JP2003006539A - Server for controlling system renting character through communication channel - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a server for enabling a character to be easily obtained and utilized and generating the possibility of increasing attachment to the character by sharing information with the character, integrally and inseparably connecting the character in a virtual space to an operator in an actual space and linking the character to a part of the life of the operator. SOLUTION: The right of the limited use of the character displayed at the display part of communication terminal equipment is determined, and the right of the limited use is changed to the right of permanent use accompanying the communication of the operator of the communication terminal equipment and the character.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

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

[0002]

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

[0003]

However, the character in the conventional game device or game system is common to an unspecified number of players, and the character and action of the character are selected from predetermined ones. Since it is something that is not unique to the intention or emotion of the player, it is difficult for the player to recognize the character as his own property or the character as a familiar entity to himself. There was a problem that it often caused people to lose interest in the game or the game itself.

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

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

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

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

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

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and it is possible to easily and easily obtain and use a character, and to share information with the character so that the character and the real space in the virtual space can be shared. It is an object of the present invention to provide a server in which there is a possibility that the character may be attached to the character by inseparably tying the character to a part of the life of the operator.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, the limited use authority is changed to the permanent use authority as the operator of the communication terminal device interacts with the character. The feature is that it can be changed.

That is, although the character can be used in the communication terminal device by initially renting the character, the character is purchased when the interaction between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character deepens. As a result, what makes the character permanently usable in the communication terminal device is included in the invention described above.

More specifically, the present invention provides the following.

(1) A character relating to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device, which is a server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line. For information,
In addition to defining the limited use authority of the character information in the communication terminal device, the character information can be supplied to the communication terminal device as the data, and with the interaction between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character. And a server capable of changing the limited use authority to a permanent use authority.

(2) A character relating to a character displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device, which is a server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line. For information,
In addition to defining the limited use authority of the character information in the communication terminal device, the character information can be supplied to the communication terminal device as the data, and with the interaction between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character. A server displaying a display image relating to the ability to change the limited use authority to a permanent use authority on the display unit of the communication terminal device.

According to the invention of (1) or (2) described above, since the authority of limited use can be changed to the authority of permanent use with the interaction between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character,
By interacting with the character, the familiar character can be used permanently, and it is possible for the operator to develop the consciousness that the character is owned only by himself, and the operator of the communication terminal device and the character. Since it is possible to keep the secret between the characters, there is a possibility that the feeling of trying to share information with the character may become stronger than ever, and the operator of the communication terminal device feels at ease with the character. There is a possibility that they can meet each other, develop from the consciousness of being the owner of the character, and develop the consciousness of being a life partner.

(3) The degree of the exchange is converted into consideration for the exchange, and the authority is changed through the consideration for the exchange.
The listed server.

According to the above-mentioned invention (3), since the degree of interaction with the character is converted into consideration for the interaction and the authority is changed through this consideration, whether the character can be purchased or not. The objective standard can be clarified, and it can be an opportunity to set an effort goal for purchasing the character.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the information obtained by the interaction between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character is processed based on the personality information and supplied to the communication terminal device.

That is, the information of the operator obtained through the interaction between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character or the interaction such as the game competition is processed by reflecting the character of the character, and the processed information is further processed. What is used by the communication terminal device to talk to or display characters is included in the invention described above.

More specifically, the present invention provides the following.

(4) A character relating to a character displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device, which is a server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line. For information,
The authority of limited use of the character information in the communication terminal device is determined, and the personality information that determines the character of the character is determined based on the interaction between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character, and by the exchange. A server that processes the obtained information based on the personality information and supplies the processed information to the communication terminal device as the data.

(5) A character relating to a character displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device, which is a server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line. For information,
The authority of limited use of the character information in the communication terminal device is determined, and the personality information that determines the character of the character is determined based on the interaction between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character, and by the exchange. A server, characterized in that the obtained information is processed based on the personality information, supplied to the communication terminal device as the data, and displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device.

According to the invention of (4) or (5) described above, since the character's character is determined based on the interaction between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character, by gradually changing the character's character. It is possible to provide a rental system that has the possibility of generating unique characters one after another. Further, since the character is characterized by the character, the character can be personified, and the character can be easily associated or difficult to associate.

Further, since the information obtained by the exchange is processed based on the personality information and the information is supplied to the communication terminal device, the personality of the character is reflected in the information obtained by the exchange such as the dialogue with the character. In addition to being able to do so, the character's personality can be reflected in the content that the character speaks to, so you can interest the content that the character speaks to, and wonder why you speak to such content. There is a possibility that the character may be interested or intimate as if the human beings met each other.

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

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

The "personality information" is information for forming the personality of the character, and is information used when determining the behavior of the character in the communication terminal device. As will be described later, the personality information is determined "on the basis of the interaction between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character", and is information that changes as the character is used in the communication terminal device.

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

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

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

Further, the "display image" is a concept indicating an image composed of characters including information to be notified to the operator of the communication terminal device, and an image including or showing information to be notified.

The "permanent use authority" is a concept that the character can be used in the communication terminal device without any limitation on the time limit or the content. That is, when the above-mentioned limited use authority is given, for example, when the limited use is about a deadline, the character cannot be used after a predetermined period of time elapses. Granting "authority of use" means that the limitation of limited use is lifted.

This "permanent use authority" may be an authority obtained by purchasing a character, as will be described later. It should be noted that the purchase of the character is performed in exchange for consideration described later, and may or may not be related to goods such as cash in the real world.

