JP6993656B2 - Tracking game system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a technique that enables a player to track a target that moves unspecified by using a positioning device and a communication device, and in particular, the player has the same reality as a target that moves unspecified in real space. Regarding technology that makes it possible to track in space.

A tracking game using a positioning device and a communication device is typically designed so that a player tracks an unspecified moving target in the virtual space in the same virtual space. An example thereof is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

By the way, there is a technology that makes it possible to track a target that moves unspecifiedly in the real space. An example thereof is disclosed in Patent Document 2. The tracking technique described in this document is not embodied as a game, and no player who tracks a target in the same real space appears.

Specifically, the tracking technique described in this document targets a stolen bicycle and the server or mobile terminal receives a signal from a communication device mounted on the bicycle. Based on the received signal, the server or mobile terminal is designed to detect the stolen bicycle.

By the way, Patent Document 3 discloses a technique in which an individual drives a vehicle and moves it in a real space to perform an advertising activity using the vehicle.

Specifically, according to the techniques described in this document, an advertising unit (eg, a sticker for advertising a product of a company of the individual's preference) and an identification unit (eg, said individual) on a privately owned vehicle. A bar code) is attached to identify.

When the vehicle arrives at a particular facility, the identification of the vehicle is read by a device installed at the particular facility. As a result, it is known that the vehicle has arrived at a specific facility (the driver of the vehicle is advertising) and who the driver of the vehicle is. After that, the driver is given a coupon, a discount, or the like that is valid at the time of future product purchase as a compensation for the advertising activity, that is, as a privilege.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-175082 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-97824 Special Table 2003-514256 Gazette

In the tracking technique described in Patent Document 2, even if the mobile terminal finds a stolen bicycle, the fact is automatically transmitted to the server, but the user of the mobile terminal is not notified. Therefore, in this tracking technology, the mobile terminal merely functions as a sensor and a relay point that does not track the target.

As described above, in this tracking technology, a player who tracks a target in the real space does not appear, and there is no concept that the player captures the target using his / her own mobile terminal in the real space.

Similarly, in the technique described in Patent Document 3, a player who tracks a target in the real space does not appear, and there is also a concept that the player captures the target in the real space using his / her own mobile terminal. do not do.

In response to these documents, the present inventor provides a tracking game in which a player tracks a target that moves unspecifiedly in the real space in the same real space, and when the player captures the target, the player obtains a privilege in return. Proposed.

Further, as a business using the tracking game, the present inventor provides advertisement information to the player from the target when the player captures the target, and in exchange for that, the advertising information advertiser and the tracking game. Proposed a business model to profit from the sponsor companies of.

Based on the above findings, the present invention is a technique that enables a player to track an unspecified moving target by using a positioning device and a communication device, and is unspecified in the real space. The challenge was to provide a technique that would allow the player to track a moving target in the same real space.

In order to solve the problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, a tracking game in which a plurality of players track a target that moves unspecifiedly in the real space in the same real space, and the player captures the target. A tracking game system that allows players to do
The target is a rental cycle that is lent to the borrower.
The target is equipped with a target positioning unit that measures the current position of the target and transmits the target position information representing the measured target current position to each player's mobile terminal in real time and in a broadcast manner.
On the mobile terminal of each player
A player positioning unit that measures the current position of the mobile terminal as the player's current position,
A display unit that displays the measured player current position and the target current position based on the target position information received from the target on the screen of the mobile terminal.
It is equipped with a detector that detects that the mobile terminal has captured the target.
In addition to the target and the mobile terminals of the plurality of players, the tracking game system includes the mobile terminals of the borrower, the mobile terminals of the plurality of players, and a management server capable of communicating with the mobile terminals of the borrower. Including,
The management server is
Based on the detection result of the detection unit of the mobile terminal of each player, when any player captures the target, the first transmission unit that transmits the first privilege information to the mobile terminal of the one player, and the first transmission unit.
When the rental cycle is captured by any player, it includes a second transmitter that transmits a second privilege information to the mobile terminal of the borrower of the captured rental cycle.
The detection unit includes a reader of the mobile terminal, is configured to detect the capture when the reader reads data mounted on the target, and includes a reception unit of the mobile terminal. The receiving unit is configured to measure the distance between the target and the mobile terminal from a signal received from a transmitter mounted on the target, and detect the capture when the distance is shorter than a predetermined distance. A tracking game system that employs either of the above is provided.
Each of the following aspects is obtained by the present invention. Each aspect shall be divided into sections, each section shall be numbered, and the numbers of other sections shall be quoted as necessary. This is to facilitate understanding of some of the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention and their combinations, and the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention and their combinations are limited to the following aspects. Should not be interpreted as. That is, it should be interpreted that it is not hindered from appropriately extracting and adopting the technical features described in the present specification as the technical features of the present invention, which are not described in the following aspects.

Furthermore, describing each section in the form of quoting the numbers of the other sections does not necessarily prevent the technical features described in each section from being separated and independent from the technical features described in the other sections. It does not mean, and it should be interpreted that the technical features described in each section can be made independent as appropriate according to their properties.

(1) It is possible for the player to play a tracking game in which the player tracks a target that moves unspecifiedly in the real space in the same real space, and when the player captures the target, the player obtains a privilege in return. Is a tracking game system
The target is equipped with a target positioning unit that measures the current position of the target and transmits the target position information representing the measured target current position to the player's mobile terminal in real time and in a broadcast manner.
To the mobile terminal
A player positioning unit that measures the current position of the mobile terminal as the player's current position,
A display unit that displays the measured player current position and the target current position based on the target position information received from the target on the screen of the mobile terminal.
A tracking game system equipped with a detector that detects that the mobile terminal has captured the target.

(2) The target positioning unit includes a GPS positioning unit that measures the current position of the target.
The tracking game system according to item (1), wherein the player positioning unit includes a GPS positioning unit that measures the player's current position.

