond to this.

The server processing unit 200s is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC or IC memory, and inputs / outputs data to and from each functional unit including an operation input unit 100s and a server storage unit 500s. Take control. Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100s, and data received from the reception device 1170 and the business game device 1300 to integrate the operations of the server system 1100. Control.

The server processing unit 200s of the present embodiment is effective with the user management unit 202, the online shopping management unit 204, the inquiry request response control unit 210, the save data update unit 212, and the solicitation-related designation reception control unit 220. It includes a determination unit 222, a solicitation-related registration control unit 224, a privilege giving unit 226, a timekeeping unit 280s, a sound generation unit 290s, an image generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s. Of course, functional parts other than these can be included as appropriate.

The user management unit 202 performs processing related to the user registration procedure and management of data of each user associated with the user account. In this embodiment, 1) assignment of a unique user account to a registered user, 2) registration information management for registering and managing personal information for each user account, and 3) billing element (online shopping and play consideration in this embodiment). It has each function of book management of the electronic payment medium consumed by the payment of and 4) play history management of managing the history of inquiry requests. Of course, other data management functions associated with accounts other than these can be included as appropriate.

The online shopping management unit 204 is responsible for controlling online shopping, and can be realized by appropriately diverting known online shopping technology. In the present embodiment, the player can purchase items and the like used in the game by online shopping. In addition to these, the sales target in online shopping can be set as appropriate.

The inquiry request response control unit 210 is data associated with the medium ID read from a computer or game device provided with means for reading the medium ID from the information medium (IC card 8 in this embodiment) of the player carrying the medium ID. Control is performed to accept an inquiry request for ID data.

The save data update unit 212 updates the save data of the player and the like stored in association with the received medium ID together with the save data update request.

The solicitation-related designation reception control unit 220 controls to accept the solicitation-related registration request based on the operation input between the solicitation player and the solicited player.

The validity determination unit 222 accesses the user data storage unit (server storage unit 500s in the present embodiment) that stores user data related to the game executed by the multiplayer compatible game device group 1001 of each player, and accepts the registration request. It is determined whether or not the eligibility condition of the solicitation relationship is satisfied based on the user data of the solicited player. The validity of what is called in this embodiment is determined.

Specifically, the validity determination unit 222 determines whether or not it corresponds to the period of the solicitation campaign that accepts solicitation registration, and each of them is based on the user data of the user who is the solicitation player and the user who is the solicited player. It is possible to determine the validity of the solicitation-related registration by executing the determination of whether the eligibility conditions as the soliciting player and the solicited player are satisfied.

More specifically, the privilege granting unit 226 states that the solicited player must be 1) at a predetermined level or higher that is not a beginner level, 2) have a predetermined item, and 3) have reached a predetermined play progress. And, 4) if the number of solicitations is at least a predetermined number or less, it can be determined to be "qualified as a solicitation player".
Regarding the solicited players, 1) the game has not been played, 2) it is a beginner level, 3) there is a blank period for a predetermined period of not playing, and 4) the number of solicitations is It can be determined that the player is "qualified as a solicited player" when at least one of the predetermined number of times or less is included.

The solicitation relationship registration control unit 224 controls to register the solicitation relationship received when a positive determination is made by the validity determination unit 222.

The privilege granting unit 226 determines whether or not the privilege granting condition is satisfied based on the user data of the soliciting player and / or the solicited player in the registered solicitation relationship, and the soliciting player and / or the said soliciting player determined to satisfy the condition. Controls to give a given privilege to the invited player.

Specifically, the privilege granting unit 226 determines whether or not the privilege granting condition is satisfied based on the user data of the solicited player, and grants the privilege to the solicited player and the solicited player who are determined to satisfy the condition. be able to. In addition, the benefits to be granted can be variably determined according to the elapsed time from registration.

The timekeeping unit 280s uses the system clock to measure the current date and time, the time limit, and the like.

The sound generation unit 290s is realized by executing an IC or software that generates and decodes voice data, and generates and decodes sound data related to system management of the server system 1100. Then, the audio signal related to the system management is output to the sound output unit 390s.
In the case of a configuration in which the game executed by the multiplayer compatible game device group 1001 is realized as a client / server type online game, the BGM, sound effect, and character used in the game in the sound generation unit 290s A part or all of the sound data such as the dialogue reading voice may be generated or decoded and provided to the multiplayer compatible game device group 1001.

The sound output unit 390s receives an audio signal and emits a sound. In the example of FIG. 1, a speaker (not shown) included in the main unit 1101 and the touch panel 1108 corresponds to this.

The image generation unit 292s can generate an image or the like related to the system management of the server system 1100. Then, the image related to the system management can be output to the image display unit 392s.
In the case of a configuration in which the game executed by the multiplayer compatible game device group 1001 is realized as a client-server type online game, the image generation unit 292s generates and decodes data for displaying the game screen. It may be executed and provided to the multiplayer compatible game device group 1001.

The image display unit 392s displays various images for system management based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 292s. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, and a head-mounted display. In the example of FIG. 1, the touch panel 1108 corresponds.

The communication control unit 294s executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 394s. In the present embodiment, processing related to data communication with the multiplayer compatible game device group 1001 is executed.

The communication unit 394s connects to the communication line 9 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a network card, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, and the like. In the example of FIG. 1, the communication device 1153 corresponds.

The server storage unit 500s stores programs, various data, and the like for realizing various functions for making the server processing unit 200s control the server system 1100 in an integrated manner. Further, it is used as a work area of the server processing unit 200s, and temporarily stores the calculation results and the like executed by the server processing unit 200s according to various programs. This function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD, or online storage. In the example of FIG. 1, the IC memory 1152 mounted on the main unit 1101, a storage medium such as a hard disk, and the storage 1140 correspond to this.

