JP2023108015A - Game server, program, method, game system, and information processing terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game system in which a user raises a virtual living body by keeping a good sleeping habit, and maintains a motivation for keeping a good sleeping habit while enjoying raising the virtual living body.SOLUTION: A game server for managing the progress of a virtual living body raising game includes: an acquisition part for acquiring sleeping information including at least a sleeping pattern indicating the into-bed time and wake-up time of a user; a sleeping history storage part for storing the acquired sleeping information as a sleeping history; and a processing part for executing processing on the raising game on the basis of the sleeping pattern in the sleeping history.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to game servers, programs, methods, game systems, and information processing terminals.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, activity measuring devices that measure a person's behavior and amount of activity by using a motion detection sensor or the like that detects body motion have become widespread. An activity measuring device presents the amount of activity, etc., to the user, thereby raising the user's health awareness, and is desired to be used continuously. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses an invention that enhances a user's awareness of health while enjoying a virtual creature breeding game based on measured biological information.

JP 2007-117639 A

However, the invention described in Patent Literature 1 only reflects parameters based on automatically acquired biological information in the game, and it is unlikely that the user will get into the habit of leading a regular life continuously.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its object is to nurture a virtual creature by having the user live a regular life, particularly by sending good sleep habits, so that the user can To provide a game server, a program, a method, a game system, and an information processing terminal for managing the progress of a breeding game that can maintain the motivation to send good sleep habits while enjoying the breeding.

In order to achieve the above object, a game server according to the present disclosure is a server that manages the progress of a virtual creature breeding game, and acquires sleep information that includes at least a sleep pattern indicating a user's bedtime and wakeup time. An acquisition unit, a sleep history storage unit that stores the acquired sleep information as a sleep history, and a processing unit that executes processing related to the training game based on the sleep pattern of the sleep history.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, a program according to the present disclosure is a program for managing the progress of a game for raising a virtual creature, and is a computer program that provides sleep information including at least a sleep pattern indicating the user's bedtime and wakeup time. , a sleep history storage unit that stores the acquired sleep information as a sleep history, and a processing unit that executes processing related to the breeding game based on the sleep pattern of the sleep history.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, a method according to the present disclosure is a method for managing the progress of a virtual creature breeding game, which acquires sleep information including at least a sleep pattern indicating the user's bedtime and wakeup time. a step of storing the acquired sleep information as a sleep history; and a step of executing a process related to the breeding game based on the sleep pattern of the sleep history.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, a game system according to the present disclosure is a system in which a game server that manages the progress of a virtual creature breeding game and a user terminal are connected via a network, The server includes an acquisition unit that acquires sleep information including at least a sleep pattern indicating the user's bedtime and wake-up time, a sleep history storage unit that stores the acquired sleep information as a sleep history, and a sleep history based on the sleep pattern. , and a processing unit that executes processing related to the breeding game.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, an information processing terminal according to the present disclosure is an information processing terminal that executes a virtual creature breeding game, and sleep information including at least a sleep pattern indicating a user's bedtime and wake-up time. , a sleep history storage unit that stores the acquired sleep information as a sleep history, and a processing unit that executes processing related to the training game based on the sleep pattern of the sleep history.

According to the present disclosure, since the user's regular life leads to the growth of the virtual creature, the user can enjoy the breeding game while maintaining the motivation to send good sleep habits.

1 is a configuration diagram of a game system 1; FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 100; FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a game server 200; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the user terminal 100; 4 is a flow chart showing processing in the game server 200. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of judgment of a reference|standard sleep pattern. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a plus event; It is a figure which shows an example of a bonus event. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a negative event; 1 is a configuration diagram of a game system 2; FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal 300; FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of detection of jet lag. It is a figure explaining an example of the information regarding the quality of sleep. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal 400; FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, common constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations are omitted. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not unduly limit the content of the present disclosure described in the claims. Also, not all the components shown in the embodiments are essential components of the present disclosure.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a game system 1. As shown in FIG. A configuration of a game system 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

The game system 1 includes a user terminal 100 and a game server 200, which are communicably connected via a network NW. The network NW is composed of a WAN (World Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), and the like.

Although only one user terminal 100 is shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the game system 1 includes a plurality of user terminals 100 provided for each user. The game system according to the present embodiment keeps the user motivated to send good sleep habits while enjoying the virtual creature breeding game.

The user terminal 100 detects sleep information of the user and transmits it to the game server 200 . The sleep information includes at least a sleep pattern indicating when the user goes to bed and wakes up. Note that the bedtime represents the time when the user falls asleep. For example, it may be the time when the user goes to bed, or the time when the user's consciousness transitions from an awake state to a sleeping state. The wake-up time represents the time when the user wakes up. For example, it may be the time when the user wakes up from bed, or the time when the user shifts from a sleeping state to an awake state. . In the present embodiment, a sleep pattern is defined as a pair of bedtime and wakeup time from falling asleep to waking up.

