JP6557903B2 - Tournament management system, tournament management device, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a tournament management system, a tournament management device, and a program.

  Conventionally, a system for allowing a spectator to watch a competition such as a game or a sport is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a system that allows a soccer game imitating a real world soccer league to be watched, allows a spectator to predict a winning team, and rewards the spectator who has made a prediction. ing.

JP 2014-133153 A

  However, according to the conventional technique, the tournament manager is chased by the business operation, and for example, there is a possibility of forgetting the start operation and the deadline operation of the expected acceptance as in Patent Document 1. As a result, for example, the prediction by the spectator itself cannot be made, or the prediction by the spectator becomes invalid, and there is a possibility that the appropriate tournament cannot be operated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a tournament management system, a tournament management device, and a program capable of appropriately managing a tournament.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a tournament management system according to an aspect of the present invention includes an input receiving unit that receives input of participant information of each of a plurality of participants who participate in a tournament, and a spectator who watches the tournament. Presenting means for presenting the contestant information, selection accepting means for accepting selection of at least one of the plurality of contestants by the spectator, and the spectator based on the input of the contestant information Setting means for setting an acceptable period during which selection of the at least one contestant can be accepted.

  The tournament management device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a presentation unit that presents the participant information of each of a plurality of participants participating in the tournament to the spectator watching the tournament, and the spectator According to the selection accepting means for accepting the selection of at least one of the plurality of participants, and accepting the selection of the at least one participant by the spectator based on the input of the participant information Setting means for setting a possible period.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of a convention management system. It is a figure which shows an example of a meeting selection image. It is a figure which shows an example of a watching image. It is a figure which shows an example of a meeting management image. It is a figure which shows an example of a meeting management image. It is a figure which shows an example of the watching image when contestant information is input. It is a figure which shows an example of the watching image when a spectator selects a cheering button. It is a figure which shows an example of the watching image when the contestant to support is decided. It is a figure which shows an example of the watching image when the battle | competition of the semifinal group A starts. It is a figure which shows an example of the watching image when the battle | competition of the semifinal group A is complete | finished. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function relevant to this invention among the functions implement | achieved by a tournament management system. It is a figure which shows the data storage example of group data. It is a figure which shows the data storage example of group type data. It is a figure which shows the data storage example of participant data. It is a figure which shows the data storage example of support condition data. It is a figure which shows the data storage example of user data. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a group registration process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a receivable period setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a watching image display process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a watching image display process.

[1. Overall structure of tournament management system]
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a tournament management system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description may be omitted.

  The tournament management system of this embodiment is a system for managing a tournament. A tournament is an event related to competitions such as games and sports, for example, and contestants compete for superiority and inferiority. For example, a tournament can be called a competition. The game is not limited to an electronic game (video game), but may be a card game using a physical card (for example, a trading card game), or a physical piece or stone is used. It may be a board game (for example, Go or Shogi). For example, when a game tournament is held, the contestant is a game user (player), and when a sporting tournament is held, the contestant is a player. Note that the tournament may be one in which a human and a computer (for example, AI or a robot) or a fictitious human (for example, a game character) play against each other.

  For example, in a tournament, the first type of superiority or inferiority may be competed, or multiple types of superiority or inferiority may be competed. The superiority or inferiority may be determined by, for example, winning / losing, ranking, score, or the like. In addition, for example, the tournament is not limited to a battle, and contestants may cooperate with each other. Further, for example, in a tournament, a contestant may operate his / her terminal, a dedicated terminal may be prepared by an operator, or a terminal may not be used. Further, for example, the tournament may be a so-called e-sports tournament, or a tournament in which no prize money or prize is applied.

  Further, for example, the tournament may be held at an actual tournament venue, or may be held online without preparing a tournament venue. For example, the convention venue is a place where participants are gathered. For example, the event venue is an event venue, a baseball field, an athletic field, a music hall, a game center, or the like.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the tournament management system. As shown in FIG. 1, the tournament management system S according to the present embodiment includes an operator terminal 10, a spectator terminal 30, a participant terminal 50, and a server 70. Each of the operator terminal 10, the spectator terminal 30, the participant terminal 50, and the server 70 is connected to a network N such as the Internet, and data communication is possible.

  The operator terminal 10 is a computer operated by the tournament operator. For example, the operator terminal 10 is a mobile terminal (for example, a mobile phone such as a smartphone or a tablet computer) or a personal computer.

  The manager is, for example, a person who becomes the governing body of the tournament. The manager may be the organizer of the tournament, or may be a person entrusted with the management work by the organizer. For example, in the case of a game tournament, the game company may become the operator, the management company entrusted by the game company may become the operator, or the volunteer among the game users becomes the operator. May be.

  The operator terminal 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an operation unit 14, and a display unit 15. The control unit 11 includes at least one microprocessor. For example, the control unit 11 may include a plurality of microprocessors. The control unit 11 executes processing according to an operating system and other programs. The storage unit 12 includes a main storage unit (for example, RAM) and an auxiliary storage unit (for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory). The storage unit 12 stores programs and data. For example, when the operator terminal 10 is a personal computer or the like, the storage unit 12 may include an auxiliary storage unit such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive. The communication unit 13 includes a communication module and a communication interface. The communication unit 13 performs data communication via the network N.

  The operation unit 14 is an input device, and may include, for example, a button, a key, a lever, a game controller (game pad), a pointing device such as a mouse or a touch panel, or a keyboard. Further, for example, the operation unit 14 may include a microphone and a camera for the user to perform an input operation by voice or gesture. The display unit 15 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display, and displays a screen according to instructions from the control unit 11. Note that the operation unit 14 and the display unit 15 do not have to be built in the operator terminal 10, and may be external devices connected to the operator terminal 10.

  The spectator terminal 30 is a computer operated by the spectator, and is a portable terminal (for example, a mobile phone such as a smartphone or a tablet computer), a personal computer, a portable game machine, a stationary game machine, an arcade game machine, or information. It is a multifunctional television receiver (smart TV) having a processing function.

  The spectator is, for example, a person who watches the tournament without participating in the tournament. Watching is, for example, watching an image showing the state of a tournament or listening to audio. For example, the spectator may watch the game online at any place, watch the game directly at the tournament site, or watch the game at the public viewing site.

  The spectator terminal 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, an operation unit 34, and a display unit 35. The hardware configurations of the control unit 31, the storage unit 32, the communication unit 33, the operation unit 34, and the display unit 35 are the same as those of the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, the communication unit 13, the operation unit 14, and the display unit 15, respectively. It may be.

  The contestant terminal 50 is a computer operated by the above-mentioned contestants, and is a mobile terminal (for example, a mobile phone such as a smartphone or a tablet computer), a personal computer, a portable game machine, a stationary game machine, an arcade game machine, or And a multifunctional television receiver (smart TV) having an information processing function.

  The participant terminal 50 includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, a communication unit 53, an operation unit 54, and a display unit 55. The hardware configurations of the control unit 51, the storage unit 52, the communication unit 53, the operation unit 54, and the display unit 55 are the same as those of the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, the communication unit 13, the operation unit 14, and the display unit 15, respectively. It may be.

  The server 70 is a server computer. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the server 70 includes a control unit 71, a storage unit 72, and a communication unit 73. The hardware configurations of the control unit 71, the storage unit 72, and the communication unit 73 may be the same as those of the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the communication unit 13, respectively.

  The programs and data described as being stored in the storage units 12, 32, 52, and 72 are stored in the operator terminal 10, the spectator terminal 30, the contestant terminal 50, and the server 70 via the network N, for example. It may be supplied. Further, the operator terminal 10, the spectator terminal 30, the contestant terminal 50, and the server 70 read a reading unit (for example, a program or data stored in an information storage medium (for example, an optical disk or a memory card)). An optical disk drive or a memory card slot). And a program and data may be supplied to the operator terminal 10, the spectator terminal 30, the contestant terminal 50, and the server 70 via the information storage medium.

[2. Outline of the tournament]
In the present embodiment, a tournament where participants compete for game scores will be described as an example. Although a case where a baseball game is used will be described as an example, the game used in the tournament may be any game regardless of the game format and genre. For example, a sports game other than baseball (for example, a soccer game) , A card game, an action game, a role playing game, a simulation game, a race game, a board game, or a fighting game.

