KR20210048473A - Computer-implemented method, apparatus and computer program for changing characteristic of object - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure may provide a method, which includes the steps of: storing a plurality of codes configured to change a characteristic of an object in an online game; receiving a code input by a user of the online game from the user; determining whether the received code corresponds to one of the plurality of codes; and, if the received code corresponds to one of the plurality of codes, changing the characteristic of the object interacting with the user from a first value to a second value based on a predetermined condition.

Description

A computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer program for changing the properties of an object.

The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer program for changing the characteristics of an object in an online game, and the characteristics of the object may be changed based on a code input by a user and payment information of the user.

As computing devices and network environments develop, the number of users who enjoy online games continues to increase, and the boundaries between online games and offline games are also becoming blurred. Users can enjoy the game by competing or collaborating with each other in the online game.

Items used in the game play a very important role in the user's game progress. Depending on the purpose of the game or the purpose that the user intends to achieve in the game, the purpose of use of the item will also vary, but in general, the item supplements the user's insufficient game skill, or the user's in-game avatar or character It can be used to supplement the capability.

The user can acquire an item by accidentally acquiring the item through game progress, by performing a predetermined task as a reward, by acquiring it through a transaction with another user, or by paying a predetermined amount to a game provider.

Items that a user can purchase in an online game generally have fixed characteristics, such as price, performance, and effect. In order to induce users to purchase, game providers provide users with promotions that discount the price of game items.

The discount promotion is generally applied to all users at a specific time or to some users who satisfy specific conditions. If a certain period of time has elapsed, the discount promotion will no longer be effective, and if the same or similar discount promotion is offered again after a certain period of time has elapsed, users who purchased the item during the initial promotion period may be dissatisfied. have. When a discount promotion is provided only to some users who satisfy a specific condition, users who are not subject to the promotion may feel alienated, and users who play regardless of the nature of the game may increase in order to satisfy only the corresponding condition. If a promotional code that pays for an item used in an online game is distributed to users, the game provider may incur a potential loss in sales in proportion to the number of promotional codes distributed and the price of the item. Regardless of the number of users who actually use the code, users who already have the item may experience a decrease in the value of the item in proportion to the number of promotional codes.

Accordingly, there is a need for a technology capable of improving the promotion effect for online games while maintaining users' immersion and tension in the game.

The present disclosure discloses a means by which the promotion effect of an online game can be improved.

The present disclosure discloses a means by which a promotion can be provided to a user without the potential loss of revenue for an online game provider.

The present disclosure discloses a means for providing a promotion that can improve the power of an online game provider's alliance with other companies.

The present disclosure includes the steps of storing a plurality of codes configured to change a property of an object in an online game; Receiving a code input by the user of the online game from the user; Determining whether the received code corresponds to one of the plurality of codes; And when the received code corresponds to one of the plurality of codes, changing the property of the object to be interacted with the user from the first value to the second value based on a predetermined condition. It is possible to provide a method to include.

The payment information may include payment information for the object.

The plurality of codes may be linked to payment means, respectively.

The plurality of codes may be printed on each of the payment means.

The predetermined condition may include whether payment information is generated based on a payment method linked with the code.

The payment means may include at least one of a credit card, a debit card, a membership card, an account number, a gift certificate, and a gift card.

The characteristics of the object interacted with a user who has not entered a code corresponding to one of the plurality of codes may be maintained.

The object may include an object that can be purchased in the online game, and the characteristic of the object may include at least one of a price, a usage condition, a wearing condition, a quantity, a performance, and a retention period of the object.

When the characteristic of the object is at least one of a price, a usage condition, and a wearing condition of the object, the second value may provide a method less than the first value.

When the characteristic of the object is at least one of the quantity, performance, and retention period of the object, the second value may be greater than the first value.

The plurality of codes may correspond to the identifier of the object.

The code input by the user may be input by at least one of a character input method, an optical character recognition method, a barcode recognition method, and a matrix code recognition method.

