JP2013009855A - Program, information processing device, and information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve application program development efficiency.SOLUTION: A computer is made to execute the following procedures by a program: a procedure for allowing a user to select any of a plurality of game application programs which operate on a client terminal; a procedure for causing the game application program selected by the user to be executed on the computer; a procedure for receiving, from the game application program selected by the user, update information for updating shared data which are used in the plurality of game application programs, and an update request which requests the update of the shared data; and a procedure for sending the update information to a server in order to update the shared data stored in the server.

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing system.

In recent years, various application programs or services are traded on a network. For example, an application program is downloaded to an information processing apparatus such as a mobile terminal via a network. In addition, an information processing apparatus in which a Web browser is introduced is used to access a server on a network and use a service provided by the server. (For example, see Patent Document 1).
Patent Document 1 JP 2011-78634 A

  Along with such changes in the distribution route of application programs, shortening of the development period and reduction of development costs are further demanded in the development of application programs.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, a program that runs on the OS of a client terminal that exchanges information with a server via a network, and that is one of a plurality of game application programs that run on the client terminal. Information for updating shared data used in a plurality of game application programs from a procedure for causing the user to select the game application program, a procedure for causing the computer to execute the game application program selected by the user, and the game application program selected by the user And a program for executing a procedure for receiving an update request for updating the shared data and a procedure for transmitting update information to the server to update the shared data stored in the server are provided.

  The above program includes a procedure for obtaining user identification information for identifying a user before a procedure for causing the computer to execute a game application program selected by the user, and authentication of data communication between the server and the client terminal. May be a program for further executing an authentication request for requesting and a procedure for transmitting user identification information to the server.

  In the above program, the procedure for receiving the update information and the update request includes a procedure for receiving the encrypted update information from the game application program selected by the user and a procedure for decrypting the encrypted update information. May include. In the above program, the update information may include information on at least one of the execution progress and the execution result of the game application program selected by the user.

  In the above program, the shared data includes at least one of virtual currency and items commonly used in a game provided by a plurality of game application programs, and at least a result of a game provided by the plurality of game application programs. Information about one may be included. In the above program, the procedure for causing the computer to execute the game application program selected by the user may include a procedure for calling the game application program selected by the user by a dynamic link.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus that exchanges information with a server via a network, the information processing apparatus including a storage unit that stores the program and an execution unit that executes the program. Provided.

  In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing system comprising the above information processing apparatus and a server that has a shared data storage unit that stores shared data and exchanges information with the information processing apparatus via a network. Provided.

  It should be noted that the above summary of the invention does not enumerate all the necessary features of the present invention. In addition, a sub-combination of these feature groups can also be an invention.

An example of a system configuration of information processing system 100 is shown roughly. An example of a functional structure of the client terminal 104 is shown schematically. An example of the screen displayed on client terminal 104 is shown roughly. An example of the screen displayed on client terminal 104 is shown roughly. An example of the screen displayed on client terminal 104 is shown roughly. An example of information processing by information processing system 100 is shown roughly. 1 schematically shows an example of a hardware configuration of a computer 1900.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. In addition, not all the combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solving means of the invention.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of the system configuration of the information processing system 100. FIG. 1 shows an information processing system 100 together with a network 10. The network 10 may be the Internet, a LAN, a dedicated line, a packet communication network, a telephone line, a corporate network, or a combination thereof. The network 10 may be a wired line or a wireless line. The information processing system 100 includes a server 102 and a client terminal 104. The server 102 and the client terminal 104 exchange information via the network 10. The information processing system 100 may include a plurality of client terminals 104.

  In the present embodiment, the server 102 includes a system control unit 122, a user information storage unit 124, and a distribution information storage unit 126. The client terminal 104 has a game management program 152 and a game application program 154. The client terminal 104 may have a plurality of game application programs 154. The client terminal 104 may have a web browser 156.

  The game management program 152 and the game application program 154 operate on the OS 140 of the client terminal 104. The game management program 152 may include an interface module 162, a communication module 164, and a shared library 166. The game application program 154 may include an interface module 172.

  The server 102 exchanges information with the client terminal 104 via the network 10. The server 102 provides various services to the client terminal 104 via the network 10. For example, the server 102 provides a social network service. Thereby, the user can use services such as bulletin board, chat, communication with other users in the three-dimensional virtual space, and electronic commerce in the virtual store by accessing the server 102 using the client terminal 104. it can.

  The server 102 may be composed of a single server or a plurality of servers. The server 102 may be constructed using a virtual server system or a cloud system. The server 102 may be a system or controller specialized for the application, or may be a general-purpose information processing apparatus such as a personal computer.

  The system control unit 122 controls information processing in the information processing system 100. The system control unit 122 receives a request from the client terminal 104 and provides various services according to the request from the client terminal 104.

  For example, the system control unit 122 receives from the client terminal 104 user identification information for identifying a user and an authentication request for requesting authentication of data communication between the server 102 and the client terminal 104. Upon receiving the authentication request, the system control unit 122 executes a login process to authenticate data communication between the server 102 and the client terminal 104, and permits the client terminal 104 to access the server 102.

  After executing the login process, the system control unit 122 compares the user information stored in the user information storage unit 124 with the user information stored in the client terminal 104, and executes a synchronization process of user information You can do it. Further, the system control unit 122 may update the user information when receiving information for updating the user information stored in the user information storage unit 124 from the client terminal 104.

