JP7548102B2 - Information processing device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device and a program.

Conventionally, facilities such as game arcades are equipped with multiple commercial game devices (first terminal devices) capable of executing game programs.

In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses the provision of a terminal device that integrates multiple arcade game devices (first terminal devices) located in a facility.

Patent document 2 also discloses so-called cloud gaming, in which a game server executes a game and transmits the execution results to a second terminal device owned by the user, thereby providing the game to the user.

JP 2017-192602 A JP 2020-092877 A

However, while the technology in Patent Document 1 includes a terminal device, it is the terminal device installed in the facility that executes the game program (program), and it is costly to provide each terminal device with a high-performance control board capable of executing the program.

In addition, with the technology in Patent Document 2, the game server (information processing device) is installed in a location unrelated to the facility, so users who come to the facility cannot use the program smoothly without worrying about communication speeds.

The present invention was made in consideration of these problems, and its purpose is to provide an information processing device and program that can reduce the cost of the first terminal device installed in the facility and allows users who come to the facility to use the program smoothly using the first terminal device.

In order to solve the above problem, the information processing device according to the first aspect of the present invention is an information processing device installed in a facility, and is capable of communicating with a first terminal device installed in the facility and a second terminal device outside the facility, and includes: a reception means capable of receiving an execution request from the first terminal device and the second terminal device; a determination means for determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied when the reception means receives the execution request; and an execution control means for executing a program corresponding to the execution request and transmitting the execution result to the requesting terminal device when the determination result of the determination means indicates one of the determination results, and transmitting the execution request to an information processing device installed in another facility within a predetermined range of the one facility among a plurality of other facilities different from the one facility when the determination result of the determination means indicates the other determination result.

In the information processing device according to a second aspect of the present invention, the program includes a game program, and the determination means, when receiving the execution request from the first terminal device, determines whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied, and, when receiving the execution request from the second terminal device, does not determine whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied.

The information processing device according to the third aspect of the present invention further includes a storage means for storing connection information to a plurality of facilities including other facilities belonging to the same group as the one facility, and when the judgment result of the judgment means indicates the other judgment result, the execution control means inquires whether the program is executable based on the connection information of other facilities that are within a predetermined range of the one facility and belong to the same group as the one facility, and if the program is executable, transmits the execution request to an information processing device installed in the other facility that belongs to the group, and if the program is not executable, transmits the execution request to an information processing device installed in another facility outside the group.

In the information processing device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the storage means stores predetermined excluded facilities, and when the execution control means is unable to execute the request, it transmits the execution request to an information processing device installed in another facility outside the group, excluding the excluded facility.

In the information processing device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined condition includes a condition that the resources of the information processing device are insufficient.

In the information processing device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined condition includes a condition that the user or the facility requests a connection to the other facility.

In the information processing device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when a menu request is received from the first terminal device or the second terminal device, the reception means generates a menu image showing a list of a plurality of programs executable by the execution control means, which differs according to the attributes of the user of the terminal device that originated the request, and outputs the generated menu image to the terminal device that originated the request.

The program according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is an information processing device installed in a facility, and causes a computer capable of communicating with a first terminal device installed in the facility and a second terminal device outside the facility to function as: reception means capable of receiving an execution request from the first terminal device and the second terminal device; judgment means for judging whether a predetermined condition is satisfied when the execution request is received by the reception means; and execution control means for executing a program corresponding to the execution request and transmitting the execution result to the terminal device that made the request when the judgment result of the judgment means indicates one judgment result, and transmitting the execution request to an information processing device installed in another facility within a predetermined range of the one facility among a plurality of other facilities different from the one facility when the judgment result of the judgment means indicates the other judgment result.

The present invention makes it possible to reduce the cost of the first terminal device installed in the facility, and allows users who come to the facility to use the first terminal device to smoothly use the program.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an information processing system. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the game server illustrated in FIG. 1. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a first terminal device illustrated in FIG. 1 . 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a second terminal device illustrated in FIG. 1 . 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the matching server illustrated in FIG. 1 . 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the game server illustrated in FIG. 1. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of processes executed by the information processing system when providing a game to a user of a second terminal device. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of processes executed by the information processing system when providing a game to a user of a first terminal device. FIG.

