JP7303418B2 - Information processing device, control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a specific position setting/indicator on a map.

A mechanism for emphasizing on a map roads that have been traveled in the past is known. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a map displayed on a mobile terminal having a history of past traveled roads around a destination based on the movement history of the mobile terminal having a map display function. A destination display system is disclosed as highlighted above.

JP 2013-072670 A

In a service that activates some kind of effect for a user in a virtual space formed to correspond to the real space, the size of the activity area in which the user can act in the virtual space greatly affects the interest of the service. Regarding the valid period of this activity area, if there is no limitation on the valid period like the past traveled road disclosed in Patent Document 1, the user's activity in the activity area may be stagnant.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to efficiently encourage early action by the user in the virtual space.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention sets contraction conditions for gradually contracting the usable area that can be used by the user in the virtual space.

A spatial information processing apparatus, which is one embodiment of the present invention, provides a usable area available to a first user in a virtual space corresponding to the physical space based on the position of at least one of a first user and a second user in the physical space. and second setting means for setting a contraction condition related to the usable area in association with the usable area in order to gradually shrink the usable area from the initial size.

If the usable area is shrunk based on the shrinkage condition set by the present invention, early action by the user to avoid the disadvantage due to the reduction of the usable area can be promoted.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of services; (Example) FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of service features; (Example) FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of service features; (Example) 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a network configuration of a system; FIG. (Example) 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a server device; FIG. (Example) 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a user device; FIG. (Example) 3 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a user management server; FIG. (Example) FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a database configuration; (Example) FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure for applying performance information; (Example) FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating the procedure of contraction rendering; (Example) FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure for diversion of performance information; (Example)

[1. embodiment]
[1-1. overview]
The present embodiment relates to a service that activates some effect for the user in a virtual space formed to correspond to the real space. In this embodiment, in order to efficiently promote early action by the user in the virtual space, a contraction condition is set for gradually contracting the available area that the user can use in the virtual space. If the usable area is shrunk based on the shrinkage condition, early action by the user to avoid the disadvantage due to the reduction of the usable area can be promoted.

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

"Activity area" refers to an area in virtual space where usage restrictions are not imposed on specific users. A certain user's activity area can be secured according to the location record of the user or other users in the physical space. When usage restrictions are imposed on a certain area, a portion of the certain area where the usage restrictions have been lifted is sometimes called a “released portion”. When usage restrictions are imposed on a certain area, a portion of the certain area where the usage restrictions are temporarily lifted is sometimes called a "temporary area." "Available area" is a concept that is an area that can be used by a specific user in a virtual space and includes an active area.

An "active area" can be specified by shape, reference location and starting size. For example, the reference position of a circular active area is the center and the initial size of the active area is the radius. The active area may shrink based on shrink conditions. If the contraction condition includes initiation and termination, the size of the active area starts contracting from the initiation size at initiation to the termination size at termination. The final size may be a predetermined non-zero size, or may be zero. The predetermined size may be a fixed value or a variable value. The variation value may be set for each user or may be set for each active area. The current size of the active area can be derived computationally using the information of the active area and the contraction conditions.

The 'record of location' refers to the fact that the user has actually been located at a specific location from the past to the present. The location record can be confirmed based on the acquisition history of the location data and the content with which the location data is associated. Also, location history may be ascertained based on log data associated with the location-identifiable locations.

A “restricted area” is an area in which usage restrictions are imposed on a specific user in the virtual space. The restricted area may be set in the entire virtual space, or may be set in only a part of the virtual space. Usage restriction is, for example, a disadvantageous treatment for the user. Disadvantageous treatment for a user is, for example, a restriction that prohibits entry of a display element associated with the user, and a restriction that a predetermined effect is not activated.

A “display element” is image data. Image data is, for example, an icon of a specific character. A character may be, for example, a copy, drawing, or imitation of a person or thing that actually exists in the real space, or a drawing of an imaginary person or thing that does not actually exist in the real space. A character is, for example, a person, an animal, an anthropomorphic machine, a monster, or the like. An icon associated with a particular user in virtual space is sometimes called an "avatar."

This embodiment includes at least the following forms.

[A] first setting means for setting an available area available to the first user in a virtual space corresponding to the physical space based on the position of at least one of the first user and the second user in the physical space; a second setting means for setting a contraction condition related to the usable area in association with the usable area in order to gradually shrink the usable area from an initial size.