  The user information storage unit 124 stores user information managed for each user. The user information may be an example of shared data used in a plurality of game application programs. The user information storage unit 124 may be an example of a shared data storage unit. In the present embodiment, the user information includes user identification information that identifies the user. The user identification information may include a user ID assigned for each user and a password corresponding to the user ID.

  In the present embodiment, the user information includes at least one of virtual currency and items used in a game provided by the game application program 154 (hereinafter simply referred to as a game), and at least one of the game results. Contains information about one. The virtual currency and item may be used in common for the plurality of game application programs 154.

  The virtual currency may be increased or decreased depending on the game results. The user may obtain items as the game progresses, or may purchase items using virtual currency within the game. When the user uses an item in the game, for example, an event corresponding to the item occurs.

  The distribution information storage unit 126 stores distribution information distributed to the user in the service provided by the server 102. Examples of the distribution information include the latest information or announcements of services provided by the server 102, news, and advertisements for services or products provided by other businesses. Examples of the latest service information or notification items include delivery information of new games, arrival information of products, and information on events in the game.

  The client terminal 104 exchanges information with the server 102 via the network 10. The client terminal 104 executes a game management program 152 and a game application program 154. The client terminal 104 may access the server 102 via the web browser 156 and use a service provided by a program operating on the server 102.

  The client terminal 104 may be an example of an information processing device or a computer. In an information processing apparatus having a general configuration including a data processing apparatus having a CPU, ROM, RAM, communication interface, etc., an input apparatus, an output apparatus, and a storage apparatus, the operation of each part of the client terminal 104 is defined. The client terminal 104 may be realized by starting the software. The storage device may be an example of a storage unit, and the CPU may be an example of an execution unit.

  The client terminal 104 may be any device that can send and receive information to and from the server 102 via the network 10, and may be a personal computer, a mobile phone, a mobile terminal, or a wireless terminal. The client terminal 104 may be a system or controller specialized for the application, or may be a general-purpose information processing apparatus such as a personal computer.

  The game management program 152 manages the game application program 154 stored in the client terminal 104. The game management program 152 may determine which of the plurality of game application programs 154 is to be executed. The game management program 152 may cause the user to select a game application program 154 to be executed. The game management program 152 causes the client terminal 104 to execute the game application program 154 selected by the user.

  The game management program 152 may manage the exchange of information between the game application program 154 and the server 102. The game management program 152 may manage access from the game application program 154 to the shared library 166. Information exchange between the game management program 152 and the game application program 154 may be encrypted.

  The game application program 154 is called from the game management program 152 and executes various games. The game application program 154 may be called from the game management program 152 by a dynamic link. The game application program 154 may be provided in the form of a dynamic link library (hereinafter sometimes referred to as DLL).

  The game application program 154 may exchange information with the server 102 via the game management program 152. The game application program 154 may use a program or file included in the shared library 166.

  The interface module 162 and the interface module 172 may be modules that define operations for causing the client terminal 104 to function as an interface for controlling communication between the game management program 152 and the game application program 154. The server communication module 164 may be a module that defines an operation for functioning as an interface for controlling communication between the server 102 and the game management program 152.

  The shared library 166 includes a program or file (sometimes referred to as a shared program or the like) that is used in common by the plurality of game application programs 154. The shared program or the like may include a program or the like for causing the client terminal 104 to execute a procedure for controlling reading / writing of data to / from the external storage medium. The shared program or the like may include a program for causing the client terminal 104 to execute a procedure for controlling reproduction of sound data or video data. The shared program or the like may include a program or the like for causing the client terminal 104 to execute a procedure for encrypting or decrypting data. The shared program or the like may include a program or the like for causing the client terminal 104 to execute a procedure for compressing or expanding data.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the game management program 152 that manages the plurality of game application programs 154 is introduced into the client terminal 104. The game application program 154 exchanges information with the game management program 152 via the interface module 172 and the interface module 162. The game application program 154 exchanges information with the server 102 via the game management program 152. Further, the game application program 154 can use the shared library 166 via the game management program 152.

  Thereby, the developer of the game application program 154 can save time and effort to independently develop the function provided by the shared library 166. As a result, the development period of the game application program 154 can be shortened, and the development cost can be reduced.

  As another method for improving the development efficiency of the game application program 154 to shorten the development period, reduce the development cost, and the like, a plurality of game application programs 154 and a shared library 166 are stored in the server 102. Conceivable. In this case, the game application program 154 is executed on the server 102, and the user can enjoy the game via the Web browser 156.

  The information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment has an excellent effect as compared with the case where the game application program 154 and the shared library 166 are stored in the server 102 as described above. For example, according to the information processing system 100 of this embodiment, the game application program 154 is stored in the client terminal 104. Therefore, even when a large volume of data such as sound data and movie data is reproduced, the data can be reproduced without being affected by the communication state of the network 10. Further, according to the information processing system 100 of this embodiment, the shared library 166 is stored in the client terminal 104. Therefore, the game application program 154 can be executed even when the client terminal 104 is not connected to the server 102.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of the functional configuration of the client terminal 104 in a state where the game management program 152 and the game application program 154 are executed. Hereinafter, the client terminal 104 will be described by taking as an example a case where the game application program 154 is provided in the form of a DLL and the game management program 152 calls the game application program 154 selected by the user through a dynamic link.