Below, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components and steps in each drawing will be given the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

<Overall composition>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an information processing system 1. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a plurality of game servers 10 as an example of an information processing device, a plurality of first terminal devices 12, a plurality of second terminal devices 14, and a matching server 16. Of these, the game server 10 and the first terminal device 12 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a local area network N1. In addition, the game server 10, the second terminal device 14, and the matching server 16 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the Internet N2.

The game servers 10 are located in multiple facilities S, such as one facility S1, another facility S2 that belongs to the same group G1 as the one facility S1, and another facility S2 that belongs to a group G2 other than the group G1. The game servers 10 execute a game program and provide a game that is the result of the execution to a user of a first terminal device 12 and a user of a second terminal device 14. Examples of the facilities S include game centers, hotels, leisure facilities, data centers, etc.

The first terminal device 12 is located in each facility S. This first terminal device 12 receives a game from the game server 10. Then, when a user plays the received game, the first terminal device 12 receives operations from the user.

The second terminal device 14 is located outside the facility S and is, for example, owned by a user. This second terminal device 14 receives games from the game server 10. When the user plays the received game, the second terminal device 14 accepts operations by the user. Examples of the second terminal device 14 include a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, etc.

When a user of a second terminal device 14 plays a game, the matching server 16 matches the user with one of the multiple game servers 10.

<Hardware Configuration>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the game server 10 illustrated in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game server 10 includes a control board 20, an external storage device 22, and a communication device 24. The control board 20, the external storage device 22, and the communication device 24 are electrically connected via a bus B1.

The control board 20 is a more expensive and high-performance board than the control board 30 of the first terminal device 12, and is integrated in the game server 10. Specifically, it is preferable that the control boards 20 are integrated in the same number as or more than the number of the first terminal devices 12. This control board 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20A, a memory 20B, and an internal storage device 20C. The CPU 20A is capable of executing an application program 26 (hereinafter referred to as "app 26"), and is high-performance enough to smoothly execute, for example, a game program with heavy processing. The memory 20B is a storage device that temporarily deploys the app 26 executed by the CPU 20A. The internal storage device 20C is composed of a hard disk or the like. This internal storage device 20C stores multiple types of apps 26, such as app A and app B, according to the facility S and demand. Examples of the app 26 include a game program, an image analysis program, a weather analysis program, and an AI (Artificial Intelligence) program. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the app 26 is a game program.

The external storage device 22 is composed of a hard disk or the like. This external storage device 22 stores a number of apps 26 equal to or greater than the number of apps 26 stored in the internal storage device 20C. For example, if the number of apps 26 stored in the internal storage device 20C is around 2 or 30, the number of apps 26 stored in the external storage device 22 is 100 or more, although this depends on the storage capacity of each storage device. The apps 26 stored in this external storage device 22 are installed in the internal storage device 20C as necessary, such as when the user uses them.

The communication device 24 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with an external device. The communication device 24 transmits and receives various information to and from the first terminal device 12, for example.

The game server 10 may be composed of a single information processing device, or may be composed of multiple information processing devices distributed over a communication network. Also, FIG. 2 shows only a portion of the main hardware configuration of the game server 10, and the game server 10 may be composed of other configurations that are typically included in server devices, for example.

Figure 3 is a block diagram that shows an example of the hardware configuration of the first terminal device 12 shown in Figure 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first terminal device 12 includes a control board 30, an external storage device 32, an operation device 34, a display device 36, and a communication device 38. The control board 30, the external storage device 32, the operation device 34, the display device 36, and the communication device 38 are electrically connected via a bus B2.

The control board 30 includes a CPU 30A and a memory 30B. The CPU 30A is less expensive and has lower performance than the CPU 20A. This CPU 30A is capable of playing advertising videos and the like. The memory 30B is capable of temporarily expanding programs.

The external storage device 32 stores data such as advertising videos.