(3) The target positioning unit includes a transmitter that transmits a signal representing an identification code unique to the target in a state in which it can be received by the mobile terminal in a short-range communication method.
The detection unit authenticates the target on which the transmitter is mounted from the signal received from the transmitter, measures the distance between the target and the mobile terminal, and the measured distance is more than a predetermined distance. The tracking game system according to paragraph (1) or (2) configured to detect said capture in the short case.

(4) The mobile terminal of each player transmits the own player position information indicating the current position of the own player to the mobile terminal of the other player, and the other player position information indicating the current position of the other player is carried by the other player. Received from the terminal
Based on the received other player position information, the mobile terminal of each player displays the current position of the other player on the screen together with the current position of the own player and the current position of the target.
The tracking game according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein when the mobile terminal of each player catches the target at an earlier time than any of the other players, the player acquires the privilege as a winner. ·system.

(5) Further, when the player captures any of the targets, the direct advertisement providing device that directly provides the advertisement information pre-assigned for each target to the player who has captured the target is included (1) to (1). 4) The tracking game system according to any one of paragraphs.

(6) The direct advertisement providing device is mounted on a management server capable of communicating with the mobile terminal, and when the capture is received from the mobile terminal, the data representing the advertisement information is transmitted to the mobile phone of the player who has captured the target. The tracking game system according to item (5), which is transmitted to a terminal by a unicast method.

(7) Further, an unspecified number of people who are installed in each target and pre-assigned to the target, regardless of whether or not the player has captured the target, are located in the vicinity of the target. The tracking game system according to any one of (1) to (6), which includes an indiscriminate advertisement providing device for indiscriminately displaying to potential consumers.

(8) The tracking game system according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the privilege has an increasing value depending on the degree to which the sponsor of the tracking game financially supports the tracking game.

(9) The privilege includes data displaying a mascot character unique to the target, a gift certificate, a coupon ticket or a discount ticket for purchasing a product or service, or their rights (1) to (8). The tracking game system described in any of the sections.

(10) The privilege has a value of increasing according to the time from the time when the player discovers the target on the mobile terminal to the time when the target is captured or the distance traveled (1) to (9). The tracking game system described in either.

(11) Data readable by the reader of the mobile terminal is attached to the target.
The tracking game system according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the detection unit detects the capture when the reader reads the data.

(12) A program executed by the computer of the mobile terminal for carrying out the mobile terminal according to any one of (1) to (11).

The program according to this section and other sections may be interpreted to mean, for example, a combination of commands executed by a computer to perform its function, and may be processed according to each command as well as a combination of those commands. It can be interpreted to include, but is not limited to, files and data.

In addition, this program may achieve its intended purpose by being executed by a computer alone, or by being executed by a computer together with other programs. Yes, but not limited to them. In the latter case, the program according to this section may be based on data, but is not limited thereto.

(13) A recording medium on which the program described in item (12) is recorded so as to be readable by a computer.

Various formats can be adopted for this recording medium, for example, a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk, an optical recording medium such as a CD or a CD-ROM, an optical magnetic recording medium such as an MO, or an unremovable storage such as a ROM. Etc., but are not limited to them.

(14) The tracking game system according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the target is a moving object moving in physical space.

(15) The moving object is a bicycle, a car, a motorcycle, a go-kart for entertainment or competition, a shopping cart, a stroller, a wheelbarrow, a wheelchair or a golf cart, and each of them can be rented to a corresponding station for rent. The tracking game system according to paragraph (14), including those stored.

(16) The tracking game system according to paragraph (15), wherein the moving object includes a rental cycle lent to the borrower.

(17) The tracking game system according to (16), wherein when the rental cycle is captured by any player, a second privilege is given to the borrower of the captured rental cycle.

(18) An advertising system that uses a moving object moving in physical space as a source of visual advertising information to advertise to a plurality of unspecified passersby in the vicinity of the moving object. ,
To the moving object
An advertisement display device that visually displays the advertisement information,
A moving object positioning unit that measures the current position of the moving object from moment to moment,
It is equipped with a transmitter that broadcasts the position information of the moving object, which represents the current position of the moving object, to multiple mobile terminals in real time.
On the mobile terminal of each passerby,
A receiving unit that receives the moving object position information and
A passerby positioning unit that measures the current position of the mobile terminal as the current position of the passerby,
A display unit that displays the measured current position of a passerby and the current position of a moving object based on the received moving object position information on the screen of the mobile terminal.
It is equipped with a detection unit that detects that the mobile terminal has captured the moving object.
An advertising system in which, when the capture is detected, a predetermined privilege is given to a passerby who uses each mobile terminal that captures the moving object.

This advertising system relates to a technique for advertising by using a moving object moving in a physical space as a source of visual advertising information.

Here, it does not matter whether the "moving object moving in the physical space" is a natural object (for example, a mobile human being, an animal, etc.) or an artificial object (for example, an industrial product having mobility). do not have. Moreover, the "physical space" does not matter whether it exists on land, in the air, on the sea, in water, or in outer space.

In addition, this advertising system is a method that is more likely to attract the attention of potential consumers than when advertising information using mass media (advertising targets that can share the same advertising information at each moment than when using mass media). By transmitting to each potential consumer via the mobile terminal of each potential consumer, advertising information is spread to multiple potential consumers with a higher degree of penetration. It was done with the task of doing.

As a result, according to this advertising system, it is possible to use the existing communication infrastructure and send advertising information to multiple potential consumers with high efficiency, and therefore, the advertising effect is large for the advertising cost. The effect that it becomes easy to obtain is obtained.

(19) The moving object is an artificial object, which includes a bicycle, a car, a motorcycle, an entertainment or competition go-kart, a shopping cart, a stroller, a wheelbarrow, a wheelchair or a golf cart (18). The advertising system described in the section.

(20) The advertisement display device includes a display object mounted on the moving object and displaying the advertisement information as a still image, or a display device (for example, a liquid crystal display) for displaying the advertisement information as a moving image (18). ) Or the advertising system according to (19).

(21) Further, when the moving object is captured by one of the mobile terminals, which is mounted on a management server capable of communicating with each mobile terminal, the advertisement information and / or another advertisement information is sent to the mobile terminal. The advertising system according to any one of (18) to (20), which includes an advertisement information transmitting unit that directly transmits the data to be represented by a unicast method (a method of transmitting by designating a destination).