The game server 200 is a game server that manages the progress of the virtual creature breeding game, and provides a game service for breeding virtual creatures in response to a request from the user terminal 100 . For example, the game server 200 distributes a game program to the user terminal 100 that has accessed via the network NW, and the user terminal 100 executes the game program. The user terminal 100 executing the game program transmits sleep information of the user to the game server 200 .

The game server 200 acquires sleep information from the user terminal 100 and stores it as sleep history. Then, the game server 200 executes processing related to the breeding game based on the sleep pattern based on the sleep history and the sleep pattern of the acquired sleep information, and transmits information related to the progress of the breeding game to the user terminal 100 .

As described above, in the present embodiment, the user terminal 100 detects sleep information of the user and transmits the sleep information to the game server 200 . Also, the game server 200 executes processing related to the breeding game based on the sleep information, and transmits the processing result to the user terminal 100 . That is, the user can maintain the motivation to send good sleep habits while enjoying the training game in which the user's sleep information is used as game input.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 100. As shown in FIG. Note that the user terminal 100 of the present embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the constituent elements (each unit) in FIG. 2 are omitted.

The user terminal 100 is an information processing device. It is a multifunctional device such as a wearable terminal or a multifunctional television receiver (smart TV) having an information processing function.

That is, the user terminal 100 has various functions (for example, an input function, an output (display) function, an information processing function, a network communication function, a sensor function, a call function, a camera function, etc.) that a general multifunction device has. are doing.

Note that the network communication function is a communication function via the Internet or the like and/or a communication function via a mobile communication network. The user terminal 100 may be realized by installing predetermined functions in an off-the-shelf multifunction device. In this embodiment, the user terminal 100 is used to detect the sleep information and execute the breeding game, in addition to being used as the multifunctional device.

The user terminal 100 includes a communication section 110 , an input section 120 , an output section 130 , a storage section 140 , a sensor section 150 and a processing section 160 .

The communication unit 110 performs various controls for communicating with the game server 200 via the network NW, and its functions can be realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, and the like.

The input unit 120 is an interface for accepting input from the user, and sends the user's input to the processing unit 160 . The input unit 120 is, for example, a touch panel, buttons, a microphone, or a controller. Sensing data detected by the sensor unit 150, which will be described later, may be used as an input from the user. The user can make an input regarding the breeding game via the input unit 120 .

The output unit 130 is, for example, a display device such as a display or an audio output device such as a speaker. It displays and outputs various images and sounds based on data received from the server 200 . The output unit 130 includes an artificial intelligence-equipped speaker (smart speaker).

The output unit 130 may also have a notification function that prompts the user to wake up by means of sound (alarm, etc.), light, vibration, or the like. For example, when the reference wake-up time (detailed in FIG. 6) is reached or the time is approaching, the cry or movement (vibration) of the virtual creature, or the light imagining the virtual creature may be output. In addition, it is also possible to output sounds of a virtual creature different from the virtual creature being raised by the user, music such as items, etc., so that the user can anticipate the progress of the game. This can give the user motivation to wake up in the morning.

The storage unit 140 is a storage device for storing programs and various data for operating the computer. The storage unit 140 may include a temporary storage area and storage.

The sensor unit 150 is various devices that detect various states of the user terminal 100 . The sensor unit 150 includes, for example, an orientation sensor (acceleration sensor or gyro sensor) that detects the orientation and tilt of the terminal itself, a gaze sensor that detects the direction of the user's line of sight, an optical sensor that detects the brightness of the surroundings, and a user's motion. is an infrared sensor that detects Further, the sensor unit 150 is a microphone that collects sounds around the user terminal 100, a humidity sensor that detects the humidity around the user terminal 100, a geomagnetic sensor that detects a magnetic field at the location where the user terminal 100 is located, or the like. may

Moreover, the sensor unit 150 may detect various types of information using the sensor function described above. For example, the sensor unit 150 may detect the number of steps of the user who owns the user terminal 100 using the function of an acceleration sensor. Further, the sensor unit 150 uses the function of an acceleration sensor to detect motion information indicating whether the user terminal 100 is moving or stationary at regular time intervals or at each timing when the user terminal 100 moves. You may The sensor unit 150 sends sensing data detected as described above to the processing unit 160 .

The sensor unit 150 is an information processing terminal (a so-called wearable terminal) that can be worn by a user and is communicably connected to the user terminal 100, such as a wristwatch-type terminal or a ring-type terminal. may be detected. The sensor unit 150 determines the user's heart rate by, for example, photoplethysmography, and sends it to the processing unit 160 as sensing data. Sensing data detected by the sensor unit 150 is not limited to these, and biometric information related to the user's sleep, such as breathing, pulse, and body movement, may be detected.

