JP2001160016A - Information distributing device and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information distributing device and an information storage medium for surely and quickly communicating prescribed information to a user. SOLUTION: This game information distributing device 100 is provided with a transmission and reception part 190 for receiving distribution request information from a portable telephone 200, on which a game picture is displayed based on game picture information distributed from the game information distributing device 100, and for transmitting picture information for communication and normal game picture information to the terminal equipment and a game information distributing device 100 for generating normal game picture information for displaying the game picture based on the received distribution request information, and for generating picture information for communication obtained by synthesizing information for informing the user of the portable telephone 200 of the prescribed information for communication with the normal game picture information, when a prescribed condition is fulfilled.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information distribution device and an information storage medium for notifying a user of predetermined information, and more particularly to an information distribution device for notifying a game player of game information. And an information storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, when displaying a web page on the Internet, a URL of the page is input and displayed. In this case, the URL can be registered as a bookmark by the bookmark function, and the web page can be displayed by designating the bookmark.

When the bookmark function is used, originally,
After connection to the network, a specific page can be displayed by skipping the notification page after connection to the network, despite screen transitions such as a notification page, a menu page, and a specific page.

[0004] However, for the content provider of the page, there is a case where there is important information in the notice page and it is troublesome to skip the notice page. For example, information such as "The information provision will be suspended from 10:00 to 12:00 tomorrow for server maintenance" or information such as "Application has been accepted because of the large number of applicants" is notified.

[0005] Such information can be notified by e-mail, but when notified by e-mail,
The notification is less reliable and quicker than the notification on the page displayed on the screen.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide an information distribution apparatus and an information storage medium that can reliably and promptly notify a user of predetermined information. .

[0007]

In order to solve the above problems, an information distribution apparatus according to the present invention is based on distribution request information for displaying a predetermined image transmitted from a terminal device via a transmission path. An information distribution device for generating image information used for displaying an image on the terminal device and transmitting the generated information to the terminal device; a means for receiving distribution request information from the terminal device; Generating, based on the information, normal image information for displaying the predetermined image, and generating notification image information for notifying the user of the terminal device of predetermined notification information when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Information generating means, and transmitting means for transmitting the notification image information and the normal image information to the terminal device, wherein the transmitting means is configured to transmit the normal image information before transmitting the normal image information. And transmitting the knowledge image information.

[0008] Further, the information storage medium according to the present invention is provided for displaying an image on the terminal device based on distribution request information for displaying a predetermined image transmitted from the terminal device via a transmission path. In a computer-readable information storage medium storing information for generating image information to be used and transmitting the information to the terminal device, the information includes:
Means for causing receiving means to receive distribution request information from the terminal device, based on the received distribution request information, generating normal image information for displaying the predetermined image, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, An information generating unit that generates notification image information for notifying predetermined notification information to a user of the terminal device; and a unit that causes a transmission unit to transmit the notification image information and the normal image information to the terminal device. , And the transmitting means causes the transmitting means to transmit the notification image information before transmitting the normal image information.

The object (including an object embodied in a carrier wave) according to the present invention includes information (including at least one of a program, data, and an object) for realizing the above means. Features.

According to the present invention, in the terminal device, for example,
Even when the normal image is displayed using the bookmark function, the notification image is displayed before the normal image is displayed. Thereby, the notification information can be transmitted to the user of the terminal device.

[0011] The information distribution apparatus can distribute the notification image information under various conditions. Here, the predetermined conditions include, for example, unread notification information, notification image information generated at a date and time later than the previous distribution request date and time, and a predetermined time from the previous distribution request date and time. Have passed, a predetermined time has elapsed when the notification is made at predetermined time intervals, and the number of images of the normal image information distributed to the terminal device is a predetermined value or a predetermined range.

That is, by generating, managing, and distributing information for notification on the information distribution device side, various notification information can be transmitted to the terminal device reliably and quickly.

Here, the notification information includes:
For example, request information such as a mail address registration request, notification information for notifying the status of another person, operating status of the system, progress of the game, and the like, response information indicating a response to the request of the terminal device, and the like are applicable.

[0014] Further, another information distribution apparatus according to the present invention comprises:
Based on distribution request information for displaying a predetermined image from a terminal device transmitted via a transmission path, image information used for displaying an image on the terminal device is generated and transmitted to the terminal device. Means for receiving distribution request information from the terminal device, and generating, based on the received distribution request information, normal image information for displaying the predetermined image and satisfying a predetermined condition. An information generating means for generating information for notifying predetermined notification information to a user of the terminal device and notification image information obtained by combining the normal image information, and the notification image information and the normal image information. Transmitting means for transmitting to the terminal device.

Further, another information storage medium according to the present invention includes:
Based on distribution request information for displaying a predetermined image from a terminal device transmitted via a transmission path, image information used for displaying an image on the terminal device is generated and transmitted to the terminal device. A computer-readable information storage medium that stores information for performing the above-mentioned processing, wherein the information is a means for causing a receiving unit to receive distribution request information from the terminal device, and the predetermined image is displayed based on the received distribution request information. Generating normal image information for display, and generating notification image information that combines the normal image information with information for notifying predetermined notification information to a user of the terminal device when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Information generating means for
Means for transmitting the image information for notification and the normal image information to a transmission unit for the terminal device.