The server storage unit 500s stores the server system program 501, the server program 502, and the solicitation campaign definition data 520 in advance. Further, the server storage unit 500s stores user management data 600, ID association data 628, save data management data 630, solicitation relationship registration data 650, and current date and time 800 as data to be sequentially generated and managed. To do. In addition, information such as timers, counters, and various flags can be appropriately stored in the server storage unit 500s.

The server system program 501 is a system program for realizing the basic input / output functions required as a computer in the server system 1100 by reading and executing the server processing unit 200s. When configured integrally with the server program 502, the server system program 501 is unnecessary.

The server program 502 is a program for realizing the functions of the user management unit 202 to the privilege granting unit 226 by reading and executing the server processing unit 200s (see FIG. 9).

The solicitation campaign definition data 520 is data that defines the conditions for registering the solicitation relationship and the content of the privilege grant based on the registered solicitation relationship. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the solicitation campaign definition data 520 includes a unique campaign ID 521, an applicable game title 522, valid condition definition data 523, and privilege grant definition data 550. Of course, information other than these can be included as appropriate.

The applicable game title 522 stores the game title to which the definition data is applied.

The valid condition definition data 523 is a condition for determining the validity of the designation of the solicitation relationship, and defines the requirements for registering the solicitation relationship. In this embodiment, it is defined as three AND conditions of the campaign period 524, the solicited player eligibility condition data 530, and the solicited player eligibility condition data 540.

The campaign period 524 defines a valid period during which solicitation-related registrations and awards are granted. Specifically, a date or date / time range is stored.

The solicited player eligibility data 530 defines the requirements for being recognized as a solicited player. In the present embodiment, the soliciting player eligibility condition data 530 states that the soliciting player is 1) at a predetermined level or higher that is not a beginner level, 2) has a predetermined item, and 3) has reached a predetermined play progress. 4) The number of solicitations is set to include at least one of the predetermined number or less.

Specifically, the solicited player eligibility condition data 530 holds a game card holding condition 531, a player level condition 532, a game progress condition 533, a play frequency condition 534, and a total number of times condition 535 as sub-conditions. It includes an item condition 536 and a total solicitation count condition 537, and is described as an AND condition or an OR condition of these plurality of sub-conditions. The sub-condition configuration may include other than these as appropriate, and some may be omitted as appropriate. In addition, the setting contents of each sub-condition can be set to correspond to "no setting".

The game card holding condition 531 is a condition relating to the IC card 8 held by the user designated as the soliciting player in the solicitation-related designation. For example, it is possible to define a condition such as "holding two or more IC cards one month or more after holding" by storing the thresholds of the number of holdings and the number of holding days. If a plurality of different designs (different models) are prepared for the IC card 8, it may be a condition that how many types of IC cards 8 are possessed.

In the present embodiment, as described above (see FIG. 3), the medium ID 10 of the IC card 8 and the data ID 631 (same as the data ID 12) associated with the save data 632 are associated one-to-one. Therefore, the game card holding condition 531 can be replaced with the holding data ID condition.

The player level condition 532 is a condition related to the play level, and is a condition related to the player level 612 (see FIG. 4) in the present embodiment. For example, a condition such as "level" 5 "or higher" is defined.

In the present embodiment, since the player level is automatically set according to the play result, the player level condition 532 can be replaced with a condition relating to the past play result of the user who is a solicited player. For example, it can be replaced with the level of the player character, and in the case of a shooting game, it may be a condition such as a hit rate or the number of defeated enemies. If it is a racing game, it may be a condition for past average rankings and points earned in championships. If the game rule is that racing cars of different ranks can be used and opened depending on the race result, the conditions may be described by the open rank.

The game progress condition 533 is a condition relating to the progress of the game. For example, it may be a condition for the number or number of game stages or scenarios that should be reached or cleared. If it is a multi-ending type game, the conditions may be described by the number and types of cleared endings.

The play frequency condition 534 is a condition relating to the frequency of game play of a user who is a solicited player. The unit of frequency can be set as appropriate. For example, the number of game plays per week can be set as a weekly unit, or the number of game plays per month can be set as a monthly unit.

The total number of plays condition 535 is a condition of how many times the user, who is regarded as a soliciting player, has played the game in the past.

The possessed item condition 536 is a condition regarding the number, type, rarity, and the like of the items possessed by the user who is regarded as a soliciting player. For example, in the case where a special item appears or is granted in the game so that it can be acquired according to the progress of the game, defining which special item is possessed is defined as the player level condition 532 or the game progress condition 533. It can also be used as an alternative. Depending on the content of the game, the condition may be a condition regarding the possession status of a character that can be used as a player character instead of the possession status of the item.

The total number of solicitation conditions 537 is a condition relating to the number of solicitation registrations registered in the past for a user who is a solicitation player. In this embodiment, the upper limit of the number of times is defined, but it may be unlimited.

The solicited player eligibility data 540 defines the requirements for being recognized as a solicited player. In the present embodiment, the solicited player eligibility condition data 540 indicates that the solicited player 1) has not played the solicited game, 2) is at the beginner level, and 3) has not played a blank period for a predetermined period. It is set to include at least one of 4) that the number of solicitations is less than or equal to a predetermined number.

Specifically, the solicited player eligibility condition data 540 includes, as sub-conditions, a game card holding condition 541, a player level condition 542, a game progress condition 543, a play frequency condition 544, and a total number of plays condition 545. It includes a total number of solicitations condition 546 and is described as an AND condition or an OR condition of these plurality of sub-conditions. Of course, sub-conditions other than these can be appropriately included in the solicited player eligibility condition data 540, and can be omitted as appropriate. In addition, the setting contents of each sub-condition can be set to correspond to "no setting".

