JP7748749B2 - Control method, computer, and control program - Google Patents

Description

Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act applies. Website address: https://twitter.com/GREE_Product/status/585376945610756096 Posted date: April 7, 2015 [Publications, etc.] Website address: https://www.facebook.com/GREEofficial/photos/a.218023364887008.56936.212867592069252/910113839011287/?type=1&theater Posted date: April 7, 2015 [Publications, etc.] Website address: http://avatar. gree.net/? action=top http://avatar.gree.net/? action=closet_top Posted on: April 7, 2015

The present invention relates to a control method, a computer, and a control program.

In recent years, servers that provide games to mobile devices via communication networks have become widespread. Games provided by such servers include those in which multiple users can participate (so-called "social games"). Social games generally use so-called avatars to represent each user, showing their face, hairstyle, clothing, accessories, etc.

Patent Document 1 discloses a game system that provides a game to terminals connected to a game server via a communications network. In this game system, teams are formed with virtual users as members who progress through quest parts, battle parts, etc., and avatar images of the team members are displayed on each terminal.

JP 2014-104269 A

In social games like those mentioned above, avatar items are provided for each type of face, hairstyle, clothing, accessories, etc., and each user can differentiate their avatar from other users' avatars by acquiring and applying each item to their avatar. However, in recent years, there has been a demand for creating more unique avatar images.

Furthermore, users could only apply one item of each type to their avatar, meaning that even if they owned multiple items of the same type, they could not make effective use of them.

The present invention was made to solve these problems, and aims to provide a control method, computer, and control program that enables the effective use of avatar items while allowing for the creation of more unique avatar images.

The control method of the present invention is a control method in a computer having a memory unit and an output unit, and includes storing information related to a main avatar and a sub-avatar in the memory unit, associating a predetermined attribute with user identification information as an attribute of the sub-avatar in accordance with a first request from a user and storing it in the memory unit, outputting a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to the attribute associated with the user identification information together with a main avatar image representing the main avatar to the output unit, and changing the attribute of the sub-avatar associated with the user identification information in accordance with a second request from the user, and changing the sub-avatar image to be output to a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to the attribute in accordance with the second request.
The computer may be any computer that can execute the above procedure, such as a mobile terminal, a fixed terminal, or a server.

Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that the storing step stores information relating to multiple sub-avatars in a storage unit, the output step associates the attributes of the multiple sub-avatars with user identification information in the storage unit in accordance with a first request, and outputs multiple sub-avatar images representing the multiple sub-avatars, respectively, and the changing step changes the attributes of the multiple sub-avatars in accordance with a second request, and changes the multiple output sub-avatar images to sub-avatar images representing sub-avatars related to the attributes in accordance with the second request.

Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, in the output step, in accordance with the first request, a predetermined position as the position of the sub-avatar image is further associated with the user identification information and stored in a storage unit, and the sub-avatar image is output so that it is displayed at the position associated with the user identification information; and in the change step, in accordance with the second request, the position of the sub-avatar image associated with the user identification information is changed so that the output sub-avatar image is displayed at the position according to the second request.

Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that, for each of a plurality of services provided by the computer, whether or not to output a sub-avatar image is automatically changed according to the size or shape of the display frame in which the main avatar image and sub-avatar image are displayed in each service.

Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that the storing step further associates a plurality of items applicable to the main avatar and sub-avatar with user identification information and stores them in the storage unit, and the changing step, in accordance with the second request, applies an item selected by the user from among the plurality of items to the main avatar, applies an item selected by the user from among the plurality of items not applied to the main avatar to the sub-avatar, changes the main avatar image to a main avatar image including the item applied to the main avatar, and changes the sub-avatar image to a sub-avatar image including the item applied to the sub-avatar.

Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable to further grant a benefit to the user depending on the combination of the item applied to the main avatar and the item applied to the sub-avatar.

Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable to further set whether or not to output a sub-avatar image together with the main avatar image in accordance with a second request, and to execute a lottery for items applicable to the main avatar and sub-avatar in accordance with a third request from the user, and to increase the probability of winning an item related to a combination that grants a special benefit when the lottery is set to output a sub-avatar image compared to when the lottery is set not to output a sub-avatar image.

Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, in accordance with a second request, it is preferable to set whether or not to output a sub-avatar image together with the main avatar image, create display data for purchasing items applicable to the main avatar and sub-avatar, and output this to the output unit, and if the display data is set to output a sub-avatar image, it is preferable to display items related to combinations that confer benefits in the display data with priority over other items.

Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that, in the storing step, information relating to the main avatar and sub-avatar and multiple items are stored in the storage unit for each of multiple users in association with the user identification information of each user; in the output step, attributes of the sub-avatars are stored in the storage unit for each of multiple users in association with the user identification information of each user; and in the changing step, items relating to a combination of users associated with the user that grants a benefit are applied to the user's main avatar and sub-avatar.

Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that, in the storing step, information relating to the main avatar and sub-avatar for each of a plurality of users is stored in the storage unit in association with the user identification information of each user; in the output step, attributes of the sub-avatar for each of a plurality of users are stored in the storage unit in association with the user identification information of each user; and in the changing step, the sub-avatar image output together with the user's main avatar image is changed to the sub-avatar image of a user associated with the user.

Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that, in the output step, the attributes of the sub-avatars for each of a plurality of users are stored in a storage unit in association with the user identification information of each user, and the sub-avatar images are output together with the main avatar image; and, in the change step, the attributes of the sub-avatars are changed for each of a plurality of users, and the sub-avatar images are changed; and, in accordance with a fourth request from the user, display data is created and output to the output unit, displaying a list of the history of creation or change of the main avatar images and sub-avatar images of a plurality of users associated with the user, and the created or changed main avatar images and sub-avatar images.

Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that the memory further stores the attributes of the main avatar, and that the output sets the attributes of the sub-avatar to attributes different from the attributes of the main avatar.

The computer according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores information related to a main avatar and a sub-avatar; an output unit; a setting unit that, in response to a first request from a user, stores predetermined attributes as attributes of the sub-avatar in association with user identification information in the storage unit and outputs to the output unit a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to the attribute associated with the user identification information along with a main avatar image representing the main avatar; and a change unit that, in response to a second request from the user, changes the attribute of the sub-avatar associated with the user identification information and changes the output sub-avatar image to a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to the attribute in accordance with the second request.