[B] a first setting function for setting a usable area for the first user in a virtual space corresponding to the real space based on the position of at least one of the first user and the second user in the real space; A control program for causing a computer of an information processing device to implement a second setting function of setting shrinkage conditions related to the usable area in association with the usable area in order to gradually shrink the usable area from its initial size. Note that the control program may be non-temporarily recorded on a recording medium.

[C] a first setting step of setting an available area available to the first user in a virtual space corresponding to the physical space based on the position of at least one of the first user and the second user in the physical space; A control method for an information processing apparatus, comprising: a second setting step of setting a contraction condition related to the usable area in association with the usable area so as to gradually shrink the usable area from an initial size.

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

The “spatial information processing device” of [A] above may be subject to the following technical limitations. Further, the same technical limitation may be added to the above [B] "control program" and the above [C] "control method".

(1) When the first user satisfies a first condition, the second setting means updates the contraction condition related to the usable area so that progress of contraction of the usable area is suppressed. The first conditions are, for example, the burden of a restraint fee, the use of items that can be acquired by bearing the restraint fee, the use of items that can be acquired in a predetermined game, and the privilege of clearing a predetermined game. This may encourage early action to curb the progress of shrinking available space.

(2) The first setting means restores the usable area when the first user satisfies a second condition, and the second setting means gradually restores the usable area after restoration from the starting size. In order to shrink the available area, the shrinkage condition related to the available area is newly set in association with the available area. The second conditions are, for example, the payment of restoration consideration, the use of items that can be acquired by paying the restoration consideration, the use of items that can be acquired in a predetermined game, and the privilege of clearing a predetermined game. This may encourage early action to restore available space.

(3) When the first user satisfies the second condition including the burden of restoration consideration that increases as the shrinkage of the available area before restoration progresses, the first setting means determines that the available area Restore area. This may encourage earlier action to restore available space.

(4) When the first user satisfies a third condition, the second setting means updates the contraction condition related to the usable area so that the usable area expands. The third conditions are, for example, the payment of an expanded consideration, the use of items that can be obtained by paying the expanded consideration, the use of items that can be obtained in a predetermined game, and the privilege of clearing a predetermined game. This may encourage early action to increase availability.

(5) When the first user satisfies the third condition including the burden of the expansion consideration, the second setting means determines the initial size after expansion according to the size of the expansion consideration. As a result, for example, the greater the load, the greater the enlargement.

[1-2. the term]
In this specification, terms are used as follows.

(1) A "predetermined position" is a position set in the virtual space. The predetermined position is, for example, the position of a spot arranged in virtual space. A "predetermined effect" is a mechanism set at a predetermined position. A device is, for example, a privilege set for each spot arranged in the virtual space. A privilege is, for example, an advantageous treatment for a user. The handling that is advantageous for the user is, for example, giving an item or giving a monetary value.

(2) A "predetermined action targeting a predetermined position" is, for example, an operation of bringing an avatar that can move in the virtual space closer to the predetermined position, or a user that can move in the real space moves to a real position corresponding to the predetermined position. When the avatar that can move in the virtual space is in the vicinity of the predetermined position, the position data indicating the vicinity of the predetermined position is applied to cancel the activation restriction of the predetermined effect associated with the predetermined position. Operation.

(3) "Location information" is information indicating a specific location. The information indicating the specific position includes at least an acquisition history of position data, content associated with the position data, and log data associated with the location where the position can be specified. The position data acquisition history is a set of position data continuously acquired by the navigation device. The navigation device may be a device carried by the user, or may be a device installed in a mobile object (for example, a car or a bicycle). Content associated with position data includes at least image data with geotags and upload data with position data. Image data is, for example, still image data or moving image data. The upload data is, for example, post data on SNS (Social Networking Service) or article data on blogs (blogs, weblogs). Locations whose positions can be identified are stores, equipment, and facilities that exist in the real space. The log data associated with the position-identifiable place is the product purchase history and service usage history at the position-identifiable place. The service usage history includes, for example, the usage history of lodging facilities, the usage history of amusement facilities, and the usage history of means of transportation.

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

(5) The "connection" between two areas includes direct connection and indirect connection. A direct connection relationship is a relationship in which both regions at least partially overlap. On the other hand, an indirect connection relationship is a relationship in which both areas are connected via another area having a direct connection relationship. Areas that have no connection relationship with other areas may occur due to the application of location information. Note that an area or area group that has no connection relationship with other areas may be called an "enclave" in the following description.