The operation device 34 receives operations from the user and inputs the operation information to the first terminal device 12. This operation device 34 may be prepared according to the type of the first terminal device 12.

The display device 36 displays the results of execution of the app 26, for example, game images. This display device 36 may be prepared according to the type of the first terminal device 12.

The communication device 38 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with an external device. The communication device 38 transmits and receives various information to and from the game server 10, for example.

Figure 4 is a block diagram that shows an example of the hardware configuration of the second terminal device 14 shown in Figure 1.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second terminal device 14 includes a CPU 50, a memory 52, a display device 54, a sound output device 56, an input device 58, and a communication device 60.

The CPU 50 controls the display device 54, sound output device 56, etc.

Memory 52 stores various data and programs.

The display device 54 displays the game screen of the game.

The sound output device 56 outputs the game sounds of the game.

The input device 58 inputs user operation information to the second terminal device 14.

The communication device 60 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with external devices. The communication device 60 transmits and receives various information to and from the game server 10, for example.

Figure 5 is a block diagram that shows an example of the hardware configuration of the matching server 16 shown in Figure 1.

As shown in FIG. 5, the matching server 16 includes a control board 70, a communication device 76, and a storage device 78. The control board 70 is mainly configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 72 and a memory 74.

In the control board 70, the CPU 72 executes a predetermined program stored in the memory 74 or the storage device 78, etc., to function as various functional components. Details of these functional components will be described later.

The communication device 76 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with an external device. This communication device 76 transmits and receives various information to and from the second terminal device 14, for example.

The storage device 78 is composed of a hard disk or the like. This storage device 78 stores various programs and information required to execute processing on the control board 70, as well as information on the processing results.

The matching server 16 can be realized using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer. The matching server 16 may be composed of a single information processing device, or may be composed of multiple information processing devices distributed over the communication network NT. FIG. 5 shows only a portion of the main hardware configuration of the matching server 16, and the matching server 16 may have other configurations that are generally included in a server.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the game server 10 illustrated in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the game server 10 has, as its functional configuration, a storage means 90, a reception means 92, a determination means 94, and an execution control means 96. These functional configurations are realized by the control board 20 executing various programs including the app 26 stored in the internal storage device 20D.

The storage means 90 has a function of storing, for example, a facility list 90A and an exclusion list 90B. The facility list 90A describes, for each region, for example, for each prefecture, the identification information (name and ID) of multiple facilities S, address information, connection information such as an IP (Internet Protocol) address for communicating with the game server 10 of each facility S, and identification information of the group to which the facility S belongs. Furthermore, the exclusion list 90B describes identification information of excluded facilities that are predetermined for each facility S or group. Note that the predetermined excluded facilities may be different for each facility S.

The reception means 92 has a function of receiving execution requests from the first terminal device 12 and the second terminal device 14.

The determination means 94 has a function of determining whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied when the reception means 92 receives an execution request. In this embodiment, the determination means 94 determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied when an execution request is received from the first terminal device 12, and does not determine whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied when an execution request is received from the second terminal device 14. This predetermined condition includes a condition in which the game server 10 has insufficient resources due to reasons such as the execution of a game program corresponding to the execution request from the second terminal device 14. The predetermined condition also includes a condition in which there is a connection request from a user or one facility S1 (or its administrator) to another facility S2.

The execution control means 96 has a function of executing the application 26, particularly the game program, corresponding to the execution request and transmitting the execution result to the requesting terminal device when the judgment result of the judgment means 94 indicates one judgment result (positive judgment or negative judgment), and transmitting an execution request to another game server 10 installed in another facility S2 within a predetermined range from the one facility S1 among a plurality of other facilities S2 different from the one facility S1 when the judgment result of the judgment means 94 indicates the other judgment result (negative judgment or positive judgment). Note that the predetermined range is, for example, preferably within a radius of 100 km from the one facility S1, more preferably within a radius of 50 km, and even more preferably within a radius of 20 km.
In addition, when the judgment result of the judgment means 94 indicates the other judgment result, the execution control means 96 may inquire whether the game program is executable based on the connection information of another facility S2 that is within a predetermined range of the first facility S1 and belongs to the same group G1 as the first facility S1, and if the game program is executable, send an execution request to another game server 10 installed in the other facility S2 that belongs to the group G1, and if the game program is not executable, send an execution request to a game server 10 installed in the other facility S2 outside the group G1.
In addition, if the inquiry results in a determination that the action is not executable, the execution control means 96 may send an execution request to a game server 10 installed in another facility S2 outside the group G1, excluding the excluded facility.

