JP7483100B2 - Game server, program, method, game system and information processing terminal - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a game server, a program, a method, a game system, and an information processing terminal.

In recent years, activity measuring devices that measure human behavior and activity levels by using motion detection sensors that detect bodily movements have become widespread. Activity measuring devices increase the user's health awareness by displaying the user's activity levels, etc., and it is desirable for the user to use the devices continuously. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention that uses measured biometric information to increase the user's health awareness in the process of enjoying a game of raising virtual creatures.

JP 2007-117639 A

However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 simply reflects parameters based on automatically acquired biometric information in the game, and is unlikely to encourage users to develop the habit of living a regular, consistent life.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a game server, program, method, game system, and information processing terminal that manage the progress of a training game in which a user can train a virtual lifeform by leading a well-ordered life, in particular by maintaining good sleeping habits, and can maintain motivation for maintaining good sleeping habits while enjoying training the virtual lifeform.

To achieve the above objective, the game server according to the present disclosure is a server that manages the progress of a virtual life form training game, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires sleep information including at least a sleep pattern indicating the user's bedtime and wake-up time, a sleep history storage unit that stores the acquired sleep information as a sleep history, and a processing unit that executes processing related to the training game based on the sleep patterns in the sleep history.

In addition, to achieve the above object, the program disclosed herein is a program that manages the progress of a virtual life form training game, and causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires sleep information including at least a sleep pattern indicating the user's bedtime and wake-up time, a sleep history storage unit that stores the acquired sleep information as a sleep history, and a processing unit that executes processing related to the training game based on the sleep patterns in the sleep history.

In order to achieve the above object, the method disclosed herein is a method for managing the progress of a virtual life form training game, and includes the steps of acquiring sleep information including at least a sleep pattern indicating the user's bedtime and wake-up time, storing the acquired sleep information as a sleep history, and executing processing related to the training game based on the sleep patterns in the sleep history.

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

In order to achieve the above object, the information processing terminal disclosed herein is an information processing terminal that executes a virtual life form training game, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires sleep information including at least a sleep pattern indicating the user's bedtime and wake-up time, a sleep history storage unit that stores the acquired sleep information as a sleep history, and a processing unit that executes processing related to the training game based on the sleep patterns in the sleep history.

According to the present disclosure, a user's well-ordered lifestyle leads to the development of a virtual life form, allowing the user to maintain motivation for good sleeping habits while enjoying the development game.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a game system 1. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal 100. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the game server 200. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in a user terminal 100. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing in the game server 200. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of determining a reference sleep pattern. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a positive event. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a bonus event. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a negative event. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a game system 2. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal 300. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of jet lag detection. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of information regarding sleep quality. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal 400.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all drawings describing the embodiments, common components are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will be omitted. Note that the following embodiments do not unduly limit the contents of the present disclosure described in the claims. Furthermore, not all components shown in the embodiments are necessarily essential components of the present disclosure.

<Embodiment 1>
Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a game system 1. The configuration of the game system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1.

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

Although FIG. 1 shows only one user terminal 100, in this embodiment, the game system 1 includes multiple user terminals 100, each provided for a different user. The game system in this embodiment maintains the user's motivation to maintain good sleeping habits while enjoying a game of raising a virtual creature.

The user terminal 100 detects the user's sleep information and transmits it to the game server 200. The sleep information includes at least a sleep pattern indicating the user's bedtime and wake-up time. The bedtime indicates the time the user falls asleep, and may be, for example, the time the user goes to bed, or the time the user transitions from an awake state to a sleep state. The wake-up time indicates the time the user wakes up, and may be, for example, the time the user wakes up from the bed, or the time the user transitions from a sleep state to an awake state. In this embodiment, the pair of bedtime and wake-up time from falling asleep to waking up is called a sleep pattern.

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

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

As described above, in this embodiment, the user terminal 100 detects the user's sleep information and transmits the sleep information to the game server 200. Furthermore, the game server 200 executes processing related to the training game based on the sleep information and transmits the processing results to the user terminal 100. In other words, the user can maintain motivation for maintaining good sleeping habits while enjoying the training game in which the user's sleep information is used as game input.

Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 100. Note that the user terminal 100 of this embodiment may be configured in such a way that some of the components (parts) in Figure 2 are omitted.

The user terminal 100 is an information processing device, and in this embodiment, is, for example, a smartphone, a feature phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a portable game console, a stationary game console, a wearable terminal such as a head-mounted display, or a multi-function device such as a multi-function television receiver (smart TV) with information processing capabilities.

That is, the user terminal 100 has various functions that a typical multifunction device has (e.g., input function, output (display) function, information processing function, network communication function, sensor function, call function, camera function, etc.).

The network communication function is a communication function via the Internet, etc., and/or a communication function via a mobile communication network. The user terminal 100 may be realized by installing a predetermined function in an existing multifunction device. In this embodiment, the user terminal 100 is used not only as the multifunction device, but also to detect the sleep information and to execute the training game.

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

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

The input unit 120 is an interface for receiving input from the user and sends the user's input to the processing unit 160. The input unit 120 is, for example, a touch panel, a button, a microphone, or a controller. Note that sensing data detected by the sensor unit 150, which will be described later, may also be used as input from the user. The user can make input related to the training game via the input unit 120.

The output unit 130 is, for example, a display device such as a display or an audio output device such as a speaker, and displays and outputs various images and sounds generated in the user terminal 100 in response to input to the input unit 120, and displays and outputs various images and sounds based on data received from the game server 200. The output unit 130 includes an artificial intelligence-equipped speaker (smart speaker).

The output unit 130 may also have a notification function that uses sound (such as an alarm), light, vibration, or the like to encourage the user to wake up. For example, when the standard wake-up time (described in detail in FIG. 6) arrives or approaches, the cry or movement (vibration) of a virtual life form, or light that evokes the image of that virtual life form, may be output. Also, the cry or music of an item or the like of a virtual life form different from the virtual life form the user is raising may be output to make the user look forward to the progress of the game. This can motivate the user to get up in the morning.

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

The sensor unit 150 is a variety of devices that detect various states of the user terminal 100. The sensor unit 150 is, for example, an attitude sensor (acceleration sensor or gyro sensor) that detects the attitude and tilt of the terminal itself, a gaze sensor that detects the direction of the user's gaze, a light sensor that detects the brightness of the surroundings, and an infrared sensor that detects the user's movements. The sensor unit 150 may also be a microphone that collects sounds around the user terminal 100, a humidity sensor that detects the humidity around the user terminal 100, a geomagnetic sensor that detects the magnetic field at the location of the user terminal 100, etc.

The sensor unit 150 may also use the sensor functions described above to detect various types of information. For example, the sensor unit 150 may use the acceleration sensor function to detect the number of steps taken by the user holding the user terminal 100. The sensor unit 150 may also use the acceleration sensor function to detect operation information indicating whether the user terminal 100 is operating or stationary at regular intervals or each time the user terminal 100 operates. The sensor unit 150 sends the sensing data detected as described above to the processing unit 160.

The sensor unit 150 may be an information processing terminal (so-called wearable terminal) that can be worn by the user and is communicatively connected to the user terminal 100, such as a wristwatch-type or finger-type terminal, and detects the user's biometric information. The sensor unit 150 determines the user's heart rate, for example, by photoelectric volumetric pulse wave recording, and sends it to the processing unit 160 as sensing data. Note that the sensing data detected by the sensor unit 150 is not limited to this, and the sensor unit 150 may also detect biometric information related to the user's sleep, such as breathing, pulse, and body movements.

The processing unit 160 executes various information processing executed in the user terminal 100. The processing unit 160 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory. In the user terminal 100, the CPU uses the memory to execute an information processing program stored in the storage unit 140 to execute the various information processing described above. In this embodiment, the processing unit 160 executes the above information processing, such as a process of calculating sleep information and a process of presenting information related to the progress of the training game received from the game server 200 to the user. Furthermore, when the user terminal 100 operates as a multi-function device, the processing unit 160 executes information processing to realize each function. Furthermore, the processing unit 160 acquires the current date and time using the system clock.