(22) A program executed by the computer of the mobile terminal for carrying out the mobile terminal according to any one of (18) to (21).

(23) A recording medium on which the program described in item (22) is recorded so as to be readable by a computer.

FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually showing a tracking game system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, together with a player playing a tracking game using the system.

2 (a)-FIG. 2 (c) is a diagram conceptually showing a temporal change of an image displayed on the screen of a mobile terminal during execution of the tracking game shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing the hardware configuration of the entire system shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing the hardware configuration of the target-related subsystem SBT shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually showing the hardware configuration of the transmitter shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a program executed by the computer of the transmitter shown in FIG. 5 (hereinafter, also referred to as an “application”; the same applies to other programs).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a program executed by the processor of the GPS controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram conceptually representing the mobile terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram conceptually representing the station data file stored in the station data memory in FIG. 8 in a tabular format.

FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually representing a bicycle data file stored in the bicycle data memory of FIG. 8 in a tabular format.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram conceptually representing the management server shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a tracking game application executed by a mobile terminal and a management server, respectively.

Hereinafter, some exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 conceptually represents a tracking game system (hereinafter simply referred to as “system”) 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The system 10 makes it possible to run a tracking game. The tracking game is generally a game in which a player tracks a target that moves unspecifiedly in the real space in the same real space by using positioning / communication devices mounted on the target and the player respectively. Is. In this tracking game, when the player captures the target, the player obtains a privilege in return.

Here, the "target" is a moving object that moves in physical space, and the moving object is a natural object (for example, a human being having mobility, an animal, etc.) or an artificial object (for example, having mobility). It does not matter whether it is an industrial product, etc.). Moreover, the "physical space" does not matter whether it exists on land, in the air, on the sea, in water, or in outer space.

Specifically, in the tracking game, a player who is a user of a mobile terminal 90 having a GPS positioning unit 28 (see FIG. 3) virtualizes a rental cycle 12 as a target on the screen using the mobile terminal 90. It is executed to track in the real space while tracking the target.

FIG. 2 conceptually represents a series of representative images displayed on the screen of the player's mobile terminal 90 during the execution of the tracking game in chronological order.

Here, the phrase "player captures the target" means, for example, that the player approaches the target within reach or within a predetermined range closer to 1 m, 2 m, 3 m, 4 m or 5 m. It can be interpreted to mean that the player touches the target directly with his / her own hand or indirectly through his / her mobile terminal 90.

The mode in which this tracking game is executed includes a single play mode in which one player plays alone in the absence of another player, and a battle mode in which multiple players compete with each other. , It is possible to select one of those two modes.

In the present embodiment, the tracking game is not played purely as a tracking game, but is in the vicinity of the moving object or the moving object by using the target as a moving object as a source of visual advertising information. It is also intended to advertise to an unspecified number of passers-by. In that sense, this system 10 is also an advertising system.

Further, in the present embodiment, the target is a moving object driven by an individual who is not an advertising company, and in one example, a rental cycle (industrial product or artificial object as a moving object) rented out at any station (not shown). One example) 12. When the rental cycle 12 is used up, the user returns the rental cycle 12 to the same station as the rented station or another station.

The borrower of the rental cycle 12 is informed in advance that he or she may be tracked by the player in the tracking game. Therefore, the borrower of the rental cycle 12 does not have to experience the situation of being afraid because he was suddenly tracked by the player while driving. However, such advance notice of traceability to the Borrower is not essential for the practice of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, as a hardware configuration, the system 10 includes a target-related subsystem SBT associated with a target, a player-related subsystem SBP associated with a player, and a management center-related subsystem associated with a management center 40. It has an SBM.

The target-related subsystem SBT has a part directly related to the tracking game and a part not directly related to the tracking game.

The part directly related to the tracking game acquires the location information of the target every moment in real time and sends the latest location information to multiple players by the broadcast method (a method of indiscriminately sending without specifying the destination). It is configured to do. Specifically, the portion directly related to the tracking game has a GPS positioning unit 28 and a transmitter 30 as described in detail later.

On the other hand, the portion not directly related to the tracking game has an advertisement display device 32 (see FIG. 1), and in one example, a display object (for example, a printed matter) mounted on the target and displaying the advertisement information as a still image, or , A display device (for example, a liquid crystal display) that displays advertising information as a moving image. The advertisement display device 32 is a mobile advertisement medium that moves together with the target, and is an example of the above-mentioned “indiscriminate advertisement providing device”.

As shown in FIG. 1, an example of the advertisement display device 32 is an advertisement medium as a printed matter mounted on the front surface (and / or side surface) of the storage basket 34 mounted on the rental cycle 12.

Here, by referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the basic contents of the tracking game will be described. The target exists at an arbitrary position at each moment in the real space. The position information of the target is broadcast from the target to a plurality of players every moment. In FIG. 1, the position information is transmitted by a GPS positioning signal capable of both short-range communication and long-distance communication and transmitted from the GPS positioning unit 28, and a transmitter signal capable of only short-range communication. It has something transmitted from the machine 30, but may be only a GPS positioning signal.

In each player, when the mobile terminal 90 receives the position information (only the GPS positioning signal at this stage), the mobile terminal 90 is painted black based on the GPS positioning signal. The current position of the target (indicated by a black circle in the figure) is to be displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 90 together with the current position of the target (indicated by the triangular figure of).

After that, as shown in FIG. 2A, the player current position and the target current position start to appear at the same time on the screen of the mobile terminal 90, usually by chance. This timing is the timing at which the player first discovers a target in the vicinity of himself / herself, and at the same time, the timing at which the current tracking is started.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 2B, the player performs, for example, walking, riding a bicycle, riding a car, etc. on the ground in order to track an unspecified moving target in the real space. To move. During that time, the player sequentially acquires the position information (even at this stage, only the GPS positioning signal) from the target, and the position information assists the player in approaching the target.

