WO2023058677A1

WO2023058677A1 - Management system and game system

Info

Publication number: WO2023058677A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/037240
Authority: WO
Inventors: 拓也齋藤
Original assignee: 株式会社マスターリンク
Priority date: 2021-10-06
Filing date: 2022-10-05
Publication date: 2023-04-13

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to evaluate the educational and entertainment effects of a game, as well as operational management of the game.　Provided is a management system that manages the status of execution of a certain game, the management system comprising: an evaluation request receiving means that receives a prescribed evaluation request from an administrator who is independent from a participant in the game and a provider of the game; and an evaluation information outputting means that outputs, to the administrator in response to the receiving of the prescribed evaluation request, prescribed evaluation information regarding a log of the status of execution of the game in relation to a participant. In a game system, this management system is included in a game server, at least one game terminal, or both.

Description

Management system and game system

The present invention relates to a management system and game system, and more particularly to a management system and game system for managing the execution status of a given game.

Efforts to use games for education are being considered. The use of games in education has the advantages of increasing motivation to learn, effectively understanding complex concepts, and providing immediate feedback on learners' actions. However, the use of games for education has the drawback that learning is neglected because winning the game is prioritized, it takes more time than necessary, and interest in conventional learning decreases.
When enjoying a game for entertainment purposes, there may be adverse effects such as spending more time than necessary or paying a large amount of money to acquire game items.

An example of using games for education is described in Patent Document 1, for example.
In Patent Document 1, an evaluation game is performed using characters with different abilities according to the learner's degree of mastery in a learning game that answers questions displayed on a display screen, and the learner's mastery is determined based on the results of this evaluation game. A learning game program for use in a game system capable of assessing degrees is described.

On the other hand, games are being run as sports competitions.
E-sports is known as a name used when participants (also referred to as competitors) compete with each other using computer games, video games, etc. provided by game operators as sports competitions.

A game system that authenticates participants in playing esports is described in, for example, Patent Document 2.

Patent Literature 2 describes a game system in which when a user (player) proceeds with a game on a game device, the user is authenticated by a server device, and after the user is authenticated, the game can be progressed on the game device. .
Specifically, Patent Literature 2 discloses, as a game system, a configuration in which a server device and a game device are communicably connected to each other via a communication network. The user first logs in to the server device before proceeding with the game. Account information is assigned to each user, and the account information includes user identification information (user ID) and password. This account information is transmitted from the game device to the server device at the time of login, and the server device authenticates the accessed game device based on the transmitted account information. The game device for which user authentication has been completed acquires data necessary for game progress from the server device, and the user can proceed with the game on the game device.

In addition, in Patent Document 3, a large number of game machine terminals are connected to a large-capacity host computer, pre-programmed game software is shared through a communication line, and the host computer monitors the usage status of each game machine terminal. A controllable game method is described.

Further, Patent Document 4 describes a numerical value recording device that detects as much as possible data modification of numerical values caused by cheating in a computer game, defects in an information recording medium, or the like.
Specifically, in Patent Document 4, the storage unit of the numerical value recording device can store double-type numerical values, and the float-type numerical value that the storage unit should store can be cast to the same value as the float-type numerical value. is converted to a double-type numerical value, stored in the storage unit and saved, and the acquisition unit acquires the double-type numerical value stored in the storage unit, casts it to a float-type numerical value, and reports The section describes that if the result of specific conversion of the float type numerical value resulting from the cast is not equal to the double type numerical value stored in the storage section, the fact that the storage section has been altered is reported. there is

JP-A-2005-62609 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-112592 (paragraphs 0023, 0024, etc.) JP-A-5-317520 JP 2006-072825 A

When games are used for educational purposes, sports competition purposes, etc., it is desirable to conduct evaluations in order to verify educational effects, entertainment effects, game operation management, and the like.
A first object of the present invention is to provide a management system and a game system that perform evaluations for verifying educational effects, entertainment effects, game operation management, and the like.

E-sports are played by connecting game devices such as computers using a communication network. Therefore, the performance of input devices such as a mouse and keyboard, the performance of output devices such as a liquid crystal monitor, and the communication environment of a communication network affect the match result.
A second object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system and a gaming system that monitors the resources (input devices, output devices, communication systems, etc.) available for the game in order to ensure that the game is played in a fair environment. to provide.

Impersonation of participants, falsification of programs or memory data, falsification of communication data, and other illegal acts have become a problem when playing games. In order to ensure that games are played in a fair environment, Monitoring of such fraud is required.
A third object of the present invention is a monitoring system that monitors fraudulent acts such as impersonation of participants, falsification of program or memory data, falsification of communication data, etc., in order to ensure that the game is played in a fair environment. and to provide a game system.

(1) A first aspect of the present invention is a management system for managing the execution status of a predetermined game for achieving the first object of the present invention, comprising:
evaluation request receiving means for receiving a predetermined evaluation request from a manager independent of the participants of the game and the provider of the game;
Evaluation information output means for outputting predetermined evaluation information regarding a log of the game execution status of the participant to the manager in response to receiving the predetermined evaluation request;
It is a management system with

(2) A second aspect of the present invention is to achieve the first object of the present invention by providing a game server that transmits data for playing a game via a communication network;
at least one game terminal that receives the data via the communication network, wherein:
At least one of the game server and the at least one game terminal is a game system including the management system described in (1) above.

(3) A third aspect of the present invention is a monitoring system for monitoring a game executed via a communication network for achieving the second object of the present invention, comprising:
means for receiving predetermined requests from an observer independent of the operator and participants of said game;
and means for outputting a predetermined log for the resources available for the game to the monitor in response to receiving the predetermined request.

(4) A fourth aspect of the present invention is a game server that transmits data for playing a game via a communication network in order to achieve the second object of the present invention;
at least one game terminal that receives the data via the communication network,
At least one of the game server and the at least one game terminal is a game system including the monitoring system described in (3) above.

(5) A fifth aspect of the present invention is a monitoring system for monitoring a game executed via a communication network for achieving the third object of the present invention, comprising:
means for receiving a predetermined request from an observer independent of the participants of said game;
and means for outputting a log of the execution status of the game of the participant to the monitor in response to receiving the predetermined request.

(6) A sixth aspect of the present invention is a game server that transmits data for playing a game via a communication network, in order to achieve the third object of the present invention;
at least one game terminal that receives the data via the communication network, wherein:
At least one of the game server and the at least one game terminal is a game system including the monitoring system described in (5) above.

According to each of the first and second aspects of the present invention, it is possible to evaluate educational effects, entertainment effects, gambling effects, game operation management, and the like.
According to each of the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, the game can be played in a fair environment by monitoring resources (input devices, output devices, communication systems, etc.) available for the game. .
According to each aspect of the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention, the supervisor monitors fraudulent behavior such as impersonation of participants, falsification of program or memory data, falsification of communication data, etc. to keep the game fair. can be done in a safe environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the game system of 1st Embodiment which concerns on this invention. 2 is a block diagram showing one configuration example of one game terminal in the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of one game terminal in the first embodiment; It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a game server in the first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing a game system including a distributed management ledger in the first embodiment; FIG. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the game system of 2nd Embodiment which concerns on this invention. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing one configuration example of one game terminal in the second embodiment; FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of one game terminal in the second embodiment; It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the game server in 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a game system including a distributed management ledger in the second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation of one game terminal in the third embodiment; is a block diagram.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.
A first embodiment of the present invention is an embodiment according to the first and second aspects of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one configuration example of a game system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The game system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a game server 100, game terminals 200-1 to 200-3, and an authentication server 300. FIG. The game server 100 is managed by a provider who provides games. Game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 are operated by participants participating in the game. Games played by gaming system 10 are rated by an administrator. The administrator is, for example, the parent of the participant, a rating company that rates the game, or the like. The administrator acquires evaluation information on the educational effect, entertainment effect, gambling effect, game operation management, etc. of the game from the game system 10 .
The administrator manages the game system 10 for at least one of the game server 100 and the game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 during the game and at least one period after the game ends. For example, by managing the game during and after the end of the game, the administrator can determine what kind of impact the game has on education, entertainment, and gambling. It is possible to evaluate whether or not the game has been given the appropriateness and whether the game operation management is appropriate.
The administrator is independent of the game provider and participants, and evaluates the educational effect, entertainment effect, gambling effect, game operation management, etc. of the game.

Game server 100 is connected to game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 via communication network 600. FIG.
The game server 100 is composed of a computer, authenticates the participants, and transmits data for executing the game to the game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 when the participants are authenticated.

Game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 are composed of stationary personal computers, portable game machines, tablet computers, wearable computers, or the like, and are used by participants to execute games.
The authentication server 300 is composed of a computer and authenticates the administrator of the game system 10 . The authentication server 300 is owned by a management agency to which the administrator belongs, independent of the providers and participants.

The communication network 600 includes at least one of a wide area information communication network and a local information communication network. Communication network 600, later-described communication unit 103 of game server 100, and later-described communication units 203 of game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 constitute a communication system, and this communication system is a resource that can be used in games. .

In proceeding with the game, the participants log in to the game server 100 from the game terminal used by the participant, for example, the game terminal 200-1. Account information is assigned to the participant, and the account information includes identification information (user ID) and password of the participant. Account information is stored in an auxiliary storage device of the control unit 101 of the game server 100, which will be described later. This account information is transmitted from game terminal 200-1 to game server 100 at the time of login. Perform participant authentication. Game terminal 200-1, for which participant authentication has been completed, acquires data necessary for proceeding with the game from game server 100, and the participant can proceed with the game using game terminal 200-1.

The configurations and operations of the game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 and the game server 100, including the management system, will be described below.

(Game terminals 200-1 to 200-3)
Game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 will be described below. In the following description, game terminal 200-1 will be described, but game terminals 200-2 and 200-3 have the same configuration as game terminal 200-1. The administrators of game terminals 200-2 and 200-3 may be the same as the administrator of game terminal 200-1, or they may be different.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing one configuration example of the game terminal 200-1.
As shown in FIG. 2, the game terminal 200-1 includes a control section 201, a log storage section 202, a communication section 203, an input device 204, and an output device 205. FIG. A USB memory 210 serving as an external storage device can be inserted into the game terminal 200-1, and FIG. 2 shows a state in which the USB memory 210 is inserted.
The control unit 201, the input device 204, and the USB memory 210 constitute an evaluation request receiving unit, and the control unit 201, the input device 204, and the USB memory 215 receive the administrator's evaluation request. The control unit 201, the log storage unit 202, and the output device 205 constitute an evaluation information output unit that outputs evaluation information about a log of the game execution status of the participants. The evaluation request reception unit and the evaluation information output unit constitute a management system.

The control unit 201 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) storing various control programs such as application software or an OS (Operating System), and arithmetic processing. The device is equipped with a main memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) for storing data temporarily required for executing programs.
Then, in the game terminal 200-1, the arithmetic processing unit reads the application software or the OS from the auxiliary storage device, and develops the read application software or OS in the main storage device while performing arithmetic processing based on the application software or the OS. do Also, based on the result of this calculation, various hardware included in each device is controlled. This implements the functions of the present embodiment. In other words, the game terminal 200-1 of this embodiment can be realized by cooperation of hardware and software.

