JP7741388B2 - Program and information processing system - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a program and an information processing system.

Games have been proposed to help users improve their lifestyle habits and maintain their health (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-072800

However, for general game users, it can sometimes be difficult to balance game progress with improving lifestyle habits.

In consideration of the above circumstances, this disclosure aims to provide a program that runs a game that can motivate users to improve their lifestyle habits.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a program is provided. This program causes a computer to execute the following steps: In the first game control step, progress of the game is controlled in a first state in which the game progresses based on user operation. In the second game control step, progress of the game is controlled in a second state in which the game progresses regardless of user operation. In the acquisition step, activity information of the user is acquired. In the first display step, if the activity information does not match the user's target state, first recommendation information including content recommending to the user to progress the game in the second state is displayed. In the granting step, a first benefit is granted to the user in response to an improvement in the activity information while the game is progressing in the second state.

This disclosure allows game users to be motivated to improve their lifestyle habits.

1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an information processing device 2 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an activity diagram showing an example of a flow of processing executed by the information processing system 1. FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing an example of an event progress screen 5 visually recognized by a user. FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing an example of a screen visually recognized by a user. FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing an example of an event progress screen 5 visually recognized by a user. FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing an example of an event progress screen 5 visually recognized by a user. FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing an example of a result display screen 7 visually recognized by a user. 10A and 10B are conceptual diagrams showing examples of a second benefit display screen 8 and a recommendation display screen 9 visually recognized by the user. FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing an example of a screen visually recognized by a user in a modified example. FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing an example of a game screen visually recognized by a user in a multiplayer game.

[Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

The program for realizing the software featured in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, may be provided as a downloadable medium from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is launched on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

In this embodiment, the term "unit" can also include, for example, hardware resources implemented by circuits in the broad sense, and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. This embodiment handles a variety of information, which can be represented, for example, by physical signal values representing voltage and current, high and low signal values as a collection of binary bits consisting of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculations can be performed on circuits in the broad sense.

In a broad sense, a circuit is a circuit realized by at least an appropriate combination of a circuit, circuitry, processor, memory, etc. In other words, it includes application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (e.g., simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), etc.

1. Description of the Game Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. In the information processing system 1 shown in Fig. 1, an information processing device 2 and a plurality of game devices 3 are communicably connected to each other via a communication network 11, and a game is executed on the game devices 3.

The game according to this embodiment is an online game executed by the information processing system 1. In this game, a user of the game device 3 controls one or more player characters to act in a virtual game space, and pits the player characters against enemy characters, which are non-player characters. A character is also an example of an object.

The above-described games are played using a game device 3, which may be a home game console such as a PlayStation (registered trademark), a portable game console such as a Nintendo Switch (registered trademark), or an electronic device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet device.

2. Overview of Information Processing System 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the information processing system 1 is composed of an information processing device 2 and multiple game devices 3. The information processing device 2 stores game programs and game data, and manages the game data of the game devices 3 (for each account information described below). The information processing device 2 is composed of, for example, a server. Each of the multiple game devices 3 has the same configuration. Note that in this embodiment, a system is composed of one or more devices or components. Therefore, for example, the information processing device 2 or game device 3 described below alone can also be an example of the information processing system 1.

The game device 3 executes a predetermined game based on user operations. To do so, the game device 3 receives (specifically, downloads and installs) a game program and game data from the information processing device 2 via the communications network 11. Each user is assigned account information, including identification information and a password, that is associated with the game device 3. This account information is transmitted from the game device 3 to the information processing device 2 at login and is used for user authentication on the information processing device 2.

After user authentication, the information processing device 2 and game device 3 become able to communicate with each other. After logging in, the game device 3 receives data necessary for game progress (data related to the game progress status) from the information processing device 2, and then progresses the game while outputting game images and sounds to the display 4a and speaker 4b based on user operations.

2.1 Hardware Configuration Hereinafter, each hardware configuration of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

<Information processing device 2>
1, the information processing device 2 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. The communication unit 21 and the storage unit 22 are electrically connected to the control unit 23 via a communication bus 20.

The communication unit 21 is a so-called network interface that is communicatively connected to each game device 3 via a communication network 11 such as the Internet or a LAN. Main information received by the information processing device 2 via the communication unit 21 includes game program download request information, gacha lottery requests in response to user operations, quest execution requests, autoplay execution/end requests, account information, game data, etc. Main information transmitted by the information processing device 2 via the communication unit 21 includes information confirming that the game program has been received by the game device 3, information related to game media obtained through gacha, etc.

The storage unit 22 is composed of a hard disk drive (HDD), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 22 stores various programs, including part of the game program according to this embodiment, as well as various game-related data.

Specifically, for example, the storage unit 22 stores a user DB and a lottery list. The user DB stores, for each identification number of a user playing the game, information such as the user name, user rank, status information related to the player character operated by the user, the amount of consumable media usable in the virtual game space, and information related to parameters, all associated with the user. The lottery list is used for a lottery process commonly known as gacha, and includes multiple pieces of information related to game media to be selected. The lottery list associates information related to the game media (such as name, ability parameters, rarity, and level) with the selection rate in the lottery. Furthermore, the ability parameters include, for example, combat power, HP, attack power, defense power, intelligence, and speed if the game media is a player character.

