JP2014208279A - Game server system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase attraction of a game by diversifying user experiences in provision of game contents through a communication line.SOLUTION: A game server system performs a lottery for game contents, selects any of a plurality of URLs of sub-contents previously associated with the game contents for which the lottery is performed, generates page description information for displaying a game content notification display body 20 for notifying of the lottery result and a link destination display body 22 indicating the selected URL on a lottery result display page W6, and transmits the page description information to a user terminal 1500. The user terminal 1500 displays the lottery result display page W6, and accesses the URL of the link destination display body 22 to reproduce the sub-content associated with the URL when the selection operation of the link destination display body 22 is detected.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game server system or the like that provides content that can be used for a given game to user terminals connected in communication.

  In recent years, with the spread of portable game devices and multi-function mobile phones capable of executing game applications, a method of providing game content that can be used in a video game via a communication line such as the Internet has been used. . For example, a technique for improving the fun of customizing characters in a game by providing daily character data and dress-up item data to the game device via the Internet is known (for example, Patent Document 1). )

JP 2003-173451 A

  An object of the present invention is to diversify the user experience in providing game content via a communication line and enhance the appeal of the game.

A first mode for solving the above-described problem is a game server system that provides content that can be used for a given game to a user terminal connected in communication,
Selection means (for example, the blade server 1104 in FIG. 1 and the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 10) for selecting game content to be provided to the user terminal (for example, the game card ID 572a stored in the game card setting data 572 in FIG. 10). , Game content lottery section 236),
The game content selected by the selection means is stored in a database (for example, the content sharing web server 1200 in FIG. 1) that stores images (for example, part moving images 31, 32,... In FIG. 7) related to the game content. Providing means (for example, server processing unit 200s, link destination information selecting unit 238, link destination information providing control unit 240, communication control unit 270s in FIG. Steps S38 to S78).

According to the first aspect, when providing game content, information for accessing an image related to the content via a communication line, that is, specific information specifying a location where the information resource is stored is provided. can do.
The image related to the content may be a moving image or a still image. The contents can be set to various contents for better understanding of the content, such as the content specification and usage, and the story about the content.
From the user's point of view, game content is provided and access information for referring to related information can be obtained at the same time. No need to purchase. The user can continuously experience the pleasure of deepening the understanding of the content while feeling the joy of providing the new content.

In the second form, the database stores a plurality of images (for example, part moving images 31, 32,... In FIG. 7) for one game content,
Image selection means for selecting an image to be provided to the user terminal from the images stored in the database corresponding to the game content selected by the selection means (for example, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 10, link destination) An information selection unit 238, a link destination information list 586 of the sub-content link destination setting data 580 in FIG. 13, and step S38 in FIG.
The providing means is a game server system according to a first aspect that provides access information to an image selected by the image selecting means.

  According to the second mode, the same effect as the first mode can be obtained, and an image to be provided can be selected from a plurality of images. That is, even when the same game content is provided again, an image different from the previous one may be provided, and the user experience associated with the game content can be further diversified.

The third form is provision history storage means for storing identification information of images provided to the user terminal (for example, server storage unit 500s in FIG. 10, user registration data 530, backup play data 540 in FIG. A link destination information list 556, step S12 in FIG.
The image selection means provides the user terminal with an image not provided to the user terminal or an image selected by performing a lottery process that increases the winning probability of an image not provided to the user terminal. It is a game server system of a 2nd form which has an unprovided image priority selection means (For example, the link destination information selection part 238 of FIG. 10, step S42 of FIG. 13, S46-S54) selected as an image.

  According to the third aspect, the same effect as in the second aspect can be obtained, and an image that has not been provided can be selected and provided with priority. Therefore, even when the same game content is provided again, the possibility of providing an image different from the previous one can be increased.

The fourth form is a friend list storage means (for example, server storage unit 500s in FIG. 10, user registration data 530, friend list 538 in FIG. 11) for storing a friend user of each user,
Providing history storage means for storing identification information of images provided for each user;
The image selection means is means for selecting an image to be provided to the user terminal based on the image already provided to the friend user of the user terminal (for example, the link destination information selection unit 238 in FIG. 10, FIG. 16). It is a game server system of the 2nd form which has step S52).

A friend user is another user who has registered as a friend.
According to the fourth aspect, the same effect as the second aspect can be obtained, and an image to be provided based on the provided image of the friend user can be selected. For example, the same image as that already provided to the friend user Selecting an image can create a common topic and promote communication between users. Conversely, providing an unprovided image to a friend user can also contribute to further topic creation. That is, with the provision of game content, the user also receives communication topics.

The fifth form is a play data storage means for storing the play data of each user in the game (for example, the server storage unit 500s in FIG. 10, user registration data 530, the backup play data 540 in FIG. 11, and the steps in FIG. 15). S12)
The image selection means is means for selecting an image to be provided to the user terminal based on the play data of the user of the user terminal (for example, link destination information selection unit 238 in FIG. 10, sub-content link destination setting in FIG. The game server system according to any one of the second to fourth modes, which has a selection condition 584 for data 580 and step S40 in FIG.

  According to the fifth aspect, the same effect as any of the second to fourth aspects can be obtained, and based on the user's play data, that is, the user is playing or has played until just before Images can be selected according to the game situation. For example, if the content of an image to be provided indicates a useful hint in the current or previous game play situation, the user can experience that the hint is obtained with an image obtained with provision of new game content. .

In the sixth embodiment, profile information storage means (for example, server storage unit 500s in FIG. 10, user registration data 530, gender 536, age 537 in FIG. 11, step S12 in FIG. 15) for storing the profile information of each user is provided. In addition,
The image selection means is means for selecting an image to be provided to the user terminal based on the profile information of the user terminal (for example, the link destination information selection unit 238 in FIG. 10, the sub-content link destination setting data 580 in FIG. 13). The game server system according to any one of the second to fifth aspects having the selection condition 584 and step S40) of FIG.