The processing unit 160 executes various types of information processing executed in the user terminal 100 . The processing unit 160 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. In the user terminal 100, the CPU executes the information processing program stored in the storage unit 140 using the memory, thereby executing the above-described various types of information processing. In the present embodiment, the processing unit 160 executes, as the above information processing, a process of calculating sleep information, a process of presenting information regarding the progress of the breeding game received from the game server 200 to the user, and the like. Also, when the user terminal 100 operates as a multifunctional device, the processing unit 160 executes information processing for realizing each function. The processing unit 160 also obtains the current date and time using the system clock.

Based on the sensing data sent from the sensor unit 150, the processing unit 160 calculates a sleep pattern indicating the user's bedtime and wake-up time. Processing unit 160 then instructs communication unit 110 to transmit sleep information to game server 200 . It should be noted that the calculation of the sleep pattern may use the sleep analysis function of the general multifunctional device as described above. It may be set by a developer or the like. For example, in a breeding game, the time at which the user puts the virtual creature to sleep may be set as the bedtime, and the time at which the user wakes up the virtual creature may be set as the wake-up time. As an operation to wake up the virtual creature, for example, the virtual creature displayed on the display may be tapped or the terminal may be shaken. Further, the processing unit 160 may be configured to transmit the sensing data sent from the sensor unit 150 to the game server 200 via the communication unit 110, and the game server 200 calculates sleep patterns.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the game server 200. As shown in FIG. Note that the game server 200 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the constituent elements (each unit) in FIG. 3 are omitted.

The game server 200 includes a communication section 210 , an acquisition section 220 , a storage section 230 and a processing section 240 .

The communication unit 210 performs various controls for communicating with the user terminal 100 via the network NW, and its functions can be realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, and the like.

The acquisition unit 220 acquires the sleep information received by the communication unit 210 from the user terminal 100 and sends it to the storage unit 230 .

The storage unit 230 is a storage device for storing programs and various data for operating the computer, and includes sleep history 231 and game information 232 .

The sleep history 231 functions as a sleep history storage unit and accumulates the user's sleep information acquired by the acquisition unit 220, that is, the sleep pattern indicating the user's bedtime and wake-up time. The game information 232 stores information relating to a game for breeding virtual creatures. Note that the storage unit 230 may include a temporary storage area and a storage. The storage unit 230 may also be configured to store sensing data received by the communication unit 210 from the user terminal 100 .

The processing unit 240 executes various types of information processing executed in the game server 200 . The processing unit 240 has a CPU and memory, and the CPU uses the memory to execute various information processing programs stored in the storage unit 230 . In the present embodiment, the processing unit 240 executes processing related to the breeding game as the above information processing based on the sleep pattern of the sleep history. Also, the processing unit 240 may execute processing related to the breeding game based on various information detected by the user terminal 100 . A processing result regarding the breeding game is transmitted to the user terminal 100 . Note that the processing unit 240 may perform progress processing of the breeding game according to the random number result corresponding to the acquired sleep information. The processing unit 240 also obtains the current date and time using the system clock.

In this embodiment, the term "server" refers to one information processing device (ie, server device), and when the server is composed of a plurality of server devices, a group of server devices (ie, server system) It means the whole. Also, in the present embodiment, the game server 200 is described as an integrated configuration, but the game server 200 may include a plurality of server devices divided according to functions and/or roles. For example, the game server 200 may be configured to include a data server that stores sleep information acquired from the user terminal 100 and a service server that provides game services based on the sleep information. Furthermore, the game server 200 may be configured to include a shop server that provides items and charges when providing items as part of the game service.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the user terminal 100. As shown in FIG. An example of processing in the user terminal 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the user terminal 100 may use the user's input operation to go to bed as a trigger for starting the process. The input operation to go to bed is, for example, an operation to interrupt the breeding game or an operation to put the virtual creature to sleep (stroking the virtual creature via a touch panel, turning off the light used by the virtual creature, etc.). good too. In addition, the user terminal 100 constantly performs sensing by the sensor unit 150, and can detect the user's going to bed from sensing data (for example, movement of the terminal, ambient brightness, voice, etc.). Also, when the reference bedtime (detailed in FIG. 6) approaches, the user may be encouraged to go to bed by making the virtual creature look sleepy or changing the game world to night.

In step S401, the processing unit 160 of the user terminal 100 instructs the sensor unit 150 to perform sensing. Specifically, the sensor unit 150 senses the movement of the user terminal 100 and biological information such as the user's heart rate. The processing unit 160 acquires sensing data from the sensor unit 150 .

In step S<b>402 , processing unit 160 determines whether or not a sleep pattern indicating bedtime and wake-up time can be calculated based on the sensing data sent from sensor unit 150 . When the processing unit 160 determines that sufficient sensing data has not been acquired to calculate a sleep pattern (N in step S402), the process returns to step S401. Otherwise (Y in step S402), processing unit 160 calculates a sleep pattern, and the process proceeds to step S403.