The control unit 23 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of its own device, the information processing device 2. In particular, the control unit 23 realizes various functions related to its own device, the information processing device 2, by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 22. In other words, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 22 is specifically realized by the control unit 23, which is an example of hardware, and each of the functional units described below can be executed. Note that the control unit 23 is not limited to being single, and implementation may include multiple control units 23 for each function. A combination of these may also be used.

Examples of information processing executed by the control unit 23 include payment settlement processing, user account authentication processing, and gacha lottery selection processing. Payment settlement processing is executed, for example, based on a request for payment necessary to restore a predetermined amount of in-game parameters. User account authentication processing is executed, for example, using user identification information received from the game device 3. Gacha lottery selection processing is processing in which, in response to a gacha lottery request, one or more game media are selected by lottery from a lottery list based on the selection probability for each game medium. According to the gacha lottery selection processing, information about the selected game media and the identification information of the user who performed the operation that sent the lottery request are associated in the user DB, and the user is thereby awarded the game media that they won as a result of their own gacha draw.

To further expand on the above, "game media" refers to electronic data representing elements related to a game, such as the name of the character used as the player character and items (weapons, armor, tools) used by the player character in the virtual game space. Users can obtain game media through direct purchase, completing quests, or through a lottery system known as gacha. Obtained game media is stored and managed in a user DB in association with the identification information of the user who has acquired the game media. Furthermore, "gacha" is a method in which an information processing device 2 randomly selects game media from a lottery list based on a predetermined selection rate. The selected game media is then granted to the user's game device 3. "Granting game media selected through gacha to a user/owning the user" is synonymous with "associating/being associated with the game media selected through the lottery process with identification information identifying the user."

<Game Device 3>
A display 4a, a speaker 4b, and an input device 4c are externally connected or built into the game device 3. The game device 3 also has a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a control unit 33, a graphics processing unit 34a, an audio processing unit 34b, and an operation unit 34c. The communication unit 31, the storage unit 32, the graphics processing unit 34a, the audio processing unit 34b, and the operation unit 34c are electrically connected to the control unit 33 via a communication bus 30.

The communication unit 31 is a so-called network interface that is communicatively connected to the communication network 11 in order to send and receive various data between the game device 3 and the information processing device 2. Main information received by the game device 3 via the communication unit 31 includes account information, download request information for new game data, a gacha execution request, a quest execution request, etc. Main information transmitted by the game device 3 via the communication unit 31 includes new game data sent from the information processing device 2 in response to download request information, information regarding game media selected by lottery processing, etc.

The storage unit 32 is composed of an HDD, SSD, RAM, ROM, etc. The storage unit 32 stores game data downloaded from the information processing device 2, various programs including part of the game program, account information for the game device 3 itself, user information, etc. The user information is at least a portion of the information in the user DB stored in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2. The user DB manages a master of the user information, and the storage unit 32 of the game device 3 stores at least a portion of this master information distributed from the information processing device 2.

The control unit 33 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the game device 3 itself. In particular, the control unit 33 realizes various functions related to the game device 3 itself by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 32. In other words, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 32 is specifically realized by the control unit 33, which is an example of hardware, and each of the functional units described below can be executed. Note that the control unit 33 is not limited to being single, and implementation may include multiple control units 33 for each function. A combination of these may also be used.

In particular, the control unit 33 is configured to execute the game in accordance with the operation of the input device 4c by the user of the game device 3, which is the device itself. Specifically, the control unit 33 reads data such as virtual game space objects and textures included in the game data from the storage unit 32, or generates two-dimensional or three-dimensional game image information using data received from the information processing device 2. The game image information is processed by the graphics processing unit 34a, and the processed game images are sequentially displayed on the display 4a. In other words, the control unit 33 is configured to control the display of the display 4a and the audio output of the speaker 4b in accordance with the operation of the user of the game device 3, which is the device itself, when executing the game.

The graphics processing unit 34a renders game images, including characters and various objects related to the virtual game space, in animated format in accordance with game image information output from the control unit 33. The graphics processing unit 34a is connected to the display 4a, which may be, for example, an LCD, and the game images rendered in animated format are displayed on the display 4a as a game screen. The audio processing unit 34b is connected to the speaker 4b and plays and synthesizes game audio in accordance with instructions from the control unit 33, outputting this from the speaker 4b. The operation unit 34c is connected to the input device 4c and transmits and receives data related to operation inputs to and from the input device 4c. The user inputs operation signals to the game apparatus 3 by operating the input device 4c. The input device 4c is a general term for a touch panel integrated with the display 4a, an external game pad, a mouse, a keyboard, etc.

2.2 Functional Configuration Next, the functional configuration of the information processing device 2 of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing device 2 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 23 executes various programs stored in the memory unit 22, thereby functioning as a game control unit 230, an awarding unit 231, an execution unit 232, an acquisition unit 233, a determination unit 234, a notification unit 235, and a display control unit 236. In other words, information processing by the software stored in the memory unit 22 is specifically realized by the control unit 23, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 23.

The game control unit 230 is configured to control the progress of the game as a first game control step or a second game control step. As one example, the game control unit 230 controls the progress of the game in a first state or a second state. As another example, the game control unit 230 generates an event within the game, controls the progress of the event, or ends the event.