If the predetermined condition is not satisfied for a predetermined period of time, the code may expire.

The period may be determined based on the date on which the code is input by the user.

Furthermore, the present disclosure includes a memory for storing instructions; And at least one processor configured to execute the instructions, the processor executing the instructions to: store a plurality of codes configured to change a property of an object in an online game; Receiving a code input by a user of the online game; Determine whether the received code corresponds to one of the plurality of codes; And when the received code corresponds to one of the plurality of codes, based on a predetermined condition, configured to change the property of the object to be interacted with the user from the first value to the second value. You can provide a server.

Further, the present disclosure includes the steps of receiving a code input by a user in an online game; Transmitting the code to a server storing a plurality of codes configured to change a property of an object from a first value to a second value in an online game; Receiving transaction information for the online game from the user; And transmitting the payment information to the server, wherein when the code corresponds to one of the plurality of codes, the property of the object is determined from the first value to the second value based on the payment information. You can provide a way to change to a value.

Furthermore, the present disclosure includes a memory for storing instructions; And at least one processor configured to execute the instructions, the processor executing the instructions to: receive a code input by a user in an online game; Transmitting the code to a server storing a plurality of codes configured to change a property of an object in an online game; Receiving transaction information for the online game from the user; Transmitting the payment information to the server; And when the code corresponds to one of the plurality of codes, the property of the object is changed from the first value to the second value based on the payment information.

Furthermore, the present disclosure may provide a computer program combined with hardware and stored in a medium to execute the above methods.

According to an embodiment, it is possible to improve the promotion effect of an online game.

According to an embodiment, a promotion can be provided to a user without potential loss of revenue from an online game provider.

According to an embodiment, it is possible to improve the online game provider's cooperation with other companies.

1 illustrates an online game providing system including a server and a client according to an embodiment.
2A, 2B, and 2C are diagrams for explaining a method of changing a property of an object based on a user's input code, according to an exemplary embodiment.
3 is a flowchart of a method of changing a property of an object based on payment information of a user according to an exemplary embodiment.
4 is a diagram for explaining a method of changing a property of an object based on a user's payment method, according to an exemplary embodiment.
5 is a diagram for describing a method of changing various characteristics of an object according to an exemplary embodiment.
6 is a diagram for explaining expiration of a code according to an embodiment.
7 is a block diagram of a server according to an embodiment.
8 is a block diagram of a client according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to contents described in the accompanying drawings. In addition, a method of configuring and using an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to contents described in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers or reference numerals in each drawing indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

Terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. The term and/or includes a combination of a plurality of related items or any one of a plurality of related items.

The terms used in the present disclosure are used to describe the embodiments, and are not intended to limit and/or limit the present disclosure. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present disclosure, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but one or more other features. It is to be understood that the presence or addition of elements or numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof does not preclude in advance.

In the present disclosure, when a part is connected to another part, this includes not only a case in which it is directly connected, but also a case in which it is electrically connected with another element interposed therebetween. In addition, when a part includes a certain component, it means that other components may be further included, rather than excluding other components unless specifically stated to the contrary. In addition, terms such as "... unit" and "module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software. .

It should be understood that in this disclosure "client" may refer to users, gamers, and players, or to devices used by them, depending on the context. Users, gamers, and players may refer to accounts used on the online platform and belonging to individuals, and may refer to avatars or characters belonging to the account.

In the present disclosure, "online platform" may refer to a community to which users belong, and further, a server that serves the online platform. The online platform may be, for example, an online game or a virtual game space provided by an online game, an online shopping mall, an online broadcasting platform, an online relay platform, an online streaming platform, and an online community, but is not limited thereto. The user's avatar or character may exist within the online platform.

In this disclosure, "object" refers to all digital content that exists in an online platform, for example, an online game. For example, the object may be a user's avatar or character, and may be an item used or worn in a game, but is not limited thereto. Objects can be traded with a predetermined value on the platform to which clients are connected. For example, an object can be traded between clients, or between a client and a server.