(6) "Displacement position" refers to a position after displacement when the corresponding position is displaced by an operation to displace the corresponding position. A "second portion" defined to include the displacement location refers to the area surrounding the displacement location. The peripheral area of the displacement position is an area having a predetermined shape based on the displacement position and includes the displacement position. The area around the displacement position is, for example, a rectangular area containing the displacement position. The size and shape of the rectangular area can be set arbitrarily. In particular, when the second portion is defined to be a path that connects two areas that have no connection relationship, the size and shape of the rectangular area are determined so that the two areas overlap each other. be.

(7) “Operation of displacing the corresponding position” is, for example, an operation of moving (shifting) an object related to the corresponding position. The operation of moving an object is an operation of sliding an object that visually represents at least the contour of the release portion including the corresponding position on the screen in any direction and any size. When a mouse is used as an input device, the sliding operation is, for example, a drag-and-drop operation of dragging an object and dropping it at a desired position. When a touch panel is used as the input device, the sliding operation is, for example, a swipe operation starting from the display area of the object and ending at a desired position. When displacing the object, the shape and size may be changed.

(8) Predetermined "personal relationship" refers to a relationship in which two-way interaction can take place. A relationship in which two-way exchange can be made may be a temporary relationship, or a semi-permanent relationship that continues until at least one of them intends to dissolve it. A relationship in which two-way interaction can take place is, for example, a friendship relationship formed by explicit consent of both parties, a cooperative relationship in which something is done cooperatively. Other users with whom you have a cooperative relationship may be allies or enemies.

(9) "Game" means an electronic game that is at least partially provided through an online game service; In a broad sense, it refers to the game service itself, and in a narrow sense, it refers to individual stages that make up the game service. "Player" means a user of the Game Service. “Play” means that the player advances the game and plays it.

(10) “Single play” means play by a single player. "Cooperative play" refers to synchronous play by a plurality of players in a cooperative relationship. In co-op play, a co-operative relationship is formed between a player (host) who organizes co-op play of a game and recruits friends, and a player (guest) who applies for the solicitation and participates in co-op play of the game. are synchronized between players.

[2. Example]
[2-1. overview]
(1) Service of Embodiment This embodiment relates to a game service (hereinafter referred to as "service of the embodiment") that is at least partially provided online. In the service of the embodiment, the player sequentially operates the four characters that make up the deck through predetermined actions, and sequentially challenges a plurality of stages (narrowly defined game) prepared in the game. An electronic game (a game in a broad sense) is provided. Below, the stage is referred to as a "quest".

(2) Solo play and multiplayer Quests can be played in two ways: solo play (single play), in which one player challenges alone, and multiplayer (cooperative play), in which two to four players work together to challenge. There is a play form of the street. In the multiplay, a cooperative relationship is formed between the host who organizes the multiplay and recruits friends and the guests who apply for the recruitment and participate in the multiplay, and the progress of the play is synchronized between the players.

(3) Virtual Map Space, Spot, Spot Effect FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an outline of the service of the embodiment. In the service of the embodiment, a virtual map space 100 (virtual space) formed to geographically correspond to the real space is prepared. A large number of spots (predetermined positions) are arranged in the virtual map space 100 (spots 111 and 121 in FIG. 1(a)). A spot effect (predetermined effect) is set for each spot. Also, each spot is defined with a neighborhood range that is a measure of proximity (range 112 and range 122 in FIG. 1(a)).

The player can move his/her own avatar 130 (display element) within the virtual map space 100 by a predetermined operation or predetermined action. The predetermined operation is an operation of displacing the player's avatar 130 . The predetermined motion is a motion in which the player himself/herself displaces in the physical space. The avatar 130 can move within the virtual map space 100 in conjunction with or without the movement of the player in the real space. When the avatar 130 enters, for example, the range 112 in the virtual map space 100, the spot effect set for the spot 111 is activated (FIG. 1(b)). By activating the spot effect, for example, a spot privilege is given to the player.

[2-2. feature]
(1) Restriction of Activity Area FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the features of the service of the embodiment. In the service of the embodiment, the player's active area (available area) in the virtual map space 100 is limited. Specifically, in the initial state, usage restrictions are imposed on the entire virtual map space 100 (FIG. 2(a)). Due to this usage restriction, the spot effects set to the spots 111 and 121 in the initial state cannot be activated.

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

Temporary active areas shrink over time. Specifically, the region 142 is gradually shrunk based on conditions (shrinkage conditions) set in association with the region 142 (FIG. 2(c)). While the spot 121 is inside any active area, the spot effect set for the spot 121 can be activated. When the spot 121 is out of any active area, the spot effect set to the spot 121 cannot be activated.