The processing unit 160 calculates a sleep pattern indicating the user's bedtime and wake-up time based on the sensing data sent from the sensor unit 150. The processing unit 160 then instructs the communication unit 110 to send the data to the game server 200 as sleep information. The sleep pattern may be calculated using a sleep analysis function provided in a general multi-function device as described above, and the developer of the training game may set how the bedtime and wake-up time are calculated. For example, in a training game, the time when the user performs an operation to put a virtual creature to sleep may be set as the bedtime, and the time when the user performs an operation to wake up the virtual creature may be set as the wake-up time. For example, the operation to wake up the virtual creature may be to tap the virtual creature displayed on the display or shake the terminal. The processing unit 160 may also be configured to transmit the sensing data sent from the sensor unit 150 to the game server 200 via the communication unit 110, and calculate the sleep pattern in the game server 200.

Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the game server 200. Note that the game server 200 of this embodiment may be configured in such a way that some of the components (parts) in Figure 3 are omitted.

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

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

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

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

The sleep history 231 functions as a sleep history storage unit, and accumulates the user's sleep information acquired by the acquisition unit 220, i.e., sleep patterns indicating the user's bedtime and wake-up time. The game information 232 stores information related to the virtual life form training game. The storage unit 230 may include a temporary storage area and storage. The storage unit 230 may also be configured to store sensing data received by the communication unit 210 from the user terminal 100.

The processing unit 240 executes various information processing executed in the game server 200. The processing unit 240 has a CPU and a memory, and the CPU executes an information processing program stored in the storage unit 230 using the memory to execute various information processing. In this embodiment, the processing unit 240 executes processing related to the training game based on the sleep pattern of the sleep history as the above information processing. The processing unit 240 may also execute processing related to the training game based on various information detected by the user terminal 100. The processing result related to the training game is transmitted to the user terminal 100. The processing unit 240 may also perform processing to progress the training game according to a random number result corresponding to the acquired sleep information. The processing unit 240 also acquires the current date and time using the system clock.

In this embodiment, the term "server" refers not only to one information processing device (i.e., server device), but also to the entire group of server devices (i.e., server system) when the server is composed of multiple server devices. In this embodiment, the game server 200 is described as an integrated configuration, but the game server 200 may be configured to include multiple server devices divided according to functions and/or roles. For example, the game server 200 may be configured to include a data server that stores sleep information acquired from the user terminal 100, and a service server that provides game services based on the sleep information. Furthermore, when a service of providing items is provided as part of the above-mentioned game service, the game server 200 may be configured to include a shop server that provides items and handles billing.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the user terminal 100. An example of processing in the user terminal 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The user terminal 100 may use an input operation from the user indicating that the user is going to bed as a trigger for starting processing. The input operation indicating that the user is going to bed may be, for example, an operation to interrupt the training game or an operation to put the virtual creature to sleep (stroking the virtual creature via a touch panel, turning off the lights used by the virtual creature, etc.). The user terminal 100 is constantly sensing using the sensor unit 150, and can detect the user's going to bed from sensing data (for example, the movement of the terminal, the surrounding brightness, sound, etc.). When the standard bedtime (described in detail in FIG. 6) approaches, the virtual creature may appear sleepy or the game world may become night, encouraging the user to go to bed.

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

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

In step S403, the processing unit 160 instructs the communication unit 110 to transmit sleep information including the calculated sleep pattern to the game server 200.

In step S404, the communication unit 110 receives game information transmitted from the game server 200 in response to the sleep information transmitted in step S403, and transmits the game information to the processing unit 160.

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

Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing in the game server 200. An example of the processing in the game server 200 will be described with reference to Figure 5. In Figure 5, the game server 200 uses the receipt of sleep information from the user terminal 100 as a trigger for starting the processing.

In step S501, the acquisition unit 220 of the game server 200 acquires sleep information including a sleep pattern indicating the user's bedtime and wake-up time transmitted from the user terminal 100 via the communication unit 210, and sends it to the memory unit 230.

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

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

The processing unit 240 may also recognize the user's regular sleep pattern based on the sleep history, and set the recognized sleep pattern as a reference sleep pattern. Since sleep patterns vary from person to person, by setting a reference sleep pattern for each person based on the sleep history, the user can be made to have sleep habits that match their own constitution without forcing themselves.

Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of determining whether a sleep pattern satisfies a reference sleep pattern. With reference to Figure 6, an example of a criterion for determining whether a sleep pattern satisfies a reference sleep pattern will be described.

In Figure 6, the vertical axis represents time and the horizontal axis represents date, with the standard bedtime being 9 p.m. and the standard wake-up time being 7 a.m. Sleep patterns 10 to 14 are represented by lines indicating the bedtime and wake-up time.

The reference sleep pattern is set based on a reference bedtime and a reference wake-up time (hereinafter, the reference bedtime and/or the reference wake-up time may be referred to as the reference time), and may have a range of time periods within a range in which the minimum sleep time is ensured. In the example of FIG. 6, the range is set to 30 minutes before and 15 minutes after the reference time. The range of the reference time may be different before and after the reference time. For example, from the perspective of encouraging early sleep and early rise, the range of the time period before the reference time is set longer than the time period after the reference time. In addition, the minimum sleep time may be set differently depending on the user's age. For example, it can be set by the user or the game developer to 7 hours for adults and 10 hours for children.

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

On the other hand, sleep pattern 13 has a bedtime of 9 p.m., which satisfies the reference bedtime, but a wake-up time of 7:15 or later, which does not satisfy the reference wake-up time. Therefore, the processing unit 240 determines that sleep pattern 13 does not satisfy the reference sleep pattern.

Sleep pattern 14 has a wake-up time between 7:00 and 7:15, which satisfies the reference wake-up time, but a bedtime after 9:15 p.m., which does not satisfy the reference bedtime. Therefore, the processing unit 240 determines that sleep pattern 14 does not satisfy the reference sleep pattern.

In this manner, the processing unit 240 determines whether the sleep pattern satisfies the reference sleep pattern.

If the processing unit 240 determines from the sleep information acquired from the user terminal 100 that there is a problem with the sensing of the user terminal, such as that sleep time is fragmented or sleep time is not detected, the processing unit 240 may assume a sleep pattern based on the user's daytime activity level, such as the number of steps taken. For example, if the processing unit 240 determines that there is a problem with the sensing of the user terminal, it acquires sensing data on the user's activity level from the user terminal 100. Then, if the user's activity level on that day is the user's average activity level, it is assumed that the sleep pattern was an average sleep pattern calculated based on the user's sleep history up to that point. In this way, even if there is a problem with the detection of sleep information, such rescue measures can be taken to ensure that the user's progress in the training game is not disadvantaged.

Returning to FIG. 5, in step S503, the processing unit 240 determines whether the sleep pattern based on the sleep history stored in the sleep history 231 satisfies the reference sleep pattern, i.e., whether the sleep pattern of the sleep information acquired from the user terminal 100 satisfies the reference sleep pattern. If it is determined that the sleep pattern does not satisfy the reference sleep pattern (N in step S503), in step S504, the processing unit 240 performs processing to generate a negative event in the training game and stores the processing result in the game information 232 of the storage unit 230. Details of the events in the training game will be described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the sleep pattern satisfies the reference sleep pattern (Y in step S503), in step S505, the processing unit 240 determines based on the sleep history whether the sleep pattern satisfies the reference sleep pattern for a predetermined period or more. If it is determined that the sleep pattern based on the sleep history does not satisfy the reference sleep pattern for a predetermined period or more (N in step S505), in step S506, the processing unit 240 performs processing to generate a positive event in the development game and stores the processing result in the game information 232 of the storage unit 230. If it is determined that the sleep pattern based on the sleep history satisfies the reference sleep pattern for a predetermined period or more (Y in step S505), in step S507, the processing unit 240 performs processing to generate a bonus event different from the positive event in the development game and stores the processing result in the game information 232 of the storage unit 230.

The user may set the predetermined period to any number of days, such as three days or one week. By setting the predetermined period for generating the bonus event, the user can set a goal for themselves to maintain good sleep habits, and the occurrence of the bonus event can give the user a sense of accomplishment.