The control program of the present invention is a control program for a computer having a memory unit and an output unit, and causes the computer to store information related to a main avatar and a sub-avatar in the memory unit, and in accordance with a first request from a user, store in the memory unit a predetermined attribute as an attribute of the sub-avatar in association with user identification information, output to the output unit a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to the attribute associated with the user identification information together with a main avatar image representing the main avatar, and in accordance with a second request from the user, change the attribute of the sub-avatar associated with the user identification information, and change the output sub-avatar image to a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to the attribute in accordance with the second request.
Furthermore, a control method according to the present invention is a control method in a computer having a storage unit, and includes storing information relating to a main avatar and a sub-avatar in the storage unit, and in accordance with a first request from a user, storing in the storage unit a predetermined attribute as an attribute of the sub-avatar in association with user identification information, creating an image including a main avatar image representing the main avatar and a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to the attribute associated with the user identification information as an avatar image to be used to represent the user in a plurality of different services provided by the computer, and in accordance with a second request from the user, changing the attribute of the sub-avatar associated with the user identification information, and changing the sub-avatar image included in the avatar image to a sub-avatar image representing the sub-avatar related to the attribute in accordance with the second request.
Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that in the storing step, information relating to the plurality of sub-avatars is stored in a memory unit; in the creating step, attributes of the plurality of sub-avatars are associated with user identification information and stored in the memory unit in accordance with a first request, and a plurality of sub-avatar images representing the plurality of sub-avatars respectively are included in the avatar image; and in the modifying step, attributes of the plurality of sub-avatars are modified respectively in accordance with a second request, and the plurality of sub-avatar images included in the avatar image are modified to sub-avatar images representing sub-avatars each relating to an attribute in accordance with the second request.
Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that in the creation step, in accordance with a first request, a predetermined placement position as the placement position of the sub-avatar image is further associated with user identification information and stored in a memory unit, and the avatar image is created so that the sub-avatar image is displayed at the placement position associated with the user identification information, and in the modification step, in accordance with a second request, the placement position of the sub-avatar image associated with the user identification information is modified, and the sub-avatar image included in the avatar image is modified so that it is displayed at the placement position in accordance with the second request.
Furthermore, in the control method of the present invention, it is preferable that the sub-avatar image is placed at a predetermined position within the avatar image, and whether or not the sub-avatar image is to be displayed within the avatar image is set in accordance with the second request, and whether or not the sub-avatar image is to be displayed within the avatar image is automatically changed for each of a plurality of different services provided by the computer in accordance with the size or shape of the display frame in which the avatar image is displayed in each service, regardless of whether or not the avatar image is set to be displayed within the avatar image.
Furthermore, in the control method of the present invention, it is preferable that in the storing step, a plurality of items applicable to the main avatar and the sub-avatar are further stored in the memory unit in association with user identification information, and in the changing step, in accordance with the second request, an item selected by the user from among the plurality of items is applied to the main avatar, and an item selected by the user from among the plurality of items that has not been applied to the main avatar is applied to the sub-avatar, the main avatar image is changed to a main avatar image including the item applied to the main avatar, and the sub-avatar image is changed to a sub-avatar image including the item applied to the sub-avatar.
In addition, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that a benefit be given to the user in accordance with a combination of an item applied to the main avatar and an item applied to the sub-avatar.
Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable to further set whether or not to display a sub-avatar image on the avatar image in accordance with a second request, and to execute a lottery for items applicable to the main avatar and the sub-avatar in accordance with a third request from the user, and when the lottery is executed and the sub-avatar image is set to be displayed on the avatar image, to increase the probability of winning the item related to the combination that will grant a benefit compared to when the sub-avatar image is set not to be displayed on the avatar image.
Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, in accordance with a second request, it is further preferable to set whether or not to display a sub-avatar image on the avatar image, create display data for purchasing items applicable to the main avatar and the sub-avatar, and output the created display data to the output unit, and if the display data is set to display a sub-avatar image on the avatar image, it is preferable to display items related to combinations that confer benefits in the display data with priority over other items.
Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that, in the storage step, for each of a plurality of users, information relating to the main avatar and sub-avatar and a plurality of items are stored in a memory unit in association with the user identification information of each user, and, in the creation step, for each of a plurality of users, attributes of the sub-avatar are stored in the memory unit in association with the user identification information of each user, and, in the modification step, items relating to a combination of users associated with the user that will be granted a benefit are applied to the user's main avatar and sub-avatar.
Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that, in the storing step, information relating to the main avatar and sub-avatar for each of a plurality of users is stored in a memory unit in association with the user identification information of each user, and, in the creating step, attributes of the sub-avatar for each of a plurality of users are stored in a memory unit in association with the user identification information of each user, and, in the changing step, the sub-avatar image output together with the user's main avatar image is changed to the sub-avatar image of a user related to the user.
Furthermore, in the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that in the creation step, for each of a plurality of users, the attributes of the sub-avatar are associated with the user identification information of each user and stored in a memory unit, and an avatar image is created; and in the modification step, for each of a plurality of users, the attributes of the sub-avatar are modified and the sub-avatar image is modified; and in accordance with a fourth request from the user, display data is created that displays a list of the history of the creation or modification of avatar images of a plurality of users associated with the user, and the created or modified avatar images, and is output to an output unit.
In the control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that the storage step further stores attributes of the main avatar, and the creation step sets attributes of the sub-avatars to be different from the attributes of the main avatar.
The computer according to the present invention also includes a storage unit that stores information related to a main avatar and a sub-avatar; a setting unit that, in accordance with a first request from a user, stores in the storage unit predetermined attributes as attributes of the sub-avatar in association with user identification information, and creates an image including a main avatar image representing the main avatar and a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to the attribute associated with the user identification information as avatar images to represent the user in a plurality of different services provided by the computer; and a modification unit that, in accordance with a second request from the user, changes the attribute of the sub-avatar associated with the user identification information, and changes the sub-avatar image included in the avatar image to a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to the attribute in accordance with the second request.
In addition, a control program according to the present invention is a control program for a computer having a storage unit, which causes the computer to perform the following operations: store information relating to a main avatar and a sub-avatar in the storage unit; in accordance with a first request from a user, store in the storage unit predetermined attributes as attributes of the sub-avatar in association with user identification information; create an image including a main avatar image representing the main avatar and a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to the attribute associated with the user identification information as avatar images to represent the user in a plurality of different services provided by the computer; in accordance with a second request from the user, change the attribute of the sub-avatar associated with the user identification information; and change the sub-avatar image included in the avatar image to a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to the attribute in accordance with the second request.

The control method, computer, and control program according to the present invention use sub-avatars with changeable attributes in addition to a main avatar, allowing users to effectively use avatar items and create more unique avatar images.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a communication system 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a mobile terminal 2. 1A to 1C are schematic diagrams illustrating avatar images. 10A to 10C are diagrams showing an example of a display screen of the mobile terminal 2. FIG. 10A to 10C are diagrams showing an example of a display screen of the mobile terminal 2. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a server 3. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user table. 1A is a diagram showing an example of an avatar table, FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of an item table, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing an example of a history table. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation sequence of the communication system 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operational flow of a sub-avatar setting process. FIG. 10 illustrates an example of an operational flow of an avatar image update process. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of a history extraction process.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, please note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to the inventions set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

1. Overview of the Present Embodiment In a communication system of the present embodiment, a user participates in a service provided by a server using a mobile terminal. The server provides a plurality of services to the user, and the services provided by the server are, for example, a social game in which a plurality of users can participate, or a social networking service (SNS). In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the server provides a social game service.

In this game, each user is represented by an avatar, which shows the user's face, hairstyle, clothing, accessories, etc. An avatar is an object corresponding to each user, and is a character that represents the user's alter ego. In addition to the main avatar that represents the user's alter ego, the avatar image that represents each user also displays sub-avatars that represent the user's family, friends, in-game friends, etc. Hereinafter, the image portion of the avatar image that represents the main avatar will sometimes be referred to as the main avatar image, and the image portion that represents the sub-avatar will sometimes be referred to as the sub-avatar image.

The main avatar and sub-avatar each have attributes such as gender and age, and each attribute can be changed according to user requests. Attributes include, but are not limited to, gender and age, as long as they represent the characteristics or type of the main avatar or sub-avatar. Users can also purchase or acquire by lottery items categorized by type, such as the avatar's face, hairstyle, clothing, and accessories. Users can apply one item per type to each avatar. However, each item has a set attribute, and each item is only applied to the avatar associated with the set attribute. It is prohibited to apply a uniquely identified item to multiple avatars, and an item applied to a main avatar cannot be applied to a sub-avatar.

Avatars and items are electronic data that can be acquired, possessed, used, managed, exchanged, combined, strengthened, sold, discarded, and/or gifted by users within the game, but the manner in which avatars and items can be used is not limited to that explicitly stated in this specification.

If a user owns multiple items of the same type, or if they own items with attributes different from those of the main avatar, they can apply items that cannot be applied to the main avatar to a sub-avatar and make effective use of them. Furthermore, since each user can apply items to each avatar while changing the attributes of the main avatar and sub-avatar, the number of item combinations that can be applied to avatars increases dramatically compared to when only the main avatar is used, or when the attributes of each avatar cannot be changed. This allows each user to create a highly unique avatar image.

2. Configuration of Communication System 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the communication system 1.

The communication system 1 includes multiple mobile devices 2 and a server 3. The mobile devices 2 and the server 3 are interconnected via a communication network, for example, via a base station 4, a mobile communication network 5, a gateway 6, and the Internet 7. A program executed on the mobile device 2 (e.g., a browsing program) and a program executed on the server 3 (e.g., a game program) communicate using a communication protocol such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).

Note that while the mobile terminal 2 is assumed to be a multi-function mobile phone (a so-called "smartphone"), the present invention is not limited to this. The mobile terminal 2 may be any device to which the present invention is applicable, such as a mobile phone (a so-called "feature phone"), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable game console, a portable music player, a tablet terminal, a tablet PC, or a notebook PC.

2.1 Configuration of the Portable Terminal 2 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the portable terminal 2.

The mobile device 2 includes a device communication unit 21, a device memory unit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, and a device processing unit 25. The mobile device 2 requests the server 3 to progress the game in response to the user's operation of the operation unit 23 (buttons, etc.). The mobile device 2 also receives and displays display data related to the progress of the game from the server 3.

The terminal communication unit 21 is equipped with a communication interface circuit including an antenna sensitive to a predetermined frequency band, and connects the mobile terminal 2 to a wireless communication network. The terminal communication unit 21 establishes a wireless signal link with the base station 4 using a method such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) via a channel assigned by the base station 4, and communicates with the base station 4. The terminal communication unit 21 then transmits data supplied from the terminal processing unit 25 to the server 3, etc. The terminal communication unit 21 also supplies data received from the server 3, etc. to the terminal processing unit 25. The terminal communication unit 21 may also perform wireless communication using a wireless communication method conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard with a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) access point (not shown).

The device storage unit 22 comprises, for example, a semiconductor memory device. The device storage unit 22 stores operating system programs, driver programs, application programs, data, etc. used for processing by the device processing unit 25. For example, the device storage unit 22 stores, as driver programs, an input device driver program that controls the operation unit 23, an output device driver program that controls the display unit 24, etc. The device storage unit 22 also stores, as application programs, programs that acquire and display display data related to the progress of the game. Computer programs may be installed into the device storage unit 22 from a computer-readable portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (compact disk read-only memory) or a DVD-ROM (digital versatile disk read-only memory) using a known setup program, etc. The device storage unit 22 also stores, as data, a user ID that identifies the user of the portable device 2, display data related to the progress of the game, video data, image data, etc. The device storage unit 22 may also temporarily store temporary data related to certain processing.

The operation unit 23 may be any device capable of operating the mobile terminal 2, such as a touch panel or key buttons. The user can use the operation unit 23 to input letters, numbers, symbols, etc. When operated by the user, the operation unit 23 generates a signal corresponding to the operation. The generated signal is then supplied to the device processing unit 25 as an instruction from the user.

The display unit 24 may be any device capable of displaying video, images, etc., such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 24 displays video corresponding to the video data supplied from the device processing unit 25, images corresponding to the image data, etc.

The device processing unit 25 includes one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. The device processing unit 25 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and provides centralized control over the overall operation of the mobile device 2. The device processing unit 25 controls the operation of the device communication unit 21, display unit 24, etc. so that various processes of the mobile device 2 are executed in the appropriate order based on the programs stored in the device storage unit 22, operations on the operation unit 23, etc. The device processing unit 25 executes processes based on the programs (operating system programs, driver programs, application programs, etc.) stored in the device storage unit 22. The device processing unit 25 can also execute multiple programs (application programs, etc.) in parallel.