In step S<b>403 , the processing unit 160 instructs the communication unit 110 to transmit sleep information including the calculated sleep pattern to the game server 200 .

In step S<b>404 , the communication unit 110 receives the game information transmitted from the game server 200 according to the sleep information transmitted in step S<b>403 and transmits the information to the processing unit 160 .

In step S405, the processing unit 160 instructs the output unit 130 to output the game information received in step S404, and ends the processing.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing in the game server 200. As shown in FIG. An example of processing in the game server 200 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, the game server 200 uses reception of sleep information from the user terminal 100 as a trigger to start processing.

In step S<b>501 , the acquisition unit 220 of the game server 200 acquires sleep information including a sleep pattern indicating the user's bedtime and wake-up time, which is transmitted from the user terminal 100 via the communication unit 210 . send to

In step S502, the storage unit 230 stores the sleep information in the sleep history 231 as sleep history.

In step S503, the processing unit 240 determines whether the sleep pattern based on the sleep history stored in the sleep history 231 satisfies the reference sleep pattern. A standard sleep pattern is a sleep pattern based on a standard bedtime and a standard wake-up time set by a user, a game developer of a breeding game, or the like.

Moreover, the processing unit 240 may recognize the user's regular sleep pattern based on the sleep history, and set the recognized sleep pattern as the reference sleep pattern. Since there are individual differences in sleep patterns, by setting a reference sleep pattern according to each person based on sleep history, the user will be able to send sleep habits that match their own constitution without forcing them to do so. can be

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of determination of a reference sleep pattern. An example of criteria for determining whether a sleep pattern satisfies a reference sleep pattern will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 6, the vertical axis represents the time, the horizontal axis represents the date, the standard bedtime is 21:00, and the standard wake-up time is 7:00. Sleep patterns 10 to 14 represent sleep patterns indicating bedtime and wake-up time with line segments.

The standard sleep pattern is set based on a standard bedtime and a standard wake-up time (hereinafter, the standard bedtime and/or the standard wake-up time may be referred to as the standard time), and the range in which the minimum sleep time is secured You can give the width of the time zone with . In the example of FIG. 6, a range of 30 minutes before and 15 minutes after the reference time is provided. The width of the reference time may be different before and after the reference time. For example, from the viewpoint of recommending early to bed and early to rise, the width of the time period before the reference time is set longer than that after the time period. Also, the minimum sleep time may be set according to the user's age. For example, 7 hours for adults, 10 hours for children, etc. can be set by the user or game developer.

In sleep patterns 10 to 12, the bedtime is included in the reference bedtime (time period), and the wake-up time is also included in the reference wake-up time (time period). Therefore, processing unit 240 determines that sleep patterns 10 to 12 satisfy the reference sleep pattern.

On the other hand, in sleep pattern 13, the bedtime is 21:00, which satisfies the standard bedtime, but the wake-up time is after 7:15, which does not satisfy the standard wake-up time. Therefore, the processing unit 240 determines that the sleep pattern 13 does not satisfy the reference sleep pattern.

In sleep pattern 14, the wake-up time is between 7:00 and 7:15, which satisfies the standard wake-up time, but the bedtime is after 21:15, which does not satisfy the standard bedtime. Therefore, processing unit 240 determines that sleep pattern 14 does not meet the reference sleep pattern.

As described above, the processing unit 240 determines whether the sleep pattern satisfies the reference sleep pattern.

It should be noted that, from the sleep information acquired from the user terminal 100, the processing unit 240, if it is considered that there is a problem with sensing in the user terminal, such as sleep time is fragmented or sleep time is not detected, A sleep pattern may be assumed based on the user's amount of activity during the day, such as the number of steps taken. For example, when the processing unit 240 determines that there is a problem in the sensing of the user terminal, the processing unit 240 acquires sensing data regarding the amount of activity of the user from the user terminal 100 . Then, if the amount of activity of the user on that day is the average amount of activity of the user, it is assumed that the average sleep pattern was calculated based on the user's past sleep history. As a result, even if there is a problem in detecting sleep information, taking such relief measures can prevent the progress of the breeding game from being disadvantageous to the user.