  In this embodiment, a case where a semi-final and a final game are prepared in the tournament will be described. However, the tournament may be performed in an arbitrary format, for example, a battle other than the semi-final and the final game (for example, 1st round, 2nd round, quarter-finals, etc.) may exist. In addition, for example, a tournament format in which a winning game is performed, a league game format in which a round-robin battle is performed, or a loser revival game may exist.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a case will be described as an example in which eight users who have won the qualifying proceed to the semi-final among users gathered at the meeting venue. However, the number of participants who can proceed to the semi-final may be any number, for example, may be about several people, or may be tens to thousands or more. Participants may be determined without qualifying.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the semi-final group A, the semi-final group B, and the final battle group are prepared will be described as an example. Note that the number of groups is not limited to two and may be three or more. In this embodiment, four participants are assigned to each group, but the number of participants assigned to each group may be different. For example, the operator may determine which group each participant is assigned to, or may be determined by lottery.

  Each contestant will compete for game scores with other contestants in the same group. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the top 2 players (total of 4 players) in each group can advance to the final match, but the number of participants who can advance to the final match may be any number, for example, Only the top one of each group may be able to advance to the final match, or depending on the number of participants, the top three or more members of each group may be able to advance to the final match. Further, for example, an inviter designated on the manager side (for example, a winner of the previous tournament or a winner of an online tournament described later) may participate from the final match.

  For example, taking the semi-final group A as an example, the contestants in the semi-final group A operate their contestant terminals 50 to play the game. The server 70 may obtain the game situation from each participant terminal 50, or may obtain the game situation from another server that executes the game. Alternatively, when the server 70 itself acquires the user's operation content from each contestant terminal 50 and executes the game, the situation of the game stored in the storage unit 72 may be referred to. The server 70 specifies the score obtained by each user based on the acquired game situation, and determines the top two players as participants who will advance to the final game. Similarly, in the semi-final group B and the final group, the server 70 may acquire the game situation, specify the score acquired by each user, and determine the top two players as the contestants who proceed to the final game.

  In this embodiment, the spectator can watch an arbitrary match among the semi-final group A, the semi-final group B, and the final group. The spectator does not need to play the game in particular, but in this embodiment, the case where the spectator is also a user who plays the game will be described. Furthermore, a tournament other than the tournament described above may not be prepared, but in this embodiment, a case where a tournament that anyone can participate in is also described.

  For example, a tournament that anyone can participate in is not particularly prepared for a tournament, and can participate in any tournament. Hereinafter, the tournament that anyone can participate in will be referred to as online tournament, and the tournament held at the tournament site will be described as real tournament. For example, when a spectator starts a game program from the spectator terminal 30, a tournament selection image for selecting a tournament is displayed on the display unit 35.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a tournament selection image. As shown in FIG. 2, the tournament selection image G1 displays an online tournament button B10 for participating in the online tournament. When the spectator selects the online tournament button B10, he can participate in the online tournament. In an online tournament, for example, a baseball game may be played against another user, or a score acquired by challenging a predetermined mission may be competed with another user. The mission may be anything related to the game. For example, in the case of a baseball game, the score may be determined based on the success such as hitting, throwing, stealing, bunting, and defense.

  For example, the tournament selection image G1 displays a real tournament button B11 for participating in the real tournament. For example, when qualifying is performed at the tournament venue, the real tournament button B11 may be selected and a predetermined entry operation may be performed to enter the real tournament and participate in the qualifying. The game of the real tournament may be the same as or different from the game of the online tournament. For example, a real tournament can be entered only during a predetermined entry period, and if it is outside the entry period, the real tournament button B11 may be grayed out and cannot be selected as shown in FIG.

  Further, for example, a watching button B12 for watching a real tournament is displayed on the tournament selection image G1. The real tournament button B11 and the watching game button B12 may be displayed only when the date and time of the real tournament approaches. When the spectator selects the watching button B12, a watching image for watching the real tournament is displayed on the display unit 35.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a watching image. As shown in FIG. 3, the watching image G2 includes tabs T200 to T202 for switching a match to be watched from the semi-final group A, the semi-final group B, and the final game group. The tab T200 is a tab for displaying information on the semi-final group A. The tab T201 is a tab for displaying information on the semi-final group B. Tab T202 is a tab for displaying information on the final match group. Here, an example of a screen when the semi-final group A tab T200 is selected will be described. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish the tabs T200 to T202, they are simply referred to as tabs T20.

  For example, the watching image G2 includes a display area A21 for displaying participant information such as a face photo and name of a participant of the semi-final group A. In the example of FIG. 3, the participant information has not yet been input, and the participant information is not displayed in the display area A21. In this state, the spectator cannot know who will participate in the semi-final group A from the spectator image G2.

  In addition, for example, the tournament image G2 includes a tournament information button B22 for displaying information such as a summary of the real tournament and a reward button B23 for displaying a list of spectator rewards. In this embodiment, the spectator can cheer for the contestants, and when the cheered contestants win, rewards such as game items and in-game currency are given to the spectators. Rewards are not limited to those used in the game, but may be prizes or vouchers given by handing or mailing outside the game. When the spectator selects the reward button B23, a list of rewards that can be acquired by cheering is displayed.

  Further, for example, the watching image G2 includes a display area A24 for displaying the progress of the tournament. In the example of FIG. 3, since the match of the semi-final group A is not started, a message such as “Please wait for the distribution” is displayed in the display area A24, and the progress of the tournament is not particularly displayed. Until the participant information of the semi-final group A is input, the watching image G2 in FIG. 3 remains.

  In the present embodiment, the operator registers the basic information of each group when inputting the participant information. Here, since there are three groups, the semi-final group A, the semi-final group B, and the final group, the operator registers basic information of these three groups. For example, when the operator performs an operation for creating a new group from the operator terminal 10, a tournament management image for managing the tournament operation is displayed on the display unit 15. Register basic group information.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a tournament management image. As shown in FIG. 4, the tournament management image G3 includes an input form F30 for inputting a group name, an input form F31 for inputting a group capacity, an input form F32 for inputting a group type, and An input form F33 for inputting the scheduled start date and time is displayed. The group name and type need not be set.

  The group type is, for example, the type of group. In the present embodiment, the length of an acceptable period described later differs depending on the type. The scheduled start date and time is, for example, the date and time when the start of an acceptable period described later is scheduled. For example, the scheduled start date and time is set to be a predetermined time before the scheduled start date and time of the game.

  For example, the operator inputs a group name such as “semi-final group A”, “semi-final group B”, or “final group” in the input form F30. In addition, for example, the operator inputs a numerical value (here, four people) of the capacity of each group into the input form F31. Further, for example, the operator inputs one of a plurality of types into the input form F32. Further, for example, the operator inputs a numerical value of the scheduled start date and time in the input form F33. The operator can register a group by selecting these buttons and selecting the send button B34.

  When the participants of the group registered as described above are determined, the operator inputs the participant information of the participants. For example, in the tournament management image G3, not only group registration but also entry of participant information is possible, and the operator can enter the participant information of the participants in the semi-final group A and the participant information of the semi-final group B. And enter.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a tournament management image. As shown in FIG. 5, the tournament management image G3 displays an input form F35 for selecting a group for entering participant information. For example, when the operator operates the operation unit 14 and moves the cursor to the input form F35, a registered group is displayed in a selectable manner. The operator operates the operation unit 14 to select a group for which the participant information is to be input.

  In the present embodiment, it is possible to input the contestant's name (name / handle name), face photo (face photo / icon image), and qualifying results as the contestant information. An input form F360 for inputting the name of the contestant, an input form F361 for uploading a face photo of the contestant, and an input form F362 for inputting the qualifying result of the contestant are displayed.

  The contestant information may be information regarding the contestant, and may be, for example, the gender, age, birthplace, or other profile information of the contestant. In addition, for example, the input form F360 for inputting the name of the contestant may be selected not only from the text input but also from a pre-registered user list or a user ID. Further, the face photo data may be input by another terminal.

  For example, the operator operates the operation unit 14, moves the cursor to the input form F360, and inputs the names of the participants. Further, for example, the operator operates the operation unit 14, moves the cursor to the input form F361, and inputs the file name and link of the contestant's face photo. Further, for example, the operator operates the operation unit 14 to move the cursor to the input form F362 and input the qualifying result of the contestant. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish the input forms F360 to F362, they are simply referred to as the input form F36.