2.1.1. Functions of Device Processing Unit 25 FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c) are schematic diagrams for explaining avatar images.

Figure 3(a) shows an example of an avatar image that displays an avatar used in a game. Avatar image 300 shown in Figure 3(a) is an example of an avatar image created when a sub-avatar is initially set. Avatar image 301 representing the main avatar is displayed on the right side of avatar image 300, and sub-avatar image 302 representing the sub-avatar is displayed on the left side of main avatar image 301. The main avatar and sub-avatar each have gender as an attribute. The initial value of the attribute of the sub-avatar is selected by the user when the sub-avatar is initially set. Note that the initial value of the attribute of the sub-avatar may be determined in advance. Alternatively, the initial value of the attribute of the sub-avatar may be automatically determined by server 3 when the sub-avatar is set. In the example shown in Figure 3(a), the gender of the main avatar is female, and the gender of the sub-avatar is female.

Figure 3(b) shows an example of an avatar image in which the gender of the sub-avatar has been changed from the state shown in avatar image 300. In avatar image 310 shown in Figure 3(b), the gender of the sub-avatar has been changed from female to male in accordance with a request from the user.

Figure 3(c) shows an example of an avatar image in which items have been applied to a sub-avatar from the state shown in avatar image 310. In avatar image 320 shown in Figure 3(c), items related to the face, hairstyle, clothing, and accessories have been applied to the sub-avatar in accordance with the user's request. The user can apply to the sub-avatar any items they own that have not been applied to the main avatar. This allows the user to make effective use of unused redundant items.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3(a) to (c), users can freely change the attributes and applied items of their sub-avatars. This allows users to create highly unique avatar images.

Figure 4(a) shows an example of a home screen displayed on the display unit 24.

The home screen 400 shown in Figure 4(a) is displayed when the game starts, etc. Each screen described below is displayed based on display data received from the server 3.

The home screen 400 displays a main game button 401, a sub-avatar setting button 402, an avatar image update button 403, an avatar image history button 404, a lottery button 405, a purchase button 406, etc.

When the main game button 401 is pressed, a screen for playing the main game is displayed, allowing the user to play the main game. The main game may be, for example, a battle in which users pit their characters against each other, a so-called RAID battle in which multiple users cooperate to fight enemy characters (so-called non-player characters), or a quest that progresses according to a game scenario. A quest, also known as an exploration or mission, consists of multiple dungeons, each with multiple floors (stages), and the processing of each floor is carried out sequentially. The processing of each floor may include a battle between the user's character and an enemy character, or the granting of special items or other benefits to the user.

A character is an example of game media. Game media is electronic data used in a game, and includes, for example, cards, items, characters, and avatars. Game media is electronic data that can be acquired, possessed, used, managed, exchanged, combined, strengthened, sold, discarded, and/or gifted by users within the game as the game progresses, but the manner in which game media can be used is not limited to those explicitly stated in this specification.

When the sub-avatar setting button 402 is pressed, a screen for setting a sub-avatar is displayed, allowing the user to set the sub-avatar. When the avatar image update button 403 is pressed, a screen for changing the avatar image is displayed, allowing the user to change the avatar image. When the avatar image history button 404 is pressed, a screen showing the history of avatar image creation or changes is displayed, allowing the user to check the history.

Furthermore, when the lottery button 405 is pressed, a screen (not shown) for conducting a lottery for an item to be applied to the avatar is displayed, and the user can conduct a lottery for the item. Furthermore, when the purchase button 406 is pressed, a screen (not shown) for purchasing an item to be applied to the avatar is displayed, and the user can purchase the item.

Figure 4(b) shows an example of a sub-avatar setting screen displayed on the display unit 24.

The sub-avatar setting screen 410 shown in FIG. 4(b) is displayed when the sub-avatar setting button 402 is pressed on the home screen 400. The sub-avatar setting screen 410 displays a display selection button 411, placement position selection button 412, and gender selection button 413 for the first sub-avatar, as well as a display selection button 414, placement position selection button 415, and gender selection button 416 for the second sub-avatar, a settings button 417, a back button 418, and the like.

Display selection buttons 411 and 414 are radio buttons for selecting whether or not to display sub-avatar images representing each sub-avatar within the avatar image.

The placement position selection buttons 412 and 415 are radio buttons for selecting the placement position within the avatar image of each sub-avatar image. The user can select either the left side, center, or right side as the placement position. Alternatively, the placement position may be selected from either the top, center, or bottom. Alternatively, the placement position may be entered as arbitrary coordinates within the avatar image.

Gender selection buttons 413 and 416 are radio buttons for selecting the gender of the first sub-avatar, and the user can select either male or female as the gender. If the avatar's attributes include age, an age selection button (not shown) for selecting the age of the first sub-avatar will be displayed, and the user can select the age of the first sub-avatar.

When the setting button 417 is pressed, the sub-avatar is set according to the display status, placement position, and attributes selected using each of the selection buttons 411 to 416, and an avatar image is created that includes a main avatar image representing the main avatar and a sub-avatar image representing the newly set sub-avatar. A screen showing the avatar image creation results is then displayed, allowing the user to check the created avatar image. When the back button 418 is pressed, the home screen 400 is displayed again.

Incidentally, the initial values for whether or not a sub-avatar is displayed, its position, attributes, etc. may be predetermined rather than being selected by the user. Alternatively, the initial values for whether or not a sub-avatar is displayed, its position, attributes, etc. may be automatically determined by the server 3. In such cases, when the sub-avatar settings button 402 is pressed on the home screen 400, the sub-avatar settings screen 410 is not displayed, and a screen showing the result of creating an avatar image including a sub-avatar image associated with the predetermined initial values or the initial values determined by the server 3 is displayed.

Figure 4(c) shows an example of the creation result screen displayed on the display unit 24.

The creation result screen 420 shown in Figure 4(c) is displayed when the setting button 417 is pressed on the sub-avatar setting screen 410. The creation result screen 420 displays an avatar image 421, a home button 425, a back button 426, etc.

Avatar image 421 includes a main avatar image 422, a first sub-avatar image 423 representing a newly set first sub-avatar, and a second sub-avatar image 424 representing a newly set second sub-avatar. Main avatar image 422 is displayed according to settings pre-stored in server 3. Note that on sub-avatar setting screen 410, settings for the main avatar may also be displayed so that they can be selected by the user, along with settings for the sub-avatars. In this case, main avatar image 422 is displayed according to the settings selected on sub-avatar setting screen 410. First sub-avatar image 423 and second sub-avatar image 424 are displayed according to the attributes (gender), placement position, etc. selected on sub-avatar setting screen 410.

Note that the creation result screen 420 shows an example in which an item has been applied to the main avatar, but if an item has not yet been applied to the main avatar, the main avatar image 422 will be displayed in a state in which no item has been applied, similar to the first sub-avatar image 423 and the second sub-avatar image 424. When the home button 425 is pressed, the home screen 400 is displayed again. When the back button 426 is pressed, the sub-avatar setting screen 410 is displayed again.

Figure 4(d) shows an example of an avatar image update screen displayed on the display unit 24.

The avatar image update screen 430 shown in FIG. 4(d) is displayed when the avatar image update button 403 is pressed on the home screen 400. The avatar image update screen 430 displays a change main avatar button 431, a change first sub-avatar button 432, a change second sub-avatar button 433, a back button 434, etc.

When the change main avatar button 431 is pressed, a screen for changing the main avatar is displayed, allowing the user to change the main avatar. When the change first sub avatar button 432 is pressed, a screen for changing the first sub avatar is displayed, allowing the user to change the first sub avatar. When the change second sub avatar button 433 is pressed, a screen for changing the second sub avatar is displayed, allowing the user to change the second sub avatar. When the back button 434 is pressed, the home screen 400 is displayed again.

Figure 5(a) shows an example of the first sub-avatar change screen displayed on the display unit 24.

The first sub-avatar change screen 500 shown in Figure 5(a) is displayed when the first sub-avatar change button 432 is pressed on the avatar image update screen 430. Note that the screen for changing the main avatar and the screen for changing the second sub-avatar are similar to the first sub-avatar change screen 500, so detailed explanations will be omitted. The following will focus on the screen for changing the first sub-avatar.

The first sub-avatar change screen 500 displays a display selection button 501, a placement position selection button 502, a gender selection button 503, an item 504, an item selection button 505, an update button 506, a back button 507, etc.

Display selection button 501, placement position selection button 502, and gender selection button 503 are the same as display selection button 411, placement position selection button 412, and gender selection button 413 shown in FIG. 4(b), respectively. Note that the main avatar is restricted to always being displayed within the avatar image, so display selection buttons are not displayed on the screen for changing the main avatar. Furthermore, if age is included in the avatar attributes, an age selection button (not shown) is displayed for selecting the age of the first sub-avatar.

Items owned by the user that can be applied to the avatar are listed as items 504, and item selection buttons 505 are displayed corresponding to each listed item. By pressing an item selection button 505, the user can apply the item corresponding to that item selection button 505 to the first sub-avatar. Note that item selection buttons corresponding to items that have not been applied to avatars other than the first sub-avatar, i.e., the main avatar and second sub-avatar, are displayed as selectable, while item selection buttons corresponding to items that have already been applied to avatars other than the first sub-avatar are displayed as unselectable.