The granting unit 231 is configured to grant various benefits to the user in a game whose progress is controlled by the game control unit 230 as a granting step. As an example, the granting unit 231 grants the user a first benefit or a second benefit. A benefit is some kind of benefit that the user can enjoy in or outside of the game. It is not limited to objects or media, but also includes advantageous effects given to the user. A reward is one example of a benefit and is game media (e.g., items, in-game currency, etc.) that can be used in the game. Advantageous effects given to the user include various specification changes that allow the user to progress through the game more advantageously than usual, such as generating special events, changing the frequency of occurrence, changing the difficulty of events, changing the number or strength of enemy characters, etc. Advantageous effects given to the user also include effects that increase the user's interest in the game compared to usual, such as generating special visual effects on the game screen, enriching the display of game images, generating special background music or sound effects, and adding vibrations to the controller, which increase the user's interest in the game through the user's five senses.

The execution unit 232 is configured to execute, as an execution step, a switch from the first state to the second state, or a switch from the second state to the first state, in the game.

The acquisition unit 233 is configured to acquire various data as an acquisition step. For example, the acquisition unit 233 receives user account information, game data, user input, activity information IF3, etc. from the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2, the game device 3, or other external devices. In this embodiment, the various information received by the acquisition unit 233 is described as being stored in the storage unit 22.

The determination unit 234 is configured to perform a determination of various conditions in the game as a determination step. As an example, the determination unit 234 determines whether an event occurrence condition or end condition has been met.

The notification unit 235 is configured to execute various notifications to the user as a notification step. The notification method is not particularly limited; for example, the notification unit 235 may display a notification on the display 4a of the game device 3 via the display control unit 236, may emit a sound from the speaker 4b, or may vibrate the input device 4c. Notifications by the notification unit 235 may be continuously sent to some users, or may be canceled by input from the user via the input device 4c.

In the first or second display step, the display control unit 236 displays various pieces of information stored in the memory unit 32 or screens containing such information on the display 4a of the game device 3 in a visible manner. Specifically, the display control unit 236 may generate visual information itself, such as a screen, image (e.g., a still image or video), icon, text, etc., generated in a manner visible to humans, or may generate rendering information for displaying the visual information on the display 4a and transmit this, for example.

3. Operational Flow of Information Processing System 1 This section describes the operational flow of the information processing system 1 described above. As an example of an embodiment executed by the game device 3, the game device 3 will be described as a smartphone. Therefore, in the following example, the display 4a is assumed to include an input device 4c.

3.1 Overview of Information Processing Fig. 3 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the information processing system 1. Below, the flow of information processing will be outlined along this activity diagram.

First, as a first game control step, the game control unit 230 controls the progress of the game in manual mode, in which the game progresses based on user operation (activity A001). Specifically, the game control unit 230 controls the progress of the game in manual mode, which is executed on the user's smartphone, via the communication unit 21. Manual mode is an example of a first state in the game, and is a state in which the game progresses based on input by the user via the display 4a. Furthermore, a state in which the user can operate the game specifically refers to a state in which the user can operate the player character, select commands, etc., by tapping the display 4a, etc., and can control the progress of the game based on their own intentions.

Next, the acquisition unit 233 acquires an input of a target state (hereinafter also simply referred to as "goal") related to the user's activity information IF3 (activity A002). Specifically, the acquisition unit 233 acquires the goal input by the user via the communication unit 21. Activity information IF3 includes, for example, the user's sleep time, bedtime, wake-up time, number of steps, walking distance, walking time, location information, heart rate, screen time, game play time, etc., measured by the user's smartphone, wearable device, etc. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a goal of walking distance per day is set. Specifically, the target state is a state in which activity information IF3 satisfies a predetermined first threshold condition.

Next, the granting unit 231 grants a reward to the user via the communication unit 21 in response to the goal being set in activity A002 (activity A003).

Next, as an acquisition step, the acquisition unit 233 acquires the user's activity information IF3 (activity A004). Specifically, for example, when a specific time arrives, the acquisition unit 233 acquires via the communication unit 21 the total walking distance of the user measured that day using a smartphone or the like.

Next, the determination unit 234 determines whether the activity information IF3 acquired by the acquisition unit 233 does not meet the first threshold condition (activity A005). Specifically, for example, it determines whether the user's total walking distance in one day is less than the first threshold. If it is determined that the total walking distance is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the processing of activity A015, described below, is executed.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the total walking distance is less than the first threshold, the display control unit 236 displays first recommendation information IF1 on the display 4a (activity A006). The first recommendation information IF1 includes, for example, content recommending to the user that the game be played in auto mode. Auto mode is an example of a second state in a game, and is a state in which the game is played regardless of user operation. In other words, as a first display step, the display control unit 236 displays first recommendation information IF1 if the activity information IF3 is not in the user's desired state.

Next, the acquisition unit 233 acquires, via the communication unit 21, an input instruction to switch from manual mode to auto mode, or an input instruction to continue in manual mode (activity A007). Specifically, the acquisition unit 233 acquires input from the user via the display 4a.

Next, the execution unit 232 switches from manual mode to auto mode based on the input acquired in activity A007 (activity A008). Note that if the user inputs an instruction to continue in manual mode, the switch to auto mode is not executed.

Next, the notification unit 235 continuously notifies the user's smartphone that the game is progressing in auto mode (activity A009). Specifically, for example, the display control unit 236 displays a notification indicating that the game is in auto mode on the display 4a based on a notification signal from the notification unit 235.

Next, the acquisition unit 233 acquires activity information IF3 via the communication unit 21 (activity A010). Specifically, the acquisition unit 233 acquires activity information IF3 periodically acquired by a smartphone or the like while the game is progressing in auto mode.

