JP2009086728A - Server management system in on-line game and its management method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a server for achieving high speed processing without causing the sudden rise of game costs by sharply reducing the information processing quantity of a switch device or a log-in server having a reception function, and shortening the time-lag of information processing during a game without using any ultra high speed super-computer. <P>SOLUTION: One game-categorized virtual space-categorized server among a plurality of game-categorized virtual space-categorized servers is configured as a log-in server 10a, and the log-in server 10a performs game start authentication, and constructs a network through the Internet means with a game-categorized virtual space-categorized server 20b selected by the client computer 10a at the time of log-in, and makes the game-categorized virtual space-categorized server 20b directly input all input signals from the client computer 10a after log-in, and makes the specified game-categorized virtual space-categorized server 20b process following input information from the client computer 10a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a server management system and management method in an online game in which a large number of client computers participate as one character in one virtual space and experience communication such as cooperation and conflict with the space and other characters.

Usually, in this type of multiplayer role playing game (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game, hereinafter referred to simply as MMOPRG), a user who handles a client computer participates in the role play. After installing the software on their own computer, apply to join or join the MMORPG game at the login server of the game management company.
Alternatively, a game participation or membership application is directly applied to the reception server of the game management company, and game software for participating in the game is downloaded. Alternatively, the login procedure is performed using the login function of computer software that is already widely used.
With the software installed on the client computer described above, a network is constructed between a large number of client computers and servers via the Internet.
Thus, the server side requests the necessary items for membership, prompts the answer, registers if necessary items are entered, requests which game to participate in, and the client computer corresponding to the authentication notification Is automatically notified by the communication means of the computer on the server side, and the game is started.

In the conventional MMORPG, a plurality of virtual spaces are generally operated in a single game operating company, and a login server or a reception server allows a client computer to select a game in a plurality of virtual spaces after login, and each client The computer is provided with an identification tag for each client and an identification tag for each virtual space, and the log-in server or switch device is used to determine which virtual space is associated with the subsequent input information from the client computer. And distributed to each virtual space server (see FIG. 3).
However, if there are several hundred to several thousand or larger client computers, a very large amount of information is flooded into the switch device or login device at a time, so it is checked whether each information is game start authentication information. Because of the large amount of information, the verification and distribution process takes time, the time lag is large and the interest of the game is killed. To solve this, a large and high-speed processing device is required, and this cost increases this time. However, the cost of participating in the game has soared and the game has not become widespread.
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  The present invention solves the drawbacks of the prior art described above, greatly reduces the amount of information processing of the login server having the switching device or reception function, and waits for information processing during a game without using an ultra-high speed processing device. It is to provide a server management system and a management method that can reduce time or time lag, can be processed at high speed, and do not cause an increase in game costs.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention enables a large number of client computers to connect to a single server at the same time to construct a network via the Internet, and in the same virtual space displayed by the server. The server of the multiparticipation type online game in which each client computer makes a unique character appear in the virtual space and plays is an online game provided with a plurality of virtual space-specific servers capable of operating any different virtual space In the server management system,
At least one of the virtual space-specific servers is a login server having a reception or login function, and the login server provides a virtual space of the plurality of virtual space-specific servers to a client computer at the time of login. And the login server transmits the IP address corresponding to the specific virtual space server obtained thereby to the client computer through the Internet means together with the game start authentication. Each virtual space server comprises means for checking the game start authentication,
The log-in server has means for directly inputting all input signals from the client computer after log-in to the specified virtual space-specific server, and thereafter processes input information from the client computer by the specified virtual space-specific server. A server management system in an online game characterized by

In order to achieve the above-mentioned problem, the login server directly inputs all input signals from the client computer after login to the IP address corresponding to the specified virtual space specific server.
2. The server management system for an online game according to claim 1, wherein the server management system is a means for connecting a client computer to the IP address in response to a change command signal for changing the connection destination of the client computer transmitted from the login server. .