The contents of the game card holding condition 541, the player level condition 542, the game progress condition 543, the play frequency condition 544, and the total number of times played condition 545 are that the second user 2B designated as the solicited player is a beginner. , Equivalent to beginners, set to define those who are estranged from gameplay.

The total number of solicitation conditions 546 is a condition for the number of times a user who is a solicited player has been solicited and registered in the past. In this embodiment, the upper limit number of times is defined.

The privilege grant definition data 550 stores definition data related to privilege grant. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the privilege granting condition 552, the grant target 553, and the privilege content 554 are stored in association with the unique privilege ID 551.

The privilege granting condition 552 can be set as appropriate.
In the present embodiment, a privilege grant condition 552 including at least that the solicited player has played the solicited game is set. For example, the privilege grant condition 552 of the privilege ID = "No. 1 privilege" in the figure corresponds to this.

Further, in the present embodiment, a privilege grant condition 552 is set in which it is recognized that the solicited player or the solicited player has played the game to some extent after the solicitation-related registration. Specifically, the solicited player has reached the number of times the solicited player has played since registration has reached the standard number of times for granting benefits, and has reached the play level (indicated by the player level or player character) that is the standard for granting benefits. A privilege granting condition 552 is set that includes at least one of the above and the achievement of the play progress that is the standard for granting the privilege. For example, the conditions of privilege ID = "No. 2 privilege" to "No. 6 privilege" in the figure correspond to this.

The privilege content 554 is set so that the content differs depending on the elapsed time from registration. For example, the privilege ID in the figure = "No. 2 privilege" and "No. 3 privilege" correspond to this.

Returning to FIG. 9, the user management data 600 is prepared for each registered user and stores various data associated with the user account. As shown in FIG. 12, for example, one user management data 600 includes a unique user account 601, a payment medium book data 602, a possession card list 603, a possession data ID list 604, and title-specific management data 610. ,including. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The payment medium book data 602 is a so-called book that stores information on the amount of replenishment / consumption of the payment medium for electronic payment associated with the user, the reason for replenishment / consumption, and the date and time of change. is there. It can be read as billing history data or billing information.

The title-specific management data 610 is prepared for each game title that the user has played in the past, and various data related to the game title are stored.
The title-specific management data 610 of the present embodiment includes the target game title 611, play history data 613, solicitation history data 614, solicitation history data 615, and privilege grant history data 616. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The play history data 613 is created each time the game is played. One play history data 613 includes a login date / time (or play start date / time), a logout date / time (or play end date / time), a medium ID used, a total number of plays, and play result data. The content of the data included in the play history data 613 is not limited to these and can be changed as appropriate.

The solicitation history data 614 is created every time the solicitation relationship is officially registered by the user as a solicitation player. One solicitation history data 614 includes a medium ID used, a solicitation relationship designated date and time which is a date and time when the solicitation relationship is designated and operated, and a solicitation relationship registration ID unique to the registered solicitation relationship. The content of the data included in the solicitation history data 614 is not limited to these and can be changed as appropriate.

The solicitation history data 615 is created every time the solicitation relationship is officially registered by the user as a solicitation player. One solicited history data 615 includes a medium ID used, a solicitation relationship designated date and time which is a date and time when the solicitation relationship is designated and operated, and a solicitation relationship registration ID unique to the registered solicitation relationship. The content of the data included in the solicitation history data 615 is not limited to these and can be changed as appropriate.

The privilege grant history data 616 is created every time the privilege is granted to the user in connection with the solicitation-related registration. One privilege grant history data 616 includes a grant date and time, a solicitation-related registration ID indicating the basis of grant, and a granted privilege ID (corresponding to privilege ID 551 in FIG. 11). The content of the data included in the privilege grant history data 616 is not limited to these and can be changed as appropriate.

Returning to FIG. 9, the ID association data 628 is created every time a new IC card 8 is used (see FIG. 3). In the initial state, the medium ID 10 of the new IC card 8 and a predetermined initial value (for example, NULL) indicating unplayed are stored in place of the data ID 12. When the game is played using the IC card 8, the predetermined value indicating that the game has not been played is updated to the data ID 12. Of course, data other than these may be stored in association with each other as appropriate. For example, the date and time when the association was set / updated can be added.

The save data management data 630 is one-to-one association data between the data ID and the save data. As shown in FIG. 13, for example, the data ID 631 and the save data 632 are stored in one save data management data 630.

The data structure of the save data 632 can be appropriately set according to the game content. For example, the update date and time 633, the player level 634, the game progress 635, and the possessed character management data 636 prepared for each possessed character. , Owned item management data 637 prepared for each possessed item, and can be included. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The player level 634 is an index value indicating the player's proficiency level, progress level, and play level in the game, and is automatically updated according to the play result. It may be the title or class of the player.

One possessed character management data 636 stores a unique character ID, a character type, a level representing a character's growth degree and rank, an equipment list, an ability parameter value, and the like. Of course, data other than these may be stored as appropriate.

One possessed item management data 637 includes a unique item ID, item type, rarity, level indicating the rank and growth degree of the item, acquisition date and time, ability parameter value (meaning parameter value describing the action and effect of the item), Etc. are stored. Of course, data other than these may be stored as appropriate.

Returning to FIG. 9, the solicitation relationship registration data 650 is prepared for each solicitation relationship designation operation, and stores various data that define the solicitation relationship. As shown in FIG. 14, for example, one solicitation relationship registration data 650 includes a unique solicitation relationship registration ID 651 that is automatically assigned, a registration type 652, a basis campaign ID 653 that indicates a solicitation campaign that is the basis for registration, and a solicitation relationship. It includes solicitation-related designated date and time 654, solicitation player information 660, and solicited player information 670, which is the date and time when the designation is made. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The registration type 652 is set as "temporary registration" in the initial state in which the registration data is created, and is set as "regular registration" when the solicitation relationship is judged to be valid, and the solicitation campaign used as the basis for registration (see FIG. 10). If the registration becomes invalid due to the end of the campaign period of, it will be changed to "Delete".