  In the present embodiment, the client terminal 104 includes an output unit 202, an input unit 204, a storage unit 206, and a program execution unit 210. In the present embodiment, when the program execution unit 210 executes the game management program 152, the client terminal 104 functions as the game management unit 230, the inter-program communication control unit 262, and the server communication control unit 264. When the program execution unit 210 executes the game application program 154, the client terminal 104 functions as the game execution unit 240 and the inter-program communication control unit 272.

  In the present embodiment, the game management unit 230 includes a game presentation unit 232, a game call unit 234, a shared library execution unit 236, and a request processing unit 238. Each of game management unit 230, game execution unit 240, inter-program communication control unit 262, server communication control unit 264, and inter-program communication control unit 272 may be realized by hardware or may be realized by software. . Further, it may be realized by hardware and software.

  The output unit 202 outputs information to the user. The output unit 202 may be a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or a CRT display, a printing device such as a printer, an audio output device such as a speaker, or a vibration generating device such as a vibration motor. The output unit 202 may be an information writing device or a communication device that exchanges information with an external computer, a storage device, or a storage medium.

  The input unit 204 receives input from the user. The input unit 204 may be an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a microphone, or a camera. The input unit 204 may be a character recognition device or a sound recognition device, and may be an information reading device or a communication device that exchanges information with an external computer, a storage device, or a storage medium, a gyro sensor, A sensor such as an acceleration sensor may be used.

  The storage unit 206 stores information necessary for executing the program. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 206 includes a shared library storage unit 222 that stores the shared library 166, a user information storage unit 224 that temporarily stores user information, a game management program 152, and a plurality of game application programs 154. It has a program storage unit 226 for storing. The shared library 166 may be linked with the game management program 152 in advance and stored in the program storage unit 226.

  The program execution unit 210 executes a program stored in the program storage unit 226. The program execution unit 210 may be an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU. The program execution unit 210 may be an example of an execution unit.

  The game management unit 230 manages a plurality of game application programs 154. The game management unit 230 may determine which game application program 154 of the plurality of game application programs 154 is to be executed. The game management unit 230 may cause the user to select a game application program 154 to be executed.

  The game management unit 230 may manage the exchange of information between the game application program 154 and the server 102. The game management unit 230 may encrypt information exchanged with the game application program 154. When the game management unit 230 receives the encrypted information from the game application program 154, the game management unit 230 may decrypt the encrypted information.

  The game presentation unit 232 presents one or more game application programs 154 to the user. For example, the game presentation unit 232 notifies the output unit 202 of information for identifying the game application program 154 for each of the game application programs 154 stored in the program storage unit 226. This allows the user to select one of the plurality of game application programs 154.

  The game presentation unit 232 may present the name of the game application program 154 stored in the program storage unit 226 to the user in a list format or an icon format. The game presentation unit 232 may present the game application program 154 stored in the program storage unit 226 to the user on the three-dimensional virtual space. The game presenting unit 232 may classify the game application programs 154 according to predetermined criteria and present them to the user.

  The game calling unit 234 receives the selection result by the user from the input unit 204. The game calling unit 234 causes the game application program 154 selected by the user to be executed. In the present embodiment, the game calling unit 234 calls the game application program 154 selected by the user through a dynamic link.

  As a result, the game application program 154 is coupled to the game management program 152, so that by using an appropriate security technology, the contents of the memory can be acquired by a third party during the execution of the game application program 154. Can be suppressed. In addition, since the game application program 154 is separated from the game management program 152 when the game application program 154 is terminated, memory efficiency can be improved.

  The shared library execution unit 236 executes programs included in the shared library 166. The shared library execution unit 236 may execute a program included in the shared library 166 based on an instruction from the request processing unit 238. Note that the game execution unit 240 may execute a program included in the shared library 166.

  The request processing unit 238 processes the user request received from the input unit 204. The request processing unit 238 processes the request received from the game execution unit 240. The request processing unit 238 processes the request received from the system control unit 122 of the server 102. In the present embodiment, the request processing unit 238 exchanges information with the game execution unit 240 via the inter-program communication control unit 262 and the inter-program communication control unit 272. Further, the request processing unit 238 exchanges information with the system control unit 122 of the server 102 via the server communication control unit 264.

  An example of a user request received from the input unit 204 is a login request. When receiving a login request from the user, the request processing unit 238 executes login to the server 102. The login is executed by the following procedure, for example. First, the request processing unit 238 acquires user identification information from the input unit 204. Next, the request processing unit 238 transmits an authentication request for requesting authentication of data communication between the server 102 and the client terminal 104 and the acquired user identification information to the server 102.

  Upon receiving the authentication request from the client terminal 104, the server 102 executes user authentication processing. When the server 102 authenticates the user, the server 102 permits the client terminal 104 to access the server 102. The login to the server 102 may be executed before the game calling unit 234 executes the game application program 154 selected by the user.

  Examples of the request received from the game execution unit 240 include an update request and a call request. The update request requests update of user information stored in the user information storage unit 124 of the server 102. The call request requests a program or file included in the shared library 166 to be called.

