JP2002346235A - Server for controlling system to rent character via communication line - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a server which can easily and simply obtain and use a character and which can make an operator to feel affection to the character by sharing information with the character to inseparably combine the character in a virtual space and the operator in a real space so as that the character melts into a part of the life of the operator. SOLUTION: Authority of limited use concerning character information on the character is given to communication terminal equipment to supply the character information to the communication terminal equipment.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a server for controlling a system for renting a character via a communication line such as the Internet.

[0002]

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

[0003]

However, characters in conventional game devices and game systems are common to an unspecified number of players, and the character and behavior of the character can be selected from predetermined ones. Therefore, the character cannot be unique to the player's intentions and emotions, and it is difficult for the player to recognize the character as belonging to him or as a character close to him. In many cases, the user loses interest in the game or the game itself.

[0004] On the other hand, in recent years, games called upbringing games have appeared, but it is unavoidable to select a predetermined action or the like of the character, and the emotions and intentions of the player have to be selected. Was not always able to be reflected on the character. For this reason, even if a character is raised, it is merely one of the results determined in advance in the game program, and as the player repeats the game over and over, he / she gradually gets bored. Was happening.

[0005] In addition, although programs have been introduced in which characters deliver mail, characters are transmitted and received via characters, and information about contents of mail and the like is shared with users of the program. I couldn't do that, just pursuing the visual fun of sending and receiving email.

[0006] Furthermore, robots that imitate moving objects such as humans and dogs have appeared, and those that take actions such as attaching to the owner or being alert to the owner by giving emotions to the owner have also appeared. Have been doing. However, a robot exists in the real world to the last, and attention is focused on how similar or the same behavior can be performed as compared with a real human or a dog.

The information input means of a robot such as a dog-type robot is, for example, a sensor corresponding to the eye or a sensor corresponding to the ear, and the type of information that the robot can obtain is extremely scarce. I have. For this reason, it is difficult to share information with human beings if it is difficult.

[0008] Furthermore, the above-mentioned software or robot cannot be determined whether or not the character or robot is suitable for one's personality and life without purchasing the software or robot. He was forced to spend a lot of money on those who did not, and when he was unfit for himself, he felt a sense of regret and despair.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and enables a character to be easily and easily obtained and used, and to share information with the character, thereby enabling the character and the real space in the virtual space to be shared. It is an object of the present invention to provide a server in which there is a possibility that the character can be attached to the operator by inseparably linking the character with the operator in a part of the life of the operator.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a communication terminal device with a limited use right for character information relating to a character and transmits the character information to the communication terminal device. Is supplied.

More specifically, the present invention provides the following.

(1) A server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, wherein the character is related to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device. A server capable of giving a limited use right for information to the communication terminal device and supplying the character information to the communication terminal device as the data.

(2) A server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, wherein the character is related to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device. Information and a program including a program for displaying the character, and supplying the communication terminal device as the data, and the authority of limited use of the character information,
A server having a function of giving to the communication terminal device independently of the program.

According to the above-mentioned invention (1) or (2), since "the authority of finite use of the character information is given to the communication terminal device", the character is limited only within a limited range, for example, within the rental period. Can be used, the character can be easily obtained, and there is a possibility that the operator may feel uneasy to use the character. Further, since the character can be used without purchasing the character or a program using the character, there is a possibility that the operator may easily want to use the character.

(3) A server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, wherein the character is related to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device. Giving the authority of limited use of information to the communication terminal device, and displaying a display image of notification information regarding that the character information is of limited use on a display unit of the communication terminal device. Server to do.

(4) A server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, wherein the character is related to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device. The communication terminal device is provided with the authority of finite use of information, and the communication terminal device is provided with notification information that character information on a character displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device is limited use. Server.

According to the invention of the above (3) or (4), "displaying a display image relating to the notification information regarding the limited use of character information on the display unit of the communication terminal device" or "character The notification information about the limited use of the information is supplied to the communication terminal device, '' so that it is possible to clearly convey to the operator that the character is the limited use, and for example, the limited use is limited to the rental period. In some cases, as the expiration date approaches, the operator can have a sad feeling of having to be separated from the character and a feeling of attachment, which may cause a desire to rent the character again.