  According to the 6th form, while being able to acquire the same effect as either of the 2nd-5th form, the image provided according to a user's profile can be selected. For example, it is possible to prepare images for adults and children and select an image to be provided according to the age of the user. The same thing can be done for men and women.

In the seventh embodiment, the database further stores a special image (for example, the complete moving image 30 in FIG. 7).
Special image information providing means for providing access information to the special image when the image selected by the image selecting means satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, the server processing unit 200s and the link destination information selecting unit 238 in FIG. 10). FIG. 14 is a game server system according to any one of the second to sixth forms, further comprising link destination replacement setting data 590 in FIG. 14 and steps S70 to S72 in FIG.

  According to the seventh aspect, the same effect as any of the second to sixth aspects can be obtained, and a special image can be provided when the selected image satisfies a predetermined condition.

  In an eighth mode, the database stores images related to use of the game content in the game, and the selection means executes a given lottery process and provides the user terminal with the game This is a game server system according to any one of the first to seventh modes for selecting content for use.

  According to the eighth aspect, the same effect as in any of the first to seventh aspects can be obtained, and the order of provided images can be given randomness.

In a ninth embodiment, a computer capable of communicating with a game server system that provides access information to the image in a database storing images related to game content is provided.
Lottery means for executing game content lottery (for example, control board 1550 in FIG. 2, processing unit 200 in FIG. 17, game content lottery unit 236, step S22 in FIG. 18);
Access information acquisition means (for example, the wireless communication module 1553 in FIG. 2, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 17, acquisition of link destination information) that acquires from the game server image access information corresponding to the game content selected by the lottery means. Control unit 207, communication control unit 270, communication unit 370),
Based on the access information acquired by the access information acquisition unit, the image display control unit (for example, the control board 1550 in FIG. 2, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 17, the sub-content reproduction) that accesses the database and controls the display of the image. This is a program for causing the control unit 210 to function as step S106 in FIG.

  According to the ninth aspect, it is possible to acquire access information of an image corresponding to the game content selected by lottery from the game server and display an image associated with the access information. From the user's point of view, game content is provided and access information for referring to related information is obtained at the same time. There is no need to purchase books. The user can continuously experience the pleasure of deepening the understanding of the content while feeling the joy of providing the new content.

  The tenth form is a computer-readable information storage medium storing the program of the ninth form.

  The “information storage medium” mentioned here includes, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, an IC memory, and the like. According to the tenth aspect, by causing the computer to read and execute the program of the ninth aspect, it is possible to cause the computer to exert the same effect as that of the ninth aspect.

The figure which shows an example of a structure of the system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The front external view which shows the structural example of a game device. The screen figure which shows the example of a display of the homepage of a game site. The screen figure which shows the example of a display of the lottery page of a game site. The screen figure which shows the example of a display of the lottery result notification page of a game site. The screen figure which shows the example of a display of the lottery result notification page of a game site. The figure which shows the example of a subcontent. The functional block diagram which shows the function structural example of the user terminal in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of a data structure of master play data. The functional block diagram which shows the function structural example of the game server system in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of a data structure of user registration data. The figure which shows an example of a data structure of the content notification display body setting data for games. The figure which shows an example of a data structure of sub content link destination setting data. The figure which shows an example of a data structure of link destination replacement setting data. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process which concerns on provision of the link destination information of the content for games and subcontent in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a link destination information selection process. The functional block diagram which shows the function structural example of the user terminal in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process which concerns on provision of the link destination information of the content for games and subcontent in 2nd Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
As an embodiment to which the present invention is applied, an example in which a user who is a registered member of a website obtains game content that can be used in a game distributed on the website and sub-content related to the content will be described.

[Description of system configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a system according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the communication line 1, the game server system 1100, the user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, 1500c,...) Prepared for each user 2 (2a, 2b, 2c,. Content sharing web server 1200 that provides services.

  The communication line 1 means a communication path capable of data communication. That is, the communication line 1 includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), and a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet. This means that the communication method may be wired or wireless.

  The game server system 1100 has one or a plurality of service functions for providing page description information corresponding to a markup language such as HTML in response to a request from a user terminal 1500 on which a web browser (client software) is executed. The system includes a server device, a storage device, and the like.

  The website realized by the game server system 1100 has a function as a so-called membership-based social network (SNS) site, and various service functions such as providing download of game software and game content as a part of service to members. To realize. Hereinafter, a website provided by the game server system 1100 will be referred to as a “game site”.

  As hardware, for example, a housing 1102, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and a storage 1140 are provided. A plurality of blade servers 1104 are built in the housing 1102, and these implement various functions provided by the game site in a shared and coordinated manner. Each server constituting the blade server 1104 may be realized as an independent device capable of data communication via the communication line 1 and may transmit and receive necessary information via the communication line 1 as needed. .

  The content sharing web server 1200 is a web server that provides a sharing service that stores contents (for example, moving images, sounds, images, documents, and the like) uploaded by an unspecified number of users and provides them to be used mutually. It is. In the present embodiment, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is assigned to each shared content as unique access information (unique information indicating the storage destination of the information resource on the network). By accessing the web server based on this URL, the content linked to the URL can be downloaded or viewed. In the present embodiment, sub-contents related to game content provided by the game server system 1100 are stored. The download format may be a file format or streaming distribution. Further, the access information is not limited to the URL, but may be a storage destination address such as an IP address or other information forms.

  The user terminal 1500 is a computer prepared for each user, and is an electronic device. For example, it is realized by a smartphone, a portable game device, a stationary home game device, an arcade game device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, or the like. The user terminal 1500 can connect to the communication line 1 by executing client software such as a web browser, and can access a game site where the game server system 1100 provides a service.