  The update process of the user information stored in the user information storage unit 124 is executed by the following procedure, for example. First, the request processing unit 238 receives an update request and update information for updating the user information stored in the user information storage unit 124 from the game execution unit 240. The update information may include information regarding at least one of the execution progress and the execution result of the game application program 154 selected by the user. The update information may be encrypted. When the received update information is encrypted, the request processing unit 238 decrypts the encrypted update information.

  Next, the request processing unit 238 transmits update information to the server 102 and requests to update the user information stored in the user information storage unit 124. When the server 102 receives the update information from the client terminal 104, the server 102 updates the user information stored in the user information storage unit 124.

  The request processing unit 238 may also update the user information stored in the user information storage unit 224 when receiving update information and an update request from the game execution unit 240. In the present embodiment, the user information is normally transmitted to the server 102 without being stored in the client terminal 104. However, when the server communication control unit 264 cannot transmit the update information to the server 102 as when the communication state of the network 10 is bad, the game management unit 230 sends the user information to the user information of the client terminal 104. You may store temporarily in the storage part 224. FIG. In this case, the user information storage unit 224 may be formed in an area on the memory.

  Thereby, even if it is a case where update information cannot be transmitted to the server 102, a game can be continued. Further, since user information is not stored on the hard disk of the client terminal 104 for a long time, falsification of user information can be suppressed. The request processing unit 238 may update the user information by transmitting the user information stored in the user information storage unit 224 to the server 102 after the communication state is recovered. Further, the game management unit 230 may advance the game based on the user information updated by the server 102.

  The calling process of the shared library 166 by the game execution unit 240 is executed by the following procedure, for example. First, the request processing unit 238 receives a call request from the game execution unit 240. Next, the request processing unit 238 may cause the shared library execution unit 236 to execute the program requested from the game execution unit 240. Note that the program requested by the game execution unit 240 may be executed.

  In this embodiment, since the request processing unit 238 and the game execution unit 240 exchange information via the inter-program communication control unit 262 and the inter-program communication control unit 272, the game execution unit 240 calls the shared library 166. In addition, it is possible to easily specify a requested program, a file to be used, and the like. As a result, the development efficiency of the game application program 154 can be improved, and the development period can be shortened and the development cost can be reduced.

  The request processing unit 238 may determine whether fraud has been performed by monitoring the progress of the game. The request processing unit 238 may determine that fraud has been performed when the amount of change in the score of the game in a predetermined period is greater than a predetermined value. The request processing unit 238 may give virtual currency, items, and the like that can be used in the game according to the game results.

  The inter-program communication control unit 262 may be an interface for the game management unit 230 to exchange information with the game execution unit 240 via the inter-program communication control unit 272. The inter-program communication control unit 262 may be realized by executing the interface module 162.

  The server communication control unit 264 may be an interface for the game management unit 230 to exchange information with the system control unit 122 of the server 102 via the network 10. The server communication control unit 264 may be realized by executing the communication module 164.

  The game execution unit 240 executes a game provided by the game application program 154. The game execution unit 240 may be realized by executing a module that defines the operation of the game main body included in the game application program 154. The game execution unit 240 notifies the game management unit 230 of update information and an update request. The game execution unit 240 notifies the game management unit 230 of a call request for calling a program or file included in the shared library 166 as necessary.

  The inter-program communication control unit 272 may be an interface for the game execution unit 240 to exchange information with the game management unit 230 via the inter-program communication control unit 262. The inter-program communication control unit 272 may be realized by executing the interface module 172.

  In the present embodiment, the client terminal 104 has been described as an example in which the game management program 152 calls the game application program 154 selected by the user through a dynamic link. However, the client terminal 104 is not limited to this.

  For example, the game application program 154 may be activated separately from the game management program 152 when the game calling unit 234 calls the game application program 154 selected by the user. The game management program 152 may shift to the background when the game application program 154 is activated. The game management program 152 may provide part of the functions to the game application program 154 even after shifting to the background. For example, the request processing unit 238 transmits update information to the server 102 in the background while the game application program 154 is being executed.

  According to the method of calling the game application program 154 by dynamic linking and executing the game application program 154, the game management program 152 and the game application program 154 operate as one application program. Few. Further, by applying an appropriate security technique, it is possible to prevent access to the internal memory of the application program from the outside. Therefore, this method is preferably used when security is important.

  On the other hand, according to the method of starting the game application program 154 separately from the game management program 152, it is difficult to call the game application program 154 by dynamic linking for technical reasons or security reasons. Even so, the game management program 152 and the game application program 154 can cooperate to advance the game. As a technical reason or a security reason, an OS specification can be exemplified. Therefore, this method is preferably used when a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a portable information terminal is used as the client terminal 104.

  3, 4, and 5 schematically show examples of screens displayed on the output unit 202 of the client terminal 104. The processing in the server 102 and the client terminal 104 will be schematically described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, taking as an example the case where the server 102 provides a social network service to the client terminal 104 that accesses the server 102. To do.

  FIG. 3 schematically shows an example of a screen 300 on which the game presentation unit 232 presents a plurality of game application programs 154 to the user. When the game management program 152 is executed and the user logs in to the server 102, the character 302 indicating the user A and the character 304 indicating the user B are displayed on the screen 300 in the three-dimensional virtual space. The game presenting unit 232 causes the output unit 202 to display an icon 312 indicating the parlor X virtual store, an icon 314 indicating the parlor Y virtual store, and an icon 316 indicating the store Z virtual store.

