JP7721735B2 - Program and system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a program and a system.

Games and application software that use location information such as that from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) are known. Specifically, a user-operated device acquires location information. Technology is known that changes the position of objects on a virtual map based on the user's location information (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 6075489

For example, as the game progresses, it may be impossible to obtain location information depending on the user's location or the surrounding circumstances. When location information cannot be obtained, there is a problem that the game may be interrupted or an error may occur.

The purpose of this invention is to prevent problems caused by the state of location information acquisition.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a program comprising:
On the computer,
proceeding with the event using first location information associated with an account used by the user;
If the first location information cannot be acquired, outputting an operation GUI and proceeding with the event according to information input by the user through the operation GUI;
The progress of the event can be restricted by the GUI for operation.

This invention can prevent problems caused by the state of location information acquisition.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system configuration. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the progression of an event. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the overall process. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of use of second location information. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of movement history information. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of notification of use of second location information. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of remuneration. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of withholding a reward. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual putt. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example in which a second information processing terminal is used. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration.

The following describes the embodiment with reference to the drawings.

[System configuration example]
1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration. For example, the system 1 includes a first information processing terminal 3, a server 4, and the like.

The first information processing terminal 3 may be, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, a game console, smart glasses (an eyeglass-type terminal), a wristband-type terminal, or other wearable device attached to the body.

Server 4 is an information processing device used to operate games and the like. For example, server 4 is an information processing device used to operate a game managed by an administrator or the like. Server 4 also stores account information for each user. For example, when user 2 registers personal information and the like before starting a game, an account is created and the account information is stored on server 4. Thereafter, user 2 can use the account to access services such as games.

In response to instructions from the first information processing terminal 3 used by user 2, information is retrieved and an app such as a game is executed. In other words, even if user 2 uses a different information processing device, as long as the account used is the same, it is possible to progress with the same game data. Of course, from a security perspective, it is also possible to use hardware-specific identification information (such as a physical address) of the first information processing terminal 3 so that the account can only be used from a registered, specific information processing device.

The account may be linked to security information such as an email address, Social Networking Service (SNS), phone number, or biometric information. When logging in, etc., User 2 is authenticated using information that has been previously linked to the account. In this way, security is ensured when using the account.

In addition, data from other services associated with the same account can be linked as appropriate.

The first information processing terminal 3 acquires location information using GNSS. Specifically, satellite 5 measures the position of the first information processing terminal 3 from the sky and sends the results to the first information processing terminal 3, and the first information processing terminal 3 acquires location information indicating its current location. Note that the location information may also be acquired via server 4, etc. The location information is also associated with the account of the running app.

Note that system 1 may be configured to include devices other than those described above. For example, system 1 may have a so-called standalone configuration, in which system 1 does not include a server 4 and is configured only with the first information processing terminal 3. On the other hand, system 1 may also have a configuration in which, for example, multiple servers 4 are included.

[Example of information processing device]
2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device. For example, the first information processing terminal 3 and the server 4 are information processing devices with the hardware configuration shown in the figure. However, the first information processing terminal 3 and the server 4 may have different hardware configurations. The following description will be given using the first information processing terminal 3 as an example.

The first information processing terminal 3 has a hardware configuration including a Central Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "CPU 3H1"), a memory device 3H2, a sensor 3H3, an input/output device 3H4, and a communication device 3H5.

CPU3H1 is an example of an arithmetic unit and a control unit. Therefore, CPU3H1 performs various processes and controls based on programs.

The storage device 3H2 is a main storage device (volatile) that stores data, etc. The storage device 3H2 may also include an auxiliary storage device (non-volatile) such as a solid state drive (SSD) or a hard disk.

Sensor 3H3 acquires location information and the like through sensing. Note that sensor 3H3 differs depending on the type of information it acquires. There may also be multiple sensors 3H3.

The input/output device 3H4 is a device that inputs operations by the user 2 and outputs processing results to the user 2. Specifically, the input/output device 3H4 is a touch panel or the like. However, the input/output device 3H4 may also be a combination of an input device and an output device.

The communication device 3H5 transmits and receives data to and from an external device. For example, the communication device 3H5 is an antenna. However, the communication device 3H5 may also use wired communication.

Note that the hardware configuration of the information processing device is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the first information processing terminal 3 may further include an external or internal arithmetic unit, a control unit, a storage unit, an input unit, an output unit, and an auxiliary unit.

[Event example]
3 is a diagram showing an example of the progress of an event. The following describes an example in which the progress of an event is reflected in a game, i.e., a virtual space.

For example, the first information processing terminal 3 launches a game app and progresses through the game using an account that records user 2's progress information. If there are multiple accounts that user 2 can select from, user 2 is prompted to select which account to use to start playing the game.