When the Update button 506 is pressed, the first sub-avatar is changed according to the settings selected with each button. When the first sub-avatar is changed, the avatar image is also changed, and a screen showing the updated avatar image is displayed, allowing the user to confirm the changed avatar image. When the Back button 507 is pressed, the first sub-avatar remains unchanged, and the avatar image update screen 430 is displayed again.

Figure 5(b) shows an example of an update result screen displayed on the display unit 24.

The update result screen 510 shown in FIG. 5(b) is displayed when the update button 506 is pressed on each avatar change screen, such as the first sub-avatar change screen 500. The update result screen 510 displays an avatar image 511, a home button 515, a back button 516, etc.

Avatar image 511 is an avatar image changed according to the settings selected by each button on each avatar change screen, such as first sub-avatar change screen 500. Avatar images 511 include main avatar image 512, first sub-avatar image 513, second sub-avatar image 514, etc. Among main avatar image 512, first sub-avatar image 513, and second sub-avatar image 514, images representing changed avatars are displayed according to the settings selected by the user, and images representing other avatars are displayed according to the settings stored on server 3.

When the home button 515 is pressed, the home screen 400 is displayed again. When the back button 516 is pressed, the avatar change screen is displayed again.

Figure 5(c) shows an example of the avatar image history screen displayed on the display unit 24.

The avatar image history screen 520 shown in FIG. 5(c) is displayed when the avatar image history button 404 is pressed on the home screen 400. The avatar image history screen 520 displays the creation or change history 521, 531 of avatar images for the user and related users associated with the user in the order in which they were created or changed. Related users include, for example, other users who are friends with the user, users who have rescued the user in past battles with enemy characters, users who have previously competed against the user, and/or users who belong to a group with which the user has previously competed. Alternatively, related users may be users designated by the user as users whose avatar image history the user wishes to view.

History 521, 531 displays text 522, 532, avatar images 523, 533, comment creation buttons 524, 534, voting buttons 525, 535, comment areas 526, 536, etc., respectively. Text 522, 532 displays the user who created or changed the avatar image, and a message indicating that the avatar image was created or changed. Avatar images 523, 533 are created or changed avatar images. By pressing comment creation buttons 524, 534, users can post comments about avatar images 523, 533. By pressing voting buttons 525, 535, users can vote for avatar images 523, 533. The users who created or changed each avatar image receive a reward based on the number of votes cast for each avatar image within a specified period. Comment areas 526, 536 display comments posted by each user.

The history of related users' avatar image creations or changes is displayed in chronological order on a timeline, allowing users to instantly recognize when a friend user has changed their avatar. Furthermore, because only the history of the user's and related users' avatar images is displayed, users can simultaneously view the latest avatars of multiple related users and easily compare their own avatar with that of others. Furthermore, by registering users with good fashion sense as related users, users can use the registered users' outfits as a reference.

If the number of related users is less than a predetermined number, the server 3 may automatically select a user with the most votes and display the history of the selected user's avatar image on the avatar image history screen. This allows users to view the outfits of popular users. Furthermore, by using the avatar image history screen, each user can make their avatar public to others, encouraging them to create better avatar images, thereby revitalizing the avatar service.

2.1.1 Configuration of Device Processing Unit 25 The device processing unit 25 includes at least a browsing execution unit 251. The browsing execution unit 251 is a functional module implemented by a program executed by a processor included in the device processing unit 25. Alternatively, the browsing execution unit 251 may be implemented in the mobile device 2 as firmware.

The browsing execution unit 251 acquires and displays display data related to the progress of the game. That is, in response to instructions from the user, the browsing execution unit 251 sends a request to acquire display data related to the progress of the game to the server 3 via the device communication unit 21. The browsing execution unit 251 also receives corresponding display data from the server 3 via the device communication unit 21. The browsing execution unit 251 creates drawing data based on the received display data. That is, the browsing execution unit 251 analyzes the received display data to identify control data and content data, lays out the identified content data based on the identified control data, and creates drawing data. The browsing execution unit 251 then outputs the created drawing data to the display unit 24. The browsing execution unit 251 also stores each piece of information included in the display data in the device storage unit 22 while a communication connection with the server 3 is established.

2.2 Configuration of Server 3 Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the server 3. Fig. 7 and Figs. 8(a) to 8(c) are diagrams showing examples of data structures of various tables stored in the server storage unit 32.

The server 3 includes a server communication unit 31, a server storage unit 32, and a server processing unit 33. The server 3 progresses the game in response to requests from the mobile device 2. The server 3 also creates display data related to the progress of the game and transmits it to the mobile device 2.

The server communication unit 31 is an example of an output unit, and includes a communication interface circuit for connecting the server 3 to the Internet 7, and communicates with the Internet 7. The server communication unit 31 then supplies data received from the mobile device 2 or the like to the server processing unit 33. The server communication unit 31 also transmits data supplied from the server processing unit 33 to the mobile device 2 or the like.

The server storage unit 32 includes, for example, at least one of a magnetic tape device, a magnetic disk device, or an optical disk device. The server storage unit 32 stores operating system programs, driver programs, application programs, data, etc. used for processing by the server processing unit 33. For example, the server storage unit 32 stores, as an application program, a game program that progresses a game and creates display data related to the results. Computer programs may be installed into the terminal storage unit 22 from a computer-readable portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM using a known setup program, etc.

The server storage unit 32 also stores data such as the user table shown in FIG. 7, the avatar table shown in FIG. 8(a), the item table shown in FIG. 8(b), the history table shown in FIG. 8(c), image data for each avatar and each item, and various image data related to the progress of the game. Furthermore, the server storage unit 32 may also temporarily store temporary data related to certain processing.

Figure 7 shows a user table for managing users. The user table stores, in association with each user, information such as the user's identification information (user ID), password, name, owned item information, main avatar information, first sub-avatar information, second sub-avatar information, and user IDs of related users.

The owned item information stores, for each item owned by the user that can be used with the avatar, an identification number (owned ID) for managing the owned item, an identification number for the item (item ID), and other information in association with the item. Examples of items include the avatar's face and hairstyle, and the clothing and accessories worn by the avatar.

The main avatar information stores, in association with each other, the main avatar's identification information (avatar ID), gender, the position of the main avatar within the avatar image, and the identification number of the item applied to the main avatar (application ID). Information indicating male or female is stored as the gender. Information indicating right, center, or left side is stored as the position within the avatar image. The application ID is an ownership ID corresponding to each item currently applied to the main avatar.

The first sub-avatar information stores the avatar ID and gender of the first sub-avatar, the placement position of the first sub-avatar image within the avatar image, a display flag, an application ID, and other information in association with each other. The display flag stores whether or not the first sub-avatar image is displayed within the avatar image. The application ID is an ownership ID corresponding to each item currently applied to the first sub-avatar.

The second sub-avatar information stores, in association with each other, the avatar ID and gender of the second sub-avatar, the placement position of the second sub-avatar image within the avatar image, a display flag, an application ID, etc. The display flag stores whether or not the second sub-avatar image is displayed within the avatar image. The application ID is an ownership ID corresponding to each item currently applied to the second sub-avatar.

The main avatar, first sub-avatar, and second sub-avatar themselves may be defined in common for all users, and each user's avatar may be identified by its attributes, applicable items, etc. In this case, the avatar IDs of the main avatar, first sub-avatar, and second sub-avatar may be stored in common for all users, rather than being stored in the user table in association with each user's user ID.

If each avatar has age as an attribute, the age of each avatar is also stored in each piece of avatar information. Furthermore, each piece of avatar information may store information indicating the top, center, or bottom of the avatar's position within the avatar image, or any coordinates within the avatar image.

Figure 8(a) shows an avatar table that manages avatars. The avatar table stores, for each avatar, the avatar ID of that avatar, the file name of the image data for each avatar's gender, and other information in association with each other. Furthermore, if each avatar has age as an attribute, the avatar table is further categorized by age, and the avatar table stores the file name of the image data for each avatar for each age.

Figure 8 (b) shows an item table for managing items. The item table stores, in association with each item, the item's item ID, name, image data file name, rarity, type, gender, group, etc.

Rarity is a parameter that indicates the rarity of an item within a game; the rarer the item, the rarer and more difficult it is to obtain. Examples of rarity stored include normal, rare, S (super) rare, SS (double super) rare, SSS (triple super) rare, and legend. Examples of type stored include face, hairstyle, clothing, and accessories. Examples of groups stored include genres such as music, sports, swimming, and mountain climbing. Additionally, for example, identification information for other services (games) provided by server 3 may be stored as a group. In this case, multiple items linked to other services, i.e., multiple items available for avatar services provided by other services, are stored in association with the identification information for that group.

Figure 8 (c) shows a history table that manages the history of avatar image creation or modification for a user and the user's related users. The history table is managed for each user. For each history of avatar image creation or modification by the user and the user's related users, the history table stores and associates the identification information (history ID) of the history, the date and time, the target user ID, the file name of the image data, information indicating whether it was a creation or modification, the number of votes, comment information, etc.

The date and time is the date and time when the user or a user related to the user created or changed the avatar image. The image data file name is the file name of the avatar image created or changed by the user or a user related to the user. The number of votes is the number of votes cast for that avatar image by each user on the avatar image history screen 520. The comment information stores, for each comment posted by each user on the avatar image on the avatar image history screen 520, the user ID of the user who posted the comment, the content of the comment, etc., in association with the comment.

