JP2018064906A - Position identification system and computer program used therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a position identification system capable of reflecting characteristics of a provider which provides information on a current position to identifying a position of a second terminal.SOLUTION: A game system 1 to which a position identification system is applied identifies a position of a game machine GM communicable with a user terminal 5 on the basis of the information on the current position acquired by the user terminal 5 capable of acquiring the information on its own current position. Specifically, the game system 1, when the position information including a user ID acquired by the user terminal 5 through an input opportunity and the information on the current position acquired through the user terminal 5 are collected in a communication terminal NT corresponding to either of the user terminal 5 and the game machine GM through communication, acquires the position information from the communication terminal NT connected through a network 3, identifies a provider (a user, for example) who provides the position information on the basis of the user ID included in the position information, and identifies the position of the game machine GM on the basis of the information on the current position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a position specifying system that specifies the position of a second terminal that can communicate with a first terminal based on information about the current position acquired by a first terminal that can acquire information on the current position of the terminal.

  There is a position specifying system that specifies the position of the second terminal that can communicate with the first terminal based on the information of the current position acquired by the first terminal that can acquire the information of the current position of itself. For example, a first mobile communication device having position detecting means as such a first terminal and a second terminal and a second mobile communication device having no such means are used, respectively. Providing position information for calculating the position of the second mobile communication device by calculating the distance between the first mobile communication device and the second mobile communication device in addition to the current position acquired through the position detection means A system is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-316028 A

  In the system of Patent Document 1, the first mobile communication device calculates the position of the second mobile communication device based on the distance between the current position and the second mobile communication device, and the second mobile communication means The current position is acquired by acquiring the calculation result from the first mobile communication device. That is, the second mobile communication means individually acquires its current position via the first mobile communication device. For this reason, even if there are a plurality of second mobile communication means in the system of Patent Document 1, their current positions are not managed in a unified manner.

  Further, in the system of Patent Document 1, the first mobile communication device that provides information such as the current position and the user are not specified. As a result, the characteristics of the first mobile communication device that provided information such as the current position and the user thereof are not considered. On the other hand, for example, the accuracy of the information on the current position is often related to the characteristics of a provider that provides the information, such as a terminal or a user. As a result, for example, if there is a terminal that can acquire information on the current position with high accuracy each time, there are terminals that can acquire only information on the current position with low accuracy. For this reason, if the information on the current position of each terminal having such a difference is handled in the same manner, the accuracy of the current position may be lowered. The same applies to the case where incorrect current position information is provided by a non-honest user.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a location specifying system or the like that can reflect the characteristics of the provider that provided the current location information in specifying the location of the second terminal.

  The position specifying system of the present invention specifies a position of a second terminal that can communicate with the first terminal, based on the information on the current position acquired by the first terminal that can acquire information on the current position of the terminal. When the first terminal has location information including user identification information for identifying each user and information on the current location acquired by the user of the user identification information via a network. Information for acquiring the position information via the network from a communication terminal indicating one of the second terminals that has acquired the position information through communication between the first terminal and the first terminal to be connected. An acquisition unit and a proposal corresponding to at least one of the user who provided the location information based on the user identification information included in the location information and the first terminal. With identifying the source, and a, a position specifying means for specifying a position of the second terminal based on the information of the current position.

  On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause a computer connected to the communication terminal via the network to function as each means of the above-described position specifying system.

The figure which shows the outline | summary of the whole structure of the game system to which the information provision system which concerns on one form of this invention was applied. The figure which shows the structure of the principal part of the control system of a game system. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the outline | summary of an example of a location specific service. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the outline | summary of an example of the position specific service in case a game machine functions as a terminal for communication. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the outline | summary of an example of the position specific service in case a user terminal functions as a terminal for communication. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the content of user data. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the content of housing | casing data. The figure which shows an example of the flowchart of a position specific process routine.

  Hereinafter, a position specifying system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. More specifically, the case where the position specifying system of the present invention is applied to a game system will be described as an example. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of a game system to which a position specifying system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 includes a center server 2 and a game machine GM. The game machine GM is connected to the center server 2 via the network 3. As an example, the game machine GM is configured as a business (commercial) game machine. Commercial game machines are game machines that allow a predetermined range of games to be played for a fee or free of charge. As an example, the game machine GM may provide a game for a fee. Specifically, for example, the game machine GM may provide a game in a range according to the price in exchange for consumption of a predetermined price. An appropriate number of game machines GM are installed in a commercial facility such as the store 4.

  The center server 2 is not limited to an example constituted by a single physical device. For example, one logical center server 2 may be configured by a server group as a plurality of physical devices. Further, the center server 2 may be logically configured using cloud computing. Furthermore, the game machine GM may function as the center server 2.

  In addition, for example, a user terminal 5 may be connected to the center server 2 via the network 3. The user terminal 5 is a type of network terminal device that exhibits various functions by executing software distributed from the center server 2. For example, such a user terminal 5 may include one having a position acquisition function. As the position acquisition function, for example, a so-called Global Positioning System (hereinafter, referred to as GPS) function may be used. That is, the user terminal 5 may be provided with a GPS receiver as an example. The user terminal 5 may be configured to acquire (calculate) information on its current position based on information acquired through such a receiver. In the example of FIG. 1, a mobile phone (including a smartphone) is used as an example of the user terminal 5. In addition, as the user terminal 5, for example, various network terminal devices that can be connected to the network and are used for personal use of the user, such as a personal computer, a portable game machine, and a portable tablet terminal device, are used. Good. In this case, for example, the user terminal 5 having a position acquisition function may function as the first terminal of the present invention.