(5) A server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the communication terminal device while connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, wherein the character is related to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device. The communication terminal device is given finite use authority for information, and the character is freely selectable from a plurality of character types, and a display image related to the selection is displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device. Server.

According to the invention described in (5) above, since "characters can be selected from a plurality of character types", the operator can operate a character that he or she likes or a character that is likely to be attached to. The user in the virtual space and the operator in the real space can be inseparably linked.

(6) A server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a communication terminal device while connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, and having a limited use right for character information including character image information. To the communication terminal device, and a program for supplying the character information to the communication terminal device, and a program for displaying the character on a display unit of the communication terminal device. Features server.

According to the invention described in (6) above, the server is provided with a program for providing the communication terminal device with the authority of finite use of character information and supplying the character information to the communication terminal device. And a program for displaying the character on the display unit of the communication terminal device, so that even if the storage capacity of the communication terminal device is small, the character can be used in the communication terminal device, and the character can be used. The possibility arises that it can be part of the operator's life.

(7) A server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the communication terminal device while connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, wherein the character of the character displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device Character information that determines the character information based on a dialog between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character, and character information including the character information,
A server having a function of supplying the communication terminal device with the data as the data and giving the communication terminal device a limited use right for the character information.

According to the invention described in (7) above, "character information for determining the character of the character is determined based on the dialog between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character." Since the character can be changed and the character can be touched by the operator, the operator can try to take care of the character as much as possible, develop attachment to the character, and share information with the character. The character can be part of the life of the operator.

(8) A server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, wherein the character is related to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device. In addition to giving the communication terminal device a limited use authority for the information, the character information can be supplied to the communication terminal device as the data, and the character can be freely selected from a plurality of character types. A server wherein the character can be exchanged in a communication terminal device.

According to the invention (8) described above, "the character can be freely selected from a plurality of character types, and the character can be exchanged in the communication terminal device."
Therefore, the operator can freely select a character that the operator is likely to like or a character that is likely to be attached, and the character in the virtual space and the operator in the real space can be inseparably linked. Nature occurs.

(9) A server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, wherein the character is related to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device. The authority of limited use of information is sequentially given to a plurality of the communication terminal devices, the operator of the communication terminal device is sequentially changed as the owner of the character, and the owner and the character are A server characterized in that when a communication terminal device causes a dialogue to generate personality information defining the character of the character as the character information from the history of the dialogue, the history includes a dialogue of a past owner.

According to the above-mentioned invention (9), "when the personality information is generated as the character information from the history of the conversation, the history includes the conversation of the past owner." Since the character has information that is not present, interest in the character can be generated, and there is a possibility that the character can have a feeling of attachment while using the character.

[Definition of Terms and the Like] The term "character" is a concept including imitations of moving objects such as persons, animals and plants, and robots, as well as various other fantasy characters.

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

Further, "limited use" means that character information is restricted in terms of time or region,
This is a concept that allows characters to be used by restricting the content, for example, to enable the characters to be displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device only for a predetermined period, and a so-called “ Rental ". In addition, the concept also includes a regional restriction that is limited to only those who live in a predetermined area, and a content restriction that allows only a predetermined function to be used.

The above-mentioned "rental" is a concept indicating that a character can be used in a communication terminal device regardless of whether it is charged or not.

Further, the term "limited use authority" is a concept indicating a qualification that allows finite use of character information. This qualification is given to the communication terminal device by the server or determined by the server. Is what you do.

Further, the "display image" is a concept indicating an image composed of characters including notification information and an image including or indicating notification information.

The "notification information regarding limited use" is a concept indicating information such as a notification indicating "currently being rented" and a notification regarding "rental expiration date".

Further, "independently of a program" is a concept indicating that it can exist independently of a program using characters. Characters appearing in a game such as a breeding game have an inseparable relationship with the game and are associated with the game. On the contrary,
Characters that exist “independently” are independent of a program such as a game, and are lent or provided regardless of the presence or absence of the program and the state of execution of the program, and the operator of the communication terminal device It is recognizable.

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

[0037]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

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

The portable communication terminal 10 or the portable telephone 70 can be connected to the portable telephone network 3 via the base station 5 and can access the server 4 via the public telephone network 2. Has been made possible.