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

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

The processing unit 240 may generate a mini-game in addition to generating each of the above-mentioned events. By having the user play a mini-game, it is possible to prevent the user from going back to sleep. A mini-game requires the user to perform some kind of action, and is preferably a game that requires actual physical movement, such as shaking the device itself, tapping or swiping the display to wake up a virtual creature, playing with it, or petting it, or standing up and walking a predetermined number of steps to catch a virtual creature. This is expected to have the effect of reliably waking up the user.

Furthermore, the mini-games may be played within a predetermined time from the occurrence of each event. When a mini-game is cleared, an incentive may be given, such as points (described below), to motivate the player not to go back to sleep.

Figures 7 to 9 are diagrams explaining examples of events in a training game. Examples of positive events, bonus events, and negative events in a training game will be explained with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Note that the processing unit 240 may change the content of each event depending on the random number result corresponding to the acquired sleep information.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a positive event. A positive event is an event that occurs when a user's sleep pattern meets a reference sleep pattern, and is used to give the user an advantage in the training game. For example, a positive event is an event that grows a virtual life form, an event that adds points related to a virtual life form, or an event that awards an item or a benefit in the training game.

Growing a virtual life form includes, for example, becoming larger in appearance, becoming stronger, becoming more beautiful, going from a child to an adult, evolving, maturing internally, etc., but is not limited to these examples.

The points may also be experience points for the virtual creature or an in-game currency for purchasing in-game items. The value of the points may determine the level of the virtual creature or may cause various virtual creatures to appear. Plus events can provide an incentive for the user to maintain a standard sleep pattern.

In FIG. 7, Character A, a virtual life form, gains experience points (corresponding to points) and levels up (corresponding to growth) in response to the user's sleep pattern satisfying the standard sleep pattern. In other words, Character A grows when the user's sleep pattern satisfies the standard sleep pattern. This allows the user to progress through the training game while enjoying the process of Character A growing by adopting good sleeping habits.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a bonus event. A bonus event is an event that occurs when a sleep pattern based on a sleep history meets a reference sleep pattern for a predetermined period of time or more, and is intended to give a player a particularly advantageous opportunity to progress through the training game. Examples of bonus events include, but are not limited to, events that promote the growth of virtual lifeforms, events that add bonus points related to virtual lifeforms, and events that give players items or benefits that give them an advantage in progressing through the training game. For example, it may be an event where a character comes to deposit a new virtual lifeform so that the player can train it. By training a virtual lifeform on behalf of that character, the player can receive a thank-you message from the character, points, etc.

The user may also be notified of the occurrence of a bonus event. This can motivate the user to continue to maintain the standard sleep pattern. For example, the user may be notified that a new virtual life form will appear next Sunday, or that points will be added, making the user look forward to the bonus event. The bonus event can provide the user with an incentive to maintain the standard sleep pattern for a specified period of time or longer.

In FIG. 8, when the user's sleep pattern meets the standard sleep pattern for a predetermined period of time or more, the virtual life form gains more experience points than would be gained in a positive event, and significantly levels up. In addition, the user is given items (rewards) that give an advantage in the progression of the training game. For example, when an item is used to put a virtual life form to sleep, it can create special effects, such as making it easier for the virtual life form to level up or causing other virtual life forms to appear.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a negative event. A negative event is an event that occurs when a user's sleep pattern does not meet the standard sleep pattern and puts the progress of the training game at a disadvantage, such as stopping the growth of a virtual life form, degenerating it, weakening it, or subtracting points related to the virtual life form, but is not limited to this example. For example, if the user's sleep time (length) is shorter than the time determined by the standard time, the virtual life form may appear sleepy during the day, slowing down the training speed. In other words, if the user is sleep-deprived, the virtual life form is made less likely to grow while the user is awake. Negative events can make the user aware of the importance of following the standard sleep pattern and having good sleeping habits.

In FIG. 9, Character A, a virtual life form, is unable to acquire experience points and does not level up because the user's sleep pattern does not meet the standard sleep pattern. In addition, points indicating the health and vitality of Character A may be consumed (deducted) to make the character appear less energetic.

As described above, processing related to the training game, such as that shown in Figures 7 to 9, is executed based on the sleep pattern.