  As an example, the network 3 may be configured to realize network communication using a TCP / IP protocol. In this case, typically, the network 3 may be configured by combining the Internet as a WAN and an intranet as a LAN. In the example of FIG. 1, the center server 2 and the game machine GM are connected to the network 3 via the router 3a, and the user terminal 5 is connected to the network 3 via the access point 3b. In some stores 4, a game machine GM is connected to the network 3 via an access point 3b. For example, when a mobile phone is used as an example of the user terminal 5, the access point 3b may be configured as a part of the mobile phone network. That is, the game machine GM may be connected to the network 3 through the mobile phone network, for example, as with the user terminal 5.

  The network 3 is not limited to a form using the TCP / IP protocol. As the network 3, various forms using a wired line for communication or a wireless line (including infrared communication, short-range wireless communication, etc.) may be used. Alternatively, the communication between the user terminal 5 and the game machine GM or the like conforms to a predetermined standard so as to include various information such as a two-dimensional code without using a communication line (including wired and wireless), for example. It may be realized using a code (for example, a two-dimensional code) generated in this way. Therefore, the term “network (or communication line)” may include a form in which information is transmitted and received without using a line, such as a communication method using such a code.

  The center server 2 provides various game machine services to the game machine GM or its user. For example, a service for receiving user identification information from the game machine GM and authenticating the user may be provided as the game machine service. Further, a service may be provided in which the play data of the authenticated user is received from the game machine GM and stored, or the play data to be stored is provided to the game machine GM. Furthermore, the game machine service distributes and updates the game machine GM program or data via the network 3, and matches users when a plurality of users play a common game via the network 3. A matching service or the like may be included.

  Further, the center server 2 provides various Web services to the user of the user terminal 5 via the network 3. The web service may include, for example, a game information service that provides various types of information related to a game provided by the game machine GM. In addition, for example, the Web service is a community that provides various exchanges of data or software to each user terminal 5 (including updates of data and the like), and provides a place for exchange such as information transmission, exchange, and sharing by users. It may include a service, a service for giving a user ID for identifying each user, and the like. Further, the center server 2 may provide a location specifying service as a part of such a Web service or the above-described game machine service. Details of the location service will be described later.

  Next, the main part of the control system of the game system 1 for providing the location specifying service will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the control system of the game system 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the center server 2 includes a control unit 10 as a computer and a storage unit 11. The control unit 10 is configured as a computer unit combining a microprocessor and various peripheral devices such as an internal storage device (for example, ROM and RAM) necessary for the operation of the microprocessor. Note that an input device such as a keyboard and an output device such as a monitor can be connected to the control unit 10. However, those illustrations are omitted.

  The storage unit 11 is connected to the control unit 10. The storage unit 11 may be configured by a large-capacity storage medium such as a magnetic tape, for example, so that the storage can be held without supplying power. The storage unit 11 stores server data 14 and a server program 15. The server program 15 is a computer program necessary for the center server 2 to provide various services to the game machine GM and the user terminal 5. When the control unit 10 reads and executes the server program 15, for example, a game machine service management unit 16 and a Web service management unit 17 may be provided inside the control unit 10.

  The game machine service management unit 16 executes a process for providing the game machine service described above. On the other hand, the web service management unit 17 executes processing necessary to provide the above-described web service. The game machine service management unit 16 and the web service management unit 17 are logical devices realized by a combination of computer hardware and a computer program. Various other logical devices may be provided inside the control unit 10. However, those illustrations are omitted.

  The server data 14 is data that is referred to when the server program 15 is executed. For example, the server data 14 may include user data 14a and housing data 14b. The user data 14a is data for managing each user. For example, the user data 14a may be used for identification (specification) of each user who uses the location specifying service. The housing data 14b is data for managing the position of each game machine GM. Details of these will be described later.

  In addition, the server data 14 may include, for example, various data for realizing various services. For example, such data may include play data, ID management data (including the case where the above-described user data 14a and housing data 14b function as ID management data), and the like. The play data is data in which information related to past play results of each user is described. The play data is used, for example, for taking over the previous play results (past results) from the next time onwards or for taking over the setting contents unique to each user. The ID management data is data for managing various IDs such as user IDs. However, those illustrations are omitted.

  The user terminal 5 is provided with a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, a touch panel 22, and a communication unit 23. The storage unit 21, the touch panel 22, and the communication unit 23 are all connected to the control unit 20. The control unit 20 is configured as a computer unit in which a microprocessor and various peripheral devices such as an internal storage device (for example, ROM and RAM) necessary for the operation of the microprocessor are combined. The control unit 20 may be connected to various output devices such as various input devices and monitors provided in known computer devices capable of network connection. However, those illustrations are omitted.