  Further, for example, a transmission button B37 for transmitting the participant information to the server 70 is displayed on the tournament management image G3. When the group is selected from the input form F35 and the participant information is input to the input form F36, when the operator selects the send button B37, the participant information is registered in the server 70. When the participant information is registered in the server 70, the watching image G2 is changed from the state shown in FIG. 3, and the participant information is displayed in the display area A21.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a watching image when participant information is input. As shown in FIG. 6, the display area A21 displays the participant information I2100 to I2103 of the semi-final group A. For example, in the contestant information I2100, the name of the contestant “Tanaka”, a face photograph, and a qualifying result are displayed. Further, for example, the contestant information I2101 displays the name, face photo, and qualifying result of the contestant “Sato”. Further, for example, the contestant information I2102 displays the name of the contestant named “Suzuki”, a face photograph, and a qualifying result. Further, for example, the contestant information I2103 displays the name of the contestant named “Yamada”, a face photograph, and a qualifying result.

  Further, for example, support buttons B250 to B253 for the spectator to support the participants are displayed under the participant information I2100 to I2103. For example, the support button B250 is a button for supporting the contestant “Tanaka” and is displayed under the contestant information I2100. Further, for example, the support button B251 is a button for supporting the participant “Sato” and is displayed under the participant information I2101. Further, for example, the support button B252 is a button for supporting a contestant “Suzuki” and is displayed under the contestant information I2102. In addition, for example, the support button B253 is a button for supporting the participant “Yamada” and is displayed under the participant information I2103.

  Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish the participant information I2100 to I2103, it is simply described as the participant information I210, and when it is not necessary to distinguish the support buttons B250 to B253, it is simply described as the support button B25. In addition, when there is no need to refer to the drawings, the description of the participant information may be omitted.

  In the present embodiment, an acceptable period during which selection of the support button B25 can be accepted is set, and the remaining time of the acceptable period is displayed in the display area A26. Although the details of the setting method of the acceptable period will be described later, for example, the acceptable period is a period from the time when the input of the participant information I210 is completed to a predetermined time at the time. The length of the acceptable period may be any length, for example, 30 minutes in the example of FIG. 6, but may be about several minutes, or may be several hours to several days or more. It may be.

  For example, when the acceptable period elapses, the spectator cannot select the support button B25. For this reason, the spectator selects the support button B25 of the contestant who wants to support within the acceptable period. Note that the spectator does not necessarily have to select the support button B25, and may be able to watch the game without selecting the support button B25. For example, when the spectator wants to cheer for the contestant “Tanaka”, he selects the cheer button B250 corresponding to the contestant.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the watching image G2 when the spectator selects the support button B250. As shown in FIG. 7, the watching image G2 displays a dialog D27 for confirming the contestants supported by the spectators. When the spectator selects the cancel button B270, the spectator image G2 returns to the state shown in FIG. 6, and the support button B25 can be selected again. On the other hand, when the spectator selects the determination button B271, it is determined that the spectator supports the contestant “Tanaka”, and the display of the watching image G2 changes. In addition, in the example of FIG. 7, although it is assumed that it cannot be changed after the contestant who supports is decided, you may be able to change after confirmation of the contestant who supports.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the watching image G2 when the supporter to be supported is confirmed. As shown in FIG. 8, a support image G28 indicating that support is being performed is displayed on the contestant information I2100 of the contestant “Tanaka” supported by the spectator, and the support button B25 disappears. Further, for example, when the contestant to be supported is confirmed, the display area A24 moves onto the display area A21, and it becomes easy to see how the tournament progresses. In the example of FIG. 8, it is before the match of the semi-final group A starts, and the progress of the tournament is not yet displayed in the display area A24.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the watching image G2 when the match of the semi-final group A starts. As shown in FIG. 9, a tournament image G240 showing the progress of the semi-final group A is displayed in the display area A24. In the example of FIG. 9, an image of the game being played by the contestants in the semi-final group A is displayed as the tournament image G240, but the tournament image G240 may be any image that shows the progress of the competition, Instead of an image, it may be an image of the tournament venue taken with a camera.

  When the watching image G2 is in the state shown in FIG. 9, the watching game will watch the semi-final group A by watching the tournament image G240 displayed in the display area A24. When the spectator terminal 30 includes a sound output unit such as a speaker or an earphone jack, sound such as a tournament actual condition may be output. When the match of the semi-final group A is completed, the result of the semi-final group A is displayed in the watching image G2.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the watching image G2 when the match of the semi-final group A is completed. As shown in FIG. 10, the watching image G2 displays a dialog D29 indicating whether or not a contestant cheered by the spectator has won. For example, when the contestant who the spectator supports wins, the content of the reward given to the spectator is displayed in the dialog D29. Note that other information may be displayed in the dialog D29, for example, the ranking of each participant in the semi-final group A, details of play contents, and the like may be displayed. Further, when the supporting contestant wins, the reward content given to the spectator is not displayed in the dialog D29, but when the shift to the home screen or the like of the spectator terminal 30 is made, the fact that the reward has been obtained is displayed. You may do it.

  As described above, the tournament management system S according to the present embodiment sets an acceptable period when the participant information is input, and accepts the selection of the participant by the spectator during the acceptable period. It is a configuration that enables the operation of the tournament. Hereinafter, details of the configuration will be described.

[3. Functions realized in the tournament management system]
FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing functions related to the present invention among the functions realized by the tournament management system S. In the present embodiment, a description will be given of a case where main functions related to tournament management are realized in the server 70, and the server 70 is a tournament management device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, in the server 70, a data storage unit 700, an input reception unit 701, a presentation unit 702, a selection reception unit 703, and a setting unit 704 are realized.

[3-1. Data storage unit]
The data storage unit 700 is realized mainly by the storage unit 72. The data storage unit 700 stores data necessary for operating the tournament. Here, group data DT1, group type data DT2, contestant data DT3, support situation data DT4, and user data DT5 will be described as examples of data stored in the data storage unit 700.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of the group data DT1. As shown in FIG. 12, the group data DT1 stores information about groups registered by the operator. For example, the group data DT1 stores a group ID, group name, capacity, group type, scheduled start date / time, start date / time, and scheduled end date / time associated with each group. The group ID is issued when a new group is created.

  The start date / time is, for example, the scheduled end date / time that is the date / time when the acceptable period is actually started. For example, the scheduled date / time when the acceptable period is scheduled to end is a predetermined time after the start time. In this embodiment, since the length of the acceptable period is determined by the group type, the scheduled end date / time is the date / time after the start date / time according to the group type.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of the group type data DT2. As shown in FIG. 13, the group type data DT2 stores the length of an acceptable period according to the group type. For example, the group type data DT2 stores the group type and the acceptable period length in association with each other.

  In the data storage examples of FIGS. 13 to 14, the semi-final group A and the semi-final group B have the group type “1” and the acceptable period is “2 hours”. On the other hand, in the final group, the group type is “2”, and the length of the acceptable period is “1 hour”. Here, the case where the semi-final group A and the semi-final group B have a longer acceptance period than the final group will be described. On the contrary, the semi-final group A and the semi-final group B The acceptance period may be longer than that.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of the participant data DT3. As shown in FIG. 14, the participant data of each participant is stored in the participant data DT3. For example, the contestant data DT3 stores a contestant ID that uniquely identifies a contestant, a contestant name, a face photo image, and a qualifying order in association with the group ID.

  For example, in the contestant data DT3, the contestant name input in the input form F360 and the face photo input in the input form F361 are associated with the group ID of the group input in the input form F35 of the tournament management image G3. The image and the qualifying order entered in the input form F362 are stored. The contestant ID may be issued by entering the contestant name or the like and stored in the contestant data DT3, or the contestant is registered in advance in the tournament management system S as a user. The user ID of the participant may be used as the participant ID.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of the support situation data DT4. As shown in FIG. 15, the support status of each spectator is stored in the support status data DT4. For example, in the support situation data DT4, a group ID, a contestant ID of a supporter to support, and a user ID of a spectator are stored in association with each other.

  For example, the group ID is the group ID of the group corresponding to the tab T20 selected by the spectator in the watching image G2. For example, the display data of the watching game image G2 defines the relationship between the tab T20 and the group ID, and it is possible to specify which group ID the tab T20 selected by the user corresponds to. Further, for example, the contestant ID of the contestant to be cheered is the contestant ID of the contestant corresponding to the cheer button B25 selected by the spectator. For example, in the display data of the watching game image G2, the relationship between the support button B25 and the contestant ID is defined, and it is possible to specify which contestant ID the support button B25 selected by the user corresponds to. Further, for example, when the spectator selects the support button B25, the group ID corresponding to the tab T20, the contestant ID corresponding to the support button B25, and the user ID of the spectator are transmitted from the spectator terminal 30 to the server 70. These IDs are associated and stored in the support status data DT4.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of the user data DT5. As shown in FIG. 16, the user data DT5 stores basic information of users registered as users in the tournament management system S. For example, the user data DT5 stores a user ID, a user name, a level, and the like that uniquely identify the user in the tournament management system S in association with each other. Here, since the spectator is registered in advance in the tournament management system S, the user ID can also be referred to as information for identifying the spectator. Furthermore, when the contestant has previously registered as a user in the tournament management system S, the user ID of the contestant may be used as the contestant ID. The user name is a name input at the time of user registration. The level is a parameter indicating the strength (deliciousness) of the user, and changes according to the play situation of the game.