Further, another object (including an object embodied in a carrier wave) according to the present invention includes information (including at least one of a program, data, and an object) for realizing the above means. It is characterized by the following.

According to the present invention, in the terminal device, for example,
Even when the normal image is displayed using the bookmark function, the normal image and the notification image are displayed at the same time. Thereby, the notification information can be transmitted to the user of the terminal device.

The information distribution device can distribute the notification image information under various conditions. Here, the predetermined conditions include, for example, unread notification information, notification image information generated at a date and time later than the previous distribution request date and time, and a predetermined time from the previous distribution request date and time. Have passed, a predetermined time has elapsed when the notification is made at predetermined time intervals, and the number of images of the normal image information distributed to the terminal device is a predetermined value or a predetermined range.

That is, by generating, managing, and distributing information for notification on the information distribution device side, various notification information can be reliably and promptly transmitted to the terminal device.

Here, the notification information includes:
For example, request information such as a mail address registration request, notification information for notifying the status of another person, operating status of the system, progress of the game, and the like, response information indicating a response to the request of the terminal device, and the like are applicable.

Preferably, the image is a game image, and the information generating means generates game image information for displaying the game image.

According to this, even when the game information is distributed to the terminal device, the notification information can be reliably and promptly transmitted to the player.

It is preferable that the notification information is information for notifying the progress of the game.

According to this, the progress of the game can be reliably and promptly transmitted to the player. In particular, in a normal game, the progress of the game cannot be confirmed without accessing the game server device or the like, but according to this, the player can confirm the progress of the game without accessing the game server device or the like. Therefore, the progress of the game becomes easier.

The progress of the game may be not only the progress of the player but also the progress of another person.

In this case, the game corresponds to, for example, a game in which the game automatically proceeds without a distribution request from a terminal device.
A command selection type game or the like in which the game proceeds based on the player's command selection information corresponds to this.

[0027] Further, notification data for generating the notification image information is stored in a predetermined storage area, and the information generating means may generate the notification image information based on the notification data. preferable.

According to this, by storing the notification data, it is possible to more quickly transmit the fixed notification information and the like to the user of the terminal device. The fixed notification information specifically includes, for example, a mail address registration request, notification of server maintenance, and the like.

The distribution request information is transmitted from a plurality of terminal devices, and the notification data includes an individual notification data provided for each user of the terminal device and an overall notification common to the plurality of terminal devices. And application data.

According to this, the notification content is managed by the general notification data, and the log of each terminal device is managed by the individual notification data, so that the notification image displayed by each terminal device is changed. Notification.

Further, the individual notification data includes determination data for determining whether the user has viewed an image based on the notification image information, and based on the distribution request information, the notification image data. A management unit that determines whether an image based on the information has been viewed and updates the determination data, wherein the transmission unit determines that the management unit has not viewed the image based on the notification image information; Preferably, the notification image information is retransmitted to the terminal device.

In addition, the individual notification data includes determination data for determining whether the user has viewed an image based on the notification image information, and the information is based on the distribution request information. It is determined whether or not an image based on the notification image information has been viewed, and includes information for realizing a management unit that updates the determination data, and the transmission unit transmits the notification image information to the notification image information by the management unit. If it is determined that the user has not viewed the image based on the image information, it is preferable that the notification image information be transmitted to the terminal device again by the transmission unit.

According to this, it is possible to display only the unread notification image to the user of the terminal device. This eliminates the need for the user to view unnecessary information.

The condition is that there is notification image information generated at a time later than the distribution request time indicating the time at which the terminal device made a previous distribution request, and the individual notification data Has request time data indicating a distribution request time of the terminal device, the general notification data has generation time data indicating a generation time of the notification image information, and a measuring unit that measures time or time. Wherein the management unit updates the request time data based on a distribution request time of the terminal device, and updates the generation time data based on a generation time of the notification image information of the information generation unit. Is preferred.

In the information storage medium, the condition is that there is notification image information generated at a time later than a distribution request time indicating a time when the terminal device made a previous distribution request. The individual notification data has request time data indicating a distribution request time of the terminal device, and the overall notification data has generation time data indicating a generation time of the notification image information, Is
The information includes information for implementing a measuring unit that measures time or time, the management unit updates the request time data based on a distribution request time of the terminal device, and the notification image information of the information generation unit. Preferably, the generation time data is updated based on the generation time.

According to this, only the new information can be shown to the user of the terminal device, and the freshness of the information can be appealed to the user.

The condition is that a predetermined time has elapsed since the last time the terminal device made a distribution request, and the management means stores the request time data and the measurement result of the measurement means. Based on the, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the last time the terminal device made a distribution request, the information generation means, the predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the terminal device made a previous distribution request In this case, it is preferable to generate the notification image information.

According to this, when the user of the terminal device makes a frequent distribution request, the notification is not performed, and the notification can be performed only when the distribution request interval is empty. As a result, it is possible for the user to avoid a state where the same notification is displayed every time.

Further, the condition is a condition that the number of images of the normal image information transmitted to the terminal device is a predetermined value or a predetermined range, and the individual notification data is the number of images indicating the number of images. Having data, the management means comprising:
The image number data is updated based on the normal image information generated by the information generating unit, and the information generating unit determines that the number of images of the normal image information transmitted to the terminal device is based on the image number data. When the value is within a predetermined value or a predetermined range, it is preferable to generate the notification image information.