Next, as a second game control step, the game control unit 230 controls the progress of the game in auto mode, in which the game progresses regardless of user operation (activity A011). Specifically, the game control unit 230 generates an event within the game progressing in auto mode and controls the progress of the event (second game control step). An event is, for example, a fighting game in which a player character fights an enemy character. In auto mode, the actions of the player character and the enemy character are controlled by the game control unit 230. An event is ended by the game control unit 230 when an end condition is met. An event end condition may be, for example, the player character controlled by the game control unit 230 defeating a specific enemy character. Furthermore, the event end condition may be the player character reaching a specific goal point in the game, the passage of a predetermined time limit or the fulfillment of a predetermined action restriction condition (such as reaching the number of action turns) regardless of whether the specific enemy character is defeated, the player character becoming unable to fight, the player character obtaining a specific item during the progress of the event, etc.

Next, the determination unit 234 determines whether the conditions for ending auto mode have been met (activity A012). An example of a condition for ending auto mode is when the user runs out of items necessary for event participation. If it is determined that the conditions for ending auto mode have not been met, the game continues to progress in auto mode, and the occurrence, progression, and end of events are repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the conditions for terminating the auto mode have been met, the execution unit 232 switches from the auto mode to the manual mode (activity A013).

Next, the notification unit 235 cancels the notification indicating that the device is in auto mode, which has been continuing since activity A009 (activity A014). Specifically, for example, the display control unit 236 hides the notification that was displayed on the display 4a based on the notification signal from the notification unit 235.

Next, the display control unit 236 displays a list of the results of events that occurred in auto mode, as well as information related to activity information IF3, on the display 4a (activity A015). The results of an event are information related to the end conditions of the event, such as information indicating the end conditions that were met, such as whether or not a competitive game was won, or information indicating the rewards the user earned by meeting the end conditions of the event.

Next, the determination unit 234 determines whether the activity information IF3 acquired by the acquisition unit 233 satisfies the first threshold condition (activity A016). Specifically, for example, it determines whether the user's total walking distance in one day is equal to or greater than the first threshold. If it is determined that the total walking distance is less than the first threshold, subsequent processing is omitted, and the game control unit 230 progresses the game in manual mode.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the total walking distance is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the granting unit 231 grants the first benefit to the user via the communication unit 21 (activity A017). In other words, as a granting step, the granting unit 231 grants the first benefit to the user in response to an improvement in the state of the activity information IF3 while the game is progressing in auto mode. The first benefit is, for example, an item that activates an effect that allows the game to progress advantageously for a certain period of time in manual mode. An effect that allows the game to progress advantageously for a certain period of time is, for example, an effect that improves parameters applied in the game (e.g., the player character's attack power, defense power, stamina value, etc.) for a certain period of time.

Next, the determination unit 234 determines whether the activity information IF3 acquired by the acquisition unit 233 satisfies the condition of the second threshold (activity A018). Specifically, for example, it determines whether the user's total walking distance in one day is equal to or greater than the second threshold. The second threshold is a value set as a higher goal compared to the first threshold. If it is determined that the total walking distance is less than the second threshold, subsequent processing is skipped, and the game control unit 230 progresses the game in manual mode.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the total walking distance is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the granting unit 231 grants the user a second benefit via the communication unit 21 (activity A019). In other words, as a granting step, the granting unit 231 grants the user a second benefit in response to the activity information IF3 satisfying the condition of a preset second threshold. Since the second benefit is similar to the first benefit, a description thereof will be omitted, but the content or quantity of the item granted as the second benefit is set to be more luxurious than the first benefit.

In summary, the information processing system 1 has the following components: As a first game control step, the game control unit 230 controls the progress of the game in manual mode, in which the game progresses based on user operation. As a second game control step, the game control unit 230 controls the progress of the game in auto mode, in which the game progresses regardless of user operation. The acquisition unit 233 acquires the user's activity information IF3. As a first display step, the display control unit 236 displays first recommendation information IF1 including content recommending to the user to play the game in auto mode if the activity information IF3 does not match the user's target state. The granting unit 231 grants the user a first benefit in response to an improvement in the state of the activity information IF3 while the game is progressing in auto mode.

These aspects can motivate users to improve their lifestyle habits or adopt an exercise routine. This can contribute to achieving Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (hereinafter referred to as SDGs), which is to "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages."

By setting the target state as a state in which activity information IF3 meets the conditions of a preset first threshold, it becomes clear whether the user has achieved their goal. Furthermore, by having the user set their own goal in advance and offering rewards upon goal achievement, it is possible to realize a mode in which the user can feel a sense of accomplishment. This makes it possible to more effectively support the user in improving their lifestyle habits.

By granting a second benefit in response to meeting the conditions of a second threshold, which is a goal higher than the first threshold, the user can be motivated to aim to achieve even higher goals. This can bring the user's lifestyle habits closer to an ideal state.

3.2 Details of Information Processing The details of the information processing outlined above will be explained using figures.

<Event Progress Screen 5 (Manual Mode)>
4 is an image diagram showing an example of an event progression screen 5 visually recognized by the user. The event progression screen 5 is an example of a screen displayed when the game control unit 230 generates an event in the game (first game control step) and progresses the generated event. Here, an example of a screen is shown in which an event is progressing in manual mode. The event progression screen 5 includes an event progression area 50 and a menu display area 51.