Also, at startup, etc., the information processing terminal synchronizes user 2's account with sensor information such as location information acquired by the information processing terminal. Next, the game screen 10 is output to display the progress of the event to user 2. Specifically, as user 2 moves in real space, an event in which a character 11 (an example of an object) moves in virtual space progresses. In other words, in the game, an event in which the character 11 moves progresses according to user 2's location information.

For example, if it is determined based on the position information that user 2 has "moved 1 m north (by walking)," the direction (which may be the direction of travel, etc.), distance (which may be the number of steps, etc.), speed, elevation difference, etc. of user 2's movement are taken into consideration and reflected in the virtual space, such as character 11 having "moved 100 steps north (in the virtual space)."

Note that events are not limited to the movement of the character 11, but may also be other pre-set game events. For example, events that occur during the movement of the character 11 may include obtaining an item 12, reaching a destination, capturing a base, competing against other users, working together with other users, or fighting an enemy character 13.

However, items 12 and enemy characters 13 are placed on a map in virtual space in advance, and events such as obtaining items 12 occur depending on the movement of the character 11.

Therefore, as the event progresses, the position of character 11 in the virtual space changes, the parameters of character 11 change (for example, character 11 recovers or becomes stronger), or the story changes.

[Sequence example]
4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the overall process. For example, the overall process is executed in the following procedure.

In step S01, the first information processing terminal 3 acquires location information (hereinafter referred to as "first location information"). The method for acquiring the first location information, etc., is set in advance. The first location information is associated with the account of the running app.

In step S02, if the first information processing terminal 3 cannot acquire the first location information (this is the case when it is determined that "the first location information cannot be acquired" in the figure), it acquires location information different from the first location information (hereinafter referred to as "second location information").

The second location information, like the first location information, is associated with the account of the running app. The account may also be associated with and stored with a determination result such as "first location information cannot be obtained."

In step S03, the first information processing terminal 3 transmits the first location information or the second location information to the server 4. That is, if the first information processing terminal 3 is able to acquire the first location information, it transmits the first location information to the server 4. On the other hand, if the first information processing terminal 3 is unable to acquire the first location information, it transmits the second location information to the server 4.

In step S04, the server 4 transmits the first location information or the reflected result of the second location information to the first information processing terminal 3. In other words, step S04 is a reply to the transmission in step S03.

In step S05, the first information processing terminal 3 progresses the event based on the reflection result. That is, in step S05, the first information processing terminal 3 displays to the user 2 the progress result of the game that reflects the first location information or the second location information. Note that the progress status of the event, the progress result of the event, etc. are associated with the account of the running app.

The first location information is obtained, for example, by communicating with a satellite 5 in the GNSS. For example, if the first information processing terminal 3 is located underground or in a place with many people (for example, a fireworks venue or a crowded train), the first information processing terminal 3 may not be able to obtain the first location information.

Therefore, if the first location information cannot be acquired (it may be retried several times), the first information processing terminal 3 switches to the second location information.

The switching between the first location information and the second location information (including both the switching from the first location information to the second location information and the switching from the second location information to the first location information; in Figure 4, this corresponds to step S02, etc.) is preferably performed automatically based on a pre-set setting. In other words, the switching between the first location information and the second location information is preferably performed without any operation by User 2.

When switching between the first location information and the second location information is performed without requiring any operation from User 2, User 2 can reduce actions such as looking at the screen of the first information processing terminal 3, thereby reducing the so-called "smartphone walking" behavior.

How the first location information and second location information are acquired is set in advance. Note that the first location information and second location information may be a combination of multiple types.

[Examples of first location information and second location information]
The first position information is, for example, position information acquired using GNSS. Note that the first position information may be position information obtained by correcting GNSS position information using sensor data or the like. Therefore, the first position information may be position information acquired using a method other than GNSS.

The second location information is, for example, the location determination results from a camera, location information obtained from a satellite different from the first location information, measurement results from a pedometer, measurement results from an acceleration sensor, geomagnetic measurement results, measurement results from a barometric pressure sensor, location determination results from wireless communication, location information converted into the amount of movement based on changes in biometric information (e.g., sweat rate or calorie consumption), or a combination of these.

While both the first location information and the second location information identify the location of user 2, the methods for generating the information are different. For example, the first location information and the second location information are generated by different information sources or different types of sensors. Therefore, even if a sensor for the first location information is unable to generate information for some reason, a sensor for the second location information may be able to generate the information.

In this way, the first location information and the second location information indicate the same point in time for the same user 2. Therefore, the first location information and the second location information are not, for example, a combination of location information that is both generated using GPS and differs only in the time at which the measurement was taken (this would be the case where both would be the first location information). Therefore, how the first location information and the second location information are generated is set in advance, but it is desirable that the second location information be generated using a sensor or the like that has a high probability of being able to obtain it even in an environment where the first location information cannot be used.