Eventually, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), the player directly visually recognizes the target and actually discovers it in the real space.

Further closer to the target, the player and the mobile terminal 90 are within an effective reception area centered on the target transmitter 30 (for example, a range of distances within a range of 0 m (contact state with the transmitter 30) to 2 m). Enter into. Prior to entering the effective reception area, the mobile terminal 90 has already started receiving the transmitter signal. This is because the transmitter 30 is assigned a wider range than the effective reception area as a receivable area (maximum reception area). When the mobile terminal 90 enters the effective reception area, it is determined that the mobile terminal 90 has captured the target.

When the tracking game is run in solo play mode, the player captures the target and in return the player gets a privilege. Motivated by the acquisition of the privilege, the player is expected to actively participate in this tracking game.

In one example, the privilege is that the mobile terminal 90 receives data displaying a mascot character unique to the target from the management server 50, and the player displays the mascot character on the screen of the mobile terminal 90. It means getting the right.

In another example, the perk is a gift certificate, coupon or discount voucher for purchasing goods or services, or their rights or cash or redeemable tickets.

In yet another example, the privilege is of value to increase with time or distance traveled from the time the player discovers the target on the mobile terminal 90 to the time the target is captured.

In yet another example, the perks are worth increasing as the sponsor of this tracking game (or the sponsor of the business that rents the rental cycle) is financially supportive of this tracking game. ..

In yet another example, when the player captures the target, the player is expected to see the advertisement display device 32 of the rental cycle 12 which is the target and acquire the advertisement information. As a result, the rental cycle 12 is expected to function as a movable advertising medium. In this example, the advertisement display device 32 constitutes an example of the above-mentioned "indiscriminate advertisement providing device".

In yet another example, when the player receives the capture of the target from the mobile terminal 90, the management server 50 transmits the data representing the advertisement information to the player's mobile terminal 90 by a unicast method. As a result, the player also obtains the additional privilege of acquiring the advertising information that can only be acquired by the player who has captured the target.

In this example, in the management server 50, the portion of the management server 50 that individually transmits the advertisement information data to the mobile terminal 90 of the player who succeeded in the capture by the unicast method in response to the capture is the “direct advertisement providing device”. ”Is an example.

On the other hand, when the tracking game is executed in the battle mode, each player's mobile terminal 90 transmits the own player's position information indicating the current position of the own player to the other player's mobile terminal 90, and other The other player's position information indicating the player's current position is received from the other player's mobile terminal 90.

The mobile terminal 90 of each player displays the current position of the other player on the screen together with the current position of the own player and the current position of the target based on the received other player position information. When each player captures the target with his / her mobile terminal 90 at a time earlier than any of the other players, that player acquires the above-mentioned privilege as a winner.

Next, the above-mentioned target-related subsystem SBT will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

As described above, the target-related subsystem SBT has a GPS positioning unit 28 as a target positioning unit that measures the current position of the target.

The GPS positioning unit 28 includes a GPS receiver 42 that receives GPS signals from a plurality of satellites for GPS, a GPS controller 44 that controls the GPS receiver 42, and a target currently measured based on the received GPS signals. It has a communication device 46 that transmits a position-representing signal as a GPS positioning signal to the player's mobile terminal 90 in real time and in a broadcast manner.

The target-related subsystem SBT further has a transmitter 30, as described above. The transmitter 30 is configured to transmit a signal representing an identification code unique to the target as a transmitter signal in a state in which it can be received by the mobile terminal 90 in a short-range communication method.

<Transmitter>

The transmitter 30 actively, locally, and permanently transmits a unique identification signal without requiring an external trigger signal as long as the supply power is not insufficient.

The transmitter 30 is generally known as a beacon device that transmits a beacon signal as an identification signal, a radio beacon, or the like. In one example, the transmitter 30 generates an identification signal representing the corresponding station ID by modulating the original signal, and the generated identification signal can be used as an IR signal, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) signal, or an NFC (near field communication). (Near field communication) Transmit locally as a signal.

Next, to explain the hardware configuration with reference to FIG. 5, which is a functional block diagram, the transmitter 30 has a computer 104 having a memory 102 for storing a processor 100 and a plurality of applications executed by the processor 100. It is composed as a subject.

The transmitter 30 further has a replaceable disposable battery 106 as a power source. Instead of the battery 106, a rechargeable battery can be adopted, or a commercial power source as an external power source can be adopted.

The transmitter 30 further has a transmitter 108 that generates and transmits an identification signal representing a legitimate transmitter ID (an example of a “transmitter code”) unique to itself.

The transmitting unit 108 is operated by the battery 106 and controlled by the controller 110. The controller 110 is controlled by the computer 100.

Next, to explain the software configuration of the transmitter 30 with reference to FIG. 6, the processor 100 of the transmitter 30 repeatedly executes the program conceptually represented by the flowchart in FIG.

At the time of executing each program, first, in step S1, the regular transmitter ID corresponding to the transmitter 30 is read from the memory 102. The regular transmitter ID has a one-to-one correspondence with the bicycle ID unique to one rental cycle 12.

Next, in step S2, the remaining amount of the battery 106 is estimated.

Subsequently, in step S3, a signal for modulating the original signal (for example, a carrier signal) is transmitted to the controller 110 so that the read normal transmitter ID and the estimated remaining battery level are reflected. Is output. The controller 110 controls the transmission unit 108, and as a result, the transmission unit 108 generates an identification signal to be transmitted this time.

Then, in step S4, the generated identification signal is transmitted from the transmission unit 108. Then, the process returns to step S1.

In addition, in the transmitter 30, the algorithm or procedure for generating the identification signal so that at least the ID of the transmitter ID or bicycle ID and the remaining battery level is reflected is the algorithm or procedure shown in FIG. It is possible to adopt different ones.

<Software configuration of GPS controller>

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a program executed by the processor (not shown) of the GPS controller 44 shown in FIG.

This program is repeatedly executed during the operation of the target-related subsystem SBT. At each execution, first, in step S11, a GPS signal is received from the GPS receiver 42. Next, in step S12, the current position (latitude) of the target is measured based on the received GPS signal. Subsequently, in step S13, the GPS positioning signal representing the measured target current position is transmitted from the communication device 46.

