JP7518448B2 - Spatial information processing device, control program for information processing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for setting and indicating a specific position on a map.

There is a known mechanism for highlighting previously traveled roads on a map. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a destination display system that highlights previously traveled roads around a destination on a map displayed on a mobile terminal based on the movement history of the mobile terminal that has a map display function.

JP 2013-072670 A

In a service that exerts some effect on users in a virtual space that is created to correspond to real space, the size of the activity area in which the user can be active in the virtual space greatly affects the interest of the service. If there is no limit on the validity period of this activity area, such as the previously traveled roads disclosed in Patent Document 1, the user's activity in the activity area may stagnate.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to efficiently encourage early action by users in a virtual space.

To solve the above problem, the present invention sets contraction conditions to gradually shrink the usable area that can be used by a user in a virtual space.

A spatial information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first setting means for setting a usable area available to a first user in a virtual space corresponding to a real space based on the positions of at least one of a first user and a second user in the real space, and a second setting means for setting a contraction condition for the usable area in association with the usable area in order to gradually contract the usable area from an initial size.

By shrinking the available space based on the shrinkage conditions set by the present invention, it is possible to encourage users to take early action to avoid disadvantages caused by the shrinkage of the available space.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an outline of a service (embodiment); 1 is an explanatory diagram of features of a service (embodiment); 1 is an explanatory diagram of features of a service (embodiment); FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a network configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of a server device (embodiment); 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of a user device (embodiment); FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a user management server according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a database configuration (embodiment); FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure for applying performance information (embodiment); FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure for performing a contraction effect (embodiment); FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure for diverting performance information (embodiment);

1. Embodiment
[1-1. Overview]
This embodiment relates to a service that activates some effect for a user in a virtual space formed to correspond to a real space. In this embodiment, in order to efficiently promote early action by a user in the virtual space, a contraction condition is set for gradually contracting the usable area that the user can use in the virtual space. By contracting the usable area based on the contraction condition, early action by a user who wants to avoid disadvantages due to the reduction of the usable area can be promoted.

"Virtual space" refers to a virtual space conceptually formed on an information network. Virtual space includes two-dimensional space and three-dimensional space. Two-dimensional space is, for example, a two-dimensional map space. Virtual space is formed so as to correspond to real space. For example, virtual space is formed so as to correspond geographically to real space.

An "activity area" is an area in virtual space where no usage restrictions are imposed on a specific user. A user's activity area can be secured based on the past presence of that user or other users in real space. When usage restrictions are imposed on a certain area, the part of that area where the usage restrictions are lifted is sometimes called the "released part." When usage restrictions are imposed on a certain area, the part of that area where the usage restrictions are temporarily lifted is sometimes called the "temporary area." An "available area" is an area available to a specific user in virtual space, and is a concept that encompasses activity areas.

An "activity area" may be specified by its shape, reference position, and starting size. For example, the reference position of a circular activity area is the center, and the starting size of the activity area is its radius. The activity area may shrink based on the shrinkage conditions. If the shrinkage conditions include a start and an end, the size of the activity area starts shrinking from the start size at the start and becomes the end size at the end. The end size may be a predetermined size other than 0, or it may be 0. The predetermined size may be a fixed value or a variable value. The variable value may be set for each user or for each activity area. The current size of the activity area can be derived by calculation using the information about the activity area and the shrinkage conditions.

"Location history" refers to the fact that a person has actually been present at a specific location from the past to the present. Location history can be confirmed based on the history of location data acquisition and content to which the location data is associated. Location history can also be confirmed based on log data associated with a place where a location can be identified.

A "restricted area" refers to an area in a virtual space where usage restrictions are imposed on a specific user. The restricted area may be set over the entire virtual space, or over only a portion of the virtual space. Usage restrictions are, for example, treatment that is disadvantageous to the user. Treatment that is disadvantageous to the user is, for example, a restriction that prohibits entry of a display element associated with the user, or a restriction that prevents a specified effect from being activated.

A "display element" is image data. The image data is, for example, an icon of a specific character. A character may be, for example, a copy, drawing, or imitation of a person or object that actually exists in real space, or a depiction of a fictional person or object that does not actually exist in real space. A character may be, for example, a person, an animal, an anthropomorphized machine, a monster, etc. An icon associated with a specific user in a virtual space is sometimes called an "avatar."

This embodiment includes at least the following aspects:

[A] A spatial information processing device comprising: a first setting means for setting a usable area available to a first user in a virtual space corresponding to a real space based on the positions of at least one of a first user and a second user in the real space; and a second setting means for setting a contraction condition for the usable area in association with the usable area in order to gradually contract the usable area from an initial size.

[B] A control program that causes a computer of an information processing device to realize a first setting function that sets a usable area available to a first user in a virtual space corresponding to a real space based on the positions of at least one of a first user and a second user in the real space, and a second setting function that sets a contraction condition related to the usable area in association with the usable area in order to gradually contract the usable area from an initial size. The control program may be non-temporarily recorded on a recording medium.

[C] A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising: a first setting step for setting a usable area available to a first user in a virtual space corresponding to a real space based on the positions of at least one of a first user and a second user in the real space; and a second setting step for setting a contraction condition for the usable area in association with the usable area in order to gradually contract the usable area from an initial size.

