JPH11306237A - Game server device, marketing data acquisition method using virtual living space and information recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the decision making skill of a user in his living while enjoying a game and also to acquire the necessary marketing information with no mental burden required for the user. SOLUTION: This device is provided with a server operating means 4 which is accessed by a client terminal 6 via a network 2 and operates as a WWW server, a storage means 5 which stores various data including the game scenario data 13, etc., and a data base operating means which operates the data stored in the means 5. Then the means 5 stores the user data 12 including the data on a person who plays a game based on the data 13. The data 13 include the virtual living space image data which are used for the game player to virtually simulate a prescribed living and the link data which are linked to the relative information when the action or the will of the game player is decided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game server device suitable for enjoying a virtual living space in a network using a simulation game technique and the like, a method for obtaining marketing data using the virtual living space, and The present invention relates to an information recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various web browsers are known as browser software for browsing homepage information which is information on homepages on the Internet (hereinafter referred to as homepages of respective sites and other pages). I have. The user browses homepage information one after another using the browser software and enjoys so-called surfing the Internet.

In recent years, it has become possible to virtually enjoy various living activities on the Internet. For example, in the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-231274, a customer who accesses via the Internet designates a product in a virtual shopping mall on the network, enters a corresponding tenant, and looks at the product. You can take a walk or buy a product.
According to this technology, it is possible to refer to the displayed past history information and purchase a product that matches the information.

There is also known a product simulator device which can operate a product on a terminal as if the product is actually used (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-17156).
No. 9). In this technology, a workstation receives merchandise simulation software from an HTTP server, and the software can simulate the function of the merchandise.

[0005] Furthermore, some Internet service providers, so-called providers, provide advertisements that display corporate advertisements on a part of the display screen of the terminal when a user accesses the Internet using the provider's line. Some have adopted the method. The user has to inevitably display the advertisement screen on the terminal, but instead enjoys advantages such as a lower connection fee to the Internet.

[0006]

According to the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-231274 for purchasing a product in a virtual shopping mall, the user can enjoy shopping while staying there, but the information of the product provided there is limited to the server device. Have been. Moreover, various actions of a user enjoying shopping are stored as log information, but are not obtained by combining actions or decision making with a specific event.
For this reason, it cannot be fully utilized as marketing information.

The technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-171569, which can simulate a product, can simulate the function of a product, but does not attempt to improve its operation by the simulation. For this reason, it is impossible to use the virtual commodity on the display screen for those who want to improve the operating power and eliminate the mistake of the operation when purchasing the actual commodity.

[0008] Furthermore, in this technique, since only a function of a product is simulated and not a simulation of a more advanced decision-making or behavior, the simulation is not interesting. In today's era, where advanced decision making is required one after another, those who do not have the information to make that decision or who do not have the opportunity to train are advised to use commercially available manual books. It is the only instruction book. However, in this manual, only predetermined steps and actions are described, and it is not possible to confirm whether or not the contents of the manual have really been acquired. For this reason, in reality, attempts to follow the manual often fail.

[0009] The technique of forcibly displaying the advertisement of a product or a company on the terminal of a user who has accessed the Internet has some merits on the advertising side, but how much the user is interested in the advertisement, Under what circumstances did you decide to want the company's products,
Or, it is insufficient for obtaining marketing information such as whether or not it is determined that the user does not want it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide a game server device which enables a user to obtain necessary information while enjoying a game. . According to another invention, a game server device and a virtual living environment that can increase the skill (= skill) of decision making during a living activity while enjoying a game and obtain necessary information from within a network. An object is to provide a marketing data acquisition method using a space. Still another object is to provide a game server device capable of obtaining useful marketing information without a psychological burden on a user and a method of acquiring marketing data using a virtual living space. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an information recording medium in which a program capable of obtaining necessary information and improving self-life behavior and decision-making skills while enjoying a game is recorded.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, in the game server device according to the first aspect, there is provided a connection means for connecting to a network, and operation as a WWW server accessed via the network. Server operation means, storage means for storing various data such as scenario data for the game, and a database server means for operating the storage means and data in the storage means. Means include
At least user data consisting of scenario data and data of a person who accesses through the network and plays along the scenario data is stored, and the scenario data is used by the player to virtually simulate a predetermined living behavior. Virtual living space image data for displaying a virtual living space, and link data for linking to event image data at the time of the action or decision and linking to relevant information necessary or related to the action or decision. ing.

As described above, the player can simulate a predetermined living behavior, and can improve his or her own behavior and decision-making skills. Further, at the time of action or decision making, related information can be skipped to the link destination and confirmed, so that the action and the like can be further enhanced. Further, the operator of the game server apparatus can easily increase the options by increasing the number of linked homepages, and can easily incorporate the advertisement of the company having the linked homepage into the game. You can do so.

Further, in the game server device according to the second aspect, a connection means for connecting to a network, and a W terminal which is accessed from a client terminal via the network.
Server operating means for operating as a WW server;
In a game server device including storage means for storing various data such as game scenario data, and a database operation means for operating the storage means and data in the storage means, the storage means includes at least Scenario data and user data consisting of data of a person using a client terminal and playing through the network and playing along with the scenario data are stored. Link to virtual living space image data for displaying a virtual living space for simulation, event image data at the time of the action or decision, and link to related information necessary or related to the action or decision. Data and send these data to the client terminal. Have trust can be configured.