<Setting the receiving range of the transmitter>

Two types of reception areas are assigned to the transmitter 30. They are the above-mentioned receivable area and the above-mentioned effective reception area (hereinafter, also referred to as "reception range").

Each of these areas is generally defined by a circle originating from the transmitter 30. The receivable area has a maximum reception radius (for example, about 50 m), whereas the effective reception area has an effective reception radius (for example, a range from a radius of 0 m to a radius of about 50 m or less). The maximum reception radius is an invariant value, while the effective reception radius is a variable value that can be changed at any time by the mobile terminal 90.

The receivable area is an area where the identification signal from the transmitter 30 can be reached when the power supply of the transmitter 30 is normal, that is, as long as it exists in the area, the mobile terminal 90 receives the identification signal. Means a possible area.

On the other hand, the effective reception area has an effective reception radius smaller than the maximum reception radius of the receivable area. The maximum reception radius cannot be arbitrarily set, whereas the effective reception radius can be arbitrarily set by the mobile terminal 90.

That is, it can be said that the maximum reception radius means the reception limit determined by the hardware, while the effective reception radius means the reception limit determined by the software.

The mobile terminal 90 measures the distance from the transmitter 30 when the identification signal received by the mobile terminal 90 is transmitted. The distance measurement may or may not exceed the effective reception radius. When the distance measurement value does not exceed the reception effective radius, it means that the mobile terminal 90 exists in the effective reception area, whereas when the distance measurement value exceeds the reception effective radius, the mobile terminal 90 is present. Is present in the receivable area but not in the effective receivable area.

The mobile terminal 90 determines whether or not the distance measurement value is equal to or less than the set value of the effective reception radius by invoking a tracking game application conceptually represented by a flowchart in a part of FIG. If it is determined that the value is equal to or less than the set value, the mobile terminal 90 is currently located in the effective reception area (reception range). Therefore, the mobile terminal 90 "effectively receives the identification signal from the transmitter 30 (hereinafter, the present invention). It is also simply determined that "an identification signal has been received".) ".

On the other hand, when the mobile terminal 90 determines that the distance measurement value is larger than the set value, the mobile terminal 90 is currently located outside the effective reception area of the transmitter 30, so that the mobile terminal 90 is "transmitter". It is determined that the identification signal from 30 is not effectively received (hereinafter, also referred to simply as "not receiving the identification signal").

That is, in the present embodiment, when the mobile terminal 90 is located outside the effective reception area, the mobile terminal 90 apparently receives the identification signal even though the mobile terminal 90 actually receives the identification signal. It will be treated on the software as not receiving the identification signal.

<User's mobile terminal>

Briefly, the mobile terminal 90 has a player positioning unit (GPS receiver 152) that measures its own current position as the player's current position, the measured player current position, and a target GPS positioning unit 28. Based on the distance between the display unit 136 that displays the target current position based on the target position information received from the mobile terminal 90 on the screen of the mobile terminal 90 and the current position of the mobile terminal 90 and the current position of the target, the mobile terminal 90 It is configured to have a detection unit that detects that the target has been captured.

The detection unit authenticates (identifies) the target on which the transmitter 30 is mounted from the signal received from the transmitter 30, measures the distance between the target and the mobile terminal 90, and measures the distance. It is configured to detect the capture when the distance is shorter than a predetermined distance (effective reception distance, reception range).

Next, to explain the hardware configuration of the user's mobile terminal 90 with reference to FIG. 8 which is a functional block diagram, the mobile terminal 90 is a memory for storing a processor 130 and a plurality of applications executed by the processor 130. It is mainly composed of a computer 134 having 132.

A user who wishes to play the above-mentioned tracking game can download the tracking game application shown in FIG. 12 from the management server 50 to his / her mobile terminal 90, thereby participating in the tracking game as a player. The player selects either the single play mode or the battle mode described above to participate in the tracking game.

The mobile terminal 90 further includes a display unit (eg, a liquid crystal display) 136 that displays information on a screen (having a window whose area is finite and variable or invariant), a GPS positioning unit 28, a transmitter 30, and a transmitter 30. It has a receiving unit 138 that receives a signal from the management server 50, and a transmitting unit 140 that generates a signal and transmits the signal to the management server 50.

The mobile terminal 90 further has an input unit 150 for inputting data or commands from the user. The input unit 150 has, for example, an operation unit that can be operated by a user to input desired information (for example, a command, data, etc.) into the mobile terminal 90. The operation unit includes a touch screen that displays an icon (for example, a virtual button) that can be operated by the user, a physical operation unit that can be operated by the user (for example, a keyboard, keypad, button, etc.), and voice. There are microphones that detect, but they are not limited to these.

The mobile terminal 90 further has a GPS (satellite positioning system) receiver 152. As is well known, the GPS receiver 152 receives a plurality of GPS signals from a plurality of GPS satellites, and based on these GPS signals, the position (latitude, longitude and altitude) of the GPS receiver 152 on the earth is determined. Measure by triangulation. That is, the mobile terminal 90 has a positioning function using a satellite.

As shown in FIG. 8, the memory 132 has a plurality of data memories including a map data memory 161 and a station data memory 163 and a bicycle data memory 165.

The map data memory 161 temporarily stores map data downloaded by the user's mobile terminal 90 from the management server 50 or another map database (not shown) according to the user's current position. Based on the map data, a map (an example of a "partial map") is displayed on the screen of the display unit 136. The map displayed on the screen changes from moment to moment as the user moves.

As conceptually shown in FIG. 9, in the station data memory 163, the correspondence between the plurality of station IDs and the plurality of station position data can be downloaded from the management server 50 and stored. The plurality of station IDs correspond to the plurality of stations 20 centrally managed by the system 10. Further, each of the plurality of station position data represents the latitude and longitude (latitude X, longitude Y) of the ground position of the corresponding station 20.

The station data memory 163 temporarily stores a plurality of station position data corresponding to the plurality of stations 20 together with a plurality of station IDs corresponding to the plurality of station positions.