FIG. 2 is a front external view showing a configuration example of the user terminal 1500.
The user terminal 1500 in this embodiment is an electronic device that functions as a smartphone that can execute application software, and includes a direction input key 1502, a home key 1504, and a touch panel 1506 that functions as an image display device / contact position input device. A speaker 1510, a microphone 1512, a control board 1550, and a memory card reader 1542 that can read and write data from a memory card 1540 that is a computer-readable information storage medium are provided. In addition, a built-in battery, a power button, a volume control button, etc., not shown, are provided.

  The control board 1550 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1551, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), various microprocessors such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), various IC memories such as a VRAM, a RAM, and a ROM. 1552 is installed.

  The control board 1550 is equipped with a wireless communication module 1553 for wireless connection with a mobile phone base station, a wireless LAN base station, or the like. In addition, a driver circuit of the touch panel 1506, a circuit that receives signals from the direction input key 1502 and the home key 1504, an output amplifier circuit that outputs an audio signal to the speaker 1510, and an input signal that generates an audio signal collected by the microphone 1512 A generation circuit, a so-called I / F circuit (interface circuit) such as a signal input / output circuit to the memory card reader 1542, and the like are mounted. Each element mounted on the control board 1550 is electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and is connected so as to be able to read / write data and transmit / receive signals.

  The control board 1550 temporarily stores various programs and data in the IC memory 1552, executes the programs and executes arithmetic processing, and the user terminal 1500 according to operation inputs from the direction input key 1502, the home key 1504, and the touch panel 1506. Control each part. In the present embodiment, the user terminal 1500 is described as a configuration in which a necessary program and various setting data are downloaded from a server or the like through the communication line 1, but may be configured to be read from a separately obtained memory card 1540.

[Description of contents]
Content that can be obtained by the user in the present embodiment includes game content and sub-content related to the game content.

  Game content is content that can be used by game software distributed to members at game sites (for example, (1) data on items, characters, game stages, etc., or passwords that make them available, (2) A mini game execution program to be inserted, and (3) a background image, a moving image, a sound, and the like inserted during the game).

  The game assumed in the present embodiment is played using game cards possessed by users (including various types of cards such as a character card that defines a character and an item card that defines an item). It belongs to video games, so-called competitive card games. Therefore, the game content in the present embodiment will be described as a game card used in the game. Of course, since the game genre is not limited to the battle card game, the game content can be appropriately set according to the game genre.

  Sub-content is video, image, audio, text, and other content for providing information related to game content that is posted on the content sharing site in advance by game site operators, game producers, and game administrators. is there. As is well known, since a unique URL is assigned to the content posted to the content sharing site, the game server system 1100 is linked with the URL of the game content and the corresponding posted sub-content. The information (in this embodiment, sub-content link destination setting data 580 described later; FIG. 13) is stored and managed by a game site operator or the like.

  When the user executes the web browser program on the user terminal 1500 and accesses the game site, for example, a home page W2 as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. The page includes a user account input field 10 for logging in, a password input field 12, and a login execution operation icon 14. When the user terminal 1500 detects a touch operation on these fields, the user terminal 1500 displays a software keyboard and enables character input to these fields. Of course, if the user terminal 1500 has a hardware keyboard, it may be used to input a user account or password.

  Similar to the registered user authentication in a publicly-known website, the game server system 1100 executes user authentication based on the user account and password input at the user terminal 1500. When the authentication is successful, information for displaying a lottery page for game content for the authenticated user on the user terminal 1500 is transmitted. This lottery page is displayed only once a day for one user, and transmission of information for displaying the content lottery page is skipped as appropriate after the second day of the same day.

  On the user terminal 1500, for example, a lottery page W4 for game content as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. The page includes a lottery execution operation icon 16, and when the user touches the icon, a lottery execution request is transmitted from the user terminal 1500 to the game server system 1100. Receiving this, the game server system 1100 executes a lottery process to lottery game content to be given to the authenticated user. The lottery content is separately given to the authenticated user in the game server system 1100 and can be used when the user plays the game.

  Then, the game server system 1100 selects a URL as link destination information (access information) of sub-contents linked in advance to the selected game content, and displays the selected game content and the URL in association with each other. Page description information (for example, in HTML) of the lottery result notification page is generated and transmitted to the user terminal 1500 together with an object (image or the like) necessary for page display.

  In the user terminal 1500, for example, a lottery result notification page W6 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. On the page, a game content notification display body 20 for notifying the type of the game content selected by lottery and a link destination display body 22 indicating the link destination of the sub-content selected in association with the game content are displayed. Is done.

The game content notification display body 20 is, for example, an image or a CG model showing the design of a game card. In the example of the figure, it is shown that the player has obtained a character card defining a character that can be used in the game by lottery.
The link destination display body 22 is a URL display body 24 or a thumbnail icon 26, and also serves as a link destination reference operation input icon for referring to the link destination.

  When the user performs a touch operation on the link destination display body 22 on the lottery result notification page W6, the user terminal 1500 detects a link destination reference operation input and starts referring to the link destination indicated by the link destination display body 22. If the link destination is moving image data, the reproduction window W8 or the reproduction operation icon display unit 28 is popped up to start the moving image as shown in FIG. 6, and if it is still image data, the image is displayed. . If it is audio data, audio is reproduced.

  The sub contents of the present embodiment are, for example, a lecture video of basic usage of game content, a hint video of good usage, an anecdote video related to characters and items of game content, and the like. As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of sub-contents are linked to one game content, but some of them are part videos of a complete video 30 (A part video 31 and B part video in the figure). 32,..., D part animation 34). The part movie has a shorter playback time than the complete movie 30 and has a connection with a part movie that moves back and forth if viewed continuously.