  The data stored in the data storage unit 700 is not limited to the above example. The data storage unit 700 may store data necessary for the operation of the tournament. For example, the data storage unit 700 may store the status of a game that is being executed for a group that is playing a battle. As the game status, for example, various information such as the game progress status (for example, information such as the position and movement direction of the game character in the game space), the score obtained by the contestant, and the current ranking are stored. What should I do? Further, for example, the data storage unit 700 may store a battle holding period (for example, a scheduled start time and a scheduled end time) in each group. Further, for example, the data storage unit 700 may store data indicating a reward given to the spectator.

[3-2. Input reception unit]
The input receiving unit 701 is realized mainly by the control unit 71. The input receiving unit 701 receives input of participant information of each of a plurality of participants who participate in the tournament.

  The input is, for example, inputting information to the computer and may be performed manually by a human or when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, the participant information may be manually input using the operation unit, the participant information may be input by reading an information storage medium storing the participant information, or via the network N. The participant information may be input by receiving the participant information. Further, for example, the entry of the participant information may be performed by the tournament operator, or may be performed by a person other than the administrator (for example, a participant). Further, for example, when the participant information is input when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a batch file may be prepared so that the participant information is input when a predetermined date and time arrives. . Further, for example, the predetermined condition may be that a tournament qualifying is performed in the tournament management system S and a superior is determined, or that the qualifying is finished and the result summarization process is executed. There may be. Further, for example, the predetermined condition may be that a superior of each of the semi-final group A and the semi-final group B is determined, and the totaling process of each score of the semi-final group A and the semi-final group B is completed. It may be.

  In this embodiment, since the input reception part 701 is implement | achieved in the server 70 and an operator inputs participant information from the operator terminal 10, the input reception part 701 is a participant from the operator terminal 10 via the network N. By receiving the information, the input of the participant information is accepted. Note that the input receiving unit 701 may receive direct input to the server 70 instead of receiving input of participant information via the network N. In this case, the input receiving unit 701 receives input of contestant information based on the detection signal of the operation unit connected to the server 70, or receives an information storage medium via the input / output unit or the reading unit of the server 70. You may receive input of participant information by reading.

  Since the tournament of the present embodiment has a plurality of groups, the input receiving unit 701 receives input of the participant information of each of the plurality of groups. A group here is a group of contestants, for example, and is a group in which contestants compete. For example, a qualifying group, a semi-final group, or a final group. In the case of a league game in which a round-robin game is performed, for example, each of a plurality of blocks in the league game corresponds to a group. For example, the input reception unit 701 receives input of contestant information for each of the semi-final group A, the semi-final group B, and the final battle group. For example, the input receiving unit 701 receives the input of the participant information of the group selected on the input form F35 of the tournament management image G3.

  Note that the input receiving unit 701 does not need to receive the input of the participant information of all the participants of each group at a time, and may receive the input of the participant information divided into a plurality of times. For example, the input receiving unit 701 does not need to receive a plurality of contestant information inputs all at once, and may receive the contestant information inputs one by one or input the contestant information. Two people may be accepted.

[3-3. Presentation section]
The presentation unit 702 is realized mainly by the control unit 71. The presentation unit 702 presents contestant information to spectators watching the tournament. The presentation is, for example, giving information visually or audibly. For example, the presentation is to display the participant information as an image or to output the participant information as a voice.

  In the present embodiment, since the presentation unit 702 is realized in the server 70, the presentation unit 702 transmits the participant information stored in the participant data DT3 to the spectator terminal 30, so that the spectator information is displayed to the spectator. Present. The spectator terminal 30 that has received the participant information is displayed in the display area A21 of the spectator image G2.

  Further, for example, the presentation unit 702 displays the participant information I210 and the tournament image G240 indicating that the tournament progresses on the display unit 35 corresponding to the spectators. The presentation unit 702 may display the tournament image G240 when an operation for displaying the tournament image G240 is performed from the administrator terminal, or may display a tournament image G240 at a predetermined time (for example, a tournament start time). Alternatively, the tournament image G240 may be displayed when a match of each group starts.

  The tournament image G240 may be, for example, an image (including both a moving image and a still image) taken of the tournament site with a camera, or may be an image of a game being played by a contestant. Further, for example, the tournament image G240 may be an image obtained by combining an image of the tournament hall captured with a camera and an image of a game, or may be an image obtained by combining CG with an image captured of the tournament venue using a camera. Good. The display unit 35 corresponding to the spectator is, for example, the display unit 35 incorporated in the spectator terminal 30, the display unit connected to the spectator terminal 30, or the display unit 35 in front of the spectator. .

  In the present embodiment, since the presentation unit 702 is realized in the server 70, the presentation unit 702 transmits the data of the tournament image G240 to the spectator terminal 30, thereby displaying the tournament image G240 corresponding to the spectator. To display. The spectator terminal 30 that has received the data of the tournament image G240 displays the tournament image G240 in the display area A24 of the tournament image G2.

  Also, for example, the presentation unit 702 sets the display priority of the participant information I210 to be higher than the tournament image G240 before the acceptance period ends or before the spectator selects at least one participant. When the acceptable period ends, or when the spectator selects at least one participant, the display priority of the tournament image G240 is set higher than the participant information I210.

  Setting the display priority of A higher than B is, for example, displaying A in a position or manner that is more visible to the spectator than B, and displaying A in a position or manner that is more conspicuous than B. is there. For example, A is displayed at a position higher than B, A is displayed in a size larger than B, A is brighter than B, and A is a conspicuous color (bright color) than B Displaying or selecting A tab in advance when A and B are displayed in different tabs corresponds to setting the display priority of A higher than B. When A is the contestant information I210, B is the tournament image G240, and when A is the tournament image G240, B is the contestant information I210.

  In this embodiment, since the spectator selects the contestant by selecting the support button B25, as shown in FIG. 6, the presentation unit 702 displays the contestant information before the spectator selects the support button B25. By setting I210 (display area A21) above the tournament image G240 (display area A24), the display priority of the contestant information I210 is set higher than that of the tournament image G240. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 9, the presentation unit 702 displays the tournament image G240 (display area A24) above the contestant information I210 (display area A21) when the spectator selects the support button B25. By doing so, the display priority of the tournament image G240 is set higher than the contestant information I210.

  Note that the presentation unit 702 changes the display priority of the contestant information I210 and the tournament image G240, not whether or not the spectator selects the support button B25 but whether or not the acceptable period has ended. Also good. For example, the presentation unit 702 acquires the current date and time based on a real-time clock, a GPS signal, or the like, and determines whether or not the acceptable period has ended. For example, the presentation unit 702 sets the contestant information I210 (display area A21) above the tournament image G240 (display area A24) before the acceptable period ends, so that the contestant information I210 is displayed. The display priority is set higher than the tournament image G240. On the other hand, when the acceptable period ends, the presentation unit 702 raises the display priority of the tournament image G240 by setting the tournament image G240 (display area A24) above the contestant information I210 (display area A21). Is set higher than the participant information I210.

  In the tournament of the present embodiment, since a plurality of participants participate in each of a plurality of groups, the presentation unit 702 displays the display priority of the participant information I210 of the group that has become a reception period among the plurality of groups. May be set higher than a group that is not in an acceptable period. The meaning of the display priority is as described above. Here, the above-described A corresponds to a group that has become an acceptable period, and B corresponds to a group that is not an acceptable period. Note that the group that is not the acceptable period is, for example, a group before the acceptable period, a group for which no acceptable period is set, or a group after the acceptable period has elapsed.