As described above, the player operating the client terminal can simulate a predetermined living behavior, and can improve his or her own behavior and decision-making skills. Further, at the time of action or decision making, related information can be skipped to the link destination and confirmed, so that the action and the like can be further enhanced. In addition, the person who operates this game server device,
By increasing the number of linked homepages, it is possible to easily increase the choices, and it is also possible to easily incorporate the advertisement of the company having the linked homepage into the game and distribute it to the client terminal side Becomes

Further, in the invention according to claim 3, in the game server device according to claim 1 or 2, data of an advertisement image for a company or a product or service related to an action or a decision is made to a virtual living space. The program is stored in the storage means in association with the image data for use, and a program for displaying both data simultaneously on the display unit of the apparatus of the player is stored in the storage means.

According to the present invention, since the image of the virtual living space and the advertisement image of the product or service or company related to the action or the like in the virtual living space are simultaneously displayed on the display unit of the player's device. The promotional image is no longer promotional and is naturally felt by the player. For this reason, the advertising effect is further enhanced as compared with the conventional one.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the game server device according to the first, second, or third aspect, the operation image data necessary for the operation for making an action or decision is replaced with the virtual living space image data. Are stored in the storage means, and a program for simultaneously displaying the data on the display unit of the player's device is stored in the storage means.

As described above, since the operation image associated with the image of the virtual living space can be displayed on the player's device, the simulation operation in the virtual living space can be easily performed.

Further, in the invention according to claim 5, in the game server device according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, the related information includes a list of goods or services to be acted or determined, and the list of goods or services. Alternatively, it is one or more of a list of companies related to the service or data of a homepage related to the product or service.

According to the present invention, the linked information is various kinds of information related to the product or service, so that the accuracy of selecting the product or service is improved. Furthermore, the person who operates this game server device creates various lists,
Choices can be easily increased by adding a link to the homepage.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the game server device according to the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth aspect, the event image data is replaced with the virtual living space image data and the virtual living space image data. It is composed of data of an advertisement image and data of an operation image to be displayed simultaneously with the data, and related information is composed of data in a storage means and data stored in another WWW server.

As described above, since the event image is composed of images composed of various types of data, the data can be referred to when making an action or decision on the event. For this reason, the accuracy of decision making and the like can be improved. In addition, by linking to information stored in another WWW server, data other than the game server device can be effectively used. For this reason,
The linked information can be easily increased, and the quality of the game can be easily increased.

A game server device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is a game server device, comprising: a connection means for connecting to a network; a server operation means for operating as a WWW server accessed via the network; In a game server device provided with a storage unit for storing various types of data, and a database operation unit for operating the storage unit and data in the storage unit, the storage unit includes at least scenario data and a network. User data consisting of data of a person who accesses through a scenario and plays along with scenario data and product-related data relating to a product or service selected or indicated by the player are stored. Image data for displaying a space and its virtual living space In the image data of the character to be operated, the image data of the goods or services which the character can own, and a link data for linking the items related data to the image data of the goods or services.

According to the present invention, when the player clicks the image portion of the product owned by the character in the virtual living space, the image of the data related to the product can be displayed. For this reason, the image of the character and the information on the product can be closely associated with each other, so that it is easy to search for the product and collect information, and it is possible to obtain information on the product or service while enjoying the game.

Further, the game server device according to the present invention has a connection means for connecting to a network, a server operation means for accessing the network and operating as a WWW server, a game scenario data and the like. A game server device comprising: a storage unit for storing various types of data; and a database operation unit for operating the storage unit and data in the storage unit.
In the storage means, at least scenario data and user data consisting of data of a person who accesses via a network and plays along the scenario data are stored,
The scenario data includes at least image data for displaying a virtual living space, image data of a character operating in the virtual living space, image data of a product or service that can be owned by the character, Link data linking the image data of the service to a homepage in an external WWW server relating to the product or the like.

As described above, by clicking the image portion of the product owned by the character, the player can jump to the homepage outside the server device, and the collection range of the product information can be widened. In addition, the image of the character and the information on the product can be closely associated with each other, so that it is easy to search for the product and collect information, and it is possible to obtain information on the product or service while enjoying the game.

A game server apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention provides a connection means for connecting to a network, a server operation means for accessing the network and operating as a WWW server, a scenario data for a game, and the like. In a game server device provided with a storage unit for storing various types of data, and a database operation unit for operating the storage unit and data in the storage unit, the storage unit includes at least scenario data and a network. User data consisting of data of a person who accesses through the scenario data and plays along with the scenario data is stored, and the scenario data includes at least image data for displaying a virtual living space and selection or Event data for instructing and virtual display in virtual living space The data of the image portion that can be selected or indicated by the player or the image portion that suggests it, and the data of the product or service or company from the image portion that can be selected or indicated or the image portion that suggests, or And data for transiting to a homepage.

According to the present invention, it is possible to simulate a player's decision process or decision situation by using event data to be selected or designated by the player. Therefore, by performing this game several times, the player's action and decision-making skills can be improved. In addition, from the image that can be selected or instructed by the player or the image part that suggests it, it is possible to fly to the data of goods or services or companies or to the homepage, and it is possible to obtain various information while playing the game Become.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the game server device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the game is a marriage simulation game, a child care simulation game, a lover acquisition simulation game, a career simulation game. It is a simulation game for events in life such as.

As described above, since the game is a simulation game for events in life, sufficient information and skills can be obtained for each event, and the game can be easily applied even in actual situations. . Especially,
In the age of nuclear families, childcare has become extremely difficult for women. However, by accessing the game server device and adopting a childcare simulation as a game and repeating the simulation, childcare skills can be improved and various information can be obtained.