The "spatial information processing device" in [A] above is preferably configured as a server-side device that provides a predetermined service to a client-side device via a communication network in a client-server type information processing system. The client-side device may be a device that can be carried by a user, or a device that can be installed in a mobile object. The client-side device functions as a display device. Note that the spatial information processing device according to the embodiment may be a device that operates independently. In this case, the display of the spatial information processing device functions as the display device.

The following technical limitations may be added to the "spatial information processing device" in [A] above. In addition, similar technical limitations may be added to the "control program" in [B] above and the "control method" in [C] above, respectively.

(1) When the first user satisfies a first condition, the second setting means updates the contraction condition for the available area so that the progress of the contraction of the available area is suppressed. The first condition is, for example, the payment of a suppression fee, the use of an item that can be acquired by paying a suppression fee, the use of an item that can be acquired in a specified game, or a bonus for clearing a specified game. This can encourage early action to suppress the progress of the contraction of the available area.

(2) When the first user satisfies the second condition, the first setting means restores the available area, and the second setting means associates a contraction condition with the available area and sets a new contraction condition for the available area so that the restored available area gradually shrinks from its initial size. The second condition is, for example, paying a restoration fee, using an item that can be acquired by paying a restoration fee, using an item that can be acquired in a specified game, or receiving a bonus for clearing a specified game. This can encourage early action to restore the available area.

(3) The first setting means restores the available area when the first user satisfies the second condition, which includes a larger restoration fee that is borne the more the contraction of the available area before restoration has progressed. This can encourage earlier action to restore the available area.

(4) When the first user satisfies a third condition, the second setting means updates the contraction condition for the available area so that the available area is expanded. The third condition is, for example, paying an expansion fee, using an item that can be acquired by paying an expansion fee, using an item that can be acquired in a specified game, or a bonus for clearing a specified game. This can encourage early action to expand the available area.

(5) When the first user satisfies the third condition, which includes the burden of the expansion fee, the second setting means determines the initial size after expansion according to the size of the expansion fee. This allows the expansion to be made larger, for example, as the burden increases.

[1-2. Terminology]
In this specification, the following terms are used:

(1) A "predetermined position" is a position set within a virtual space. A predetermined position is, for example, the position of a spot placed within a virtual space. A "predetermined effect" is a mechanism set at a predetermined position. A mechanism is, for example, a privilege set for each spot placed within a virtual space. A privilege is, for example, treatment that is advantageous to the user. Treatment that is advantageous to the user is, for example, the granting of an item or monetary value.

(2) A "predetermined action targeting a predetermined position" is, for example, an operation of bringing an avatar that can move within a virtual space closer to the predetermined position, an action of a user that can move within real space approaching a real position corresponding to the predetermined position, and an operation of applying position data indicating the vicinity of the predetermined position when an avatar that can move within a virtual space is in the vicinity of the predetermined position to release the restriction on the activation of a predetermined effect associated with the predetermined position.

(3) "Location information" is information indicating a specific location. Information indicating a specific location includes at least the acquisition history of location data, content to which the location data is associated, and log data associated with a place where the location can be specified. The acquisition history of location data is a collection of location data continuously acquired by a navigation device. The navigation device may be a device carried by a user or a device installed on a moving body (e.g., a car or a bicycle). The content to which the location data is associated includes at least image data to which a geotag is added and upload data to which the location data is added. The image data is, for example, still image data or video image data. The upload data is, for example, posted data in a social networking service (SNS) or article data in a blog (blog, weblog). The place where the location can be specified is a store, equipment, or facility that exists in the real space. The log data associated with a place where the location can be specified is a purchase history of a product or a use history of a service at a place where the location can be specified. The use history of a service is, for example, a use history of an accommodation facility, a use history of an amusement facility, or a use history of a means of transportation.

(4) The "first portion" defined to include the corresponding position refers to the surrounding area of the corresponding position. The surrounding area of the corresponding position is an area of a predetermined shape based on the corresponding position and includes the corresponding position. The surrounding area of the corresponding position is, for example, a circular area centered on the corresponding position. The size of the circular area can be set arbitrarily.

(5) The "connection relationship" between two regions includes a direct connection relationship and an indirect connection relationship. A direct connection relationship is a relationship in which both regions at least partially overlap. On the other hand, an indirect connection relationship is a relationship in which both regions are connected via other regions with which they have a direct connection relationship. Regions that have no connection relationship with other regions can arise through the application of position information. Note that a region or group of regions that have no connection relationship with other regions may be referred to as an "enclave" in the following explanation.

(6) "Displaced position" refers to a position after displacement when a corresponding position is displaced by an operation to displace the corresponding position. The "second portion" defined to include the displaced position refers to the surrounding area of the displaced position. The surrounding area of the displaced position is an area of a predetermined shape based on the displaced position and includes the displaced position. The surrounding area of the displaced position is, for example, a rectangular area including the displaced position. The size and shape of the rectangular area can be set arbitrarily. In particular, when the second portion is defined to be a path connecting two areas that are not connected, the size and shape of the rectangular area are determined so that there is an overlapping portion with each of the two areas.