  And the game server system 1100 has memorize | stored the list data (refer provision link destination information list 522 of FIG. 9) of the sub content provided for every user. If the newly selected sub-content and the sub-content provided by the user are combined, if all part videos or a certain number of part videos are available, the newly selected sub-content is replaced with the corresponding sub-content. Replacement processing for providing the complete moving image 30 as the current sub-content can be performed. The complete moving image 30 includes a part moving image (for example, a D part moving image 34) that is not provided as sub-contents, and is set to have a privileged aspect of the complete moving image 30.

[Description of functional block]
Next, a functional configuration for realizing the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the user terminal 1500 in the present embodiment. The user terminal 1500 includes an operation input unit 100, a processing unit 200, a sound output unit 350, an image display unit 360, a communication unit 370, and a storage unit 500.

  The operation input unit 100 outputs an operation input signal to the processing unit 200 according to various operation inputs made by the user. For example, it can be realized not only by a button switch, a joystick, a touchpad, a trackball, etc., but also by an element that detects movement or posture, such as an acceleration sensor, angular velocity sensor, tilt sensor, geomagnetic sensor, etc. . The direction input key 1502, the home key 1504, and the touch panel 1506 in FIG.

The processing unit 200 is realized by an electronic component such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, or an IC memory. The processing unit 200 performs data input / output control with each functional unit, executes various arithmetic processes based on a predetermined program and data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 100, and the like, and executes the user terminal 1500. To control the operation. In FIG. 2, the control board 1550 corresponds to this.
The processing unit 200 includes a web browsing control unit 202, a game calculation unit 248, a sound generation unit 250, an image generation unit 260, and a communication control unit 270.

  The web browsing control unit 202 is realized by executing the web browser program 504 stored in the storage unit 500, and executes control for connecting to the communication line 1 and browsing the game site. In the present embodiment, a login control unit 204, a lottery result notification control unit 206, a link destination reference operation detection unit 208, and a sub content reproduction control unit 210 are included.

  The login control unit 204 implements various procedures for receiving user authentication at the game site. This can be realized by using a technique related to known login or user authentication.

  The lottery result notification control unit 206 performs control for notifying the user of the type of game content to be provided. At that time, control for presenting the link destination information of the sub-content to the user is also performed. In the present embodiment, control related to the display of the lottery result notification page W6 (see FIG. 5) is performed.

  The link destination reference operation detection unit 208 detects an operation for referring to the link destination of the sub-content. The sub-content reproduction control unit 210 performs control for acquiring and reproducing the sub-content from the link destination information when the link destination reference operation is detected.

  The game calculation unit 248 is realized by executing the game program 508 of the storage unit 500 distributed on the game site, and executes various processes related to the game of the present embodiment.

  The sound generation unit 250 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec that can reproduce an audio file, and the sound effects related to the game based on the processing result by the game calculation unit 248. And BGM and sound signals of various operation sounds are generated and output to the sound output unit 350.

  The sound output unit 350 is realized by a device that outputs sound effects such as sound effects, BGM, telephone communication sound, and the like related to the game based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 250. In FIG. 2, the speaker 1510 corresponds to this.

  The image generating unit 260 is, for example, a processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC or a video codec, an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, and for developing texture data. This is realized by an IC memory or the like used for the above. The image generation unit 260 generates one game screen in one frame time (for example, 1/60 second) based on the processing result by the game calculation unit 248 and outputs the generated image signal of the game screen to the image display unit 360. To do.

  The image display unit 360 displays various game images based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 260. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. In the present embodiment, this corresponds to the touch panel 1506 of FIG.

The communication control unit 270 executes communication connection for data communication and data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 370.
A communication unit 370 related to this is connected to the communication line 1 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a cable communication cable jack, a control circuit, and the like, and the wireless communication module 1553 of FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

  The storage unit 500 stores programs, various data, and the like for realizing various functions for causing the processing unit 200 to control the user terminal 1500 in an integrated manner. Further, it is used as a work area of the processing unit 200, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the processing unit 200 according to various programs, input data input from the operation input unit 100, and the like. Such a function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM or a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD. In FIG. 2, the IC memory 1552 and the memory card 1540 mounted on the control board 1550 correspond to this.

  The storage unit 500 of this embodiment stores a system program 502, a web browser program 504, a sub content playback plug-in 506, and a game program 508.

A system program 502 is a basic program for realizing basic functions of the user terminal 1500 as a computer.
The web browser program 504 is a program that causes the processing unit 200 to realize the function as the web browsing control unit 202.

The sub content reproduction plug-in 506 is a plug-in that can be used when reproducing the sub content from the web browser program 504. Although shown as one in the figure, it is prepared according to the type of assumed sub-content.
The game program 508 is a program for causing the processing unit 200 to realize a function as the game calculation unit 248.

  Further, the storage unit 500 of the present embodiment stores game initial setting data 510 and master play data 514. Of course, data necessary for executing other various processes (for example, compressed / decompressed texture data, elapsed time, various timer values, counters, flags) and the like are also stored as appropriate.

  The game initial setting data 510 is data downloaded from the game server system 1100 together with the game program 508, and stores various data used for the game. For example, game card setting data 512 defining game cards used in the game is included. The data includes, for example, a setting parameter value 512b that defines the performance assigned to the card for each game card ID 512a, data for displaying the card on the game screen, and an effect display that is applied during an attack or defense. Data is stored in association with each other. A game card included in the game card setting data 512 is provided as game content in the present embodiment.