Position determination using a camera is, for example, SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping). That is, if the first information processing terminal 3 is equipped with a camera, the camera captures an image of the area around user 2. After capturing the image, nearby buildings and other structures are image-recognized based on the captured image data. This image recognition allows nearby buildings and other structures to be identified, and the location and direction of user 2 can then be determined based on the addresses and relative positions of the buildings and other structures.

Location information obtained from a satellite different from the first location information is, for example, second location information obtained using a quasi-zenith satellite. In Japan, a system that uses a quasi-zenith satellite is the QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System). For example, if the first location information uses GPS (Global Positioning System), and the second location information, i.e., location information obtained using a satellite different from the first location information, may be able to obtain the second location information even if the first location information cannot.

The current location (i.e., second location information) is estimated by adding the results of measurements from a pedometer, acceleration sensor, geomagnetic field, or barometric pressure sensor to the last location where first location information was obtained, and then measuring the movements of user 2 using a sensor such as a pedometer or acceleration sensor.

If the direction of travel is unknown in a pedometer or other device, the current position may be estimated by assuming that the direction of travel up to the last position will remain the same from then on. On the other hand, if the elevation difference or direction of travel can be determined using geomagnetism or atmospheric pressure, the current position may be estimated by assuming that the speed of travel up to the last position will remain the same from then on.

Wireless communication can be, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). In other words, using wireless communication can sometimes determine location and direction based on the range of radio waves. Specifically, with Bluetooth (registered trademark), direction can be determined using the angle of arrival (AoA) and angle of departure (AoD). As such, using wireless communication to determine the location of user 2 can often be done with high accuracy, especially indoors.

Note that the wireless standards may also be other short-range communication standards.

Sensor information other than that described above may also be used to generate location information. For example, measurement results from sensors that measure sound, light, radio waves, speed, etc. may be used to generate location information.

The first location information and the second location information may also be generated by calculating statistical values such as average values from multiple data.

Figure 5 shows an example of how the second location information is used. For example, assume that user 2 is moving around while carrying first information processing terminal 3.

Assuming that user 2 moves and reaches a certain location (hereinafter referred to as "first time point T1"), the first location information can no longer be acquired. For example, first time point T1 is the time when user 2 enters an underground passage.

From the first time point T1 until the next time acquisition of first location information can be resumed (hereinafter referred to as "second time point T2"), the first information processing terminal 3 acquires second location information instead of the first location information. Therefore, from the first time point T1 to the second time point T2, the game progresses based on the second location information.

Then, at a second time point T2, for example, when user 2 exits the underground passage, acquisition of the first location information resumes. Therefore, after second time point T2, that is, when acquisition of the first location information resumes, the first information processing terminal 3 progresses with the game based on the first location information.

Note that when using the second location information, it is desirable to use it only when the first location information has been acquired. In other words, it is desirable to use the second location information only when the first location information has been acquired immediately before.

If the game is started in a state where the first location information cannot be obtained from the beginning, it may be that the first location information is intentionally prevented from being obtained, which could result in fraudulent gameplay. Therefore, the first information processing terminal 3 switches to using the second location information on the condition that there is a history of the game progressing using the first location information, such as up to the first time point T1 shown in Figure 5. By making the condition that there is a history of obtaining such first location information, fraud can be prevented.

In addition, the history records whether the location information is first location information or second location information along with the time in the background as the game progresses.

[Example of movement history information]
6 is a diagram showing an example of movement history information. For example, the movement history information is stored as a past route 20. The map shown in FIG. 6 is a map of the real space.

The past route 20 is assumed to be composed of a first route 21, a second route 22, and a third route 23. Of the first route 21, the second route 22, and the third route 23, the first route 21 and the third route 23 are assumed to be routes identified based on the first location information. On the other hand, the second route 22 is assumed to be a route identified based on the second location information.

For example, if user 2 walks a route that involves entering an underground passage at first point P1 and then exiting the underground passage at second point P2, previous route 20 is recorded. In other words, previous route 20 is an example in which second location information is used between first point P1 and second point P2.

If a previous route 20 has been recorded, the first information processing terminal 3 may use the previous route 20 as the second location information.

For example, if first position information can be acquired up to the vicinity of first point P1 and acquisition of first position information can be resumed near second point P2, the first information processing terminal 3 searches through the recorded route(s) data. The first information processing terminal 3 then estimates that the route that is close to the point where first position information could no longer be acquired and the point where acquisition of first position information resumed is similar. The first information processing terminal 3 then estimates that the estimated past route 20 represents a similar movement this time as well, and sets this as the second position information. By being able to use estimation results based on such movement history information, the first information processing terminal 3 can progress the event without using sensors, etc.

It is desirable to limit the number of past routes 20 to cases where there are multiple records (e.g., three or more times). Multiple similar past routes 20 are recorded when User 2 frequently uses similar routes.