In order to achieve the above-described problem, the login server directly inputs all input signals from the client computer after login to the specified IP address of the server by virtual space,
2. The server management system for an online game according to claim 1, wherein the login server is means for switching the connection destination of the client computer from the login server to the server for each specific virtual space and then connecting to the IP address. And

In order to achieve the above object, the related invention is such that a large number of client computers can simultaneously connect to one server and a network can be constructed via the Internet, and the same virtual space displayed by the server can be constructed. The multi-participation online game server in which each client computer plays with a unique character appearing in the virtual space is an online game comprising a plurality of virtual space-specific servers capable of operating any different virtual space In the server management method in
At least one virtual space server among the virtual space servers is a login server having a reception or login function, and the login server is configured to select one of the virtual spaces of the plurality of virtual space servers with respect to the client computer at the time of login. Further, the login server transmits the IP address game corresponding to the specific virtual space server and the start authentication information obtained thereby to the client computer via the Internet means,
This is a method in which all input signals from the client computer after the login are directly input to the specified virtual space-specific server, and subsequent input information from the client computer is processed by the specified virtual space-specific server. And a server management method in an online game.

In order to achieve the above object, in the related method invention, as a method of transmitting an IP address corresponding to the specified virtual space specific server to the client computer from the login machine via the Internet means,
5. The server management method for an online game according to claim 4, wherein the server is connected to the IP address by a change command signal for changing a connection destination of a client computer transmitted from the login server.

In order to achieve the above object, in the related method invention, as a method of transmitting an IP address corresponding to the specified virtual space specific server to the client computer from the login machine via the Internet means,
The login server is a method of switching the connection destination of the client computer from the login server to the server for each specific virtual space, and then transmitting to the client computer from an IP address corresponding to the specified server for each virtual space. The server management method for an online game according to claim 1.

To achieve the above object, according to another related invention, each virtual space server according to claim 4 moves to another virtual space constantly or intermittently on the screen of the corresponding client computer after the game starts. An instruction reception function is provided, and this movement instruction input signal prompts the user to select one virtual space from a plurality of other virtual spaces. Based on the selected information, the game start authentication continues, A server management method in an online game, characterized by switching a server.
In this specification, an online game is a generic name for a client computer that can participate in a virtual space such as various kinds of shopping, computer classes, discussions, simulated sightseeing trips, simulated auctions, simulated commercial transactions, as well as entertainment games, Any content.
In this specification, a large number of client computers means two or more client computers.

  By adopting the system invention according to claim 1 and the management method invention according to claim 4 configured as described above, a login server serving as a window for the application for game admission has a predetermined matter of game participation. When a request is made to the client computer, and a request is made to identify a virtual space among a plurality of virtual spaces at the same time, and the admission procedure is judged based on the input information from the client computer that responds to the request, and authentication is performed. Sends the authentication information and the IP address of the virtual space specific server corresponding to the specific virtual space designated by the client computer to the client computer, and the client computer thereafter sends the specified virtual space specific server directly to the server via the Internet. A communication path is formed and each virtual sky The separate server determines whether or not the information from each client computer is appropriate as compared with the data recorded in the database 30, and only the appropriate information is accepted and the Internet game is started and progressed (see FIG. 1).

Therefore, since only the new participation procedure is always processed in the login server, the amount of information processed at the same time is limited to the information currently in the login process, and so much information is processed. (See FIG. 1), and each virtual space server for each virtual space is distributed only to the processing of the virtual space, so that information exceeding the processing capacity is not first input. If membership procedures from client computers 10a, 10b, 10c, etc. are concentrated in a specific virtual space, install the same virtual space game on another new virtual space server and add it, The problem can be solved.
On the other hand, when viewed from the client computer side, the online game operated by any virtual space server, the enrollment procedure, the progress of each game has a short time lag, and communication and action between characters can be performed smoothly.
In the inventions according to claims 2 and 3 and claims 5 and 6, particularly immediately after login, each client computer can automatically switch over without switching to a specific virtual space specific server. Do not put a special operational burden on the client computer side.