The control unit 201 controls operations of the log storage unit 202 , the communication unit 203 , the input device 204 and the output device 205 . The auxiliary storage device of the control unit 201 has a program for recording an application log during the game, which is a log of the execution status of the game. The application log is, for example, the contents of HTTP requests and HTTP responses from the game terminal 200-1 to the game server 100, which are transmitted and received via the communication unit 203 during the game. With this log, it is possible to leave one record for each request and response, such as which API was hit by which participant with what content, and what value was returned.
The control unit 201 also generates evaluation information about the game execution status log stored in the log storage unit 202 and outputs the evaluation information from the output device 205 . The control unit 201 evaluates one or a plurality of evaluation items using the log of the game execution status, and outputs information indicating whether or not the criteria for each evaluation item is satisfied and the degree of achievement of each evaluation item. Generate evaluation information such as quantified information.

The log storage unit 202 stores a log of the game execution status.
Communication unit 203 communicates with game server 100 via communication network 600 .

Input device 204 is, for example, a mouse and a keyboard.
The output device 205 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. Input device 204 and output device 205 are resources available for the game.
The input device 204 and the output device 205 may be configured by a liquid crystal display with a touch panel and integrated. The input device 204 and the output device 205 are used by the administrator for management operations and by the participants for executing the game.
Here, a USB memory is used as an external storage device, but a portable hard disk (portable external hard disk), portable SSD (portable external SSD), etc. may be used.

(Example of evaluation information)
Specific examples of the evaluation information are as follows.
(1) Example in which a participant outputs evaluation information based on a log of operations constituting a predetermined purpose Predetermined purposes are, for example, items, fields, houses, islands, and music.
For example, when a participant uses an item, the control unit 201 determines which item is used by which participant, how many times, for how long, and which Evaluation information can be generated by obtaining information such as whether or not such a value was returned.
The evaluation information includes whether the number of times the participant selects or decides an item is a predetermined number of times or more, whether some kind of reward is given, whether the game time is less than a predetermined time, and whether the participant's performance improves. Information that indicates whether or not the criteria for each evaluation item are met from evaluation items such as whether the level of the game content is configured to increase, information that quantifies the degree of achievement of each evaluation item, etc. .
This evaluation information allows the administrator to evaluate the game from the viewpoint of nurturing the creativity of the game participants.

(2) Example of Outputting Evaluation Information Based on a Log of an Operation of a Participant Having a Predetermined Dialogue with Another Participant Obtaining information such as the number of dialogues, duration of dialogues, discriminatory terms and abusive language, etc., based on the logs of dialogues between the game terminal and other participants' game terminals conducted via the game server. , can generate evaluation information.
The evaluation information is based on evaluation items such as whether the number of dialogues is a predetermined number of times or less, whether the dialogue duration is a predetermined time or less, whether discriminatory terms and abusive language are included, and whether or not each evaluation item meets the criteria. Information indicating the judgment, information quantifying the degree of achievement of each evaluation item, and the like.
Based on this evaluation information, the manager can evaluate the game from the viewpoint of nurturing the communication skills of the game participants.

(3) Example of Outputting Evaluation Information Based on a Log of Operations Related to Changes in Predetermined Value Units by Participants Fluctuations in predetermined value units are, for example, stocks and depreciating currencies.
For example, the control unit 201 includes the sell price of the stock, the buy price of the stock, and the timing of trading based on the log of the operation of trading the stock with respect to the fluctuating stock price by the participant in the stock simulation game. Evaluation information can be generated by obtaining information such as whether or not there is any.
The evaluation information is information indicating whether or not the criteria for each evaluation item are satisfied from the evaluation items such as whether the profit from trading stocks is a predetermined amount or more, whether the number of stock trading times is less than a predetermined number, and each evaluation item. It is information that quantifies the degree of achievement of
Based on this evaluation information, the manager can evaluate the game from the viewpoint of cultivating the money sense of the game participants.

(4) Example of Outputting Evaluation Information Based on a Log of Operations Related to Predetermined Surveys by Participants Predetermined surveys include, for example, observation of nature, authenticity determination of works of art, search for evacuation routes, and the like.
For example, when a participant observes nature, the control unit 201 determines the position of the cursor on the image, the number of clicks on the explanation item, the time spent viewing the image, and the number of clicks on the explanation item based on the log of the operation on the image of the nature. , information such as answers to questions can be obtained, and evaluation information can be generated.
The evaluation information includes whether the number of times the cursor is moved over the image exceeds a certain number of times, whether the explanation item is clicked a certain number of times or more, whether the image is viewed for a certain amount of time or more, and the rate of correct answers to questions. It is information indicating whether or not the criterion of each evaluation item is satisfied from evaluation items such as whether or not the number is equal to or greater than a certain number, and information quantifying the degree of achievement of each evaluation item.
With this evaluation information, the manager can evaluate the game from the viewpoint of cultivating the observation power of the game participants.

(5) An example of outputting evaluation information based on acquisition settings of a predetermined possessed object independent of the operation based on the log of the operation by the participant.
When the participant wins an item through the gacha, the control unit 201 obtains information such as the number of times the gacha was drawn, the amount spent on the gacha, the game time after the item was acquired, etc., based on the operation log of the gacha. Evaluation information can be generated.
The evaluation information is based on criteria for each evaluation item, such as whether the number of times the gacha was drawn to obtain an item is a certain number or more, whether the amount spent on the gacha is a certain amount or more, and whether the game time has increased after obtaining the item. It is information or the like indicating a judgment as to whether or not the condition is satisfied.
Based on this evaluation information, the manager can evaluate the game from the viewpoint of stimulating the gambling spirit of the game participants.

(6) Example of Outputting Evaluation Information Based on Feedback According to Participant's Operation Feedback is, for example, a suggestion of a treasure in the next room, a presentation of the next achievable goal, and the like.
For example, when the participant obtains a treasure by suggesting a treasure in the next room, the control unit 201 keeps giving hints until the feedback is obtained based on the log regarding the feedback (suggestion of the treasure in the next room). It is possible to generate evaluation information by obtaining information such as the number of times the player has received the feedback, the number of times the input device has been operated to obtain the feedback, and the time from when the feedback is obtained until when the treasure is obtained.
Evaluation information includes information such as whether there are more than a certain number of hints before obtaining feedback, whether the number of times the input device is operated to obtain feedback is more than a certain amount, and whether the time from obtaining feedback to obtaining the treasure is more than a certain amount of time. information indicating whether or not the criteria of each evaluation item are satisfied from the evaluation items, information quantifying the degree of achievement of each evaluation item, and the like.
This evaluation information allows the administrator to evaluate the game from the perspective of arousing the curiosity of the participants of the game.

(7) Example of Outputting Evaluation Information Based on Visualization of Participant's Growth Visualization of participant's growth is, for example, display of knowledge or experience level.
The control unit 201 obtains information such as the number of times the knowledge or experience level display has been displayed by the participant on the display screen, the number of times the game has been executed after the display, etc. , can generate evaluation information.
The evaluation information is selected from evaluation items such as whether the number of times the participant has displayed the display of knowledge or experience level on the display screen a predetermined number of times or more, or whether the number of times the game has been executed after the display has been performed a predetermined number of times or more. information that indicates whether or not the criteria are met, information that quantifies the degree of achievement of each evaluation item, and the like.
Based on this evaluation information, the administrator can evaluate the game from the viewpoint of increasing the sense of accomplishment of the game participants.

(8) Example of outputting evaluation information based on difficulty level setting according to participant's level The difficulty level setting is, for example, a setting that allows even a beginner to play for 3 minutes.
The control unit 201 can generate evaluation information by obtaining information such as the participant's game time and the number of operations of the input device according to the level of the difficulty setting based on the log regarding the difficulty level setting.
The evaluation information is information indicating whether or not the criteria for each evaluation item are satisfied from evaluation items such as whether the participant's game time is less than or equal to a predetermined time, or whether the number of times the input device is operated is less than or equal to a predetermined number. It is information that quantifies the degree of achievement of each evaluation item.
Based on this evaluation information, the game can be evaluated from the viewpoint of motivating the participants to continue the game.
(9) Example of outputting evaluation information based on network delay The control unit 201 obtains information on the value of the network delay based on a log regarding network delay in communication with the game server 100 via the communication unit 203, Evaluation information can be generated.
The evaluation information includes information indicating whether or not the criteria of each evaluation item is satisfied from the evaluation item of whether the value of network delay is equal to or less than a predetermined value, information quantifying the degree of achievement of each evaluation item, and the like.
Based on this evaluation information, the game can be evaluated from the viewpoint of game operation management such as the communication environment of the game.

　Network delay can be measured using the ping command, which is a command in TCP/IP. A ping command can be measured by the time from when an ICMP protocol “echo request” packet is sent to the game server 100 until the “echo request” packet is returned from the game server 100 .

(Management operation in game terminal 200-1)
The administrator manages game terminal 200-1 during at least one period before the game starts, during the game, and after the game ends.
In order to authenticate an administrator who manages game terminal 200-1, the administrator first logs into authentication server 300. FIG. Account information is assigned to the administrator, and this account information is input by the administrator using the input device 204 such as a keyboard. Account information is transmitted from game terminal 2001 - 1 to authentication server 300 via communication network 600 . The account information includes administrator identification information (administrator ID) and password.

The administrator's account information is registered in advance in the authentication server 300 . The authentication server 300 compares the registered account information with the received account information, authenticates the administrator, determines whether or not the administrator is authenticated, and activates the management program stored in the USB memory 210 if the authentication is successful. A password for enabling the game terminal 200-1 is transmitted to the game terminal 200-1.

Game terminal 200-1 displays on output device 205 the received approval or disapproval of administrator authentication and the password.
When the administrator inserts the USB memory 210 into the game terminal 200-1, he is prompted to enter a password. A stored management program is started. Thus, the authenticated manager can activate the management program and manage game terminal 200-1.

When the management program is started, the control unit 201 reads out the game software name and the type of evaluation information related to the recorded log from the log storage unit 202, and selects management items on the liquid crystal display serving as the output device 205. display the screen.
The name of the game software to be managed and the type of evaluation information are displayed on the management item selection screen, and the administrator selects one or more game software names and evaluation information to be managed from among them, and outputs them. The start button displayed on the device 205 selection screen is clicked.

By this click operation, the log is read and the evaluation information is generated and output. This click operation serves as a predetermined evaluation request from the administrator.
The control unit 201 uses the management program to read the log of the game execution status from the log storage unit 202, for example, generates any of the evaluation information shown in (1) to (9), and stores this evaluation information. Output from the output device 205 .