  The touch panel 22 is a known input device that detects the position of a touch operation with a finger or the like. For example, the touch panel 22 may be used for inputting various information such as characters by outputting an output signal corresponding to each position to the control unit 20. The communication unit 23 is a known device for communicating with the outside. For example, the communication unit 23 may be configured as a device for realizing wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or infrared rays. For example, when communication is performed via a code such as a two-dimensional code, a camera may be used as the communication unit 23. And the communication part 23 may transmit the signal containing various information based on the output signal from the control unit 20, for example. Similarly, the communication unit 23 may receive, for example, a signal including various types of information from the outside, and output an output signal corresponding to the reception result to the control unit 20. That is, the communication unit 23 may execute transmission or reception of various types of information (including only one of them). Specifically, for example, the communication unit 23 may be configured to be able to execute transmission / reception of such information with the game machine GM as an external example.

  On the other hand, the storage unit 21 may be configured by, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory device or the like so that the memory can be retained even when power is not supplied. The storage unit 21 stores a terminal program 25 and terminal data 24. The terminal data 24 is various data that can be referred to as the terminal program 25 is executed. On the other hand, the terminal program 25 is a computer program necessary for the user terminal 5 to receive a web service from the center server 2. When the control unit 20 reads and executes the terminal program 25, a web service processing unit 27 is provided inside the control unit 20.

  For example, the web service processing unit 27 cooperates with the web service management unit 17 of the center server 2 to execute various processes necessary for the user to use the web service. As an example of such a Web service, the Web service processing unit 27 may execute various processes necessary for providing the location specifying service. The Web service processing unit 27 is a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware and a computer program. Various other logical devices may be provided inside the control unit 20, but these are not shown.

  The game machine GM is provided with a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, and a communication unit 33. The storage unit 31 and the communication unit 33 are both connected to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 is configured as a computer unit in which a microprocessor and various peripheral devices such as an internal storage device (for example, ROM and RAM) necessary for the operation of the microprocessor are combined. The control unit 30 can be connected to various output devices (for example, a monitor and a speaker) or input devices (for example, an operation input device) as well as other known game machines. For example, such an input device may include a known device for collecting a predetermined value such as a coin authentication device. As another example of such a device, a reader may be used. A reader is a well-known device that reads various information stored in a card owned by a user using short-range wireless communication or the like. For example, on a card, as an example of such various types of information, information on a user ID (including information that can specify a user ID such as a card ID) and information on the amount of value used as a predetermined value ( Information for specifying the amount of value is included (for example, card ID or user ID information may function). For example, a predetermined value such as a coin or a predetermined value may be collected through such a coin authentication device, a reader, or the like. However, those illustrations are omitted.

  The communication unit 33 is a known device for communicating with the outside. For example, like the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 5, the communication unit 23 may be configured as a device for realizing wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or infrared rays. Similarly to the communication unit 23, a camera may be used as the communication unit 33. And the communication part 33 may transmit the signal containing various information based on the output signal from the control unit 30, for example. Similarly, for example, the communication unit 33 may receive a signal including various types of information from the outside and output an output signal corresponding to the reception result to the control unit 30. That is, the communication unit 33 may execute transmission or reception of various types of information (including only one of them). Specifically, for example, the communication unit 33 may be configured to be able to execute transmission / reception of such information with the user terminal 5 via the communication unit 23 as an example of the outside.

  On the other hand, the storage unit 31 may be configured by, for example, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, a flash SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like so that the storage can be held without supplying power. The storage unit 31 stores a game program 35 and game data 34. The game program 35 is a computer program necessary for the game machine GM to provide a game. With the execution of the game program 35, for example, a game providing unit 37 may be provided inside the control unit 30. The game providing unit 37 executes various processes necessary for providing a game. The game providing unit 37 is a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware and a computer program. Various other logical devices may be provided inside the control unit 30. However, those illustrations are omitted.

  The game data 34 is data that is referred to when the game program 35 is executed. The game data 34 may include, for example, image data and sound effect data. The image data is data for displaying various images necessary for the game. The sound effect data is data for reproducing various sounds such as music. Similarly, the game data 34 may include, for example, the above-described play data, ID management data, and the like. For example, at least a part of these data may be provided from the center server 2 so that a necessary part is included. Furthermore, the game data 34 may include various other data for executing the game. However, those illustrations are omitted.

  Next, details of the location specifying service provided by the game system 1 will be described. The position specifying service is a service for specifying the position of the game machine GM. For example, the game system 1 may provide a game machine service or the like while managing the position of each game machine GM via the case data 14b. In this case, the position of each game machine GM may be acquired through an IP address given to the router 3a of each store 4, for example. Specifically, the position of each game machine GM is, for example, a fixed IP address (including a case where a plurality of IP addresses in a predetermined range are used in a fluid manner) and a store associated with the IP address. 4 may be specified.