  The master play data 514 is data that is sequentially updated by the game calculation unit 248 along with the game progress control, and stores various parameter values that describe the game proficiency of the player (user) and the game progress. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a player level 516, a possessed game card ID list 518, a stage ID 520 of a stage (which may be a map) currently played, and a provided link destination information list 522 are included. The parameters included in the play data are not limited to these, and can include, for example, the total play time, the total number of times played, and the winning percentage. In addition, so-called status data that appropriately stores current parameter values (such as in-stage position coordinates) of the game card used in the game is also stored as appropriate according to the game content.

  The provided link destination information list 522 is a list of link destination information (access information) indicating an acquisition destination of sub-contents already provided to the user, and stores link destination information 526 in association with the game card ID 524. . The link destination information 526 also serves as identification information of the provided sub-content because of its nature. In this embodiment, one or more URLs are stored.

  FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the game server system 1100 in the present embodiment. The game server system 1100 includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, an image display unit 360s, a communication unit 370s, and a server storage unit 500s.

  The operation input unit 100s outputs an operation input signal to the server processing unit 200s according to various operation inputs made by the server operator. For example, it can be realized by a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, a track pad, or the like. In FIG. 1, the keyboard 1106 and the touch panel 1108 correspond to this.

  The server processing unit 200s is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or a GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC or an IC memory. The server processing unit 200s performs input / output control of data with each function unit, and externally accessed from a predetermined program or data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 100s, or the communication unit 370s. Various arithmetic processes are executed in response to a request from a device (another computer) or the like, and the operation of the game server system 1100 is controlled. In FIG. 1, the blade server 1104, more specifically, the control board corresponds to this. The server processing unit 200s of the present embodiment includes a server control unit 230, an image generation unit 260s, and a communication control unit 270s.

  The server control unit 230 executes a process for realizing a game site and providing various services. In the present embodiment, a user registration information management unit 232, a user authentication unit 234, a game content lottery unit 236, a link destination information selection unit 238, a link destination information provision control unit 240, and a game distribution control unit 242 including.

The user registration information management unit 232 performs processing related to generation of user registration data 530 for new user registration and update of generated user registration data 530.
The user authentication unit 234 performs processing related to authentication of registered users, so-called login authentication.

  The game content lottery unit 236 performs processing related to selection of game content to be provided to the user terminal 1500.

The link destination information selection unit 238 selects the authenticated user authenticated by the user authentication unit 234 from the sub-contents stored in the content sharing web server 1200 corresponding to the game content selected by the game content lottery unit 236. The link destination information of the sub content to be provided to the user terminal 1500 is selected. That is, the sub-content to be provided is selected.
The present embodiment has an unprovided image priority selection function that preferentially selects sub-contents that are not provided to the user terminal 1500 of the authenticated user. Moreover, it has the function to select the sub content provided to the user terminal 1500 this time based on the sub content already provided to the friend user of the authenticated user. Moreover, it has the function to select the subcontent provided based on play data and profile information of an authentication user. In addition, when the selected sub-content satisfies a predetermined condition, it has a special image information providing function for providing it by replacing it with link destination information (access information) to the special sub-content (complete moving image 30 in FIG. 7).

  The link destination information provision control unit 240 generates information for notifying the user terminal 1500 in association with the information for notifying the type of the selected game content and the link destination information of the selected sub-content. Take control to provide. Specifically, page description information for displaying the lottery result notification page W6 including the game content notification display body 20 and the link destination display body 22 (see FIG. 5) is generated, and the user together with the display body data. Transmission control to the terminal 1500 is performed.

  The game distribution control unit 242 executes processing for distributing the game program 507 and the game initial setting data 570 to the authenticated user. Furthermore, the update of the game initial setting data 570 may be supported.

  The image generation unit 260s is, for example, a processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC or a video codec, an IC memory for a drawing frame such as a frame buffer, or a texture data expansion This is realized by an IC memory or the like used for the above. The image generation unit 260s generates one screen in one frame time (for example, 1/60 second) based on the processing result by the server processing unit 200s, and outputs an image signal of the generated screen to the image display unit 360s.

  The image display unit 360s displays various images based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 260s. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. In the present embodiment, this corresponds to the touch panel 1108 of FIG.

The communication control unit 270s executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 370s.
The communication unit 370s related to this is connected to the communication line 1 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a cable communication cable jack, a control circuit, or the like.

  The server storage unit 500s stores programs and data for causing the server processing unit 200s to realize various functions. Further, it is used as a work area of the server processing unit 200s and temporarily stores calculation results executed according to various programs, information received from the user terminal 1500, and the like. Such a function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM or a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to an information storage medium such as an IC memory mounted on the blade server 1104 and a storage 1140.

  The server storage unit 500s of this embodiment includes a server system program 503, a web server program 505, a game program 507, user registration data 530, game initial setting data 570, and game content notification display body setting data. 574, sub-content link destination setting data 580, and link destination replacement setting data 590 are stored. In addition, time count values and various flags necessary for website management and game program distribution are stored as appropriate.

The server system program 503 is a program for causing a computer to realize basic functions as a server.
The web server program 505 is a program for causing the server processing unit 200s to realize the function as the server control unit 230.

  The game program 507 is an original of the game program 508 (see FIG. 8) provided to the user terminal 1500. The user terminal 1500 downloads and stores it in an information storage medium that is installed and executes it. The game program 507 is realized by a dedicated program, a plug-in for realizing dynamic display on the web browser program and the web browser program, or the like. The latter configuration can be used when an online game is realized as a so-called browser game.

  The user registration data 530 is prepared for each registered user and stores various types of information related to the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a user account 532 and a password 534 are stored. Moreover, sex 536, age 537, etc. can be stored as a user's profile information. The profile information is not limited to these, and the place of residence and e-mail address can be set as appropriate.

  In addition, the user registration data 530 stores a friend list 538 that stores user accounts of other users that the user regards as friends (friends), and backup play data 540.