(7) An "operation to displace a corresponding position" is, for example, an operation to move (shift) an object related to the corresponding position. An operation to move an object is an operation to slide an object that visually represents at least the outline of a release portion including the corresponding position on the screen in an arbitrary direction and by an arbitrary size. When a mouse is used as the input device, the sliding operation is, for example, a drag-and-drop operation in which an object is dragged and dropped at a desired position. When a touch panel is used as the input device, the sliding operation is, for example, a swipe operation in which the display area of the object is the start point and the desired position is the end point. The shape and size of the object may be changed when it is displaced.

(8) A specified "personal relationship" refers to a relationship in which two-way communication can take place. A relationship in which two-way communication can take place may be a temporary relationship, or a semi-permanent relationship that continues at least until it is terminated by the will of either party. A relationship in which two-way communication can take place is, for example, a friendship relationship formed with the explicit consent of both parties, or a cooperative relationship in which two parties work together to carry out something. Other users with whom one has a cooperative relationship may be either friends or enemies.

(9) "Game" refers to an electronic game provided at least in part through an online game service. In a broad sense, it refers to the game service itself, and in a narrow sense, it refers to an individual stage that makes up a game service. "Player" refers to a user of a game service. "Play" refers to a player progressing through a game and playing it.

(10) "Solo play" refers to play by a single player. "Cooperative play" refers to synchronized play by multiple players in a cooperative relationship. In cooperative play, a cooperative relationship is formed between a player (host) who organizes cooperative game play and recruits players (guests) who respond to the recruitment and participate in the cooperative game play, and the progress of play is synchronized between the players.

2. Examples
[2-1. Overview]
(1) Service of the embodiment This embodiment relates to a game service (hereinafter referred to as "service of the embodiment") at least part of which is provided online. In the service of the embodiment, an electronic game (game in a broader sense) is provided to a player in which the player sequentially controls four characters that make up a deck by performing predetermined actions, and sequentially challenges a plurality of stages (game in a narrower sense) prepared within the game. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned stages are referred to as "quests."

(2) Solo Play, Multiplayer Play There are two types of play formats for playing quests: solo play, in which one player challenges a quest alone, and multiplayer, in which two to four players challenge a quest together. In multiplayer play, a cooperative relationship is formed between the host who hosts the multiplayer game and recruits companions, and the guests who respond to the recruitment and participate in the multiplayer game, and the progress of the game is synchronized between the players.

(3) Virtual Map Space, Spots, and Spot Effects Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the service of the embodiment. In the service of the embodiment, a virtual map space 100 (virtual space) formed so as to geographically correspond to real space is prepared. A large number of spots (predetermined positions) are arranged in the virtual map space 100 (spots 111 and 121 in Fig. 1(a)). A spot effect (predetermined effect) is set for each spot. In addition, a nearby range that is a guide to proximity is defined for each spot (ranges 112 and 122 in Fig. 1(a)).

The player can move his/her avatar 130 (display element) within the virtual map space 100 by a predetermined operation or a predetermined action. A predetermined operation is an operation in which the player displaces his/her avatar 130. A predetermined action is an action in which the player displaces himself/herself within real space. The avatar 130 can move within the virtual map space 100 in conjunction with or without conjunction with the movement of the player in real space. When the avatar 130 enters, for example, the range 112 in the virtual map space 100, a spot effect set in the spot 111 is activated (Figure 1 (b)). The activation of the spot effect grants, for example, a spot benefit to the player.

[2-2. Features]
(1) Restriction of Activity Area Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the features of the service of the embodiment. In the service of the embodiment, there is a restriction on the player's activity area (usable area) in the virtual map space 100. Specifically, a usage restriction is imposed on the entire virtual map space 100 in the initial state (Fig. 2(a)). Due to the usage restriction, the spot effect set in the spot 111 or the spot 121 in the initial state cannot be activated.

The usage restrictions imposed on the entire virtual map space 100 are partially and temporarily lifted based on the player's actual location in real space. Specifically, based on position data (position information) indicating the player's current position (specific position), the usage restrictions imposed on area 142 (first portion) defined to include position 141 (corresponding position) in virtual map space 100 corresponding to the current position are temporarily lifted, and area 142 becomes a temporary activity area (released portion, temporary area) (Figure 2(b)). When avatar 130 moves within the activity area and enters range 122, the spot effect set for spot 121 is activated.

The temporary active area shrinks over time. Specifically, area 142 gradually shrinks based on a condition (shrinkage condition) that is set in association with area 142 (Figure 2(c)). As long as spot 121 is inside any of the active areas, the spot effect set for spot 121 can be activated. When spot 121 is outside any of the active areas, the spot effect set for spot 121 cannot be activated.

(2) Application of performance information Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the features of the service of the embodiment. In the service of the embodiment, the usage restrictions imposed on the entire virtual map space 100 can be partially and temporarily lifted based on the past to present location records of the player or other players in the real space. Specifically, when the player performs an instruction action (application action) to apply performance information (position information) indicating a specific position (specific position) in the real space, the usage restrictions imposed on the area (first part) defined to include a position (corresponding position) in the virtual space corresponding to the position is temporarily lifted.