  On the other hand, when the game machine GM is connected to the network 3 via the access point 3b, it is difficult to specify the position based on such an IP address. Even when the game machine GM is connected via the router 3a, if the router 3a uses an IP address that is given non-fixedly, it is similarly difficult to specify the position. The location specifying service may be used, for example, for specifying the location of the game machine GM. Specifically, the position specifying service may be configured to specify the position of such a game machine GM by using the position acquisition function of the user terminal 5, for example. Further, the game machine GM whose position is specified through such a position specifying service may function as the second terminal of the present invention.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of an example of the location specifying service. As shown in FIG. 3, the location specifying service may be configured to specify the current location of each game machine GM based on integrated information acquired by the center server 2 via the communication terminal NT, for example. For example, such integrated information may include information on the current position acquired by each user terminal 5 through the position acquisition function and information on a case ID for identifying each game machine GM. Further, the location of each game machine GM may be executed by the communication terminal NT, or may be executed by the center server 2 based on the integrated information. When the position of each game machine GM is specified on the communication terminal NT side, the integrated information may further include information indicating the current position of each game machine GM. For example, the integrated information may be generated through integration (aggregation) of information on the current position held by the user terminal 5 and information on the case ID of the game machine GM (indicating self). And as communication terminal NT, either one of these user terminals 5 and game machines GM may function, for example.

  Specifically, for example, when the position of each game machine GM is specified on the center server 2 side, the position specifying service first needs to specify the positions of the user terminal 5 and the game machine GM. Such information may be provided to at least one of the other via the communication unit 23 and the communication unit 33. For example, as such information, information on the current position of the user terminal 5 acquired through the position acquisition function and information on the case ID of each game machine GM for identifying each game machine GM may be used. Then, the other side may generate integrated information obtained by integrating such information, and transmit the integrated information to the center server 2. On the other hand, the center server 2 may specify the current position of each game machine GM based on such integrated information.

  In the position specifying service, the position of the game machine GM may be specified based on information from one communication terminal NT, or information from a plurality (a predetermined number) of communication terminals NT. May be executed based on For example, when information of a predetermined number of communication terminals NT is used, the position of the game machine GM is specified by the average value, median value, and mode of the current positions acquired from the predetermined number of communication terminals NT. It may be executed to calculate a value or the like and specify the value based on the value. Further, when the position of the game machine GM is specified based on the information of the plurality of communication terminals NT, the plurality of user terminals 5 corresponding to each of the plurality of communication terminals NT are a plurality of the present invention. As the first terminal, a plurality of users who respectively provide information on the current position via them function as a plurality of users of the present invention.

  Furthermore, such a position calculation method (procedure) may be changed based on a change condition. For example, the change condition may be satisfied when a specific number of communication terminals NT are included in the predetermined number of communication terminals NT when information of a predetermined number of communication terminals NT is used. Moreover, whether each communication terminal NT corresponds to a specific communication terminal NT may be specified based on a specific condition, for example.

  For example, as a specific condition, a result condition that uses a past position specifying service result may be used. Specifically, for example, the result condition is that the current position is determined from the user terminal 5 or the user who has a record of providing information on the current position belonging to the predetermined range in the position specification of the game machine GM through the past position specifying service. It may be satisfied if information is provided. For example, as such a predetermined range, a position close to the position specified in the past (for example, a range including the specified position such as a range corresponding to the size of the store 4) may be adopted. That is, the performance condition is, for example, a user terminal 5 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an excellent user terminal 5) or a user (hereinafter referred to as an excellent user) who has provided information on a current position determined to be a position close to the past. In other words, when the current position information is provided from the communication terminal NT that provides the current position information acquired from such a good user terminal 5 or the like (hereinafter referred to as “good communication”). May be referred to as terminal NT).

  Further, for example, when such excellent communication terminals NT are included in the predetermined number of communication terminals NT to be calculated, that is, when the change condition is satisfied, special processing different from normal processing (procedure) is performed. The process (procedure) may be executed. That is, the position of the game machine GM may be specified through a special process different from the normal process. For example, in such special processing, the handling of the excellent communication terminal NT may be different from the other communication terminals NT. In addition, for example, as such a difference, even if the predetermined number is changed (for example, it should be calculated from the information of 10 units originally, it is calculated by the information of 5 units, or it is calculated by the information of 1 unit). Alternatively, the information sample of the excellent communication terminal NT may be virtually increased so as to be biased toward the current position of the excellent communication terminal NT when calculating the average value or the like (for example, information on the current position of the same value may be added). It may increase virtually by 5 units). That is, the procedure (calculation method) may be changed so that the information on the current position of the excellent communication terminal NT is more important than other information (so as to have a great influence).

  Furthermore, the location specifying service may be configured to give a privilege to a user who has provided information on the current location via each user terminal 5, for example. For example, as such a privilege, a privilege related to a game provided by the game machine GM (for example, one that gives various advantageous changes to the game) may be used, or other various services provided by the center server 2. Benefits may be used. For example, such a privilege may be given by the center server 2 or may be given by the game machine GM. Moreover, such a privilege may be provided to the user who satisfy | fills grant conditions, for example. As such a granting condition, for example, a condition that is satisfied when the number of times the current position is provided is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (in this case, the content of the privilege may change further according to the number of times provided), or information on the current position A condition that is satisfied when the user terminal 5 that provides the information corresponds to the excellent user terminal 5 may be employed.

  A specific example of the location service will be further described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of an example of the location specifying service when the game machine GM functions as the communication terminal NT. As shown in FIG. 4, in this case, for example, the user terminal 5 may transmit the position information to the game machine GM via the communication unit 23. For example, such position information may include information on a user ID and current position as user identification information. The user ID is information for identifying each user as described above. The current position is information indicating the current position of itself. For example, such information on the current position may be acquired through a position acquisition function.