In the present disclosure, "item" refers to all digital content that a user or a user's character can acquire in an online game. For example, the item may include all items, goods, and contents used in the game, and equipment worn by the character in the game, such as weapons, armor, clothes, and accessories, the vehicle the character is riding on, and the character Consumables or goods that are consumed, and may be a skin of a character, but are not limited thereto. A user's character's stats or abilities may change temporarily, permanently, or conditionally due to the use of the item.

1 illustrates an online game providing system including a server and a client according to an embodiment.

The online game providing system according to an embodiment may include a server 4000 and a plurality of clients 2000a, 2000b, 2000c, 2000d, 2000e, and 2000f as shown in FIG. 1. The server 4000 may provide an online game to a plurality of clients 2000a, 2000b, 2000c, 2000d, 2000e, and 2000f by servicing an online game through a network.

1 is an example of a client used by a user, showing a desktop computer 2000a, a tablet 2000b, a mobile phone 2000c, a notebook 2000d, a smart phone 2000e, and a television 2000f, but the client Is not limited thereto, and may include various electronic devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation, MP3 players, digital cameras, refrigerators, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners.

According to some embodiments, the server 4000 may be operated by a game provider, and the server 4000 may include a single server, a group of servers, and a cloud server, but is not limited thereto. The server 4000 provides online games to users, and may include a database storing data of users. In addition, the server 4000 may further include a payment server that generates and processes a payment event.

According to some embodiments, a network refers to a connection established (or formed) using all communication methods, and between clients 2000a, 2000b, 2000c, 2000d, 2000e, and 2000f or between clients 2000a, 2000b, 2000c. , 2000d, 2000e, and 2000f) and the server 4000 may refer to a communication network connected through all communication means.

The communication means includes communication through a predetermined communication standard, a predetermined frequency band, a predetermined protocol or a predetermined channel, short-range communication, long-distance communication, wireless communication, and wired communication. For example, the communication means may include, but is not limited to, a communication means through Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, 3G, LTE, and ultrasonic waves.

The short-range communication means may mean a communication means capable of communicating with each other only when devices performing communication are within a predetermined range, and may include, for example, Bluetooth and NFC, but are not limited thereto.

The long-distance communication means may mean a communication means in which devices performing communication can communicate with each other regardless of a distance. For example, the long-distance communication means uses a means for communicating even when two devices performing communication through a repeater such as an AP are over a predetermined distance, and a cellular network (3G, LTE) used for text transmission and phone calls. It may include a communication means, but is not limited thereto.

In the process of the server 4000 servicing an online game using a network, communication between the server 4000 and the clients 2000a, 2000b, 2000c, 2000d, 2000e, and 2000f may be performed through an arbitrary communication means. have.

Online games include RPG (Role Playing Game), TRPG (Tabletop RPG), MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online RPG), MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena), AOS (Aeon of Strife), RTS (Real Time Strategy), FPS (First- Person shooter), TCG (Trading Card Game), CCG (Collectible Card Game), sports, combat fighting, etc. may be a variety of genres of games, but is not limited thereto. The online game may be played as a match between users or a match between a user and a computer (eg, artificial intelligence), but is not limited thereto and may be implemented in various forms.

The clients 2000a, 2000b, 2000c, 2000d, 2000e, and 2000f may receive a game service from the server 4000. The clients 2000a, 2000b, 2000c, 2000d, 2000e, and 2000f can display game services on the display, and the user can enjoy the game by interacting with the server 4000 by viewing the game service displayed on the display. .

2A, 2B, and 2C are diagrams for explaining a method of changing a property of an object based on a user's input code, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2A, a program for servicing an online game is driven in the server 4000, and the online game may be serviced to the client 2000 through a network. On the client 2000, an online game program can be executed. In the following referenced drawings including FIG. 2A, only one client 2000 is shown, but the server 4000 may simultaneously serve an online game to a larger number of clients. Further, although it is described below that the user uses one client 2000, the user may use a plurality of clients.