Taking (5) as a specific example, when a participant acquires an item from a gacha, the log shows the number of times the gacha was drawn to acquire the item, the amount spent on the gacha, and the game played after acquiring the item. Information such as time is stored in the log storage unit 202 .
For example, the control unit 201 determines that the criteria are not met if the number of times the gacha is drawn to obtain an item is 100 or more, or the criteria is not met if the amount spent on the gacha is 100,000 yen or more, and the game is executed. Generate and output evaluation information indicating that it is highly effective in stimulating the gambling spirit of the participants. In addition, when the game time after obtaining the item increases by 1.5 times or more than before obtaining the item, the control unit 201 generates evaluation information indicating that the game is highly effective in stimulating the gambling spirit of the participants of the game. Output.
The control unit 201 can generate and output evaluation information by setting a plurality of criteria for the number of times the gacha is drawn to obtain an item, the amount of money spent on the gacha, and the game time after obtaining the item. For example, the control unit 201 divides the number of times the gacha was drawn into 30 times or less, 30 times-50 times, 50 times-100 times, and 100 times or more, and the amount spent on the gacha is 30,000 yen or less, 30,000 yen Divided into -50,000 yen, 50,000 yen -100,000 yen, and 100,000 yen or more. It may be divided into five times or more, and evaluation information may be generated and output by combining these criteria.
Based on this evaluation information, the manager can evaluate the game from the viewpoint of stimulating the gambling spirit of the game participants.

Based on the evaluation information displayed on the output device 205, the administrator makes a predetermined evaluation of the game executed on the game terminal 200-1.
For game terminals 200-2 and 200-3, the administrator performs a predetermined evaluation of the games executed at game terminals 200-2 and 200-3 in the same manner as for game terminal 200-1.

Game evaluation may be performed for each of game terminals 200-1 to 200-3, and a predetermined evaluation of the game may be performed by aggregating all the evaluation information of game terminals 200-1 to 200-3. .
For example, if game terminal 200-1 does not satisfy the evaluation criteria, but game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 as a whole satisfy the evaluation criteria, the game may be regarded as satisfying the evaluation criteria.

When the predetermined evaluation of the game of game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 is determined, the manager's management operation for game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 ends.

In the above description, an example has been described in which the administrator inserts the USB memory 210 into the game terminal 200-1 and uses the management program stored in the inserted USB memory 210. However, the management program may be stored in authentication server 300 or another server, and the management program may be installed in game terminal 200-1 via a network based on an administrator's instruction.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of game terminal 200-1. In the following description, the operation of game terminal 200-1 will be described, but game terminals 200-2 and 200-3 also perform the same operation as game terminal 200-1.

In step S 11 , game terminal 200 - 1 transmits the administrator's account information to authentication server 300 via communication network 600 .
The authentication server 300 collates the pre-registered account information with the received account information to authenticate the administrator. Then, authentication server 300 transmits to game terminal 200-1 whether or not the authentication has been approved, and, if the authentication is successful, the password for starting the management program stored in USB memory 210. FIG.

In step S12, the game terminal 200-1 receives the approval/denial of authentication of the administrator and the password, and displays them on the output device 205. FIG.
In step S13, game terminal 200-1 activates the management program stored in USB memory 210 when the password is input by the administrator.
In step S14, game terminal 200-1 displays a management item selection screen based on the management program, and accepts the management item selected by the administrator.

In step S15, game terminal 200-1 reads out a log regarding the execution status of the game from log storage unit 202 corresponding to the selected management item, generates evaluation information, and outputs the evaluation information to output device 205. indicate.

(Game server 100)
Next, the game server 100 will be explained.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the game server 100. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the game server 100 includes a control unit 101, a log storage unit 102, a communication unit 103, an input device 104, and an output device 105. A USB memory 110 as an external storage device can be inserted into the game server 100, and FIG. 4 shows a state in which the USB memory 110 is inserted.

The control unit 101, the input device 104, and the USB memory 110 constitute an evaluation request receiving unit, and the control unit 101, the input device 104, and the USB memory 110 receive log requests from the administrator. The control unit 101 , the log storage unit 102 and the output device 105 constitute an evaluation information output unit that outputs evaluation information based on the log stored in the log storage unit 102 . The evaluation request reception unit and the evaluation information output unit constitute a management system.
The administrator of game server 100 may be the same as the administrator of game terminals 200-1 to 200-3, or may be different.

The control unit 101 controls the operations of the log storage unit 102, the communication unit 103, the input device 104, and the output device 105. When logging in from game terminals 200-1 to 200-3, control unit 101 associates the accessed game terminal with the account information transmitted from the game terminal, and stores the log in log storage unit 102 as a log. do. This log is personal identification information and is at least one of the game execution status logs. Further, control unit 101 stores, as a log, in log storage unit 102 information indicating the status of execution of the game of the participants, which is transmitted from game terminals 200-1 to 200-3.

Log storage unit 102 stores a log of the game execution status of game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 via communication unit 103. FIG.
Communication unit 103 communicates with game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 via communication network 600. FIG.

Input device 104 is, for example, a mouse and a keyboard.
The output device 105 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display.
The input device 104 and the output device 105 may be configured by a liquid crystal display with a touch panel and integrated. Since the input device 104 and the output device 105 are mainly used at the time of management, they may be attached only at the time of management and removed at times other than the time of management.

Here, a USB memory is used as an external storage device, but a portable hard disk (portable external hard disk), portable SSD (portable external SSD), etc. may also be used.

(Management operation in game server 100)
The administrator manages the game server 100 during at least one period before the game starts, during the game, and after the game ends.
Since the operation of authenticating the administrator who manages the game server 100 is the same as that of the game terminal 200-1, the explanation is omitted here.
The authentication server 300 authenticates the administrator and transmits to the game server 100 whether or not the administrator is authenticated, and if the administrator is authenticated, the password for starting the management program stored in the USB memory 110 .

The game server 100 displays on the output device 105 whether the administrator has been authenticated and the password received.
When the administrator inserts the USB memory 110 into the game server 100, a password input is requested, and when the administrator inputs the password sent from the authentication server 300, the management program stored in the USB memory 110 is activated.

When the management program is started, the control unit 101 reads out the game software name and the type of evaluation information related to the recorded log from the log storage unit 102, and selects management items on the liquid crystal display serving as the output device 105. display the screen.
The name of the game software to be managed and the type of evaluation information are displayed on the management item selection screen, and the administrator selects one or more game software names and evaluation information to be managed from among them, and outputs them. The start button displayed on the device 105 selection screen is clicked. By this click operation, the log is read and the evaluation information is generated and output. This click operation serves as a predetermined evaluation request from the administrator.
Control unit 101 uses a management program to read out the game execution status log from log storage unit 102 for each of game terminals 200-1 to 200-3, and reads (1) to (9) in the same manner as control unit 201. ), and outputs this evaluation information from the output device 105 .
Based on the evaluation information displayed on the output device 205, the administrator makes a predetermined evaluation of the games executed on the game terminals 200-1 to 200-3.

In the above explanation, an example was explained in which the administrator inserted the USB memory 110 into the game server 100 and used the management program stored in the inserted USB memory 110 . However, the management program may be stored in the authentication server 300 or another server, and the management program may be installed in the game server 100 via the network based on the administrator's instructions.

The game server 100 has been described above.
In order to implement the functions of the control unit 101 of the game server 100, the game server 100 includes an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The game server 100 also includes auxiliary storage devices such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) that store various control programs such as application software and OSs (Operating Systems), and temporary It also has a main memory such as a random access memory (RAM) for storing data required for the system.

In the game server 100, the arithmetic processing unit reads the application software and the OS from the auxiliary storage device, develops the read application software and the OS in the main storage device, and performs arithmetic processing based on the application software and the OS. . Also, based on the result of this calculation, various hardware included in each device is controlled. This implements the functional blocks of the present embodiment. In other words, the game server of this embodiment can be realized by cooperation of hardware and software.
The flowchart showing the operation of the game server 100 is the same as the flowchart showing the operation of the game terminal 200-1 explained with reference to FIG. 3, so the explanation will be omitted.

Based on the game evaluation information of game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 described above, it is possible to determine the educational effect, entertainment effect, and gambling effect of the game.

(Another configuration example of the game system)
As another configuration example of the game system of the embodiment described above, in addition to displaying and outputting logs on the output device 205 and the output device 105, the communication units 203 of the game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 and the game server 100 An example of outputting and storing in the distributed management ledger via the communication unit 103 will be described.
The distributed management ledger is independent of providers, participants, and administrators, and can record logs in a form that is difficult to forge or tamper with. A distributed management ledger means the same database (management ledger) held by a plurality of nodes (computers, etc.) constituting a communication network, and the management ledger of each node is updated according to changes that occur.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a game system including a distributed management ledger.
Compared to the game system 10 shown in FIG. 1, the game system 10A shown in FIG. 5 has distributed management ledgers 800-1 and 800-2 added. Although two distributed management ledgers are shown in FIG. 5, there may be three or more distributed management ledgers.
Distributed management ledgers 800-1 and 800-2 record logs output from game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 and logs output from game server 100. FIG. Control unit 201 and communication unit 203 of game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 serve as means for recording logs in distributed management ledgers 800-1 and 800-2. The control unit 101 and the communication unit 103 of the game server 100 serve as means for recording logs in the distributed management ledgers 800-1 and 800-2. The logs recorded in the distributed management ledger 800-1 and 800-2 are synchronized. For example, when the log of the distributed management ledger 800-1 is recorded or modified, the distributed management ledger 800-2 is also synchronized. Log recording, correction, etc. are performed.

Although each embodiment according to the present invention has been described above, each component included in the management system and game system can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Here, "implemented by software" means implemented by a computer reading and executing a program.

Programs can be stored and supplied to computers using various types of non-transitory computer readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable recording media include magnetic recording media (e.g., hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical discs), CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), CD-R, CD - R/W, including semiconductor memory (eg Mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), Flash ROM, RAM (random access memory)).

The above-described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited only to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. can be implemented.

For example, the game system 10 can also be applied to a game competition. In that case, the game system 10 has the configuration of FIG. In addition, it has a distribution server 400 and viewer terminals 500-1 and 500-2. The game system 10, except for the authentication server 300, is provided by an operator who holds a game tournament and is used in the game tournament. Game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 are operated by participants participating in the game tournament.
Since the configuration and operation of distribution server 400 and viewer terminals 500-1 and 500-2 will be described in detail in the second and third embodiments, description thereof will be omitted here.

Also, the management system need not be installed in both the game server and one or more game terminals, and may be installed in either one.

The management system and game system according to the present invention can take various embodiments having the following configurations, including the embodiments described above.