The above-described server 4 is used for each communication terminal device 1
The server 4 manages the addresses of 0, 60, and 70, and the server 4 manages the address of each communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70.
Can be identified, for example, information such as a password.

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

In the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 shown in FIG. 2, a CPU (Central
processing unit) 12, a ROM 14, a RAM 16, and a non-volatile RAM 18 are connected.
Each part is controlled according to a program stored in M14, RAM16 or nonvolatile RAM18.

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

The display circuit 24 includes a display device 41.
Is connected, and the speaker 42 is connected to the sound processing circuit 25.
Is connected. Various information including a character to be described later is displayed on the display device 41 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 12.

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

[Structure of Server] As shown in FIG. 3, the server 4 for controlling a system for renting characters via a communication network such as the Internet includes a hard disk drive 88, a CPU 82, a ROM 84,
It comprises an AM 86 and a communication interface circuit 90. The hard disk drive 88 notifies a program for communicating with the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70, a program for unregistered user processing, a program for registered user processing, a program for processing interactive information, and a rental expiration date. A program for processing, a program for processing rental completion information and the like, and a program for displaying an image of a character on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 are stored. By doing so, the server 4 can provide the communication terminal device with the authority of finite use of character information including character image information, and a program that supplies the character information to the communication terminal device, And a storage medium for storing a program for displaying a character on the display unit of the apparatus. "

With the above-described configuration, the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 and the server 4 are connected via the public telephone network 2 or the mobile telephone network 3, and can transmit and receive data. That is, the server can "transmit and receive data to and from the communication terminal device while connected to the communication terminal device via the communication line".

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

[Overview of Character Rental System] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a system for renting a character.
Shown in In this specification, the term “rental” indicates that a character can be used in the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 regardless of whether it is charged or not.

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

The operator who has selected the character performs a predetermined procedure to apply for the rental of the character. As a result, the user is registered, and the character rental is started by receiving character information such as image data and character information of the character from the server.

The trial period is started at the same time as the rental of the character is started. During this trial period, the character can be used in the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 free of charge. For example, when receiving a mail or telephone call to the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70, a display that the character indicates that the call has been received is displayed, a display that the character asks a question about the contents of the mail is displayed, or the character is displayed. Is displayed so as to invite a game to the operator.

During the trial period, restrictions may be imposed on the character use function. For example, a function that cannot be used, such as notifying the incoming call but not the incoming mail, may be provided.

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

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

This chip is increased by interacting with the character or playing a game, and indicates the degree of interaction with the character. As will be described later, the number of chips changes depending on the number and time of the dialogue with the character and the result of the battle with the character. In addition, chips may be purchased in exchange for a predetermined amount. By doing so, even if the user likes the character, it is difficult for the operator to provide time for interacting with the character, or the operator is not good at the game, it is possible to increase the number of chips and continue. You can rent a character.

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

Incidentally, if the operator desires, the character may be purchased even during the trial period. In this case, a larger number of chips to be paid may be set.

[Explanation of Server Operation] (Determination Process of Registered User or Unregistered User) The subroutine executed by the server 4 is shown in FIG.

The subroutine shown in FIG. 5 is called at a predetermined timing from a previously executed main routine (not shown) and executed.

First, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70
It is determined whether or not it is in a state where it can communicate with (Step S11). When it is determined that the communication with the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is not possible, the subroutine is immediately terminated.

When it is determined that communication is possible with the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, the user ID issued from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is received (step S12). The user ID is identification information for identifying an operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70, and is specified by the server 4.

Next, the communication terminal 1 connected to the server 4
It is determined whether the operator of 0, 60 or 70 is a registered user (step S13). This determination is made based on whether the above-mentioned user ID exists. That is, the server 4
Is determined to be a registered user when a user ID is received, and is determined to be an unregistered user when no user ID is received.

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

After executing the processing of step S14 or S15, the present subroutine is terminated.

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

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

When the guidance information regarding the rental of the character is transmitted from the server 4, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives the guidance information and
For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the display unit 60 of the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 is provided on the display unit 60 or 70.
"Welcome to the character rental site"
And a message prompting selection of character rental processing such as "return", "continue", and "select".

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

Next, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70
It is determined whether or not information indicating that processing is to be continued is received from (step S22). When the information indicating that the processing is not continued is received, the present subroutine is immediately terminated.