Specifically, multiple similar past routes 20 are recorded for so-called "commuting routes" or "school routes," etc., which are routes that user 2 frequently uses in their daily lives. For such routes, there is a high possibility that the estimated results will match the route that user 2 actually took.

In other words, when there is multiple pieces of movement history information, information that can be identified using first location information, such as the first point P1 and the second point P2, can be used to accurately compensate for the location information when first location information cannot be obtained using estimation results based on the movement history information.

In addition, route determination may be performed using, for example, artificial intelligence (AI). In other words, the AI may be configured to learn routes in advance, and the learned model may then estimate the route that will be taken.

[Example of restriction on use of second location information]
It is desirable to limit the time, number of times, or amount of movement when using the second location information, and it is also desirable to limit the progress of an event using the second location information (hereinafter, the degree of progress of an event based on the second location information is referred to as the "degree of progress of the event").

For example, the time during which the second location information is used is limited. The time limit is set in advance, such as "one hour." When such a limit is set, the game can only progress for a maximum of one hour using the second location information. In other words, under this limit, when the first location information cannot be obtained, the second location information is used instead for a maximum of one hour from the time the first location information becomes unavailable.

Similarly, when limiting the number of times, for example, the number of times per day the event is progressed using the second location information may be limited. Note that the unit of limitation is not limited to "day (1 day)," and limitations may also be imposed by time, month, geographical area, distance, etc.

The amount of movement is, for example, the distance by which the character 11 is moved in the virtual space based on the second position information. Note that the amount of movement may also be the amount by which the user 2 moves in real space, i.e., the distance measured using the second position information.

The progress of an event may be, for example, the number of events that are progressed based on the second location information. Specifically, if the event involves acquiring an item, the number of items that can be acquired based on the second location information may be limited. Furthermore, for example, important scenes in an event (such as the start or end of a "battle" with a boss character) may be limited to temporarily halt progress, such that the event does not progress based on the second location information.

In this way, an event can be the movement of a character 11 within a virtual space, a scenario that occurs within the game, a "battle" with an enemy character 13, or a combination of these, and the type is not important as long as it occurs within the game.

As described above, the time, number of times, amount of movement, or event progress during which the second location information is used instead of the first location information may be limited.

The second location information may have lower location accuracy than the first location information. Therefore, using the second location information for a long period of time may result in inconsistencies in the game. For example, if the second location information is generated based on data that measures speed or position with low accuracy, User 2 may be moving at a speed that is unrealistic. If such location information is used for a long period of time, inconsistencies may occur, such as User 2 being located in a position that is impossible to walk to. Therefore, it is desirable to limit the use of the second location information.

[Example of notification]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of notification of the use of second location information. It is desirable to notify the user 2 that the second location information is being used. Below, an example will be described in which a message-formatted Graphical User Interface (GUI) is output on the game screen 10 to notify the user that the second location information is being used. However, the notification is not limited to the message format. For example, the notification may be output by vibration, sound, light, or a function outside the game.

Compared to Figure 3, Figure 7 differs in that it displays a first message 14 and a second message 15. The following explanation will focus on the differences and omit redundant explanations.

The first message 14 is a GUI that notifies the user that the first location information cannot be obtained.

The second message 15 is a GUI that notifies the player that the game is progressing using the second location information.

The notification may be output when switching between the first location information and the second location information. For example, a GUI for switching whether to switch to the second location information may be provided, or if multiple types of second location information are available, user 2 may be able to operate which type to use as the second location information.

Specifically, if multiple types of second location information can be obtained (for example, both step count information and wireless identification information are possible), a GUI such as a button for selecting the type may be displayed when switching. The type of second location information may be selected in advance. For example, the type of second location information may be associated with an account. Furthermore, the order of priority (so-called "priority") for the selected type of second location information may be set.

When the above notification is sent, User 2 can be informed of the type of location information being used, etc.

[Example of notification that an event is progressing based on second location information]
In the event that the first location information cannot be obtained and the event is switched to proceed by acquiring the second location information instead of the first location information, it is desirable for the first information processing terminal 3 to notify the user 2 that the first location information has been switched to the second location information.

The notification may be in a form other than visual information (e.g., pop-up, email, or blinking) like second message 15. Specifically, the notification may be tactile information such as vibration. Alternatively, the notification may be auditory information such as sound. In this way, when a notification notifying the switch from first location information to second location information is received, user 2 can notice that the location information has switched.

Note that the switch from the first location information to the second location information may be performed by querying user 2 and only if user 2 gives permission.

For example, the first information processing terminal 3 displays a GUI that allows the user to decide whether or not to allow the switch from the first location information to the second location information, along with a notification informing the user of the switch from the first location information to the second location information. For example, the GUI displays an "Allow" button and a "Reject" button.