According to this, for example, the user of the terminal device is notified according to the image distribution status, such as distributing images of a predetermined number of pages to the terminal device or distributing the image of the predetermined page number. Can be.

Here, the image number data is data indicating the number of images such as the number of images or the number of image pages to be numbered continuously.

The condition is that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous delivery of the notification image information.
It is preferable that the information generation unit generates the notification image information based on the measurement result of the measurement unit when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous distribution of the notification image information.

According to this, it is possible to notify only when there is a distribution request after a lapse of a predetermined time after distribution.
As a result, the number of times of notification can be reduced as compared with the case where notification is made for each distribution request, and notification can be made only when necessary.

The terminal device transmits distribution request information based on a user operation to the information distribution device,
It is preferable that the portable terminal device includes a unit that receives the image information from the distribution device, and a display unit that displays an image based on the received image information.

According to this, in a system in which the storage area is small and the data is downloaded and executed almost every time, such as a portable terminal device, the notification image information is distributed by transmitting the notification image information to the terminal. Since the terminal device does not need to be stored in the storage area of the device, the terminal device can be downsized, and the notification can be performed comfortably without impairing the portability of the terminal device.

Here, as the portable terminal device, for example, a portable information terminal, a portable telephone, a portable game device, a portable PC (Personal Computer)
puter) and the like.

Further, the portable terminal device is a portable telephone, and the display means includes a display formed integrally with the telephone, and means for shaping and displaying the image on the display. And preferably containing

According to this, for example, various screens can be displayed by a browser for shaping and displaying images.
Users can view various images. As a service for providing information that can be displayed using a browser of such a portable telephone, for example, an i-mode service of NTT Mobile Communication Network Inc. is realized.

Here, as a portable telephone,
For example, mobile phones, PHS (Personal Han)
(Dyphone System), satellite communication telephone (for example, iridium telephone), and the like.

[0050]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an example in which the present invention is applied to an information distribution apparatus that distributes game information for playing a game using a mobile phone will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a game system according to an example of the present embodiment.

The game system generates a game information based on a mobile phone 200 as a terminal device and distribution request information transmitted from the mobile phone 200 via a transmission path, and transmits the game information to the mobile phone 200. The information distribution apparatus 100 is included.

Here, the game information distribution device 100 and the mobile phone 200 are connected via a packet network 300. The game information distribution device 100 and the mobile phone 200
The transmission path between the wireless transmission path 320 and the wired transmission path 3
10 are included.

Note that the mobile phone 2 is located in the packet network 300.
A base station and a disassembly / disassembly device for packets are provided for the game information distribution device 100 in the form of packets.
Is transmitted and received between the mobile phone 200 and the mobile phone 200. Further, actually, a plurality of mobile phones 200 are connected to the game information distribution device 100 via the packet network 300.

First, the player connects to the packet network 300 using the mobile phone 200, and the mobile phone 200 transmits the distribution request data generated based on the operation of the player to the game information distribution device 100. The game information distribution device 100 generates game information according to the distribution request and transmits the generated game information to the mobile phone 200.

The mobile phone 200 is a game information distribution device 1
The game information is received from 00 and the game image is displayed on the screen to execute the game.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the mobile phone 200.

The mobile phone 200 includes a plurality of keys functioning as an operation unit 210 and a display unit 2 on which characters and images are displayed.
The mobile phone 200 includes a liquid crystal screen which is a display integrally formed with the main body of the mobile phone 200 functioning as a part of the mobile phone 20, an antenna functioning as a transmitting / receiving unit 290, and a speaker functioning as an audio output unit.

As a method of displaying an image on the screen of the mobile phone 200, here, game information is distributed from the game information distribution device 100 by inputting a URL from the operation unit 210, and is stored in the storage unit of the mobile phone 200. A method in which a page described in HTML is displayed using a built-in browser.

In such a page display method, the U
By registering the RL as a bookmark, the display of the menu screen or the notification screen is skipped and the URL is directly displayed.
It is possible to display a page corresponding to.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing screen transition when a conventional bookmark function is used.

For example, a screen 402 of a normal TOP page
Is displayed, when "to page A" is selected on the screen 402, a screen 404 for page A is displayed, and when "to page B" is selected on the screen 402, a screen 406 for page B is displayed. Thus, the notification information displayed on the screen 402 of the TOP page is transmitted to the user.

However, as a bookmark, the screen 40
2. When the URLs of the screens 404 and 406 are registered,
With the bookmark screen 400 displayed, if the user selects “page A”, a screen 404 of page A is displayed, and if the user selects “page B”, a screen 406 of page B is displayed. 402 is not displayed, and the notification information (notification information) is not transmitted to the user.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing screen transition when the bookmark function according to an example of the present embodiment is used.

For such a problem, for example, while the bookmark screen 410 is displayed, the user
When "Page A" is selected, a screen 412 in which an image including notification information is combined in addition to the normal image for displaying the screen 412 of page A is displayed. Even if is skipped, the notification information will be transmitted to the user.

Next, functional blocks for realizing such a function will be described.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a game system according to an example of the present embodiment.