  For example, when the semi-final group A is an acceptable period and the semi-final group B is not an acceptable period, the presenting unit 702 presents the watching image G2 in a state where the tab T200 of the semi-final group A is selected. Further, for example, when the semi-final group B is an acceptable period and the semi-final group A is not an acceptable period, the presentation unit 702 presents the watching image G2 in a state where the tab T201 of the semi-final group B is selected. Note that the presentation unit 702, when both the semi-final groups A and B are in the acceptable period, displays the watching image G2 in a state where the predetermined tab T20 (for example, the tab T200 on the left side) is selected. Can be presented.

  Further, for example, the participant information I210 may include the results of the participants in the qualifying of the tournament. The qualifying is, for example, a battle for participating in the main game of the tournament. The grade is, for example, the ranking or score in the qualifying.

  In addition, for example, the presentation unit 702 displays the support button B25 for selecting the participant indicated by the participant information I210 on the display unit 35 corresponding to the spectator in association with the participant information I210. Also good. The support button B25 is an example of a support image. The support image may be a predetermined image and may not be a button. For example, the support image may be a check box or a slide bar, the face image of the participant itself may be a support image, or an image including the name of the participant. Also good.

  For example, the presentation unit 702 displays the correspondence information between the participant information I210 and the support button B25 so as to be understood. For example, the presentation unit 702 displays a support button B25 in the vicinity of the participant information I210. The vicinity means, for example, a position less than a predetermined distance. In addition, for example, the presentation unit 702 displays the support button B25 at any of the top, bottom, left, and right positions of the participant information I210. For example, the presentation unit 702 may display a line connecting the participant information I210 and the support button B25. In the present embodiment, the presentation unit 702 displays the support button B25 below the contestant information I210, but the presentation unit 702 displays the support button B25 above, left, or right of the contestant information I210. May be. In addition, for example, the presentation unit 702 may display the support button B25 so as to be superimposed on the contestant information I210.

  Further, for example, the presenting unit 702 may present the remaining time until the end of the acceptable period to the spectator. The remaining time is, for example, a time interval between the current date and time and the end point of the acceptable period. For example, the presentation unit 702 obtains the remaining time of the acceptable period based on the acceptable period stored in the group data DT1 and the current time obtained using a real-time clock, a GPS signal, or the like, and displays the remaining time. It is displayed in the area A26. For example, the presentation unit 702 may display a numerical value indicating the remaining time in the display area A26, or may display the remaining time in the display area A26 by a method other than the numerical value using an image such as a clock. . Also, for example, the presentation unit 702 may count down the remaining time until the end of the acceptable period. Further, for example, the status during the game may not be displayed. In the group data DT1, the acceptable period is represented by the start date and time and the scheduled end date and time, but may be represented by the start date and time and the acceptable time, or may be represented by the acceptable time and the end time.

  In this embodiment, the case where the participant information I210 is presented in the watching game image G2 displayed by starting the game program will be described. However, the participant information I210 may be presented using other means. . For example, the presentation unit 702 may present the participant information I210 using a website, or may present the participant information I210 using an SNS, an e-mail, a message application, or the like.

[3-4. Selection reception desk]
The selection receiving unit 703 is realized mainly by the control unit 71. The selection receiving unit 703 receives a selection of at least one of a plurality of participants by a spectator. The selection here means, for example, selecting a contestant, predicting a winner, selecting a support target (voting target), and predicting a contestant of a specific rank (for example, second from the bottom). Or anticipating a loser. In this embodiment, since a participant can be selected by the support button B25, for example, the selection receiving unit 703 receives the selection of the support button B25 by the spectator.

  In the present embodiment, since the selection receiving unit 703 is realized in the server 70 and the spectator selects a participant from the spectator terminal 30, the selection receiving unit 703 receives the spectator from the spectator terminal 30 via the network N. By receiving information identifying the support button B25 selected by the player, the selection of the contestant is accepted. Note that the selection receiving unit 703 may receive a direct selection for the server 70 instead of receiving the selection of the contestant via the network N. In this case, the selection receiving unit 703 may receive the selection of the contestant based on the detection signal of the operation unit connected to the server 70.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the selection of the contestant is accepted in the watching image G2 displayed by starting the game program will be described, but the selection of the contestant may be accepted using other means. For example, the selection accepting unit 703 may accept a contestant's selection using a website, or a contestant's selection may be accepted using a link in a message in an SNS, e-mail, message application, or the like. Also good.

[3-5. Setting section]
The setting unit 704 is realized mainly by the control unit 71. The setting unit 704 sets an acceptable period during which selection of at least one participant by the spectator can be accepted based on the input of the participant information.

  The acceptable period is, for example, a period in which selection of a participant is accepted. For example, the acceptable period may be a period during which an image for selecting a contestant (in this embodiment, the support button B25) is displayed, or a period during which the selection of the image is valid. Good. “Selection is valid” may be, for example, that the attribute of the image is “enable”, may be transmitted to the server 70 when an image is selected, When the server 70 receives the selection, the server 70 may regard the selection as valid.

  For example, the setting unit 704 sets the start time of the acceptable period based on the input of the participant information. For example, the setting unit 704 may set the time when the entry of the participant information is completed as the start time, or may set the time after a predetermined time after the input is completed as the start time. For example, the setting unit 704 sets the end point of the acceptable period based on the input of the participant information. The setting unit 704 may set a time after a predetermined time from the time when the entry of the participant information is completed as the end time, or may set a time after the predetermined time as the end time. In addition, for example, the setting unit 704 may start a reception period when all the participant information is input, or every time individual participant information is input, the reception period of the participant. May start. That is, the setting unit 704 may set an acceptable period for each participant, or may set a common acceptable period for all participants.

  For example, the setting unit 704 determines whether or not the input of all the participant information of a plurality of participants is completed, and when it is determined that the input of all the participant information is completed, the acceptance period ends. A time point may be set. In the present embodiment, since four participants participate in each of the semi-final group A, the semi-final group B, and the final group, the setting unit 704 refers to the participant data DT3 and stores the participant information for the four players. It is determined whether or not the input has been completed. For example, the setting unit 704 refers to the participant data DT3 and determines whether or not the participant information for four people is stored for each group. The setting unit 704 sets an acceptable period for a group that is determined to have stored the participant information for four players. The setting unit 704 determines whether or not the input of the participant information for the number of participants is completed.

  Further, for example, the setting unit 704 can set an acceptable period based on the input of the participant information of each of the plurality of groups, and can set an acceptable period different from other groups for at least one of the plurality of groups. It is good. For example, the setting unit 704 sequentially sets the acceptable period from the group in which the participant information is input, and sets a part or all of the acceptable period of a certain group and a part or all of the acceptable period of another group. May be different. That is, the setting unit 704 may set the acceptable period of another group as long as the participant information of another group is input even if the participant information of a certain group is not input.

  For example, the setting unit 704 does not completely match each group's acceptable period, but partially matches each group's acceptable period, or makes the group's acceptable period completely different from each other. May be. For example, the setting unit 704 may make the start time of the acceptable period for the semi-final group A different from the start time of the acceptable period for the semi-final group B. Further, for example, the setting unit 704 may make the end point of the acceptable period for the semi-final group A different from the end point of the acceptable period for the semi-final group B. For example, the setting unit 704 may make the length of the acceptable period for the semi-final group A different from the length of the acceptable period for the semi-final group B.

  For example, the setting unit 704 refers to the group data DT1 and identifies the type of group for which the acceptable period is set. Then, the setting unit 704 refers to the group type data DT2 and acquires the length associated with the specified type. The setting unit 704 sets the acceptable period by setting the current date and time as the start date and time, and setting the time after the acquired length as the scheduled end date and time. Note that the acceptable period may not differ depending on the type, and the group type data DT2 may be omitted.

  The setting unit 704 may set an acceptable period when an operation for starting acceptance of a participant is performed after the participant information is input. The operation may be a predetermined operation. For example, a button for starting reception may be displayed on the tournament management image G3, and the button may be selected, or displayed on another image. The selected button may be selected, or a predetermined command may be input from a keyboard or the like. For example, the operator performs the operation from the operator terminal 10. When the setting unit 704 receives information indicating that the operation has been performed from the operator terminal 10, the setting unit 704 sets an acceptable period. However, even if the operation is performed in a state where no participant information is input, the setting unit 704 does not set an acceptable period. That is, the setting unit 704 may set the acceptable period on condition that the participant information is input when the operation is performed.

  The setting unit 704 may set an acceptable period based on the competition period. For example, when a battle is performed for each group as in the present embodiment, the setting unit 704 may set an acceptable period based on the battle holding period in each group. In this case, for example, the setting unit 704 may make the end point of the acceptable period be before the scheduled start time of the battle in each group or after a predetermined time after the scheduled start time. Further, for example, the setting unit 704 may make the end point of the acceptable period be before the scheduled end point of the battle in each group.