  The backup play data 540 is a copy of the master play data 514 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) stored and managed in the storage unit 500 of the user terminal 1500, and is updated at an appropriate timing after user authentication, for example. It is assumed that processing is performed. Therefore, various information stored in the backup play data 540 is the same as the master play data 514, but the same name is given a different code for distinction.

  Returning to FIG. 10, the game initial setting data 570 is the original game initial setting data 510 (see FIG. 8) provided to the user terminal 1500. Since the game of this embodiment is a battle card battle game, it includes game card setting data 572 storing setting information for each game card that can be used in the game. The game initial setting data 570 is appropriately updated by the game manager.

  The game content notification display setting data 574 is information for notifying the user of the type of the game content (synonymous with the game card in the present embodiment) that is selected on the lottery result notification page W6 (see FIG. 5). Is stored. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a game content notification display body which is an image representing the design of the game card or information on a CG model is associated with the game card ID 576 corresponding to the identification information of the lottery game content. Data 578 is stored.

  The sub-content link destination setting data 580 stores link destination information (access information; for example, URL (Uniform Resource Locator)) obtained by posting the sub-content on the content sharing site in association with the game content. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a link destination information list 586 is stored for each selection condition 584 in association with a game card ID 582 corresponding to game content identification information.

  As the parameters included in the selection condition 584, parameters related to the play history in the game in which the user's profile information and game content can be used can be appropriately selected. For example, as the former, the user's age, gender, residence name, number of friends list registration, and the like can be used. As the latter, the player level, the number of possessed game cards, the kind of possessed game card, the total play time, the total number of plays, the winning percentage, the stage ID, the position coordinates in the stage, and the like can be used. Combinations thereof can also be set as appropriate according to the game content, game balance, and the content and number of sub-contents provided.

  In the present embodiment, one or more URLs are stored in the link destination information list 586 corresponding to one selection condition 584, which is an option when selecting link destination information.

Returning to FIG. 10, the link destination replacement setting data 590 defines a condition for replacing the link destination information of the sub-content provided together with the selected game content, and the replacement destination. In the present embodiment, when the link destination information provided to the user and the link destination information newly provided this time are combined, a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, link destination information of all part videos of the predetermined complete video 30 is included). When complete, the complete moving image 30 (special moving image) is replaced with the link destination information.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, in the link destination replacement setting data 590 of this embodiment, the link destination information of all part videos necessary for replacement to the replacement link destination information 594 is set in the replacement trigger condition 592. Is done. That is, when the link destination information already provided to the user and the link destination information newly provided this time cover all the link destinations set in the replacement trigger condition 592, the link destination information scheduled to be provided this time is included. Instead, replacement link destination information 594 is provided.

[Description of process flow]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing related to the provision of link destination information of game content and sub-content in the present embodiment, and the left side of the figure shows the flow of processing in the user terminal. The right side shows the flow of processing in the game server system 1100. Note that it is assumed that the user of the user terminal 1500 has completed membership registration at the game site in advance and has acquired the game program 507 and the game initial setting data 570. Further, it is assumed that the web browser program 504 is in an execution state in the user terminal 1500, and the web server program 505 is in an execution state in the game server system 1100.

  When the processing unit 200 of the user terminal 1500 first accesses the home page of the game site (step S2), the server processing unit 200 of the game server system 1100 displays a web page such as page description information and images of the home page W2. Information is returned and controlled (step S4).

  The processing unit 200 of the user terminal 1500 receives information for displaying these web pages, displays the home page W2, and performs a login process (step S6). In response to this, the server processing unit 200s of the game server system 1100 executes user authentication processing (step S8). For the processing related to login and user authentication from the home page display described so far, known techniques can be used as appropriate.

  Next, backup processing of the master play data 514 is executed in the user terminal 1500 (step S10), and the game server system 1100 receives the latest master play data 514 from the user terminal 1500, and the user registration data 530 of the authenticated user. The backup play data 540 is updated with the received data (step S12; see FIG. 11).

  When the update of the backup play data 540 is completed, the server processing unit 200s of the game server system 1100 transmits information for displaying the lottery page W4 to the user terminal 1500 of the authenticated user (step S14). Receiving this, the processing unit 200 of the user terminal 1500 performs control to display the lottery page W4 (step S16), and if a predetermined lottery execution operation input is detected on the page, the lottery request is sent to the game server system 1100. A signal is transmitted (step S18).

  The server processing unit 200s of the game server system 1100 receives a lottery request signal, executes a lottery process for game content, and selects one game card to be given to the authenticated user as the game content (step S20). Then, link destination information selection processing is executed (step S38).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of link destination information selection processing in the present embodiment. In this process, the server processing unit 200 s of the game server system 1100 first selects the sub-contents link destination information list 586 according to the lottery result, the profile information of the authenticated user, and information about the game (play history and game progress). (Step S40).
Specifically, the server processing unit 200s is selected by lottery in step S20 with reference to the sub-content link destination setting data 580 (see FIG. 13) and the user registration data 530 (see FIG. 11) of the authenticated user. A suitable condition is selected from the selection condition 584 associated with the game card ID 582 of the game card. Then, the link destination information list 586 associated with the suitable selection condition 584 is selected.

  Next, among the link destination information included in the selected link destination information list 586, link destination information that is not registered in the provided link destination information list 556 of the authenticated user is extracted as an “actual option” (step S42).

  If the number of actual choices is “0” (“0” in step S44), the server processing unit 200s selects any link destination information from the link destination information list 586 selected in step S40. A random selection is made (step S45), and the link destination information selection process is terminated.

  If the number of actual options is “1” (“1” in step S44), the server processing unit 200s selects the link destination information list that is the actual option (step S46), and performs link destination information selection processing. Exit.