2.2.1 Configuration of the Server Processing Unit 33 The server processing unit 33 includes one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. The server processing unit 33 is, for example, a CPU, and performs overall control of the overall operation of the server 3. The server processing unit 33 controls the operation of the server communication unit 31 and other units so that various processes of the server 3 are executed in an appropriate order based on the programs stored in the server storage unit 32. The server processing unit 33 executes processes based on the programs (such as operating system programs, driver programs, and application programs) stored in the server storage unit 32. The server processing unit 33 can also execute multiple programs (such as application programs) in parallel.

The server processing unit 33 includes a progress control unit 331, a main game execution unit 332, a setting unit 333, a change unit 334, a history management unit 335, a bonus granting unit 336, a lottery execution unit 337, and a purchase execution unit 338. Each of these units is a functional module implemented by a program executed by a processor included in the server processing unit 33. Alternatively, each of these units may be implemented in the server 3 as firmware.

The progress control unit 331 controls the start and progress of the game, and appropriately instructs the main game execution unit 332, setting unit 333, change unit 334, history management unit 335, bonus granting unit 336, lottery execution unit 337, and purchase execution unit 338 to execute processing. The progress control unit 331 exchanges necessary data with the mobile device 2 via the server communication unit 31.

When a request for each screen described using Figures 4(a) to 5(c) is received from the mobile device 2, the progress control unit 331 creates or instructs each unit to create display data for displaying buttons for accepting instructions from the user, text information notifying the user, images, etc. in a layout appropriate for that screen, and sends that data to the mobile device 2. Then, when a button is pressed on the screen displayed on the mobile device 2 and a request for the next screen corresponding to that button is received from the mobile device 2, the progress control unit 331 similarly creates or instructs each unit to create display data for the next screen and sends that data to the mobile device 2.

In particular, when a user uses the mobile device 2 to start a game or transition to the home screen, and a corresponding home screen request is received from the mobile device 2, the progress control unit 331 creates display data for displaying the home screen 400. The progress control unit 331 then transmits the created display data to the mobile device 2.

Furthermore, when the user presses the main game button 401 on the home screen 400 displayed on the mobile device 2 and a corresponding main game request is received from the mobile device 2, the progress control unit 331 instructs the main game execution unit 332 to execute the main game. The progress control unit 331 then transmits the display data for executing the main game, created by the main game execution unit 332, to the mobile device 2.

Furthermore, when the user presses the sub-avatar setting button 402 on the home screen 400 displayed on the mobile device 2 and a corresponding sub-avatar setting screen request is received from the mobile device 2, the progress control unit 331 instructs the setting unit 333 to create a sub-avatar setting screen. Then, the progress control unit 331 transmits display data for displaying the sub-avatar setting screen 410 created by the setting unit 333 to the mobile device 2.

Furthermore, when the user presses the setting button 417 on the sub-avatar setting screen 410 displayed on the mobile device 2 and a corresponding sub-avatar setting request is received from the mobile device 2, the progress control unit 331 instructs the setting unit 333 to set the sub-avatar. Then, the progress control unit 331 transmits display data for displaying the creation result screen 420 created by the setting unit 333 to the mobile device 2.

Furthermore, when the user presses the avatar image update button 403 on the home screen 400 displayed on the mobile device 2 and a corresponding avatar image update screen request is received from the mobile device 2, the progress control unit 331 instructs the modification unit 334 to create an avatar image update screen. Then, the progress control unit 331 transmits display data for displaying the avatar image update screen 430 created by the modification unit 334 to the mobile device 2.

Furthermore, when the user presses one of the avatar change buttons 431 to 433 on the avatar image update screen 430 displayed on the mobile device 2 and a corresponding avatar change screen request is received from the mobile device 2, the progress control unit 331 instructs the change unit 334 to create an avatar change screen. Then, the progress control unit 331 transmits display data for displaying the avatar change screen created by the change unit 334 to the mobile device 2.

Furthermore, when the user presses the update button 506 on the avatar change screen displayed on the mobile device 2 and a corresponding avatar image update request is received from the mobile device 2, the progress control unit 331 instructs the change unit 334 to update the avatar image. Then, the progress control unit 331 transmits display data for displaying the update result screen 510 created by the change unit 334 to the mobile device 2.

Furthermore, when the user presses the avatar image history button 404 on the home screen 400 displayed on the mobile device 2 and a corresponding avatar image history screen request is received from the mobile device 2, the progress control unit 331 instructs the history management unit 335 to create an avatar image history screen. Then, the progress control unit 331 transmits display data for displaying the avatar image history screen 520 created by the history management unit 335 to the mobile device 2.

Furthermore, when the user presses the comment creation button 524, 534 or the vote button 525, 535 on the avatar image history screen 520 displayed on the mobile device 2 and a corresponding posting request is received from the mobile device 2, the progress control unit 331 instructs the history management unit 335 to record the comment or vote for the avatar image. Then, the progress control unit 331 transmits display data for displaying the avatar image history screen 520 updated by the history management unit 335 to the mobile device 2.

Furthermore, when the user presses the lottery button 405 on the home screen 400 displayed on the mobile device 2 and a corresponding item lottery screen request is received from the mobile device 2, the progress control unit 331 instructs the lottery execution unit 337 to create an item lottery screen. Then, the progress control unit 331 transmits display data for displaying the item lottery screen (not shown) created by the lottery execution unit 337 to the mobile device 2. Furthermore, when a request is made on the item lottery screen to execute an item lottery, the progress control unit 331 instructs the lottery execution unit 337 to execute an item lottery.

Furthermore, when the user presses the purchase button 406 on the home screen 400 displayed on the mobile device 2 and a corresponding item purchase screen request is received from the mobile device 2, the progress control unit 331 instructs the purchase execution unit 338 to create an item purchase screen. Then, the progress control unit 331 transmits display data for displaying the item purchase screen (not shown) created by the purchase execution unit 338 to the mobile device 2.

When the main game execution unit 332 receives an instruction from the progress control unit 331 to execute the main game, it creates display data for executing the main game based on the information included in the main game request and passes the created display data to the progress control unit 331. Thereafter, the main game is executed using the created display data.

When the progress control unit 331 instructs the setting unit 333 to create a sub-avatar setting screen, the setting unit 333 creates display data for displaying the sub-avatar setting screen and passes the created display data to the progress control unit 331.

When the progress control unit 331 instructs the setting unit 333 to set a sub-avatar, the setting unit 333 sets the sub-avatar by storing predetermined information as sub-avatar information in the user table in association with the user ID of the user who requested the setting of the sub-avatar. The setting unit 333 then creates avatar images so that each sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar related to each attribute stored in the user table is displayed together with the main avatar image at the respective placement positions stored in the user table. Next, the setting unit 333 outputs creation result screen display data displaying the created avatar images to the server communication unit 31 via the progress control unit 331.

The setting unit 333 first identifies the user ID included in the sub-avatar setting request, information indicating the sub-avatar to be set, whether to display the sub-avatar image within the avatar image, the position of the sub-avatar image within the avatar image, and information indicating the attributes (gender) of the sub-avatar. Next, the setting unit 333 associates the avatar ID of the sub-avatar to be set with the identified user ID and stores it in the user table. Next, the setting unit 333 stores each of the identified information as avatar information for the avatar to be set in the user table, associated with the identified user ID.

The setting unit 333 may store predetermined initial values for the attribute (gender), placement position, and display flag of each piece of avatar information. Alternatively, the setting unit 333 may automatically determine the attribute (gender), placement position, and display flag of each piece of avatar information. For example, the setting unit 333 determines whether to display the first sub-avatar and the second sub-avatar. The setting unit 333 also determines the display position of the first sub-avatar image to be on the left side, and the display position of the second sub-avatar image to be on the right side. The setting unit 333 also determines the gender of the first sub-avatar and the second sub-avatar to be male.

The setting unit 333 may also determine the settings of each sub-avatar based on the settings of the main avatar. For example, the setting unit 333 may set the placement position of the first sub-avatar image to be next to the main avatar image (or to the left if there is space on both sides), and set the placement position of the second sub-avatar image to an area that does not overlap with the main avatar image and the first sub-avatar image. The setting unit 333 may also set the attributes of the first sub-avatar and second sub-avatar to be the same as the attributes of the main avatar. Alternatively, the setting unit 333 may set the attributes of the first sub-avatar and second sub-avatar to be different from the attributes of the main avatar. Alternatively, the setting unit 333 may set the attributes of the first sub-avatar to be the same as the attributes of the main avatar, and the attributes of the second sub-avatar to be the same as the attributes of the main avatar.

Next, the setting unit 333 references the user table, avatar table, and item table to extract main avatar information associated with the identified user ID, and reads out from the server storage unit 32 a main avatar image related to the attributes indicated in the main avatar information and an image of an item applied to the main avatar. Next, the setting unit 333 references the user table and avatar table to extract first sub-avatar information and second sub-avatar information, and reads out from the server storage unit 32 a first sub-avatar image related to the attributes indicated in the first sub-avatar information and a second sub-avatar image related to the attributes indicated in the second sub-avatar information. The setting unit 333 creates avatar images such that the main avatar image includes an image of the item and is arranged at the position indicated in the main avatar information, the first sub-avatar image is arranged at the position indicated in the first sub-avatar information, and the second sub-avatar image is arranged at the position indicated in the second sub-avatar information. Note that if the display flag indicated in each piece of sub-avatar information indicates non-display, the setting unit 333 does not display the sub-avatar image representing that sub-avatar in the avatar image.

Next, the setting unit 333 creates creation result display data for displaying the created avatar image and passes it to the progress control unit 331. Next, the setting unit 333 instructs the history management unit 335 to record the history of the created avatar image.