  For example, the user terminal 5 may execute acquisition and transmission of such position information through a dedicated application. Specifically, for example, such an application may provide an input opportunity for requesting input of a user ID at the time of use. Further, the application may be configured to provide an acquisition opportunity for acquiring current position information through a position acquisition function. Further, the application may be configured to provide a transmission opportunity for transmitting position information including the user ID and the current position information acquired through the input opportunity and the provision opportunity to the game machine GM. . Note that the user terminal 5 may acquire the user ID in various modes. For example, the center server 2 may assign a unique ID for each application when the application is downloaded, and the ID may be provided to the user terminal 5 so as to function as a user ID. Specifically, for example, such an ID may directly function as a user ID, or is used to specify a user ID (separate management) that is separately managed so as to be associated with such an ID. Such an ID may function indirectly as a user ID. That is, for example, the user terminal 5 may acquire the user ID information from the center server 2 or the like without the user input.

  On the other hand, the game machine GM may provide an acquisition opportunity for acquiring position information from the user terminal 5, for example. For example, such an acquisition opportunity may be provided when waiting to provide a game (eg, a demo may be provided) or at the start of the game. Moreover, the acquisition opportunity may be provided based on a user's operation, for example. For example, such an acquisition opportunity may be configured to activate the camera (communication unit 33) when communication is performed via a two-dimensional code, or when other communication is performed. May be configured to execute a connection procedure between the communication unit 23 and the communication unit 33 and waiting for communication. And game machine GM may produce | generate integrated information based on the positional information acquired from the user terminal 5 through such an acquisition opportunity. Specifically, for example, the game machine GM may generate integrated information by integrating (aggregating) the position information of the user terminal 5 and the information of the housing ID of the user terminal 5 (indicating self). Then, the game machine GM may transmit the integrated information to the center server 2 after the integrated information is generated (at an appropriate time).

  On the other hand, the center server 2 acquires, for example, integrated information including information on the user ID, current position, and case ID from the game machine GM, and based on the case ID and current position information of the integrated information, the center server 2 You may specify the current location. Specifically, the center server 2 may specify the current position of the game machine GM based on the calculation procedure as described above, for example. In this case, the center server 2 specifies, for example, the user terminal 5 and the user who provided the current position information (hereinafter, these may be referred to as a provider) based on the user ID information. Then, the center server 2 determines whether or not the current position information satisfies the change condition based on the specified provider, that is, whether or not the user terminal 5 that provided the current position information corresponds to the excellent communication terminal NT. It may be determined.

  On the other hand, FIG. 5 is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the outline | summary of an example of the position specific service in case the user terminal 5 functions as the terminal NT for communication. As shown in FIG. 5, in this case, for example, the game machine GM may transmit the case information to the user terminal 5 via the communication unit 33. For example, such case information may include information on a case ID. The housing ID is information for identifying each game machine GM as described above. In each game machine GM, for example, information of a case ID for identifying itself may be stored in the storage unit 31 as a part of the game data 34 or the like. Then, the game machine GM may transmit such case information to the user terminal 5. Specifically, the game machine GM may be configured to provide a transmission opportunity for such transmission, for example. Also, for example, such a transmission opportunity may be provided at the time of standby or at the start of the game, similar to the acquisition opportunity. Similarly, the transmission opportunity may be provided based on a user operation, for example. For example, such a transmission opportunity may be configured to display a two-dimensional code when communication is performed via a two-dimensional code, or when other communication is performed. May be configured to execute a connection procedure between the communication unit 23 and the communication unit 33 and communication waiting.

  Moreover, the user terminal 5 may provide a reception opportunity for acquiring case information from the game machine GM, for example. For example, such a reception opportunity may be provided through a dedicated application as in the case of the transmission of the position information described above. Further, for example, this application may be configured to activate the camera (communication unit 23), for example, when communication is performed via a two-dimensional code, or other communication is performed. In some cases, the communication unit 23 and the communication unit 33 may be configured to execute a connection procedure and communication waiting. Further, as described above, position information including user ID and current position information may be acquired through such an application. And the user terminal 5 may produce | generate integrated information based on the positional information acquired through the housing | casing information acquired from the game machine GM through such a reception opportunity, an input opportunity, etc. FIG. That is, the user terminal 5 may generate integrated information by integrating the position information acquired through the application and the case information acquired from the game machine GM. The user terminal 5 may transmit the integrated information to the center server 2 after the integrated information is generated (at an appropriate time).

  On the other hand, the center server 2 may execute the same processing as in the example of FIG. That is, the center server 2 may specify the position of the game machine GM in the same process (procedure) as when the integrated information is acquired from the game machine even when the integrated information is acquired from the user terminal 5. Location services may be provided in these ways as an example.

  Next, details of the user data 14a and the case data 14b will be described. The user data 14a is data for managing each user. For example, the user data 14a may be described so that each user ID is associated with individual information related to each user. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the contents of the user data 14a. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the user data 14a may include information on “user ID”, “name”, and “attribute”. The user data 14a may be configured as a set of records described so that these pieces of information are associated with each other as an example.