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

The information indicating that the above-described processing is continued constitutes “permission request information for finite use of the character information in the communication terminal device”.

In the above-described selection processing, a random number may be generated and a character type corresponding to the random number may be selected. In this case, one character type corresponding to the random number is selected from a plurality of character types.

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

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

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

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

The operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 determines whether or not the displayed character is acceptable, and inputs whether or not the displayed character is valid by key operation. The permission information is transmitted from the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 to the server.

The server 4 receives the information of the propriety transmitted from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, and judges whether or not to accept the character introduced by the operator (step S25). If it is determined that the introduced character does not want to be rented, the above-described step S
Returning to step 23, the character selection process is performed again.

By performing such processing, it is possible to "select a character from a plurality of character types and make the character exchangeable in the communication terminal device".

If it is determined in step S25 that the introduced character wants to be rented by the operator, a user registration process is performed (step S2).
6). This user registration process is performed by the communication terminal devices 10 and 6
0 or 70, or the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70
Information such as a mail address and a telephone number for communicating with the server 4 is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 7
When the server 4 receives these information from the server 0 and determines that there is no defect, the user registration is completed. By performing this process, the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 becomes a registered user from an unregistered user, and one user ID described later is determined for the operator.

After the processing of step S26 is completed, the program of the character use system is downloaded to the communication terminal devices 10, 6.
It transmits to 0 or 70 (step S27).

The program of the character use system includes a program for displaying a rented character in the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70. For example, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70
When a mail or phone call arrives, a program that displays an image that the rented character tells the incoming mail or phone call, or a character asks the operator based on the contents of the mail It includes a program for displaying an image and a program for displaying an image in which a character invites a game.

When the program of the character use system includes a function of a finite use right for the use of the character, the communication terminal 1
0, 60 or 70 will manage the finite use time limit. With such a configuration, characters can be used in the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 only during a predetermined rental period, and the program transmitted by the server 4 allows the server 4 to perform "limited use of character information." To the communication terminal device. "

As will be described later, the server 4 may manage the time limit for finite use. In this case, when the expiration date of the limited use is approached, the server 4 transmits information to that effect to the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70, and the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 transmits the information based on the transmitted information. The character information is used finitely.

In the case of such a configuration, since the server 4 manages the time limit of the finite use, “the authority for the finite use of the character information in the communication terminal device is determined”.
It does the thing. In addition, since the information on the limited use period is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, the server 4 also "gives the communication terminal device the limited use right for the character information".

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

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

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

Next, question information as to whether or not to inherit the past history is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 for the character information that determines the character of the character. As will be described later, the character information of the character is information on the character of the character formed based on a dialog between the character and the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70.

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

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

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

Next, the database as shown in FIG. 9 described later is updated in the server 4 (step S31).
This database stores operator information of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 and information of rented characters, and is stored in the hard disk 88 of the server 4.

After completing the above-described processing, the present subroutine ends.

The above steps S27, S28 and S2
By performing the process of No. 9, "the character information relating to the character displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device and the program including the program for displaying the character are supplied to the communication terminal device as data". .

In the above-described step S21, when the server 4 transmits guide information for renting a character to the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70, the information is displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70. FIG. 7A shows the displayed image. Incidentally, FIG.
Is an enlarged view of the display section of the mobile phone 70 shown in FIG.

At the top of the display, a message “Welcome to the character rental site” from the server 4 is displayed. In the center of the display unit, a character image as an example of the character is displayed. Further, at the lower part of the display unit, selection frames of “continue” and “return” indicating options of whether to continue the process or return are displayed.

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

In the upper part of the display unit, a character introduction sentence from the server 4 "I am a cute character. I want to play with you" is displayed. In the center of the display unit, an image of a character for introduction is displayed. Further, at the lower left of the display unit, selection frames of “next” and “return” indicating options of whether to proceed or return to the next process are displayed. Furthermore, a “select” frame for selecting the displayed character is displayed at the lower right of the display unit.

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

The left column stores character types, for example, character types such as “bullish character”, “cute character”, and “sly clever character”.

The center column stores the names of the characters corresponding to the character types.
Character names such as "chan", "o-chan", and "x-chan" are stored.