As described above, the mobile phone 200 transmits the operation section 210 and the transmission / reception section 290 which transmits the distribution request information including the operation information from the operation section 210 and receives the game information from the game information distribution apparatus 100. A storage unit 230 that temporarily stores received game information, a display unit 220 that shapes a game image using a browser based on the game information stored in the storage unit 230, and displays the game image on a liquid crystal screen,
Audio output unit 2 that outputs game audio based on game information
22.

Here, the game information is, for example,
It refers to data, a program for executing the game, an object in which the data and the program are integrated, and the like.
Further, the game information may include only the game image information, but here, it is assumed that the game information also includes the game sound information.

On the other hand, the game information distribution apparatus 100 receives the distribution request information from the mobile phone 200, and transmits and receives game information and mail. And a game information generation unit 111 that generates the game information based on the received distribution request information, and includes a management unit 115 that identifies whether the game has been performed and updates the user data 123 for the mobile phone 200 stored in the storage unit 120. It is composed of

The game information distribution device 100 includes a timer unit 130 as a measuring means for measuring time or time.
, So that the date and time, the day of the week, and the like can be grasped.

The game information generating section 111 includes an image generating section 113 for generating game image information and a sound generating section 114 for generating game sound information.

The game information generation unit 111 and the management unit 115 are integrated as a processing unit 110, and their functions are, for example, CP
U or the like. More specifically, the image generation unit 1
13 is, for example, a CGI (Common Gateway)
(y Interface) is used to dynamically generate a game image page. The sound generation unit 114 is realized by, for example, a sound generation IC or the like.

Similarly, the management unit 115 is also realized by software using CGI or the like for performing management and checking.

More specifically, for example, as a method for realizing a check function for checking whether or not a notice has not been read using the management unit 115, a method for embedding the check function in all pages generated by the game information generation unit 111 ,
A method of calling and checking a subroutine having a check function from all pages generated by the game information generation unit 111, and executing a module having a check function whenever a request for game information generation or game information distribution is made, For example, a method of generating or distributing game information corresponding to the above can be applied.

The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a RAM or the like, and the transmission / reception unit 190 is realized by, for example, a communication device having a PAD (packet disassembly and assembly) function.
The timer unit 130 is realized by, for example, a system clock or the like. Note that the transmission / reception unit 190 can be configured as a separate unit of the transmission unit and the reception unit.

Further, an information storage medium 180 may be connected to the game information distribution apparatus 100, and the function may be realized by reading information from the information storage medium 180.

Here, as the above information, for example, when the transmitting / receiving section 190 and the game information generating section 111 are realized, the distribution request information from the mobile phone 200 is transmitted / received by the transmitting / receiving section 19.
0, and, based on the received distribution request information, generates normal image information for displaying the predetermined image, and, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, notifies the user of the mobile phone 200 of predetermined notification information. Information generating means for generating notification image information obtained by combining the information for notifying and the normal image information, and means for causing the transmitting / receiving unit 190 to transmit the notification image information and the normal image information to the mobile phone 200; The information for realizing is included.

The functions of the management unit 115 and the timer unit 130 can also be realized by reading information from the information storage medium 180.

The information stored in the information recording medium 180 may be embodied in a carrier wave. That is, the game information distribution device 100
It is also possible to realize the above-described various functions by reading information not from the information storage medium 180 but from a predetermined host terminal or the like via a network, for example.

Further, instead of the information storage medium, an object for realizing the above-described means (including at least one of a program, data and an object and may be embodied in a carrier wave) is applied. It is also possible.

As the information storage medium 180, for example, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM,
A storage medium using a laser, magnetism, or the like such as an IC card, a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk can be applied.

Next, the data structures of the individual notification data 121, the entire notification data 122, and the user data 123 stored in the storage unit 120 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the individual notification data 121 and the entire notification data 122 according to an example of the present embodiment.

The individual notification data 121 is notification data for each user. Actually, a plurality of individual notification data 121 are stored in the storage unit 120. That is, the game information distribution apparatus 100 receives a distribution request from a plurality of mobile phones 200 and receives the individual notification data 121
, The distribution request history (log) of each mobile phone 200 and the like can be managed, and each mobile phone 20
It is also possible to perform individual notification according to 0, and flexible notification can be performed.

The items of the individual notification data 121 include, for example, “read” which functions as discrimination data for determining whether or not the notification has been read, “remaining display number” indicating the remaining display number of the notification, The “notification ID” for identifying the notification corresponds to the “notification ID”.

The general notification data 122 is data including the content of the notification. General announcement data 1
The 22 items include, for example, “notification ID” for identifying the notification, “contents” indicating the content of the notification,
The “update date and time” indicating the update date and time of the notice, which functions as the generation time data indicating the generation time of the notice information, and the “expiration date” indicating the expiration date of the notice correspond.

For example, by referring to the entire notification data 122, the “contents” of which the “notification ID” is “1842” is “Please register a mail address”, and 1
It can be seen that it was updated on October 1, 999.

Also, referring to the individual notification data 121, “read” is “not yet”, “remaining display count” is “1”,
If the "notification ID" is found to be "1842", the user corresponding to the individual notification data 121 has not seen the notification "Register your email address" and should display this notification one more time. You can see that.

The update of the “remaining display count” is performed by the management unit 115, and a subtraction process is performed each time the game information generation unit 111 generates the notification image information.