As shown in FIG. 2A, an online game graphic user interface (GUI) 210 may be displayed in the client 2000. Users may interact with the online game through the displayed online game GUI 210, and the client 2000 may communicate with the server 4000 based on this interaction. Interaction with the online game may include interaction with other uses within the online game or with a non-player character (NPC).

Referring to FIG. 2A, the online game GUI 210 may include a purchase GUI 212 of an object interacted with a user. The purchase GUI 212 may be displayed when a user enters a store implemented in an online game and selects a corresponding object, but is not limited thereto. The purchase GUI 212 of the object may include a description of characteristics of the object, for example, the price of the object, conditions of use, wearing conditions, quantity, number, performance, retention period, and the like. Referring to FIG. 2A, the purchase GUI 212 may include a description of a product object (gold) used in an online game, that is, the quantity 10 or price information 214 of the corresponding product. Furthermore, the purchase GUI 212 may further include a purchase button 216 for purchasing a corresponding product. Referring to FIG. 2A, the user of the client 2000 may pay 1,000 won to the game provider and purchase 10 gold by selecting the purchase button 216.

Game providers can offer promotions to users. According to an embodiment, a game provider may provide users with a plurality of codes configured to change characteristics of an object. The server can store multiple codes.

Referring to FIG. 2B , the online game GUI 210 may include a code input field 218. The code input field 218 may be included in the purchase GUI 212 described above, or may be located on a separate promotion page outside the online game GUI 210. The user can enter the code provided by the game provider into the code input field 218.

The code may be entered into the code input field 218 by the user. For example, a user may directly type a code composed of a character string in the client 2000, or shoot the character string with the client 2000 and write the code in the code input box 218 through optical character recognition (OCR). You can enter. When the game provider provides the code in the form of a barcode or matrix code, the user may enter the code into the code input field 218 by allowing the client 2000 to recognize the corresponding barcode or matrix code.

In one embodiment, the code input to the client 2000 by the user may be transmitted to the server 4000. The server 4000 may determine whether the code received from the client 2000 by the user corresponds to one of a plurality of stored codes, that is, whether the code received from the client 2000 is valid.

In one embodiment, when the code received from the client 2000 is valid, the server 4000 may transmit a message indicating that the property of the object can be changed from the first value to the second value to the client 2000 . Here, the property of the object may be the price or quantity of the object.

In an embodiment, if the code input by the user is valid, the server 4000 may change the characteristic of the object interacted with the user from the first value to the second value based on a predetermined condition. Since the property of the object interacted with the corresponding user is changed, the property of the object may not be changed and may be maintained at the first value for a user who has not entered a code or whose code is not valid.

Referring to FIG. 2C, it is possible to purchase 10 gold for \1,000 in FIG. 2A, but it may be displayed on the client 2000 that 20 gold can be purchased for \1,000 after the user inputs the code.

According to an embodiment, a code input by a user may be linked with an object used in an online game. For example, the code can be linked to the object's product identification (PID). Accordingly, when the code input by the user is valid and payment information for an object linked to the code is received from the server 4000, for example, the code is linked to the PID of the product object (gold). If present, the property of the corresponding good object can be changed from the first value to the second value. Referring to FIG. 2C, when a user purchases a corresponding product object (gold) and payment information is received from the server 4000, the server 4000 changes the quantity of the product object (gold) from 10 to 20, or You can change the price from 100 won to 50 won each. Accordingly, the user can acquire 10 goods objects (gold) as a bonus. Alternatively, the user may obtain a product object (gold) at a discounted price. The properties of the object can be changed in various ways. For example, a first value of a good object may be 10 first goods, and a second value of the object may indicate 10 first goods and 10 second goods. In this specification, a configuration for changing the property of an object from a first value to a second value is mainly described, but other configurations implemented so that the property of the object is changed from a first value to a second value are shown to the user, It is to be understood as belonging to the equivalent because it produces the same effect as the configuration.