Returning to FIG. 5, in step S503, the processing unit 240 determines whether the sleep pattern based on the sleep history stored in the sleep history 231 satisfies the reference sleep pattern. It is determined whether the pattern satisfies the standard sleep pattern, and if it is determined that the standard sleep pattern is not satisfied (N in step S503), in step S504, the processing unit 240 performs a process of generating a negative event in the breeding game, The processing result is stored in the game information 232 of the storage unit 230 . Details of events in the breeding game will be described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the reference sleep pattern is satisfied (Y in step S503), in step S505, the processing unit 240 determines whether the sleep pattern continues to satisfy the reference sleep pattern for a predetermined period or longer based on the sleep history. to judge. When it is determined that the sleep pattern based on the sleep history does not satisfy the reference sleep pattern for a predetermined period or more (N in step S505), in step S506, the processing unit 240 performs processing to generate a plus event in the breeding game, and performs processing. The result is stored in the game information 232 of the storage unit 230 . When determining that the sleep pattern based on the sleep history satisfies the reference sleep pattern for a predetermined period or more (Y in step S505), in step S507, the processing unit 240 generates a bonus event different from the plus event in the breeding game. Processing is performed, and the processing result is stored in the game information 232 of the storage unit 230 .

As the predetermined period, the user may set any number of days, such as three days or one week. By setting a predetermined period for the user to generate the bonus event by himself/herself, it is possible to make it an effort target to continue good sleeping habits, and the generation of the bonus event can give the user a sense of accomplishment.

Alternatively, the predetermined period may be set as an internal parameter of the game by the developer of the game. The user can maintain motivation to send good sleep habits while anticipating when the bonus event will occur, and the occurrence of the bonus event can give the user a sense of satisfaction as well as surprise.

In step S508, the processing unit 240 transmits the processing in the game as game information to the user terminal 100 via the communication unit 210, and ends the processing.

It should be noted that the processing unit 240 may generate a mini-game along with generating each event described above. By having the user play the mini-game, it is possible to prevent the user from sleeping twice. A mini-game requires the user to perform some kind of work. A game that requires an operation of actually moving the body, such as catching a virtual creature by walking, is preferable. As a result, an effect of surely waking the user up can be expected.

Furthermore, the mini-game may be played within a predetermined period of time from the occurrence of each event. When the mini-game is cleared, points (described later) or the like are given as an incentive, thereby motivating the user not to sleep again.

7 to 9 are diagrams for explaining an example of an event in the breeding game. An example of a plus event, a bonus event, and a minus event in the breeding game will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. FIG. Note that the processing unit 240 may change the content of each event according to the random number result corresponding to the acquired sleep information.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a plus event. A positive event is an event that is generated when the sleep pattern of the user satisfies the reference sleep pattern and is for advancing the breeding game advantageously. It is an event to add and an event to give items and benefits in the breeding game.

Growing a virtual life means, for example, outwardly becoming bigger, stronger, more beautiful, becoming an adult from a child, evolving, and becoming mature internally. Not limited.

Also, the points may be the experience value of the virtual creature, or in-game currency for purchasing in-game items. Depending on the point value, the level of the virtual creature may be determined, or various virtual creatures may appear. Positive events can incentivize users to adhere to baseline sleep patterns.

In FIG. 7, character A, which is a virtual creature, acquires an experience value (equivalent to points) and levels up (equivalent to growth) in response to the sleep pattern of the user satisfying the reference sleep pattern. That is, character A grows when the user's sleep pattern meets the reference sleep pattern. As a result, the user can advance the breeding game while enjoying the process of character A's growth by sending good sleep habits.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a bonus event. A bonus event is an event that occurs when a sleep pattern based on a sleep history satisfies a reference sleep pattern for a predetermined period of time or more, and is an event for advancing the breeding game particularly advantageously, for example, promoting the growth of a virtual creature. Examples include an event, an event that adds bonus points related to virtual lifeforms, and an event that gives items and benefits that make progress in the breeding game advantageous, but are not limited to these examples. For example, it may be an event in which a character comes to take care of a new virtual creature. By raising a virtual creature on behalf of the character, the character can send a message of thanks or receive points.

Also, the user may be notified of the occurrence of a bonus event. Thereby, it is possible to motivate to keep the reference sleep pattern continuously. For example, it announces that a new virtual creature will appear next Sunday, that points will be added, etc., and makes the user expect a bonus event to occur. The bonus event can give the user an incentive to keep the reference sleep pattern for a predetermined period of time or longer.

In FIG. 8, the virtual creature acquires more experience points than it acquires in plus events and levels up significantly when the sleep pattern of the user satisfies the reference sleep pattern for a predetermined period or longer. In addition, items (rewards) that favor the progress of the breeding game are given. For example, if the item is used to put the virtual creature to sleep, it will make it easier for the virtual creature to raise its level, another virtual creature will appear, and other special effects will be performed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a negative event. A negative event is an event that disadvantageously progresses the breeding game caused by the user's sleep pattern not satisfying the reference sleep pattern. Examples include subtracting points related to living organisms, but are not limited to this example. For example, if the sleep time (length) of the user is shorter than the time determined by the reference time, it is possible to make the virtual creature look sleepy during the daytime and slow down the training speed. good. That is, if the user is sleep-deprived, the virtual creature is made difficult to grow while the user is awake. Negative events can remind the user to adhere to baseline sleep patterns and send good sleep habits.