Also, for example, the entire notification data 122
, The “Notification ID” is changed to “213”.
The "contents" of "1" is "notice of server maintenance", and it can be seen that it was updated on October 1, 1999.

Further, referring to the individual notification data 121, if it is found that “read” is “existed”, “remaining display count” is blank, and “notification ID” is “2131”, It can be seen that the corresponding user is seeing the notice "server maintenance notice".

In the present embodiment, individual notification data 1
By providing the item “read” in 21, it is possible to display only unread notifications without displaying read notifications. As a result, the user always sees the new notification information, and can keep the information fresh.

Similarly, by providing an item of "expiration date" in the entire notification data 122, it is possible to display only the notification within the expiration date, without displaying the notification after the expiration date. As a result, the user always sees the new notification information, and can keep the information fresh.

If the value of “remaining display count” or “expiration date” is blank, it means that there is no particular limitation or time limit.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the user data 123 according to an example of the present embodiment.

[0097] The user data 123 holds access information of each user to the game information distribution apparatus 100.
The items of the user data 123 include, for example, “user ID”, “last access date and time” that functions as requested country data indicating the date and time of the last distribution request to the game information distribution device 100, It includes the “access page number” that functions as image number data indicating the number of pages distributed to the mobile phone 200.

By referring to the user data 123, for example, the user whose “user ID” is “0123” accesses the game information distribution device 100 at 21:30:30 on October 2, 1999, and It can be seen that the number of pages performed is 42 pages.

Thus, for example, a notice is displayed after a lapse of a predetermined time from the last access date and time, the number of access pages exceeds a predetermined number, a notification is displayed every predetermined number, or a message is displayed while the number of pages is within the predetermined number of pages. Only the notification can be displayed.

For example, when distributing game information from a server device via the Internet, the server device cannot determine when the player has connected to the Internet. By employing this, it is possible to display a notice when the player accesses the server device for the first time after connecting to the Internet.

By employing these methods, it is possible to reduce the number of times of notification as compared with the case where a notification is always made when a distribution request is made, and to make a notification only when necessary. Further, the user of the mobile phone 200 does not have to feel troublesome due to the notification being performed every time.

Next, a process of distributing notification information using the game information generation unit 111, the individual notification data 121, and the like will be described.

First, a description will be given of a method of displaying notice information added to a predetermined page shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, when an access is made after a lapse of a predetermined time or more from the last access date and time, notification information is forcibly added and a page is displayed.

The user registers the URL of page A using the bookmark function. The bookmark information and the image information for displaying the bookmark screen 410 are stored in the storage unit 230 of the mobile phone 200.

Then, the user sets the bookmark screen 4
When “Page A” is selected using the operation unit 210 in a state where 10 is displayed, distribution request information is generated and transmitted to the game information distribution device 100 by the transmission / reception unit 290.

The game information distribution device 100 includes a transmitting / receiving unit 1
90, the distribution request information is received, and the management unit 115
Identifies the user of the mobile phone 200 based on the distribution request information. Then, the management unit 115 refers to the user data 123 and determines, based on the date and time information from the timer unit 130, that the user accessed after a lapse of a predetermined time (here, 12 hours) from the last access date and time. I do.

The management unit 115 stores the individual notification data 12
1, the content of the notification corresponding to the notification ID that has not been read and the remaining display count is blank or 1 or more is obtained with reference to the entire notification data 122. Further, only the notice within the expiration date is extracted with reference to the entire notice data 122.

Then, the management unit 115 instructs the game information generation unit 111 to generate game image information including the content of the acquired notice.

Image generation unit 1 in game information generation unit 111
13 generates image information based on an instruction from the management unit 115 such that a screen 412 including the content of the notification is displayed.

The game information including the image information generated by the game information generation unit 111 is transmitted to the mobile phone 200 by the transmission / reception unit 190.

In the portable telephone 200, the game information is received by the transmission / reception unit 290, and the display unit 220 displays a screen 412 including the contents of the notice.

As described above, even when the bookmark function is used, the notice can be reliably and promptly transmitted to the user by adding the notice information to the normal image and displaying it.

FIG. 4 shows an example in which notification information is added to a normal image. However, a method of displaying a screen including notification information before displaying a normal image can also be applied.

As in the above-described embodiment, the user operates the operation unit 21 while the bookmark screen 420 is displayed.
By selecting “Page B” using “0”, distribution request information is generated and transmitted to the game information distribution device 100 by the transmission / reception unit 290.

The game information distribution device 100 includes a transmitting / receiving unit 1
90, the distribution request information is received, and the management unit 115
Identifies the user of the mobile phone 200 based on the distribution request information. Then, the management unit 115 refers to the user data 123 and determines, based on the date and time information from the timer unit 130, that the user has accessed after a predetermined time or more from the last access date and time.

The management unit 115 stores the individual notification data 12
1, the content of the notification corresponding to the notification ID that is unread and the remaining display count is blank or 1 or more is obtained by referring to the entire notification data 122. Further, only the notice within the expiration date is extracted with reference to the entire notice data 122.

Then, the management unit 115 instructs the game information generation unit 111 to generate game image information including the content of the acquired notice.

At the same time, the management unit 115 updates the last access date and time of the user data 123.