In an embodiment, if the code input by the user is valid, the server 4000 may change the characteristic of the object interacted with the user from the first value to the second value based on a predetermined condition. Here, the predetermined condition may be whether or not to pay for the object, but is not limited thereto. For example, the predetermined conditions include whether the user makes a payment in an online game, whether a payment is made through a predetermined payment method in an online game, a payment amount of a predetermined size or more, play time of a predetermined length or more, achievements or achievements of a predetermined level or more, etc. May be included, and these conditions may be applied in parallel.

According to an embodiment, since definite consumption of the object does not occur until the user satisfies a predetermined condition, the promotion effect of the online game can be improved without potential loss of sales for the online game provider.

3 is a flowchart of a method of changing a property of an object based on payment information of a user according to an exemplary embodiment.

In step 310, the server may store a plurality of codes configured to change the properties of the object. Here, the property of the object may be changed from the first value to the second value. In one embodiment, the plurality of codes may be linked to the payment method or may be printed on the payment method.

In step 320, the server may receive a code input by the user of the online game from the client. The code may be entered within the online game, or may be entered on a separate page from the online game. The server may determine whether the received code corresponds to one of a plurality of stored codes, that is, whether the received code is a valid code.

In step 330, if the received code is valid, the server may determine whether a predetermined condition is satisfied. In one embodiment, the predetermined condition is whether or not to pay for an object that interacts with the user in the online game, whether to pay for the user in the online game, whether to pay through a predetermined payment method in the online game, or a predetermined size. It may include the above payment amount, play time of a predetermined length or more, achievement of a predetermined level or more, or achievement of a level, and these conditions may be applied in parallel.

In step 340, the server may change the properties of the object when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The property of the object may be changed from the first value to the second value. For example, a first value of a good object may be 10 first goods, and a second value of the object may indicate 10 first goods and 10 second goods. Alternatively, the price per the same quantity of the goods object may decrease, or the quantity per the same price may increase. The properties of the object can be changed in various ways, and this specification mainly describes the configuration of changing the properties of the object from the first value to the second value, but the property of the object is changed from the first value to the second value. It should be understood that other configurations that are implemented to be visible to the user also belong to equivalents that produce the same effect as the configuration.

4 is a diagram for explaining a method of changing a property of an object based on a user's payment method, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, when the user of the client 2000 selects a purchase button of an object, a payment method input GUI 412 may be displayed in the online game GUI 410. The payment method may include, but is not limited to, a credit card, a debit card, a membership card, an account number, a gift certificate, and a gift card. Referring to FIG. 4, as a gift card is selected as a payment method, an input field 414 for inputting a corresponding gift card-code may be displayed.

In one embodiment, a code configured to change the properties of an object may be linked to a predetermined payment method. For example, the code may be linked to a gift card, and if the code input by the user is valid, the property of the object based on the payment by the gift card linked to the code in the online game. Can be changed. That is, even if the code input by the user is valid, when payment is made in an online game through a payment method that is not linked with the corresponding code, the properties of the object may not be changed. The code configured to change the properties of the object can be printed on a payment method, for example, a gift card, and a user who purchases the gift card can obtain the code from the gift card and use it to change the properties of the object. .

According to an embodiment, the properties of the object can be changed only when the code input by the user is valid and payment is made in the online game through the payment method linked to the code. Cooperation with means can be facilitated.

According to an embodiment, the code may be linked with a credit card, a debit card, a membership card, an account number, or a gift certificate. For example, the code may be linked with a credit card issued by a specific company or bank, and may be implemented so that the property of the object is changed only when payment is made through the corresponding credit card in an online game. Accordingly, the online game provider's cooperation with other companies may be improved.

5 is a diagram for describing a method of changing various characteristics of an object according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, a purchase GUI 512 of a knife object is displayed in the game GUI 510, and a user of the client 2000 may determine whether to purchase or not with reference to the description 514 of the knife object.