For example, when the above instruction action is performed, the usage restrictions imposed on area 152 (first portion) including position 151 (corresponding position) and area 162 (first portion) including position 161 (corresponding position) are temporarily lifted, and the area becomes an active area (FIG. 3(a)). Note that the achievement information is, for example, content with which position data is associated. Content with which position data is associated is, for example, a photograph (image data) with a geotag attached, or SNS posting data (uploaded data) with which position data is attached. Such achievement information becomes applicable to the virtual map space 100 of the player on the condition that the player consumes, for example, a specified item (dedicated item, virtual currency item).

(3) Diversion of achievement information An activity area (released portion) originating from a specific position indicated by achievement information may not be connected to other activity areas. For example, an activity area 152 originating from a position 151 is an exclave that is not connected to the area 142, and the avatar 130 cannot move into it. In the service of the embodiment, an activity area may be displaced based on the player's past and present location in real space. Specifically, when a player performs an operation to displace (shift) the center position (corresponding position) of any one of the activity areas toward the midpoint (displaced position) of a line segment connecting the center positions of any two activity areas, the usage restriction imposed on the area (second portion) defined to include the midpoint of the line segment is partially and temporarily released.

For example, when a shift operation is performed to displace an object representing activity area 162 in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure (Figure 3(b)), the midpoint between positions 141 and 151 is identified based on the direction and size of the shift of the object, position 161 is displaced to position 163, which is the midpoint, and rectangular area 164 is formed that includes position 163 and connects activity area 142 and activity area 152 (Figure 3(c)). At this time, the usage restrictions imposed on area 164 are partially and temporarily lifted, and restrictions on the activation of spot effects are imposed.

[2-3. System configuration of the embodiment]
2-3-1. Network configuration
4 illustrates a network configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system according to the embodiment of the present invention provides a service according to the embodiment to a user.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the system of the embodiment includes a user management server 10 that manages users (players) of the service of the embodiment, a data management server 20 that manages data related to the service of the embodiment, and multiple user terminals 30 (30-1, 30-2, ... 30-n) (n: natural number) used by multiple users.

The user management server 10 and the user terminal 30 can exchange data via a communication network 40. The data management server 20 can access a built-in or externally connectable storage 21. The user management server 10 can access data stored in the storage 21 via the data management server 20.

The communication network 40 may include at least one of the existing networks such as the Internet, a mobile phone network, a wireless wide area network (WAN), a wireless local area network (LAN), and Ethernet (registered trademark).

(1) User Management Server The user management server 10 is a server device (computer) on which a Web server program and an application program (control program) are installed. In response to a request, the user management server 10 causes the data management server 20 to obtain necessary data from the storage 21 and provides (responds) the data to the requester. In response to a request, the user management server 10 also causes the data management server 20 to register necessary data in the storage 21. In addition, the user management server 10 executes various processes to provide the services of the embodiment. Note that a server system may be configured by linking multiple server devices to share the functions of the user management server 10 or distribute the load on the user management server 10.

(2) Data Management Server The data management server 20 is a server device (computer) in which a DB (Data Base) server program is installed. The data management server 20, together with the storage 21, constitutes a DBMS (Data Base Management System). The data management server 20 acquires necessary data from the storage 21 in response to a request, and provides (responses) the data to the requester. The data management server 20 also registers necessary data in the storage 21 in response to a request. The storage 21 is a storage device that stores data related to the service of the embodiment. Note that a server system may be configured by linking multiple server devices, and the functions of the data management server 20 may be shared or the load on the data management server 20 may be distributed.

(3) User Terminal The user terminal 30 is a user device (computer) in which a predetermined game program is installed. In this embodiment, the user device may be a general-purpose portable device in which a program can be installed (e.g., a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a tablet PC (personal computer), a wearable device, etc.) or a general-purpose processing device (e.g., a PC (personal computer)).

[2-3-2. Electrical configuration]
(1) Electrical Configuration of the Server Device FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the electrical configuration of the server device. The server device illustrated in FIG. 5 includes a CPU
The computer has a control processing device 510 including a central processing unit (Central Processing Unit) and a read only memory (ROM), a main memory device 520 including a random access memory (RAM), an auxiliary memory device 530 including a hard disk drive (HDD), an input device 540 including a mouse and a keyboard, an output device 550 including a display and a speaker, and a communication control device 560 including a network card (Network Interface Card). Note that a device such as an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) may be used instead of the CPU.

The main memory device 520, the auxiliary memory device 530, the input device 540, the output device 550, and the communication control device 560 are each connected to the control processing device 510 via a bus line. The control processing device 510 (1) loads a program stored in the auxiliary memory device 530 onto the main memory device 520, (2) acquires data from at least one of the input device 540, the auxiliary memory device 530, and the communication control device 560 according to instructions from the program, (3) calculates and processes the acquired data according to a procedure specified in the program, and (4) provides the calculated and processed data to at least one of the auxiliary memory device 530, the output device 550, and the communication control device 560.

(2) Electrical Configuration of User Device Figure 6 illustrates an electrical configuration of the user device. The user device illustrated in Figure 6 includes at least a DSP 611 constituting a control processing unit, a RAM 621 constituting a main storage unit, a ROM 622 and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) 623 constituting an auxiliary storage unit, a touch panel display 631 constituting an input unit and a display unit, a speaker 632 constituting an audio output unit, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) 641 and a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) chip 642 constituting a communication control unit, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit 651 constituting a positioning unit. Note that a device such as an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) may be used instead of the DSP.