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

For example, use restrictions imposed on a region 152 (first portion) including a position 151 (corresponding position) and a region 162 (first portion) including a position 161 (corresponding position) when the above pointing action is performed. are temporarily released and become active regions (Fig. 3(a)). Note that the performance information is, for example, content associated with position data. The content associated with the location data is a photo (image data) attached with a geotag or SNS posted data (upload data) attached with the location data. Such achievement information can be applied to the virtual map space 100 of the player on condition that the player consumes a predetermined item (dedicated item, virtual currency item), for example.

(3) Diversion of performance information An active area (cancellation portion) derived from a specific position indicated by performance information may not be connected to other active areas. For example, an active area 152 derived from a position 151 is an enclave that is not connected to the area 142 and cannot be entered by the avatar 130 by moving. In the service of the embodiment, the activity area can be displaced based on the player's past and present location records in the real space. Specifically, the player performs an operation of displacing (shifting) the central position (corresponding position) of one of the active regions in the direction of the midpoint (displacement position) of the line segment connecting the central positions of any two active regions. When this is done, the usage restriction imposed on the area (second portion) defined to include the midpoint of the line segment is partially and temporarily lifted.

For example, when a shift operation is performed to displace the object representing the active area 162 in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. The midpoint of 151 is identified, position 161 is displaced to position 163 of the midpoint, and rectangular area 164 including position 163 and connecting active area 142 and active area 152 is formed (FIG. 3 ( c)). At this time, the usage restriction imposed on the area 164 is partially and temporarily lifted, and the activation restriction of the spot effect is imposed.

[2-3. Configuration of the system of the embodiment]
[2-3-1. network configuration]
FIG. 4 illustrates the network configuration of the example system. The example system provides the example service to the user.

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

The user management server 10 and the user terminal 30 can exchange data through the communication network 40 . The data management server 20 can access an internal or external connectable storage 21 . The user management server 10 can access data stored in the storage 21 via the data management server 20 .

The communication network 40 is at least one of existing networks such as the Internet, a mobile phone network, a wireless WAN (Wireless Wide Area Network), a wireless LAN (Wireless Local Area Network), and Ethernet (registered trademark). may contain

(1) User Management Server The user management server 10 is a server device (computer) in which a web server program and an application program (control program) are installed. The user management server 10 causes the data management server 20 to acquire necessary data from the storage 21 in response to a request, and provides it to the requester (response). The user management server 10 also causes the data management server 20 to register necessary data in the storage 21 in response to a request. Also, the user management server 10 executes various processes in order to provide the services of the embodiment. A server system may be configured by linking a plurality of server devices, and the functions of the user management server 10 may be shared or the load on the user management server 10 may be distributed.

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

(3) User Terminal The user terminal 30 is a user device (computer) in which a predetermined game program is installed. In this embodiment, the user device is a general-purpose mobile device (for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a tablet PC (personal computer), a wearable device, etc.) capable of installing a program. or a general-purpose processing device (for example, a PC (personal computer) or the like) can be used.

[2-3-2. electrical configuration]
(1) Electrical Configuration of Server Device FIG. 5 illustrates an electrical configuration of the server device. The server device illustrated in FIG. 5 includes a control processing unit 510 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and ROM (Read Only Memory), a main storage device 520 including RAM (Random Access Memory), and an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). ), an input device 540 including a mouse and keyboard, an output device 550 including a display and speakers, and a communication control device 560 including a network interface card. A device such as an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) may be used instead of the CPU.

The main storage device 520, the auxiliary storage device 530, the input device 540, the output device 550, and the communication control device 560 are each connected to the control processing device 510 via bus lines. The control processor 510 (1) loads a program stored in the auxiliary storage device 530 onto the main storage device 520, and (2) executes at least one of the input device 540, the auxiliary storage 530, and the communication control device 560 according to the instruction of the program. (3) calculate and process the obtained data according to the procedure specified in the program, and (4) communicate the calculated and processed data with the auxiliary storage device 530 and the output device 550. device 560 and/or.

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

A RAM 621, a ROM 622, an EEPROM 623, a touch panel display 631, a speaker 632, a NIC 641, a wireless LAN chip 642 and a GPS unit 651 are connected to the DSP 611 via bus lines. The DSP 611 (1) loads the program stored in the ROM 622 or EEPROM 623 onto the RAM 621, and (2) reads data from at least one of the touch panel display 631, EEPROM 623, NIC 641, wireless LAN chip 642, and GPS unit 651 according to instructions from the program. (3) After calculating and processing the obtained data according to the procedure specified in the program, (4) the calculated and processed data are stored in the EEPROM 623, the touch panel display 631, the speaker 632, the NIC 641, and the wireless LAN chip 642 and/or.