The setting unit 333 may automatically change whether or not to display a sub-avatar within the avatar image for each service provided by the server 3, or depending on whether the mobile device 2 is a smartphone or a feature phone. For example, the setting unit 333 changes whether or not to display a sub-avatar within the avatar image according to the size or shape of the display frame in which the avatar image is displayed for each service or each mobile device.

For example, even if the sub-avatar's display flag indicates display, the setting unit 333 displays the sub-avatar within the avatar image only if the size (area) of the display frame is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and does not display the sub-avatar within the avatar image if the size is less than the predetermined value. This allows the setting unit 333 to prevent the avatar from being displayed too small within the display frame and becoming difficult to see.

In addition, even if the sub-avatar's display flag indicates display, the setting unit 333 displays the sub-avatar within the avatar image only if the shape of the display frame is a square or a horizontally long rectangle, and does not display the sub-avatar within the avatar image if the shape is a vertically long rectangle. This allows the setting unit 333 to prevent avatars placed on the left and right from protruding from the display frame.

The setting unit 333 may also automatically change the position, pose, etc. of each avatar within the avatar image for each service provided, or depending on whether the mobile device 2 is a smartphone or a feature phone. For example, the setting unit 333 changes the position, pose, etc. of each avatar within the avatar image according to the size or shape of the display frame in which the avatar image is displayed for each service or each mobile device.

For example, if the size of the display frame is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the setting unit 333 positions the avatars so that they are spaced apart, and if the size is less than the predetermined value, the setting unit 333 positions the avatars so that they are close together. Furthermore, if the size is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the setting unit 333 causes each avatar to assume a pose with its arms spread, and if the size is less than the predetermined value, the setting unit 333 causes each avatar to assume a pose with its arms not spread.

Furthermore, if the shape of the display frame is a square or a horizontally long rectangle, the setting unit 333 arranges the avatars horizontally, and if the shape is a vertically long rectangle, the setting unit 333 arranges the avatars vertically. Furthermore, if the shape is a square or a horizontally long rectangle, the setting unit 333 causes each avatar to pose with both arms spread out to the sides, and if the shape is a vertically long rectangle, the setting unit 333 causes each avatar to pose with both arms pointed up. This enables the setting unit 333 to display the optimal avatar image for each service provided or type of mobile device.

When the progress control unit 331 instructs the modification unit 334 to create an avatar image update screen, the modification unit 334 creates display data for displaying the avatar image update screen 430 and passes the created display data to the progress control unit 331.

Furthermore, when the progress control unit 331 instructs the modification unit 334 to create an avatar change screen, the modification unit 334 creates display data for displaying the avatar change screen and passes the created display data to the progress control unit 331. The modification unit 334 identifies the user ID and information indicating the avatar to be modified included in the avatar change screen request. The modification unit 334 extracts, from the user table, the avatar information and owned item information corresponding to the identified user ID. The modification unit 334 then creates display data for the avatar change screen that includes radio buttons with the values indicated in the avatar information of the avatar to be modified as their initial values, and owned items indicated in the owned item information and their selection buttons. Note that, of the owned items, the selection button for an item that is already applied to the avatar to be modified is displayed to indicate that it is selected, and the selection buttons for items that are already applied to avatars other than the avatar to be modified are displayed as unselectable.

When the progress control unit 331 instructs the modification unit 334 to update the avatar images, the modification unit 334 modifies whether or not to display an image representing each avatar within the avatar image, the display position of the image representing each avatar within the avatar image, the attribute (gender) of each avatar, and the items applied to each avatar. Note that the modification unit 334 does not change whether or not to display the main avatar image within the avatar image, but always displays the main avatar image. Next, the modification unit 334 changes the main avatar image and/or sub-avatar image displayed within the avatar image to the main avatar image and/or sub-avatar image representing the avatar related to the modified attribute. Furthermore, the modification unit 334 modifies the main avatar image and/or sub-avatar image within the avatar image so that they are displayed at the modified position. Next, the modification unit 334 applies an item selected by the user within the avatar image to the avatar. Note that the modification unit 334 applies an item selected by the user from items not applied to other avatars to each avatar. Next, the change unit 334 outputs update result screen display data displaying the changed avatar image to the server communication unit 31 via the progress control unit 331.

The modification unit 334 first identifies the user ID included in the avatar image update request, information indicating the avatar to be modified, whether an image representing that avatar should be displayed within the avatar image, the position of the image representing that avatar within the avatar image, the attributes (gender) of that avatar, and information indicating the items to be applied to that avatar. The modification unit 334 then modifies the avatar information (gender, position, display flag, and application ID) of the avatar to be modified associated with the specified user ID in the user table, according to the specified information. The modification unit 334 then modifies the avatar image according to the modified avatar information.

The modification unit 334 modifies the avatar image in the same manner as when the setting unit 333 created the avatar image. For each sub-avatar, the modification unit 334 also reads the image of the item to be applied to that sub-avatar from the server storage unit 32, and modifies the avatar image so that the image of that item is included in each sub-avatar image.

Next, the change unit 334 creates update result display data for displaying the changed avatar image and passes it to the progress control unit 331. Furthermore, the setting unit 333 instructs the history management unit 335 to record the history of the changed avatar image.

Note that when the modification unit 334 changes the attributes, placement position, or applied items of the main avatar in accordance with a request from the user, it may also change the attributes, placement position, or applied items of the sub-avatar in accordance with the change in the attributes, placement position, or applied items of the main avatar. For example, the modification unit 334 changes the attributes of the sub-avatar to attributes different from those of the main avatar. Alternatively, the modification unit 334 may change the attributes of the sub-avatar to attributes the same as those of the main avatar. The modification unit 334 also changes the placement position of the sub-avatar image so that it does not overlap with the placement position of the main avatar image. The modification unit 334 also extracts items that belong to the same group as the items applied to the main avatar and applies them to the sub-avatar. As a result, when the main avatar is changed, the sub-avatar is automatically changed to an optimal state, thereby improving user convenience.

Furthermore, the change unit 334 may save each piece of currently stored avatar information as a template in response to a user request. This allows the user to easily restore a favorite avatar image at any time. In particular, if the user does not like the changed avatar, the user can easily return the avatar image to its original state.

Furthermore, like the setting unit 333, the change unit 334 may automatically change whether or not to display a sub-avatar within the avatar image, the position of each avatar within the avatar image, or the pose of each avatar, depending on each service provided by the server 3 or whether the mobile device 2 is a smartphone or a feature phone.

When the setting unit 333 or the modification unit 334 instructs the history management unit 335 to record the history of avatar images, the history management unit 335 stores the history of each avatar image in a history table. The history management unit 335 extracts related users of the user who created or modified the avatar image from the user table, and stores the history of the created or modified avatar image in the history table of the user who created or modified the avatar image and their related users. The history management unit 335 assigns a history ID to each avatar image and stores the ID in the history table in association with the date and time the avatar image was created or modified, the user ID of the user who created or modified the avatar image, and information indicating whether the avatar image was created or modified. The history management unit 335 also stores 0 as the initial value for the number of votes and blank as the initial value for comment information.

When the progress control unit 331 instructs the history management unit 335 to create an avatar image history screen, the history management unit 335 creates display data that lists the history of avatar image creation or changes for the user and their related users, as well as the avatar images that have been created or changed, and outputs this data to the server communication unit 31 via the progress control unit 331.

The history management unit 335 identifies the user ID included in the avatar image history screen request, extracts history related to the avatar images of that user and their related users from the history table corresponding to the identified user ID, and reads the avatar images from the server storage unit 32. The history management unit 335 creates display data for the avatar image history screen 520, which displays a list of the extracted history and the read avatar images, and passes this data to the progress control unit 331.

The history management unit 335 may display only the history of avatar image changes related to avatar images in which multiple avatars have been changed, and may not display (or may collapse) the history of avatar image changes related to avatar images in which only a single avatar has been changed. Alternatively, the history management unit 335 may display only the history related to avatar images in which the main avatar has been changed. Alternatively, the history management unit 335 may display only the most recent history within a predetermined time period or the history with the highest number of votes or the highest harmony level (described below) for the history by the same user. This prevents a large number of avatar images with little change from being displayed on the avatar image history screen 520, making it difficult to view the avatar images.

Furthermore, when the progress control unit 331 instructs the history management unit 335 to record a comment on an avatar image, the history management unit 335 identifies the user ID, history ID, and comment content of the user who posted the comment, which are included in the posting request, and stores the identified comment content in association with the identified history ID in the history table corresponding to the identified user ID. The history management unit 335 also stores the comment content in the history tables of other users in a similar manner. The history management unit 335 then recreates the display data for the avatar image history screen 520 and passes it to the progress control unit 331.

When the progress control unit 331 instructs the history management unit 335 to record votes for an avatar image, the history management unit 335 identifies the user ID and history ID of the user who voted, which are included in the posting request, and adds a predetermined value (e.g., 1) to the number of votes associated with the identified history ID in the history table corresponding to the identified user ID. The history management unit 335 also updates the number of votes in the history tables of other users in a similar manner. The history management unit 335 then recreates the display data for the avatar image history screen 520 and passes it to the progress control unit 331.