(1A) A management system for managing the execution status of a predetermined game,
evaluation request receiving means for receiving a predetermined evaluation request from a manager independent of the participants of the game and the provider of the game;
evaluation information output means for outputting predetermined evaluation information regarding a log of the game execution status of the participant to the administrator in response to receiving the predetermined evaluation request;
management system with
(2A) The management system according to (1A) above, wherein the evaluation information output means outputs the evaluation information regarding the log of the operation of the participant for a predetermined purpose.
(3A) The management system according to (1A) above, wherein the evaluation information output means outputs the evaluation information regarding the log of the operation of the participant having a predetermined interaction with another participant.
(4A) The management system according to (1A) above, wherein the evaluation information output means outputs the evaluation information regarding the log of the operation related to the change of the predetermined value unit by the participant.
(5A) The management system according to (1A) above, wherein the evaluation information output means outputs the evaluation information regarding the log of the operation related to the predetermined investigation by the participant.
(6A) The management system according to (1A) above, wherein the evaluation information output means outputs the evaluation information regarding the log of acquisition settings for a predetermined property independent of the operation by the participant.
(7A) The management system according to (1A) above, wherein the evaluation information output means outputs the evaluation information regarding the log of the feedback corresponding to the operation by the participant.
(8A) The management system according to (1A) above, wherein the evaluation information output means outputs the evaluation information regarding the log of the visualization of the growth of the participant.
(9A) The management system according to (1A) above, wherein the evaluation information output means outputs the evaluation information for the log of difficulty setting according to the level of the participant.
(10A) a game server that transmits data for playing a game via a communication network;
at least one game terminal that receives the data via the communication network, wherein:
At least one of the game server and the at least one game terminal includes the management system according to any one of (1A) to (9A) above.

Corresponding the above embodiment with the drawing, it can be described as follows:
(1A) A management system for managing the execution status of a predetermined game,
Evaluation request receiving means for receiving a predetermined evaluation request from an administrator independent of the game participants and the game provider (for example, an evaluation request receiving unit comprising the control unit 201, the input device 204, and the USB memory 210, or an evaluation request reception unit consisting of a control unit 101, an input device 104, and a USB memory 110;
Evaluation information output means (for example, control unit 201, log an evaluation information output unit including the storage unit 202 and the output device 205, or an evaluation information output unit including the control unit 101, the log storage unit 102 and the output device 105;
management system with
According to this management system, it is possible to evaluate the educational effect, the entertainment effect, the operation management of the game, etc. by the game.
(2A) The management system according to (1A) above, wherein the evaluation information output means outputs the evaluation information regarding the log of the operation of the participant for a predetermined purpose.
(3A) The management system according to (1A) above, wherein the evaluation information output means outputs the evaluation information regarding the log of the operation of the participant having a predetermined interaction with another participant.
(4A) The management system according to (1A) above, wherein the evaluation information output means outputs the evaluation information regarding the log of the operation related to the change of the predetermined value unit by the participant.
(5A) The management system according to (1A) above, wherein the evaluation information output means outputs the evaluation information regarding the log of the operation related to the predetermined investigation by the participant.
(6A) The management system according to (1A) above, wherein the evaluation information output means outputs the evaluation information regarding the log of acquisition settings for a predetermined property independent of the operation by the participant.
(7A) The management system according to (1A) above, wherein the evaluation information output means outputs the evaluation information regarding the log of the feedback corresponding to the operation by the participant.
(8A) The management system according to (1A) above, wherein the evaluation information output means outputs the evaluation information regarding the log of the visualization of the growth of the participant.
(9A) The management system according to (1A) above, wherein the evaluation information output means outputs the evaluation information for the log of difficulty setting according to the level of the participant.
(10A) a game server that transmits data for playing a game via a communication network;
at least one game terminal that receives the data via the communication network, wherein:
At least one of the game server and the at least one game terminal includes the management system according to any one of (1A) to (9A) above.
According to this game system, it is possible to evaluate the educational effect, the entertainment effect, the operation management of the game, etc. by the game.

(Second embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.
A second embodiment of the present invention is an embodiment according to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing one configuration example of a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The game system 11 shown in FIG. 6 includes a game server 100, game terminals 200-1 to 200-3, an authentication server 300, a distribution server 400, and viewer terminals 500-1 and 500-2. The game system 11, except for the authentication server 300, is provided by the operator of the game competition and used in the game competition. Game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 are operated by participants participating in the game tournament. The game system 11 is monitored by an observer so that the game competition is held in a fair environment.
The supervisor monitors the game system 11 during at least one period before the game starts, during the game, and after the game ends. For example, the observer can determine whether the game competition can be held in a fair environment by observing the game before the start of the game, and can judge whether the game is fair by observing during and after the game. It is possible to judge whether the game is played in a fair environment or whether the game is played in a fair environment.
Since the monitor belongs to a monitoring body that is independent from the operator and the participants, the monitor is independent from the operator and the participants, and determines whether the game can be played in a fair environment. determine whether the

Game server 100 is connected to game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 via communication network 600. FIG. The game server 100 and distribution server 400 are connected via a dedicated cable. Distribution server 400 is connected to viewer terminals 500 - 1 and 500 - 2 via communication network 700 .
Game server 100 is composed of a computer, and transmits data for executing games to game terminals 200-1 to 200-3. The game server 100 also receives live camera video during the game, and transmits viewing data for realizing live distribution of the game to the distribution server 400 .

Game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 are composed of stationary personal computers, portable game machines, tablet computers, wearable computers, or the like, and are used by participants to execute games.
The authentication server 300 is composed of a computer, and authenticates the observer of the game system 11 . The authentication server 300 is owned by a monitoring agency to which the monitor belongs, independent of the operator and the participants.

The distribution server 400 is composed of a computer and distributes viewing data to the viewer terminals 500-1 and 500-2. In addition, the distribution server 400 transmits requests for distribution contents from game viewers to the game server 100 .

The viewer terminals 500-1 and 500-2 are composed of stationary personal computers, tablet computers, smartphones, or the like, and are used by game viewers to view the game.

The

communication networks

600 and 700 include at least one of a wide area information communication network and a local information communication network. The connection between the game server 100 and the distribution server 400 may use at least one of a wide area information communication network and a local information communication network instead of a dedicated cable. Communication network 600, later-described communication unit 103 of game server 100, and later-described communication units 203 of game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 constitute a communication system, and this communication system is a resource that can be used in games. .

The configurations and operations of the game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 and the game server 100, including the monitoring system, will be described below.

(Game terminals 200-1 to 200-3)
Game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 will be described below. In the following description, game terminal 200-1 will be described, but game terminals 200-2 and 200-3 have the same configuration as game terminal 200-1. The supervisors of game terminals 200-2 and 200-3 may be the same as the supervisor of game terminal 200-1, or they may be different.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of game terminal 200-1.
As shown in FIG. 7, the game terminal 200-1 includes a control section 201, a log storage section 202, a communication section 203, an input device 204, an output device 205 and a notification section 206. A USB memory 210 serving as an external storage device can be inserted into the game terminal 200-1, and FIG. 7 shows a state in which the USB memory 210 is inserted.
The control unit 201, the input device 204, and the USB memory 210 constitute a receiving unit, and the control unit 201, the input device 204, and the USB memory 215 receive the monitor's log request. The control unit 201 , the log storage unit 202 and the output device 205 constitute an output unit that outputs the log stored in the log storage unit 202 . The reception unit and the output unit constitute a monitoring system.

The control unit 201 controls the operations of the log storage unit 202, the communication unit 203, the input device 204, the output device 205, and the notification unit 206, reads the monitoring program from the USB memory 210, and uses the input device 204 and the output device. 205 and the environment of communication with the game server 100 via the communication unit 203 (hereinafter referred to as communication environment) are acquired and stored in the log storage unit 202 .

The log storage unit 202 stores logs regarding the input device 204 and the output device 205 and logs regarding the communication environment.
Communication unit 203 communicates with game server 100 via communication network 600 .

Input device 204 is, for example, a mouse and a keyboard.
The output device 205 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. Input device 204 and output device 205 are resources available for the game.
The notification unit 206 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The notification unit 206 and the output device 205 may be configured by one liquid crystal display and integrated.
The input device 204, the output device 205, and the notification unit 206 may be configured by a liquid crystal display with a touch panel and integrated. The input device 204 and the output device 205 are used by the observer for monitoring operations and by the participants for executing the game.
Here, a USB memory is used as an external storage device, but a portable hard disk (portable external hard disk), portable SSD (portable external SSD), etc. may be used.

(Monitoring operation in game terminal 200-1)
The supervisor monitors game terminal 200-1 during at least one period before the game starts, during the game, and after the game ends.
In order to authenticate a supervisor who monitors game terminal 200 - 1 , the supervisor first logs into authentication server 300 . Account information is assigned to the supervisor, and this account information is input by the supervisor using the input device 204 such as a keyboard. Account information is transmitted from game terminal 2001 - 1 to authentication server 300 via communication network 600 . The account information includes identification information (monitor ID) and password of the monitor.

The account information of the monitor is registered in advance in the authentication server 300 . The authentication server 300 collates the registered account information with the received account information, authenticates the monitor, determines whether or not the user is authenticated, and activates the monitor program stored in the USB memory 210 if the user is authenticated. A password for enabling the game terminal 200-1 is transmitted to the game terminal 200-1. This password is given for each game tournament held by the operator.

Game terminal 200-1 displays on output device 205 the received confirmation of the supervisor's authentication and the password.
When the observer inserts USB memory 210 into game terminal 200-1, he is prompted to enter a password. A stored monitoring program is activated. In this way, the authenticated observer can activate the monitoring program and monitor game terminal 200-1 only in a specific game competition.

When the monitoring program is started, first, a monitor item selection screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display serving as the output device 205 .
On the monitor item selection screen, for example, the response time corresponding to physical operations on the input device such as mouse clicks and keyboard key presses, the number of image changes per predetermined time of the output device such as a liquid crystal display, the communication network The lack of communication, response time, etc. are displayed, and the monitor selects one or a plurality of monitor items from among them and clicks the start button displayed on the selection screen of the output device 205 .

Monitoring items are measured by this click operation, and log acquisition and output are performed. This click operation serves as a log request from the supervisor and a predetermined request from the supervisor. The response time corresponding to physical operations on input devices such as mouse clicks and keyboard key presses, and the number of times an output device such as a liquid crystal display changes an image per predetermined time are delay information related to resources.
In the following description, it is assumed that response time corresponding to mouse clicks and keyboard key presses and communication loss (packet loss) are selected.

The control unit 201 selects, from among the monitoring programs stored in the USB memory 210, a first measurement program for measuring reaction times corresponding to mouse clicks and a second measurement program for measuring reaction times corresponding to keyboard key presses. read and execute the measurement program. The control unit 201 uses the ping command of the OS to measure communication loss.

Communication loss can be measured using the ping command, which is a command in TCP/IP. The ping command sends an "echo request" packet of the ICMP protocol to the game server 100, and depending on whether the "echo request" packet is returned normally from the game server 100, the packet loss rate (packet loss rate) can be measured. The ping command can be used to measure the packet loss rate, response time (time from packet transmission to return), TTL (Time To Live), and the like.