According to an embodiment, when the code input by the user is valid and a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, the user selects the purchase button 516 for the knife object, and a payment method linked with the input code When payment is made, the server 4000 may change the property of the object from the first value to the second value, where the property may be the price of the object, conditions of use, conditions of wearing, quantity, performance, or retention period. have. For example, by changing the characteristics of the sword object, the price of the sword object may decrease or the wearable level of the sword object may decrease. Alternatively, the number of sword objects may increase, the performance of the sword objects may be improved, or the period during which the sword objects can be retained may increase.

According to an embodiment, customized promotions may be provided to users by changing characteristics of various objects.

6 is a diagram for explaining expiration of a code according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, a purchase GUI 612 of a product object is displayed in the game GUI 610, and a user of the client 2000 may determine whether to purchase or not with reference to the description 614 of the product object.

In one embodiment, the code entered by the user may expire after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. That is, after a predetermined period of time, the code may be invalidated. In this case, the predetermined period may be determined based on the date of inputting the corresponding code. For example, the predetermined period may start from the date of inputting the code, but is not limited thereto. The predetermined period may start from the date of issue of the code, or may be a period arbitrarily determined by a game provider or a payment method company affiliated with it. Accordingly, when the predetermined condition is not satisfied for a predetermined period after the code is input, the characteristics of the object may not be changed even if the predetermined condition is satisfied after the predetermined period.

7 is a block diagram of a server according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the server 4000 may include a memory 4010, a processor 4020, and a communication interface 4030. However, not all of the components shown in FIG. 7 are essential components of the server 4000. The server 4000 may be implemented by more or fewer components than those shown in FIG. 7.

The memory 4010 may store a program for processing and controlling the processor 4020 or an instruction constituting the program, and may store data input to the server 4000 or output from the server 4000. .

The memory 4010 may store instructions that enable the server 4000 to perform various operations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the memory 4010 may store information necessary for servicing an online game. For example, the memory 4010 may store information on a user's account, character, and item, but is not limited thereto and may store various information.

The memory 4010 is a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (eg, SD or XD memory, etc.), and RAM. (RAM, Random Access Memory) SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (ROM, Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk And at least one type of storage medium among optical disks. Programs stored in the memory 4010 may be divided into a plurality of modules according to their functions.

The processor 4020 typically controls the overall operation of the server 4000. For example, the processor 4020 may control components included in the server 4000 by executing a program stored in the memory 4010. The processor 4020 may be composed of a plurality of processors, for example, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more graphic processing units (GPUs), or a combination thereof. have.

The processor 4020 may be configured to execute an instruction stored in the memory 4010 and cause the server 4000 to perform various operations according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The communication interface 4030 may be an electronic circuit designed to conform to a predetermined standard so that the server 4000 can communicate with other devices.

The communication interface 4030 includes a Bluetooth communication interface, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication interface, a near field communication interface, a wireless fidelity (WIFI) communication interface, a Zigbee communication interface, and infrared data. Association: IrDA) communication interface, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication interface, UWB (ultra wideband) communication interface, Ant+ communication interface, 3G communication interface, LTE communication interface, and may be a 5G communication interface, but is not limited thereto.

Transmission of information according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be performed through the communication interface 4030.

8 is a block diagram of a client according to an embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the client 2000 may include a memory 2010, a processor 2020, a communication interface 2030, a display 2040, and an input interface 2050. However, not all of the components shown in FIG. 8 are essential components of the client 2000. The client 2000 may be implemented by more or fewer components than those shown in FIG. 8.

For a description of the memory 2010, the processor 2020, and the communication interface 2030 of the client 2000, refer to the memory 4010, the processor 4020, and the communication interface 4030 of the server 4000 described above. can do.

The memory 2010 may store instructions that enable the client 2000 to execute various operations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the memory 2010 may store a game and data related thereto.