In addition, in the invention according to claim 11, in the game server device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the game is a game capable of learning and collecting information.

As described above, since the game is a game in which learning and information collection are possible, when accessing the game server apparatus and executing the game, various skills are improved, and at the same time, behavioral ability and judgment can be improved by the information collection. Ability is improved. Also, so-called gamers (people who are enthusiastic about games), especially male gamers, who tend to be weak at dating with other people, can improve various communication skills while enjoying games.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the game server device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the storage means stores an action or intention to be encountered in an activity in the virtual living space. The data selected or instructed is saved in the decision scene.

As described above, since the selected or instructed data is stored in the storage means, the operator of the game server apparatus can perform various marketing utilizing the data. Further, virtual marketing can be performed by changing the scenario, and reference information on product development and product sales activities can be obtained.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a game operator who accesses through a network and plays a predetermined game using a virtual living space stored in a server device is provided.
In a marketing data acquisition method using a virtual living space, which acquires various data input in the course of the game through a network, a step of storing an input game operator profile in a server device via the network And a step of encountering a predetermined event during the execution of the game, and an event determining and saving step of saving, in the server device, the action or decision made by the game operator input for the event. In the judgment storing step, the input data is stored in association with the profile of the operator and the contents of the event.

In the present invention, a predetermined game using a virtual living space stored in the server device is used. A predetermined event occurs during the execution of the game, and the actions and decisions of the player with respect to the event are stored. For this reason, it is possible to grasp a process and a situation up to the action and the decision-making, and to analyze the action together with the process and the situation so that the action style of the player can be grasped in detail. As a result, detailed and useful marketing data can be obtained in the virtual living space. In addition, it is possible to virtually market new products, virtual goods, new services, and the like by devising various events and virtual living spaces.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the method for obtaining marketing data using the virtual living space according to the thirteenth aspect, the simulation is performed in which the network is the Internet and the game is simulated as a part of a living activity performed by a human. In each storage step, input data is stored in the server device during execution of the game in the server device.

As described above, by connecting to the Internet, a predetermined server device is accessed, and various data are sent to the server device while playing the game while being connected to the server device. For this reason,
Various data can be acquired in real time.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the method for acquiring marketing data using the virtual living space according to the thirteenth aspect, a simulation is provided in which a network is the Internet and a game is simulated as a part of a living activity performed by a human. The game is temporarily downloaded from the server device to the device of the operator, and after enjoying the game, each input data is uploaded to the server device and stored in the server device.

As described above, once the game is downloaded and enjoyed, the input data is uploaded to the server device, so that the user can enjoy the game slowly without worrying about the connection fee to the network. If you do not upload each data, a program that does not run the game after a predetermined time or a program that automatically uploads the game at the next access will be installed reliably. This is preferable.

Further, the information recording medium according to claim 16 is:
Saving the entered game operator's profile, displaying a predetermined event during the execution of the game, and transiting from a screen displaying the event to a product or service related to the event or a company homepage. And a step of storing a game operator's action or decision input with respect to the event.

As this information recording medium, a CD-RO
M, digital video disk, mini disk, removable hard disk, floppy disk (including those with high compression), memory cartridge, flash memory,
Various media such as tapes can be adopted. Moreover, CD-RO
In addition to a read-only type such as M, a readable and writable type such as an HDD may be used, and a disk-shaped type such as a DVD, a memory itself such as a flash memory, a digital audio tape ( Various types of media such as tape-shaped media such as DAT) can be used. In the case of distributing the simulation game program through a network, a hard disk or the like provided in a distribution source WWW server or a host computer is an information recording medium.

When the computer reads and executes the program in the information recording medium, the game can be executed, and at the same time, the profile of the game operator and the contents of the action or decision for the predetermined event are stored. It can be used as various marketing data. In addition, since it is possible to transit from the event display screen to a product or service related to the event or a company homepage, the player can easily obtain various information.

Further, according to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the information recording medium according to the sixteenth aspect, a step of connecting via a network is provided before the step of storing the profile, and the game proceeds after the connection is started. A start step is provided, and a transmission step is provided for enabling the storage data in the event determination storage step to be transmitted via the network simultaneously with the progress of the game.

As described above, since the data stored simultaneously with the progress of the game is distributed via the network, the data can be stored in real time.
In addition, it is possible to change the scenario of the game in real time by using the data, thereby increasing the fun of the game.

In addition, in the invention according to claim 18, in the information recording medium according to claim 16, a step of downloading a predetermined game via a network is provided before the step of storing the profile, and the game is provided. When finished or next dedicated graphics LSI
A step is provided for uploading the data stored in each storage step via a network at the time of 22t or when data is input.

As described above, since the game can be downloaded and enjoyed once, the game can be enjoyed sufficiently without worrying about the connection fee to the network. Further, since the data stored during the game is uploaded, the uploaded data can utilize this useful data for various things.

Further, in the invention according to claim 19, in the information recording medium according to claim 16, 17 or 18,
The game is a simulation game that simulates behavior or decision making in a virtual living space.

According to the present invention, a person who enjoys a game can improve his / her life behavior or decision-making skills by repeating the simulation. Moreover, since the living space is a virtual living space, it is possible to simulate each action with a sense of reality.

[0050]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

In the system using the game server device 1 according to the present embodiment, a player can enjoy a virtual living space in a network and improve his / her action and decision-making skills by using a game such as a simulation game. Can be. On the other hand, the administrator of the server device 1 can obtain useful marketing data by obtaining information on the actions and decisions of the person who enjoys the game.
During the execution of this game, the player can approach information linked to consumption activities in the real world in the course of pseudo behavior such as pseudo consumption behavior in the virtual living space. That is, a product or service related to an event occurring in the game is linked to real information of the product or service or to real information of a company or the like that provides them.