The RAM 621, the ROM 622, the EEPROM 623, the touch panel display 631, the speaker 632, the NIC 641, the wireless LAN chip 642, and the GPS unit 651 are each connected to the DSP 611 via a bus line. The DSP 611 (1) reads a program stored in the ROM 622 or the EEPROM 623 into the RAM 621,
(2) Data is acquired from at least one of touch panel display 631, EEPROM 623, NIC 641, wireless LAN chip 642, and GPS unit 651 in accordance with instructions from the program, (3) the acquired data is calculated and processed in accordance with procedures specified in the program, and (4) the calculated and processed data is provided to at least one of EEPROM 623, touch panel display 631, speaker 632, NIC 641, and wireless LAN chip 642.

[2-3-3. Functional configuration]
(1) Overview The functions of the user management server 10 and the data management server 20 are realized by installing an OS (Operating System) for server devices and a program (control program) that runs on the OS in the server devices, respectively. The program to be installed in the server device may be distributed in a state in which it is non-temporarily recorded on a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), an MO disk (Magneto-Optical disk), or a flash memory, and read from the recording medium into the server device, or may be supplied to the server device by being superimposed on a carrier wave via a communication network 40 or other communication network.

The functions of the user terminal 30 are realized by installing an OS (Operating System) for the user device and a game program that runs on the OS on the user device. Note that instead of a game program, the functions of the user terminal 30 can also be realized by installing a web browser program that runs on the OS for the user device and a game program (plug-in) that runs on the web browser program on the user device.

The OS for the user device is generally installed in the user device from the time of shipment. Other programs to be installed in the user device are generally supplied to the user device by being superimposed on a carrier wave via the communication network 40. Note that the above-mentioned other programs to be installed in the user device may be distributed in a state in which they are non-temporarily recorded on a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), MO disk (Magneto-Optical disk), or flash memory, and may be read from the recording medium into the user device.

(2) Functional configuration of the user management server Fig. 7 illustrates an example of the functional configuration of the user management server. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the user management server 10 includes a reception/provision unit 710, a setting unit 720, a triggering unit 730, a performance unit 740, a warning unit 750, and a synchronization unit 760. The reception/provision unit 710, the setting unit 720, the triggering unit 730, the performance unit 740, the warning unit 750, and the synchronization unit 760 each include a control processing device 510 and a communication control device 660 of the server device operating as the user management server 10.

The reception/provision unit 710 receives information on a first operation that applies performance information (location information) that indicates a first location (specific location) where a player (first player) has been located. The reception/provision unit 710 also receives an operation to shift an object that visually represents an activity area (release portion) on the screen.

The reception/provision unit 710 also receives information on a second operation that applies performance information (location information) that indicates a second location (specific location) where the player has not been located. In particular, the reception/provision unit 710 receives information on a second operation that applies performance information that indicates a second location where another player (second player) who has a cooperative relationship (predetermined personal relationship) with the player (first player) has been located.

The reception/provision unit 710 also provides the performance instruction data output by the performance unit 740 to the user terminal 30. The reception/provision unit 710 also provides the warning instruction data output by the warning unit 750 to the user terminal 30.

The setting unit 720 sets a restricted area in which usage restrictions are imposed on the player in the virtual map space 100. In addition, when information on an operation to apply performance information (position information) is accepted by the accepting/providing unit 710, the setting unit 720 releases the usage restrictions imposed on a portion (first portion) of the restricted area that is defined to include a position (corresponding position) in the virtual space that corresponds to the position (specific position) indicated by the performance information.

When the reception/provision unit 710 receives information on an operation to displace a position (corresponding position) included in any of the activity areas (released portions) whose usage restrictions have been released in response to a first operation to another position (displaced position), the setting unit 720 releases the usage restrictions imposed on a portion (second portion) in the restricted area defined to include the displaced position. In particular, the setting unit 720 identifies the displaced position based on the direction and size of the shift of the object representing the activity area by the above operation. The setting unit 720 also imposes a restriction on the activation of a predetermined effect on the additional released portion whose usage restrictions have been released. The setting unit 720 also defines the second portion so that the first released portion and a second released portion that does not have a predetermined connection relationship with the released portion are connected.

The setting unit 720 sets an activity area (temporary area) that can be used by the player (first player) in the virtual map space 100 based on the location history of at least one of the player (first player) and another player (second player) in real space. The setting unit 720 also sets a contraction condition related to the activity area in association with the activity area in order to gradually contract the activity area from its initial size. The setting unit 720 also updates the contraction condition related to the activity area so that the progress of contraction of the activity area is inhibited, provided that the player pays a fee (inhibition fee).

The activation unit 730 activates a spot effect (predetermined effect) set for a spot when the player's avatar (a display element associated with the player) approaches the spot (predetermined position) within the activity area (release portion, temporary area).

The production unit 740 provides the user terminal 30 (display device) with production instruction data for visually producing the contraction of the activity area (temporary area) via the reception/provision unit 710. In particular, the production unit 740 provides the user terminal 30 with production instruction data for contracting an object visually representing the outline of the activity area from a starting size (a size larger than the current size) to a current size (a size approximating the current size) in a predetermined time (short time) when the center (reference position) of the activity area is included in the display range.