The control unit 201 uses the first measurement program to measure the reaction time for a predetermined number of clicks of the mouse performed by the observer, and stores the result as a log in the log storage unit 202 . Next, the control unit 201 uses the second measurement program to measure the reaction time for the observer to press the keys of the keyboard a predetermined number of times, and stores the result as a log in the log storage unit 202 . Furthermore, the control unit 201 measures the packet loss rate using the ping command and stores it as a log in the log storage unit 202 . In this manner, the control unit 201 sequentially stores logs of monitoring results in the log storage unit 202 .

When the measurement of all monitoring items is completed, the control unit 201 reads out the log of the monitoring results from the log storage unit 202 and displays it on the output device 205 .

The control unit 201 may activate a determination program stored in the USB memory 210 according to an instruction from the monitor, and determine whether the log of the monitoring result satisfies a predetermined requirement. For example, the control unit 201 uses a determination program to determine whether or not the average value of reaction times for a predetermined number of mouse clicks falls within a preset reaction time range. In addition, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the average value of the reaction times for pressing the keys of the keyboard a predetermined number of times falls within a preset reaction time range. Also, the control unit 201 determines whether the average value of the packet loss rates is smaller than a preset packet loss rate.

For example, for game terminal 200-1, control unit 201 determines the average value, maximum value, minimum value, and standard deviation (indicating the degree of variation) of reaction times to a predetermined number of mouse clicks during a predetermined monitoring period. It is determined whether at least one parameter falls within a range of at least one parameter of a preset average value, maximum value, minimum value and standard deviation of reaction times. As an example of determination using a plurality of parameters, for example, two parameters, even if the average value of reaction times to a predetermined number of mouse clicks during a predetermined monitoring period falls within a preset range, the maximum reaction time For example, if the value exceeds the upper limit of the preset range even once, the predetermined requirement is not met and the product is rejected. Determination of reaction time to a predetermined number of key presses on the keyboard is similar to determination of reaction time to a predetermined number of mouse clicks.

In addition, the control unit 201 controls the average value, maximum value, minimum value and standard deviation (indicating the degree of variation) of the packet loss rate during a predetermined monitoring period for the communication network between the game terminal 200-1 and the game server 100. is smaller than at least one of the average value, maximum value, minimum value and standard deviation of the packet loss rate, which is a preset threshold value. As an example of determination using a plurality of parameters, for example, two parameters, even if the average value of the packet loss rate in a predetermined monitoring period is smaller than the threshold, the maximum value of the packet loss rate is equal to or greater than the threshold even once. There is an example of failing if the specified requirements are not met.

Then, the control unit 201 displays these determination results on the notification unit 206. When the control unit 201 determines that the log satisfies a predetermined requirement, the control unit 201 may notify that effect.

The supervisor determines whether game terminal 200-1 can be authenticated based on a predetermined log displayed on output device 205 and/or the determination result displayed on notification unit 206. FIG.
The supervisor determines whether game terminals 200-2 and 200-3 can be authenticated for game terminals 200-2 and 200-3 in the same manner as for game terminal 200-1.

Determination of whether or not the monitoring result log satisfies predetermined requirements is made between game terminal 200-1 and game server 100, between game terminal 200-2 and game server 100, and between game terminal 200-3 and game server 100. 100 respectively, and if the log of all monitoring results (average value of reaction time for a predetermined number of mouse and keyboard clicks, and packet loss rate) does not meet the predetermined requirements, the predetermined requirements are met. Failure to meet the criteria may result in a failure.

However, whether or not the monitoring result log satisfies the predetermined requirement is determined by determining whether the monitoring result log satisfies the predetermined requirement for all of game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 and game server 100. You may For example, the average value of packet loss rates between game terminal 200-1 and game server 100 is equal to or greater than the average value of packet loss rates serving as a preset threshold, but game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 If the variation in the average value of the packet loss rate or the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the packet loss rate is within a preset range between the game server 100 and the game server 100 as a whole, it satisfies the predetermined requirements and may be regarded as a pass. good.

When it is determined whether or not game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 are authenticated, the monitoring operation by the supervisor for game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 ends.

In the above description, it is assumed that the monitoring item is measured and the log is acquired and output by the monitor selecting the monitoring item and clicking the start button displayed on the screen of the output device 205. is the monitor's log request (corresponding to the given request).
However, the click of the start button is not regarded as a log request, and the log is output when the observer inputs a log request (corresponding to a predetermined request) via the input device 204 after log acquisition. good too.
Also, in the above description, an example has been described in which the monitor inserts USB memory 210 into game terminal 200-1 and uses the monitor program stored in inserted USB memory 210. FIG. However, the monitoring program may be stored in authentication server 300 or another server, and the monitoring program may be installed in game terminal 200-1 via the network based on instructions from the supervisor.

The game terminal 200-1 has been described above.
Game terminal 200-1 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) in order to implement the functions of control unit 201 of game terminal 200-1. The game terminal 200-1 also includes an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) storing various control programs such as application software and an OS (Operating System), and an arithmetic processing device that executes programs. It also has a main memory such as a random access memory (RAM) for storing temporarily needed data.

In game terminal 200-1, the arithmetic processing unit reads application software and the OS from the auxiliary storage device, and develops the read application software and OS in the main storage device, while performing arithmetic processing based on the application software and the OS. do Also, based on the result of this calculation, various hardware included in each device is controlled. This implements the functions of the present embodiment. In other words, the game terminal 200-1 of this embodiment can be realized by cooperation of hardware and software.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of game terminal 200-1. In the following description, the operation of game terminal 200-1 will be described, but game terminals 200-2 and 200-3 also perform the same operation as game terminal 200-1.

In step S 11 , game terminal 200 - 1 transmits the supervisor's account information to authentication server 300 via communication network 600 .
The authentication server 300 collates the pre-registered account information with the received account information to authenticate the monitor. Then, authentication server 300 transmits to game terminal 200-1 whether or not the authentication has been approved, and, if the authentication is successful, the password for starting the monitoring program stored in USB memory 210. FIG. This password is given for each game tournament held by the operator.

In step S12, the game terminal 200-1 receives the confirmation of the supervisor's authentication and the password, and displays them on the output device 205. FIG.
In step S13, game terminal 200-1 activates the monitoring program stored in USB memory 210 when the password is input by the supervisor.
In step S14, game terminal 200-1 displays a monitor item selection screen based on the monitor program, and accepts the monitor item selected by the monitor.

In step S15, game terminal 200-1 measures the selected monitoring item. The monitoring items are measured, for example, as already described, the response time to a predetermined number of mouse clicks, the response time to a predetermined number of keyboard key presses, and the packet loss rate using the ping command. .
In step S16, game terminal 200-1 stores a measurement log of the selected monitoring item in log storage unit 202. FIG.

In step S17, game terminal 200-1 determines whether or not the measurement of all the selected monitoring items has been completed. If it has been completed, the process proceeds to step S18. .
In step S18, control unit 201 of game terminal 200-1 reads the log of the monitoring result from log storage unit 202 and displays it on output device 205. FIG.

(Game server 100)
Next, the game server 100 will be explained.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the game server 100. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, the game server 100 includes a control unit 101, a log storage unit 102, a communication unit 103, an input device 104, an output device 105, a notification unit 106 and a communication unit 107. A USB memory 110 as an external storage device can be inserted into the game server 100, and FIG. 9 shows a state in which the USB memory 110 is inserted.

The control unit 101, the input device 104, and the USB memory 110 constitute a receiving unit, and the control unit 101, the input device 104, and the USB memory 110 receive the monitor's log request. The control unit 101 , the log storage unit 102 and the output device 105 constitute an output unit that outputs the log stored in the log storage unit 102 . The reception unit and the output unit constitute a monitoring system.
The supervisor of game server 100 may be the same as the supervisor of game terminals 200-1 to 200-3, or may be different.

The control unit 101 controls the operations of the log storage unit 102, the communication unit 103, the input device 104, the output device 105, the notification unit 106, and the communication unit 107, reads the monitoring program from the

USB memory

110, 103 through the game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 (hereinafter referred to as the communication environment) is acquired and stored in the log storage unit 102. FIG.

Log storage unit 102 stores logs relating to the communication environment for game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 via communication unit 103. FIG.
Communication unit 103 communicates with game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 via communication network 600. FIG.

Input device 104 is, for example, a mouse and a keyboard.
The output device 105 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display.
The notification unit 106 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The notification unit 106 and the output device 105 may be configured by one liquid crystal display and integrated.
The input device 104, the output device 105, and the notification unit 106 may be configured by a liquid crystal display with a touch panel and integrated. Since the input device 104, the output device 105, and the notification unit 106 are mainly used during monitoring, they may be attached only during monitoring and removed during non-monitoring.

Here, a USB memory is used as an external storage device, but a portable hard disk (portable external hard disk), portable SSD (portable external SSD), etc. may be used.
Communication unit 107 communicates with distribution server 400 via communication network 700 .

(Monitoring operation in game server 100)
The supervisor monitors the game server 100 during at least one period before the game starts, during the game, and after the game ends.
Since the operation of authenticating the supervisor who monitors the game server 100 is the same as that of the game terminal 200-1, the description is omitted here.
The authentication server 300 authenticates the observer and transmits to the game server 100 whether or not the observer has been authenticated, and if so, the password for activating the monitor program stored in the USB memory 110 . This password is given for each game tournament held by the operator.

The game server 100 displays, on the output device 105, whether or not the supervisor has been authenticated and the password received.
When the supervisor inserts the USB memory 110 into the game server 100, a password input is requested, and when the supervisor inputs the password sent from the authentication server 300, the monitoring program stored in the USB memory 110 is activated. In this way, the authenticated observer can activate the monitoring program and monitor the game server 100 only in a specific game competition.

When the monitoring program is started, first, a monitor item selection screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display serving as the output device 105 .
The monitor item selection screen displays, for example, communication network failure, response time, TTL (Time To Live), etc., and the monitor selects one or a plurality of monitor items from among them, and selects the output device 105 Click the start button displayed on the selection screen. Monitoring items are measured by this click operation, and log acquisition and output are performed. This click operation serves as a log request from the supervisor and a predetermined request from the supervisor. In the following description, it is assumed that communication loss (packet loss) and response time are selected.

The control unit 101 uses the ping command of the OS to measure communication loss and response speed for communication with the game terminals 200-1 to 200-3. The Ping command sends an ICMP protocol "echo request" packet to game terminal 200-1, and the packet loss rate (transmission The ratio of packet loss to packets) can be measured, and the response time can be measured. The control unit 101 measures the packet loss rate and the response time indicating the communication failure, and stores them as a log in the log storage unit 102 . Similarly, control unit 101 measures the packet loss rate and response time for game terminals 200-2 and 200-3, and stores them in log storage unit 102 as logs.

When all monitoring items have been measured, the control unit 101 reads the log of the monitoring results from the log storage unit 102 and displays it on the output device 105 .

The control unit 101 may activate a determination program stored in the USB memory 110 according to an instruction from the monitor, and determine whether or not the log of the monitoring result satisfies a predetermined requirement.