  In the seventh aspect of the invention, on the client computer side, even if one game is in progress, it can be changed to a game in another virtual space at any time, and once logged off as in the conventional MMORPG, a reconnection procedure is required. On the other hand, on the game operation side, the process of performing troublesome login processing using the login server can be omitted, and the amount of processing information of the login server can be reduced by that much, so that quick processing can be performed.

A large number of client computers 10a, 10b, and 10c can be connected to one server at the same time so that a network can be constructed via the Internet. Each client computer 10a is within the same virtual space displayed by the server. The servers of the multi-participation online game in which characters 10b and 10c appear and play unique characters in the virtual space include servers 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d according to virtual space that can operate in any different virtual space. In a server management system for online games with multiple
At least one of the virtual space-specific servers 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d is a login server having a reception or login function. The login server 20a is a client computer 10a, 10b, Or 10c, a request is made as to which of the plurality of virtual space-specific servers 20a, 20b, 20c, or 20d is to be selected, and the login server further obtains a specific virtual space-specific information. The server 20a, 20b, 20c, or 20d, and means for transmitting the IP address corresponding to the server 20a, 20b, or 10d to the client computer 10a, 10b, or 10c via the Internet means together with the game start authentication. 20b, 20c, 20d are the above Comprising means for matching over arm start authentication,
The login server 20a has means for directly inputting an input signal from the client computer 10a, 10b, or 10c after login to an IP address corresponding to the specified virtual space specific server 20a, 20b, 20c, or 20d. The server management system in the online game is characterized in that subsequent input information from the client computer is processed by the specified virtual space-specific server.

First, the log-in server 20a on the game management side makes it possible to construct a network via the client computer 10a, 10b, 10c and the same Internet as the game, similarly to the conventional switch device as a receiving device.
At this time, the login server 20a has already completed the login authentication process, the process is transferred to another virtual space-based server, and the network with the login server has already been released for those starting the game ( (See FIG. 1). Accordingly, in the login server 20a, the amount of information being processed is small, and the login authentication process is immediately started for a new application.

Then, the login server 10a determines whether or not the authentication is appropriate for the information transmitted from the client computer 10a against the membership condition recorded in the database, and which of the plurality of virtual spaces is to participate in. Based on the specified server selection information for each virtual space obtained by this, after completion of all the game participation authentications, the fact is transmitted to the server for each specific virtual space, and to 10a, 10b, or 10c On the other hand, a signal for direct connection to the server for each specific virtual space is sent together with the authentication notification.
For example, when the server selected by the client computer 10a is the virtual space-specific server 20b, the login server 20a sends a game start approval notice to the client computer 10a, and the connection destination of the client computer 10a is changed to the login server. A switching command is transmitted to the server 20b selected by virtual space, and connected to the server 20b selected by the virtual space by a program installed in the client computer 10a.

In this case, the login server starts accepting information from the client computer 10a even at least for the selected virtual space specific server 20b.
That is, each client computer 10a, 10b, or 10c is connected to a server by virtual space corresponding to the selected online game, and a network is constructed between the identified server by virtual space and the client computer via the Internet (FIG. 2). Accordingly, the login server 10a maintains a state where the amount of login authentication processing information being processed is completely zero or very small.
Each virtual space server 20b, 20c, 20d has a function of displaying a virtual space, a movement of the virtual space from the client computers 10a, 10b, 10c, and a virtual space movement signal for increasing / decreasing the display range of the virtual space. It has a function to display the space on the corresponding client computer, and within the range displayed on the screen, information on the characters corresponding to all the client computers 10a, 10b, 10c participating in the game is temporarily stored. Has a function of collecting, reading out as necessary, and displaying it on the screen of the client computer.