When it is expected that the spot (predetermined position) will leave the activity area (temporary area) within a predetermined time from the present, the warning unit 750 provides warning instruction data to the user terminal 30 (display device) via the reception/provision unit 710, which causes a predetermined warning to be output to the player. In particular, only when it is expected that a spot with an unactivated spot effect will leave the activity area, the warning unit 750 provides warning instruction data which causes a warning to be output including a call to attention that the spot effect has not been activated.

The synchronization unit 760 transmits cache update data to the user terminal 30 at a predetermined update timing, thereby updating the cache data held in the user terminal 30. The predetermined update timing is, for example, immediately after the game program is started in the user terminal 30 and the user management server 10 is accessed. The synchronization unit 760 also receives various data from the user terminal 30 at a predetermined timing, and updates the data managed by the data management server 20 as necessary.

2-3-4. Database configuration
8 illustrates an example of a database configuration in the system of the embodiment. These data are stored in the storage 21 and are accessible via the data management server 20. Cache update data including at least a part of these data is provided from the user management server 10 (synchronization unit 760) to the user terminal 30 and is held as cache data in the user terminal 30.

(1) Player Management Information Player management information is management information for managing various parameters related to each player. The player management information is added at the time of initial setup by each player, and is updated before the start of play of a quest or after play ends. As exemplified in FIG. 8( a), the player management information associates at least the "number of currency items held" with a "player ID (identification information)" that is unique to each player.

(2) Restriction Management Information Restriction management information is management information that manages whether or not the virtual map space is initialized for each player. The restriction management information is added at the time of initial setting by each player. As exemplified in FIG. 8(b), the restriction management information associates at least an "initial restriction completed flag" that indicates that the initial restriction has been completed when it is significant with a "player ID". The initial restriction is to impose a usage restriction on the entire virtual map space.

(3) Release Management Information The release management information is management information for managing the state of each activity area. The release management information is added through a procedure for applying performance information by each player, and is updated as needed. As exemplified in FIG. 8(c), the release management information associates at least a "release time" indicating the time when the usage restriction was released, an "area division" that divides the type of activity area, and a "status" indicating the current state of the activity area with a "player ID" and a "reference position". The "area division" represents, for example, any of a plurality of divisions including a circular area formed by applying performance information and a rectangular area formed by repurposing performance information. The "status" represents, for example, any of a plurality of states including contracting, contracting stopped, and disappearing.

(4) Contraction Condition Information The contraction condition information is information that represents the contraction condition for each activity area. The contraction condition information is added through a procedure of applying the performance information by each player, and is updated as needed. As exemplified in FIG. 8(d), the contraction condition information associates at least a "start size", an "end size", a "start time", and an "end time" with a "player ID" and a "reference position". In the service of the embodiment, the "start size" is the radius of a circle. The start size may be a fixed distance (e.g., 100 m) or a variable distance. The variable distance may vary, for example, depending on the type of performance information. In the service of the embodiment, the "end size" may be a real number equal to or greater than 0. When the end size is 0, the activity area disappears when the end time arrives. On the other hand, when the end size is greater than 0, the activity area stops contracting when the end time arrives and remains.

(5) Spot setting information The spot setting information is setting information that sets information related to spots arranged in the virtual map space. The spot setting information is added at any time by the operator of the service of the embodiment. As exemplified in Fig. 8(e), the spot setting information associates at least a "position" and a "spot effect (effect type ID)" with a "spot ID."

(6) Spot effect setting information The spot effect setting information is setting information for setting information related to the spot effect. The spot effect setting information is added from time to time by the operator of the service of the embodiment. As exemplified in Fig. 8(f), the spot effect setting information associates at least "start time", "end time", "activation condition", and "content" with an "effect type ID".

(7) Group Management Information Group management information is management information for managing multiple players in a cooperative relationship. Group management information is added each time a host starts recruiting for multiplayer play. As exemplified in FIG. 8(g), the group management information associates at least a "status" indicating the current state of the group, a "host" (player ID), and a "guest" (player ID) with a "group ID (identification information)" that is the first place for the group. The "status" indicates one of a number of states, including, for example, recruiting, active, and extinct.

[2-4. Information processing procedure]
[2-4-1. Initialization process of virtual map space]
The setting unit 720 sets a restricted area in which usage restrictions are imposed on the player in the virtual map space 100. Specifically, the setting unit 720 updates (signals) the "initial restricted flag" in the restriction management information (FIG. 8(b)). As a result, the entire virtual map space 100 becomes a restricted area in which usage restrictions are imposed.

[2-4-2. Application process of performance information]
(1) Procedure FIG. 9 illustrates a procedure for applying performance information by the system of the embodiment. In S905, the user terminal 30 detects a motion by the player that applies the performance information. In S910, the user terminal 30 transmits motion information of the motion detected in S905 to the user management server 10. The motion information includes performance information or data for identifying the performance information. The data for identifying the performance information is, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). The user management server 10 (reception and provision unit 710) receives the motion information and identifies the position (specific position) indicated by the performance information.

In S915, the user management server 10 (setting unit 720) releases the usage restrictions imposed on a portion (first portion) of the restricted area that is defined to include a position (corresponding position) in the virtual space that corresponds to the position (specific position) indicated by the performance information. Specifically, the user management server 10 (setting unit 720) generates release management information (FIG. 8(c)), inputs the corresponding position into "reference position," and inputs the current date and time into "release time." "Status" remains at its initial value (a value indicating contraction). In S920, the user management server 10 causes the user terminal 30 to update the display content. Through the above procedure, an activity area is secured based on the location performance of the player or other players in real space.