[2-3-3. Functional configuration]
(1) Overview The functions of the user management server 10 and the data management server 20 are realized by installing an OS (Operating System) for the server device and a program (control program) running on the OS in the server device. be. Programs to be installed in the server device are non-temporarily recorded on recording media such as CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), MO discs (Magneto-Optical disks), and flash memories. It may be distributed in a state and read from the recording medium into the server device, or it may be superimposed on a carrier wave and supplied to the server device via the communication network 40 or another communication network.

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

The user device OS is generally installed in the user device from the time of shipment. Other programs to be installed in the user device are generally superimposed on carrier waves via the communication network 40 and supplied to the user device. Note that the other programs to be installed in the user device are non-temporarily stored in recording media such as CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), MO discs (Magneto-Optical disks), and flash memories. It may be distributed in a state in which it is recorded in an arbitrary manner, and read into the user device from the recording medium.

(2) Functional Configuration of User Management Server FIG. 7 illustrates the functional configuration of the user management server. As exemplified in FIG. 7, the user management server 10 comprises a reception providing unit 710, a setting unit 720, an activation unit 730, a production unit 740, a warning unit 750 and a synchronization unit 760. The reception providing unit 710, the setting unit 720, the activating unit 730, the effecting unit 740, the warning unit 750, and the synchronization unit 760 each include a control processing device 510 and a communication control device 660 of the server device that operates as the user management server 10. be done.

The reception/providing unit 710 receives information of a first action to which track record information (position information) indicating a first position (specific position) that has been tracked by a player (first player) is applied. Further, the reception providing unit 710 receives an operation of shifting an object visually representing the active area (release portion) on the screen.

Further, the reception providing unit 710 receives information of a second action to apply track record information (position information) indicating a second position (specific position) for which the player has not been tracked. In particular, the reception providing unit 710 applies track record information indicating a second position that has been tracked by another player (second player) who has a cooperative relationship (predetermined personal relationship) with the player (first player). Accepts motion information.

In addition, the reception providing unit 710 provides the user terminal 30 with the effect instruction data output by the effecting unit 740 . Further, the reception providing unit 710 provides the user terminal 30 with the warning instruction data output by the warning unit 750 .

The setting unit 720 sets a restricted area in the virtual map space 100 to which usage restrictions are imposed on the player. Further, when the reception providing unit 710 receives information on an operation to which the performance information (position information) is applied, the setting unit 720 sets the position (specific position) in the virtual space corresponding to the position (specific position) indicated by the performance information. The use restriction imposed on the portion (first portion) within the restricted area defined to include the corresponding position) is lifted.

Setting unit 720 receives information of an operation of displacing a position (corresponding position) included in one of the active areas (released portion) whose use restriction has been lifted according to the first action to another position (displacement position). When accepted by the providing unit 710, the usage restriction imposed on the portion (second portion) within the restricted area defined to include the displacement position is lifted. In particular, the setting unit 720 identifies the displacement position based on the direction and magnitude of the shift of the object representing the active area by the above operation. In addition, the setting unit 720 imposes a restriction on the activation of the predetermined effect on the addition-released portion for which the usage restriction has been released. Further, the setting unit 720 defines the second portion such that the first release portion and the second release portion having no predetermined connection relationship with the release portion are connected.

The setting unit 720 sets an active area that can be used by the player (first player) in the virtual map space 100 based on the location record of at least one of the player (first player) and another player (second player) in the physical space. (Temporary area) is set. In addition, the setting unit 720 sets contraction conditions related to the active area in association with the active area in order to gradually shrink the active area from the initial size. In addition, the setting unit 720 updates the contraction condition for the active area so that the progress of contraction of the active area is inhibited on the condition that the player bears a consideration (deterrence consideration).

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

The effecting unit 740 provides the user terminal 30 (display device) with effecting instruction data for visually directing the contraction of the active area (temporary area) to the user terminal 30 (display device) via the reception providing unit 710 . In particular, the rendering unit 740 changes an object that visually represents the outline of the active area in a state where the center (reference position) of the active area is included in the display range from the initial size (larger size than the current size) to the current size. The user terminal 30 is provided with presentation instruction data for contracting the size of the skin (a size approximate to the current size) in a predetermined time (short time).

The warning unit 750 receives and provides warning instruction data for outputting a predetermined warning to the player when the spot (predetermined position) is expected to leave the active area (temporary area) within a predetermined time from the present. It is provided to the user terminal 30 (display device) via the unit 710 . In particular, the warning unit 750 provides warning instruction data for outputting a warning including a warning that the spot effect has not been activated only when a spot whose spot effect has not been activated is expected to move out of the active area. do.