  If the number of link destination information extracted as an actual option is “2” or more (“2” or more in step S44), the server processing unit 200s displays the authenticated user provided link destination information list 556 and the authenticated user. The provided link destination information list 556 of other friend users (other users registered in the friend list 538) is collated, and the common rate of both link destination information is calculated (step S48).

If the common rate is less than the predetermined reference value (YES in step S50), the server processing unit 200s gives priority to the link destination information registered in the provided link destination information list 556 of the friend user from the actual options. (Step S52). Specifically, a lottery process in which the winning probability of the same link destination information already registered in the provided link destination information list 556 of the friend user is increased is selected. Alternatively, if the same link destination information that is already registered in the provided link destination information list 556 of the friend user is within the actual options, one of them is selected.
If the link destination information can be selected, the link destination information selection process is terminated.

  In step S52, if the same link destination information that has already been provided to the friend user can be selected, the authenticated user and the friend user, for example, "Did you watch the A part video of (game card character name)?" Helps to create common topics and facilitates communication between users.

  On the other hand, if the common rate has reached the reference value (NO in step S50), the server processing unit 200s determines that there are sufficient topics for creating a topic by sharing the link destination information, and the link destination that is the actual option. Any one of the information is randomly selected (step S54), and the link destination information selection process is terminated.

  When the link destination information selection processing is completed, returning to FIG. 15, the server processing unit 200 s of the game server system 1100 next refers to the link destination replacement setting data 590 and determines whether the replacement trigger condition 592 is satisfied. (Step S70; see FIG. 14).

  If it is satisfied (YES in step S70), the server processing unit 200s determines the replacement link destination information 594 corresponding to the replacement activation condition 592 determined to be satisfied in the previous link destination information selection process. The selected link destination information is replaced (step S72), and the link destination information selected this time is additionally registered and updated in the provided link destination information list 556 of the authenticated user (step S74). If none of the replacement trigger conditions 592 is satisfied (NO in step S70), the server processing unit 200s uses the link destination information selected in the previous sync destination information selection process as the link destination information selected this time. It is additionally registered and updated in the provided link destination information list 556 of the authenticated user (step S74).

Next, the server processing unit 200s of the game server system 1100 generates page description information for displaying the lottery result notification page W6 (see FIG. 5) (step S76).
Specifically, referring to game content notification display body setting data 574 (see FIG. 12), game content notification display body data 578 corresponding to game card ID 576 of the game content selected in step S20 is selected. Then, the page description information (for example, HTML) is edited and generated so that the game content notification display body 20 based on the data is displayed at a predetermined position on the lottery result notification page W6. Further, the page description information is edited and generated so that the link destination information selected this time is displayed as a link destination display body 22 at a predetermined position on the page.

  Then, together with the generated page description information, various information for displaying the lottery result notification page W6, the selected game card ID, and the link destination information are transmitted to the user terminal 1500 of the authenticated user (step S78). This includes game content notification display body data 578 corresponding to the game card ID 576 of the game content selected in step S20.

  When receiving these, the processing unit 200 of the user terminal 1500 updates the provided link destination information list 522 of the master play data 514 (see FIG. 9) and the possessed game card ID list 518 (step S100). The lottery result notification page W6 is displayed (step S102).

  If it is detected that the link destination display 22 has been touched on the page, it is considered that a link destination reference operation input, in other words, a sub-content reproduction operation input has been made (YES in step S104), and the user terminal The processing unit 200 1500 executes a reproduction process of the linked sub-content (step S106).

  Here, in order to facilitate understanding, the explanation is made as if sub-contents are always reproduced. However, whether or not the sub-contents are reproduced depends on the user's intention, and other operations (for example, a homepage) It is of course possible to end the flow of the processing shown in FIG. 15 without reproducing the sub-content when the input of the movement operation is detected.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can obtain the related information acquisition destination information (sub-content link destination information) along with the provision of the game content. If you want, you can browse related information from the source. In other words, it is possible to continuously experience the pleasure of understanding the content while maintaining the joy of obtaining the game content.

  In addition, since the link destination information of the sub-content is preferentially selected from those not yet provided by the user, even if the same game content may be provided, there is a high possibility that the sub-content is different. Become. Users do not necessarily have to be discouraged because they are the same game content, but they can even enjoy the expectation that by acquiring different sub-contents, new knowledge about the content may be obtained.

  In addition, since the sub-content link destination information can be selected based on the user's profile information and game play history, it is possible to prepare the sub-content optimized for the user's age, gender, etc. It is also possible to selectively select contents according to the progress status. For example, if a game strategy hint is set as the content of the sub-content, and a situation suitable for giving the hint is set in the selection condition 584 (see FIG. 13), the user can experience the unit game content provided. Not only that, it is possible to experience that game assistance is provided.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. This embodiment is basically realized in the same manner as the first embodiment, except that a lottery process for game content is performed on the user terminal 1500. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same components as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the user terminal 1500 in the present embodiment. The user terminal 1500 of this embodiment includes a link destination information acquisition control unit 207 and a game content lottery unit 236 in the processing unit 200. Accordingly, the game content lottery unit 236 is omitted from the game server system 1100 of the present embodiment.

  The link destination information acquisition control unit 207 performs control for acquiring the link destination information of the sub content from the game server system 1100 of the present embodiment.

  In addition, the web browser program 504 of this embodiment supports Java (registered trademark) scripts.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing related to the provision of link destination information of game content and sub-content in the present embodiment, and the left side of the figure shows the flow of processing in the user terminal. The right side shows the flow of processing in the game server system 1100.

  In the present embodiment, the processes from the lottery of game content, the provision of the lottered content to the user, and the notification of the lottery result are performed as dynamic processes on the game content lottery page W4. Specifically, the page description information of the lottery page W4 transmitted from the game server system 1100 in step S14 incorporates a Java script or the like for executing dynamic processing within the web page.