An event is, for example, a turn-based fighting game in which the player character and enemy character alternate attacks. The event progression area 50 displays the state of the fighting game as it progresses. In manual mode, the event progresses based on the actions of the player character, who is controlled based on user input, and it is determined whether or not the end condition has been met based on the results of the event progression. For example, the player character is controlled by the user pressing the command button 501.

The menu display area 51 includes a settings button 511. In response to the user pressing the settings button 511, the display control unit 236 causes, for example, the settings screen 6a (see Figure 5) described below to be displayed on the display 4a.

<Setting screen 6a (6b) and setting completion screen 6c>
5 is an image diagram showing an example of a screen visually recognized by the user. The setting screen 6a includes a plurality of detailed setting buttons 62 and a setting status 61 corresponding to each of the items. In the example of FIG. 5, the setting status 61 indicates that "Walking Distance Goal Setting" and "Sleep Goal Setting" have not been set. In response to the user pressing each detailed setting button 62, the display control unit 236 causes the display 4a to display a setting screen for each item.

Settings screen 6b is an example of a screen that is displayed on display 4a when the user presses the advanced settings button 62 labeled "Walking Distance Goal Setting" on settings screen 6a. In the example of Figure 5, the goal value, i.e., the first threshold, is displayed in the goal input box 63. For example, the display control unit 236 displays a recommended goal value in the goal input box 63, and increases or decreases this value when the user presses the adjustment button 64. Then, when the user presses the operation button 65 labeled "Set," goal walking distance setting is completed.

The setting completion screen 6c is an example of a screen that is displayed on the display 4a when goal setting is complete. The setting completion screen 6c displays, for example, the details of the reward granted to the user, the conditions for granting the first or second benefit, etc. When goal setting is complete, the display control unit 236 changes the display of the setting status 61 on the setting screen 6a to "Set."

<Recommendation Information Window 52 (First Recommendation Information IF1)>
Fig. 6 is an image diagram showing an example of an event progress screen 5 visually recognized by the user. The event progress screen 5 in Fig. 6 is an example of a screen displayed in activity A006 in Fig. 3. This shows an example of a state in which an event progressing in manual mode is temporarily paused and a recommendation information window 52, which is an example of first recommendation information IF1, is displayed.

As an example, if the user's walking distance is determined to be less than the first threshold at 8:00 PM every day, the recommendation information window 52 is displayed. As shown in the example in Figure 6, a message is displayed indicating that the goal has not been achieved, and the difference between the goal value and the actual result. Furthermore, a message is displayed recommending going for a walk with the device set to auto mode, and the user can select whether or not to accept this recommendation by pressing one of the operation buttons 521.

For example, when the operation button 521 displayed as "Yes!" in Figure 6 is pressed, the screen shown in Figure 7 is displayed, and the event resumes in auto mode. On the other hand, when the operation button 521 displayed as "No" is pressed, the recommended information window 52 is hidden, and the event resumes on the manual mode screen shown in Figure 1.

<Event Progress Screen 5 (Auto Mode)>
FIG. 7 is an image diagram showing an example of an event progress screen 5 visually recognized by the user. Here, an example screen is shown in a state in which an event is progressing in auto mode. In auto mode, user input is not accepted, and the actions of the player character are controlled without user input. Note that while the game is progressing in auto mode, the user can cancel auto mode and return to manual mode through user operation. In the example of FIG. 7 , the display control unit 236 displays the command button 501 in a darkened state. This allows the user to visually recognize that the game is progressing regardless of user operation.

In the example of Figure 7, the auto mode display 53 displayed in the event progress area 50 is an example of a notification for activity A009 in Figure 3. The auto mode display 53 displays, for example, that the game is progressing in auto mode, that the event is being automatically completed, and the conditions for ending auto mode. In the example of Figure 7, based on the number of items required to participate in the event, it is calculated that the user has 63 remaining times to participate in the event, and this is displayed on the auto mode display 53.

In an event, the determination unit 234 determines whether the event's end condition has been met based on the results of the event, which has progressed due to the actions of the player character. An event's end condition is, for example, the player character controlled by the game control unit 230 defeating a specific enemy character. If it is determined that the event's end condition has not been met, the event continues to progress in auto mode. On the other hand, if the event's end condition has been met, the game control unit 230 ends the event. Specifically, the game control unit 230 ends the event being executed on the user's smartphone via the communication unit 21.

Events are controlled to occur under different conditions in manual mode and auto mode. Specifically, for example, the game control unit 230 controls the types, contents, difficulty, etc. of events to occur in auto mode so that they are different. In particular, events of lower difficulty occur in auto mode compared to manual mode. Specifically, for example, the game control unit 230 may cause weaker enemy characters to appear in auto mode than enemy characters that appear in manual mode, or cause them to perform weaker attack actions. On the other hand, the reward for clearing the event may be reduced. This configuration prevents the user from staring at the game screen progressing in auto mode, and can prevent the user from looking at the screen while walking. This further improves the user's safety while the game is progressing in auto mode.

<Result display screen 7>
8 is an image diagram showing an example of the result display screen 7 visually recognized by the user. The result display screen 7 is an example of a screen displayed in activity A015 and activity A017 in FIG. 3. When the user presses the operation button 71 labeled "Close," the result display screen 7 is hidden and the event is resumed on the manual mode screen shown in FIG. 1.

The result display screen 7 displays, for example, the total amount or type of event rewards the user has earned in auto mode. The result display screen 7 also displays, for example, information related to the user's activity information IF3 obtained while the game was progressing in auto mode.