[4. Processing executed in the tournament management system]
Next, an example of processing executed in the tournament management system S will be described. Here, a group registration process for registering a group, a reception period setting process for setting a reception period by inputting participant information, and a watching image display process for displaying a watching image G2 will be described. . The processing described below is an example of processing executed by the functional block.

[4-1. Group registration process]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the group registration process. The processing shown in FIG. 17 is executed by the control unit 11 operating according to a program stored in the storage unit 12 and the control unit 71 operating according to a program stored in the storage unit 72.

  As shown in FIG. 17, first, in the operator terminal 10, the administrator inputs ID and password login information from the operation unit 14, and the control unit 11 transmits the input login information to the server 70 ( S101).

  In the server 70, when the login information is received, the control unit 71 executes an operator authentication process based on the received login information (S701). For example, the combination of the operator's ID and password is stored in the storage unit 72 in advance. In S701, the combination of the ID and password included in the received login information, and the ID stored in the storage unit 72 are stored. It is determined whether or not the password combination matches. If they match, authentication succeeds, and if they do not match, authentication fails.

  When the authentication process is successful (S701; Y), the server 70 notifies the operator terminal 10 that the authentication has been successful, and the operator terminal 10 is ready to create a new group. When the operator performs an operation for creating a new group, the control unit 11 transmits a group registration request (S103). The registration request is a request for creating a new record in the group data DT1, and is made by transmitting information in a predetermined data format.

  In the server 70, when receiving the registration request, the control unit 71 registers a group based on the received registration request (S703). In S703, the control unit 71 adds a new record to the group data DT1, issues a group ID, and stores it in the record.

  In the operator terminal 10, the control part 11 transmits the information which shows input content, such as the capacity of a group, to the server 70 (S105). In S105, the control unit 11 stores the group name input in the input form F30, the capacity input in the input form F31, the type input in the input form F32, and the scheduled start date and time input in the input form F33. 70.

  In the server 70, when the information indicating the input content is received, the control unit 71 registers the received input content (S705). In S705, the control unit 71 stores the received group name, capacity, type, and scheduled start date and time in the record added in S703.

  The control unit 71 disconnects the connection with the operator terminal 10 (S707), and this process ends. If the authentication process fails in S701 (S701; N), the process proceeds to S707, the connection with the operator terminal 10 is disconnected, and the group is not registered.

[4-2. Acceptable period setting process]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an acceptable period setting process. The process shown in FIG. 18 is executed by the control unit 11 operating according to the program stored in the storage unit 12 and the control unit 71 operating according to the program stored in the storage unit 72. The process described below is executed, for example, when qualifying at the tournament ends and the participants in the semi-final group A and semi-final group B are determined.

  As shown in FIG. 18, first, in the operator terminal 10, the control unit 11 transmits login information input by the operator (S107). The process of S107 is the same as the process of S101. In the server 70, when the login information is received, the control unit 71 executes an authentication process (S709). The process of S709 is the same as the process of S701.

  When the authentication process is successful (S709; Y), the server 70 notifies the operator terminal 10 that the authentication has been successful, and the operator terminal 10 is in a state where input of participant information is possible.

  In the operator terminal 10, the operator inputs a contestant name and the like, and the control unit 11 transmits information indicating the input content to the server 70 (S109). In S109, the control unit 11 inputs the group ID input to the input form F35, the participant name input to the input form F360, the face photograph image input to the input form F361, and the input form F362. The qualifying results are transmitted to the server 70.

  In the server 70, when the information indicating the input content is received, the control unit 71 registers the entered participant name and the like (S711). In S711, the control unit 71 inputs the group ID input to the input form F35, the contestant name input to the input form F360, the face photo image input to the input form F361, and the input form F362. The qualifying results are associated and stored in the contestant data DT3. Note that the control unit 71 may issue a participant ID at the time of S711 and store it in the participant data DT3. If the participant ID has been issued in advance, the control unit 71 sets the entered participant name. The contestant ID may be specified based on the basis. The group may be automatically specified based on the time when the participant information is input and the terminal that inputs the information. In this way, the operator does not have to select a group.

  The control unit 71 determines whether or not the number of records of the participant data DT3 has reached the capacity (S713). In S713, the control unit 71 determines whether or not the number of group ID records registered in S711 has reached the capacity of the group data DT1.

  When it is determined that the capacity has been reached (S713; Y), the control unit 71 determines whether or not the scheduled start date and time of the group has passed based on the group data DT1 (S715). In S715, the control unit 71 determines whether or not the current date and time acquired from the real-time clock or GPS signal is later than the scheduled start date and time.

  When it is determined that the scheduled start date / time has passed (S715; Y), the control unit 71 sets the start date / time and transmits it to the spectator terminal 30 (S717). In S717, the control unit 71 stores the current date and time in the group data DT1 as the start date and time. Further, the control unit 71 refers to the group data DT1 and the group type data DT2, and specifies the length of the acceptable period associated with the group type. The control unit 71 stores, in the group data DT1, the date and time after the start date and time by the length of the acceptable period as the scheduled end date and time.

  In the operator terminal 10, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a predetermined end condition is satisfied (S111). The end condition may be a condition for ending this process. For example, a predetermined end operation is performed from the tournament management image G3. When it is determined that the end condition is satisfied (S111; Y), the server 70 is notified that the connection is to be disconnected, and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the end condition is satisfied (S111; N), the process returns to S109, and other names of participants may be input, or names of participants of other groups may be input. It may be done.

  In the server 70, when the notification to disconnect the connection is received, the control unit 71 disconnects the connection with the operator terminal 10 (S729), and the process ends. If the authentication process fails in S709 (S701; N), the process proceeds to S719, the connection with the operator terminal 10 is disconnected, and the group is not registered.

[4-3. Watching image display processing]
19 and 20 are flowcharts showing an example of the watching image display process. 19 and 20 are executed by the control unit 31 operating in accordance with the program stored in the storage unit 32 and the control unit 71 operating in accordance with the program stored in the storage unit 72.

  As shown in FIG. 19, in the spectator terminal 30, when the game program stored in the storage unit 32 is activated and the spectator performs a predetermined operation from the operation unit 34, the control unit 31 displays the tournament selection image G1. It is displayed on the display unit 35 (S301). Note that the control unit 31 may display the tournament selection image G1 on the display unit 35 after the acceptable period. It is assumed that data for displaying the tournament selection image G1 is stored in the storage unit 32 in advance.

  The control unit 31 determines whether or not the watching button B12 is selected based on the detection signal of the operation unit 34 (S303). In the present embodiment, since the spectator does not select the real tournament button B11, if it is not determined that the spectator button B12 is selected (S303; N), the online tournament button B10 is selected, so the spectator is online. Processing for participating in the tournament is executed, and this processing ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the watching button B12 is selected (S303; Y), the control unit 31 transmits a display request for the watching image G2 to the server 70 (S305). Note that the display request for the watching image G2 may be made by transmitting data in a predetermined format. When any information is transmitted from the spectator terminal 30 to the server 70, the user ID of the spectator is transmitted, and the server 70 refers to the user data DT5 so that from which spectator terminal 30 It is possible to specify whether information has been received. This also applies to the following.

  In the server 70, when receiving the display request, the control unit 71 refers to the participant information of the participant data DT3 and the acceptable period of the group data DT1 (S721). In S721, the control unit 71 executes two determination processes: whether or not the participant information of each group has been input and whether or not the current date and time is within the acceptable period.

  When it is determined that there is no group in which the participant information has been input (S721; before input), the control unit 71 generates display data of the watching image G2 that does not include the participant information of any group, and the spectator terminal 30 (S723). This watching game image G2 is in the state of FIG. 3, and the display area A21 of any tab T20 does not include the participant information, and the support button B25 is not displayed. Furthermore, since it is a state before input of participant information, the display area A24 is arranged below the display area A21.

  In the spectator terminal 30, when the display data is received, the control unit 31 causes the display unit 35 to display the spectator image G2 that does not include the participant information (S307). The watching image G2 displayed in S307 is in the state shown in FIG. Thereafter, the process may periodically return to S305 to reload the watching image G2. Alternatively, returning to the processing of S301, the watching image G2 may be reloaded.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S721 that there is a group for which the participant information has already been input and the group is in the acceptable period (S721; within the acceptable period), the control unit 71 stores the support status data DT4. Based on this, it is determined whether or not the spectator has already selected a participant in the group during the acceptable period (S725). In S725, the control unit 31 refers to the support situation associated with the user ID of the spectator received together with the display request in S721, and determines whether or not the spectator who has transmitted the display request has already selected a participant. judge.