The game server device 1 includes network connection means 3 for connecting to the Internet 2 serving as a network, and a central processing unit and the like which is accessed via the Internet 2 and operates as a WWW (World Wide Web). Server operation means 4 comprising: a storage means 5 comprising a hard disk for storing various data and programs; the storage means 5 itself and the storage means 5;
And a database operating means (not shown) for operating data in the inside. Then, a device of a player who plays via the Internet 2 (= client terminal)
Connected to a client personal computer 6 and an external server 7.

The game server device 1 is a WWW server, and is specified by a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). However, usually, http (Hyper-Text Transfe
r Protocol).
"p" is displayed. In addition, connection and communication with the Internet 2 are based on TCP / IP (Transmission Control).
Protocol / Internet Protocol).

The network connection means 3 is performed using a circuit network such as ISDN, and is not shown in the drawing.
Service Unit), terminal adapter, modem, etc. The network connection unit 3 operates according to a network connection program incorporated in a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) provided in the server operation unit 4. The server operating means 4 includes a ROM and a RAM (Rand) provided in the server operating means 4.
om Access Memory). It should be noted that these programs and devices are not shown in the drawings, and the basic software and CPU (Centra
l Processing Unit).

The storage means 5 includes a database program 11 for efficiently classifying and using various data,
User data 12 including user attributes and user behavior data, and scenario data 13 including a scenario for a game, image frames forming the scenario, sprites (also called casts) forming the image frame, and the like; Has product-related data 14 on a product or service selected or indicated by the user. In this embodiment, various simulation games such as a child care simulation game and a marriage simulation game are stored as games. Also, C
The PU serves as a database operation unit for operating the storage unit 5 and data in the storage unit 5 in cooperation with the database program 11.

The scenario data 13 includes, from the image portion displayed on the client personal computer 6, the data of the product or service of the image portion or the product or service indicated by the image portion, or a link to the storage means 5 or an external homepage. Link data to be included. The merchandise-related data 14 is virtual merchandise data 15 for displaying merchandise that does not actually exist as merchandise, but is necessary for the progress of the game, and is a customer of the operator of the game server device 1. It is composed of data of real products and services provided by the company and sometimes real product data 16 including data of the homepage itself provided by the company.

As the client personal computer 6, an ordinary personal computer or a simple terminal such as a network display is employed. That is, the display unit 6a
And software such as browser software 6b and network connection program 6c for browsing home pages and C
And a main body 6e having hardware 6d such as a PU. Each piece of software and hardware is controlled by basic software (not shown).

The screen displayed on the display unit 6a of the client personal computer 6 is divided into three screens as shown in FIG. This screen is displayed when HTML (Hyper Text Markup Langua
ge) is read and displayed by the browser software 6b. This division of the display screen is achieved by using the tag “<FRAME>” that realizes the frame function in the HTML tag.

In this embodiment, the main window 2
0 is a game space frame 21 and an advertisement frame 22
And the operation frame 23. In the game space frame 21, an image of a virtual living space is displayed according to a game scenario. From the virtual product, object, service, person image part in the space and the image part suggesting them, it is possible to transit to any one of a product list window 31, a company list window 32, and a company / product homepage 33 to be described later. It has become.

The advertisement frame 22 displays an advertisement image of a company / product. From the image portion, a transition can be made to any one of the product list window 31, the company list window 32, and the company / product homepage 33. Further, in the operation frame 23, a depiction of the state of the game, a user's action selection list, sentences and images as a result of the user's action selection are displayed according to the game scenario. The description part, the related part, and the image part suggesting them can be transited to any one of the product list window 31, the company list window 32, and the company / product homepage 33.

As shown in FIG. 3, the product list window 31 displays the products already purchased in the game or the services provided, or the products and services that can be purchased in the course of the purchase action in the game. . The company list window 32 and the company / product home page 3 are obtained from the display part of the name of the product or service, the seller of the product, etc., the manufacturer of the product, etc.
3 can be changed. As shown in FIG. 4, the company list window 32 displays a company name and its products or services. From the display part of the name and the image part suggesting it, the company / product homepage 3
3 can be changed.

The transition from each of the windows 20, 31, 32 to the other windows 31, 32, 33 is achieved by writing image data and its link destination in an HTML document in that window. For example, △△△. If gif is image data of a baby bottle, “<A HREF =”
○. html "><IMG SRC =” {. gi
f ">", a link (transition) can be made to the file of "XXX.html" by clicking the image portion of the baby bottle. This "○
○○. If “html” is a predetermined URL, the URL
The link can be made to the home page specified by L.

Further, various link destinations can be set in one image by using an image map. In the image map, various link destinations are set in one image, and the user can jump to various files depending on the location where the user actually clicks. By doing so, it is possible to jump to each link destination by clicking on the image portion of the hat, socks, shoes, outerwear, etc. worn by the baby character, or the rattle held in the hand.

The external homepage 33 is a homepage in the external server 7 shown in FIG. 1 and is a link destination specified by the above URL. The external homepage 33 is a page of various contents, such as using a frame function or using the above-described image map, depending on the creator's intention.

Next, an outline of steps when a simulation game is executed by the client personal computer 6 using the game server apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG.