In FIG. 9, character A, which is a virtual creature, cannot obtain an experience value and has not increased in level because the sleep pattern of the user does not satisfy the reference sleep pattern. Also, points indicating the health and vitality of character A may be consumed (subtracted) to produce a low-energy effect.

As described above, based on the sleep pattern, for example, processing related to the breeding game as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 is executed.

In the breeding game, a difficulty level may be set for putting the virtual creature to sleep. For example, at the start of the breeding game, a virtual creature with a low degree of difficulty in putting it to sleep may be grown to make it easier to raise the level of the virtual creature. As a result, the training game can be easily enjoyed, leading to a regular sleep pattern.

Also, as the breeding game progresses, the difficulty level of putting the virtual creature to sleep may be increased. That is, since it becomes difficult to raise the level of the virtual creature, it is possible to make the user aware of the occurrence of a plus event or a bonus event for raising the level, and to continue a regular sleep pattern.

Also, a plurality of virtual life forms may be nurtured, and the difficulty of putting one virtual life form to sleep may affect the sleep of other virtual life forms, thereby enhancing the game. . For example, if the user stays awake longer than the standard bedtime, a virtual creature that is difficult to put to sleep is made to appear, and the virtual creature that is being raised is made difficult to sleep (that is, the difficulty of putting it to sleep is increased). . The appearance of a virtual creature with a high degree of difficulty in putting it to sleep increases the difficulty of putting the virtual creature currently being raised to sleep, making it difficult to raise its level. It can make you conscious of going to bed. This allows the user to continue enjoying the game, which in turn motivates the user to maintain a regular sleep pattern.

(Explanation of effect)
The game system according to the present embodiment executes processing related to a training game based on sleep information including sleep patterns indicating the user's bedtime and wake-up time. Since the user's regular life leads to the development of the virtual life-form, the user can enjoy the training game while maintaining the motivation to send good sleep habits.

Also, the game system according to the present embodiment generates various events in the breeding game according to sleep patterns. By generating different events, it is possible to keep the user entertained with the game without getting bored, and at the same time provide an incentive to promote good sleep habits.

<Embodiment 2>
The game system according to the second embodiment further acquires the history of the location information of the user when jet lag is detected from the sleep information, and based on the history of the location information, mileage such as airline miles as points for the virtual creature is given.

Since the organs in the human body work in a regular rhythm, when you travel long distances in a short period of time on a trip or a business trip, this rhythm is disturbed by the time difference, causing changes in your physical condition, such as being unable to sleep at night. malfunction may occur. In such a case, jet lag causes the sleep pattern to deviate greatly from the standard sleep pattern, causing a negative event in the breeding game and depriving the user of good sleep habits until now. This embodiment can allow users with jet lag to enjoy the training game.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of the game system 2. As shown in FIG. A game system 2 according to the second embodiment includes a user terminal 300 and a game server 200, which are communicably connected via a network NW. Although only one user terminal 300 is shown in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, the game system 2 includes a plurality of user terminals 300 provided for each user.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 300. As shown in FIG. The user terminal 300 according to the second embodiment differs in configuration from the user terminal 100 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a position information detection unit 155 . Note that the user terminal 300 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the constituent elements (each section) in FIG. 11 are omitted.

The position information detection unit 155 detects the position of the user terminal 300 . In this embodiment, the position information detection unit 155 detects the position using GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). The position information detection unit 155 is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor (eg, GPS module). Note that the position detection method in the position information detection unit 155 is arbitrary, and the position information detection unit 155 may detect the position using, for example, a beacon. Further, the position information detection unit 155 may be used, for example, when the user terminal 300 has functions equivalent to those of a non-contact IC card used at station ticket gates, shops, etc. (or when the user terminal 300 is a non-contact IC card (if the user terminal 300 has a function to read the history of the station), the user terminal 300 records the information that the fare is paid at the station and the location of use. The position information detection unit 155 may detect this information and acquire it as position information. Also, the location information detection unit 155 may detect location information that can be acquired from an access point, for example, when the user terminal 300 communicates with a specific access point. Also, the location information detection unit 155 may detect the estimated location of the user terminal 300 based on identification information (such as an IP address) when the user terminal 300 is connected to the Internet.

Position information detection unit 155 transmits the detected position information to game server 200 via communication unit 110 . The location information may be accumulated in the user terminal 300 for a predetermined period and transmitted to the game server 200 as a history of location information, or may be transmitted each time the location information is detected. The game server 200 stores the location information acquired from the user terminal 300 as a location information history.

The processing unit 240 of the game server 200 detects jet lag based on the sleep pattern of the sleep information transmitted from the user terminal 300 stored in the sleep history 231 .