Further, each virtual space server 20b, 20c, 20d moves the character participating in the virtual space in the virtual space based on the character movement instruction signal from the client computers 10a, 10b, 10c. In this case, it has a function of performing movement control based on correlation with other characters, control based on terrain restrictions, structure structure restrictions, and the like.
Each of the virtual space-specific servers 20b, 20c, and 20d determines whether or not the information is authenticated information every time there is an operation resumption signal from each client computer, and the data recorded in the database server. Match. If it matches, the unique data is read from the database server 30 to one of the virtual space-specific servers 20b, 20c, and 20d currently collated based on the unique recognition tag.
In addition, each virtual space server 20b, 20c, 20d has a management function for belonging characters, belongings, etc., a management function for products in the virtual space, various event management functions in the virtual space, etc. It has a conversation management function between characters, and has a control function for all these systems.
There is no particular limitation on whether the aforementioned conversation is voice output or character output.
Each of the virtual space-specific servers 20b, 20c, and 20d is constructed, for example, by virtual space by region, country, or by era such as ancient, medieval, modern, and future.

  The MMORPG is usually provided with a database server 30 that is independent of the virtual space servers 20b, 20c, and 20d. The operation software of each of the virtual space servers 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, items of each character, and clothes The information about the state of the game when it was interrupted, etc. is recorded, the game with each client computer 10a, 10b, 10c is resumed, and whether or not the resume input information is authenticated information, By comparing with the data recorded in these by the servers 20b, 20c, 20d according to the space or the data information recorded in the database server 30, if it is legal, the information of the specific client computer is the virtual It is read by the servers 20b, 20c and 20d according to space.

Each time the virtual space-specific servers 20b, 20c, and 20d input a game interruption signal from each client computer 10a, 10b, or 10c, information on the corresponding character's clothes, possessions, borrowed items, and the like is stored in the client computer 10a. 10b or 10c corresponds to the virtual space specific server 20b, 20c or 20d and the corresponding virtual space specific server 20, 20b, 20c or 20d is temporarily stored in the corresponding server and each client Based on command information for changing / increasing / decreasing clothes or belongings from the computer 10a, 10b, or 10c, it performs a function of displaying, erasing, or changing the image in the game.
Each time a game interruption signal is input from each client computer 10a, 10b, or 10c, the corresponding character information is transferred to the data server 30 and recorded.

  Therefore, each virtual space server 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d has character data belonging to the game and data belonging to the game and property management system, and a behavior management system is temporarily stored and operated. Since the data relating to the client computers that are not present are recorded in the database 30, the load on the virtual space specific servers 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d is reduced.

The difference from the first embodiment is that the login server 20a completes the reception procedure represented by login and does not notify the corresponding client computer 10a, 10b, or 10c, and the login server connects the client computer. The destination is switched to the selected virtual space server 20a, 20b, 20c or 20d, and the selected virtual space server 20, 20b, 20c or 20d authenticates the client computer, for example, the client computer 10a. It has a function to notify.
Therefore, the client computers 10a, 10b, 10c or 10d can immediately participate in the online game in the virtual space operated by the selected virtual space-specific server 20b, 20c or 20d.
Other functions and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As an additional function to the first or second embodiment described above, each virtual space server is always or intermittently selected so that another virtual space server can be selected while participating in one virtual space on the client computer side. Specifically, a change procedure menu for changing to another virtual space server is transmitted to all the client computers 10 participating in the network, and a switch button is displayed on each screen. An embodiment of the invention according to claim 7.

Each virtual space server issues a signal for displaying a plurality of other virtual space menus on the screen of the client computer that has issued the switch button selection signal in response to the signal that selects the switch button.
This virtual space menu may be in the form of a ticket vending machine such as trains, trains, ships, airplanes, etc., as well as a simple list of menus. In short, the virtual space for online games can be changed and instructed. If it exists, the present invention is included in the range of the switching button in the present invention.
Each virtual space server 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d notifies the client computer 10a of a new virtual space server 20c, for example, by the change procedure completion information, as in the first game participation. The server 20c has a function of transferring character information data from the changed client computer 10a to the changed virtual space-specific server 20c.
Even if a function for charging the client computers 10a, 10b, and 10c for each virtual space change is added to each virtual space server 20a, 20b, 20c, or 20d, the present invention is the same.