The solicitation player information 660 is reference information regarding a user who is a solicitation player, and is, for example, a solicitation player medium ID 661 which is a medium ID of an IC card 8 used by a user who is a solicitation player, a solicitation player user account 662, and so on. The registration parameter value list 663 and the like are included. The parameter value list 663 at the time of registration is a list of parameter values necessary for determining whether or not the privilege granting condition 552 of the privilege grant definition data 550 (see FIG. 11) is satisfied, and the solicitation relationship is officially registered. It is a list of parameter values regarding a user who is regarded as a soliciting player in timing.

The solicited player information 670 is reference information about a user who is a solicited player, for example, a solicited player medium ID 671 which is a medium ID of an IC card 8 used by a user who is a solicited player, and a solicited player user. Includes account 672 and registration parameter value list 673. The parameter value list 673 at the time of registration is a list of parameter values necessary for determining whether or not the privilege granting condition 552 of the privilege grant definition data 550 (see FIG. 11) is satisfied, and the solicitation relationship is officially registered. It is a list of parameter values about a user who is considered to be a solicited player in timing.

The devices constituting the multiplayer compatible game device group 1001 in the present embodiment include a commercial game device 1300 and a reception device 1170, and both devices are configured as functionally common devices having their respective functions. Therefore, both devices will be collectively referred to as "multiplayer compatible game devices" below. Of course, as described above, the business game device 1300 and the reception device 1170 may be configured by dividing the functions, but in that case, any person skilled in the art who has come into contact with this specification can use it. It is self-evident which device the function is divided into.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the multiplayer compatible game device. The multiplayer compatible game device according to this embodiment includes an operation input unit 100, a medium reading unit 102, a deposit detection unit 104, a processing unit 200, a sound output unit 390, an image display unit 392, and a communication unit 394. It includes a storage unit 500.

The operation input unit 100 is a means for the user to input various operations. The touch panel 1172 of the reception device 1170 (see FIG. 1), the joystick 1302 of the commercial game device 1300 (see FIG. 2), the button switch 1304, and the touch panel 1306 correspond to this.

The medium reading unit 102 outputs the information read from the information medium (IC card 8) to the processing unit 200, and writes the information received from the processing unit 200 to the information medium. The media reading device 1178 of the receiving device 1170 (see FIG. 1) and the media reading device 1344 of the commercial game device 1300 (see FIG. 2) correspond to this.

The deposit detection unit 104 detects cash input as play consideration and outputs information about the deposited cash type to the processing unit 200. The deposit device 1174 of the reception device 1170 (see FIG. 1) and the deposit device 1330 of the commercial game device 1300 (see FIG. 2) correspond to this.

The processing unit 200 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC or IC memory, and controls data input / output with each functional unit including an operation input unit 100 and a storage unit 500. Do. A control board (not shown) mounted on the reception device 1170 (see FIG. 1) and a control board 1350 of the commercial game device 1300 (see FIG. 2) correspond to this. Then, the processing unit 200 executes various arithmetic processes based on a predetermined program and data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 100, data received from the server system 1100, and the like, and executes various arithmetic processes to receive the reception device 1170 and a business game. It controls the operation of the device 1300.

The processing unit 200 of the present embodiment includes a media ID reading control unit 260, a save data acquisition control unit 262, a game management unit 264, a save data update request control unit 266, a solicitation relationship designation operation control unit 268, and timekeeping. A unit 280, a sound generation unit 290, an image generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294 are included. Of course, functional parts other than these can be included as appropriate.

The medium ID reading control unit 260 controls reading of the medium ID from the information medium (IC card 8 in this embodiment). In addition, data writing control to the information medium can be performed.

The save data acquisition control unit 262 controls to acquire a copy of the data required for game play, the user account 601 (see FIG. 12) and the save data 632 (see FIG. 13) in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, control is performed regarding the inquiry request of the medium ID read from the information medium (see FIG. 3).

The game management unit 264 controls the progress of the game. In the present embodiment, progress control based on a copy of the save data 632 of the player acquired by the save data acquisition control unit 262 is possible. In addition, as the game progresses, it is possible to control the appearance of higher-ranked items and characters so that players can acquire them.

The save data update request control unit 266 controls the update request of the save data 632 stored and managed in the server system 1100 at the end of the game play. In the present embodiment, update save data reflecting the result of this play is prepared and controlled to be transmitted to the server system 1100 together with the medium ID 10 of the used IC card 8 and the update request.

The solicitation-related designation operation control unit 268 executes various processes related to the solicitation-related designation operation. For example, display control of the solicitation-related designation operation screens W6 and W7 (see FIGS. 6 and 7), and control of reading and temporarily storing the medium ID 10 of the IC card 8 in the order of solicitation player → solicited player according to the designation procedure order. I do. Then, in the present embodiment, it is possible to control the transmission of the solicitation-related registration request together with the media IDs of the solicitation player and the solicited player to the server system 1100.

The timekeeping unit 280 uses the system clock to measure the current date and time, the time limit, and the like.

The sound generation unit 290 is realized by executing an IC or software that generates and decodes voice data, and generates or decodes voice data such as sound related to a game, reading aloud BGM and dialogue.

The sound output unit 390 outputs voice based on the input voice signal. The speaker 1310 of the commercial game device 1300 (see FIG. 2) corresponds to this.