  The plurality of game application programs 154 stored in the program storage unit 226 may be associated with any one of the icon 312, the icon 314, and the icon 316 based on a predetermined criterion. Examples of the predetermined criteria include the type of game, the provider of the game application program 154, the nationality of the provider, the provision start time of the game application program 154, and the like.

  On the screen 300, a distribution information display unit 322, a distribution information display unit 324, and a distribution information display unit 326 that display distribution information associated with each of the icon 312, the icon 314, and the icon 316 may be displayed. Distribution information received from the server 102 is displayed on the distribution information display unit 322, the distribution information display unit 324, and the distribution information display unit 326.

  The display of the distribution information is executed by the following procedure, for example. When the game management program 152 is executed, the request processing unit 238 transmits a distribution request for requesting distribution of distribution information to the system control unit 122. Upon receiving the distribution request, the system control unit 122 extracts distribution information corresponding to each of the icon 312, icon 314, and icon 316 from the distribution information stored in the distribution information storage unit 126, and requests processing unit To 238. The request processing unit 238 notifies the game distribution unit 232 of the received distribution information and causes the output unit 202 to display the distribution information.

  The screen 300 may display a chat display unit 332 that realizes a chat function provided by the server 102. Thereby, the user can enjoy communication with other users who are logged in to the server 102. When the user selects any of the icons 312, 314, and 316 and inputs the selection result to the input unit 204, the screen 300 is a screen that presents the game application program 154 associated with the selected icon. Switch.

  FIG. 4 schematically shows an example of a screen 400 that presents the game application program 154 associated with the icon selected on the screen 300. The screen 400 represents, for example, a virtual space indicating the parlor X store. The game presentation unit 232 presents the game application program 154 associated with the parlor X on the screen 400. In the present embodiment, the screen 400 displays an icon 412 and an icon 414 indicating the game application programs 154 of different types of slot machines.

  When the user selects either the icon 412 or the icon 414 and inputs the selection result to the input unit 204, the game calling unit 234 calls the game application program 154 associated with the selected icon, and the game executing unit. 240 starts the game. The game execution unit 240 may determine the initial setting of the game depending on which icon the user has selected. When the game is started, the screen 400 is switched to a game execution screen.

  FIG. 5 schematically shows an example of the execution screen 500 of the game application program 154 associated with the icon selected on the screen 400. The execution screen 500 may display a game image display unit 510 that displays a game image or video, and an information display unit 520 that displays information related to the game, the user, or the advertisement. The game image display unit 510 may include a slot image display unit 512 that displays an image of a rotating slot, an effect image, and the like, and an operation unit 514 that displays a button for operating the slot.

  The information display unit 520 may include a game information display unit 530 that displays information regarding the game application program 154 being executed, and a user information display unit 540 that displays user information. The user information display unit 540 includes an avatar image display unit 542 that displays a character indicating the user, a login information display unit 544 that displays login information such as a user ID, and a medal that displays the number of medals owned by the user. A number display section 546 and an item information display section 548 that displays items owned by the user may be included. A medal may be an example of a virtual currency.

  The game execution unit 240 executes the game application program 154 while exchanging information with the game management unit 230 and causes the output unit 202 to display the execution screen 500. As an example, the game execution unit 240 notifies the game management unit 230 of a call request for calling a program or file included in the shared library 166 to the shared library storage unit 222 while the game application program 154 is being executed. Request access.

  For example, when the video is displayed on the slot image display unit 512, the game execution unit 240 accesses the shared library storage unit 222 and calls a program for playing movie data included in the shared library 166. The program for reproducing the movie data reproduces the movie data stored in the program storage unit 226 and displays the video on the slot image display unit 512. Note that the request processing unit 238 may cause the shared library execution unit 236 to execute a program for reproducing movie data based on the call request.

  As another example, the game execution unit 240 may notify the request processing unit 238 of an update request for requesting update of user information stored in the server 102 while the game application program 154 is being executed. For example, when the game application program 154 is a slot game, the game execution unit 240 obtains the number of medals used by the user and the user in the slot game every time the result of one slot game is obtained. The request processing unit 238 is notified of the number of medals acquired by. The execution result may be a difference between the number of medals used by the user and the number of acquired medals.

  The game execution unit 240 notifies the request processing unit 238 of an update request together with the execution result. The request processing unit 238 transmits the execution result to the server 102 in order to update the information regarding the number of medals stored in the server 102. The server 102 updates information regarding the number of medals stored in the user information storage unit 124 based on the received execution result. The request processing unit 238 may acquire the updated number of medals from the server 102 and display it on the medal number display unit 546.

  When the user performs an operation to end the game, the game application program 154 ends, and the game presentation unit 232 takes over the processing. As a result, the execution screen 500 is switched to the screen 400. When the user performs an operation of leaving the parlor X on the screen 400, the screen 400 is switched to the screen 300.

  FIG. 6 schematically shows an example of information processing by the information processing system 100. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of information processing by the information processing system 100, taking as an example the case where the game management program 152 calls the game application program 154 selected by the user by a dynamic link. Information processing by information processing system 100 is not limited to this.