In the training game, a level of difficulty may be set for putting a virtual life form to sleep. For example, at the start of the training game, a virtual life form that is easy to put to sleep may be trained, making it easier to raise the virtual life form's level. This makes the training game easy to enjoy and can lead to regular sleep patterns.

In addition, as the training game progresses, the difficulty of putting the virtual lifeform to sleep may be increased. In other words, as it becomes more difficult to raise the virtual lifeform's level, the user is made aware of the occurrence of positive events and bonus events to raise the level, and this encourages the user to maintain a regular sleep pattern.

In addition, the game's appeal may be enhanced by having the user train multiple virtual lifeforms and allowing the difficulty of putting one virtual lifeform to sleep to affect the difficulty of putting the other virtual lifeforms to sleep. For example, if the user stays awake past the standard bedtime, a virtual lifeform that is more difficult to put to sleep may appear, making it more difficult for the virtual lifeform being trained to fall asleep (i.e., making it more difficult to put it to sleep). The appearance of a virtual lifeform that is more difficult to put to sleep increases the difficulty of putting the virtual lifeform currently being trained to sleep, making it more difficult to raise its level, and this makes the user conscious of going to bed before the standard bedtime. This allows the user to continue enjoying the game, and ultimately motivates the user to maintain regular sleep patterns.

(Explanation of effects)
The game system according to the present embodiment executes processing related to the raising game based on sleep information including a sleep pattern indicating the user's bedtime and wake-up time. Since a user's well-ordered lifestyle leads to raising a virtual lifeform, the user can maintain motivation for good sleeping habits while enjoying the raising game.

The game system according to this embodiment also generates various events in the training game according to the sleep patterns. By generating different events, it is possible to keep the user entertained while providing an incentive to develop good sleep habits.

<Embodiment 2>
The game system of embodiment 2, when jet lag is detected from sleep information, further acquires the user's location information history, and based on the location information history, awards airline mileage points or the like as points for the virtual life form.

Since the organs in the human body work at regular rhythms, when traveling long distances in a short period of time, such as on a trip or business trip, this rhythm can be disrupted by jet lag, causing changes in physical condition and resulting in physical discomfort such as being unable to sleep at night. In such cases, jet lag can cause sleep patterns to deviate significantly from the standard sleep pattern, resulting in negative events in the training game and demotivating users who have previously had good sleeping habits. This embodiment makes it possible for users with jet lag to enjoy the training game.

Figure 10 is a configuration diagram of the game system 2. The game system 2 according to the second embodiment includes a user terminal 300 and a game server 200, which are communicatively connected via a network NW. Although only one user terminal 300 is shown in Figure 10, in the present embodiment, the game system 2 includes multiple user terminals 300, each of which is provided for a different user.

Fig. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 300. The user terminal 300 according to the second embodiment differs in configuration from the user terminal 100 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a position information detection unit 155. Note that the user terminal 300 according to this embodiment may be configured in such a way that some of the components (units) in Fig. 11 are omitted.

The position information detection unit 155 detects the position of the user terminal 300. In this embodiment, the position information detection unit 155 detects the position using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The position information detection unit 155 is, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor (for example, a GPS module). The position detection method in the position information detection unit 155 is arbitrary, and the position information detection unit 155 may detect the position using, for example, a beacon. In addition, when the user terminal 300 has a function equivalent to a contactless IC card used at station ticket gates, shops, etc. (or when the user terminal 300 has a function to read the history of a contactless IC card), the position information detection unit 155 records the location used together with information on the payment of the fare at the station by the user terminal 300. The position information detection unit 155 may detect this information and obtain it as position information. Furthermore, the location information detection unit 155 may detect location information obtainable from a specific access point when the user terminal 300 communicates with the access point. Furthermore, the location information detection unit 155 may detect the location where the user terminal 300 is estimated to be located based on identification information (such as an IP address) when the user terminal 300 is connected to the Internet.

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

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

Figure 12 is a diagram explaining an example of jet lag detection. Sleep patterns 20 to 25 are shown in Figure 12. Sleep patterns 20 to 23 are sleep patterns that meet the standard sleep patterns. On the other hand, sleep pattern 24 has both bedtime and wake-up time that deviate significantly from the standard times. Sleep pattern 25 does not meet the standard sleep pattern, and sleep and wake-up times are repeated discontinuously.