For example, the control unit 101 controls the average value, the maximum value, the minimum value, and the standard deviation (variation degree) is smaller than at least one parameter of the average value, maximum value, minimum value, and standard deviation of the packet loss rate, which is a preset threshold. As an example of determination using a plurality of parameters, for example, two parameters, even if the average value of the packet loss rate in a predetermined monitoring period is smaller than the threshold, the maximum value of the packet loss rate is equal to or greater than the threshold even once. There is an example of failing if the specified requirements are not met.

In addition, the control unit 101 controls the average value, maximum value, minimum value, and standard deviation (degree of variation) of the response time during a predetermined monitoring period for the communication network between the game server 100 and the game terminals 200-1 to 200-3. ) is within the range of at least one parameter of a preset average value, maximum value, minimum value, and standard deviation of response times. As an example of determination using a plurality of parameters, for example, two parameters, even if the average value of response times in a predetermined monitoring period falls within a predetermined range, even if the maximum response time is the upper limit of the predetermined range even once If the above conditions are met, there is an example of failing to meet the prescribed requirements.

Determination of whether or not the monitoring result log satisfies predetermined requirements is performed between game server 100 and game terminal 200-1, between game server 100 and game terminal 200-2, and between game server 100 and game terminal 200-2. 3 respectively, and if all the logs of monitoring results (packet loss rate and response time) do not satisfy the predetermined requirements, the predetermined requirements are not satisfied and may be rejected.
However, the determination as to whether or not the monitoring result log satisfies the predetermined requirements is based on whether or not the monitoring result log satisfies the predetermined requirements for all of game server 100 and game terminals 200-1 to 200-3. You may For example, between the game server 100 and the game terminal 200-1, the average value of the packet loss rate is equal to or higher than the average value of the packet loss rate, which is the preset threshold value. Between 200-3 and 200-3, if the variation in the average value of the packet loss rate or the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the packet loss rate is within a preset range, the specified requirements are met and it is considered a pass. good. The same is true for response time.

Then, the control unit 101 displays these determination results on the notification unit 106. When the control unit 101 determines that the log satisfies a predetermined requirement, the control unit 101 may notify the fact.

The supervisor determines whether or not the game server 100 is authenticated based on the predetermined log displayed on the output device 105 and/or the determination result displayed on the notification unit 106 .
It is determined whether or not the game server 100 is authenticated, and the monitoring operation of the game server 100 by the monitor ends.

In the above description, it is assumed that the monitoring item is measured and the log is acquired and output by the monitor selecting the monitoring item and clicking the start button displayed on the screen of the output device 105. is the monitor's log request (corresponding to the given request).
However, the click of the start button is not regarded as a log request, and the log is output when the observer inputs a log request (corresponding to a predetermined request) via the input device 104 after log acquisition. good too.
Also, in the above description, an example has been described in which the monitor inserts the USB memory 110 into the game server 100 and uses the monitor program stored in the inserted USB memory 110 . However, the monitoring program may be stored in the authentication server 300 or another server, and the monitoring program may be installed in the game server 100 via the network based on instructions from the supervisor.

In the game server 100, the arithmetic processing unit reads the application software and the OS from the auxiliary storage device, develops the read application software and the OS in the main storage device, and performs arithmetic processing based on the application software and the OS. . Also, based on the result of this calculation, various hardware included in each device is controlled. This implements the functional blocks of the present embodiment. In other words, the game server of this embodiment can be realized by cooperation of hardware and software.
The flowchart showing the operation of the game server 100 is the same as the flowchart showing the operation of the game terminal 200-1 explained using FIG.

When it is determined whether the game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 and the game server 100 are authenticated as described above, it can be determined whether the game can be played in a fair environment.

(Another configuration example of the game system)
As another configuration example of the game system of the embodiment described above, in addition to displaying and outputting logs on the output device 205 and the output device 105, the communication units 203 of the game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 and the game server 100 An example of outputting and storing in the distributed management ledger via the communication unit 103 will be described.
The distributed management ledger is independent of operators, participants, and observers, and can record logs in a form that is difficult to forge or falsify. A distributed management ledger means the same database (management ledger) held by a plurality of nodes (computers, etc.) constituting a communication network, and the management ledger of each node is updated according to changes that occur.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a game system including a distributed management ledger.
Compared to the game system 11 shown in FIG. 6, the game system 11A shown in FIG. 10 has distributed management ledgers 800-1 and 800-2 added. Although two distributed management ledgers are shown in FIG. 10, there may be three or more distributed management ledgers.
Distributed management ledgers 800-1 and 800-2 record logs output from game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 and logs output from game server 100. FIG. Control unit 201 and communication unit 203 of game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 serve as means for recording logs in distributed management ledgers 800-1 and 800-2. The control unit 101 and the communication unit 103 of the game server 100 serve as means for recording logs in the distributed management ledgers 800-1 and 800-2. The logs recorded in the distributed management ledger 800-1 and 800-2 are synchronized. For example, when the log of the distributed management ledger 800-1 is recorded or modified, the distributed management ledger 800-2 is also synchronized. Log recording, correction, etc. are performed.

Although each embodiment according to the present invention has been described above, each component included in the monitoring system and the game system can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Here, "implemented by software" means implemented by a computer reading and executing a program.

Although the above-described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention, they are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to the above-described embodiments. can be implemented.
For example, the monitoring system need not be provided on both the game server and one or more game terminals, but may be provided on either one.

The monitoring system and game system according to the present invention can take various embodiments, including the embodiments described above, having the following configurations.

(1B) A monitoring system for monitoring a game running over a communication network, comprising:
means for receiving predetermined requests from an observer independent of the operator and participants of said game;
A monitoring system comprising: means for outputting a predetermined log regarding the resources available for the game to the monitoring person in response to receiving the predetermined request.
(2B) The monitoring system according to (1B) above, comprising means for, when it is determined that the predetermined log satisfies the predetermined requirements of the resource, reporting to that effect.
(3B) The monitoring system according to (1B) or (2B) above, wherein the log includes delay information or communication loss information regarding the resource.
(4B) The monitoring system according to any one of (1B) to (3B) above, wherein the communication network includes at least one of a wide area information communication network and a local information communication network.
(5B) The monitoring system according to any one of (1B) to (4B) above, wherein the log includes a reaction time corresponding to a physical operation of the input device serving as the resource.
(6B) The monitoring system according to any one of (1B) to (5B) above, wherein the output device serving as the resource is a display device, and the log includes the number of image changes per predetermined time of the display device. .
(7B) The monitoring system according to any one of (1B) to (6B) above, including means for recording the log in a distributed management ledger independent of the operator, the participant and the monitor.
(8B) a game server that transmits data for playing a game via a communication network;
at least one game terminal that receives the data via the communication network,
At least one of the game server and the at least one game terminal includes the monitoring system according to any one of (1B) to (7B) above.

The above embodiments can be described as follows by correlating them with the drawings.
(1B) A monitoring system for monitoring a game running over a communication network (e.g., communication network 600),
Means for receiving a predetermined request from a supervisor independent of the game operator and participants (for example, a receiving unit comprising the control unit 201, the input device 204 and the USB memory 210, or the control unit 101, the input device 104 and the USB a reception unit consisting of a memory 110);
Means for outputting a predetermined log (for example, comprising a control unit 201, a log storage unit 202, and an output device 205) regarding resources usable in the game to the monitor in response to the reception of the predetermined request. an output unit, or an output unit consisting of a control unit 101, a log storage unit 102, and an output device 105).
According to this monitoring system, the game can be played in a fair environment by monitoring the performance of the input device and the output device and the game environment such as the communication environment.

(2B) The monitoring system according to (1B) above, comprising means (e.g., reporting unit 106, 206) for reporting to that effect when it is determined that the predetermined log satisfies the predetermined requirements of the resource. .

(3B) The monitoring system according to (1B) or (2B) above, wherein the log includes delay information or communication loss information regarding the resource.

(4B) The monitoring system according to any one of (1B) to (3B) above, wherein the communication network includes at least one of a wide area information communication network and a local information communication network.

(5B) The monitoring system according to any one of (1B) to (4B) above, wherein the log includes a reaction time corresponding to a physical operation of the input device serving as the resource.

(6B) The monitoring system according to any one of (1B) to (5B) above, wherein the output device serving as the resource is a display device, and the log includes the number of image changes per predetermined time of the display device. .

(7) means for recording the log in a distributed management ledger (for example, distributed management ledger 800-1, 800-2) independent from the operator, the participant, and the monitor (for example, communication with the control unit 101 The monitoring system according to any one of (1B) to (6B) above, including the unit 103, the control unit 201 and the communication unit 203).

(8B) a game server (e.g., game server 100) that transmits data for playing a game via a communication network;
at least one game terminal (eg, game terminals 200-1 to 200-3) that receives the data via the communication network (eg,

game system

11, 11A),
A gaming system, wherein at least one of the gaming server and the at least one gaming terminal includes a monitoring system according to any one of claims 1-7.
According to this game system, the game can be played in a fair environment by monitoring the performance of the input device and the output device and the game environment such as the communication environment.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.
A third embodiment of the present invention is an embodiment according to the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention.
Since the configuration of the game system of this embodiment is the same as the configuration of the game system of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6, it will be described using FIG.

The game system 11 shown in FIG. 6 includes a game server 100, game terminals 200-1 to 200-3, an authentication server 300, a distribution server 400, and viewer terminals 500-1 and 500-2. The game system 11, except for the authentication server 300, is provided by the operator of the game competition and used in the game competition. Game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 are operated by participants participating in the game tournament. The game system 11 is monitored by an observer so that the game competition is held in a fair environment. The monitor monitors cheating behavior that impedes the fairness of the game. Cheating includes, for example, impersonation of a participant, application programs that operate game terminals 200-1 to 200-3, data in the main storage device (also called memory), or game communication information (for example, game play results). packet) tampering.
The observer operates an application program that operates game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 during at least one period during the game and after the end of the game on at least one of game server 100 and game terminals 200-1 to 200-3. , the data in the main storage device or the communication information of the game is monitored to see if it has been tampered with. In addition, during the game, the monitor monitors whether or not there is any impersonation of the participant during at least one period after the game ends.
By monitoring cheating during the game and after the game is over, the monitor can determine whether the game is being played in a fair environment or not.
Since the monitor belongs to a monitoring body that is independent of the participants, the monitor is independent of the participants and can determine whether or not the game can be played in a fair environment.

Game server 100 is connected to game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 via communication network 600. FIG. The game server 100 and distribution server 400 are connected via a dedicated cable. Distribution server 400 is connected to viewer terminals 500 - 1 and 500 - 2 via communication network 700 .
The game server 100 is composed of a computer, authenticates the participants, and transmits data for executing the game to the game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 when the participants are authenticated. The game server 100 also receives live camera video during the game, and transmits viewing data for realizing live distribution of the game to the distribution server 400 .

Game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 are composed of stationary personal computers, portable game machines, tablet computers, wearable computers, or the like, and are used by participants to execute games.
The authentication server 300 is composed of a computer, and authenticates the observer of the game system 11 . The authentication server 300 is owned by a monitoring agency to which the monitor belongs, independent of the participants.