Then, when user 2 presses the "allow button," i.e., when user 2 allows the switch from the first location information to the second location information, the first information processing terminal 3 switches from the first location information to the second location information. In this way, by having user 2 decide whether or not to allow the switch from the first location information to the second location information, it is possible to prevent location information that user 2 does not intend from being used.

Note that there may be time periods during which switching from the first location information to the second location information, or from the second location information to the first location information, is prohibited. Frequent switching from the first location information to the second location information, and from the second location information to the first location information, can easily complicate processing. Therefore, even if the first location information can be obtained after switching from the first location information to the second location information, the event may continue to progress using the second location information for a while without immediately switching from the second location information to the first location information.

[Example of combination of movement amount based on second position information and traveling direction based on first position information]
If the first position information cannot be obtained, the event may proceed using a combination of the amount of movement based on the second position information and the direction of progress based on the first position information.

For example, if the type of second location information is step count information or the like, even if it is possible to convert the second location information into the amount of movement, it may be difficult to determine the direction of travel from the second location information.

In such cases, the direction of travel is determined based on the most recent first location information (for example, the last location information that was obtained is stored). If no more first location information can be obtained, the direction of travel is assumed to be maintained. Meanwhile, the amount of movement is calculated from the second location information. In this way, the event may proceed using a combination of the amount of movement based on the second location information and the direction of travel based on the first location information.

However, the direction of travel may be corrected using second position information. Depending on the type, the second position information may include information indicating the direction of travel. Hereinafter, the direction of travel determined based on the first position information will be referred to as the "first direction of travel." On the other hand, the direction of travel determined based on the second position information will be referred to as the "second direction of travel." For example, if the second position information is generated using an acceleration sensor or the like, the second position information can indicate the second direction of travel.

Specifically, let's take an example where the first traveling direction indicates "north." Meanwhile, let's say the second traveling direction indicates "east." In such a case, the first traveling direction is corrected to become a "northeast" traveling direction. This example shows a correction between the first traveling direction and the second traveling direction, but the correction is not limited to this. For example, the first traveling direction, which serves as the reference, may be weighted higher and corrected closer to the first traveling direction. In this example, the corrected traveling direction would be something like "north-northeast."

Alternatively, the first traveling direction may be used as the reference direction initially, and the traveling direction may be gradually corrected toward the second traveling direction over time.

[Example of withholding rewards]
8 is a diagram showing an example of a reward. For example, a reward in the game is granted when the character 11 passes through or reaches a reward point 31, reflecting the movement of the user 2. The reward point 31 is set in advance.

The reward may be, for example, the recovery of the character 11. Reward points 31 are so-called "recovery points." Note that the reward is not limited to the recovery of the character 11. For example, the reward may be the acquisition of some kind of item, the acquisition of points such as experience points (which may be currency that can be used in the game), an improvement in the parameters of the character 11, a temporary improvement in the parameters of the character 11 (referring to a state in which a so-called "buff" is applied), or the progress of an event (so-called "checkpoint").

Figure 9 shows an example of withholding a reward. Below, we will explain an example in which the acquisition status of the first location information changes at the same time as in Figure 5. In Figure 9, the time when reward point 31 is passed is referred to as "third time point T3."

When the first position information cannot be obtained, i.e., from the first time point T1 to the second time point T2, it is considered an "error." During the error state, it is desirable to withhold the granting of rewards. Note that it is not limited to rewards that are withheld; movement of the character 11 based on the second position information (such as the amount of movement) or other events may also be withheld.

Therefore, in the pending state, the effect of the reward is not reflected during the error state. For example, if the reward granted at the third time point T3 is the recovery of character 11, in the pending state, character 11 will be in a state before its stamina, etc. is recovered.

After the error is resolved after the pending state (this is the second time point T2 in Figure 9), the first information processing terminal 3 will additionally grant the pending reward based on the determination condition. Specifically, if the reward to be granted at the third time point T3 is the recovery of character 11, if the determination condition is met, the effect will be retroactively granted, as if character 11's stamina had been recovered at the second time point T2.

The judgment conditions are set in advance. For example, the judgment conditions take into account the time of the error, the strength of the character 11 at the third time point T3, the strength of the enemy character 13 encountered at the third time point T3, or the operation content of the user 2 (such as the speed of the tap).

In other words, the judgment condition determines the reality that a reward would have been awarded if there had not been an error. Therefore, if character 11 encounters an enemy character 13 that is too strong for them to defeat at the third time point T3, based on the judgment condition, no reward will be awarded for defeating enemy character 13.

As described above, when rewards are awarded based on the judgment conditions, realistically obtainable rewards are selected from the pending rewards and awarded. This prevents actions such as exploiting errors to obtain fraudulently high rewards.

It is desirable that an upper limit be set on the rewards awarded as described above. In other words, if the pending reward is equal to or greater than the upper limit, and if the reward is awarded based on the judgment result, the reward will be awarded at the upper limit. In this way, it is desirable to limit the pending reward so that it is not awarded at a value other than the upper limit.