In the example of Figure 8, it is displayed that the user's cumulative walking distance for that day is 4.5 km, and that the total number of steps is 6,100. This example shows that the user achieved the goal they set for themselves (i.e., walking a distance of 3 km or more per day) while playing the game in auto mode. Therefore, the user is awarded a first benefit as a goal achievement bonus, and the details of this benefit are displayed on the result display screen 7.

<Second benefit display screen 8>
9 is an image diagram showing an example of second benefit display screen 8 and recommendation display screen 9 visually recognized by the user. Second benefit display screen 8 is an example of a screen displayed in activity A019 in FIG. 3. Second benefit display screen 8 is displayed on display 4a when, for example, the user presses operation button 71 on result display screen 7.

In the example of Figure 9, the second threshold is walking 1 km more than the first threshold of 3 km, i.e., a walking distance of 4 km or more. The user's track record for the day is 4.5 km, so the second threshold is met. Therefore, a second benefit is granted to the user as an additional bonus, the details of which are displayed on the second benefit display screen 8. As shown in the examples of Figures 8 and 9, the first and second benefits are granted separately from event rewards (e.g., a subjugation reward for winning a battle).

<Recommendation Display Screen 9 (Second Recommendation Information IF2)>
Recommendation display screen 9 is an example of a screen displayed in activity A019 in FIG. 3 . Recommendation display screen 9 is displayed on display 4a, for example, when the user presses operation button 81 on second benefit display screen 8. Recommendation display screen 9 is an example of second recommendation information IF2. In other words, as a second display step, display control unit 236 displays second recommendation information IF2 in response to the second threshold condition being satisfied at least once. Recommendation display screen 9 includes content recommending to the user that the threshold set as the condition for the target state be changed from the first threshold to approach the second threshold.

For example, in the example of Figure 9, the recommendation display screen 9 displays a recommendation to change the user's target distance from the first threshold of 3 km to approach the second threshold of 4 km. The first threshold setting is then updated when the user presses one of the operation buttons 91. In this manner, the user's lifestyle habits can be gradually brought closer to an ideal state.

Furthermore, if the user selects the operation button 91 displaying "Increase 1 km!" or "Increase 0.5 km" and sets the first threshold to 4 km or 3.5 km, the first benefit granted the next time the goal is achieved will be more generous. To encourage users to aim for higher goals, this is displayed on the recommendation display screen 9. In other words, when the user changes the threshold in response to the recommendation on the recommendation display screen 9, the reward granted to the user as the first benefit will be more generous than before the change. This configuration can motivate users to set higher goals, and more efficiently support improving the user's lifestyle habits.

[others]
The information processing system 1 according to the above-described embodiment may be configured as follows.

In another aspect, the display control unit 236 may display the first recommendation information IF1 based on collaboration with another application. Specifically, collaboration may be with an application that measures the user's sleep quality and manages sleep records. Furthermore, collaboration with an application that manages study time, exercise time, etc., or an application that measures smartphone screen time may determine whether the user is studying or exercising according to their goals. Figure 10 is an image diagram showing an example of a screen viewed by the user in this modified example.

Settings screen 6b is an example of a screen that is displayed on display 4a in response to the user pressing the advanced settings button 62 labeled "Sleep Goal Settings" on settings screen 6a. In the example of Figure 10, the user may input a target bedtime and wake-up time into goal input box 63. For example, the target state may be a bedtime earlier than a specific time, a wake-up time earlier than a specific time, a sleep duration of at least a specific hour, or a combination of these.

In another aspect, the target state may be a state in which activity information IF3 repeatedly satisfies a preset first threshold condition multiple times. For example, goals may include sleeping for seven hours or more every day, walking three kilometers or more every day, jogging every Wednesday morning, or getting up early to study three or more days a week. For example, the reward may become more generous the more frequently or regularly the goal is repeated, or based on the combination of different life log goals that have been achieved. This aspect can motivate the user to achieve goals that are desirable to continue, and can support the user in developing desirable habits.

Furthermore, the granting unit 231 may grant a second benefit to the user when the activity information IF3 repeatedly satisfies a predetermined second threshold condition multiple times. Here, the second threshold is a value set as a higher goal compared to the first threshold. For example, if the set goal is to get up early to study three or more days a week and the user actually manages to get up early four or more days a week, the second benefit may be granted. Or, if the set goal is to go to bed by 11:30 PM and the user actually manages to go to bed by 10:30 PM multiple times, the second benefit may be granted. This configuration can motivate the user to continuously strive to achieve higher goals. This can bring the user's lifestyle habits even closer to an ideal state.

In another aspect, activity A002 and activity A003 in FIG. 3 may be omitted. For example, once a goal is set, the set goal may be maintained until the user changes the setting. Also, a reward for setting a goal may not be awarded every time after the first time. For example, a reward may be awarded only the first time the goal is set, or may be awarded according to the number of times the user adjusts the goal upward.

In the embodiment, the second state is described as an auto mode in which no operations from the user are accepted, but it may also be a mode in which only some operations are possible. For example, it may be possible to only perform operations such as pausing the game in auto mode, ending the game, and changing the speed at which the game progresses.

In the embodiment, the first benefit is granted when the first threshold condition is met. However, the first benefit may also be granted to the user when the state of activity information IF3 improves even slightly. An example of an improvement in the state of activity information IF3 would be when the user's current walking distance is an average of 2 km per day, while the actual walking distance is 2.5 km. In this way, an improvement may be determined when the actual walking distance is greater than the current value and less than the first threshold.