Further, the right column stores a self-introduction document from each of the characters. For example, "I,
□ It's fun to play with me. , "My name is 。. I want to play with you.", "I'm x. Maybe I should play with me."

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

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

The first column is an area where the user ID is stored. This user ID is for identifying the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 or the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70. When the user registration process in step S26 is completed, the server 4 Assign.

The second column is an area where the character ID is stored. This character ID is for identifying the rented character, and is stored in step S2.
When the user registration processing of No. 6 is completed, the server 4 allocates the information. The character ID includes information for identifying the character type.

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

The fourth column stores the rental start date, and stores the date when the user registration processing in step S26 is completed.

The fifth column indicates whether or not the rental of the character is during the trial period. For example, when the character rental is during the trial period, the value to be stored is set to “1” and the trial period is set. If not, set the stored value to "0"
It is set to.

The sixth column indicates whether or not the rental of the character is during the extension period. For example, when the rental is not during the extension period, the stored value is set to “0”, and At some point, the number of extensions is stored.

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

The eighth column stores the number of chips. The number of chips is determined by the registered user
For example, the number increases when the user interacts with the character or plays a game with the character.

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

When the processing in step S21 described above is performed, the server 4 transmits character rental guidance information to the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70.

On the other hand, when processing is continued,
Information to continue is transmitted from the communication terminal apparatus 10, 60, or 70 to the server 4.

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

On the other hand, when renting the introduced character, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70
Sends information of the consent to the server 4.

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

Further, in step S28, the character image data is transmitted from the server 4 to the communication terminal device 10,
Transmitted to the communication terminal device 60 or 70, when it is determined that the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 has received all of the character image data, information indicating the end of the reception is transmitted to the communication terminal device 1
Sent from 0, 60 or 70 to server 4.

In step S29, the server 4 transmits, to the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70, question information as to whether or not to inherit the past history of the character information that determines the character of the character. .

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

[Description of Operation of Communication Terminal Device] (Operation when Receiving Mail / Operation When Receiving Call) According to the above-described procedure, when a character is rented, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 When the mail is received, an image as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70.

At the top of the screen, a message from the character is displayed, such as "Kanna received a mail. Read now?" In the center of the screen, an image of the rented character is displayed. In addition, at the bottom of the screen, "read" or "not read" mail
Or a frame indicating the selection is displayed.

In this way, when the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 receives a mail while renting a character, a display informing the character that the mail is received is displayed.

Further, even when the communication terminal apparatus 10, 60 or 70 receives a call, a display is provided in which the character informs the fact.

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

(Operation for asking a question from the character)
The character may ask a question about the content of the received mail. One example is shown in FIG. For example,
It extracts words from the email it receives and asks what those words mean.

As shown in FIG. 12 (a), at the top of the screen, what is "" normal line ""? Is displayed. The word “normal line” is a word extracted from the received mail. In the center of the screen, an image of the character is displayed. At the bottom of the screen, a frame for selecting "answer" or "do not answer" is displayed for the question from the character.

When the operator answers a question from the character, a screen as shown in FIG. 12B is displayed. On the left side of the screen, categories to which the word belongs, for example, “place”, “food”, “game name”, and “person name” are displayed.

When the operator answers this, the character further asks a question, and likes or dislikes """at the top of the screen? Is displayed from the character. At the bottom of the screen, a frame for selecting whether the word indicates “like” or “dislike” is displayed. The operator
As described above, the questions from the character are answered.

The question from the character is registered in a keyword database described later, and is reflected in the character and the like.

In order to make it easier to extract words, a standardized mail format may be used.

(Operation of Game Competition with Character) Further, when the character is rented, the character may display a game offer to the operator in some cases. This example is shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 13 (a), a challenge message from the character "Do you not play with me?" Is displayed at the top of the screen. At the bottom of the screen, a frame for selecting whether to “do” or “do not” in response to the challenge from the character is displayed.

When the operator receives a challenge from the character, the game starts.

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

As described above, the communication with the character is deepened through the notification of the arrival of the mail or the telephone, the question about the mail, the game battle, and the like.

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

First, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70
It is determined whether or not the information issued from is the information that the user wants to transmit the dialog information (step S41). If it is determined that the information does not indicate that the dialogue information is to be transmitted, the information for menu display is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S42).