  “User ID” is information indicating the above-mentioned user ID, “Name” is the name of each user, and “Attribute” is the attribute of each user. Such attribute information may include, for example, the gender, address, age, etc. of each user. Further, such attribute information may include information such as a unique ID for identifying each user terminal 5 if it can be acquired. That is, the user data 14a may be configured such that the user terminal 5 can be directly specified via the user ID. Note that the user data 14a may include, for example, information on the play performance of each user. In this case, the user data 14a may function as the above-described play data (or, conversely, the play data may function as the user data 14a).

  The housing data 14b is data for managing the position of each game machine GM as described above. For example, the case data 14b may be described so that each case ID and information related to each game machine GM are associated with each other. Such information may include information indicating the position of each game machine GM. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the contents of the case data 14b. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, the case data 14 b may include “case ID” and “position” information. And the housing | casing data 14b may be comprised as a set of the record described so that such information might mutually be linked as an example.

  “Case ID” is information indicating the above-described casing ID. The “position” is information indicating a position where each game machine GM is installed. For example, fixed IP address information or information indicating each store 4 may be used as the “position” information. In the case of a game machine GM or the like connected to the network 3 via the access point 3b, for example, information indicating the current position specified through the above-described position specifying service is used as the “position” information. May be. That is, in this case, as the “position” information, for example, information indicating the current position acquired through each user terminal 5 (including the case where the calculation is performed through the above calculation procedure) may be used (directly). And indirect use corresponding to replacement with other information such as information indicating the store 4).

  Next, the position specifying process will be described. The position specifying process is a process for realizing the above-described position specifying service. The location specifying process may be realized by the control unit 10 of the center server 2 through, for example, the routine of FIG. Specifically, for example, in the routine of FIG. 8, when the user terminal 5 is used as the communication terminal NT, the game machine GM is used as the communication terminal NT through the Web service management unit 17 of the control unit 10. May be executed through the game machine service management unit 16 of the control unit 10, respectively. Note that the control unit 30 of the game machine GM, the control unit 10 of the center server 2, and the user terminal 5 execute various well-known processes alone or in cooperation with each other in addition to these processes. . For example, such a process includes the above-described settlement process and results update process. However, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of a position specifying process routine for realizing the position specifying process. The example of FIG. 8 shows an example of a flowchart when the center server 2 specifies the position of the game machine GM. Further, the game machine GM whose position has already been specified may or may not be the target of the routine of FIG. The example of FIG. 8 shows a case where a game machine GM whose position has already been specified is also targeted in order to always specify the latest position. Further, in the example of FIG. 8, when information of a predetermined number of communication terminals NT is used for specifying the position of the game machine GM, the calculation procedure is changed according to the change condition and the current position information is provided. 5 shows an example of a flowchart when a privilege is given to each user. The routine of FIG. 8 may be executed each time integrated information is transmitted from the communication terminal NT, for example. In the routine of FIG. 8, either the game machine GM or the user terminal 5 may function as the communication terminal NT. For this reason, in the routine of FIG. 8, the game machine service management unit 16 or the Web service management unit 17 may be described as the control unit 10 in common.

  When the routine of FIG. 8 is started, the control unit 10 first acquires integrated information in step S11. In the subsequent step S12, the control unit 10 provides the integrated information based on the integrated information acquired in step S11 (at least one of the user terminal 5 that provided the current position and the user of the user terminal 5). Good) and the current game machine GM for position identification. Specifically, the control unit 10 refers to, for example, the user data 14a and the like, and the user (or the user data 14a, for example, identifies each user terminal 5 based on the user ID included in the integrated information. For example, the user terminal 5 may be directly specified as a provider). Similarly, the control unit 10 may specify the game machine GM based on the housing ID.

  In the next step S13, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the execution condition is satisfied. The execution condition is a condition for determining whether or not the position of the game machine GM can be specified. For example, the execution condition may be satisfied when information on the current position is acquired from a predetermined number of communication terminals NT when information on a predetermined number of communication terminals NT is used to specify the position of the game machine GM. . That is, the execution condition may be satisfied when the number of samples of current position information reaches a predetermined number based on the current position information acquired this time in step S11. If this determination result is a negative result, that is, if the execution condition is not satisfied, the control unit 10 skips a part of the subsequent processing and proceeds to step S17. In step S17, the control unit 10 grants a privilege to the user who provided the current position information, that is, the user specified in step S12, and ends the current routine.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step S13 is a positive result, that is, if the execution condition is satisfied, the control unit 10 proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the change condition is satisfied. The change condition may be satisfied when, for example, the predetermined number of communication terminals NT includes the excellent communication terminal NT as described above. That is, the control unit 10 may determine whether or not the excellent communication terminal NT is included in the predetermined number of communication terminals NT in step S14, for example.

  If the determination result in step S14 is a negative result, that is, if the change condition is not satisfied (the predetermined number of communication terminals NT do not include the excellent communication terminal NT), the control unit 10 proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the control unit 10 calculates the position of the game machine GM according to a normal procedure. Specifically, for example, as described above, the control unit 10 may specify the position of the game machine GM by calculating an average value or the like based on the current positions of a predetermined number of communication terminals NT. Further, in step S15, the control unit 10 may update the case data 14b so that the calculated position of the game machine GM is reflected in the case data 14b.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step S14 is a positive result, that is, if the change condition is satisfied (the predetermined number of communication terminals NT include the excellent communication terminals NT), the control unit 10 proceeds to step S16. In step S16, the control unit 10 calculates the position of the game machine GM according to a special procedure. Specifically, for example, as described above, the control unit 10 performs a predetermined number of communication so that information on the current position of the excellent communication terminal NT is more important than information on the current position of the other communication terminals NT. The position of the game machine GM may be specified by calculating an average value or the like based on the current position of the terminal NT for use. In step S16, the control unit 10 may update the case data 14b so that the calculated position of the game machine GM is reflected in the case data 14b. In this case, at least one of the good user terminal 5 and the good user who provided information on the current position of the good communication terminal NT is the user who provided the current position of the other communication terminal NT as a result provider of the present invention. At least one of the terminal 5 and the user of the user terminal 5 functions as another provider of the present invention. This special procedure functions as a special procedure of the present invention.