The client personal computer 6 is started up, accesses the game server device 1 via the Internet 2 using the network connection program 6c, and connects thereto. At this time, the game server device 1 authenticates whether the accessing user is a predetermined user, and if the user is a predetermined user, enables access.

When the access and connection are completed, the profile of the player or the character in the virtual living space is input (step S11). Thereafter, the simulation game is started (Step S12). In addition, when the person who has been permitted to access plays the game once played in the past, the game can be started without inputting the profile in step S11.
When the game is started, the main window 20 starts up and a predetermined situation is displayed (step S13). Next, an event occurs (step S14). As the event, for example, a display of “It is about 18 months after birth. What kind of toy should I give?” And options for the question are displayed on the operation frame 23.

The player determines which is appropriate for the event (step S15). For example, if the options are divided into three (a, b, c), for each option, a screen representing the target product or service of the option is displayed on the main window 20 (step S16), and then the selected result is displayed. Is displayed on the main window 20 (step S17). Thereafter, the process returns to step S13, and when a new event occurs, the same steps are repeated again. Note that the process may directly proceed from step S15 to step S17 without performing the option screen display step (step S16).

As described above, a player makes a decision on an event that has occurred under various situations based on a scenario in a virtual living space. In this embodiment, in this series of processes, an access point to information linked to a consumption action in the real world, such as an advertisement on a network or a server for mail-order sales, is provided to promote purchase activities of users. I have. The access point is provided for an image in the virtual living space, a list of products and services virtually possessed, options for decision making, and the like. Further, the situation of the user, that is, the player is changed based on the result of the decision. That is, feedback is provided to reflect the decision result in the game scenario.

In order to promote the purchase activity of the player (user), as shown in FIG. 7, by clicking a predetermined image portion or list portion from each screen of each step in FIG. 6, a product list window 31 is displayed. , And jumps to one of the company list window 32 and the external window 33. Further, the user can jump to the external window 33 from the product list window 31 and the company list window 32, respectively. In this embodiment, the product list window 31,
After a lapse of a predetermined time from the shift to the company list window 32 and the external window 33, the state returns to the original main window 20, and the game is restarted. However, after jumping to each of the windows 31, 32, 33, it may not be possible to return to the original state unless the player performs an operation.

The occurrence of an event (step S14) and the step of judging the event (step S15) in the above steps will be described in detail with reference to specific examples in FIGS.

If the game is a childcare simulation game, a baby character 40 is displayed in the game space frame 21. Further, the clothes 41 and the diaper 42 purchased by the past event are displayed while the character 40 is wearing them. In addition, an image 45 of the baby bottle 43, the milk 44, and other purchased products is also displayed on the game space frame 21.

The advertisement frame 22 includes an operation frame 23
The advertisement of the product or the company related to the event choice displayed in is displayed.

The operation frame 23 is divided into a status frame 24 and an event / action list frame 25 in this example. The status frame 24 contains the name of the baby determined by the user,
The name, gender, etc. of the mom and the result of the response to the past event, such as the status of vaccination, are displayed. The contents displayed in the status frame 24 are the user data 12
Stored as part of

Event / Action List Frame 25
Is equivalent to the event occurrence in step S14.
Due to the occurrence of this event, the contents of the game space frame 21 and the advertisement frame 22 are displayed according to this event. In the example shown in FIG. 8, a message “It is time to replace the milk for a three-month-old baby. Which product do you want to use?” And three options are displayed.
As an option, it is preferable that the name of the actual product of the company that sponsors the person who operates the game server device 1 be displayed instead of the general name. In the case where a product other than the sponsor is added to the options in addition to the product of the sponsor, the data is stored as virtual product data 15.

In response to such an event, the user
When the option 2 is selected, the correct solution is displayed as shown in FIG. 9 and a brief explanation of why the correct solution is preferable is given in the event / action list frame 25. The screen for answering the selection shown in FIG. 9 may be displayed on the entire main window 20. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 9, a link portion 25a in which "If you want to know more about the product, click here." Is provided with link data for jumping to the home page of the sponsor of the product. Is written. Therefore, if you click here, you can jump to the website of the sponsor who sells the product.

FIG. 10 shows an example of another event in the child care simulation game. This example is an example of a medical event, and shows a case where a baby suddenly starts crying. To be more specific, the display of the event is "Tough! I cried like I was suddenly attracted late at night. What should I do?"
No matter which answer the player selects, the correct answer number and explanation are displayed as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. Further, a link portion 25a is provided at the lower part as in FIG.

The relationship between each data of this child care simulation game and each frame is as shown in FIG. That is, the user data 12 is composed of the user attribute data 51 and the user action data 52, and the user attribute data 51 stores data that is data input by the user and becomes static data of the user. This data is the status frame 2
4 includes the user action data 52a selected or indicated by the user for the event, the game space frame 21, the advertisement frame 22, etc. Data 52b, such as the content that flew forward
It is composed of

The scenario data 13 is composed of data for controlling the scenario, data of a frame constituting the scenario, data of a sprite constituting the frame, data of a common portion for forming the sprite, and the like. The scenario is configured such that the scenario changes according to the result of the user's action (selection). For example, if you have not been vaccinated,
Scenarios that lead to a predetermined disease can be provided.

The product relation data 14 is the product data 53
And medical information data 54. The product data 53 is composed of image data of the product, text data such as a description of the product, data having the same contents as the website of the sponsor of the product, link data such as a URL of a link destination, and the like. It is used for display of belongings, option information in the event / action list frame 25 and product information of the correct text, advertisement in the advertisement frame 22, and the like.