In each embodiment, when the login server 20a has a capacity to run a game in a single different virtual space, the login server 20a also has other game-specific virtual space servers 20b, 20c, and 20d. Naturally, even if the same function is provided, it is included in the scope of the present invention.
In each embodiment, the number of client computers is generally several tens to several tens of thousands in the case of MMORPG, but in rare cases it may reach several million, and in the case of a culture classroom or the like, Although there are cases where the number is 4.5 to several tens, these numerical values are merely examples, and do not have a meaning of limiting the number of client computers.

It is a conceptual diagram of the internet network in login of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the internet network after a game start. It is a conceptual diagram of the conventional well-known server.

Explanation of symbols

10a, 10b, 10c, 10d Client computer 20a, 20b, 20c Virtual space server 30 Database server 40 Switch device

Claims (7)

A large number of client computers can be connected to one server at the same time so that a network can be constructed via the Internet. Each client computer assigns a unique character to the virtual character in the same virtual space displayed by the server. A server for a multi-participation online game that appears and plays in a space is a server management in an online game that includes a plurality of virtual space-based management servers (hereinafter simply referred to as virtual space-specific servers) capable of operating any different virtual space. In the system,
At least one virtual space server among the virtual space servers is a login server having a reception or login function, and the login server provides a virtual space of the plurality of virtual space servers to a client computer at the time of login. And the login server transmits the IP address corresponding to the specific virtual space server obtained thereby to the client computer through the Internet means together with the game start authentication. Each virtual space server comprises means for checking the game start authentication,
The login server has means for directly inputting all input signals from the client computer after login to an IP address corresponding to the specified server for each virtual space, and input information from the client computer thereafter is specified virtual A server management system in an online game, characterized in that processing is performed by a server according to space. The login server directly inputs the input signal from the client computer after login to the IP address corresponding to the specified virtual space specific server,
2. The server management system for an online game according to claim 1, wherein the server management system is a means for connecting a client computer to the IP address by a change command signal for changing a connection destination of the client computer transmitted from the login server. The login server directly inputs the input signal from the client computer after login to the IP address corresponding to the specified virtual space specific server,
The log-in server is means for switching the connection destination of the client computer from the log-in server to the specific virtual space-specific server, and then transmitting from the specified virtual space-specific server to the client computer. Item 3. A server management system for an online game according to Item 1. A large number of client computers can be connected to one server at the same time, and a network can be constructed via the Internet. In the same virtual space displayed by the server, each client computer assigns a unique character to the virtual space. In the server management method in an online game, the server of the multi-participation type online game that appears and plays inside has a plurality of virtual space-specific servers capable of operating any different virtual space
At least one virtual space server among the virtual space servers is a login server having a reception or login function, and the login server is configured to select one of the virtual spaces of the plurality of virtual space servers with respect to the client computer at the time of login. Further, the login server transmits the IP address and game start authentication information corresponding to the specific virtual space server obtained thereby to the client computer via the Internet means,
This is a method in which all input signals from the client computer after the login are directly input to the specified virtual space-specific server, and subsequent input information from the client computer is processed by the specified virtual space-specific server. A server management method in an online game. As a method for transmitting the IP address and game start authentication information corresponding to the specified virtual space specific server from the login server to the client computer via the Internet means,
5. The server management method for an online game according to claim 4, wherein the server is connected to the IP address by a change command signal for changing a connection destination of a client computer transmitted from the login server. As a method for transmitting the IP address and game start authentication information corresponding to the specified virtual space specific server from the login server to the client computer via the Internet means,
The login server is a method of switching the connection destination of the client computer from the login server to the server for each specific virtual space, and then transmitting to the client computer from an IP address corresponding to the specified server for each virtual space. 5. The server management method in an online game according to claim 4,   The server for each virtual space according to the invention of claim 4 has a function of accepting an instruction to move to another virtual space at any time or intermittently on the screen of the corresponding client computer after the game starts, and this move instruction accepting input signal The server management method in an online game characterized by prompting selection of a plurality of other virtual spaces and switching the virtual space-specific server while continuing the game start authentication based on the selected information.

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