  When it is determined that the spectator has not been selected as a supporter to support (S725; N), the control unit 71 generates display data of the watching image G2 including the support button B25 and transmits it to the spectator terminal 30. (S727). In addition, the display data may be data prepared in advance in the terminal other than the data of I2100 to I2103, and the control unit 71 may transmit only the data of I2100 to I2103. This watching game image G2 is in the state of FIG. 6, and in the group tab T20 within the acceptable period, the contestant information I210 is displayed in the display area A21, and the support button B250 is displayed therebelow. In addition, the control unit 71 acquires the remaining time of the acceptable period, and displays the remaining time in the display area A26. Further, as described above, since the support button B250 is not yet selected, the display area A24 is arranged below the display area A21.

  In the spectator terminal 30, when the display data is received, the control unit 31 causes the display unit 35 to display the watching image G2 including the support button B25 (S309). The watching image G2 displayed in S309 is in the state shown in FIG.

  Moving to FIG. 20, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the support button B250 is selected based on the detection signal of the operation unit 34 (S311). When it determines with the support button B250 having been selected (S311; Y), the control part 31 displays the dialog D27 on the display part 35 (S313).

  Since the acceptable period may elapse while the watching image G2 is displayed, in S313, the control unit 31 acquires the acceptable period from the server 70, and the current time is the acceptable period. It may be determined whether or not there is a dialog, and if the current time is not the reception target period, the dialog D27 may not be displayed. In this case, since the server 70 is not notified that the support button B250 has been selected, the spectator cannot support the participants.

  The control unit 31 determines whether or not the determination button B271 is selected based on the detection signal from the operation unit 34 (S315). If it is not determined that the decision button B271 has been selected (S315; N), the cancel button B270 has been selected, so the dialog D27 is deleted and the processing returns to S311.

  On the other hand, when it determines with selection button B271 having been selected (S315; Y), the control part 31 transmits the registration request | requirement of the participant to support with respect to the server 70 (S317). The registration request may be made in a predetermined data format, and includes, for example, information for identifying the support button B250.

  In the server 70, when receiving the registration request, the control unit 71 registers the contestant identified by the registration request in the support situation data DT4 as a contestant supported by the spectator (S729). Since the reception target period may have elapsed at the time of receiving the registration request, in S729, the control unit 71 determines whether or not the current time is the reception target period, and the current time is the reception target period. If not, registration to the support status data DT4 may not be performed.

  The control unit 71 generates display data of the watching image G2 that does not include the support button B25, and transmits the display data to the watching terminal 30 (S731). This watching image G2 is the state of FIG. 8, and the support image G28 is displayed on the contestant information I210 of the contestant that the watching person supports. In addition, the control unit 71 acquires the remaining time of the acceptable period, and displays the remaining time in the display area A26. Further, since the support button B250 has already been selected, the display area A24 has moved above the display area A21.

  In the spectator terminal 30, when the display data is received, the control unit 31 causes the display unit 35 to display the watching image G2 that does not include the support button B25 (S319). The watching image G2 displayed in S319 is in the state of FIG. Thereafter, the process may periodically return to the process of S305 and the watching image G2 may be reloaded. When a battle of any group starts, the tournament image G240 is displayed in the display area A24. It will be displayed.

  On the other hand, if the contestant information is registered in S721 but it is determined that any group is out of the acceptable period (S721; out of the acceptable period), or in S725, the contestant is supported by the spectator. Is determined to have been selected (S725; Y), the process proceeds to S731. In this case, the watching image G2 displayed on the watching person terminal 30 is in the state shown in FIG. Note that the support image G28 is not displayed when the spectator does not select the support button B25.

  In the server 70, the control unit 71 determines whether or not the battle has ended (S733). For example, when the battle is over, the operator performs a predetermined operation from the operator terminal 10. When the server 70 receives the operation, the control unit 71 determines that the battle has ended. When it is determined that the battle has ended (S733; Y), the control unit 71 generates display data of the dialog D29 and transmits it to the spectator terminal 30 (S735). Although the display data of the dialog D29 is transmitted in S735, the display data may not be transmitted, and an image that does not include the support button B25 may be transmitted to the spectator terminal 30.

  Note that when the battle is over, the control unit 71 may execute a process of giving a reward to the spectator. For example, the control unit 71 may determine whether or not to give a reward to the spectator based on the match result of each group and the selection result of the participant by the spectator. When it is determined to give a reward, the control unit 71 may execute a process of giving a game item or an in-game currency to the spectator.

  In the spectator terminal 30, when the display data is received, the control unit 31 displays the dialog D29 on the observing image G2 (S321), and this process ends. The watching image G2 displayed in S321 is in the state shown in FIG.

  According to the tournament management system S described above, an acceptable period is set based on the input of contestant information, and it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to set the acceptable period. can do. For example, it is possible to prevent the prediction itself from being made or the prediction by the spectator from becoming invalid.

  In addition, when the end point of the acceptable period is set when the input of all the participant information is completed, it is possible to secure time for the spectators to confirm the participant information I210 of all the participants. , The convenience of spectators can be improved.

  In addition, when the acceptance period ends, or when the spectator selects a contestant, the display priority of the tournament image G240 becomes higher than the contestant information I210. It is possible to make the spectator know that the period has ended or that the contestants have been selected. For example, it is possible to make it easier to see the participant information I210 before the acceptance period ends or when the spectator selects a participant, and when the acceptance period ends, or the spectator selects the participant In this case, it is possible to make the tournament image G240 easier to see, and it is possible to improve the convenience of the spectator.

  In addition, when the group participant information I210 during the reception period is preferentially displayed, it becomes easier to view the group participant information I210 during the reception period, so that the convenience of the spectator can be improved.

  In addition, when the reception period of at least one group is different from the reception period of other groups, it is not necessary for the spectator to rush and make a selection of participants for all groups, thereby improving the convenience of the spectator. be able to.

  In addition, when the contestants are selected after having the spectators grasp the results of the contestants in the qualifying, the convenience of the spectators can be enhanced.

  In addition, when the contestant information I210 and the support button B25 are displayed in association with each other, it is easy for the spectator to select the contestant, so that the convenience of the spectator can be improved.

  Moreover, when accepting a contestant's selection in the state which made the spectator grasp | ascertain the completion | finish time of a receivable period, the convenience of spectators can be improved.

[5. Modified example]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. Modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, the acceptable period may be set even if the participant information of all the participants is not input. That is, the setting unit 704 may set the acceptable period when the participant information of some participants is input. In addition, for example, when the spectator selects a contestant to support, the display priority of the contestant information I210 and the tournament image G240 may not be particularly changed. Further, for example, a group does not have to be set for the tournament. Further, for example, the contestant information may not particularly include the qualifying order. Further, for example, the support button B25 may be displayed regardless of the participant information I210. For example, the remaining time of the acceptable period may not be displayed.

  Further, for example, each function realized in the server 70 may be realized in the operator terminal 10. For example, in the operator terminal 10, main processing related to the operation of the tournament may be executed. In this case, the manager terminal 10 corresponds to the tournament management apparatus according to the present invention. For example, when the data storage unit 700 is realized by the operator terminal 10, the data storage unit 700 is realized mainly by the storage unit 12, and includes an input reception unit 701, a presentation unit 702, a selection reception unit 703, and a setting unit. When 704 is realized by the operator terminal 10, these are realized mainly by the control unit 11.

  In this case, for example, the input receiving unit 701 may receive input of contestant information directly from the operation unit 14 of the operator terminal 10. Also, for example, the presentation unit 702 may present the participant information by transmitting the participant information to the spectator terminal 30 via the communication unit 13 of the operator terminal 10. Further, for example, the selection receiving unit 703 may receive information for identifying the contestant selected by the spectator from the spectator terminal 30 via the communication unit 13 of the operator terminal 10. For example, the setting unit 704 may set the acceptable period based on the input of the participant information received by the input receiving unit 701 of the operator terminal 10.