The medical information data 54 includes image data of hospitals and doctors, text data explaining the contents of medical treatments, data of the same contents as websites of hospitals and the like performing medical treatments, and link data such as URLs of link destinations. Are used for displaying peripheral images of the character 40 in the game space frame 21, displaying items in the status frame 24, medical information of options in the event / action list frame 25, and correct text.

In the above embodiment, a virtual life in a cyber space is experienced by using a gaming simulation technique for an interface with a player as a client. In other words, virtual life is becoming entertainment. Then, in the process of the pseudo-consumption action in the user's space, an approach point to information linked to the consumption action in the real world, such as an advertisement or a mail order page on the Internet 2, is set, and the purchasing activity of the user is determined. Is promoting. In addition, the game server device 1 collects not only user attributes and static data (name, address, etc.) but also dynamic data in a virtual life, and performs virtual marketing. That is, as the game progresses, marketing data is acquired.

On the user side, even a pregnant woman unfamiliar with the Internet 2 can obtain useful childcare-related information in a friendly and effective form by using a simulation game-like interface. For this reason, it becomes possible for women who are unfamiliar with the Internet 2 to make an opportunity to come into contact with the Internet 2. On the other hand, on the sponsor side,
It is possible to obtain information that cannot be grasped by market research in the real world, such as a user's behavior with respect to an event in a simulation game, a process until an action is determined, and a situation of the user at the time of determination.

By analyzing these data and further providing feedback such as user action lists and event operations, and manipulating the virtual living space model, a new dimension of marketing that cannot be performed in reality can be realized. This is a kind of virtual marketing. In addition, by developing this idea, the Internet 2 plays a role of “media for providing a simulation space for analysis of personal decision making”, and the game server device 1 provides a hardware for providing the simulation space. Can be

In this game scenario, a pregnant woman, who is a user, simulates childcare after childbirth, and can obtain medical and childcare information on an experiential basis. Specifically, a game scenario is configured by an HTML link, and the animation, user input, events, and the like in the main window 20 are controlled by the scenario program. The information of the sponsor transferred from the game server device 1 is embedded in the action list of the user for the animation and the game event, and the advertisement display and the link to the sponsor's homepage are performed. The game server device 1 collects information on user attributes and actions performed on events in the game, as well as the state of the user at that time, the flow of selection, and the operation up to the selection in the virtual living space. A database is built that allows tracing and analysis of the behavior in the system.

In the child care simulation game of this embodiment, in order to improve the content and the amount and quality of options, it is necessary to take in links to various homepages related to child care and the contents of related magazines and books. In addition, we obtain many sponsors and tie up with the sponsors,
Aggressive prizes, presents, etc. are made to be advantageous in terms of profit for the user, thereby improving the degree of use of this system.

In the above description, a child care simulation game has been described as an example, but another simulation game, such as a marriage simulation game for women in their twenties, may be used. Taking this marriage simulation game as an example, an outline of a system using the game server device 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

The user 61 accesses the game server device 1 via the Internet 2 and enjoys the virtual living space in a simulated manner. Then, in the virtual living space 62, as an event, "Where do you give a ceremony?"
"What to do with the house" is displayed. The given data is
Although stored in the game server device 1, other WWW servers 63 can be accessed from the virtual living space 62 (transparent access) in order to increase the quality and amount of data. In this WWW server 63, a hotel homepage and a real estate-related homepage are contained, and a user 61 who enjoys a marriage simulation game.
Can fly from the virtual living space 62 to the homepage of the hotel or the like. In this way, you can enjoy simulation games, improve your marriage preparation skills,
It can be used in the actual living space 64, that is, in actual life.

On the other hand, the operator of the game server device 1 obtains various data. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, the data input by the user 61 to the event is detailed information 71 with a story. The information 71 is data including information about what event was determined in the virtual living space 62, how the event was previously, and the state when the determination was made. In addition, the operator can change various setting conditions by operating the external environment and the event, thereby enabling marketing that cannot be performed by actual marketing, and obtaining various useful data.

Further, by presenting a product or service as a virtual one as one of operations of the external environment, it is possible to simulate a reaction of a product or service to be sold. As a result, new development of products and services can be performed efficiently at low cost.

The above embodiments are merely examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is. For example, when a player who is a user desires to purchase a product displayed in the virtual living space, the product may be purchased (= ordered). In this case, as data in the storage means 5, as shown in FIG. 14, in addition to the user data 12 and the like, order data 81, stock data 82, delivery data 83 and the like are stored.

When such a real product purchase is enabled, it is preferable to display the virtual product purchase button image and the real product purchase button image separately in the operation frame 23. Also, instead of a direct purchase,
The operator of the game server device 1 may be provided with an option to request the purchase of a product. Further, as the product purchase, a purchase speed such as an express purchase and a normal purchase may be selected.

[0093] Also, as an option of the event, each company,
For example, A supermarket, B department store, etc. are displayed, and B
When a department store is selected, a list of products handled by that department store may be displayed.

Furthermore, instead of making a judgment on an event,
A list-like item may be displayed and selected from the list. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, in the overseas travel simulation game, the main window 20 is divided into a list display frame 91 and an advertisement frame 92 in a predetermined scenario portion, and the list display frame 91 is selected for selection. May be displayed. In such a case or in the case of the above-described embodiment, a free entry column 93 in which the user freely desires or desires may be provided in a part of the list display frame 91 or the operation frame 23.