The

communication networks

The game application programs and data in the main storage device can be monitored for falsification by the game terminals 200-1 to 200-3. For example, tampering with an application program is a method of monitoring a binary (file) that has a different hash than the normal binary of the application program file (for example, https://engineering.linecorp.com/ja/blog/monitoring-to -prevent-game-cheating/ method), etc. Monitoring of tampering of data in the main storage device is performed by the method described in Patent Document 2, or by detecting whether a cheat tool has been executed in an environment such as a Rooting environment or a Jailbreak environment (for example, https://engineering .linecorp.com/ja/blog/monitoring-to-prevent-game-cheating/). Rooting means that the user can operate with a privileged administrator account (root account) in the operating system (OS) of the terminal, and Jailbreak is a computer with restrictions on user privileges. , etc., exploiting security holes (vulnerabilities) to remove the restrictions, allowing the software to operate in ways unintended by the developer.
Monitoring of tampering with game communication information (for example, game play result packets) is performed by the game server 100, for example, by a method of monitoring information indicating game play such as scores and play records during a game (for example, https://engineering.linecorp.com/en/blog/monitoring-to-prevent-game-cheating/ method). Monitoring of tampering with game communication information (for example, game play result packets) may be performed on the side of game terminals 200-1 to 200-3.

Participant impersonation can be monitored by game server 100, for example, by detecting whether each of game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 has logged in multiple times (eg, four or more times). The monitoring of impersonation by the participants may be performed on the side of game terminals 200-1 to 200-3.
Game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 monitor impersonation of participants during at least one period before the start of the game, during the game, and after the end of the game, independently of the actions of the participants. , the user may be asked to log in by entering account information to verify the identity of the user. Game server 100 may request login by inputting account information via game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 to perform identity verification. In this case, spoofing of participants can be monitored by detecting whether or not login has been performed, and whether or not login has been performed multiple times (for example, four times or more). The account information after the login is requested is transmitted to the log storage units 202 of the game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 or the game server 100, and stored as logs in the log storage unit 102, which will be described later. If the observer does not log in without inputting account information within a certain period of time, or if different account information is logged in multiple times (for example, four times or more), the observer can guess that the participant is impersonating.

The configurations and operations of the game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 and the game server 100, including the cheat monitoring system, will be described below.

Since the configuration of game terminal 200-1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of game terminal 200-1 shown in FIG. 7, it will be described using FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the game terminal 200-1 includes a control section 201, a log storage section 202, a communication section 203, an input device 204, an output device 205 and a notification section 206. A USB memory 210 serving as an external storage device can be inserted into the game terminal 200-1, and FIG. 7 shows a state in which the USB memory 210 is inserted.
The control unit 201, the input device 204, and the USB memory 210 constitute a receiving unit, and the control unit 201, the input device 204, and the USB memory 215 receive the monitor's log request. The control unit 201 , the log storage unit 202 and the output device 205 constitute an output unit that outputs the log stored in the log storage unit 202 . The reception unit and the output unit constitute a monitoring system.

The control unit 201 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) storing various control programs such as application software or an OS (Operating System), and arithmetic processing. The device is equipped with a main memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) for storing data temporarily required for executing programs.
Then, in the game terminal 200-1, the arithmetic processing unit reads the application software or the OS from the auxiliary storage device, and develops the read application software or OS in the main storage device while performing arithmetic processing based on the application software or the OS. do Also, based on the result of this calculation, various hardware included in each device is controlled. This implements the functions of the present embodiment. In other words, the game terminal 200-1 of this embodiment can be realized by cooperation of hardware and software.
The control unit 201 controls operations of the log storage unit 202 , the communication unit 203 , the input device 204 , the output device 205 and the notification unit 206 . In the auxiliary storage device of the control unit 201, programs for detecting the execution of cheat tools in environments such as rooting environments and jailbreak environments, and binaries (files) with hashes different from normal binaries of game application program files are detected. It has a program to The control unit 201 operates these programs during the game, and stores the execution as a log in the log storage unit 202 when the cheat tool is executed in an environment such as a Rooting environment or a Jailbreak environment. If there is a binary (file) having a different hash than the normal binary of the game application program file, the control unit 201 stores the binary (file) in the log storage unit 202 as a log. Execution of cheat tools in environments such as rooting environments and jailbreak environments, and binaries (files) with hashes that differ from normal binaries of game application program files are the terminal information used by participants, and the execution of the game At least one of the status logs.

The log storage unit 202 stores logs related to execution of cheat tools in environments such as rooting environments and jailbreak environments, and binaries having hashes different from those of normal binaries.
Communication unit 203 communicates with game server 100 via communication network 600 .

(Monitoring operation in game terminal 200-1)
The supervisor monitors cheats on game terminal 200-1 during at least one period before the game starts, during the game, and after the game ends.
In order to authenticate a supervisor who monitors cheats on game terminal 200 - 1 , the supervisor first logs into authentication server 300 . Account information is assigned to the supervisor, and this account information is input by the supervisor using the input device 204 such as a keyboard. Account information is transmitted from game terminal 2001 - 1 to authentication server 300 via communication network 600 . The account information includes identification information (monitor ID) and password of the monitor.

The monitoring program is a monitoring program for monitoring cheating. Specifically, in order to monitor execution of a cheat tool in an environment such as a Rooting environment or a Jailbreak environment, a log is read from the log storage unit 202 and output. 1 monitoring program, and a second monitoring program that reads and outputs a log from the log storage unit 202 in order to monitor a binary (file) having a hash different from the normal binary of the game application program file. there is

When the monitoring program is started, first, a monitor item selection screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display serving as the output device 205 .
On the monitor item selection screen, for example, the detection of cheat tool execution, the detection of binaries (files) with a hash different from normal binaries, etc. are displayed. Select and click the start button displayed on the selection screen of the output device 205 .

This click operation causes the log to be read and output. This click operation serves as a log request from the supervisor and a predetermined request from the supervisor.
In the following description, it is assumed that detection of cheat tool execution and detection of binaries (files) with hashes different from those of normal binaries have been selected.

The control unit 201 selects, from among the monitoring programs stored in the USB memory 210, a first monitoring program that monitors execution of cheat tools, and a second monitoring program that monitors binaries (files) having a hash different from that of normal binaries. sequentially start and execute the monitoring program.

The control unit 201 uses the first monitoring program to read the cheat tool execution log from the log storage unit 202 and display it on the output device 205 . Also, the control unit 201 uses the second monitoring program to read a binary (file) log having a hash different from that of the normal binary from the log storage unit 202 and displays it on the output device 205 .

The control unit 201 may activate a determination program stored in the USB memory 210 according to an instruction from the monitor, and determine whether the log of the monitoring result satisfies a predetermined requirement. For example, using a determination program, the control unit 201 determines that data in the main storage device has been tampered with when the number of cheat tool executions exceeds a certain value and increases rapidly. Also, the control unit 201 determines that binary tampering has occurred when the number of binaries (files) having hashes different from those of normal binaries rapidly increases beyond a certain value.

Then, the control unit 201 displays these determination results on the notification unit 206.

In the above description, an example has been described in which the monitor inserts the USB memory 210 into the game terminal 200-1 and uses the monitor program stored in the inserted USB memory 210. However, the monitoring program may be stored in authentication server 300 or another server, and the monitoring program may be installed in game terminal 200-1 via the network based on instructions from the supervisor.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of game terminal 200-1. In the following description, the operation of game terminal 200-1 will be described, but game terminals 200-2 and 200-3 also perform the same operation as game terminal 200-1.

In step S15, the game terminal 200-1 reads the cheat log from the log storage unit 202 and displays it on the output device 205, corresponding to the selected monitoring item.

(Game server 100)
Next, the game server 100 will be explained.
Since the configuration of the game server 100 of this embodiment is the same as the configuration of the game server 100 shown in FIG. 9, it will be described using FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, the game server 100 includes a control unit 101, a log storage unit 102, a communication unit 103, an input device 104, an output device 105, a notification unit 106 and a communication unit 107. A USB memory 110 as an external storage device can be inserted into the game server 100, and FIG. 9 shows a state in which the USB memory 110 is inserted.

The control unit 101, the input device 104, and the USB memory 110 constitute a receiving unit, and the control unit 101, the input device 104, and the USB memory 110 receive log requests from the monitor. The control unit 101 , the log storage unit 102 and the output device 105 constitute an output unit that outputs the log stored in the log storage unit 102 . The reception unit and the output unit constitute a monitoring system.
The supervisor of game server 100 may be the same as the supervisor of game terminals 200-1 to 200-3, or may be different.

The control unit 101 controls operations of the log storage unit 102 , the communication unit 103 , the input device 104 , the output device 105 , the notification unit 106 and the communication unit 107 . When logging in from game terminals 200-1 to 200-3, control unit 101 associates the accessed game terminal with the account information transmitted from the game terminal, and stores the log in log storage unit 102 as a log. do. This log is personal identification information and is at least one of the game execution status logs. Further, control unit 101 stores, as a log, in log storage unit 102 information indicating the game play of the participants, which is transmitted from game terminals 200-1 to 200-3. The information indicating the participant's game play is, for example, the score in the game and the record of the play. The information indicating the participant's game play is communication information of the game, and is at least one log of the execution status of the game.
Communication unit 103 communicates with game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 via communication network 600. FIG.

(Monitoring operation in game server 100)
The supervisor monitors cheats on game terminal 200-1 during at least one period before the game starts, during the game, and after the game ends.
Since the operation of authenticating the supervisor who monitors the game server 100 is the same as that of the game terminal 200-1, the description is omitted here.
The authentication server 300 authenticates the observer and transmits to the game server 100 whether or not the observer is authenticated, and if the observer is authenticated, the password for starting the monitor program stored in the USB memory 110 . This password is given for each game tournament held by the operator.

The game server 100 displays, on the output device 105, whether or not the supervisor has been authenticated and the password received.
When the supervisor inserts the USB memory 110 into the game server 100, a password input is requested, and when the supervisor inputs the password sent from the authentication server 300, the monitoring program stored in the USB memory 110 is activated. In this way, the authenticated monitor can activate the monitoring program and monitor cheats on game terminal 200-1 only in a specific game competition.

When the monitoring program is started, first, a monitor item selection screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display serving as the output device 105 .
On the monitor item selection screen, for example, participant spoofing, program or data tampering on the game terminal side (including tampering with game communication information), etc. are displayed. A monitoring item is selected, and a start button displayed on the output device 105 selection screen is clicked. Monitoring items are measured by this click operation, and log reading and output are performed. This click operation serves as a log request from the supervisor and a predetermined request from the supervisor.
In the following explanation, it is assumed that the spoofing of the participant and the falsification of the program or data on the game terminal side are selected.