When a menu request is received from the first terminal device 12 or the second terminal device 14, the reception means 92 generates a menu image showing a list of multiple game programs that can be executed by the execution control means 96, which differs depending on the attributes of the user of the terminal device that made the request, and outputs the generated menu image to the terminal device that made the request.

<Processing flow>
7 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processes executed by the information processing system 1 when providing a game to a user of the second terminal device 14. Note that the contents and order of the following processes can be changed as appropriate.

(Step SP100)
When the second terminal apparatus 14 accepts the user's operation, it transmits a login request including the user's user ID, password, IP address, etc. to the matching server 16. Then, the process proceeds to step SP102.

(Step SP102)
The matching server 16 receives a login request from the second terminal device 14. In response to this, the matching server 16 executes authentication processing based on the user ID and password included in the login request and the user information stored in a storage means (not shown). If this authentication processing is successful, the processing proceeds to step SP104. If the authentication processing fails, an error is output to the second terminal device 14, and the series of processing shown in FIG. 7 ends.

(Step SP104)
The matching server 16 extracts one facility from the multiple facilities S for each region. For example, if a facility representing each region is registered in the matching server 16, the matching server 16 extracts one representative facility from the multiple facilities S for each region. Then, the process proceeds to step SP106. If the login request includes a game ID of a game that the user wishes to play, the matching server 16 may extract one facility from the multiple facilities S for each region where the game indicated by the game ID can be played. Then, the process proceeds to step SP106.

(Step SP106)
The matching server 16 acquires the IP address of each of the extracted game servers 10 of each facility as connection information. Next, the matching server 16 outputs (transmits) to the second terminal device 14 a measurement instruction to measure the communication speed between the game server 10 of one facility extracted for each region and the second terminal device 14. Note that this measurement instruction includes the IP address of the game server 10 of each facility acquired by the matching server 16. Then, the process proceeds to step SP108.

(Step SP108)
The second terminal device 14 receives a measurement instruction from the matching server 16. In response to this, the second terminal device 14 measures the communication speed between the second terminal device 14 and the game server 10 of one of the facilities extracted for each region, based on each IP address included in the measurement instruction. Next, the second terminal device 14 transmits the communication speed measurement result to the matching server 16. Then, the process proceeds to step SP110.

(Step SP110)
The matching server 16 receives the measurement results from the second terminal device 14. In response to this, the matching server 16 extracts one area linked to the facility that showed the fastest communication speed among the received measurement results. Then, the process proceeds to step SP112.

(Step SP112)
The matching server 16 acquires the IP addresses of the game servers 10 of the facilities S associated with the extracted region as connection information for each of them. Next, the matching server 16 outputs (transmits) to the second terminal device 14 a measurement instruction to measure the communication speed between the game servers 10 of the facilities S associated with the region and the second terminal device 14. Note that this measurement instruction includes each of the IP addresses acquired by the matching server 16. Then, the process proceeds to step SP114.

(Step SP114)
The second terminal device 14 receives a measurement instruction from the matching server 16. In response to this, the second terminal device 14 measures the communication speed between the second terminal device 14 and each of the game servers 10 of the multiple facilities S associated with one area, based on each IP address included in the measurement instruction. Next, the second terminal device 14 transmits the measurement results of the communication speed to the matching server 16. Then, the process proceeds to step SP116.