Furthermore, the "compensation" is a concept indicating a reward to the operator of the communication terminal device for interacting with the character's opponent or caring character such as dialogue with the character or game competition, and the degree of interaction. Objectively. This “compensation” may be information that can be used by a program used in a server or a communication terminal device, and in that respect, it is preferable that it is quantified in some form, and “chip” described later. Is equivalent to.

Further, this "compensation" may or may not be exchanged for an economic commodity such as cash distributed in the real world. If they can be exchanged, they can obtain a chip for consideration by paying a predetermined amount of money.

Further, the "display image relating to the ability to change the limited use authority to the permanent use authority" means introduction information that the character can be purchased, information that the character has been purchased, and the like. This is a concept to be shown, and is a concept that is included if it is an image for displaying some information regarding the purchase of a character.

Furthermore, the "information obtained by interaction" is information obtained as a result of interaction such as a dialogue between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character or a game competition, and for example,
Information about the incoming / outgoing phone call and information about the other party of the call, content of received / sent mail and information about the other party of the mail, and further, during the game competition between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character. It includes information about the progress, characters, and the result of the battle, and may include various information stored in the communication terminal device so that the character can recognize and use it.

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

[0039]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Structure of Server] Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the server 4 which controls the system for renting a character via a communication line network such as the Internet has a hard disk drive 88, a CPU 82, a ROM 84, and an R.
It is composed of an AM 86 and a communication interface circuit 90. The hard disk drive 88 notifies a program for communicating with the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, an unregistered user processing program, a registered user processing program, a dialog information processing program, and a rental deadline, which will be described later. A processing program, a program such as a program for processing rental completion information, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

The trial period will be calculated at the same time when 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 a mail or a call is received by the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, a display indicating that the character has arrived is displayed, a display in which the character asks a question about the contents of the mail, or a character is displayed. Is displayed to invite the operator to the game.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Explanation of Server Operation] (Registration User or Unregistered User Discrimination Processing) FIG. 5 shows a subroutine executed in the server 4 below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By performing such processing, it is possible to "display the display image regarding 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 the permission / inhibition by key operation. The permission / prohibition information is transmitted from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 to the server.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next, regarding the personality information that defines the personality of the character, question information as to whether or not the past history is to be taken over is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. As will be described later, the character personality information is information regarding the character personality that is formed based on the dialogue between the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 and the character.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Explanation of operation of communication terminal device] (Operation when receiving mail / operation when receiving call) By the above-mentioned procedure, when the character is rented, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 When the mail is received, the image as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the communication terminal device 1
It is displayed on the display device 41 of 0, 60 or 70.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As described above, communication with the character is deepened through notification of mail reception and transmission, notification of call origination and reception, questions regarding the contents of the mail and telephone, game competition, and the like. Of.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As described with reference to FIG. 12, the word questioned by the character is a word extracted from the received mail, and is a category of what the word means or another category of likes and dislikes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the five parameters “extroversion”, “cooperation”, “diligence”, “emotional stability”, and “intelligence” are set as numerical values as parameters for defining the character's character. Although the parameterized character is used, the parameters characterizing the character's character are not limited to these five parameters, and elements used for so-called character diagnosis and the like may be digitized and used.

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

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

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

Further, the word is a word extracted from the contents of the mail or telephone sent to the operator who rented the character, as described with reference to FIG. 12, and the category of the word and likes / dislikes. The classification is obtained by the character asking the operator a question about the word and answering the question.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By performing the above-described processing, the game can be played with the character, the character's opponent or care can be taken, or the characters can be played together to deepen the "interaction" between the operator and the character. In addition, the degree of “interchange” can be replaced with “compensation”, which is a chip, and “conversion of the degree of exchange to the consideration for the exchange” can be performed, which in turn leads to “communication of the communication terminal device”. It is also possible to "accompany the interaction between the operator and the character."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0223]

According to the present invention, it is possible to easily and easily obtain and use a character, share information with the character, and integrally connect the character in the virtual space and the operator in the real space. As a result, the character may be attached to a part of his / her life, which may cause the character to feel attachment.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Explanation of symbols]

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

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Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A server which can send and receive data to and from a communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, the character information relating to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device. Regarding, regarding the limited use authority of the character information in the communication terminal device, the character information can be supplied to the communication terminal device as the data, and the interaction between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character. A server characterized by being able to change the limited use authority to a permanent use authority. 2. A server which can send and receive data to and from a communication terminal device in a state of being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, the character information relating to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device. Regarding, regarding the limited use authority of the character information in the communication terminal device, the character information can be supplied to the communication terminal device as the data, and the interaction between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character. A server is characterized in that a display image relating to the fact that the limited use authority can be changed to the permanent use authority is displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device. 3. The server according to claim 1, wherein the degree of the exchange is converted into a consideration for the exchange, and the authority is changed through the consideration for the exchange. 4. A server which is capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a communication terminal device in a state of being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, the character information relating to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device. Regarding, regarding the finite use authority of the character information in the communication terminal device, the personality information that defines the character of the character is determined based on the interaction between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character, and A server, characterized in that the information obtained by the exchange is processed based on the personality information and supplied to the communication terminal device as the data. 5. A server which is capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a communication terminal device in a state of being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line, the character information relating to a character displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device. Regarding, regarding the finite use authority of the character information in the communication terminal device, the personality information that defines the character of the character is determined based on the interaction between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character, and Information obtained by the exchange is processed based on the personality information and supplied to the communication terminal device as the data,
A server which is displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal device.