The processor 2020 may be configured to execute an instruction stored in the memory 2010 and cause the client 2000 to perform various operations according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the processor 2020 may execute a game stored in the memory 2010 or may load data related to the game.

Transmission of information according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be performed through the communication interface 2030.

The display 2040 is a component that visualizes information processed by the processor 2020. Information displayed by the processor 2020 may be visualized through the display 2040. The display 2040 is a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, a three-dimensional display (3D). display) and an electrophoretic display. When the display and the touch pad are layered to form a touch screen, the display may also function as an input interface 2050.

The input interface 2050 is a component designed to allow the client 2000 and a user who uses the client 2000 to interact with each other. The input interface 2050 includes a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact capacitive method, pressure resistive film method, infrared sensing method, surface ultrasonic conduction method, integral tension measurement method, Piezo effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, and a jog switch, but is not limited thereto.

The apparatus described above may be implemented as a hardware component, a software component, and/or a combination of a hardware component and a software component. For example, the devices and components described in the embodiments are, for example, a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA). , A programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing and responding to instructions, such as one or more general purpose computers or special purpose computers. The processing device may execute an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications executed on the operating system. Further, the processing device may access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of software. For the convenience of understanding, although it is sometimes described that one processing device is used, one of ordinary skill in the art, the processing device is a plurality of processing elements and/or a plurality of types of processing elements. It can be seen that it may include. For example, the processing device may include a plurality of processors or one processor and one controller. In addition, other processing configurations are possible, such as a parallel processor.

The software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, configuring the processing unit to operate as desired or processed independently or collectively. You can command the device. Software and/or data may be interpreted by a processing device or, to provide instructions or data to a processing device, of any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage medium or device. , Or may be permanently or temporarily embodyed in a transmitted signal wave. The software may be distributed over networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. Software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media.

The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded in a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, and the like alone or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be specially designed and configured for the embodiment, or may be known and usable to those skilled in computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, and magnetic media such as floptical disks. -A hardware device specially configured to store and execute program instructions such as magneto-optical media, and ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. Examples of program instructions include not only machine language codes such as those produced by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like. The hardware device described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operation of the embodiment, and vice versa.

As described above, although the embodiments have been described by the limited embodiments and drawings, various modifications and variations are possible from the above description to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the described techniques are performed in a different order from the described method, and/or components such as systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. described are combined or combined in a form different from the described method, or other components Alternatively, even if substituted or substituted by an equivalent, an appropriate result can be achieved.

Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and those equivalent to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims to be described later.

Claims (16)