The history management unit 335 may change the predetermined value to be added to the number of votes depending on the number of avatars displayed in the voted avatar image. For example, the history management unit 335 may set the predetermined value to 1 if only the main avatar is displayed in the avatar image, set the predetermined value to 2 if the main avatar and one sub-avatar are displayed in the avatar image, and set the predetermined value to 3 if the main avatar and two sub-avatars are displayed in the avatar image. Users will start using sub-avatars to increase the number of votes for their own avatar image, so it is possible to encourage the use of sub-avatars.

At a predetermined timing, such as when an event being held in the game ends, the reward granting unit 336 grants a reward to each user according to the number of votes for the avatar image created or modified by that user. The reward granting unit 336 grants a reward to users who have created or modified avatar images up to a predetermined rank, in descending order of the number of votes. A reward may be, for example, an item that can be applied to an avatar. The reward granting unit 336 assigns a possession ID to the item to be granted, and stores the item ID and possession ID of the item as possession item information in the user table in association with the user ID, thereby granting a reward to the user.

The bonus granting unit 336 may also grant a bonus to the user according to the combination of items applied to each avatar in each avatar image. For example, the bonus granting unit 336 grants a bonus to the user when the items applied to the main avatar, the items applied to the first sub-avatar, and the items applied to the second sub-avatar match a predetermined combination. A combination that grants a bonus is, for example, a combination of three items such as matching clothing or accessories. Matching items are, for example, items that are similar to each other, items with different colors, or items that share some parts (such as marks or patterns). Note that a combination that grants a bonus may also be a combination of two or four or more items.

Furthermore, if the items applied to the avatar include poses, the reward granting unit 336 may grant a reward to the user when the combination of poses taken by the three avatars matches a predetermined combination.

The bonus granting unit 336 may also notify the user of a hint about the combination that will grant a bonus by displaying it on the creation result screen 420, update result screen 510, or the like. For example, if a bonus will be granted if a predetermined number of items (e.g., one) are applied to each avatar in addition to the items currently applied to them, the bonus granting unit 336 may notify the user of information about those items (e.g., the item names). The bonus granting unit 336 may also notify the user of all combinations that will grant a bonus. This may increase the user's motivation to enter lotteries or purchase items, as they will try to obtain the items they are missing in order to obtain the bonus.

The hint notified by the bonus granting unit 336 may be of any type, and may be, for example, a hint unrelated to the granting of a bonus. For example, the notified hint may simply be a hint recommending an item to be applied to the sub-avatar based on the item applied to the main avatar. For example, the recommended item may be an item that is highly harmonious with the item applied to the main avatar, as described below, or an item that is similar in shape, color, size, etc.

The bonus granting unit 336 may also calculate a harmony level that indicates the degree to which the items applied to each avatar are in harmony, and grant a bonus to the user based on the harmony level. In this case, the bonus granting unit 336 identifies, from the item table, the group to which each item applied to each avatar displayed in the avatar image belongs. Then, for each item, the bonus granting unit 336 adds a predetermined value to the harmony level for the group to which that item belongs. If the harmony level for any group is equal to or greater than a threshold, the bonus granting unit 336 determines that the items applied to each avatar are in harmony, and grants a bonus to the user.

The bonus granting unit 336 may also change the predetermined value to be added to the harmony degree depending on the rarity of each item. For example, the bonus granting unit 336 may increase the predetermined value the higher the rarity of each item. The bonus granting unit 336 may also calculate the harmony degree for each type of item, and if the harmony degree for any type is equal to or greater than a threshold, grant that type of item as a bonus.

When the lottery execution unit 337 is instructed by the progress control unit 331 to create an item lottery screen, it creates an item lottery screen for conducting a lottery for items applicable to each avatar and passes it to the progress control unit 331. Furthermore, when the lottery execution unit 337 is instructed by the progress control unit 331 to conduct an item lottery, it conducts a lottery for items applicable to each avatar. The lottery execution unit 337 assigns an ownership ID to the item won by lottery in the user table, and stores the item ID and ownership ID of the item in association with the user ID as owned item information, thereby granting the item to the user.

Note that the lottery execution unit 337 may provide item lotteries in which the number of items won in one draw is one, as well as item lotteries in which the number of items won in one draw is multiple. In this case, the lottery execution unit 337 makes it easier to win an item associated with a combination consisting of two items among the combinations that grant the above-mentioned benefits in an item lottery in which the number of winning items is two, compared to holding two item lotteries in which the number of winning items is one. Note that the lottery execution unit 337 increases the probability that the items won in a single draw will include both or at least one of the combinations consisting of two items that grant a benefit. Similarly, in an item lottery in which the number of winning items is three, the lottery execution unit 337 makes it easier to win an item associated with a combination consisting of three items, compared to holding three item lotteries in which the number of winning items is one. Users will be more likely to enter item lotteries in which the number of winning items is multiple in order to obtain an item associated with a combination that grants a benefit, which can help to stimulate the lottery game.

The lottery execution unit 337 may also provide lotteries in which the attributes of the winning items are predetermined. For example, the lottery execution unit 337 may provide lotteries in which a male item is won, a female item is won, a lottery in which a combination of a male item and a female item is won in a single lottery, a lottery in which a combination of multiple male items is won in a single lottery, a lottery in which a combination of multiple female items is won in a single lottery, etc. In this case, the lottery execution unit 337 makes it easier to win items related to each attribute combination among the combinations that confer the above-mentioned benefits in lotteries in which the attributes of the winning items are predetermined than in regular item lotteries. Users will be more likely to enter item lotteries related to each attribute more frequently in order to obtain items related to the desired attribute combination, which can help to stimulate the lottery game.

Furthermore, the lottery execution unit 337 may increase the probability of winning an item related to a combination that grants a benefit when a sub-avatar is set to be displayed within the avatar image compared to when a sub-avatar is not set to be displayed within the avatar image. The lottery execution unit 337 reads from the user table the display flag of the first sub-avatar information and the display flag of the second sub-avatar information of the user who executed the lottery, and determines whether a sub-avatar is set to be displayed within the avatar image. When both the display flag of the first sub-avatar information and the display flag of the second sub-avatar information indicate display, the lottery execution unit 337 increases the probability of winning an item related to a combination consisting of three items. Furthermore, when only one of the display flag of the first sub-avatar information and the display flag of the second sub-avatar information indicates display, the lottery execution unit 337 increases the probability of winning an item related to a combination consisting of two items.

Users will be more likely to display sub-avatars within their avatar images in order to increase the chances of receiving rewards, which can encourage the use of sub-avatars.

When the progress control unit 331 instructs the purchase execution unit 338 to create an item purchase screen, it creates display data for displaying an item purchase screen for purchasing items applicable to each avatar, and outputs the display data to the server communication unit 31 via the progress control unit 331.

Note that, when a sub-avatar is set to be displayed within the avatar image, the purchase execution unit 338 displays items related to combinations that grant benefits on the item purchase screen in priority over other items. For example, the purchase execution unit 338 displays items related to combinations that grant benefits above other items. Alternatively, the purchase execution unit 338 displays items related to combinations that grant benefits larger than other items.

The purchase execution unit 338 reads from the user table the display flag of the first sub-avatar information and the display flag of the second sub-avatar information of the user who executed the lottery, and determines whether the sub-avatar is set to be displayed within the avatar image. If both the display flag of the first sub-avatar information and the display flag of the second sub-avatar information indicate display, the purchase execution unit 338 prioritizes displaying items related to combinations consisting of three items. Furthermore, if only one of the display flags of the first sub-avatar information and the second sub-avatar information indicates display, the lottery execution unit 337 prioritizes displaying items related to combinations consisting of two items.

Figure 9 shows an example of an operation sequence of the communication system 1. This operation sequence is executed mainly by the device processing unit 25 and server processing unit 33 in cooperation with each element of the mobile device 2 and server 3, based on programs stored in advance in the device storage unit 22 and server storage unit 32.

First, when the home screen 400 is displayed on the display unit 24 of the portable device 2 and the user presses the sub-avatar setting button 402 using the operation unit 23, the viewing execution unit 251 of the portable device 2 sends a sub-avatar setting request to the server 3 via the device communication unit 21 (step S101). When the progress control unit 331 of the server 3 receives the sub-avatar setting request from the portable device 2, the setting unit 333 executes a sub-avatar setting process (step S102). Details of the sub-avatar setting process will be described later. Next, the progress control unit 331 sends display data for the creation result screen created by the setting unit 333 in the sub-avatar setting process to the portable device 2 (step S103). When the display data for the creation result screen is received from the server 3 via the device communication unit 21, the viewing execution unit 251 of the portable device 2 creates drawing data based on the received display data and displays the creation result screen 420 on the display unit 24 (step S104).

Furthermore, when the user presses the update button 506 using the operation unit 23 while the avatar change screen is displayed on the display unit 24 of the mobile device 2, the browsing execution unit 251 of the mobile device 2 sends an avatar image update request to the server 3 via the device communication unit 21 (step S105). When the progress control unit 331 of the server 3 receives the avatar image update request from the mobile device 2, the change unit 334 executes avatar image update processing (step S106). Details of the avatar image update processing will be described later. Next, the progress control unit 331 sends to the mobile device 2 display data for the update result screen created by the change unit 334 in the avatar image update processing (step S107). When the display data for the update result screen is received from the server 3 via the device communication unit 21, the browsing execution unit 251 of the mobile device 2 creates drawing data based on the received display data and displays the update result screen 510 on the display unit 24 (step S108).