(Step SP116)
The matching server 16 receives the measurement result of the communication speed from the second terminal device 14. In response to this, the matching server 16 extracts a predetermined number of game servers 10 of facilities S from among the game servers 10 of the facilities S associated with one area based on the received measurement result. Specifically, the matching server 16 extracts the game servers 10 of five facilities in order of fastest communication speed from among the game servers 10 of the facilities S associated with one area. Next, the matching server 16 generates a connection candidate list including the game servers 10 of the extracted facilities. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP118.

(Step SP118)
The matching server 16 inquires of each game server 10 (connection destination) included in the connection destination candidate list about the setting parameters 60A, etc. Then, the process proceeds to step SP120.

(Step SP120)
Each game server 10 that has received an inquiry from the matching server 16 returns answer information including the current operation status (the number of available or unavailable resources), reservation information, etc. to the matching server 16. Then, the process proceeds to step SP122.

(Step SP122)
The matching server 16 receives the response information from each game server 10. In response to this, the matching server 16 updates the connection destination candidate list based on the received response information. Specifically, the matching server 16 excludes game servers 10 with a small number of resources and reserved game servers 10 from the connection destination candidate list. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP124.

(Step SP124)
The matching server 16 selects a game server 10 of one of the facilities S1 from the updated connection destination candidate list, either automatically or in response to an operation by the user of the second terminal device 14. Then, the process proceeds to step SP126.

(Step SP126)
The matching server 16 transmits a connection instruction to the second terminal device 14 to connect to the game server 10 of the selected facility S1. This connection instruction includes, for example, the IP address of the game server 10 of the selected facility S1. Then, the process proceeds to step SP128.

(Step SP128)
The second terminal device 14 receives a connection instruction from the matching server 16. In response to this, the second terminal device 14 establishes a communication connection with the game server 10 of one facility S1 selected by the matching server 16, based on the IP address included in the received connection instruction. Then, the process proceeds to step SP130.

(Step SP130)
The second terminal device 14 transmits a payment process request for the game play fee, including the user ID, to the game server 10 with which the communication connection has been established. Then, the process proceeds to step SP132.

(Step SP132)
The reception means 92 of the game server 10 receives a processing request from the second terminal device 14. In response to this, the reception means 92 executes a payment process based on the settlement information (credit card information or game point information) linked to the user ID included in the received processing request, and grants the user one or more credits indicating the right to play the game. The reception means 92 then transmits a notification to the second terminal device 14 that the credits have been granted. Then, the process proceeds to step SP134.

(Step SP134)
The second terminal device 14 receives a notification that credits have been granted from the game server 10. In response to this, the second terminal device 14 displays a notification that credits have been granted. Next, the second terminal device 14 transmits a request to run the game to the game server 10 in response to a user operation. Then, the process proceeds to step SP136.

(Step SP136)
The reception means 92 of the game server 10 receives the execution request from the second terminal device 14. In response to this, the execution control means 96 of the game server 10 consumes a predetermined number of the user's credits and executes the game program. Next, the execution control means 96 transmits the execution result of the game program to the second terminal device 14. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP138.

(Step SP138)
The second terminal device 14 receives the execution result from the game server 10. In response to this, the second terminal device 14 outputs the execution result to the display device 54, the sound output device 56, etc. Then, the processing proceeds to the processing of step SP140.

(Step SP140)
The second terminal device 14 accepts a user operation via the input device 58. In response to this, the second terminal device 14 transmits operation information of the accepted operation to the game server 10. Then, the processing proceeds to the processing of step SP142.

(Step SP142)
The game server 10 receives operation information from the second terminal device 14. In response to this, the execution control means 96 progresses the game based on the received operation information, and transmits the progress result to the second terminal device 14.

By repeating the above steps SP140 and SP142, the game is provided to the user of the second terminal device 14.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the information processing system 1 when providing a game to a user of the first terminal device 12. Note that the content and order of the following processing can be changed as appropriate.

(Step SP200)
The first terminal device 12 installed in one facility S1 judges whether or not a user has operated the operation device 34. If the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP202, and if the judgment is negative, the series of processes shown in FIG. 8 ends.