As conceptually shown in FIG. 10, in the bicycle data memory 165 of FIG. 8, the correspondence relationship between a plurality of station IDs, a plurality of bicycle IDs, a plurality of regular transmitter IDs, and a plurality of icon data is a management server. It can be downloaded from 50 and stored. If any one of the plurality of bicycles 12 is found by the mobile terminal 90, one bicycle ID corresponding to the bicycle ID is determined, and by extension, one regular transmitter ID corresponding to the bicycle ID is determined.

Here, the "icon data" is an icon (unique) that is overlaid on the map when the current position of the target (there may be more than one) discovered by the mobile terminal 90 is displayed on the screen. It is the data for displaying the figure).

This icon is displayed on the screen as a different figure for each target, for example. The icon is displayed on the screen as a figure that reflects the advertising information (for example, a symbol mark of a sponsor company).

When this icon represents the advertisement information assigned to each target, when the mobile terminal 90 finds the target among the mobile terminals 90, the advertisement information assigned to the target is read from the memory 132 (or). The portion displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 90 (downloaded from the management server 50) constitutes an example of the above-mentioned "direct advertisement providing device".

Here, the phrase "the mobile terminal 90 discovers the target" is a state in which both the current position of the player and the current position of the target are displayed on the screen, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 2A. Can be interpreted to mean that the current position of the player and the current position of the target are equal to or less than the threshold value. be.

Here, the distance between the current position of the player and the current position of the target is measured by, for example, the mobile terminal 90 based on the GPS positioning signal of the GPS receiver 152 and the GPS positioning signal received from the target. It is possible.

<Management server>

Next, to explain the hardware configuration of the management server 50 with reference to FIG. 11, which is a functional block diagram, the management server 50 has a memory 162 that stores a processor 160 and a plurality of applications executed by the processor 160. It is mainly composed of a computer 164 having the same.

The management server 50 further includes a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display) 166 that displays information, a reception unit 168 that receives a signal from the mobile terminal 90, and generates a signal and transmits the signal to the mobile terminal 90. It has a transmission unit 170 and a clock 172 for measuring the current time.

<Sequence of tracking game>

At the target, the GPS positioning unit 28 continuously transmits the GPS positioning signal by the broadcast method, and in parallel with this, the transmitter 30 continuously transmits the transmitter signal by the broadcast method.

In the mobile terminal 90, first, in step 101, a login request for logging in to the management server 50 is transmitted to the management server 50 together with a user ID and a password for identifying the user this time.

On the other hand, the management server 50 receives the login request together with the user ID and password in step S201. Subsequently, in step S202, the management server 50 searches the memory 162 for the station data and the bicycle data described above. After that, the management server 50 transmits the searched data to the mobile terminal 90 in step S203.

On the other hand, the mobile terminal 90 receives the data from the management server 50 in step S102. Subsequently, in step S103, the received data is stored in the memory 102.

Subsequently, the mobile terminal 90 receives the GPS positioning signal from the target GPS positioning unit 28 in step S104. After that, in step S105, the mobile terminal 90 identifies the target based on the information for identifying the target among the received GPS positioning signals. The target communication device 46 is designed to transmit a GPS positioning signal to the mobile terminal 90 together with the target identification signal.

After that, in step S106, the mobile terminal 90 measures the current position (latitude and longitude) of the target based on the received GPS positioning signal. Subsequently, in step S107, the mobile terminal 90 searches the memory 102 for the icon data corresponding to the identified target.

After that, in step S108, the mobile terminal 90 overlays and displays the corresponding icon on the screen displaying the map at a position representing the current position of the target this time, based on the searched icon data.

Subsequently, in step S109, the mobile terminal 90 determines whether or not the mobile terminal 90 has received the transmitter signal, that is, whether or not the mobile terminal 90 is located within the receivable area of the transmitter. This time, assuming that it is determined that the mobile terminal 90 has not yet received the transmitter signal, the determination in step S109 becomes NO, and the process returns to step S104.

As a result of repeating the execution of steps S104-S109, if the determination in step S109 is YES, the mobile terminal 90 measures the distance between the mobile terminal 90 and the transmitter 30 based on the transmitter signal received in step S110. Then, it is determined whether or not the measured value is smaller than the effective reception radius (reception range).

This time, assuming that it is determined that the mobile terminal 90 has not effectively received the transmitter 30, the determination in step S110 becomes NO, and the process returns to step S104.

If the determination in step S110 is YES as a result of repeating the execution of steps S104-S110, the mobile terminal 90 demodulates the received transmitter signal in step S111 and is represented by the demodulated transmitter signal. The transmitter ID is decrypted, thereby identifying the target.

The identified target should match the targeted identified in step S106. If there is a discrepancy, the application will terminate immediately because something may have gone wrong.

When such an abnormality does not occur, the mobile terminal 90 determines that the mobile terminal 90 has captured the target in step S112, and subsequently, in step S113, the fact of the capture is displayed on the screen. do. After that, in step S114, the mobile terminal 90 transmits the fact of the capture to the management server 50 together with the transmitter ID (or target ID) of this time and the user ID of the player.

On the other hand, in step S204, the management server 50 determines a privilege to be given to the player in exchange for the acquisition. In the memory 162, the correspondence relationship between the condition and the privilege achieved during this tracking game is stored as a table. In this step S204, the management server 50 determines the privilege corresponding to the condition achieved by the player this time during the tracking game according to the correspondence relationship.

Subsequently, the management server 50 associates the determined privilege in step S205 with the player and stores it in the memory 162. After that, in step S206, the management server 50 transmits data representing the determined privilege to the mobile terminal 90.

In one example, in step S206, the management server 50 further transmits the advertisement information assigned to the target to the mobile terminal 90 by a unicast method. The advertisement information is stored in advance in the memory 162 in association with the transmitter ID or the target ID. As a result, in this example, the player acquires the privilege and the advertisement information assigned to the target this time.