  If the user terminal 1500 of the present embodiment detects a lottery execution operation on the page as a dynamic process on the lottery page W4, the user terminal 1500 executes a lottery process for game content (step S22), and the lottery game content is selected. That is, a game card is given to the user (step S24). Then, the lottery result is transmitted to the game server system 1100 (step S26).

  When the game server system 1100 of this embodiment receives the lottery result, the game server system 1100 executes link destination information selection processing (step S38), replaces the link destination as necessary (steps S70 to S72), and links destination information. Is transmitted to the user terminal 1500 of the authenticated user (step S80).

The user terminal 1500 of the present embodiment additionally registers the received link destination information in the provided link destination information list 522 of the master play data 514 (step S94). Then, the game content notification display body 20 (see FIG. 5) corresponding to the previous lottery result is displayed (step S96), and the link destination display body 22 is displayed based on the received link destination information (step S98). . These steps are realization of the lottery result notification page W6 in the present embodiment.
The subsequent processing is the same as the processing flow in the first embodiment.

  According to the present embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained, and the processing load related to the lottery of game content in the game server system 1100 can be distributed to the user terminals 1500.

Although the present embodiment is configured to log in at the game site as in the first embodiment, it may be configured not to use a web browser.
For example, as functions realized by the game program 508, a log-in process (step S6) with the game server system 1100 and a backup process (step S10) of the master play data 514 are executed. Of course, the game server system 1100 can use CGI (Common Gateway Interface), and the user authentication process (step S8), the backup play data update process (step S12), and the link destination information selection process change the link destination information. Until transmission (steps S38 to S80) is realized.

[Modification]
As described above, the embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these, and additions, omissions, and changes of components can be appropriately made.

  For example, in the above embodiment, a battle-type card game is given as an example of a game, but a game of another genre may be used.

  In the above embodiment, the content sharing web server 1200 is a server independent of the game server system 1100, but may be configured by the blade server 1104 or the storage 1140 of the game server system 1100.

  In the above embodiment, the game server system 1100 manages the user registration data 530 including the backup play data 540. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the backup play data 540 is associated with the user account 532 and stored in an external server, and the game server system 1100 acquires / refers to the backup play data 540 by appropriately communicating with the external server in the link destination information selection process. It is good also as composition to do.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Game content notification display body 22 ... Link destination display body 200 ... Processing part 200s ... Server processing part 202 ... Web browsing control part 206 ... Lottery result notification control part 207 ... Link destination information acquisition control part 208 ... Link destination reference operation Detection unit 210 ... Sub-content reproduction control unit 230 ... Server control unit 236 ... Game content lottery unit 238 ... Link destination information selection unit 240 ... Link destination information provision control unit 500 ... Storage unit 500s ... Server storage unit 503 ... Server system program 504 ... Web browser program 505 ... Web server program 506 ... Sub-contents playback plug-in 507, 508 ... Game program 510 ... Game initial setting data 512 ... Game card setting data 514 ... Master play data 518 ... Owned game card D list 522 ... provided link destination information list 530 ... user registration data 538 ... friend list 540 ... backup play data 556 ... provided link destination information list 570 ... game initial setting data 572 ... game card setting data 574 ... game content notification Display body setting data 578 ... Game content notification display body data 580 ... Sub-content link destination setting data 586 ... Link destination information list 590 ... Link destination replacement setting data 1100 ... Game server system 1200 ... Content sharing web server 1500 ... User terminal 1550 ... Control board 1553 ... Wireless communication module W2 ... Homepage W4 ... Lottery page W6 ... Lottery result notification page W8 ... Playback window

Claims (10)

A game server system that provides content (hereinafter referred to as “game content”) that can be used for a given game to a user terminal connected in communication,
Selecting means for selecting game content to be provided to the user terminal;
Providing means for providing the user terminal with the game content selected by the selection means, together with access information to the image in a database storing images related to the game content;
A game server system. The database stores a plurality of images for one game content,
Image selection means for selecting an image to be provided to the user terminal from among images stored in the database corresponding to the game content selected by the selection means,
The providing means provides access information to the image selected by the image selecting means;
The game server system according to claim 1. A provision history storage means for storing identification information of an image already provided to the user terminal;
The image selection means provides the user terminal with an image not provided to the user terminal or an image selected by performing a lottery process that increases the winning probability of an image not provided to the user terminal. Having unprovided image priority selection means for selecting as an image;
The game server system according to claim 2. A friend list storage means for storing a friend user of each user;
Provision history storage means for storing identification information of images provided for each user;
Have
The image selection means includes means for selecting an image to be provided to the user terminal based on an image already provided to a friend user of the user of the user terminal.
The game server system according to claim 2. It further comprises play data storage means for storing play data of each user in the game,
The image selection means includes means for selecting an image to be provided to the user terminal based on play data of the user of the user terminal.
The game server system according to any one of claims 2 to 4. Profile information storage means for storing profile information of each user is further provided,
The image selection means includes means for selecting an image to be provided to the user terminal based on profile information of the user terminal.
The game server system as described in any one of Claims 2-5. The database further stores special images,
Special image information providing means for providing access information to the special image when the image selected by the image selection means satisfies a predetermined condition;
The game server system according to any one of claims 2 to 6. The database stores images related to the use of the game content in the game,
The selection means selects a game content to be provided to the user terminal by executing a given lottery process.
The game server system as described in any one of Claims 1-7. A computer capable of communicating with a game server system that provides access information to the image in a database storing images related to game content;
Lottery means for executing game content lottery,
Access information acquisition means for acquiring access information of an image corresponding to the game content selected by the lottery means from the game server;
Image display control means for controlling the display of the image by accessing the database based on the access information acquired by the access information acquisition means;
Program to function as.   A computer-readable information storage medium storing the program according to claim 9.

Images