As described above, the functions of the management unit 115 are realized by a program using a CGI that receives all distribution requests. More specifically, the module realizing the function of the game information generation unit 111 has a management unit 1
The description that embeds the functions that implement the functions of the game information generation unit 111 is embedded in the management unit 1.
The function of the management unit 115 is realized by calling a module that realizes the 15 functions and executing the module that realizes the function of the management unit 115 before generating the game information.

Image generation unit 1 in game information generation unit 111
13 is a screen 42 including the content of the notification and an option for displaying the page B based on an instruction from the management unit 115.
Image information is generated such that 2 is displayed.

The game information including the image information generated by the game information generation unit 111 is transmitted to the mobile phone 200 by the transmission / reception unit 190.

In the portable telephone 200, the game information is received by the transmission / reception unit 290, and the display unit 220 displays a screen 422 including the contents of the notice.

When the user selects “to page B” while screen 422 is displayed, distribution request information is generated and transmitted to game information distribution apparatus 100.

In the game information distribution device 100, the management unit 1
Although the individual notification data 121 and the like are referred to by 15, since the last access date and time has been updated as described above, it does not correspond to the condition for displaying the notification.

For this reason, the game information generation section 111 generates game information including image information of page B as usual, and the transmission / reception section 290 transmits the game information to the mobile phone 20.
Send to 0.

On the mobile phone 200, based on the received game information, the screen 42 of the page B not including the notification information is displayed.
4 is displayed.

In this method, although the number of screens to be displayed is increased, the images are not synthesized, and the page B is displayed in a normal state. Therefore, the method can be applied to an image having a large amount of information, and the user can feel uncomfortable. You can see the page.

A screen 42 containing only the contents of the notice
By displaying 2, it becomes easier for the player to save or print only the content of the notification, as compared to a case where a screen including both the notification and the game content is displayed.

Further, when the description of the page for displaying the screen 422 or the like is not in CGI but in HTML or the like, it is difficult to combine the above-described images (pages). If a method is used in which a page for an image is different from a page for a normal game image, it can be easily applied regardless of the page description language.

In this example, an option of “to page B” is provided on the screen 422 and the screen 424 of page B is displayed by the player's selection, but the option of “to page B” is selected. Screen 42 without installation
Screen 42 automatically after a predetermined short time has elapsed since the display of
4 may be adopted.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, mobile phone 200 can display a normal image such as screen 424 shown in FIG. Screen 422 before is displayed
Is displayed. Thereby, even when the bookmark function is used, the notification information can be reliably and quickly transmitted to the user of the mobile phone 200.

Similarly, a normal image and a notification image can be simultaneously displayed as in a screen 412 shown in FIG. 4 by a method of synthesizing images. This also
Even when the bookmark function is used, the notification information can be reliably and quickly transmitted to the user of the mobile phone 200.

By generating, managing, and distributing information for notification on the game information distribution apparatus 100 side,
Various notification information, for example, request information such as a request for registration of an email address, notification information for notifying the status of others, operating status of the system, progress of the game, etc., response information indicating a response to the request of the terminal device, etc. It is possible to transmit to the terminal device reliably and quickly.

In particular, a game in which the game automatically proceeds without a distribution request from the terminal device, such as a command selection type game in which the game progresses based on the player's command selection information. When performing the game, in the conventional method, the player cannot confirm the progress of the game without accessing the game server device or the like.

According to the present embodiment, the player can check the progress of the game without accessing the game server device or the like, thereby facilitating the progress of the game. Specifically, for example, when notifying that a player's high score has been broken by another player, the player does not have to refer to the high score information every time,
You can concentrate on the progress of the game. As described above, the progress of the game may be not only the progress of the player, but also the progress of another person.

The preferred embodiment to which the present invention is applied has been described above, but the application of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

For example, there is a system for displaying a predetermined page by inputting a command as in the case of the bookmark function. In this case, the present invention can be applied in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

More specifically, for example, when the user inputs “GOTO PAGE A” to display page A on the command input screen immediately after turning on the terminal device,
The distribution request information is transmitted to the game information distribution device 100.

In the game information distribution device 100, the management unit 1
15, the individual notification data 121 and the like are referred to,
When it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed since the last access time and there is an unread notice, the game information generation unit 1
11, the game information including the notification information is generated on page A, and the page A including the notification information is displayed on the mobile phone 200.

The conditions for displaying the notice are not limited to conditions such as a predetermined time after the last access date and time as in the above-described embodiment, but may be based on, for example, a time measured by the timer unit 130. The condition of every fixed time, the condition of only the first access,
A condition that the number of access pages is a predetermined number, a condition that the number of access pages is within the range of the predetermined number of access pages, a condition that there is notification image information generated at a time later than the previous distribution request time, a condition that the last notification image information A condition that a predetermined time has elapsed from the distribution time can be applied.

When there is an urgent notice, the game information generator 111
To generate image information for an emergency notification, and
, An emergency notification screen may be displayed.

The data structures of the individual notification data 121, the entire notification data 122, and the user data 123 are not limited to the above-described structures, and various data structures can be applied. For example, user data 1
Each item of 23 may be included in the individual notification data 121.