  In the subsequent step S17, the control unit 10 gives a privilege to the user who provided the current position information this time, that is, the user specified in step S12, in the same way as when the processing of step S14 to step S16 is skipped. This routine ends. Thereby, the current position of the game machine GM is specified using the position acquisition function of the user terminal 5. Moreover, the procedure for specifying the position of such game machine GM is changed according to a change condition. Specifically, for example, when information on a predetermined number of communication terminals NT is used for specifying the position of the game machine GM, when the excellent communication terminal NT is included in the predetermined number of communication terminals NT, The position of the game machine GM is specified based on a special procedure in which the information on the excellent communication terminal NT is more important than the information on the other communication terminals NT. And a privilege is uniformly given to the user who provided the information of the current position through the user terminal 5.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, not only the information on the current position of the user terminal 5 but also the information on the user ID that provided the information on the current position are acquired via the communication terminal NT. Based on such a user ID, a provider such as a user who provides not only the position of the game machine GM but also information on the current position as the basis thereof is specified. Thereby, the characteristic of the provider who provided the information on the current position can be reflected in the specification of the position of the game machine GM.

  Specifically, for example, when a good user is specified as a provider, information on the current position of such a good user can be more important than information on the current position of other users through a special procedure. . In the case of an excellent user, it is considered that the user terminal 5 having the characteristic that the current position information with high accuracy can be obtained based on the provision record of the current position information with high accuracy, or at least it is not a dishonest user. It is done. For this reason, through the use of such a special procedure, it is possible to attach importance to information of a user having high reliability as a characteristic. The same applies when the excellent user terminal 5 is specified as the provider. In this case, since the user terminal 5 having a characteristic that information on the current position with high accuracy can be directly identified, information on the user terminal 5 that also has high reliability as a characteristic can be emphasized. Thereby, the accuracy of the position of the game machine GM can be improved.

  Furthermore, when a privilege is given to a user who has provided information on the current location, provision of information on the current location can be promoted through the provision of such privilege. Thereby, since the specification of the position based on a large number of samples can be promoted, the accuracy of the position of the game machine GM can also be improved. Moreover, specification of the newest position of game machine GM can also be promoted.

  In the above embodiment, the control unit 10 of the center server 2 functions as information acquisition means, position specifying means, and privilege giving means of the present invention by executing the routine of FIG.

  This invention is not limited to the above-mentioned form, It can implement with a suitable form. For example, in the above-described form, a business game machine is used as the game machine GM. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, as a game machine GM, a home-use game machine (including a stationary personal computer capable of executing a game), a portable game machine (a smartphone capable of executing a game, a tablet PC, a portable personal computer) And other appropriate forms may be employed. That is, the user terminal 5 may function as the game machine GM.

  In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 30 and the storage unit 31 are provided in the game machine GM. However, the game machine of the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the control unit 30 and the storage unit 31 may be logically provided on the network using cloud computing. That is, the game machine GM may be configured as a terminal that displays and provides the processing result of the control unit 30 through the network 3. Further, the position specifying system of the present invention may be realized by a single game machine without the center server 2. Alternatively, on the contrary, the game machine GM may be omitted, and the center server 2 may function alone as a position specifying system.

  Further, the second terminal is not limited to the game machine GM. For example, an amusement terminal that provides other amusements may be used as the second terminal, and service terminals that provide various services may be used without being limited to such amusements.

  Hereinafter, an example of the present invention obtained from the above contents will be described. In addition, in the following description, in order to make an understanding of this invention easy, the reference sign of the accompanying drawing was attached in parenthesis, but this invention is not limited to the form of illustration by it.

  The position specifying system according to the present invention includes a second terminal (GM) that can communicate with the first terminal based on the information on the current position acquired by the first terminal (5) that can acquire information on the current position of itself. A position specifying system (1) for specifying the position of the first terminal, the position information including user identification information for identifying each user and information on the current position acquired by the user of the user identification information; A communication terminal indicating one of the second terminal that has acquired the position information through communication between the first terminal and the first terminal connected via the network (3). NT) from the information acquisition means (10) for acquiring the location information via the network, the user who provided the location information based on the user identification information included in the location information, and the first With specifying the providing source corresponding to at least one of the terminals, and a, a position specifying means (10) for identifying the position of the second terminal based on the information of the current position.