(Step SP202)
The first terminal device 12 transmits a menu request including the user ID to the game server 10 of the first facility S1. Then, the process proceeds to step SP204.

(Step SP204)
The game server 10 of one facility S1 receives a menu request from the first terminal device 12. In response to this, the reception means 92 of the game server 10 generates a menu image showing a list of multiple game programs executable by the execution control means 96. In this embodiment, the reception means 92 acquires user attributes such as the gender, age, game preferences, and game play history of the user of the first terminal device 12 that is the request source based on the user ID included in the menu request. Then, the reception means 92 generates different menu images according to the acquired attributes. Specifically, if the user attributes indicate that the user likes shooting games, the reception means 92 arranges shooting games at the top of the menu image. Also, if the user attributes indicate that the user has the most card game play history, the reception means 92 arranges card games at the top of the menu image. After generating the menu image, the reception means 92 transmits the generated menu image to the first terminal device 12 that is the request source. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP206. In this step, the reception means 92 has been described as generating a menu image, but it is also possible to generate and store a plurality of types of menu images in advance and select one menu image according to the attributes from among the plurality of types of menu images.

(Step SP206)
The first terminal device 12 receives the menu image from the game server 10 of one facility S1. In response to this, the first terminal device 12 displays the received menu image on the display device 36. Then, the processing proceeds to the processing of step SP208.

(Step SP208)
The first terminal device 12 accepts the selection of one game program from among the multiple game programs displayed on the menu image via the operation device 34. Then, the process proceeds to step SP210.

(Step SP210)
The first terminal device 12 determines the play fee for the game program whose selection has been accepted, and displays it on the display device 36. Then, the process proceeds to step SP212.

(Step SP212)
The first terminal device 12 accepts payment of the play fee from the user, and the process then proceeds to step SP214.

(Step SP214)
The first terminal device 12 transmits an execution request including the program ID of the game program whose selection has been accepted to the facility S1 in which the first terminal device 12 is installed and to the game server 10 installed in the same facility. Then, the process proceeds to step SP216.

(Step SP216)
The game server 10 of one facility S1 receives an execution request from the first terminal device 12. In response to this, the determination means 94 of the game server 10 determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied based on, for example, status information indicating the status of the game server 10. In this embodiment, this predetermined condition is a condition that the game server 10 does not have enough resources to execute a new game program because the game server 10 is executing a game program corresponding to the execution request from the second terminal device 14. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP220, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP218. If the predetermined condition is a condition that the game server 10 has enough resources to execute a new game program, the process proceeds to a destination step opposite to the above destination step.

(Step SP218)
The execution control means 96 of the game server 10 executes the game program corresponding to the program ID included in the execution request, and transmits the execution result to the requesting first terminal device 12. Then, the process proceeds to step SP226.

(Step SP220)
The execution control means 96 determines the transfer destination of the execution request. Specifically, the execution control means 96 acquires connection information of the other facilities S2 that are within a predetermined range from the one facility S1 among a plurality of other facilities S2 different from the one facility S1 and belong to the same group G1 as the one facility S1, based on the facility list 90A. Next, the execution control means 96 inquires of the game servers 10 of the other facilities S2 that belong to the group G1 whether the game program can be executed based on the acquired connection information. If the result of the inquiry is that the game program can be executed, the execution control means 96 determines the transfer destination of the execution request to the game servers 10 of the other facilities S2 that belong to the group G1. If the result of the inquiry is that the game program can not be executed, the execution control means 96 determines the transfer destination of the execution request to the other game servers 10 installed in the other facilities S2 that are other than the group G1 and are other facilities S2 excluding the excluded facilities described in the exclusion list 90B. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP222.

(Step SP222)
The game server 10 of the one facility S1 transfers (transmits) an execution request to the game server 10 of the other facility S2 that has been determined. Then, the process proceeds to step SP224.

(Step SP224)
The game server 10 of the other facility S2 receives the execution request from the game server 10 of the first facility S1. In response to this, the execution control means 96 of the game server 10 of the other facility S2 executes the game program corresponding to the program ID included in the execution request, and transmits the execution result to the first terminal device 12 that originated the request. Then, the process proceeds to step SP226.