It should be noted that these data are updated not only when the above-described bookmark function is used, but also when the game screen is displayed after displaying a notice on the TOP page described with reference to FIG. Will be

In the method of storing and managing these data in a predetermined storage area as described above, the generated notice is known, and when the notice to a plurality of users is duplicated, necessary data storage is performed. Although this is for realizing high-speed processing by reducing the area, it is also possible to apply a method of dynamically generating notification information instead of storing all notification information in a storage area. is there. For example, it is also possible to dynamically generate notification information for each individual.

For example, in an automatic execution type battle simulation game, the game information generating unit 111 generates information for notification that “our country is under attack.”
90 distributes the information so that the mobile phone 200
Displays a screen on which the notification information is reflected.

As described above, the method of dynamically generating the notification information is particularly effective when the content of the game or the game process is frequently changed.

In the method of dynamically generating the notification information, for example, by continuously attaching IDs to the notification information, the last transmission date and time and the number of access pages of the user data 123 are replaced with the final transmission notification. The above-described function can be realized by applying the ID of the application information. In this case, it is necessary to store the notification information for a predetermined period,
The processing load at the time of generating the notification information is reduced, and the generated notification information can be easily reused.

[0148] For example, a method may be used in which, when a user accesses, notification information is generated in real time based on a game situation or the like, and the generated notification information is deleted after distribution. In this case, although the generated notification information cannot be reused, the occupied storage area of the notification information can be significantly reduced, and the notification information based on the latest information can be generated and distributed.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which the mobile phone 200 is applied as the terminal device.
In addition to the mobile phone 200, as a mobile phone, for example, a PHS (Personal Handyphone)
System or a satellite communication telephone (for example, an iridium telephone) can be applied. In addition to a portable telephone, for example, a PC (Personal C)
It is also possible to apply a portable information terminal, a home game device having a communication function, a portable game device having a communication function, a business game device having a communication function, a pager, and the like.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a packet network is applied as a network mode has been described. For example, the present invention is applied to various network modes such as a line communication network such as an ISDN and a broadband communication network such as an ATM network. The invention can be applied. Also, in practice,
The game information distribution device 100 and the mobile phone 200 are connected not only to a packet network but also to the Internet.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a game system according to an example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a mobile phone.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing screen transition when a conventional bookmark function is used.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing screen transition when a bookmark function according to an example of the embodiment is used.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a game system according to an example of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of individual notification data and entire notification data according to an example of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of user data according to an example of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing screen transition when a bookmark function according to another example of the embodiment is used.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 100 game information distribution device 111 game information generation unit 113 image generation unit 114 sound generation unit 115 management unit 120 storage unit 121 individual notification data 122 overall notification data 123 user data 130 timer unit 180 information storage medium 200 mobile phone

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04M 11/08 H04M 11/08 F term (Reference) 2C001 AA17 BA00 BA06 BB00 BB04 BB10 CB01 CB08 CC02 DA00 DA06 5B085 BE07 BG07 CA04 CA07 5B089 GA11 GA25 GB01 HA13 JA09 JA33 JB03 JB10 KA05 KB11 KC29 KC47 LB14 MC06 5K101 KK18 LL02 LL12 MM07 NN18 NN21 9A001 CZ02 JJ13 JJ25 JJ76 JZ14