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

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

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

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

(3) Release Management Information Release management information is management information for managing the state of each active area. The release management information is added through a procedure for applying performance information by each player, and is updated as needed. As exemplified in FIG. 8(c), the release management information includes "Player ID" and "Reference position", "Release time" indicating when the use restriction was released, and " At least "area classification" and "status" indicating the current status of the activity area are associated. "Area division" represents any one of a plurality of divisions including, for example, a circular area formed by applying performance information and a rectangular area formed by diversion of performance information. "Status" represents, for example, one of a plurality of states including contracting, stopping contracting, and disappearing.

(4) Contraction Condition Information Contraction condition information is information representing contraction conditions for each active region. The contraction condition information is added through a procedure for applying performance information by each player, and is updated as needed. As illustrated in FIG. 8(d), the contraction condition information associates at least "start size", "end size", "start", and "end" with "player ID" and "reference position". In the example service, the "starting size" is the radius of the circle. The starting size can be a fixed distance (eg, 100m) or a variable distance. The fluctuating distance may fluctuate, for example, according to the type of performance information. In the example service, the "final size" may be a real number greater than or equal to zero. If the telophase size is 0, the active region disappears upon arrival of telophase. On the other hand, if the telophase size is greater than 0, the active area stops contracting upon arrival of telophase and remains.

(5) Spot Setting Information Spot setting information is setting information for setting information related to spots arranged in the virtual map space. Spot setting information is added as needed by the operator of the service of the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 8E, the spot setting information associates at least a "spot ID" with a "position" and a "spot effect (effect type ID)".

(6) Spot effect setting information The spot effect setting information is setting information for setting information related to spot effects. The spot effect setting information is added as needed by the operator of the service of the embodiment. As exemplified in FIG. 8(f), the spot effect setting information associates at least "starting period", "end period", "activation condition", and "content" with "effect type ID".

(7) Group Management Information Group management information is management information for managing a plurality of players in a cooperative relationship. Group management information is added each time a multiplayer recruitment is started by the host. As exemplified in FIG. 8(g), the group management information includes "group ID (identification information)" which is the first in the group, "status" indicating the current status of the group, "host" (player ID), ""Guest" (player ID) is associated at least. "Status" represents, for example, one of a plurality of states including recruiting, active, and extinct.

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

[2-4-2. Application processing of performance information]
(1) Procedure FIG. 9 illustrates a procedure for applying performance information by the system of the embodiment. In S905, the user terminal 30 detects the player's action to apply the performance information. In S910, the user terminal 30 transmits motion information of the motion detected in S905 to the user management server 10. FIG. The operation information includes performance information or data for specifying this. Data for specifying performance information is, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). The user management server 10 (receiving/providing unit 710) receives the motion information and identifies the position (specific position) indicated by the performance information.

In S915, the user management server 10 (setting unit 720) selects a portion (the first 1 part) is lifted. Specifically, the user management server 10 (setting unit 720) generates release management information (FIG. 8(c)), inputs the corresponding position in the "reference position", and inputs the current date and time in the "release timing". do. "Status" remains at the initial value (value indicating contracting). In S920, the user management server 10 causes the user terminal 30 to update the display content. By the above procedure, an activity area is secured based on the player's or other player's location records in the physical space.

(2) Supplement An activity area may be secured based on the location record of another player (second player) who has a cooperative relationship (predetermined personal relationship) with the player (first player). In S905, the action of applying for the multiplay recruited by the second player is detected. In S910, the group ID of the group management information (FIG. 8(g)) of the group being recruited is transmitted along with the operation information. The user management server 10 (receiving/providing unit 710) receives the operation information and specifies group management information. In S915, the activity area of the second player is reflected in the first player on condition that the "status" of the group management information has been updated to a value indicating validity. At this time, the activity area of the first player is similarly reflected in the second player.

[2-4-3. Shrink condition setting process]
(1) Procedure The setting unit 720 sets contraction conditions related to the active area in association with the active area in order to gradually shrink the active area from the initial size. Specifically, the setting unit 720 adds contraction condition information (FIG. 8(d)) for the newly secured active region. At this time, the "reference position" is a position (corresponding position) in the virtual map space corresponding to the position (specific position) indicated by the performance information. "Initial size" is a fixed value or a value corresponding to the type of performance information. "Terminal size" is a real number greater than or equal to zero. "Start" is the current date and time. "Termination" is the time when a predetermined period of time has elapsed from "Starting".