Further, as a response to the sponsor, a questionnaire may be naturally given to a product handled by the sponsor. At this time, scenario data 1
It is preferable that a questionnaire item is previously included in 3 so as to be compatible with a game scenario. For example, if milk is displayed as a result of a game event, then the name of the milk handled by the sponsor and the name of the non-sponsored milk will be displayed side by side, and ask which milk you want to purchase Is achieved in.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a simulation game for displaying a virtual living space such as childcare, marriage, travel, and the like is provided. It may be a simulation game that displays a virtual living space or the like for acquiring a female lover or making a successful career. Further, the present invention may be employed in a normal game in which scores and times compete, instead of a simulation game.

Furthermore, although the Internet 2 is used as a network, a network such as an intranet used in a predetermined company or an extranet connecting predetermined companies may be used. Furthermore, TCP / IP
It can also be used for networks that do not use. in this case,
The configuration of the network connection means and the like of the game server device 1 is changed.

Further, the processing procedure performed by the game server device 1 may be recorded on a computer-readable information recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Specifically, at least storing the input game operator's profile in the information recording medium, displaying a predetermined event during execution of the game, and displaying the event-related screen A program for executing a step capable of transiting to a homepage of a product or a company to be executed and an event determination storing step of storing a game operation action or decision input for an event are recorded.

In addition to these steps, other steps described above may be recorded. Further, a game including the above steps may be distributed via a network. In that case, a hard disk or the like in the game server device 1 serves as an information recording medium.

Then, the program in the information recording medium such as a CD-ROM may be read by a personal computer serving as a user's device to enjoy the game. In such a case, the data input by the user is temporarily stored in the storage device of the user's personal computer. But,
When the user connects to the game server device 1 via the network, the upload function is automatically activated, so that data upload is performed efficiently and reliably, which is preferable. However, it can be uploaded automatically, not by the user.

In this embodiment, the simulation game is executed in real time via the Internet 2 serving as a network. However, as described above, the game is downloaded once, and the game server device 1 May be disconnected. And
Enjoy the game slowly with your device,
The input data may be uploaded to the game server device 1 at the end of the process or when the game server device 1 is next connected. Further, when data is input while the downloaded game is in progress, a network connection may be automatically performed, the data may be uploaded, and then the network may be disconnected.

In the above-described embodiment, one user enjoys the game in the virtual living space, but a plurality of users can access and enjoy the virtual living space. May be. In this way, the behavior of one user affects the behavior and decision-making of another user, which makes the simulation extremely sophisticated and more realistic. For this reason, skills, especially communication skills, for the user are significantly improved. In addition, the result of the decision or the like becomes accurate.
In such a multi-user game, a participant can act according to a predetermined theme and simulate the result, which is suitable for examining a kind of complex system composed of many factors.

Further, in the virtual living space of the present invention, various events that occur in human life, such as childcare and marriage, as well as actions and actions according to a specific theme for examining the above-described complex system are described. Various spaces such as a space for decision making are included.

[0104]

As described above, in the game server device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, a user accessing the device can obtain necessary information while enjoying the game, or acquire his / her own skill while enjoying the game. Can be improved. On the other hand, a person who operates the game server device can obtain various useful marketing data and can advertise products and the like in a natural atmosphere.

According to the marketing data acquisition method using the virtual living space described in claims 13 to 15 and the information recording medium described in claims 16 to 19, the event in which the player plays the game appears in the middle of the game. It is possible to enjoy the game while inputting actions and decisions, while acquiring data input in the process as marketing data. For this reason, marketing data can be easily obtained without imposing a psychological burden or extra action on the user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a game server device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
It is a figure showing a system using this device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a screen displayed on a client personal computer in the system of FIG. 1 and a transition destination.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a product list window transitioned from the screen of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a company list window transited from the screen of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an external home page transitioned from each screen of FIGS. 2, 3, and 4;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of processing steps on a client personal computer side in the system shown in FIG. 1;

7 is a diagram showing a flow of transition of a display screen of a client personal computer in the system shown in FIG.

8 is a diagram showing an example displayed on a client personal computer in the system shown in FIG. 1, and showing a case of a child care simulation game.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a result selected for the event shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed at the time of an event different from the event shown in FIG. 8, and a display example of a selection result for the event.

11 is a diagram for explaining a data configuration in a storage means and a relationship between each data and each frame in the child care simulation game shown in FIG. 8;

12 is a diagram showing another simulation game executed by the system shown in FIG. 1 and an outline of the system viewed from the user side when executing the game.

13 is a diagram showing an outline of a system viewed from a game server device operator side when executing the simulation game shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of the data configuration in the storage means of the game server device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another example displayed on the client personal computer in the system shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game server apparatus 2 Internet (network) 3 Network connection means (connection means) 4 Server operation means 5 Storage means 6 Client personal computer (user's device) 7 External server 11 Database program 12 User data 13 Scenario data 14 Product relation data 20 Main window 21 Game space frame 22 Advertising frame 23 Operation frame 40 Character