(2) Supplementary Note An activity area may be secured based on the location record of another player (second player) who is in a cooperative relationship (predetermined personal relationship) with the player (first player). In S905, an action of applying to a multiplay invited by the second player is detected. In S910, the group ID of the group management information (FIG. 8(g)) of the group being invited is transmitted together with the action information. The user management server 10 (acceptance and provision unit 710) accepts the action information and identifies the group management information. In S915, the activity area of the second player is reflected to the first player on the condition that the "status" of the group management information is updated to a value indicating validity. At this time, the activity area of the first player is similarly reflected to the second player.

[2-4-3. Setting of shrinkage conditions]
(1) Procedure The setting unit 720 sets a contraction condition for an activity area in association with the activity area in order to gradually contract the activity area from its initial size. Specifically, the setting unit 720 adds contraction condition information (FIG. 8(d)) for the newly secured activity area. At this time, the "reference position" is a position (corresponding position) in the virtual map space corresponding to the position (specific position) indicated by the performance information. The "start size" is a fixed value or a value according to the type of performance information. The "end size" is a real number equal to or greater than 0. The "start" is the current date and time. The "end" is the time when a predetermined time has passed since the "start".

(2) Supplementary Note In the service of the embodiment, the activity area gradually shrinks based on the respective shrinkage conditions. However, the system of the embodiment does not include a process for gradually shrinking the activity area based on the shrinkage conditions. Therefore, there is no need to synchronize data between the user management server 10 and the user terminal 30 regarding the shrinkage of the activity area. Note that since the activity area gradually shrinks from the "start size" to the "end size" during the period from the "start" to the "end", the current size of the activity area can be derived by calculation. In other words, the current size of the activity area can be derived by multiplying the start size by a number corresponding to the progress of the shrinkage period.

(3) Modifications The user management server 10 may be configured to execute a process for gradually shrinking the activity area based on a shrinkage condition.

[2-4-4. Contraction effect processing]
(1) Procedure Fig. 10 illustrates a procedure for contraction effect by the system of the embodiment. In S1005, the user terminal 30 accepts an instruction to change the display range from the player. The instruction to change is an instruction to display a part outside the display range of the virtual map space within the display range. The instruction to change is made, for example, by a swipe operation to scroll the image of the virtual map space, or by a selection operation of a button to switch the display range of the virtual map space. In S1010, the user terminal 30 instructs the user management server 10 to change the display range.

In S1015, the user management server 10 queries (searches) the data management server 20 for an activity area whose reference position is contained within the changed display range. In S1020, the user management server 10 (production unit 740, reception/provision unit 710) provides the user terminal 30 with production instruction data for visually producing the contraction of the activity area (temporary area). In S1025, the user terminal 30 uses the production instruction data to visually produce the contraction of the activity area. Through the above steps, the contraction of the activity area is impressed upon the user.

(2) Contents of the Presentation When the center (reference position) of an activity area is included in the display range, the user terminal 30 shrinks an object visually representing the outline of the activity area from a starting size (a size larger than the current size) to a current size (a size close to the current size) in a predetermined time (short time). For example, when the center 141 of the activity area 142 is included in the display range (FIG. 2(b)), the object visually representing the outline of the activity area 142 shrinks from the starting size to the current size in a predetermined time (e.g., one second) (FIG. 2(c)). This makes a strong impression on the user of the shrinkage of the activity area.

2-4-5. Warning Processing
When it is expected that the spot (predetermined position) will move out of the activity area (temporary area) within a predetermined time from the present, the warning unit 750 provides warning instruction data to the user terminal 30 (display device) via the reception/provision unit 710, which causes a predetermined warning to be output to the player. This makes the user aware of the disadvantages caused by the contraction of the activity area. Note that since the activity area gradually contracts from the "start size" to the "end size" during the period from the "start" to the "end", the timing at which a spot will move out of the activity area can be derived by calculation.

In particular, the warning unit 750 provides warning instruction data that outputs a warning including a call to attention that the spot effect has not been activated only when a spot with an unactivated spot effect is expected to move out of the activity area. This leaves a strong impression on the user of the specific disadvantages caused by the contraction of the activity area. Note that if it is recorded whether or not a spot effect has been activated for a specific spot in association with a specific player, it is possible to determine whether or not the spot effect has not been activated.

[2-4-6. Contraction condition update process]
The setting unit 720 updates the contraction condition for the activity area so that the progress of contraction of the activity area is inhibited, on the condition that the player pays a fee (inhibition fee). The player pays the fee by updating the "number of currency items held" in the player management information ( FIG. 8( a) ) associated with the player so that it decreases.

There are two ways to inhibit the progress of contraction: slowing down or pausing. To slow down the progress of contraction, the "end" in the contraction condition information (Figure 8 (d)) can be shifted back to delay it. To pause the progress of contraction, the "start size" in the contraction condition information (Figure 8 (d)) can be updated to the current size, the "start" can be updated to the date and time when contraction will resume, and the "end" can be updated to the time remaining until the "end" before the update has elapsed from the "start" after the updated. This can encourage early action to inhibit the progress of contraction of the active area.