  When the game management program 152 is executed, first, in S <b> 602, the request processing unit 238 receives a user login request from the input unit 204 and attempts to log in to the server 102. The request processing unit 238 acquires user identification information from the input unit 204 and transmits the acquired user identification information and an authentication request to the server 102.

  In step S <b> 604, the system control unit 122 of the server 102 receives user identification information and performs login processing. When the user is authenticated by the login process, the system control unit 122 permits the client terminal 104 to access the server 102. In step S606, the user information stored in the user information storage unit 124 of the server 102 is compared with the user information stored in the user information storage unit 224 of the client terminal 104, and user information synchronization processing is performed. .

  If the user information stored in the user information storage unit 124 is newer than the user information stored in the user information storage unit 224 in the synchronization processing of user information, the request processing unit 238 in S608. The user information stored in the user information storage unit 224 is updated. In S610, the request processing unit 238 receives distribution information distributed by the server 102.

  In S620, the game presentation unit 232 causes the output unit 202 to display the name of the game application program 154 stored in the program storage unit 226, for example. Thereby, the user can select any game application program 154 from the game application programs 154 presented by the output unit 202. Note that the game presenting unit 232 may receive the distribution information received from the request processing unit 238 and present the distribution information to the user.

  In step S622, the input unit 204 receives a user input. The input unit 204 notifies the game calling unit 234 of the user selection result. In S624, the game calling unit 234 calls the game application program 154 selected by the user.

  In S630, the game application program 154 selected by the user is called and read into the game management program 152. Thus, the program execution unit 210 also functions as the inter-program communication control unit 272 and the game execution unit 240.

  In S632, the game execution unit 240 starts the game. For example, when the game application program 154 is a slot game, the game execution unit 240 determines an effect video to be played according to a predetermined procedure. The game execution unit 240 calls a program for reproducing movie data from the shared library storage unit 222 and causes the output unit 202 to display an effect image. Note that the game execution unit 240 may notify the request processing unit 238 of a call request so as to call a program for reproducing movie data included in the shared library 166. In this case, the request processing unit 238 causes the shared library execution unit 236 to execute a program for reproducing movie data.

  When it is necessary to update at least a part of the user information stored in the user information storage unit 124 of the server 102 during the execution of the game, the game execution unit 240 is stored in the server 102 in S633. The request processing unit 238 is notified of an update request for requesting an update of existing user information. For example, when the game application program 154 is a slot game, the game execution unit 240 notifies the request processing unit 238 of an update request when the number of medals acquired by the user in one slot game is determined.

  The game execution unit 240 may create update information based on the game execution result or progress, and notify the request processing unit 238 of the update information. For example, when the game application program 154 is a slot game, the game execution unit 240 requests, as update information, the number of medals used by the user and the number of medals acquired by the user in one slot game. The processing unit 238 may be notified.

  In S <b> 634, the request processing unit 238 transmits update information to the server 102. In S636, the system control unit 122 of the server 102 receives the update information. The system control unit 122 updates the user information stored in the user information storage unit 124 using the update information. The system control unit 122 may transmit the updated user information to the request processing unit 238. The request processing unit 238 may notify the game execution unit 240 of the updated user information.

  In S640, the request processing unit 238 determines whether or not to end the game application program 154. The request processing unit 238 may determine whether to end the game application program 154 based on the input from the input unit 204. When the request processing unit 238 determines to continue the game application program 154 (No in S640), the process returns to S632, and the game execution unit 240 starts the next game.

  If the request processing unit 238 determines to end the game application program 154 (Yes in S640), the game application program 154 ends the game in S642. Thereafter, in S644, the game application program 154 is released from the game management program 152, and the game application program 154 ends.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the request processing unit 238 of the game management unit 230 determines whether to end the game application program 154 has been described. However, the information processing by the information processing system 100 is not limited to this. The game execution unit 240 may determine whether to end the game application program 154.

  When the game application program 154 ends, the request processing unit 238 determines whether or not to end the game management program 152 in S650. The request processing unit 238 may determine whether to end the game management program 152 based on the input from the input unit 204. When the request processing unit 238 determines to continue the game management program 152 (No in S650), the process returns to S620, and the game presenting unit 232 presents the game.

  If the request processing unit 238 determines to end the game management program 152 (Yes in S650), in S652, the request processing unit 238 performs logout processing. When the logout process ends, the game management program 152 ends. In the logout process, when the user information stored in the user information storage unit 224 is newer than the user information stored in the user information storage unit 124, in step S654, the system control unit 122 The user information stored in the storage unit 124 is updated. When the update of the user information is finished, the information processing in the server 102 is also finished.

  FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an exemplary hardware configuration of a computer 1900 according to an embodiment. A computer 1900 according to this embodiment is connected to a CPU peripheral unit having a CPU 2000, a RAM 2020, a graphic controller 2075, and a display device 2080 that are connected to each other by a host controller 2082, and to the host controller 2082 by an input / output controller 2084. Input / output unit having communication interface 2030, hard disk drive 2040, and CD-ROM drive 2060, and legacy input / output unit having ROM 2010, flexible disk drive 2050, and input / output chip 2070 connected to input / output controller 2084 With.