The content or quantity of the first and second benefits may be determined, for example, based on activity information IF3 while the game is progressing in auto mode. Specifically, the granting unit 231 grants the user, via the communication unit 21, the first or second benefit, the content or quantity of which is determined based on the user's travel distance measured during auto mode, etc. This configuration makes it possible to support the user in living a healthier life.

In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the first and second benefits are granted as rewards separate from the event reward, but the first or second benefit may be a more generous or more advantageous event reward in terms of content or quantity. The granting unit 231 may vary the degree of increase in amount depending on the number of steps taken by the user measured during auto mode, etc.

In the embodiment, the first benefit and the second benefit are described as items, but they are not limited to this and may include the granting of a player character, the right to play gacha, preferential treatment in the content or quantity of event rewards, preferential treatment in the number of tickets consumed to play the game, etc. Furthermore, the first benefit and the second benefit may further include benefits other than those that activate effects that allow the game to progress advantageously for a certain period of time (for example, in-game currency, etc.).

In the embodiment, the types, contents, difficulty levels, etc. of events that occur are different between manual mode and auto mode, but the conditions for generating events may also be different. For example, in auto mode, an event may occur with an enemy character determined by lottery held at regular intervals. Alternatively, the number of times an event occurs may be determined based on the time the game has progressed in auto mode and user information such as the user's level.

In another embodiment, in auto mode, whether or not the end conditions have been met is determined using criteria different from those used in manual mode. For example, in auto mode, whether or not the end conditions have been met is determined without the player character being operated. For example, the outcome of an event may be determined based on a win rate calculated from the history of wins and losses in past battles between the user and enemy characters. In this case, the event progression screen 5 may not be displayed, and after switching from auto mode to manual mode, the user may be notified of the event results via the result display window 54. This embodiment prevents the user from staring at the game screen as it progresses in auto mode, further improving the user's safety during the game.

In another aspect, the condition for terminating auto mode may be that the user has input an instruction to switch to manual mode. For example, the user may go to sleep after setting the auto mode, and input an instruction to switch to manual mode after waking up the next morning. Alternatively, the user may go for a walk after setting the auto mode, and input an instruction to switch to manual mode at any time after returning home.

In another aspect, the game executed by the information processing system 1 may be a multiplayer game. Figure 11 is an image diagram showing an example of a game screen visible to the user in a multiplayer game. Notification window 54a and notification window 54b may be screens that are displayed when a notification during the game or a notification on a smartphone is selected by the user.

Notification window 54a shows, for example, a screen displayed on user A's smartphone. Notification window 54a is displayed on user A's smartphone in response to first recommendation information IF1 being displayed on the smartphone of user B, another user with whom user A has established a specific relationship, such as being registered as a friend. Notification window 54b is also displayed on user B's display 4a in response, for example, to user A accepting the suggestion made by notification window 54a. A specific relationship is established between user B and user A based on the fact that user B is registered in the user list associated with user A, or that user B is registered in the user list associated with user A and user A is registered in the user list associated with user B, resulting in the two users being registered in each other's user lists.

Notification window 54a and notification window 54b display a recommendation to go for a walk with the game set to auto mode, and the user can select whether or not to accept this recommendation by pressing one of the operation buttons 541. In other words, in response to first recommendation information IF1 being displayed to the user, the notification unit 235 may notify other users associated with the user that they are recommended to play the game in the second state.

In addition, when a user has progressed through the game in auto mode, the notification unit 235 further notifies the user that this has happened and that the first or second benefit granted to other users will be more favorable by progressing through the game in auto mode. Specifically, the user may be given more favorable treatment, such as an increased event reward, compared to when the game is set to auto mode alone.

In another aspect, there may be a group function that allows multiple users to share a goal. In the group function, if all users belonging to the group achieve their goal, the first or second benefit to be granted may be even more generous. For example, user location information may be acquired, and it may be determined whether multiple users have gathered or walked in the same place at the same time, thereby determining whether the goal has been achieved.

In this embodiment, the game control unit 230, granting unit 231, execution unit 232, acquisition unit 233, determination unit 234, notification unit 235, and display control unit 236 are described as functional units realized by the control unit 23 of the information processing device 2, but at least some of these may be implemented as functional units realized by the control unit 33 of the game device 3.

One aspect of the embodiment may be an information processing method. The information processing method includes the components of the information processing system 1. Another aspect of the embodiment may be a program. The program causes a computer to execute the steps of the information processing system 1.