(2) Supplement In the service of the embodiment, the active area gradually shrinks based on each shrinkage condition. However, the system of the embodiment does not have the process of gradually shrinking the active area based on the shrinkage condition. Therefore, there is no need to synchronize data between the user management server 10 and the user terminal 30 regarding contraction of the active area. Note that the current size of the active area can be derived by calculation, since the active area gradually shrinks from the "initial size" to the "final size" during the period from the "initial stage" to the "final stage". That is, the current size of the active region is derived by multiplying the initial size by a number corresponding to the progress of the contraction period.

(3) Modification The user management server 10 may be configured to execute the process of gradually shrinking the active area based on the shrinkage condition.

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

In S1015, the user management server 10 inquires (searches) the data management server 20 for an active area in which the reference position is included in the changed display range. In S1020, the user management server 10 (the rendering unit 740 and the reception providing unit 710) provides the user terminal 30 with rendering instruction data for visually rendering the contraction of the active area (temporary area). In S1025, the user terminal 30 uses the rendering instruction data to visually render the contraction of the active area. The above procedure gives the user an impression of contraction of the active area.

(2) Contents of effect The user terminal 30 displays an object that visually represents the outline of the active area in a state where the center (reference position) of the active area is included in the display range. large size) to the current size (size close to the current size) in a predetermined time (short time). For example, in a state where the center 141 of the active area 142 is included in the display range (FIG. 2(b)), the object that visually represents the outline of the active area 142 is moved from the initial size to the current size for a predetermined time (for example, , 1 second) (Fig. 2(c)). This gives the user a strong impression of the contraction of the active area.

[2-4-5. Warning processing]
The warning unit 750 receives and provides warning instruction data for outputting a predetermined warning to the player when the spot (predetermined position) is expected to leave the active area (temporary area) within a predetermined time from the present. It is provided to the user terminal 30 (display device) via the unit 710 . This gives the user an impression of the disadvantage due to the contraction of the active area. Since the active area gradually shrinks from the "initial size" to the "final size" during the period from the "initial stage" to the "final stage", the timing at which a certain spot deviates from the active area can be derived by calculation.

In particular, the warning unit 750 provides warning instruction data for outputting a warning including a warning that the spot effect has not been activated only when a spot whose spot effect has not been activated is expected to move out of the active area. do. This gives the user a strong impression of the specific disadvantages of contraction of the active area. By recording whether or not the spot effect of a particular spot has been activated in association with a particular player, it is possible to determine whether or not the spot effect has not been activated.

[2-4-6. Contraction condition update process]
The setting unit 720 updates the contraction condition related to the active area so that the progress of contraction of the active area is inhibited on the condition that the player bears a consideration (deterrence consideration). The payment by the player is realized by updating the player management information (FIG. 8(a)) associated with the player so that the "number of currency items held" is decreased.

There are two types of inhibition of contraction progression: deceleration and interruption. In order to decelerate the progress of contraction, it is sufficient to delay the "final period" of the contraction condition information (FIG. 8(d)). To suspend the progress of contraction, update the "initial size" in the contraction condition information (Fig. 8(d)) to the current size, update the "initial period" to the date and time at which contraction is to be resumed, and update the "end period". The remaining time until the previous "end period" should be updated to the period after the "start period" after the update. This may encourage early action to arrest the progression of contraction of the active area.

[2-4-7. Diversion processing of performance information]
(1) Procedure FIG. 11 illustrates a procedure for diversion of performance information by the system of the embodiment. In S1105, the user terminal 30 detects an operation to shift (displace) the central position (corresponding position) of any active area. In S1110, the user terminal 30 transmits the operation information of the operation detected in S1105 to the user management server 10. FIG. The operation information includes a displacement vector (displacement direction and magnitude) of the object due to the above operation. The user management server 10 (receiving/providing unit 710) receives the operation information and specifies the position (displacement position) after being displaced by the above operation.

In S1115, the user management server 10 (setting unit 720) cancels the use restriction imposed on the portion (second portion) within the restricted area defined to include the post-displacement position (displacement position). . Specifically, the user management server 10 (setting unit 720) generates release management information (FIG. 8(c)), inputs the corresponding position in the "reference position", and inputs the current date and time in the "release timing". , and let "area division" be a value representing a rectangular area formed by diverting the performance information. In addition, a value indicating attachment (disappearing with the disappearance of at least one of the two connected active areas) is entered in "status". At this time, the "status" of the release management information (FIG. 8(c)) associated with the active area before displacement is updated to a value representing disappearance. In S1120, the user management server 10 causes the user terminal 30 to update the display content. Through the above procedure, the player's activity area can be secured by diverting the performance information.