The image generation unit 292 can generate a game screen or the like. Then, the image signal for displaying the game screen can be output to the image display unit 392.

The image display unit 392 displays the game screen based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 292. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, and a head-mounted display. The touch panel 1172 of the reception device 1170 (see FIG. 1) and the touch panel 1306 of the commercial game device 1300 (see FIG. 2) correspond to this.

The communication control unit 294 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 394.

The communication unit 394 connects to a communication line to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, and the like.

The storage unit 500 stores programs, various data, and the like for realizing various functions for causing the processing unit 200 to control the business game device 1300. Further, it is used as a work area of the processing unit 200, and temporarily stores the calculation results and the like executed by the processing unit 200 according to various programs. This function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD, or online storage. The IC memory of the control board (not shown) of the reception device 1170 and the IC memory 1352 mounted on the control board 1350 of the commercial game device 1300 (see FIG. 2) correspond to this. It may be realized by an external storage prepared on the network.

It is a figure which shows the example of the program and data which the storage part 500 in this embodiment stores.
The storage unit 500 stores in advance the system program 503, the game program 504, the game title 510 that can be played by the reception device 1170 and the commercial game device 1300 (multiplayer compatible game device), and the game initial setting data 512. Has been done. As the data to be sequentially generated / updated, the solicitation relationship designation data 560, the play data 700, and the current date and time 800 are stored. Of course, data other than these can be stored as appropriate. For example, the medium ID read from the IC card 8, the data being decoded, various counters, flags, and the like can be temporarily stored.

The system program 503 is a system program for realizing basic input / output functions by using a multiplayer compatible game device as a computer. Since the multiplayer-compatible game device of the present embodiment includes the reception device 1170 and the business game device 1300, system programs 503 for the reception device 1170 and for the business game device 1300 can be prepared separately. It may be omitted when it is integrally configured with the game program 504.

The game program 504 is provided as a save data acquisition control unit 262, a game management unit 264, a save data update request control unit 266, and a solicitation-related designated operation control unit 268 on the reception device 1170 and the commercial game device 1300 (multiplayer compatible game device). It is a program to realize the function of. Since the multiplayer-compatible game device of the present embodiment includes the reception device 1170 and the business game device 1300, it can be prepared as separate functional units for the reception device 1170 and the business game device 1300.

The solicitation relationship designation data 560 stores various data related to the solicitation relationship designation. Specifically, the solicitation player medium ID 561 which is the medium ID 10 of the IC card 8 of the user who is the solicitation player input in relation to the solicitation-related designation operation screens W6 and W7 (see FIGS. 6 and 7), and the solicitation to be invited. The solicited player medium ID 562, which is the medium ID 10 of the IC card 8 of the user as a player, is stored. Of course, data other than these may be stored as appropriate.

The play data 700 stores various data necessary for controlling the progress of game play. For example, player management data 701 prepared for each player and game progress control data 702 are stored. Of course, data other than these may be stored as appropriate.

The player management data 701 is, for example, a save that is a copy of the save data 632 stored in the business game device 1300 game device ID, the user account, and the server system 1100, which is the identification information of the business game device 1300 used by the player. Store data, etc.

[Explanation of operation]
Next, the operation related to the solicitation registration of the game system 1000 of the present embodiment and the privilege grant based on the solicitation registration will be described.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the solicitation-related designation process in the present embodiment. In this embodiment, it is executed by a multiplayer compatible game device.

In the same process, when the multiplayer compatible game device detects the selection operation for the menu item 30 of "apply for the solicitation campaign" on the menu screen W5 (see FIG. 5), it inputs the start operation for specifying the solicitation relationship. (Step S10), the display of the solicitation-related designation operation screen (see FIG. 6) is started, and the medium ID of the IC card of the user as the solicitation player and the medium ID of the IC card of the user as the solicited player are started. And are read out sequentially (step S12; see FIG. 6). The read media IDs are temporarily stored as the solicitation player media ID 561 and the solicitation player media ID 562 of the solicitation relationship designation data 560, respectively (see FIG. 15).

Then, the server system 1100 is accessed, and the game title 510, the solicited player medium ID 561, and the solicited player medium ID 562 are transmitted together with a predetermined solicitation-related registration request (communication a; step S14).

In the server system 1100, the validity determination of the designated solicitation relationship is performed, and if it is valid, the designated solicitation relationship is officially registered. As a response to the solicitation-related registration request, the server system 1100 sends a notification that the solicitation-related registration is successful / unsuccessful (or registration is valid / invalid).
The multiplayer compatible game device receives this (communication b; step S16) and notifies it on the solicitation-related designation operation screen (see FIG. 7) (step S16).

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the solicitation-related registration process in the present embodiment. In this embodiment, it is executed by the server system 1100.

When the server system 1100 receives the solicitation-related registration request from the multiplayer-compatible game device (step S40), the server system 1100 newly creates solicitation-related registration data 650 (see FIG. 14) and initializes it (step S42).
That is, the registration type 652 is set to "temporary registration", and the basis campaign ID 653 is set to "not set". Further, the solicitation-related designated date and time 654 is set to the current date and time 800, and the solicitation player medium ID 561 received in the solicitation player medium ID 661 of the solicitation player information 660 is set. Further, the solicited player medium ID 562 received in the solicited player medium ID 671 of the solicited player information 670 is set.

Next, the server system 1100 searches for the user account and save data associated with the solicitation player medium ID 661, and sets other items of the solicitation player information 660 (step S44).

Specifically, the server system 1100 reads the data ID 12 associated with the solicitation player medium ID 661 with reference to the ID association data 628 (see FIGS. 3 and 8). Then, referring to the possessed data ID list 604 of each user management data 600 (see FIG. 12), the user management data 600 in which the previously read data ID 12 is registered is searched, and the user account 601 is solicited player information. Set to 660 solicitation player user account 662.