The monitoring programs recorded in the USB memory 110 include a third monitoring program for monitoring impersonation of participants and a fourth monitoring program for monitoring falsification of programs or data on the game terminal side.
The control unit 101 activates a third monitoring program for monitoring impersonation of a participant from among the monitoring programs stored in the USB memory 110 .
Control unit 101 uses a third monitoring program for monitoring impersonation of a participant, and collects account information at the time of login within a certain period from the time of monitoring until immediately before the start of the game, for each of game terminals 200-1 to 200-3. is read from the log stored in the log storage unit 102 and displayed on the output device 205 . As mentioned above, the progress of the game on one game terminal is performed after the participant is authenticated by login. If there are logins (eg, 4 or more times), the observer can guess the participant's impersonation.
Control unit 201 stores information indicating game play for each of game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 in a log storage unit using a fourth monitoring program for monitoring falsification of programs or data on the game terminal side. Detected from the log stored in 102 and displayed on the output device 205 . The information indicating the participant's game play is, for example, the score in the game and the record of the play. If the score during the game is higher than expected, if the play is recorded continuously in an extremely short period of time, or if the record of the play is extremely small, the observer may It can be assumed that there was a falsification of Data tampering includes, for example, tampering with game communication information sent to the game server 100 (for example, game play result packets), and tampering with data stored in a main storage device such as a RAM of a game terminal. .

Control unit 101 uses a determination program to determine impersonation of a participant, and logs in from the account information at the time of login within a certain period from the time of monitoring to immediately before the start of the game on each of game terminals 200-1 to 200-3. is obtained, and if the number of times of login is more than one, for example, four times or more, it is determined that the participant has been impersonated.
The control unit 101 uses a program on the game terminal side or a determination program to determine falsification of data. If there is, or if the number of play records is equal to or less than a certain value, it is determined that the program or data on the game terminal side has been tampered with (including tampering with game communication information). In addition, the game terminal monitors tampering with the program on the game terminal side and the data in the main memory (also called memory), and if it is determined that there is no tampering with the program and the data in the main memory, the score during the game is fixed. If it is above the value, if the play is recorded continuously within an extremely short fixed period of time, or if the number of play records is below a certain value, it is considered that the communication information of the game has been tampered with. I can judge.

The observer authenticates the game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 as seen from the game server 100 based on the predetermined log displayed on the output device 105 and/or the judgment result displayed on the notification unit 106. to determine whether or not
It is determined whether game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 are authenticated, and the monitoring operation by the supervisor for game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 as seen from game server 100 ends.

The cheat monitoring of the game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 as viewed from the game server 100 side has been described above.
Since game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 are operated by participants, cheating is likely to occur. On the other hand, since the game server 100 is managed by the operator and not operated by the participants, cheating is less likely to occur than the game terminals 200-1 to 200-3.
However, if necessary, the supervisor may also monitor game server 100 for tampering with programs and data in main storage (also called memory) in the same manner as game terminals 200-1 to 200-3. In the game server 100, a binary (file) having a hash different from the normal binary of the program file, which is stored in the log storage unit 102, is server information becomes.

Also, in the above description, an example has been described in which the monitor inserts the USB memory 110 into the game server 100 and uses the monitor program stored in the inserted USB memory 110 . However, the monitoring program may be stored in the authentication server 300 or another server, and the monitoring program may be installed in the game server 100 via the network based on instructions from the supervisor.

The game server 100 has been described above.
In order to implement the functions of the control unit 101 of the game server 100, the game server 100 includes an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The game server 100 also includes an auxiliary storage device such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that stores various control programs such as application software or an OS (Operating System), and a temporary storage device for the arithmetic processing unit to execute the program. It also has a main memory such as a random access memory (RAM) for storing data required for the system.

Then, in the game server 100, the arithmetic processing unit reads the application software or OS from the auxiliary storage device, develops the read application software or OS in the main storage device, and performs arithmetic processing based on the application software or OS. . Also, based on the result of this calculation, various hardware included in each device is controlled. This implements the functional blocks of the present embodiment. In other words, the game server of this embodiment can be realized by cooperation of hardware and software.
The flowchart showing the operation of the game server 100 is the same as the flowchart showing the operation of the game terminal 200-1 explained with reference to FIG.

When it is determined whether or not the game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 are authenticated as described above, it is possible to determine whether the game can be played in a fair environment based on the result.

(Another configuration example of the game system)
As another configuration example of the game system of the embodiment described above, in addition to displaying and outputting logs on the output device 205 and the output device 105, the communication units 203 of the game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 and the game server 100 An example of outputting to a distributed management ledger and storing it via the communication unit 103 will be described.
The distributed management ledger is independent of operators, participants, and observers, and can record logs in a form that is difficult to forge or falsify. A distributed management ledger means the same database (management ledger) held by a plurality of nodes (computers, etc.) constituting a communication network, and the management ledger of each node is updated according to changes that occur.

Since the configuration of the game system including the distributed management ledger of this embodiment is the same as the configuration of the game system including the distributed management ledger shown in FIG. 10, it will be explained using FIG.
Compared to the game system 11 shown in FIG. 6, the game system 11A shown in FIG. 10 has distributed management ledgers 800-1 and 800-2 added. Although two distributed management ledgers are shown in FIG. 10, there may be three or more distributed management ledgers.
Distributed management ledgers 800-1 and 800-2 record logs output from game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 and logs output from game server 100. FIG. Control unit 201 and communication unit 203 of game terminals 200-1 to 200-3 serve as means for recording logs in distributed management ledgers 800-1 and 800-2. The control unit 101 and the communication unit 103 of the game server 100 serve as means for recording logs in the distributed management ledgers 800-1 and 800-2. The logs recorded in the distributed management ledgers 800-1 and 800-2 are synchronized. For example, when the log of the distributed management ledger 800-1 is recorded or modified, the distributed management ledger 800-2 is also synchronized. Log recording, correction, etc. are performed.

The above-described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited only to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. can be implemented.
For example, the monitoring system need not be provided on both the game server and one or more game terminals, but may be provided on either one.

(1C) A monitoring system for monitoring a game running over a communication network, comprising:
means for receiving a predetermined request from an observer independent of the participants of said game;
A monitoring system comprising means for outputting a log of the execution status of the game for the participant to the monitoring person in response to receiving the predetermined request.
(2C) The monitoring system according to (1C) above, comprising means for notifying that the log satisfies a predetermined requirement in response to the determination.
(3C) The monitoring system according to (1C) or (2C) above, wherein the log includes identity verification information about the participant.
(4C) The monitoring system according to any one of (1C) to (3C) above, wherein the log includes terminal information used by the participant.
(5C) The monitoring system according to any one of (1C) to (4C) above, wherein the log includes communication information of the game.
(6C) The monitoring system according to any one of (1C) to (5C) above, wherein the log includes server information.
(7C) The monitoring system according to any one of (1C) to (6C) above, including means for recording the log in a distributed management ledger independent of the participants and the monitor.
(8C) The monitoring system according to any one of (1C) to (7C) above, wherein the communication network includes at least one of a wide area information communication network and a local information communication network.
(9C) a game server that transmits data for playing a game via a communication network;
at least one game terminal that receives the data via the communication network, wherein:
At least one of the game server and the at least one game terminal includes the monitoring system according to any one of (1C) to (8C) above.

The above embodiments can be described as follows, corresponding to the reference numerals in the drawings.
(1C) A monitoring system for monitoring a game running over a communication network (e.g., communication network 600),
Means for receiving a predetermined request from an observer independent of the participants of the game (for example, a receiving unit consisting of the control unit 201, the input device 204 and the USB memory 210, or from the control unit 101, the input device 104 and the USB memory 110 reception department) and
Means for outputting a log of the execution status of the game for the participant to the observer in response to receiving the predetermined request an output unit, or an output unit consisting of a control unit 101, a log storage unit 102, and an output device 105).
According to this monitoring system, the game can be played in a fair environment by monitoring the execution status of the game.

(2C) The monitoring system according to (1C) above, comprising means (for example, reporting units 106 and 206) for reporting that the log satisfies a predetermined requirement in response to the determination.

(3C) The monitoring system according to (1C) or (2C) above, wherein the log includes identity verification information about the participant.

(4C) The monitoring system according to any one of (1C) to (3C) above, wherein the log includes terminal information used by the participant.

(5C) The monitoring system according to any one of (1C) to (4C) above, wherein the log includes communication information of the game.

(6C) The monitoring system according to any one of (1C) to (5C) above, wherein the log includes server information.

(7C) Means for recording the log in a distributed management ledger (for example, distributed management ledger 800-1, 800-2) independent from the operator, the participant, and the monitor (for example, communicating with the control unit 101 The monitoring system according to any one of (1C) to (6C) above, including the unit 103, the control unit 201 and the communication unit 203).

(8C) The monitoring system according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the communication network includes at least one of a wide area information communication network and a local information communication network.

(9C) a game server (e.g., game server 100) that transmits data for playing a game via a communication network;
at least one game terminal (eg, game terminals 200-1 to 200-3) that receives the data via the communication network (eg,

game system

11, 11A),
A gaming system, wherein at least one of the gaming server and the at least one gaming terminal includes a monitoring system according to any of claims 1-8.
According to this game system, the game can be played in a fair environment by monitoring the execution status of the game.

10,

10A game system

11, 11A game system 100 game server 200-1 to 200-3 game terminal 300 authentication server 400 distribution server 500-1, 500-2

viewer terminal

600, 700 communication network 800-1, 800-2 Distributed ledger

Claims

A management system for managing the execution status of a predetermined game,
evaluation request receiving means for receiving a predetermined evaluation request from a manager independent of the participants of the game and the provider of the game;
evaluation information output means for outputting predetermined evaluation information regarding a log of the game execution status of the participant to the administrator in response to receiving the predetermined evaluation request;
management system with
　The management system according to claim 1, wherein said evaluation information output means outputs said evaluation information regarding said log of said participant's operation constituting a predetermined purpose.
　The management system according to claim 1, wherein said evaluation information output means outputs said evaluation information regarding said log of said operation of said participant having a predetermined interaction with another participant.
　The management system according to claim 1, wherein said evaluation information output means outputs said evaluation information regarding said log of said participant's operation related to a change in a predetermined value unit.
The management system according to claim 1, wherein said evaluation information output means outputs said evaluation information regarding said log of said participant's operation related to a predetermined investigation.
　The management system according to claim 1, wherein said evaluation information output means outputs said evaluation information about said log of acquisition settings of a predetermined possessed object independent of said participant's operation.
The management system according to claim 1, wherein said evaluation information output means outputs said evaluation information regarding said log of feedback according to said participant's operation.
The management system according to claim 1, wherein said evaluation information output means outputs said evaluation information regarding said log of visualization of said participant's growth.
　The management system according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation information output means outputs the evaluation information for the log with the difficulty level set according to the level of the participant.
a game server that transmits data for playing a game via a communication network;
at least one game terminal that receives the data via the communication network, wherein:
10. A gaming system, wherein at least one of the gaming server and the at least one gaming terminal includes a management system according to any of claims 1-9.