In particular, if the pending period is long, the situation may change suddenly if a large amount of pending rewards are granted all at once. In such a situation, User 2 may become confused and unable to grasp the situation. Therefore, it is desirable to set an upper limit to prevent the status of Character 11 from changing too rapidly.

Rewards may also be awarded based on the statistical results of statistical processing of past reward history. For example, suppose the reward is the award of experience points or the like (the awarded values will be referred to as "award values" hereinafter). First, the past reward history records in advance the award values that were awarded when the user passed through several reward points 31 in the past (the reward points 31 may be located in different locations). Note that the past reward history is not limited to user 2, and may also be data that references the past reward history of other nearby users or other users of a similar level.

Next, the multiple award values are statistically processed. For example, the statistical processing is a process of calculating the average, median, or moving average value. Therefore, statistical processing calculates statistical results such as average values based on past reward history. Note that the type of statistical processing to be performed is set in advance.

When such statistical results are obtained, a reward value close to the proven reward value awarded in the past will be awarded. This prevents exceptional situations such as awarding a large reward value that has never been awarded before based on pending rewards.

[Example of virtual putt]
10 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual pad. In the following, an example in which the first position information cannot be acquired will be described, similar to FIG.

In a state where the first position information cannot be acquired, the first information processing terminal 3 may output an operation GUI (hereinafter referred to as an example of a "virtual pad 32"). Note that the interface for inputting operations is not limited to the virtual pad 32. For example, the interface may be hardware such as a game controller. Alternatively, the interface may be voice input using voice recognition, gesture input such as hand movements, or gaze input using gaze detection.

The virtual pad 32 is a GUI that inputs user 2's operations. For example, when user 2's finger touches the virtual pad 32, a direction or the like is input.

In this way, during an error, the direction of travel or amount of movement of user 2 may be input using the virtual pad 32, etc.

The shape, output range, and output timing of the virtual pad 32 may be other than those described above. In other words, the GUI may be of another type.

It is desirable to limit the amount of input, the number of times of input, or the input time using the virtual pad 32. For example, if movement amounts could be input using the virtual pad 32 without any restrictions, it may be possible to commit fraud by inputting a movement amount of several kilometers using the virtual pad 32 when in fact a movement amount of several meters is required. Therefore, limiting the amount of input, the number of times of input, or the input time using the virtual pad 32 can reduce the impact of fraudulent operations.

[Modification using a second information processing terminal]
Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a modified example using a second information processing terminal. Compared to the system configuration shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 11 differs in that a second information processing terminal 6 is added. The different configuration will be described below.

The second information processing terminal 6 is, for example, a watch-type information processing device. In other words, it is desirable that the second information processing terminal 6 be worn by the user 2.

The second information processing terminal 6 has a hardware configuration including, for example, a heart rate monitor or a sensor such as a vibration sensor. It is desirable that the second information processing terminal 6 has a hardware configuration including sensors different from those of the first information processing terminal 3, or is an information processing device capable of measuring different types of data. However, the second information processing terminal 6 may also be exercise equipment, a weighing scale, or the like. In other words, the second information processing terminal 6 is not limited to being owned by the user 2, but may also be an information processing device that can be connected at least temporarily. The second information processing terminal 6 may also be multiple devices.

The first information processing terminal 3 connects to the second information processing terminal 6 via a network or by short-range communication, etc. Therefore, the first information processing terminal 3 acquires information about the user 2 (hereinafter referred to as "external information") from the second information processing terminal 6. Note that the external information may also be acquired via the server 4.

For example, if the second information processing terminal 6 is capable of measuring the heart rate of the user 2, the state of the user 2 (for example, whether the user is walking or running) can be estimated based on the biometric information such as the heart rate.

External information is, for example, sensor data indicating the movement speed of user 2, the number of steps taken by user 2, or the movement state of user 2. Furthermore, external information is not limited to the results of directly measuring the movement speed of user 2, the number of steps taken by user 2, or the movement state of user 2, but may also be an estimated result based on sensor data.

In this way, if external information can be acquired, the position or status of user 2 can be estimated with high accuracy. The external information may be used as the second position information directly, or may be used as auxiliary information in generating the second position information. Therefore, if external information can be used in generating the second position information, the first information processing terminal 3 can accurately identify the position, etc. of user 2.

In the above configuration, a device that acquires first location information, such as the first information processing terminal 3, is referred to as the "first device." On the other hand, a device that acquires second location information and cooperates with the first information processing terminal 3, such as the second information processing terminal 6, is referred to as the "second device."

The first device and the second device do not have to be information processing devices. For example, the first device and the second device may be sensors, etc. Furthermore, the first device and the second device may differ depending on the method for generating the first location information and the second location information, etc.