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of detecting jet lag. In FIG. 12, sleep patterns 20-25 are shown. Sleep patterns 20-23 are sleep patterns that satisfy the reference sleep pattern. On the other hand, in sleep pattern 24, both bedtime and wake-up time deviate greatly from the reference time. Sleep pattern 25 does not satisfy the reference sleep pattern, and sleep and wake-up are discontinuously repeated.

In this way, when a sleep pattern that is clearly different from the sleep patterns in the previous sleep history is detected, the processing unit 240 may determine that jet lag is occurring. Further, a sleep pattern that serves as a criterion for judging jet lag may be stored in advance, an input indicating that the user has traveled a long distance with a time difference may be accepted, or the It may be possible to detect long-distance movement and determine that jet lag occurs from the history of location information obtained.

Upon detecting jet lag, the processing unit 240 of the game server 200 calculates the movement distance of the user terminal 300 based on the history of position information acquired from the user terminal 300 . Then, the processing unit 240 gives mileage corresponding to the moving distance (miles) as points to the virtual creature in the breeding game. Mileage is a point program operated by airlines, and miles are units of points. By incorporating the concept of mileage into the breeding game, even if a negative event occurs due to disturbance of sleeping habits caused by jet lag, the user can proceed with the breeding game advantageously with the given points. It can also give you the motivation to get back into good sleep habits.

In addition, the processing unit 240 may give points according to the time from the occurrence of jet lag to the return to a regular sleep pattern so that the user's jet lag can be improved quickly. This can further motivate the user to return to good sleep habits.

<Embodiment 3>
The game system according to Embodiment 3 includes information about the user's sleep quality in the sleep information. By progressing the training game based on the sleep information including the information on the quality of sleep, it is possible to raise awareness of sending better sleep habits to the user.

Here, the information about sleep quality is the time of each sleep stage in the sleep cycle and the ratio of each sleep stage to sleep time. For example, it is the time and ratio of "awakening", "light sleep", "deep sleep", and "REM sleep", which are each sleep stage of the sleep cycle.

In Embodiment 3, the user terminal calculates information about the user's sleep from the user's biological information detected by the sensor unit. Information about the user's sleep may be calculated by adopting a known sleep analysis function of an existing multifunction device functioning as a user terminal.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of information about sleep quality. In FIG. 13 , sleep results 31 are displayed for sleep patterns 30 . For example, the user can see sleep results 31 upon selecting sleep pattern 30 .

The sleep result 31 includes the sleep time calculated from the sleep pattern 30 and the ratio of each sleep stage to the sleep time. ("Others" includes, for example, a state in which the sleep stage cannot be determined, a state in which the person is awake after going to bed, etc.)

In addition, the sleep result 31 may include a good sleep score, which is an index for determining whether or not the sleep is good, based on the sleep stage. A good sleep score may be calculated from any algorithm by the game developer, weighting each sleep stage. Also, the good sleep score may be calculated according to the user's activity level, meals, location, humidity, operation time to the user terminal, operation time zone, and the like. For example, when the location of a highly rated hotel (such as a 5-star hotel) is detected as the location information of the user terminal, a pleasant sleep score may be added, assuming that a good sleep can be obtained. Also, for example, if the user operates the user terminal after the reference bedtime, the pleasant sleep score may be reduced. The good sleep score allows the user to see at a glance whether or not they had a good sleep, which motivates them to send good sleep habits.

The game server may employ the sleep score as a parameter that affects the progress of the breeding game. For example, depending on the good sleep score, the virtual creature may be changed, an event may be generated, points or benefits may be awarded, etc., but the present invention is not limited to these.

By using the good sleep score as a parameter that affects the progress of the training game, it is possible to make the user more conscious of good sleep habits and further motivate the user to actively participate in the training game.

<Embodiment 4>
A user terminal according to the fourth embodiment executes a game program stored in a storage unit, thereby causing a user to play a game for raising a virtual creature based on sleep information of the user. Note that the game program stored in the user terminal may be configured to be updated via a network or a recording medium.

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 400. As shown in FIG. A user terminal 400 according to the fourth embodiment corresponds to an information processing terminal, and differs from the user terminal 300 according to the second embodiment (see FIG. 11) in that it includes a storage unit 440 and a processing unit 460 . However, since the other components with the same reference numerals have the same functions, repeated explanations will be omitted. Note that the user terminal 400 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the constituent elements (each section) in FIG. 14 are omitted.

The storage unit 440 is a storage device for storing programs and various data for operating the computer, and includes sleep history 441 and game information 442 .

The sleep history 441 functions as a sleep history storage unit, and accumulates the user's sleep information calculated by the processing unit 460 described later, that is, the sleep pattern indicating the user's bedtime and wake-up time. The game information 442 stores information relating to a game for breeding virtual creatures. Note that the storage unit 440 may include a temporary storage area and a storage. Further, the storage unit 440 may be configured to store sensing data detected by the sensor unit 150 .