Further, the server system 1100 searches each save data management data 630 (see FIG. 13) for save data management data 630 having data ID 631 matching data ID 12 associated with the solicitation player medium ID 661. Then, a predetermined type of data is extracted from the save data 632 and set in the registration parameter value list 663 (see FIG. 14) of the solicited player information 660.

Subsequently, the server system 1100 sets other items of the invited player information 670 (see FIG. 14).
That is, with reference to the possessed card list 603 of the user management data 600, the user management data 600 in which the solicited player medium ID 671 is registered is searched, and the user account 601 is set as the solicited player user account 672 (step). S50).

Next, the server system 1100 searches for the data ID associated with the solicited player medium ID 671 with reference to the ID association data 628 (see FIG. 8). Then, if there is a corresponding data ID (YES in step S52), the server system 1100 searches for the save data 632 associated with the solicited player medium ID 671 and registers the solicited player information 670 based on the save data. The parameter value list 673 is set (step S54).

If there is no data ID associated with the solicited player medium ID 671 (NO in step S52), the server system 1100 sets the registration parameter value list 673 to a predetermined initial value that is considered to be that of a beginner (NO). Step S56).

Next, the server system 1100 determines the validity of the received solicitation-related designation.
Specifically, the game title received together with the solicitation-related registration request searches the solicitation campaign definition data 520 (see FIG. 10) included in the applicable game title 522, and the basis campaign of the solicitation-related registration data 650 (see FIG. 14). The campaign ID 521 is set in ID 653 (step S68).

Next, the solicitation-related designated date and time 654 is included in the campaign period 524 of the solicitation campaign definition data 520 (see FIG. 10) (YES in step S70), and the solicitation player information 660 is defined in the solicitation player eligibility condition data 530. When the solicited player eligibility condition is satisfied (YES in step S72), and the solicited player information 670 satisfies the solicited player eligibility condition defined in the solicited player eligibility condition data 540 (YES in step S74). The server system 1100 determines that the received solicitation-related designation is "valid" (step S76).

Then, the server system 1100 changes the registration type 652 of the solicitation-related registration data 650 (see FIG. 14) to "regular registration" and completes the registration (step S78). Along with this, solicitation history data 614 is created in the user management data 600 of the solicitation player, and solicitation history data 615 is created in the user management data 600 of the solicited player (see FIG. 12).

On the other hand, the solicitation-related designated date and time 654 is not included in the campaign period 524 (NO in step S70), the solicitation player information 660 does not satisfy the solicitation player eligibility condition (NO in step S72), and the solicited player information 670 is the solicited player. In any case where the eligibility condition is not satisfied (NO in step S74), the server system 1100 determines that the received solicitation-related designation is "invalid" (step S80). Then, the registration type 652 of the solicitation-related registration data 650 is changed to "delete" or the solicitation-related registration data 650 itself is deleted (step S80).

Next, the server system 1100 returns a determination result (valid = success / invalid = failure) as a response to the request to the multiplayer compatible game device that has requested the solicitation-related registration (step S90).

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the privilege granting process in the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 executes the game at the end of game play.

In the same process, the server system 1100 executes loop A for each user who was the player of this game (steps S130 to S172).

In the loop A, the solicitation relationship registration data 650 is extracted by referring to the solicitation relationship registration data 650, and the solicitation relationship registration data 650 set as the solicitation player or the non-solicitation player is extracted (step S132), and the extracted solicitation relationship registration data is further extracted. From the 650, the solicitation-related registration data 650 included in the campaign period 524 of the solicitation campaign indicated by the basis campaign ID 653 with the current date and time 800 is extracted (step S134).

Next, the server system 1100 executes loop B for each of the extracted solicitation-related registration data 650 (steps S140 to S170).

In loop B, the processing target user executes loop C for each privilege ID 551 set in the grant target 553 by referring to the privilege grant definition data 550 (see FIG. 11) of the solicitation relationship registration data 650 to be processed (see FIG. 11). Step S150 to S162).

In the loop C, the server system 1100 determines whether the grant target 553 of the privilege ID 551 to be processed satisfies the corresponding privilege grant condition 552 (step S152). Specifically, if the processing target user corresponds to the "solicitation player" of the grant target 553, it is determined whether the solicitation player information 660 in the solicitation relationship registration data 650 of the loop B processing target satisfies the privilege grant condition 552. .. If the processing target user corresponds to the "solicited player" of the grant target 553, it is determined whether the solicited player information 670 in the solicitation relationship registration data 650 of the loop B processing target satisfies the privilege granting condition 552.

Then, if the privilege granting condition 552 is satisfied (YES in step S152), the server system 1100 refers to the privilege grant history data 616 of the user management data 600 (see FIG. 12) of the processing target user for processing. It is determined whether the target privilege ID 551 is not registered as the granted privilege ID, that is, whether the same privilege has already been granted (step S154).

As a result, if the privilege has not been granted yet (NO in step S154), the server system 1100 applies the privilege content 554 corresponding to the privilege ID 551 of the loop C processing target to the processing target user. That is, the privilege is given (step S156). Then, new privilege grant history data 616 is added / updated to the user management data 600 (see FIG. 12) of the processing target user (step S158), and a notification that the privilege has been granted is given (step S160). The loop C is terminated (step S162).

When the processing target player executes the loop C for all the benefits matching the grant target 553, the loop B for the solicitation relationship currently being processed is terminated (step S170).

If loop B is executed for all the solicitation relationships selected in step S134, loop A for the player to be processed is terminated (step S172), and loop A is executed for all players. End the privilege granting process.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it becomes easy for the first user to invite the second user to the game in which he / she is already playing. That is, the first user and the second user register the solicitation relationship with the former as the soliciting player and the latter as the solicited player, and at least the second player after the registration has played the solicited game according to the results. , At least the second user is given the privilege. In some cases, benefits are given to both parties.