Furthermore, when the user presses the avatar image history button 404 using the operation unit 23 while the home screen 400 is displayed on the display unit 24 of the portable device 2, the browsing execution unit 251 of the portable device 2 sends an avatar image history screen request to the server 3 via the device communication unit 21 (step S109). When the progress control unit 331 of the server 3 receives the avatar image history screen request from the portable device 2, the history management unit 335 executes a history extraction process (step S110). Details of the history extraction process will be described later. Next, the progress control unit 331 sends display data for the avatar image history screen created by the history management unit 335 in the history extraction process to the portable device 2 (step S111). When the display data for the avatar image history screen is received from the server 3 via the device communication unit 21, the browsing execution unit 251 of the portable device 2 creates drawing data based on the received display data and displays the avatar image history screen 520 on the display unit 24 (step S112). This completes the operation sequence.

Figure 10 shows the operational flow of the sub-avatar setting process. The sub-avatar setting process shown in Figure 10 is executed in step S102 of Figure 9.

The setting unit 333 first identifies the user ID included in the sub-avatar setting request, information indicating the avatar to be set, whether to display a sub-avatar image within the avatar image, the position of the sub-avatar image within the avatar image, and information indicating the attribute (gender) of the sub-avatar (step S201). Next, the setting unit 333 stores the identified information in the user table as avatar information for the avatar to be set, in association with the identified user ID (step S202). Next, the setting unit 333 creates an avatar image so that each sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar associated with each attribute stored in the user table is displayed together with the main avatar image, at the respective positions stored in the user table (step S203). Next, the setting unit 333 creates creation result display data that displays the created avatar image (step S204). Next, the history management unit 335 stores the history of avatar images created by the setting unit 333 in the history table of the identified user and the user's related users (step S205), thereby completing the series of steps.

Figure 11 shows the operational flow of the avatar image update process. The avatar image creation process shown in Figure 11 is executed in step S106 of Figure 9.

The modification unit 334 first identifies the user ID included in the avatar image update request, information indicating the avatar to be modified, whether an image representing the avatar should be displayed within the avatar image, the position of the image representing the avatar within the avatar image, the avatar's attributes (gender), and information indicating items to be applied to the avatar (step S301). Next, the modification unit 334 modifies the avatar information of the avatar to be modified associated with the specified user ID in the user table according to the specified information (step S302). Next, the modification unit 334 modifies each avatar image according to the modified avatar information (step S303). Next, the modification unit 334 creates update result display data for displaying the modified avatar images (step S304). Next, the history management unit 335 stores the history of the avatar images modified by the modification unit 334 in the history table of the specified user and the user's related users (step S305), thereby completing the series of steps.

Figure 12 shows the operational flow of the history extraction process. The history extraction process shown in Figure 12 is executed in step S110 of Figure 9.

The history management unit 335 first identifies the user ID included in the avatar image history screen request (step S401). Next, the history management unit 335 extracts history related to the avatar images of that user and their related users from the history table corresponding to the identified user ID, and reads those avatar images from the server storage unit 32 (step S402). Next, the history management unit 335 creates display data for the avatar image history screen 520, which displays a list of the extracted history and the read avatar images (step S403), and ends the series of steps.

As explained above, the server 3 creates an avatar image that displays a sub-avatar image together with a main avatar image, and displays it on the mobile device 2. This allows the user to apply items not used in the main avatar to the sub-avatar and make effective use of them. Furthermore, the server 3 changes whether or not the sub-avatar is displayed, its position, attributes, and the items to be applied, in accordance with a user request. This allows the user to create a highly unique avatar image.

In addition, since it is possible to simultaneously display avatars with multiple attributes within an avatar image, it is possible to increase the user's desire to purchase items with multiple attributes. Furthermore, even if a user obtains an item for a gender different from the gender of their main avatar through an item lottery or the like, they can apply that item to a sub-avatar of a gender that the item is applicable to, allowing them to make effective use of the item.

Furthermore, when two avatars are displayed in an avatar image, the positions of the avatars only have a linear relationship, but when three avatars are displayed in an avatar image, the positions of the avatars have a planar relationship. Therefore, by displaying three or more avatars in an avatar image, it is possible to dramatically increase the variety of avatar images.

Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in this embodiment, the server 3 displays a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar owned by the user on the user's avatar image. However, the server 3 may also display a sub-avatar image representing a sub-avatar owned by a related user on the user's avatar image. In this case, the setting unit 333 accepts from the user a selection of related users and sub-avatars owned by the related users, and creates an avatar image that displays a main avatar image representing the user's main avatar and a main avatar image representing the sub-avatar of the selected related user. Similarly, the change unit 334 accepts from the user a selection of related users and sub-avatars owned by the related users, and changes the avatar image by changing the user's sub-avatar image to the sub-avatar image of the selected related user. This expands the variety of avatar images and enables users to exchange or rent sub-avatars, thereby stimulating communication between users.

The server 3 may also apply items owned by related users to an avatar owned by the user. In this case, the modification unit 334 accepts the user's selection of related users and items owned by the related users, and applies the items owned by the selected related users to the user's main avatar and/or sub-avatar. The modification unit 334 may apply only those items owned by the selected related users that are part of a combination that will grant a special benefit to the user's main avatar and sub-avatar. Alternatively, the modification unit 334 may apply only those items owned by the selected related users that are indicated in avatar information saved as a template to the user's main avatar and sub-avatar. Furthermore, the hint may indicate related users who own or have applied to their main avatar or sub-avatar an item that, when combined with an item owned by the user or applied to their main avatar or sub-avatar, will constitute a combination that will grant a special benefit. This increases the variety of avatar images and enables users to exchange or rent items with each other, thereby stimulating communication between users.

The communication system 1 may also provide a community for recruiting users who are willing to provide sub-avatars or items to be displayed in the avatar image. Users can use this community to exchange sub-avatars or items with other users, thereby stimulating communication between users.

The server 3 may also set sub-avatars to be available only to users who meet certain conditions. For example, the server 3 may set sub-avatars to be available only to users who own all types of men's items and all types of women's items. Alternatively, the server 3 may set sub-avatars to be available only to users who own multiple items of the same type or multiple items belonging to the same group. Users will try to collect each item so that they can use their sub-avatars, which can increase users' desire to purchase items.

Server 3 may also be made up of multiple servers. In this case, the multiple servers are distributed across the network, and each server cooperates to share and execute the above-mentioned processes performed by Server 3.

The game executed on the mobile device 2 may also be a hybrid game in which both the server 3 and the mobile device 2 each handle part of the processing. In that case, for example, each screen related to the game's progress may be displayed as a web screen on the mobile device 2 based on display data generated by the server 3, and other menu screens and the like may be displayed as native screens using a native app installed on the mobile device 2.

Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Communication system 3 Server 31 Server communication unit 32 Server storage unit 33 Server processing unit 331 Progress control unit 332 Main game execution unit 333 Setting unit 334 Change unit 335 History management unit 336 Benefit granting unit 337 Lottery execution unit 338 Purchase execution unit

Claims (12)

a step of selecting, by a first means, a second item to be applied to an avatar of the second user in accordance with a request by the second user;
a step in which a second means selects a first item owned by a third user to be applied to an avatar of the first user in accordance with a request from the first user, wherein only items that form a predetermined combination with the second item among the items owned by the third user are selectable as the first item;
A control method comprising: a third means displaying, in accordance with a request by the first user, an avatar image including an avatar of the first user to which the first item has been applied and an avatar of the second user to which the second item has been applied. The control method according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined combination is a combination that provides a benefit to the first user. The control method described in claim 2, wherein the fourth means includes a step of displaying information regarding the awarding of the benefit together with the avatar image. The control method according to claim 3 , wherein the information regarding the provision of the benefit is information indicating a plurality of items that constitute the combination . The control method according to any one of claims 2 to 4 , further comprising a step of setting, in accordance with a request by the first user, whether or not the avatar image should include an avatar of the second user. a sixth means including a step of drawing an item applicable to an avatar of the first user in accordance with a request by the first user;
6. The control method of claim 5, wherein, in the lottery for the applicable items, when the avatar image is set to include the avatar of the second user, the probability of winning the item related to the combination for which the benefit is granted is higher than when the avatar image is set not to include the avatar of the second user. a seventh means including a step of progressing a battle game in which an avatar of the first user appears;
A control method described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the third user is a user who rescued the first user in a past battle against an enemy character, a user who has previously battled the first user, and/or a user who belongs to a group that has previously battled the first user. The control method described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the third means places the second user's avatar in an area of the avatar image that does not overlap with the first user's avatar. The control method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the eighth means includes a step of storing the number of votes for the avatar image by any user as a vote count and outputting a screen including the vote count. The control method described in claim 9, wherein the ninth means includes a step of granting a benefit to the first user according to the number of votes. a first means for selecting a second item to be applied to an avatar of a second user in accordance with a request by the second user;
a second means for selecting a first item owned by a third user to be applied to an avatar of the first user in accordance with a request by the first user, wherein only an item that forms a predetermined combination with the second item among the items owned by the third user is selectable as the first item;
and a third means for displaying an avatar image including an avatar of the first user with the first item applied and an avatar of the second user with the second item applied in accordance with a request by the first user. Computer,
a first means for selecting a second item to be applied to an avatar of a second user in accordance with a request by the second user;
a second means for selecting a first item owned by a third user to be applied to an avatar of the first user in accordance with a request by the first user, wherein only an item that forms a predetermined combination with the second item among the items owned by the third user is selectable as the first item;
and a third means for displaying an avatar image including an avatar of the first user to which the first item has been applied and an avatar of the second user to which the second item has been applied in accordance with a request by the first user.