[2-4-7. Diversion of performance information]
(1) Procedure Fig. 11 illustrates a procedure for diverting performance information by the system of the embodiment. In S1105, the user terminal 30 detects an operation for shifting (displacing) the center position (corresponding position) of any of the activity areas. In S1110, the user terminal 30 transmits operation information of the operation detected in S1105 to the user management server 10. The operation information includes a displacement vector (direction and magnitude of displacement) of the object caused by the above operation. The user management server 10 (reception and provision unit 710) receives the operation information and identifies the position (displaced position) after the displacement caused by the above operation.

In S1115, the user management server 10 (setting unit 720) releases the usage restriction imposed on a portion (second portion) in the restricted area defined to include the position after the displacement (displaced position). Specifically, the user management server 10 (setting unit 720) releases the usage restriction imposed on the portion (second portion) in the restricted area defined to include the position after the displacement.
(c)), input the corresponding position into "reference position," input the current date and time into "release time," and set "area division" to a value representing the rectangular area formed by the diversion of achievement information. Also, a value representing attachment (disappearance with the disappearance of at least one of the two connected activity areas) is input into "status." At this time, the "status" of the release management information (FIG. 8(c)) associated with the activity area before the displacement is updated to a value representing disappearance. At S1120, the user management server 10 causes the user terminal 30 to update the display content. Through the above procedure, the player's activity area can be secured by diversion of achievement information.

(2) Manner of Operation The shift operation is an operation of sliding an object visually representing the outline of the active area on the screen in any direction and by any size. In the service of the embodiment, it is a swipe operation starting from the display area of the object and ending at a desired position. For example, when a swipe operation is performed starting from the display area of the object visually representing the active area 162 ( FIG. 3B ), a displacement vector is identified from the start point and the end point of the swipe operation.

3. Modifications
In the above embodiment, the setting unit 720 updates the contraction condition for the activity area so that the progress of the contraction of the activity area is inhibited, on condition that the player pays a fee (an inhibition fee). The inhibition of the progress of the contraction is, for example, a slowdown of the contraction or an interruption of the contraction.

In response to this, the setting unit 720 may restore the activity area (temporary area) on condition that the player pays a fee (restoration fee), and may set a new contraction condition for the activity area in association with the activity area in order to gradually shrink the restored activity area from its initial size. This may encourage early action to restore the activity area. In particular, the setting unit 720 may restore the activity area on condition that the player pays a larger fee (restoration fee) the more progressed the contraction of the activity area before restoration. This may encourage earlier action to restore the activity area. The player is made to pay the fee by updating the "number of currency items held" in the player management information (FIG. 8(a)) associated with the player so that it decreases.

The setting unit 720 may also update the contraction conditions for the activity area so that the activity area (temporary area) will expand, provided that the player pays a fee (expansion fee). This can encourage early action to expand the activity area. In particular, the setting unit 720 may determine the initial size after expansion depending on the amount of the fee (expansion fee) to be paid by the player. This allows the area to be expanded to a greater extent, for example, the greater the fee. The player's payment of the fee is realized by updating the "number of currency items held" in the player management information (FIG. 8(a)) associated with the player so that it decreases.

To expand the active area, update the "start size" in the contraction condition information (Figure 8 (d)) to the enlarged start size, update the "start" to the current time, and update the "end" to the value obtained by adding the time from the "start" to the "end" before the update (contraction time) to the "start" after the update.

10 User management server (an example of a spatial information processing device)
20 Data management server 21 Storage 30 User terminal (an example of a display device)
40 Communication network 710 Reception providing unit (first reception means, second reception means, third reception means) 720 Setting unit (restriction means, release means, additional release means, first setting means, second setting means) 730 Initiation unit (initiation means) 740 Production unit 750 Warning unit 760 Synchronization unit

Claims (4)

a processor, the processor comprising:
displaying an area available to the user in the virtual space based on the user's position in the real space, and reducing the area based on a predetermined condition;
Controlling the effect of a predetermined object included in the area so that it can be activated;
outputting a warning when the effect of the predetermined object included in the area has not been activated and the object leaves the area after a predetermined time has elapsed;
Information processing device. a processor displays an area available to the user in the virtual space based on a position of the user in the real space, and reduces the area based on a predetermined condition;
A processor controls an effect of a predetermined object included in the area so as to be exercisable;
a processor that outputs a warning when an effect of the predetermined object included in the area has not been activated and the object leaves the area after a predetermined time has elapsed;
Information processing methods. The processor:
displaying an area available to the user in the virtual space based on the user's position in the real space, and reducing the area based on a predetermined condition;
Controlling the effect of a predetermined object included in the area so that it can be activated;
outputting a warning when the effect of the predetermined object included in the area has not been activated and the object leaves the area after a predetermined time has elapsed;
program. The system includes a server and a user terminal operated by a user,
The server,
displaying an area available to the user in a virtual space based on a position of the user in a real space, and reducing the area based on a predetermined condition;
Controlling the effect of a predetermined object included in the area so that it can be activated;
outputting a warning to the user terminal when the effect of the predetermined object included in the area has not been activated and the object leaves the area after a predetermined time has elapsed;
Information processing system.

Images