In this way, when a sleep pattern that is clearly different from the sleep patterns in the sleep history is detected, the processing unit 240 may determine that jet lag is occurring. In addition, a sleep pattern that serves as a criterion for determining jet lag may be stored in advance, an input from the user that a long-distance trip with a time difference has been made may be accepted, or long-distance trips may be detected from the history of location information transmitted from the user terminal 300, and it may be determined that jet lag is occurring.

When the processing unit 240 of the game server 200 detects jet lag, it calculates the distance traveled by the user terminal 300 based on the history of location information acquired from the user terminal 300. The processing unit 240 then awards mileage to the virtual life form as points in the training game according to the distance traveled (miles). Mileage is a points program implemented by airlines, and miles are the unit of points. By incorporating the concept of mileage into the training game, even if a negative event occurs due to disrupted sleeping habits caused by jet lag, the awarded points can be used to allow the user to progress through the training game to an advantage, and can also motivate the user to return to good sleeping habits.

The processing unit 240 may also assign points according to the time it takes for the user to return to a regular sleep pattern after the onset of jet lag, so as to help the user recover from jet lag quickly. This can further motivate the user to return to good sleep habits.

<Embodiment 3>
In the game system according to the third embodiment, the sleep information includes information on the quality of the user's sleep. By progressing the training game based on the sleep information including the information on the quality of sleep, the user's awareness of having better sleeping habits can be increased.

Here, information about sleep quality refers to the time spent in each sleep stage of the sleep cycle and the proportion of each sleep stage relative to sleep time. For example, the time and proportion of each sleep stage of the sleep cycle, which are "awake," "light sleep," "deep sleep," and "REM sleep."

In the third embodiment, the user terminal calculates information related to the user's sleep from the user's biological information detected by the sensor unit. The information related to the user's sleep may be calculated by employing a publicly known function for analyzing sleep of an existing multifunction device that functions as a user terminal.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of information related to sleep quality. In FIG. 13, sleep results 31 are displayed for a sleep pattern 30. For example, when a user selects a sleep pattern 30, the user can check the sleep results 31.

The sleep result 31 includes the sleep time calculated from the sleep pattern 30 and the percentage of each sleep stage relative to the sleep time. ("Other" includes, for example, the time when the sleep stage cannot be determined, or the time when the person is in bed but awake.)

The sleep result 31 may also include a good sleep score, which is an index showing whether the sleep was good or not based on the sleep stages. The good sleep score may be calculated from an arbitrary algorithm created by the game developer by weighting each sleep stage. The good sleep score may also be calculated according to the user's activity level, meals, location, humidity, operation time on the user terminal, operation time zone, etc. For example, if the location information of the user terminal detects the location of a highly rated hotel (such as a five-star hotel), the good sleep score may be increased on the basis that a good sleep was obtained. Also, for example, if the user terminal is operated after the standard bedtime, the good sleep score may be decreased. The good sleep score allows the user to see at a glance whether the sleep was good or not, which motivates the user to maintain good sleeping habits.

The game server may use the good sleep score as a parameter that affects the progress of the training game. For example, but not limited to, the virtual life form may be changed, an event may occur, or points or benefits may be awarded depending on the good sleep score.

By making the good sleep score a parameter that affects the progress of the training game, users can be made more conscious of good sleeping habits and further motivated to actively participate in the training game.

<Embodiment 4>
The user terminal according to the fourth embodiment executes a game program stored in a storage unit to allow the user to play a game of raising a virtual creature based on the user's sleep information. The game program stored in the user terminal may be configured to be updateable via a network or a recording medium.

Figure 14 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 400. The user terminal 400 according to the fourth embodiment corresponds to an information processing terminal, and differs in configuration from the user terminal 300 according to the second embodiment (see Figure 11) in that it includes a memory unit 440 and a processing unit 460. However, other components with the same reference numerals have the same functions, so repeated explanations will be omitted. Note that the user terminal 400 of this embodiment may be configured by omitting some of the components (each unit) in Figure 14.