The information for menu display is transmitted to the communication terminal 1
0, 60 or 70, the communication terminal 1
On the display device 41 of 0, 60 or 70, an image as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed.

At the top of the screen, a message "Please select the desired process" is displayed. Below that, a list of processes, such as "character exchange", "rental extension", "character purchase", "End" is displayed.

When the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 selects a desired process, the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60
0 or 70 transmits information identifying the selected process to the server 4.

The server 4 receives the information for identifying the selected process, and determines whether or not the process desired by the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is a character exchange (step S43). .

When it is determined that the process desired by the operator is not character exchange, other processes, such as rental extension and character purchase, are performed (step S44), and this subroutine ends.

When it is determined that the process desired by the operator is character exchange, the processes of steps S23 to S31 are executed. These steps S23 to S31
Is the same as that shown in FIG. 5, and is denoted by the same reference numerals.

In step S41 described above, when it is determined that the information issued from the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 is the information for transmitting the dialog information,
The conversation information is received (step S45).

The communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 transmits the dialog information to the server 4 at a predetermined timing.
For example, night or morning. For example, when transmitting at night, the dialog information for one day of the day is transmitted to the server 4. When transmitting in the morning, the conversation information for the previous day is transmitted to the server 4. By performing such processing, the R of the communication terminal apparatus 10, 60, or 70
Even when the storage capacity of the AM 16 or the nonvolatile RAM 18 is small, the conversation information can be sufficiently stored, and the server 4
It is possible to transmit the dialog information accurately to the user.

Further, the transmission timing may be adjusted to the movement of the displayed character. For example, in the night, a message from the character, "I'm sleeping now, I'm going to sleep."
After being displayed on the 0 display device 41, it may be transmitted. In the morning, the message “Good morning!” From the character may be transmitted after being displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70.

Further, the above-mentioned dialog information is, for example, as shown in FIG.
The items are as shown in FIG.

The items include the number of conversations with the character, the duration of the conversation with the character, and the number of responses to the call from the character such as "Good morning!" The number of times of this answer includes the number of times that the character has answered the call and the number of times that the character has been ignored.

The item includes the number of answers to a question about a word included in the mail. The number of answers includes the number of answers and the number of unanswered.

Further, the items of the dialog information include the number of times the operator has called for the character, the number of times the character has played the game, the classification of the word asked by the character, and the like.

As described above with reference to FIG. 12, the classification of the word asked by the character is a category of the meaning of the word extracted from the received mail and another classification of likes / dislikes.

After receiving the dialogue information in step S45 described above, dialogue information processing described later is executed (step S46), and the personality information and the keyword information generated by the dialogue information processing are transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. The subroutine is transmitted (step S47), and this subroutine ends.

(Processing of Dialogue Information) Step S4
FIG. 17 shows a subroutine of the dialog information processing called and executed in FIG.

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

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

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

Next, the number of times of calling for a character already stored in the database and the communication terminal 1
The number of times the character is newly called from 0, 60 or 70 is calculated, and the total number of times the character is called is calculated from the number (step S57).

Further, the number of game executions already stored in the database and the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70
Then, the total number of executions of the game is calculated from the number of executions of the game newly received from (step S58).

Next, processing of character character setting described later is performed (step S59), processing of keyword setting is performed (step S60), and this subroutine ends.

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

FIG. 18 (a) is a database for defining a basic character defined for each character type. The basic personality is, for example, “winning”, “smart”, “cute”, “mischief lover” and the like. There are also five personality parameters, “extroversion”, “cooperation”,
"Diligence", "emotional stability", and "intelligence" are quantified to determine the basic character described above.

For example, for a character that is selfish, extroversion is set high and emotion stability is set low. For cute characters, coordination and diligence are set high.

The basic character defined by these five personality parameters is determined first, and as the character is rented and interacts with the operator of the communication terminal apparatus 10, 60 or 70, the personality parameter is determined. Is changed. As shown in the example of FIG. 18B, as the character is rented and interacts with the operator, the value of the personality parameter changes. For example, when the conversation time with the operator is long or the number of conversations is large, the value of the personality parameter is changed so that the personality becomes familiar to the operator. Further, when the conversation time with the operator is short or the number of conversations is small, the value of the personality parameter is changed so as to avoid the operator.