Therefore, for the second user (invited player), there is no reason not to try the game when invited. For the first user (solicitation player), the privilege can be given to himself / herself depending on the play performance of the second user (solicitation player), so the second user does not keep inviting, but the second user continuously. There are incentives to support you by giving you tips and tricks on the game so that you can play the game and get good results. As a result, the improvement of the player skill of the second user becomes familiar with the game much faster than playing alone, and the enjoyment of the game can be enjoyed sooner. For the first user, the number of game friends will increase. If it is a competitive game, it is convenient because the number of opponents increases. Of course, from the perspective of the game operator, the number of customers will increase, and it will be a "three-way good" mechanism.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the second embodiment will be described. This embodiment is basically realized in the same manner as the first embodiment, except that the solicitation-related registration process and the privilege grant process are performed by the multiplayer compatible game device. In the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and duplicated description will be omitted, and the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

The hardware configuration in this embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a functional configuration example of the server system 1100B in the present embodiment. Comparing the server system 1100B of the present embodiment with the first embodiment (see FIG. 10), from the present embodiment, the solicitation-related designation reception control unit 220, the validity determination unit 222, the solicitation-related registration control unit 224, and the privilege Granting unit 226 and are omitted. Then, the solicitation campaign definition data 520 and the solicitation-related registration data 650 are omitted from the server storage unit 500s.

On the other hand, FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a functional configuration example of the multiplayer-compatible game devices constituting the multiplayer-compatible game device group 1001B in the present embodiment. Comparing the multiplayer-compatible game device of the present embodiment with the multiplayer game device of the first embodiment (see FIG. 15), the solicitation-related designation reception control unit 220, the validity determination unit 222, and the solicitation-related registration are in the present embodiment. A control unit 224 and a privilege granting unit 226 have been added. Along with this, the storage unit 500 of the present embodiment stores the solicitation campaign definition data 520 and the solicitation-related registration data 650, as shown in FIG.

Regarding the operation, the solicitation-related registration process and the privilege grant process are performed on the multiplayer compatible game device. That is, the solicitation-related designation process (see FIG. 16) is executed by the multiplayer compatible game device as in the first embodiment, but step S14 is omitted. Instead, as shown in FIG. 22, the solicitation-related registration process is executed by the multiplayer compatible game device.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the solicitation-related registration process (solicitation-related registration process B) in the present embodiment.
Compared with the same process of the first embodiment (see FIG. 17), first step S40 is omitted. Further, instead of step S44 of the first embodiment, the server system 1100 is requested to inquire about the solicitation player medium ID 561, the user account of the solicitation player and the save data are acquired from the server system 1100B, and the solicitation player information 660 is obtained. (See FIG. 14) is set (step S45).

Similarly, instead of steps S50 and S52 of the first embodiment, the server system 1100 is requested to inquire about the invited player medium ID 562, and the user account and save data of the invited player are acquired from the server system 1100B. (Step S51). Then, if there is save data of the invited player (YES in step S53), step S54 is executed, and if there is no save data, step S56 is executed.

Further, as compared with the solicitation-related registration process of the first embodiment, step S90 is omitted in this embodiment, and the determination result is the multiplayer compatible game device in step S16 of the solicitation-related designation process (see FIG. 16). Will be notified to the user.

Then, in the present embodiment, the privilege granting process (see FIG. 18) is executed on the multiplayer compatible game device after the game is completed and the save data is updated. Step S158 shall be appropriately requested to the server system 1100B.

According to this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[Modification example]
Although the embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described above, the embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and components can be added, omitted, or changed as appropriate.

[Part 1]
For example, in the above embodiment, a user terminal in the game system 1000 (a device used by a user who is a player is exemplified as a multiplayer compatible game device, but the present invention is not limited to this. A single play and multiplayer compatible online game application program is provided. If it is feasible, as shown in FIG. 23, a smartphone 1500 personally owned by the user can be used as a user terminal. Of course, the smartphone 1500 can be appropriately used as a personal computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, or the like. You may replace it.

Specifically, the smartphone 1500 is a computer system individually used by a registered user who is a player for game play, and is an electronic device capable of accessing the server system 1100 via a communication line 9 and executing a game. (Electronic equipment).

The smartphone 1500 includes a direction input key 1502, a button switch 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as an image display device and a contact position input device, a built-in battery 1509, a speaker 1510, a microphone 1512, a camera unit 1530, and a control board. It includes a 1550 and a memory card reader 1542 that can read and write data from a memory card 1540, which is a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, a power button, a volume control button, etc. (not shown) are provided. Further, an IC card reader capable of reading and writing data in a non-contact manner with respect to an IC card type credit card or a prepaid card capable of paying for game play may be provided.

The camera unit 1530 captures a digital image and generates and outputs image data. For example, the camera unit 1530, which is composed of an autofocus mechanism including a lens and the like, an image sensor, and an image processing processor, captures a two-dimensional barcode 82 of a medium ID printed on the surface of an IC card 8 to play a game. The medium ID of the IC card 8 used for the above can be taken in.

The control board 1550 is used for wireless communication with various microprocessors such as CPU 1551, GPU, and DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a mobile phone base station or wireless LAN base station connected to the communication line 9. It is equipped with a wireless communication module 1553, an interface circuit 1557, and the like.