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A connection means for connecting to a network, a server operation means for operating as a WWW server accessed via the network, and a storage means for storing various data such as scenario data for a game. A game server device comprising the storage means and a database operation means for operating data in the storage means, wherein the storage means includes at least the scenario data and the scenario data accessed via the network. User data consisting of data of a person playing along is stored, and the scenario data includes virtual living space image data for displaying a virtual living space for the player to virtually simulate a predetermined living behavior. , Linked to event image data for that action or decision And a link data linking to related information necessary or related to the action or decision. 2. A connection means for connecting to a network, a server operation means for accessing a client terminal via the network to operate as a WWW server, and storing various data such as scenario data for a game. In a game server device including a storage unit and a database operation unit for operating the storage unit and data in the storage unit, the storage unit includes:
At least, the scenario data and user data including data of a person who uses the client terminal and accesses through the network and plays along the scenario data are stored, and the scenario data is stored by the player. Virtual living space image data for displaying a virtual living space for virtually simulating a predetermined living activity, and linking to event image data at the time of the action or decision and necessary or related to the action or decision. And a link data linking the related information to be transmitted to the client terminal. 3. An image of a promotion image for a company or a product or a service related to the action or the decision-making is stored in the storage means in association with the image data for the virtual living space. 3. The game server device according to claim 1, wherein a program for simultaneously displaying both data on a display unit of the device is stored in the storage unit. 4. An operation image data necessary for the action or decision-making operation is stored in the storage means in association with the virtual living space image data and is displayed on a display unit of a player's apparatus. 4. The game server device according to claim 1, wherein a program for simultaneously displaying the data is stored in the storage means. 5. The related information may be a list of goods or services to be acted on or decided, a list of companies related to the goods or services, or one of data of a homepage related to the goods or services. 5. The game server device according to claim 1, wherein the number is one or more. 6. The event image data is composed of the virtual living space image data, and an advertisement image data and an operation image data to be displayed simultaneously with the virtual living space image data. 2. The data processing system according to claim 1, wherein said data is stored in said storage means and data stored in another WWW server.
6. The game server device according to 2, 3, 4 or 5. 7. Connection means for connecting to a network, server operation means for accessing the network and operating as a WWW server, and storage means for storing various data such as scenario data for games. A game server device comprising the storage means and a database operation means for operating data in the storage means, wherein the storage means includes at least the scenario data and the scenario data accessed via the network. The user data consisting of the data of the person playing along with the product data and the product-related data on the product or service selected or indicated by the player are stored, and the scenario data is used to display at least a virtual living space. Image data and characters operating in the virtual living space A game server comprising: image data of a player, image data of a product or service which can be owned by the character, and link data for linking the product or related data to the image data of the product or service. apparatus. 8. A connection means for connecting to a network, a server operation means accessed via the network to operate as a WWW server, and a storage means for storing various data such as scenario data for a game. A game server device comprising the storage means and a database operation means for operating data in the storage means, wherein the storage means includes at least the scenario data and the scenario data accessed via the network. Is stored along with the user data composed of the data of the person playing along, and the scenario data is
At least, image data for displaying a virtual living space, image data of a character operating in the virtual living space, image data of a product or service that the character can own, and image data of the product or service. And a link data linking a homepage in an external WWW server related to the product or the like. 9. Connection means for connecting to a network, server operation means for accessing the network to operate as a WWW server, and storage means for storing various data such as scenario data for games. A game server device comprising the storage means and a database operation means for operating data in the storage means, wherein the storage means includes at least the scenario data and the scenario data accessed via the network. Along with user data composed of data of persons who play along, and the scenario data includes at least image data for displaying a virtual living space, and event data for causing the players to select or give instructions. And a player who is virtually displayed in the virtual living space and plays Or data of an image portion to be indicated or an image portion indicating the same, and data of goods or services or companies from the image portion to be selected or indicated or an image portion to be indicated,
Or a game server device having data for transitioning to a homepage. 10. The game according to claim 1, wherein the game is a simulation game for life events such as a marriage simulation game, a child care simulation game, a lover acquisition simulation game, and a career advancement simulation game. A game server device according to any one of the preceding claims. 11. The game according to claim 1, wherein said game is a game in which learning and information collection are possible.
A game server device according to any one of the preceding claims. 12. The storage means stores data selected or instructed in a scene of an action or a decision to be made in the activities in the virtual living space. A game server device according to any one of the preceding claims. 13. A game operator accessing a virtual living space stored in a server device and accessing a variety of data input during the course of the game by accessing the network via the network. Storing the input game operator profile in a server device via the network, and encountering a predetermined event during execution of the game. And storing the action or decision of the game operator input for the event in the server device. And save the information in association with the profile of the Marketing data acquisition method using virtual living space. 14. The network as the Internet, wherein the game is a simulation game for simulating a part of a living activity performed by a human, and in each of the storing steps, the input data is used to execute a game in the server device. 14. The marketing data acquisition method using a virtual living space according to claim 13, wherein the marketing data is stored in the server device. 15. The network is the Internet, the game is a simulation game for simulating a part of a living activity performed by a human, the game is temporarily downloaded from the server device to a player's device, and the game is downloaded. 14. The marketing data acquisition method using a virtual living space according to claim 13, wherein, after enjoying, each of the input data is uploaded to the server device and stored in the server device. 16. A step of saving an inputted game operator's profile, a step of displaying a predetermined event during execution of a game, and a product, service or company related to the event from a screen displaying the event. Steps that can be transitioned to the homepage of
A computer-readable information recording medium recording a program for executing an event determination and storage step of storing a game operator's action or decision input for the event. 17. A step of connecting via a network before the step of storing the profile, and a step of starting the game after the connection is started, wherein the event determination and storing step is performed simultaneously with the progress of the game. 17. The information recording medium according to claim 16, further comprising a transmission step for enabling transmission of the stored data in said network via said network. 18. A step of downloading a predetermined game via a network before the step of storing the profile, wherein each of the storages is performed when the game is completed or at the next connection or when data is input. 17. The information recording medium according to claim 16, further comprising a step of uploading the data stored in the step via the network. 19. The information recording medium according to claim 16, wherein the game is a simulation game for simulating an action or decision in a virtual living space.