As described above, the character of the character is gradually changed by the dialogue with the operator to determine the character.
The values of the two personality parameters are stored as a personality database as shown in FIG. As described above, the character of the character is gradually changed according to each of the operators who rent the character, so that the operator tries to take care of the character frequently, and can feel attachment to the character. It becomes.

In the personality database shown in FIG. 18B, a user ID for identifying the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 or an operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 is provided. A character ID for identifying the character being played and the values of the five personality parameters are stored, and the personality of the character rented by one operator can be determined.

By performing such a process, even if only a predetermined number of character types are prepared, a character type having a character corresponding to each of a plurality of operators can be generated. You can do it.

By performing the above-described processing, “character information that determines the character of the character displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device is determined based on the dialog between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character”. It does the thing.

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

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

As described above, since the character's character is formed by dialogue with the owner,
At the beginning of renting a character, the character formed by the past owner is the character's character, and as the conversation time with the new owner increases or the number of conversations increases, the character's The character changes and becomes a character formed by a new owner.

By performing the above-described processing, "when generating the character information that determines the character of the character as the character information from the history of the dialogue, the history includes the dialogue of the past owner".

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

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

The word is a word extracted from the mail sent to the operator who rented the character, as described with reference to FIG. 12, and the word category and the likes / dislikes classification are as follows. The character asks the operator a question about the word, and is obtained by answering the question.

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

Further, in the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, it is possible to use the keyword to make a display calling out from the character to the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. For example, FIG.
As shown in the figure, using the keyword "Kanna-chan",
It is possible to display a message from the character such as "Kanna-chan has not received a call recently. Did you have a fight?"

As described above, the word extracted from the mail is stored as a keyword, and the character is used by the character to display a message, thereby possibly increasing the intimacy between the character and the operator. .

A word to be extracted may be determined by reflecting the character of the character. For example, if a cute character is rented, only favorite words are extracted. In this way, a message from the character using only the operator's favorite word is displayed. In the case of a bullish character, only dislike words are extracted. In this way, a message from the character using only the words that the operator dislikes will be displayed.

By performing the processing as described above, the character of the character can be included in the message, and there is a possibility that the character may be made to feel closer or be more interested. In addition, there is a possibility that the character in the virtual space and the operator in the real space can be inseparably linked, and information can be shared with the character.

When the character rental expiration date is approaching, the server 4 informs the communication terminal device 10,
Send to 60 or 70. FIG. 21 shows the processing at this time.

First, it is determined whether or not it is time to notify the rental period (step S81). This timing is a timing at which the rental start date recorded in the database shown in FIG. 9 is compared with today's date to notify, for example, a rental end date or a day before the rental end date. Is determined.

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

When guide information indicating that the rental expiration date is approaching is transmitted from server 4, communication terminal apparatuses 10, 60 are provided.
Or 70 receives this guidance information and communicates with the communication terminal 1
For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the display unit 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 is displayed on the display unit 0, 60, or 70.
In the display section of the message such as "I can play with me until today. I will play with me from now on" and "I can play with you until tomorrow. I want to play with you. "

By performing such processing, a message that the expiration date of the rental period is approaching is transmitted from the server 4 to the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70, so that the "character displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device" To provide the communication terminal device with the notification information that the character information regarding the limited use is limited. " Further, the message received by the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 is displayed on the display device 41 on the communication terminal device, so that the display image related to the notification information regarding the finite use of the character information is displayed on the communication terminal device. Display on the display unit ".

As shown in FIG. 22 (a) or (b), a message reflecting the character of the character may be displayed. For example, a bullish character is displayed with a bullish message, and a cute character is displayed with a cute message.

When the end date of the rental period has come, it is necessary to prohibit the use of characters in the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. This processing is shown in FIG.
Shown in

First, it is determined whether or not it is time to send rental completion information (step S91). If it is determined that it is not time to transmit the rental completion information, the subroutine is immediately terminated.

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

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

When the rental completion information is received from the server 4, the value of the flag is set to "1". If an attempt is made to display a character or call a character after the value of this flag is set to “1”, for example, a message as shown in FIG. 24, “The rental period has passed. Can't play with me anymore, but if you like, please sign up again. Then you can play with me again. "Is displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. The operation of the function using the character is prohibited.