(Step SP226)
The first terminal device 12 receives the execution result from the game server 10 in one facility S1 or the game server 10 in another facility S2. In response to this, the first terminal device 12 outputs the execution result to the display device 36. Then, the processing proceeds to the processing of step SP228.

(Step SP228)
The first terminal device 12 accepts a user's operation via the operation device 34. In response to this, the first terminal device 12 transmits operation information of the accepted operation to the execution source game server 10. The execution source game server 10 receives the operation information from the first terminal device 12. In response to this, the execution control means 96 progresses the game based on the received operation information, and transmits the progress result to the first terminal device 12.
By repeating the above step SP228, a game is provided to the user of the first terminal device 12.

＜Effects＞
As described above, in this embodiment, the game server 10 is installed in one facility S1 and is capable of communicating with a first terminal device 12 installed in the one facility S1 and a second terminal device 14 outside the one facility S1, and is equipped with a reception means 92 capable of receiving an execution request from the first terminal device 12 and the second terminal device 14, a judgment means 94 which, when the reception means 92 receives an execution request, judges whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, and an execution control means 96 which, when the judgment result of the judgment means 94 indicates one judgment result, executes a game program corresponding to the execution request and transmits the execution result to the terminal device that originated the request, and, when the judgment result of the judgment means 94 indicates the other judgment result, transmits the execution request to a game server 10 installed in another facility S2 that is within a predetermined range of the one facility S1 among a plurality of other facilities different from the one facility S1.
According to this configuration, since the game server 10 executes the game program, the control board 30 of the first terminal device 12 is eliminated or a low-performance and inexpensive control board 30 is prepared, so that the cost of the first terminal device 12 can be reduced. In addition, since the game server 10 is installed in the facility S, the first terminal device 12 and the game server 10 can communicate with each other via the local area network N1, and a user who comes to the facility S can use the game program smoothly using the first terminal device 12 without worrying about the communication speed. In addition, when the judgment result of the judgment means 94 indicates the other judgment result, an execution request is transmitted to the game server 10 installed in another facility S2 within a predetermined range from the one facility S1 among a plurality of other facilities different from the one facility S1, so that the first terminal device 12 and the other game server 10 can communicate with each other within a predetermined range, i.e., at a short distance, and thus the game program can be used smoothly.

In addition, in this embodiment, the program includes a game program, and when an execution request is received from the first terminal device 12, the determination means 94 determines whether or not a specified condition is satisfied, and when an execution request is received from the second terminal device 14, it does not determine whether or not the specified condition is satisfied.
This configuration can reduce the processing load on the game server 10. When an execution request is received from the second terminal device 14, the matching server 16 may first determine whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied.

In this embodiment, the storage means 90 stores connection information to a plurality of facilities including another facility S2 belonging to the same group G1 as the one facility S1. When the determination result of the determination means 94 indicates the other determination result, the execution control means 96 inquires whether the game program is executable based on the connection information of the other facility S2 that is within a predetermined range from the one facility S1 and belongs to the same group G1 as the one facility S1, and if the game program is executable, transmits an execution request to another game server 10 installed in the other facility S2 that belongs to the group G1, and if the game program is not executable, transmits an execution request to another game server 10 installed in the other facility S2 outside the group G1.
According to this configuration, even if the game server 10 at one facility S1 is unavailable, an execution request is sent to a game server 10 installed at another facility S2 belonging to group G1, thereby increasing the likelihood that a game server 10 with a similar environment to the game server 10 at one facility S1 can be used, thereby preventing a decrease in the motivation of users who come to one facility S1 to play the game.

In addition, in this embodiment, the memory means 90 stores predetermined excluded facilities, and when execution is not possible, the execution control means 96 sends an execution request to a game server 10 installed in another facility S2 outside the group G1, excluding the excluded facilities.
According to this configuration, for example, game servers 10 having a different environment from the game server 10 in one facility S1 can be excluded, and a decrease in the motivation of users who come to one facility S1 to play the game can be prevented.