Furthermore, the first device and the second device may have a hardware configuration that does not include a computing device, and an information processing device connected to the first device and the second device may perform calculations based on the sensing results from the first device and the second device to generate the first location information and the second location information.

[Example of functional configuration]
12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the first information processing terminal 3. For example, the first information processing terminal 3 has a functional configuration including a first location information acquisition unit 3F1, a second location information acquisition unit 3F2, a switching unit 3F3, and an event progression unit 3F4.

The first location information acquisition unit 3F1 performs a first location information acquisition procedure to acquire first location information. For example, the first location information acquisition unit 3F1 is realized by a communication device 3H5 or the like.

The second location information acquisition unit 3F2 performs a second location information acquisition procedure to acquire second location information. For example, the second location information acquisition unit 3F2 is realized by a sensor 3H3 or the like.

If the first location information cannot be acquired, the switching unit 3F3 performs a switching procedure to switch the location information used by the event progression unit 3F4 from the first location information to the second location information. For example, the switching unit 3F3 is realized by the CPU 3H1, etc.

The event progression unit 3F4 performs an event progression procedure to progress the event based on the first location information or the second location information. For example, the event progression unit 3F4 is realized by the CPU 3H1, etc.

With the above configuration, even if the first location information cannot be obtained due to GPS interruption or other reasons, the second location information can be used instead to progress the event. For example, in a game that uses location information, if the first location information cannot be obtained, problems may occur due to the state of location information acquisition, such as the amount of movement not being reflected, the acquisition of items not being reflected, or inconsistencies in the development of the game's story.

On the other hand, if the event can proceed using the second location information instead, problems caused by the state of location information acquisition can be prevented.

[Other embodiments]
The event is not limited to a game. For example, the event may be a process in a smartphone application software for a restaurant. For example, the present invention may be applied to a case where the application software authenticates the location of the user 2 and executes an event such as granting a coupon.

Virtual spaces are not limited to games. For example, virtual spaces may be metaverses or the like. The word "metaverse" is a combination of "meta" (transcendence) and "universe" (space, world). The metaverse refers to a three-dimensional virtual space on a computer network in which multiple people can participate and in which participants can act freely. Therefore, the character that User 2 can control may be an avatar or the like in the metaverse space.

The above-described processes and the data used in the processes performed in this embodiment may be executed and stored by an information processing system. For example, the information processing system may execute or store data on multiple information processing devices to achieve redundant, distributed, parallel, or a combination of these processes or storage. Therefore, the present invention may be realized in devices other than those with the hardware configurations described above and in systems other than those described above.

Furthermore, the program according to the present invention is not limited to a single program, but may be a collection of multiple programs. The program according to the present invention is not limited to being executed by a single device, but may be executed by multiple information processing devices in a shared manner. Furthermore, the division of roles among the information processing devices is not limited to the above-mentioned example. In other words, part or all of the above-mentioned information processing method may be executed by an information processing device different from the above-mentioned information processing device.

Furthermore, some or all of the components implemented by the program can be implemented in hardware such as integrated circuits. Furthermore, the program may be provided recorded on a non-transitory recording medium that can be read by a computer. Examples of recording media include hard disks, SD cards (registered trademark), optical discs such as DVDs, and servers on the Internet. Therefore, the program may be distributed via telecommunications lines such as the Internet.

In addition, the information processing devices that make up the information processing system may be located overseas.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments exemplified above. Therefore, the present invention allows for the addition or deletion of components, and the combination or modification of the embodiments, without departing from the technical gist of the present invention. Therefore, all technical matters included in the technical concept described in the claims are covered by the present invention. The embodiments exemplified above are preferred specific examples. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will be able to realize various modifications from the disclosed content, and such modifications are included in the technical scope described in the claims.

[Note] The present invention includes the following inventions:

<1>
On the computer,
proceeding with the event using first location information associated with an account used by the user;
If the first location information cannot be acquired, an operation to input second location information different from the first location information is accepted;
A program that progresses the event based on the second location information.

<2>
When acquisition of the first location information is resumed after the first location information cannot be acquired,
The program according to <1>, wherein the event is progressed based on the first position information.

<3>
When the event is progressed based on the second location information,
The program according to <1>, wherein there is a limit to the progress, time, number of times, or movement amount of the event.

＜4＞
The reward acquired while the first location information could not be acquired is put into a pending state;
When the first location information becomes available again, determining whether to grant the reward in the pending state based on a determination condition;
The program described in <1>, wherein if the judgment condition is met, the reward in the pending state is additionally granted.

<5>
When the reserved reward is additionally granted,
The program according to <4>, in which an upper limit value of the reward is set.

<6>
When the event is progressed based on the second location information,
The program according to <1>, wherein the program notifies the user that the event should proceed based on the second location information.