Storing a plurality of promotion codes associated with an identifier of an object in an online game and configured to change a property of the object, in a server for providing the online game to users;
Receiving a promotion code input by a user of the online game from the user at the server;
Determining, at the server, whether the promotion code input by the user corresponds to one of the plurality of promotion codes;
Identifying at the server an identifier associated with the promotion code input by the user;
Identifying in the server a payment method linked with the promotion code input by the user;
Receiving at the server payment information including a payment method-code input by the user to purchase an object in the online game-The payment method-code input by the user is different from the received promotion code -;
Determining, at the server, whether an object purchased by the user corresponds to the identified identifier, based on the received payment information;
Based on the received payment information, determining, at the server, whether the payment method-code input by the user to purchase an object corresponds to the payment means linked with the promotion code input by the user ; And
The received promotion code corresponds to one of the plurality of promotion codes, the object purchased by the user corresponds to the identified identifier, and the payment means-code input by the user to purchase the object is When the server determines that the payment method is linked to the promotion code input by the user, changing the property of the object purchased by the user from a first value to a second value in the server. A method comprising the steps of. The method of claim 1,
The promotional code is printed on the payment method. The method of claim 1,
The method of payment includes a gift card. The method of claim 1,
When the received promotion code is not determined by the server to correspond to one of the plurality of promotion codes, the property of the object purchased by the user is maintained at the first value. The method of claim 1,
The characteristic of the object purchased by the user includes at least one of a price, a usage condition, a wearing condition, a quantity, a performance, and a retention period of the object purchased by the user. The method of claim 5,
Changing the property of an object purchased by the user includes:
When the property of the object purchased by the user is at least one of a price, a usage condition, and a wearing condition of an object purchased by the user, the property of the object purchased by the user from the first value, Changing to the second value that is less than the first value. The method of claim 5,
Changing the property of an object purchased by the user includes:
When the property of the object purchased by the user is at least one of the quantity, performance, and retention period of the object purchased by the user, the property of the object is greater than the first value from the first value. Changing to the second value that is larger. The method of claim 1,
Wherein the identifier comprises a product identity (PID). The method of claim 1,
The promotion code input by the user is input by at least one of a character input method, an optical character recognition method, a barcode recognition method, and a matrix code recognition method. The method of claim 1,
After a predetermined period of time, the received promotional code expires. The method of claim 10,
The predetermined period is determined based on a date on which the promotion code is input by the user. A computer program combined with hardware and stored in a medium for executing the method of claim 1. As a server to provide online games:
A memory for storing instructions; And
At least one processor configured to execute the instructions, the processor executing the instructions:
Store in the server a plurality of promotion codes associated with an identifier of an object in an online game and configured to change a property of the object,
Receiving a promotion code input by the user of the online game from the user at the server,
The server determines whether the promotion code input by the user corresponds to one of the plurality of promotion codes,
Identifying in the server an identifier associated with the promotion code input by the user,
The server identifies a payment method linked with the promotion code input by the user,
The server receives payment information including a payment method-code input by the user to purchase an object-and the payment method-code input by the user is different from the received promotion code-,
Based on the received payment information, the server determines whether the object purchased by the user corresponds to the identified identifier,
Based on the received payment information, the server determines whether the payment means-code input by the user to purchase an object corresponds to the payment means linked with the promotion code input by the user,
The received promotion code corresponds to one of the plurality of promotion codes, the object purchased by the user corresponds to the identified identifier, and the payment means-code input by the user to purchase the object is If the server determines that it corresponds to the payment method linked with the promotion code input by the user, the server changes the property of the object purchased by the user from a first value to a second value. ,
Configured, server. Receiving, at the user's electronic device, a promotion code input by a user in an online game;
Transmitting the promotional code from the electronic device to a server storing a plurality of promotional codes associated with an identifier of an object in an online game and configured to change a property of the object;
Receiving at the electronic device payment information including a payment method-code input by the user in order to purchase an object in the online game from the user-The payment method-code input by the user is the Different from promotional code-,;
Transmitting the payment information from the electronic device to the server; And
The promotion code corresponds to one of the plurality of promotion codes, the object purchased by the user corresponds to the identifier of the object identified in the server as being associated with the promotion code, and the user purchases the object When the payment method-code input for the purpose corresponds to the payment method identified in the server as being linked with the promotion code input by the user, the characteristic of the object purchased by the user is determined in the electronic device. Changing from a first value to a second value. A computer program combined with hardware and stored in a medium to execute the method of claim 14. As an electronic device:
A memory for storing instructions; And
At least one processor configured to execute the instructions, the processor executing the instructions:
Receiving at the electronic device a promotion code entered by a user of the electronic device in an online game,
Transmitting the promotion code from the electronic device to a server storing a plurality of promotion codes associated with an identifier of an object in an online game and configured to change a property of the object,
The electronic device receives payment information including a payment method-code input by the user in order to purchase an object in the online game from the user, and the payment method-code input by the user is the promotion Different from code-,
Transmitting the payment information from the electronic device to the server,
The received promotion code corresponds to one of the plurality of promotion codes, the object purchased by the user corresponds to the identifier of the object identified in the server as being associated with the promotion code, and the user is an object When the payment method-code input to purchase corresponds to the payment method identified in the server as being linked with the promotion code input by the user, the electronic property of the object purchased by the user So that the device changes from the first value to the second value,
Consisting of, an electronic device.

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