In this embodiment, the predetermined conditions include a condition that the game server 10 has insufficient resources.
According to this configuration, even if a user who comes to one facility S1 cannot use the game server 10 at that facility S1, the user can use the game server 10 at another facility S2, and can use the game program smoothly.

In this embodiment, the predetermined conditions include a condition that a user or facility S1 requests a connection to another facility S2.
According to this configuration, game programs of other facilities S2 can be smoothly used in response to requests from the user, one facility S1, etc.

Also, in this embodiment, when a menu request is made from the first terminal device 12 or the second terminal device 14, the reception means 92 generates a menu image showing a list of multiple game programs that can be executed by the execution control means 96, and generates a different menu image depending on the attributes of the user of the terminal device that made the request, and outputs the generated menu image to the terminal device that made the request.
This configuration can improve convenience when the user selects one game program by viewing the menu image.

<Modification>
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In other words, even if a person skilled in the art appropriately modifies the above-described embodiment, the same will be included in the scope of the present invention as long as the features of the present invention are included. In addition, the elements of the above-described embodiment and the modified examples described below can be combined to the extent technically possible, and the combination of these elements will be included in the scope of the present invention as long as the features of the present invention are included.

For example, in the above embodiment, the application 26 executed by the execution control means 96 is described as a game program, but the application 26 may be a program other than a game program, such as MR (Mixed Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), or AR (Augmented Reality).

In the above embodiment, a game center or the like is given as an example of the facility S, but the facility S may also include a facility where location testing of a new or updated game program is possible. In this case, the determination means 94 may determine, based on the user ID or the like, whether or not the user satisfies a predetermined condition that the user is a person who wishes to perform a location test, and if a positive determination is made, the execution control means 96 may send an execution request to the game server 10 installed in the facility where location testing is possible.

In addition, although the above embodiment did not mention details about the play fee, the play fee may be set differently for each facility S even when playing the same game program. In this case, the determination means 94 may determine whether or not a predetermined condition is met in which the user desires a lower play fee, and if a positive determination is made, the execution control means 96 may send an execution request to a game server 10 installed in another facility S2 that has a play fee set lower than that of the first facility S1.

10: game server (information processing device), 92: acceptance means, 94: determination means, 96: execution control means

Claims (5)

An information processing device installed in a facility, the information processing device being capable of communicating with a first terminal device installed in the facility and a second terminal device outside the facility,
a receiving means capable of receiving an execution request from the first terminal device and the second terminal device;
a determination means for determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied when the execution request is received by the reception means;
an execution control means for executing a program corresponding to the execution request and transmitting the execution result to a terminal device which has made the request when the determination result of the determination means indicates one of the determination results, and for transmitting the execution request to an information processing device installed in another facility which is within a predetermined range of the one facility among a plurality of other facilities different from the one facility when the determination result of the determination means indicates the other determination result;
An information processing device comprising: the predetermined condition includes a condition that the information processing device has insufficient resources;
The information processing device according to claim 1 . The predetermined condition includes a condition that a connection request is made by a user of a requesting terminal device or the facility to the other facility.
3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2 . the receiving means, when receiving a menu request from the first terminal device or the second terminal device, generates a menu image showing a list of a plurality of programs executable by the execution control means, the menu image differing according to attributes of a user of the terminal device which has made the request, and outputs the generated menu image to the terminal device which has made the request.
The information processing device according to claim 1 . A computer that is an information processing device installed in a facility and is capable of communicating with a first terminal device installed in the facility and a second terminal device outside the facility,
a receiving means capable of receiving an execution request from the first terminal device and the second terminal device;
a determination means for determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied when the execution request is received by the reception means;
an execution control means for executing a program corresponding to the execution request and transmitting the execution result to a terminal device which has made the request when the determination result of the determination means indicates one of the determination results, and for transmitting the execution request to an information processing device installed in another facility which is within a predetermined range of the one facility among a plurality of other facilities different from the one facility when the determination result of the determination means indicates the other determination result;
A program to function as a

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