By performing such processing, the server 4 "gives the communication terminal device the authority of finite use of character information", and "the authority of finite use of character information in the communication terminal device". Stipulate ".

The value of the above-mentioned flag indicates whether or not the “limited use authority” is given.
That is, the "limited use of character information is given to the communication terminal device independently of the program".

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

The contents of the message have been
It may be one that reflects the character of the rented character. By doing so, the operator can recall the character, make the character want to display the character again, and can motivate him to rent the character again.

In the above-described embodiment, “limited use of character information” is a case in which the rental period is expired. However, there are regional restrictions that limit only those who live in a predetermined area, The content may be limited so that only a predetermined function can be used.

[0200]

According to the present invention, a character can be easily and easily obtained and used, and information can be shared with the character so that the character in the virtual space and the operator in the real space are inseparably linked. Then, by causing the character to blend into a part of life, there is a possibility that the character may feel attached.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

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

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

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

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed by the server 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of processing of an unregistered user that is called and executed in step S14 of the flowchart of FIG. 5;

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 13 shows a communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 when a character proposes to play a game to an operator.
5 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display device 41 of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of an unregistered user process called and executed in step S15 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 15 shows information for menu display in communication terminal device 1.
0, 60 or 70, the communication terminal 1
It is a figure showing an example of an image displayed on 0, 60, or 70 display 41.

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

17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of interactive information processing called and executed in step S46 of the subroutine of FIG. 14;

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

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

FIG. 20 shows a communication terminal device 10 or 6 using a keyword.
It is a figure which shows the example of a display when a character calls to the operator of 0 or 70.

FIG. 21 shows that when the character rental expiration date is approaching, the server 4 informs the communication terminal devices 10 and 6 of the expiration date.
It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the process transmitted to 0 or 70.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a state in which the communication terminal device 10, the guide information indicating that the rental period is approaching is transmitted from the server 4.
60 or 70 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 after receiving the guide information.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a process when a rental period ends.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a message displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 when the rental completion information is received from the server 4.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Character rental system 2 Public telephone network (communication line) 3 Mobile telephone network (communication line) 4 Server 10 Portable communication terminal device (communication terminal device) 41 Display device (display unit) 60 Portable game device (communication terminal) Device) 70 Mobile phone (communication terminal device)

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, comprising: character information relating to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device. A server capable of providing the communication terminal device with the limited use authority of the character information and supplying the character information to the communication terminal device as the data. 2. A server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, comprising: character information relating to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device. And a program including a program for displaying the character, as the data, to the communication terminal device, and the finite use authority for the character information to the communication terminal device independently of the program. A server having a function of providing. 3. A server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, wherein character information relating to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device is provided. Is given to the communication terminal device, and a display image of the notification information regarding that the character information is limited use is displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device. server. 4. A server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, wherein character information relating to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device is provided. Is given to the communication terminal device, and notification information about that the character information on the character displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device is used finitely is supplied to the communication terminal device. A server, characterized in that: 5. A server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, comprising: character information relating to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device. Giving the limited use authority to the communication terminal device, making the character freely selectable from a plurality of character types, and displaying a display image related to the selection on a display unit of the communication terminal device. Server to do. 6. A server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, wherein the server has a limited use right for character information including character image information. It has a storage medium that stores a program that is provided to the communication terminal device and supplies the character information to the communication terminal device, and a program that causes the display unit of the communication terminal device to display the character. Server. 7. A server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a communication terminal device while connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, wherein the character displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device is The determined personality information is determined based on a dialog between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character, and character information including the personality information is supplied to the communication terminal device as the data. A function of giving the authority of limited use of the communication terminal device to the communication terminal device. 8. A server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, wherein character information relating to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device is provided. To the communication terminal device, and the character information can be supplied to the communication terminal device as the data, and the character can be selected from a plurality of character types to perform the communication. A server wherein the character is exchangeable in a terminal device. 9. A server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, wherein character information relating to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device is provided. Is sequentially given to a plurality of the communication terminal devices, the operator of the communication terminal device is sequentially changed as the owner of the character, and the communication between the owner and the character is performed. A server characterized in that when a user interacts with a terminal device to generate personality information defining a character of the character as the character information from the history of the conversation, the history includes a conversation with a past owner.