On the other hand, in step S115, the mobile terminal 90 receives the data representing the privilege from the management server 50 together with the data representing the advertisement information, whereby the player knows that the privilege has been acquired. Subsequently, in step S116, the mobile terminal 90 displays the acquired privilege on the screen together with or separately from the advertisement information received from the management server 50.

Subsequently, in step S117, the mobile terminal 90 transmits a logout request requesting logout from the management server 50 to the management server 50.

On the other hand, the management server 50 receives the logout request in step S207. Subsequently, in step S208, the management server 50 transmits an acknowledgment signal ACK indicating that the reception of the logout request is normally completed to the mobile terminal 90.

On the other hand, the mobile terminal 90 receives the acknowledgment signal ACK from the management server 50 in step S118.

In the present embodiment, the GPS positioning unit 28 mounted on the target continuously transmits the GPS positioning signal (first position information signal) by the broadcast method, while the transmitter 30 mounted on the same target is the transmitter. The signal (second position information signal) is continuously transmitted by the broadcast method.

Both the GPS positioning signal and the transmitter signal are common to the mobile terminal 90 in that they are signals (position information signals) that support guiding the player to the target.

However, in the present embodiment, the GPS positioning signal is used as a signal for the mobile terminal 90 to continuously detect a temporal change in the distance between the player and the target, whereas the transmitter signal is used. , The mobile terminal 90 is used as a signal for detecting a time change of the distance between the player and the target stepwise (for example, whether or not it is within the reception range) and with higher accuracy than the GPS positioning signal. ..

In that sense, in the present embodiment, unlike the GPS positioning unit 28 mounted on the same target, the transmitter 30 mounted on the target outputs as if it is in a state close to the player. It is designed to function as a proximity switch that changes the signal.

Some of the embodiments described above can be implemented with various changes, for example, the management server 50 executes the same data processing as at least a part of the data processing by the mobile terminal 90. It is possible to improve the data processing so that the mobile terminal 90 performs the same data processing as at least a part of the data processing by the management server 50.

Further, in some of the above-described embodiments, when the distance between the player and the target measured by the mobile terminal 90 is equal to or less than the reference value based on the signal from the transmitter 30 mounted on the target. , The mobile terminal 90 determines that the player has actually captured the target (ie, physically, in real space).

On the other hand, in another example, the mobile terminal 90 is equipped with a reader (for example, an image reader) for reading data, whereas the target is data that can be read by the reader (for example, a one-dimensional bar code). A two-dimensional bar code (for example, a QR code (registered trademark)) is mounted at a position accessible by the reader.

In this case, the player holds or touches the reader of the mobile terminal 90 over (approaches the data so as to face the data) or touches the data attached to the target, thereby. , Allows the reader to read the data.

At this time, when the mobile terminal 90 determines that the reader has read the data normally, it determines that the player has captured the target.

In this example, it is possible to adopt a mode in which the data does not have a portion representing the ID of the target to which the data is assigned, or it is possible to adopt a mode in which the data has.

In the latter aspect, for example, when the mobile terminal 90 reads the data, it identifies the ID of the target to which the data is mounted, and collates the identification result with the identification result in step 105 shown in FIG. It is possible to do. Only when the collation is successful, the mobile terminal 90 determines that the player has captured the target.

By the way, in some of the above embodiments, a rental cycle lent to the borrower is used as an example of the target.

In general, a rental cycle is basically a place where there are more passersby than other modes of transportation (an example of a moving object) such as a car or a motorcycle, at a slower speed and closer to the passersby. There is a high possibility of moving.

This possibility is that the rental cycle has a larger number of passers-by who see the rental cycle as it travels per unit time than other modes of transportation, and that rental cycle. Each passerby visually looks at the advertising signboard (advertising medium, advertising information, etc.) attached to the bicycle clearly and for a long time compared to other means of transportation, and as a result, it is easier to accurately memorize the advertising signboard. Invite the possibility.

Then, it can be seen that the rental cycle can provide advertising information directly to potential consumers rather than other means of transportation, and therefore, the advertising effect is superior.

In addition, the rental cycle may be operated by a private company, but it may also be operated by a public organization (for example, a city hall). In the latter case, the operating entity usually tries to bear the operating cost of the rental cycle by the rental fee paid by the rental cycle borrower. However, since rental is for charitable purposes, the rental fee cannot be set so high. Therefore, the operating entity needs to cover the total operating expenses that cannot be covered by the revenue from the rental fee alone with other financial resources such as taxes.

In this case, for example, the operating entity solicits sponsors for the rental cycle from, for example, a private company, and asks the sponsors who applied for the funds to provide funds, while the sponsors use the rental cycle as a compensation. A business model is proposed that grants the right to advertise sponsors' products and services.

Also, like a rental car, the rental cycle is the property of the entity that operates them, not the property of an individual. Therefore, the operating entity can freely select or exchange the advertising signboard to be attached to each rental cycle only for the convenience of the operating entity, regardless of the circumstances such as the preference of the borrower of the rental cycle. As a result, in the case of a rental cycle, it is easier to acquire a variety of sponsors than a privately owned target.

In short, when the rental cycle is selected as the target, it is easier to improve the economic efficiency of the operation of the rental cycle than when other means of transportation are selected.

However, in order to carry out the present invention, the target may select other rental moving objects such as rental cars in addition to the rental cycle, and may select other moving objects not intended for rental, but is privately owned. You may choose a moving object of.

Further, in order to carry out the present invention, as another target, an object existing in the natural world and moving (for example, a human being itself, an animal, a floating object, a fluid object, etc.) may be selected.

In the present embodiment, when the player captures the target, a privilege (first privilege) is given to the player in exchange for the target. At this time, the borrower (driver) of the rental cycle 12 which is the captured target may also be given a privilege (second privilege) as a compensation for being captured.

Specifically, for example, when the player captures the target, the mobile terminal 90 transmits the information including the bicycle ID of the rental cycle 12 captured by the player to the management server 50.

Upon receiving the information, the management server 50 has a relationship between the bicycle ID and the user ID unique to the borrower of the rental cycle 12 or the destination (for example, telephone number, email address, etc.) of the borrower's mobile terminal 90. The borrower's mobile terminal 90 corresponding to the bicycle ID received this time is searched according to what is stored in advance in the memory 162.