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

The sleep history 441 functions as a sleep history storage unit, and accumulates the user's sleep information calculated by the processing unit 460 described below, i.e., a sleep pattern indicating the user's bedtime and wake-up time. The game information 442 stores information related to the virtual life form training game. The memory unit 440 may include a temporary memory area and storage. The memory unit 440 may also be configured to store sensing data detected by the sensor unit 150.

The processing unit 460 executes various information processing executed in the user terminal 400. The processing unit 460 has a CPU and a memory, and the CPU executes an information processing program stored in the storage unit 440 using the memory to execute various information processing. In this embodiment, the processing unit 460 executes, as the above information processing, a process of calculating a sleep pattern, and a process related to the training game based on the sleep pattern of the sleep history. The processing unit 460 may also execute a process related to the training game based on various information detected by the sensor unit 150. The processing result related to the training game is output to the output unit 130. The processing unit 460 may also execute a process of progressing the training game according to a random number result corresponding to the calculated sleep information. The processing unit 460 also acquires the current date and time using the system clock.

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

The above-described embodiment may be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims, as well as the scope and spirit of the invention.

The method described in the above embodiment can be stored as a program (software means) that can be executed by a computer on a recording medium such as a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, MO, etc.), or a semiconductor memory (ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc.), and can also be distributed by transmitting it via a communication medium. The program stored on the medium also includes a setting program that configures the software means (including not only execution programs but also tables and data structures) that the computer executes. The computer that realizes this server reads the program recorded on the recording medium, and in some cases, constructs the software means using the setting program, and executes the above-mentioned processing by controlling the operation of this software means. Note that the recording medium referred to in this specification is not limited to a medium for distribution, but also includes storage media such as a magnetic disk or semiconductor memory installed inside the computer or in a device connected via a network.

1, 2 Game system, 100, 300, 400 User terminal, 110, 210 Communication unit, 120 Input unit, 130, 430 Output unit, 140, 230, 440 Memory unit, 150 Sensor unit, 155 Position information detection unit, 160, 240, 460 Processing unit, 200 Game server, 220 Acquisition unit, 231, 441 Sleep history, 232, 442 Game information

Claims (4)

A game program to be executed by a computer having a processor and a memory, the computer managing the progress of a game using sleep information, the game program including:
obtaining information regarding the age of a user;
acquiring a length of time during which the user slept as sleep information of the user;
determining parameters based on the amount of sleep the user should ensure and the length of time the user has slept, the parameters being preset according to age and obtained based on information about the user's age;
and controlling the progress of the game in accordance with the parameters .
A game program in which the amount of sleep that the user should ensure is preset according to age and acquired based on information regarding the user's age, the amount of sleep being set by a game operator . A method for managing progress of a game using sleep information, the method being executed by a computer having a processor and a memory, the processor comprising:
obtaining information regarding the age of a user;
acquiring a length of time that the user slept as sleep information of the user;
determining parameters based on the amount of sleep the user should ensure and the length of time the user has slept, the parameters being preset according to age and obtained based on information about the user's age;
controlling the progress of the game in accordance with the parameters ;
A method in which the amount of sleep that the user should ensure, which is preset according to age and obtained based on information regarding the user's age, is the amount of sleep set by a game operator . An information processing device that includes a control unit and a storage unit and manages the progress of a game using sleep information, the control unit comprising:
obtaining information regarding the age of a user;
acquiring a length of time that the user slept as sleep information of the user;
determining parameters based on the amount of sleep the user should ensure and the length of time the user has slept, the parameters being preset according to age and obtained based on information about the user's age;
and controlling the progress of the game in accordance with the parameters .
An information processing device in which the amount of sleep that the user should ensure is set in advance according to age and obtained based on information regarding the user's age, the amount of sleep being set by a game operator . A means for obtaining information regarding the age of a user;
A means for acquiring a length of time during which the user slept as sleep information of the user;
A parameter determining means for determining parameters based on the amount of sleep the user should ensure and the length of time the user has slept, the parameters being preset according to age and acquired based on information about the user's age;
means for controlling the progress of a game using sleep information in accordance with the parameter ;
A system in which the amount of sleep that the user should ensure is set in advance according to age and obtained based on information regarding the user's age, and the amount of sleep is set by a game operator .

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