＜７＞
A system having a first information processing terminal operated by a user,
The first information processing terminal
proceeding with an event based on first location information associated with an account used by the user;
If the first location information cannot be acquired, an operation to input second location information different from the first location information is accepted;
A system that progresses the event based on the second location information.

＜8＞
An information processing method executed by a computer operated by a user, comprising:
proceeding with an event using first location information associated with an account used by the user;
a step of accepting an operation to input second location information different from the first location information when the first location information cannot be acquired;
and progressing the event based on the second location information.

The inventions <1> to <8> above are based on the description shown in, for example, Figure 10, etc.

＜９＞
On the computer,
proceeding with the event using first location information associated with an account used by the user;
a program for progressing the event using second location information different from the first location information when the first location information cannot be obtained;

<10>
If there is a history of acquiring the first location information,
The program according to <9>, wherein the event is progressed based on the second location information.

<11>
When acquisition of the first location information is resumed after the first location information cannot be acquired,
The program according to <9>, wherein the event is progressed based on the first position information.

<12>
When the event is progressed based on the second location information,
The program according to <9>, wherein there is a limit to the progress, time, number of times, or movement amount of the event.

<13>
The reward acquired while the first location information could not be acquired is put into a pending state;
When the first location information becomes available again, determining whether to grant the reward in the pending state based on a determination condition;
The program described in <9>, wherein if the judgment condition is met, the reward in the pending state is additionally granted.

<14>
When the reserved reward is additionally granted,
The program according to <13>, in which an upper limit value of the reward is set.

＜15＞
When the reserved reward is additionally granted,
The reward is:
The program described in <13>, in which rewards are awarded based on the statistical results of statistical processing of past reward history.

<16>
When the event is progressed based on the second location information,
The program according to <9>, which notifies the user that the event is in a state where it should proceed based on the second position information.

＜17＞
The second location information is
The program described in <9> is at least one of the following: a position determination result by a camera, position information obtained by a satellite different from the first position information, a measurement result by a pedometer, a measurement result by an acceleration sensor, a measurement result by a geomagnetic field, a measurement result by a barometric pressure sensor, and a radio identification result.

＜18＞
The second location information is
The program according to <9>, which is an estimation result based on movement history information.

＜19＞
The second location information is
The program according to <9>, wherein the first location information is information acquired from a second device linked to the first device that acquires the first location information.

＜20＞
When the event is progressed based on the second location information,
The program according to <9>, wherein the program notifies the user that the event should proceed based on the second location information.

＜21＞
In a case where a plurality of types of second location information can be acquired,
If the first location information cannot be acquired,
The program according to <9>, which accepts selection of a type to be used as the second location information.

<22>
If the first location information cannot be acquired,
The program according to <9>, wherein the event is progressed based on the amount of movement according to the second position information and the direction of progress according to the first position information.

＜23＞
If the first location information cannot be acquired,
A movement amount according to the second position information;
The program described in <9>, wherein the event is progressed based on a direction of travel corrected by a second direction of travel based on the second position information, with a first direction of travel based on the first position information as a reference.

＜24＞
A system having a first information processing terminal operated by a user,
The first information processing terminal
proceeding with an event based on first location information associated with an account used by the user;
If the first location information cannot be obtained, the system progresses the event using second location information that is different from the first location information.

＜25＞
An information processing method executed by a computer operated by a user, comprising:
proceeding with an event using first location information associated with an account used by the user;
and if the first location information cannot be obtained, proceeding with the event using second location information different from the first location information.

1: System 2: User 3: First information processing terminal 3F1: First position information acquisition unit 3F2: Second position information acquisition unit 3F3: Switching unit 3F4: Event progression unit 4: Server 5: Satellite 6: Second information processing terminal 10: Game screen 11: Character 12: Item 13: Enemy character 14: First message 15: Second message 20: Past route 21: First route 22: Second route 23: Third route 31: Reward point 32: Virtual putt P1: First point P2: Second point T1: First time point T2: Second time point T3: Third time point

Claims (2)

On the computer,
In games that use the user's real-world location information,
The event will proceed based on the user's current real-world location information associated with the user's account,
if the current position information of the user in the real space cannot be acquired, outputting an operation GUI, and progressing the event according to information input by the user through the operation GUI;
restricting the switching of the event progress based on the user's position information in the current real space or the switching of the event progress based on the operation GUI for a predetermined time after the switching;
program. A system having an information processing terminal operated by a user in a game that uses position information of the user's real space ,
The information processing terminal
Proceeding an event based on the user's current real-world location information associated with the account used by the user;
if the current position information of the user in the real space cannot be acquired, outputting an operation GUI, and progressing the event according to information input by the user through the operation GUI;
restricting the switching of the event progress based on the user's position information in the current real space or the switching of the event progress based on the operation GUI for a predetermined time after the switching;
system.