  According to the present invention, not only the current position information of the first terminal but also the user identification information for identifying the user who provided the current position information is acquired via the communication terminal. Then, based on such user identification information, not only the position of the second terminal but also the provider that provided the information on the current position as the basis thereof is specified. Thereby, the characteristic of the provider who provided the information on the current position can be reflected in the specification of the position of the second terminal. Specifically, for example, information from a first terminal having a characteristic that information on the current position with high accuracy can be provided can be more important than information from other first terminals. Similarly, for example, information on a user having a characteristic of high reliability (for example, a user who provides sincere information) can be given more importance than information on other users. That is, it is possible to place importance on the information of the provider having high reliability as a characteristic. Thereby, the accuracy of the position of the second terminal can be improved.

  The information on the provider may be reflected in specifying the position of the second terminal in various modes. For example, in one aspect of the position specifying system of the present invention, the position specifying unit may specify the position of the second terminal in a different procedure depending on the provider. Also, in this aspect, the location specifying means may change the procedure in the different procedure by changing the procedure when the provider satisfies a track record condition of using the track record specifying the location of the second terminal. The position of may be specified. Further, in this aspect, the position specifying unit is configured to specify the position of the second terminal based on the position information acquired by the plurality of users via the plurality of first terminals, respectively. When the plurality of first terminals include a record provider that satisfies the record condition as the provider, the position of the second terminal is changed in the different procedure by changing the procedure when not including the record provider. You may specify.

  The procedure for specifying the position of the second terminal may be changed in various ways. For example, the position of the second terminal may be specified based on the current position information of one first terminal, or may be specified based on the current position information of a plurality of first terminals. . For example, when the provider satisfies the performance condition, the position of the second terminal is specified based on the current position information of only the provider, while when the performance condition is not satisfied, the plurality of first The position of the second terminal may be specified based on information on the current position of the terminal. That is, the procedure may be changed depending on the number of first terminals used for specifying the position. For example, in an aspect in which a plurality of first terminals are used for specifying a position according to the present invention, the position specifying unit includes the case where the plurality of users or the plurality of first terminals include the result provider as the provider. The procedure may be changed to a special procedure in which the location information of the record provider has a greater influence on the location of the second terminal than the location information of other providers. In this case, since the information of the provider having high reliability as a characteristic can be emphasized, the accuracy of the position of the second terminal can be improved.

  Various achievements of the provider may be used as requirements for the achievement conditions. For example, the performance condition may include the number of past provisions and the degree of approximation of the current position information as requirements. For example, in the aspect using the performance condition of the present invention, the location specifying means may provide the track record providing the information of the current location belonging to a predetermined range including the location of the second terminal specified in the past. If it has, it may be determined that the performance condition is satisfied.

  Moreover, the aspect further provided with the privilege provision means (10) which provides a privilege to the user who provided the said positional information as an aspect of the position specific | specification system of this invention may be employ | adopted. In this case, provision of the current position can be promoted through provision of a privilege.

  Various terminals may be used as the second terminal. For example, the second terminal may be configured to provide various services such as amusement. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the location specifying service of the present invention, a game machine that provides a game may be used as the second terminal.

  On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause the computer (10) connected to the communication terminal via the network to function as each means of the above-described position specifying system. The position specifying system of the present invention can be realized by the computer program of the present invention.

1 Game system (location identification system)
3 Network 5 User terminal (first terminal)
10 Control unit (computer, information acquisition means, position specifying means, privilege grant means)
GM game machine (second terminal)

Claims (9)

A position specifying system for specifying a position of a second terminal capable of communicating with the first terminal based on the information on the current position acquired by the first terminal capable of acquiring information on the current position of the device;
When the first terminal has location information including user identification information for identifying each user and the current location information acquired by the user of the user identification information, the first terminal connected via the network Information acquisition means for acquiring the position information via the network from a communication terminal indicating any one of the second terminals that acquired the position information through communication between the terminal and the first terminal;
Based on the user identification information included in the location information, a provider corresponding to at least one of the user who provided the location information and the first terminal is specified, and the first location is determined based on the current location information. 2 position specifying means for specifying the position of the terminal;
A positioning system comprising:   The position specifying system according to claim 1, wherein the position specifying unit specifies the position of the second terminal in a different procedure depending on the provider.   The location specifying means specifies the location of the second terminal in the different procedure by changing the procedure when the provider satisfies a track record condition of using the track record specifying the location of the second terminal. The location system according to claim 2.   The position specifying unit is configured to specify the position of the second terminal based on the position information acquired by the plurality of users via the plurality of first terminals, respectively, or the plurality of users or the plurality of first terminals. 4. The position of the second terminal is specified by the different procedure by changing the procedure when the provider includes the record provider satisfying the record condition as the provider and not including the record provider. Location system described in.   In the case where the plurality of users or the plurality of first terminals include the result providing source as the providing source, the position specifying unit is configured such that the position information of the result providing source is more than the position information of another providing source. The location system according to claim 4, wherein the procedure is changed to a special procedure that greatly affects the location of the second terminal.   The position specifying means determines that the performance condition is satisfied when the provider has a record of providing information on the current position belonging to a predetermined range including the position of the second terminal specified in the past. Item 6. The positioning system according to item 4 or 5.   The position specifying system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a privilege grant unit that grants a privilege to a user who provides the position information.   The position specifying system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a game machine that provides a game is used as the second terminal.   A computer program configured to cause a computer connected to the communication terminal via the network to function as each unit of the position specifying system according to claim 1.