Furthermore, it may be provided in the following aspects.
In the program, the target state is a state in which the activity information satisfies a condition of a preset first threshold value.
In the program, the target state is a state in which the activity information repeatedly satisfies a predetermined first threshold condition multiple times.
In the program, in the granting step, a second benefit is granted to the user in response to the activity information satisfying the conditions of a predetermined second threshold, wherein the second threshold is a value set as a higher goal compared to the first threshold.
In the program, in the granting step, a second benefit is granted to the user in response to the activity information repeatedly satisfying the conditions of a predetermined second threshold, wherein the second threshold is a value set as a higher goal compared to the first threshold.
In the program, further, in a second display step, second recommendation information is displayed in response to the second threshold condition being met at least once, and the second recommendation information includes content recommending to the user that the threshold set as the condition for the target state be changed so as to approach the first threshold value from the second threshold value.
In the program, when the user changes the threshold value in accordance with the second recommendation information, the content of the reward granted to the user as the first benefit is more favorable than before the change.
In the program, in the first game control step and the second game control step, an event is generated within the game, and the event is controlled so as to occur under different conditions in the first state and the second state.
The program is controlled so that in the second state, the event occurs with a lower degree of difficulty than in the first state.
In the program, further, in the determination step, it is determined whether or not a termination condition of the event is satisfied, and in the second state, it is determined whether or not the termination condition is satisfied using a criterion different from that in the first state.
In the program, in the first state, the event progresses through the actions of a player character operated based on input from the user, and it is determined whether or not the end condition has been met based on the results of the progress of the event, and in the second state, it is determined whether or not the end condition has been met without the player character being operated.
In the program, further, in the notification step, in response to the first recommendation information being displayed to the user, a notification is sent to other users associated with the user recommending that they progress with the game in the second state.
In the program, the notification step further notifies the user that the user has progressed the game in the second state and that the content of the first or second benefit to be granted to the other user by progressing the game in the second state will be preferential.
An information processing system comprising a control unit, the control unit being configured to execute each of the steps.
Of course, this is not the case.

Finally, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The novel embodiments may be embodied in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. Such embodiments and their variations are intended to fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure, as well as the disclosure and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

1: Information processing system 11: Communication network 2: Information processing device 20: Communication bus 21: Communication unit 22: Memory unit 23: Control unit 230: Game control unit 231: Granting unit 232: Execution unit 233: Acquisition unit 234: Determination unit 235: Notification unit 236: Display control unit 3: Game device 30: Communication bus 31: Communication unit 32: Memory unit 33: Control unit 34a: Graphics processing unit 34b: Audio processing unit 34c: Operation unit 4a: Display 4b: Speaker 4c: Input device 5: Event progress screen 50: Event progress area 501: Command button 51: Menu display area 511: Setting button 52: Recommended information window 521: Operation button 53: Auto mode display 54: Result display window 54a: Notification window 54b: Notification window 541: Operation button 6a : Setting screen 6b : Setting screen 6c : Setting completion screen 61 : Setting status 62 : Advanced setting button 63 : Goal input box 64 : Adjustment button 65 : Operation button 7 : Result display screen 71 : Operation button 8 : Second benefit display screen 81 : Operation button 9 : Recommendation display screen 91 : Operation button IF1 : First recommendation information IF2 : Second recommendation information IF3 : Activity information

Claims (13)

A program,
Have the computer perform the following steps:
the first game control step controls progress of the game in a first state in which the game is progressed based on an operation by a user;
the second game control step controls progress of the game in a second state in which the game is progressed in an auto mode in which actions of a player character are controlled without user input , regardless of the user's operation;
In the acquisition step, activity information of the user is acquired;
In the first display step, when the activity information does not satisfy a condition of a predetermined first threshold , first recommendation information including content recommending to the user to progress with the game in the second state is displayed;
In the granting step, a first benefit is granted to the user in response to an improvement in the state of the activity information during the progress of the game in the second state.
. 2. The program according to claim 1 ,
In the first display step, when the activity information does not satisfy the condition of the first threshold value set in advance a plurality of times, the first recommendation information is displayed . 3. The program according to claim 2 ,
In the granting step, a second benefit is granted to the user in response to the activity information satisfying the condition of a predetermined second threshold, wherein the second threshold is a value set as a higher goal compared to the first threshold. The program according to claim 2 or claim 3 ,
In the granting step, a second benefit is granted to the user in response to the activity information repeatedly satisfying a condition of a predetermined second threshold value, wherein the second threshold value is a value set as a higher goal compared to the first threshold value. In the program according to claim 3 or 4 ,
Furthermore, in the second display step, second recommendation information is displayed in response to the condition of the second threshold being satisfied at least once, and the second recommendation information includes content that recommends to the user that the preset threshold be changed so as to approach the second threshold from the first threshold. 6. The program according to claim 5 ,
In response to the user changing the threshold value in accordance with the second recommendation information, the content of the reward granted to the user as the first benefit is more favorable than before the change. In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
In the first game control step and the second game control step, the same type of event is generated in the game, and the event is controlled to occur under different conditions in the first state and the second state. In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
In the first game control step, a first event is generated in the first state;
In the second game control step, a second event is generated in the second state, wherein:
The second event is an event of the same type as the first event and has a lower difficulty level than the first event . The program according to claim 7 or 8 ,
Furthermore, in the determination step, it is determined whether or not a termination condition of the event is satisfied, and in the second state, it is determined whether or not the termination condition is satisfied based on a criterion different from that in the first state. 10. The program according to claim 9 ,
In the first state, the event progresses due to an action of a player character operated based on an input from the user, and it is determined whether or not the end condition is satisfied based on a result of the progress of the event;
In the second state, it is determined whether or not the end condition is satisfied without the player character being operated. In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 10 ,
Furthermore, in the notification step, in response to the first recommendation information being displayed to the user, a notification is sent to other users associated with the user recommending that they progress with the game in the second state. The program according to claim 11 ,
In the notification step, in response to the user progressing the game in the second state, a notification is further provided to that effect and to indicate that the content of the first benefit or the second benefit to be granted to the other user by progressing the game in the second state will be preferential. An information processing system,
A control unit is provided,
The control unit is configured to execute each step according to any one of claims 1 to 12 .