  The host controller 2082 connects the RAM 2020 to the CPU 2000 and the graphic controller 2075 that access the RAM 2020 at a high transfer rate. The CPU 2000 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 2010 and the RAM 2020 and controls each unit. The graphic controller 2075 acquires image data generated by the CPU 2000 or the like on a frame buffer provided in the RAM 2020 and displays it on the display device 2080. Instead of this, the graphic controller 2075 may include a frame buffer for storing image data generated by the CPU 2000 or the like.

  The input / output controller 2084 connects the host controller 2082 to the communication interface 2030, the hard disk drive 2040, and the CD-ROM drive 2060, which are relatively high-speed input / output devices. The communication interface 2030 communicates with other devices via a network. The hard disk drive 2040 stores programs and data used by the CPU 2000 in the computer 1900. The CD-ROM drive 2060 reads a program or data from the CD-ROM 2095 and provides it to the hard disk drive 2040 via the RAM 2020.

  The input / output controller 2084 is connected to the ROM 2010, the flexible disk drive 2050, and the relatively low-speed input / output device of the input / output chip 2070. The ROM 2010 stores a boot program that the computer 1900 executes at startup and / or a program that depends on the hardware of the computer 1900. The flexible disk drive 2050 reads a program or data from the flexible disk 2090 and provides it to the hard disk drive 2040 via the RAM 2020. The input / output chip 2070 connects the flexible disk drive 2050 to the input / output controller 2084 and inputs / outputs various input / output devices via, for example, a parallel port, a serial port, a keyboard port, a mouse port, and the like. Connect to controller 2084.

  A program provided to the hard disk drive 2040 via the RAM 2020 is stored in a recording medium such as the flexible disk 2090, the CD-ROM 2095, or an IC card and provided by the user. The program is read from the recording medium, installed in the hard disk drive 2040 in the computer 1900 via the RAM 2020, and executed by the CPU 2000.

  As an example, when communication is performed between the computer 1900 and an external device or the like, the CPU 2000 executes a communication program loaded on the RAM 2020 and executes a communication interface based on the processing content described in the communication program. A communication process is instructed to 2030. Under the control of the CPU 2000, the communication interface 2030 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer area or the like provided on a storage device such as the RAM 2020, the hard disk drive 2040, the flexible disk 2090, or the CD-ROM 2095, and sends it to the network. The reception data transmitted or received from the network is written into a reception buffer area or the like provided on the storage device. As described above, the communication interface 2030 may transfer transmission / reception data to / from the storage device by a DMA (direct memory access) method. Instead, the CPU 2000 transfers the storage device or the communication interface 2030 as a transfer source. The transmission / reception data may be transferred by reading the data from the communication interface 2030 and writing the data to the transfer destination communication interface 2030 or storage device.

  The CPU 2000 is all or necessary from among files or databases stored in an external storage device such as a hard disk drive 2040, a CD-ROM drive 2060 (CD-ROM 2095), and a flexible disk drive 2050 (flexible disk 2090). This portion is read into the RAM 2020 by DMA transfer or the like, and various processes are performed on the data on the RAM 2020. Then, CPU 2000 writes the processed data back to the external storage device by DMA transfer or the like. In such processing, since the RAM 2020 can be regarded as temporarily holding the contents of the external storage device, in the present embodiment, the RAM 2020 and the external storage device are collectively referred to as a memory, a storage unit, or a storage device. Various types of information such as various programs, data, tables, and databases in the present embodiment are stored on such a storage device and are subjected to information processing. Note that the CPU 2000 can also store a part of the RAM 2020 in the cache memory and perform reading and writing on the cache memory. Even in such a form, the cache memory bears a part of the function of the RAM 2020. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the cache memory is also included in the RAM 2020, the memory, and / or the storage device, unless otherwise indicated.

  In addition, the CPU 2000 performs various operations, such as various operations, information processing, condition determination, information search / replacement, etc., described in the present embodiment, specified for the data read from the RAM 2020 by the instruction sequence of the program. Is written back to the RAM 2020. For example, when performing the condition determination, the CPU 2000 determines whether the various variables shown in the present embodiment satisfy the conditions such as large, small, above, below, equal, etc., compared to other variables or constants. When the condition is satisfied (or not satisfied), the program branches to a different instruction sequence or calls a subroutine.

  Further, the CPU 2000 can search for information stored in a file or database in the storage device. For example, in the case where a plurality of entries in which the attribute value of the second attribute is associated with the attribute value of the first attribute are stored in the storage device, the CPU 2000 displays the plurality of entries stored in the storage device. The entry that matches the condition in which the attribute value of the first attribute is specified is retrieved, and the attribute value of the second attribute that is stored in the entry is read, thereby associating with the first attribute that satisfies the predetermined condition The attribute value of the specified second attribute can be obtained.

  The program or module shown above may be stored in an external recording medium. As the recording medium, in addition to the flexible disk 2090 and the CD-ROM 2095, an optical recording medium such as DVD or CD, a magneto-optical recording medium such as MO, a tape medium, a semiconductor memory such as an IC card, and the like can be used. Further, a storage device such as a hard disk or RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet may be used as a recording medium, and the program may be provided to the computer 1900 via the network.