Further, the management server 50 transmits information indicating that the predetermined privilege has been granted to the borrower in a unicast manner toward the searched mobile terminal 90.

In this tracking game, if the rental cycle 12 is captured by the player, the benefit is given to the borrower of the rental cycle 12 in return, so that the borrower is also encouraged to actively participate in the tracking game.

Further, in this example, of course, the borrower is informed in advance that in this tracking game, the borrower may be tracked by the player and that the borrower will be given benefits if captured by the player. It will be.

By the way, the tracking game system 10 described above is a combination of a game element called a tracking game and an advertising element that directly provides advertising information to potential consumers. If emphasized, the tracking game system 10 can be re-understood as an advertising system 10.

Specifically, the advertising system 10 is a moving object (not only an industrial product but also an object existing in the natural world, for example, a human being or an animal) driven by a driver regardless of whether or not he / she is an advertising company. Good) is used as a source of visual advertising information to advertise to a plurality of unspecified passersby in the vicinity of the moving object.

Here, an example of the "moving object" is the rental cycle 12 described above, and an example of the "unspecified plurality of passersby" is the above-mentioned plurality of players.

The advertising system 10 represents an advertisement display device that visually displays the advertisement information on the moving object, a moving object positioning unit that measures the current position of the moving object every moment, and the current position of the moving object. It is equipped with a transmitter that transmits the position information of moving objects to multiple mobile terminals in real time in a broadcast manner.

Here, an example of the "advertisement display device" is the above-mentioned advertisement display device 32, and an example of the "moving object positioning unit" is the GPS receiver 42 of the above-mentioned GPS positioning unit 28. , An example of the "transmitter" is the communication device 46 described above.

In the advertising system 10, the mobile terminal 90 of each passerby further includes a receiving unit that receives the moving object position information and a passerby positioning unit that measures the current position of the mobile terminal 90 as the current position of the passerby. , A display unit that displays the measured current position of the passerby and the current position of the moving object based on the received moving object position information on the screen of the mobile terminal 90, and that the mobile terminal 90 has captured the moving object. It is equipped with a detection unit for detection.

Here, an example of the "receiver" is the above-mentioned receiving unit 138, an example of the "passerby positioning unit" is the above-mentioned GPS receiver 152, and an example of the "display unit" is. The display unit 136 is the above-mentioned display unit 136, and an example of the “detection unit” is a portion of the mobile terminal 90 that executes steps S109 to S112 in FIG.

Further, in the advertising system 10, when the capture is detected, a predetermined privilege is given to a passerby who uses each mobile terminal 90 that has captured the moving object. The privilege grant is executed, for example, by the portion of the management server 50 that executes steps S204-206 in FIG.

The advertising system 10 is further provided with an advertising information transmission unit mounted on a management server 50 capable of communicating with a mobile terminal 90 of each passerby. When the moving object is captured by any of the mobile terminals 90, the advertisement information transmitting unit directly transmits the advertisement information and / or data representing another advertisement information to the mobile terminal 90 by a unicast method. Configured to send.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, these are examples, and are based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the embodiments described in the above [Summary of the invention] column. It is possible to carry out the present invention in other forms with various modifications and improvements.

Claims (7)

A tracking game system that allows multiple players to track a target that moves unspecifiedly in the real space in the same real space, allowing the player to play a tracking game in which the player captures the target.
The target is a rental cycle that is lent to the borrower.
The target is equipped with a target positioning unit that measures the current position of the target and transmits the target position information representing the measured target current position to each player's mobile terminal in real time and in a broadcast manner.
On the mobile terminal of each player
A player positioning unit that measures the current position of the mobile terminal as the player's current position,
A display unit that displays the measured player current position and the target current position based on the target position information received from the target on the screen of the mobile terminal.
It is equipped with a detector that detects that the mobile terminal has captured the target.
In addition to the target and the mobile terminals of the plurality of players, the tracking game system includes the mobile terminals of the borrower, the mobile terminals of the plurality of players, and a management server capable of communicating with the mobile terminals of the borrower. Including,
The management server is
Based on the detection result of the detection unit of the mobile terminal of each player, when any player captures the target, the first transmission unit that transmits the first privilege information to the mobile terminal of the one player, and the first transmission unit.
When the rental cycle is captured by any player, it includes a second transmitter that transmits a second privilege information to the mobile terminal of the borrower of the captured rental cycle.
The detection unit includes a reader of the mobile terminal, is configured to detect the capture when the reader reads data mounted on the target, and includes a reception unit of the mobile terminal. The receiving unit is configured to measure the distance between the target and the mobile terminal from a signal received from a transmitter mounted on the target, and detect the capture when the distance is shorter than a predetermined distance. A tracking game system that employs one of the above . The target positioning unit includes a GPS positioning unit that measures the current position of the target.
The tracking game system according to claim 1, wherein the player positioning unit includes a GPS positioning unit that measures the player's current position. The target positioning unit includes a transmitter that transmits a signal representing an identification code unique to the target in a state in which it can be received by each player's mobile terminal in a short-range communication method.
The detection unit authenticates the target on which the transmitter is mounted from the signal received from the transmitter, measures the distance between the target and the mobile terminal of each player, and the measured distance is predetermined. The tracking game system according to claim 1 or 2, which is configured to detect said capture when it is shorter than a distance. The mobile terminal of each player transmits the own player position information indicating the current position of the own player to the mobile terminal of the other player, and receives the other player position information indicating the current position of the other player from the mobile terminal of the other player. death,
Based on the received other player position information, the mobile terminal of each player displays the current position of the other player on the screen together with the current position of the own player and the current position of the target.
The tracking according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the mobile terminal of each player catches the target at an earlier time than any of the other players, the player acquires the first privilege information as a winner. Game system. A program for executing a computer as a mobile terminal of the player according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A program for executing a computer as a management server according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A recording medium in which the program according to claim 5 or 6 is recorded so as to be readable by a computer.

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