  For example, each function may be shared by each computer in the tournament management system S. In this case, the processing result of each functional block may be transmitted and received between the computers. For example, the input reception unit 701 may be realized by the operator terminal 10, and the presentation unit 702 and the selection reception unit 703 may be realized by the spectator terminal 30. In this case, the presentation unit 702 and the selection receiving unit 703 are realized mainly by the control unit 31, and the presentation unit 702 displays the participant information I 210 on the display unit 35 based on the data received from the server 70. In addition, the selection receiving unit 703 receives the selection of a participant based on the detection signal from the operation unit 34. Further, for example, the input receiving unit 701 may be realized by the participant terminal 50. In this case, the input receiving unit 701 is realized mainly by the control unit 51 and receives input of contestant information based on the detection signal of the operation unit 54.

[6. Addendum]
From the above description, the present invention is grasped as follows, for example.

  1) The tournament management system (S) according to one aspect of the present invention includes an input receiving means (701) for receiving input of contestant information of each of a plurality of contestants participating in the tournament, and a spectator watching the tournament. Presenting means (702) for presenting the contestant information, selection accepting means (703) for accepting the selection of at least one of the plurality of contestants by the spectator, and input of the contestant information And a receivable period setting means (704) for setting a receivable period during which selection of the at least one participant by the spectator can be received.

  9) The tournament management device (10, 70) according to an aspect of the present invention presents the contestant information of each of the plurality of contestants participating in the tournament and the contestant information to the spectators watching the tournament. The presentation means (702), the selection acceptance means (703) for accepting the selection of at least one of the plurality of participants by the spectator, and the spectator by the spectator based on the input of the participant information And a receivable period setting means (704) for setting a receivable period during which selection of at least one participant can be received.

  10) A program according to an aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as the tournament management system (S) described in any one of 1) to 8) or the tournament management device (10, 70) described in 9).

  11) An information storage medium according to an aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium storing the program of 10).

  According to the invention according to 1) or 9) to 11), it is possible to prevent an acceptable period from being set based on the input of the participant information and forgetting to set the acceptable period. You can manage the tournament. For example, it is possible to prevent the prediction itself from being made or the prediction by the spectator from becoming invalid.

  2) In one aspect of the present invention, the acceptable period setting means (704) determines whether or not the input of the participant information of all of the plurality of participants has been completed, and the participant information of all the participants. Is set to the end point of the acceptable period. According to the aspect of 2), when the input of all the participant information is completed, the end point of the acceptance period is set, and it is possible to secure time for the spectators to confirm the participant information of all the participants. Therefore, the convenience of spectators can be improved.

  3) In one aspect of the present invention, the presenting means (702) causes the display means (35) corresponding to the spectator to display the contestant information and the tournament image showing the progress of the tournament. The display priority of the contestant information is set higher than the tournament image before the acceptance period ends or before the spectator selects the at least one contestant, and the acceptance is possible. When the period ends, or when the spectator selects the at least one participant, the display priority of the tournament image is set higher than the participant information. According to the aspect of 3), when the acceptance period has ended, or when the spectator selects a contestant, the display priority of the tournament image is higher than the contestant information, so the display has changed. Thus, it is possible to make the spectator know that the acceptable period has ended or that the contestant has been selected. For example, before the acceptance period ends, or when the spectator selects a contestant, it is easy to see the contestant information. When the acceptance period ends, or the spectator selects the contestant In this case, it is possible to make the tournament image easier to see, and the convenience of spectators can be improved.

  4) In one aspect of the present invention, the input receiving means (701) receives input of participant information of each of a plurality of groups, and the presenting means (702) can accept the plurality of groups. The display priority of the participant information of the group that has reached the period is set to be higher than that of the group that is not in the acceptable period. According to the aspect of 4), since the contestant information of the group during the acceptance period is preferentially displayed and becomes easy to see, the convenience of the spectator can be improved.

  5) In one aspect of the present invention, the input accepting means (701) accepts input of participant information for each of a plurality of groups, and the acceptable period setting means (704) is configured to accept each of the plurality of groups. The acceptable period can be set based on the input of the participant information, and the acceptable period different from the other groups can be set for at least one of the plurality of groups. According to the aspect of 5), it is possible to make the reception period of at least one group different from the reception period of other groups, so that it is not necessary for the spectator to rush and make selections for all the groups. User convenience can be enhanced.

  6) In one aspect of the present invention, the contestant information includes the results of the contestants in the preliminary round of the tournament. According to the aspect of 6), the contestants can be selected after having the spectators grasp the results of the qualifiers in the qualifying, so the convenience of the spectators can be enhanced.

  7) In one aspect of the present invention, the presenting means (702) displays a selection image for selecting the contestant indicated by the contestant information in association with the contestant information, corresponding to the spectator. Displayed on the means (35), the selection receiving means (703) receives the selection of the selected image by the spectator. According to the aspect of 7), the participant information and the selection image are displayed in association with each other, and the spectator can easily select the entrant. Therefore, the convenience of the spectator can be improved.

  8) In one aspect of the present invention, the presenting means (702) presents the remaining time until the end of the acceptable period to the spectator. According to the aspect of 8), a participant's selection can be received in a state in which the spectator grasps the end point of the acceptable period, and the convenience of the spectator can be improved.

S tournament management system, N network, 10 operator terminal, 30 spectator terminal, 50 contestant terminal, 70 server, 11, 31, 51, 71 control unit, 12, 32, 52, 72 storage unit, 13, 33, 53, 73 communication unit, 14, 34, 54 operation unit, 15, 35, 55 display unit, G1 tournament selection image, G2 watching image, G3 tournament management image, G240 tournament image, G28 support image, 700 data storage unit, 701 Input reception unit, 702 presentation unit, 703 selection reception unit, 704 setting unit, A21, A24, A26 display area, B10 online tournament button, B11 real tournament button, B12 tournament button, B22 tournament information button, B23 reward button, B25, B250, B251, B252, B253 Support button, B34, B37 Send button, D27, D29 Die Log, DT1 group data, DT2 group type data, DT3 contestant data, DT4 support status data, DT5 user data, F30, F31, F32, F33, F35, F36, F360, F361, F362 input form, T20, T200, T201 , T202 Tab, B25, B250, B251, B252, B253, Support button, B270 Cancel button, B271 Enter button, I210, I2100, I2101, I2102, I2103 Contestant information.

Claims (10)

When a plurality of participating users participating in the tournament are determined, an input receiving means for receiving input of each participating user information of the plurality of participating users by the tournament operator ;
Presenting means for presenting the participating user information to spectators watching the tournament;
Selection accepting means for accepting selection of at least one of the plurality of participating users by the spectator;
Based on the input of the participating user information by the operator, a setting means for setting a receivable period during which selection of the at least one participating user by the spectator can be accepted;
Tournament management system including The setting means, when the input of the contestants user information of all of said plurality of participating user determines whether or not completed, it is determined that the input of the contestants user information everyone has been completed, the acceptance period Set the end point of
The event management system according to claim 1. The presenting means is
Displaying the participation user information and the tournament image showing the progress of the tournament on a display unit corresponding to the spectator;
Before the acceptance period ends or before the spectator selects the at least one participating user , the display priority of the participating user information is set higher than the tournament image,
When the acceptance period ends, or when the spectator selects the at least one participating user , the display priority of the tournament image is set higher than the participating user information.
The event management system according to claim 1 or 2. The input receiving means receives input of participating user information for each of a plurality of groups,
The presenting means sets the display priority of the participating user information of the group that has become the acceptance period among the plurality of groups higher than the group that is not the acceptance period,
The tournament management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The input receiving means receives input of participating user information for each of a plurality of groups,
The setting means sets the acceptable period based on the input of the participating user information of each of the plurality of groups, and sets the acceptable period that is different from the other groups for at least one of the plurality of groups. Is configurable,
The tournament management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The participating user information includes the results of the participating user in the qualifying of the tournament,
The tournament management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. It said presenting means in association with the participating user information, a selection image for selecting the participating user to which the participating user information indicates, is displayed on the display means corresponding to the spectator,
The selection receiving means receives selection of the selection image by the spectator.
The tournament management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The presenting means presents to the spectator the remaining time until the end of the acceptable period.
The tournament management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. When a plurality of participating users to compete in competition is determined, the participating user information the input by tournament operators, the contestants user information of each of the plurality of participating users, the spectators to watch the competition Presenting means for presenting,
Selection accepting means for accepting selection of at least one of the plurality of participating users by the spectator;
Based on the input of the participating user information by the operator, a setting means for setting a receivable period during which selection of the at least one participating user by the spectator can be accepted;
Tournament management equipment including   A program for causing a computer to function as the tournament management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the tournament management device according to claim 9.

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