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. Based on distribution request information for displaying a predetermined image from a terminal device transmitted via a transmission path,
An information distribution device that generates image information used for displaying an image on the terminal device and transmits the image information to the terminal device; a unit that receives distribution request information from the terminal device; Information for generating normal image information for displaying the predetermined image, and generating notification image information for notifying the user of the terminal device of predetermined notification information when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Generating means; and transmitting means for transmitting the notification image information and the normal image information to the terminal device, wherein the transmission means transmits the notification image information before transmitting the normal image information. An information distribution apparatus characterized in that: 2. Based on distribution request information for displaying a predetermined image from a terminal device transmitted via a transmission path,
An information distribution device that generates image information used for displaying an image on the terminal device and transmits the image information to the terminal device; a unit that receives distribution request information from the terminal device; On the basis of, the normal image information for displaying the predetermined image is generated, and when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the information for notifying the user of the terminal device of the predetermined notification information and the normal image information are combined. An information distribution device comprising: an information generation unit configured to generate the notification image information; and a transmission unit configured to transmit the notification image information and the normal image information to the terminal device. 3. The information distribution according to claim 1, wherein the image is a game image, and the information generating unit generates game image information for displaying the game image. apparatus. 4. The information distribution device according to claim 3, wherein the notification information is information for notifying a progress of a game. 5. The notification data according to claim 1, wherein notification data for generating the notification image information is stored in a predetermined storage area; An information distribution apparatus, wherein the notification image information is generated. 6. The terminal device according to claim 5, wherein the distribution request information is transmitted from a plurality of terminal devices, the notification data includes individual notification data provided for each user of the terminal device, and the plurality of terminal devices. And information common to the entire distribution. 7. The individual notification data according to claim 6, wherein the individual notification data includes determination data for determining whether the user has viewed an image based on the notification image information, and based on the distribution request information. Determining whether an image based on the notification image information has been viewed and updating the determination data; and the transmitting unit does not view the image based on the notification image information by the management unit. The information distribution device retransmits the notification image information to the terminal device when it is determined that the notification image information has been transmitted. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the condition is that there is notification image information generated at a newer time than a distribution request time indicating a time when the terminal device made a previous distribution request. A condition, wherein the individual notification data includes request time data indicating a distribution request time of the terminal device, and the general notification data includes generation time data indicating a generation time of the notification image information. And a measuring unit for measuring a time or a time, wherein the managing unit updates the request time data based on a distribution request time of the terminal device, and updates the request time data to the generation time of the notification image information by the information generating unit. An information distribution apparatus, wherein the generation time data is updated based on the information. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the condition is a condition that a predetermined time has elapsed from a time at which the terminal device made a previous distribution request. Based on the measurement result of the measuring means, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the terminal device made a previous distribution request, the information generating means, from the time when the terminal device made a previous distribution request An information distribution device, wherein the notification image information is generated when a predetermined time has elapsed. 10. The individual notification condition according to claim 7, wherein the condition is that the number of images of the normal image information transmitted to the terminal device is a predetermined value or a predetermined range. The data has image number data indicating the number of images, the management unit updates the image number data based on the normal image information generated by the information generation unit, and the information generation unit includes: An information distribution device, wherein the notification image information is generated when the number of images of the normal image information transmitted to the terminal device is a predetermined value or a predetermined range based on image number data. 11. The information generation unit according to claim 8, wherein the condition is that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous delivery of the notification image information. An information distributing apparatus which generates the notification image information when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous distribution of the notification image information based on the measurement result. 12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device transmits distribution request information based on a user operation to the information distribution device, and receives the image information from the distribution device. An information distribution device, characterized by being a portable terminal device including: a display unit that displays an image based on received image information. 13. The portable terminal device according to claim 12, wherein the portable terminal device is a portable telephone, and the display unit is configured to form a display integrated with the telephone and the image on the display. An information distribution device, comprising: 14. Based on distribution request information for displaying a predetermined image from a terminal device transmitted through a transmission path, generating image information used for displaying an image on the terminal device, In a computer-readable information storage medium storing information to be transmitted to a terminal device, the information includes: means for causing a receiving unit to receive distribution request information from the terminal device; Information generating means for generating normal image information for displaying the predetermined image, and generating notification image information for notifying the user of the terminal device of predetermined notification information when a predetermined condition is satisfied; And means for transmitting the notification image information and the normal image information to the transmission device toward the terminal device. The information storage medium, wherein the means causes the transmitting means to transmit the notification image information before transmitting the normal image information. 15. Based on distribution request information for displaying a predetermined image from a terminal device transmitted via a transmission path, generating image information used for displaying an image on the terminal device, In a computer-readable information storage medium storing information to be transmitted to a terminal device, the information includes: means for causing a receiving unit to receive distribution request information from the terminal device; Generating normal image information for displaying the predetermined image, and when satisfying a predetermined condition, a notification that combines information for notifying predetermined notification information to the user of the terminal device and the normal image information. Information generating means for generating image information for use, and means for causing the transmitting means to transmit the notification image information and the normal image information to the terminal device. Information storage medium comprising information of the eye. 16. The information storage according to claim 14, wherein the image is a game image, and wherein the information generating unit generates game image information for displaying the game image. Medium. 17. The information distribution apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the notification information is information for notifying a progress of a game. 18. The notification data according to claim 14, wherein notification data for generating the notification image information is stored in a predetermined storage area, An information storage medium for generating the notification image information. 19. The distribution request information according to claim 18, wherein the distribution request information is transmitted from a plurality of terminal devices, the notification data includes individual notification data provided for each user of the terminal device, and the plurality of terminal devices. An information storage medium characterized in that the information storage medium further includes common notification data. 20. The individual notification data according to claim 19, wherein the individual notification data includes determination data for determining whether or not the user has viewed an image based on the notification image information. Based on the request information, it is determined whether or not an image based on the notification image information has been viewed, and includes information for implementing a management unit that updates the determination data. If it is determined that an image based on the notification image information has not been viewed,
An information storage medium, wherein the notification image information is transmitted to the terminal device and the transmission unit is retransmitted. 21. The method according to claim 19, wherein the condition is that there is notification image information generated at a time later than a distribution request time indicating a time at which the terminal device made a previous distribution request. A condition, wherein the individual notification data includes request time data indicating a distribution request time of the terminal device, and the general notification data includes generation time data indicating a generation time of the notification image information. The information includes information for realizing a measuring unit that measures time or time, the management unit updates the request time data based on a distribution request time of the terminal device, and the information generation unit An information storage medium for updating the generation time data based on the generation time of the notification image information. 22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the condition is a condition that a predetermined time has elapsed from a time at which the terminal device made a previous distribution request. Based on the measurement result of the measuring means, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the terminal device made a previous distribution request, the information generating means, from the time when the terminal device made a previous distribution request An information storage medium for generating the notification image information when a predetermined time has elapsed. 23. The method according to claim 20, wherein the condition is that the number of images of the normal image information transmitted to the terminal device is a predetermined value or a predetermined range. The data has image number data indicating the number of images, the management unit updates the image number data based on the normal image information generated by the information generation unit, and the information generation unit includes: An information storage medium that generates the notification image information when the number of images of the normal image information transmitted to the terminal device is a predetermined value or a predetermined range based on image number data. 24. The information processing device according to claim 21, wherein the condition is that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous delivery of the image information for notification. An information storage medium for generating the notification image information when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous distribution of the notification image information based on the measurement result.