The processing unit 460 executes various types of information processing executed in the user terminal 400 . The processing unit 460 has a CPU and a memory, and the CPU uses the memory to execute various information processing programs stored in the storage unit 440 . In the present embodiment, the processing unit 460 executes, as the above information processing, processing relating to a breeding game based on the processing of calculating sleep patterns and the sleep patterns in the sleep history. Also, the processing unit 460 may execute processing related to the breeding game based on various information detected by the sensor unit 150 . A processing result regarding the breeding game is output to the output unit 130 . Note that the processing unit 460 may perform progress processing of the breeding game according to the random number result corresponding to the calculated sleep information. The processing unit 460 also obtains the current date and time using the system clock.

As described above, the user terminal according to the present embodiment can provide a virtual creature breeding game based on sleep information of the user. Thereby, the user can enjoy the breeding game even in an environment where the game server is not connected via the network.

The above embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents as well as included in the scope and gist of the invention.

Further, the method described in the above embodiment can be executed by a computer as a program (software means) such as a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, MO, etc.), It can be stored in a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory (ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc.), or can be transmitted and distributed via a communication medium. The programs stored on the medium also include a setting program for configuring software means (including not only execution programs but also tables and data structures) to be executed by the computer. A computer that realizes this server reads a program recorded on a recording medium, and in some cases, builds software means by a setting program, and executes the above-described processing by controlling the operation by this software means. It should be noted that the recording medium in this specification is not limited to those for distribution, and includes storage media such as magnetic disks and semiconductor memories provided inside computers or devices connected via a network.

1,2 game system 100,300,400 user terminal, 110,210 communication unit, 120 input unit, 130,430 output unit, 140,230,440 storage unit, 150 sensor unit, 155 position information detection unit, 160, 240,460 processing unit, 200 game server, 220 acquisition unit, 231,441 sleep history, 232,442 game information

Claims (14)

A game server that manages the progress of a virtual creature breeding game,
an acquisition unit that acquires sleep information including at least a sleep pattern indicating the user's bedtime and wake-up time;
a sleep history storage unit that stores the acquired sleep information as a sleep history;
a processing unit that executes processing related to the breeding game based on the sleep pattern of the sleep history;
A game server with The game server according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit generates a plus event in the breeding game when determining that the sleep pattern in the sleep history satisfies a reference sleep pattern. 9. The processing unit generates a bonus event different from the plus event in the breeding game when determining that the sleep pattern in the sleep history continuously satisfies the reference sleep pattern for a predetermined period or longer. 3. The game server according to 2. 4. The game server according to claim 2, wherein said plus event is an event for growing said virtual creature. 5. The game server according to claim 4, wherein said plus event is addition of points relating to said virtual creature. The game server according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the processing unit generates a negative event in the breeding game when the sleep pattern in the sleep history does not satisfy the reference sleep pattern. 7. The game server according to claim 6, wherein said negative event is an event that causes said virtual creature not to grow or degenerate. 8. The game server according to claim 7, wherein said negative event is subtraction of points relating to said virtual creature. The acquisition unit further acquires a history of location information of the user,
9. The game server according to claim 8, wherein, when jet lag is detected from the sleep history, the processing unit gives mileage as the points to the virtual creature based on the history of the location information. The sleep information includes information about the user's sleep quality,
The game server according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the processing unit changes the virtual creature according to the sleep quality. A program for managing the progress of a game for raising a virtual creature, comprising: an acquisition unit for acquiring sleep information including at least a sleep pattern indicating a user's bedtime and wake-up time;
a sleep history storage unit that stores the acquired sleep information as a sleep history;
As a processing unit that executes processing related to the training game based on the sleep pattern of the sleep history,
A program that works. A method for managing the progress of a virtual creature breeding game, comprising:
obtaining sleep information including at least a sleep pattern indicative of when the user goes to bed and wakes up;
a step of storing the acquired sleep information as a sleep history;
a step of executing a process related to the breeding game based on the sleep pattern of the sleep history;
How to prepare. A game system in which a game server that manages the progress of a virtual creature breeding game and user terminals are connected via a network,
The game server is
an acquisition unit that acquires sleep information including at least a sleep pattern indicating the user's bedtime and wake-up time;
a sleep history storage unit that stores the acquired sleep information as a sleep history;
a processing unit that executes processing related to the breeding game based on the sleep pattern of the sleep history;
game system, including An information processing terminal for executing a virtual creature training game,
an acquisition unit that acquires sleep information including at least a sleep pattern indicating the user's bedtime and wake-up time;
a sleep history storage unit that stores the acquired sleep information as a sleep history;
a processing unit that executes processing related to the breeding game based on the sleep pattern of the sleep history;
Information processing terminal.

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