The interface circuit 1557 includes a driver circuit of the touch panel 1506, a circuit for receiving signals from the direction input key 1502 and the button switch 1504, an output amplifier circuit for outputting an audio signal to the speaker 1510, and an audio signal collected by the microphone 1512. It includes an input signal generation circuit to be generated, a circuit for acquiring image data from the camera unit 1530, a signal input / output circuit to the memory card reader 1542, a signal input / output circuit to the position measurement module 1555, and the like.

These elements mounted on the control board 1550 are electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected so as to be able to read / write data and send / receive signals. A part or all of the control board 1550 may be composed of ASIC, FPGA, or SoC. Then, the control board 1550 stores in the IC memory 1552 a game program and various data for realizing a function as a reader of the medium ID of the IC card 8 and a user terminal for playing a game.

The game program and various setting data for executing the game on the smartphone 1500 may be downloaded from the server system 1100, or may be read from a storage medium such as a separately obtained memory card 1540.

In this configuration, the reception device 1170 in the above embodiment is omitted, and the reception function of the solicitation-related designation operation performed by the reception device 1170 is realized by the smartphone 1500, for example, the menu screen W5 (see FIG. 5) is displayed. It may be configured to be.

Alternatively, execute a separately stored web browser program to access a predetermined website managed by the server system 1100, and follow the instructions on the solicitation relationship registration page prepared there, and follow the solicitation relationship of the above embodiment. The procedure similar to that of the designation process (see FIG. 16) may be performed.

Alternatively, in a predetermined chat room or player room managed by the server system 1100, the first user and the second user may reach an agreement and input a predetermined solicitation-related designated operation there.

2 ... User 2A ... First user 2B ... Second user 8 ... IC card 10 ... Media ID
12 ... Data ID
20A, 20B ... User information 22A, 22B ... Bonus 200s ... Server processing unit 220 ... Solicitation-related designation reception control unit 222 ... Validity judgment unit 224 ... Solicitation-related registration control unit 226 ... Bonus granting unit 500s ... Server storage unit 502 ... Server program 520 ... Solicitation campaign definition data 523 ... Valid condition definition data 524 ... Campaign period 530 ... Solicitation player eligibility condition data 540 ... Solicitation player eligibility condition data 550 ... Bonus grant definition data 552 ... Bonus grant condition 553 ... Grant target 554 ... Bonus content 560 ... Solicitation-related designation data 561 ... Solicitation player medium ID
562 ... Invited player media ID
600 ... User management data 601 ... User account 603 ... Owned card list 604 ... Owned data ID list 610 ... Management data by title 612 ... Player level 613 ... Play history data 614 ... Solicitation history data 615 ... Solicitation history data 616 ... Benefits granted History data 628 ... ID association data 630 ... Save data management data 631 ... Data ID
632 ... Save data 634 ... Player level 635 ... Game progress 636 ... Owned character management data 637 ... Owned item management data 650 ... Solicitation-related registration data 653 ... Grounds campaign ID
660 ... Solicitation player information 670 ... Solicitation player information 700 ... Play data 1000 ... Game system 1001 ... Multiplayer compatible game device group 1100 ... Server system 1150 ... Control board 1170 ... Reception device 1178 ... Media reader 1300 ... Commercial game device 1344 ... Media reader 1350 ... Control board 1500 ... Smartphone W5 ... Menu screen W6, W7 ... Solicitation-related designation operation screen

Claims (11)

By inputting the medium ID of the information-carrying medium of the soliciting player read by the medium reading unit and the medium ID of the information-carrying medium of the solicited player solicited to the game played by the soliciting player, each player has the media ID. By accessing the ID storage unit that stores the media ID of the information-carrying medium, the player ID of the player, and the data ID of the user data related to the game in association with each other, the solicitation relationship between the solicitation player and the solicited player is registered. Reception means for accepting requests and
The user data storage unit that stores the user data related to the game of each player is accessed, and it is determined whether or not the eligibility condition of the solicitation relationship is satisfied based on the user data of the solicited player who has received the registration request. Judgment means to
A registration means for registering the solicitation relationship received when a positive judgment is made by the judgment means, and
Based on the user data of the solicited player and / or the solicited player in the registered solicitation relationship, it is determined whether or not the privilege granting condition is satisfied, and the solicited player and / or the solicited player determined to satisfy the conditions is satisfied. A privilege granting means for granting a given privilege, and
A computer system equipped with. The receiving means registers the solicitation relationship by inputting the medium ID of the information-carrying medium possessed by the soliciting player and the medium ID of the information-carrying medium possessed by the solicited player from the device provided with the medium reading unit. Accept requests,
The computer system according to claim 1. The eligibility conditions are that the solicited player has not played the game, is at the beginner level, has a blank period of a predetermined period of not playing, and has been solicited less than or equal to the predetermined number of times. Including at least one of
The computer system according to claim 1 or 2. The determination means determines whether or not the eligibility condition is satisfied based on the user data of the solicited player and the invited player.
The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The eligibility conditions are that the soliciting player is at a predetermined level or higher that is not a beginner level, has a predetermined item, has reached a predetermined play progress, and has been solicited at a predetermined number of times or less. Including at least one of
The computer system according to claim 4. The privilege granting means variably determines the privilege to be granted according to the elapsed time from the registration.
The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The privilege granting means determines whether or not the privilege granting condition is satisfied based on the user data of the solicited player, and grants the privilege to the solicited player and the solicited player who are determined to satisfy the condition.
The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The privilege granting condition includes at least that the invited player has played the game.
The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The privilege granting condition includes at least one of the above-mentioned solicited player having reached the play level which is the standard for granting the privilege and the play progress which is the standard for granting the privilege.
The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The server system, which is the computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The user terminal that the player operates and inputs, and
A game system that is connected so that it can communicate. The server system, which is the computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A device provided with the medium reader and
The user terminal on which the player plays the game and
A game system that is connected so that it can communicate.

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