  A program that is installed in the computer 1900 and causes the computer 1900 to function as each unit of the information processing apparatus or the information processing system includes a module that defines the operation of each unit. These programs or modules work on the CPU 2000 or the like to cause the computer 1900 to function as each unit of the information processing system 100 or the client terminal 104, for example.

  The information processing described in these programs functions as a specific means in which the software and the various hardware resources described above cooperate with each other by being read by the computer 1900. Then, by using these specific means to realize calculation or processing of information according to the purpose of use of the computer 1900 in this embodiment, a specific information processing apparatus or information processing system according to the purpose of use can be constructed.

  According to the above description, the specification of the present application includes a plurality of game applications that operate on an OS of a client terminal that exchanges information with a server via a network. A selection unit that allows the user to select one of the programs, a calling unit that causes the computer to execute the game application program selected by the user, and shared data used in a plurality of game application programs from the game application program selected by the user A program for functioning as a receiving unit that receives an update request for updating update information and shared data to be updated, and a transmission unit that transmits update information to the server in order to update the shared data stored in the server Beam have been described.

  According to the above description, the specification of the present application describes a program that runs on the OS of a client terminal that exchanges information with a server via a network, and that has a plurality of game applications that run on the client terminal. A procedure for causing the user to select one of the programs, a procedure for causing the computer to execute the game application program selected by the user, and shared data used in a plurality of game application programs from the game application program selected by the user A procedure for receiving update information to be updated and an update request for updating shared data, and a shared data stored in the server in the background during execution of the game application program selected by the user. In order to update the data, the program for executing the steps of transmitting the update information to the server is described.

  In the above program, the procedure for causing the computer to execute the game application program selected by the user includes: a procedure for receiving a call request for calling a program or file included in the shared library from the game application program selected by the user; A procedure for calling a program or a file included in the shared library may be included as required.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment. It is apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The order of execution of each process such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages in the apparatus, system, program, and method shown in the claims, the description, and the drawings is particularly “before” or “prior to”. It should be noted that the output can be realized in any order unless the output of the previous process is used in the subsequent process. Regarding the operation flow in the claims, the description, and the drawings, even if it is described using “first”, “next”, etc. for convenience, it means that it is essential to carry out in this order. It is not a thing.

  10 network, 100 information processing system, 102 server, 104 client terminal, 122 system control unit, 124 user information storage unit, 126 distribution information storage unit, 140 OS, 152 game management program, 154 game application program, 156 web browser, 162 Interface module, 164 communication module, 166 shared library, 172 interface module, 202 output unit, 204 input unit, 206 storage unit, 210 program execution unit, 222 shared library storage unit, 224 user information storage unit, 226 program storage unit, 230 Game management unit, 232 game presentation unit, 234 game call unit, 236 shared library execution unit, 238 request processing unit, 240 game execution unit, 2 2 Inter-program communication control unit, 264 Server communication control unit, 272 Inter-program communication control unit, 300 screen, 302 character, 304 character, 312 icon, 314 icon, 316 icon, 322 distribution information display unit, 324 distribution information display unit, 326 distribution information display unit, 332 chat display unit, 400 screen, 412 icon, 414 icon, 500 execution screen, 510 game image display unit, 512 slot image display unit, 514 operation unit, 520 information display unit, 530 game information display unit 540 User information display unit, 542 Avatar image display unit, 544 Login information display unit, 546 Medal number display unit, 548 Item information display unit, 1900 Computer, 2000 CPU, 2010 ROM, 2020 R M, 2030 communication interface, 2040 hard disk drive, 2050 flexible disk drive, 2060 CD-ROM drive, 2070 input / output chip, 2075 graphic controller, 2080 display device, 2082 host controller, 2084 input / output controller, 2090 flexible disk, 2095 CD-ROM

Claims (8)

A program that runs on the OS of a client terminal that exchanges information with a server via a network,
On the computer,
A procedure for allowing a user to select one of a plurality of game application programs operating on the client terminal;
A procedure for causing the computer to execute a game application program selected by the user;
Receiving from the game application program selected by the user update information for updating shared data used in the plurality of game application programs, and an update request for requesting an update of the shared data;
Transmitting the update information to the server to update the shared data stored in the server;
A program for running In the computer,
Before the procedure for causing the computer to execute the game application program selected by the user,
Obtaining user identification information for identifying the user;
An authentication request for requesting authentication of data communication between the server and the client terminal, and a procedure for transmitting the user identification information to the server;
For further execution of
The program according to claim 1. The procedure for receiving the update information and the update request includes:
Receiving the encrypted update information from the game application program selected by the user;
A procedure for decrypting the encrypted update information;
including,
The program according to claim 1 or 2. The update information includes information related to at least one of execution progress and execution result of the game application program selected by the user.
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The shared data includes at least one of virtual currency and items commonly used in a game provided by the plurality of game application programs, and at least one of game results provided by the plurality of game application programs. Including information about
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The procedure for causing the computer to execute the game application program selected by the user includes a procedure for calling the game application program selected by the user by a dynamic link.
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5. An information processing apparatus that exchanges information with a server via a network,
A storage unit for storing the program according to any one of claims 1 to 6;
An execution unit for executing the program;
An information processing apparatus comprising: An information processing apparatus according to claim 7;
A server having a shared data storage unit for storing the shared data, and exchanging information with the information processing apparatus via a network;
An information processing system comprising:

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