(2) Aspect of Operation The shift operation is an operation of sliding an object that visually represents the outline of the active area on the screen in any direction and with any size. In the service of the embodiment, the swipe operation starts from the display area of the object and ends at a desired position. For example, when a swipe operation is performed starting from the display area of an object that visually represents the active area 162 (FIG. 3B), a displacement vector is specified from the start point and end point of the swipe operation.

[3. Modification]
In the above embodiment, the setting unit 720 updates the contraction condition for the active area so that the progress of contraction of the active area is inhibited on the condition that the player pays a consideration (deterrence consideration). Suppression of progress of contraction is, for example, deceleration of contraction and interruption of contraction.

On the other hand, the setting unit 720 restores the activity area (temporary area) on the condition that the player bears a consideration (restore consideration), and gradually shrinks the restored activity area from the initial starting size. A shrinkage condition for a region may be newly set in association with the active region. This may encourage early action to restore the active area. In particular, the setting unit 720 may restore the active area on the condition that the more advanced the contraction of the active area before restoration is, the greater the compensation (restoration compensation) is to be borne. This may encourage earlier action to restore the active area. The payment by the player is realized by updating the player management information (FIG. 8(a)) associated with the player so that the "number of currency items held" is decreased.

Further, the setting unit 720 may update the contraction condition for the active area so that the active area (temporary area) expands on condition that the player bears the consideration (expansion consideration). This may encourage early action to expand the active area. In particular, the setting unit 720 may determine the starting size after expansion according to the size of the price (expansion price) to be borne by the player. As a result, for example, the greater the cost burden, the greater the expansion. The payment by the player is realized by updating the player management information (FIG. 8(a)) associated with the player so that the "number of currency items held" is decreased.

To expand the active area, update the "initial size" in the contraction condition information (Fig. 8(d)) to the initial size after expansion, update the "start" to the present, and update the "end" to " It is sufficient to update the value obtained by adding the time (contraction time) from the "initial period" to the "final period" to the updated "initial period".

10 user management server (an example of a spatial information processing device)
20 data management server 21 storage 30 user terminal (an example of a display device)
40 communication network 710 reception providing unit (first reception means, second reception means, third reception means)
720 setting unit (restriction means, release means, addition release means, first setting means, second setting means)
730 Activation unit (activation means)
740 Production unit 750 Warning unit 760 Synchronization unit

Claims (6)

with a processor
The processor
displaying a first usable area available to the user based on the position of the user in a virtual space corresponding to the real space, and reducing the first usable area based on a predetermined condition;
displaying a second available area available to the user based on the user's past movement performance;
displaying the second available area available to the user, including the specific position based on the instruction of the user when the user has been located at a specific position in the past;
An information processing apparatus that displays a third usable area connecting the first usable area and the second usable area when the user performs a specific operation. with a processor
The processor
displaying a first usable area available to the user based on the position of the user in a virtual space corresponding to the real space, and reducing the first usable area based on a predetermined condition;
An information processing apparatus that outputs a warning when a predetermined object included in the first usable area is expected to move out of the first usable area after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. a processor displaying a first available area available to the user based on the user's position in a virtual space corresponding to the real space;
a processor reducing the first available area based on a predetermined condition ;
a processor displaying a second available area available to the user based on the user's past movement performance;
When the user was located at a specific location in the past, a processor displays the second available area available to the user including the specific location based on the user's instruction,
the processor displays a third available area connecting the first available area and the second available area when the user performs a specific operation;
control method. a processor displaying a first available area available to the user based on the user's position in a virtual space corresponding to the real space;
a processor reducing the first available area based on a predetermined condition ;
a processor outputting a warning if a given object contained in the first available space is expected to move out of the first available space after a predetermined amount of time;
control method. to the processor,
displaying a first available area available to the user based on the position of the user in a virtual space corresponding to the real space;
reducing the first usable area based on a predetermined condition ;
displaying a second available area that can be used by the user based on the user's past movement performance;
displaying the second available area available to the user, including the specific position, based on an instruction from the user when the user has been located at a specific position in the past;
displaying a third usable area connecting the first usable area and the second usable area when the user performs a specific operation;
program. to the processor,
displaying a first available area available to the user based on the position of the user in a virtual space corresponding to the real space;
reducing the first usable area based on a predetermined condition ;
outputting a warning when a predetermined object included in the first available space is expected to move out of the first available space after a predetermined time has elapsed;
program.

Images