U.S. Pat. No. 10,279,248

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. It is to be noted that the technical scope of this application is in no way limited to the following embodiments, but covers this application defined in the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

(1) Outline of Embodiment

In a game system according to this embodiment, a plurality of users play a game provided by a server, using portable devices. Hereinafter, a user who is already a member of the game system and can display his/her identification (ID) on the portable device will be referred to as regular user, and the ID of the regular user will be referred to as regular user ID. A user about to participate in the game system will be referred to as new user, and the ID of the new user will be referred to as new user ID.

In the game system, a regular user can play the game provided by the server when the regular user is registered both in the game and in the SNS application.

The user registered in the game refers to a user registered to play the game provided by the server, in which the user ID, the password, the name, and so forth of the user is stored. The user registered in the SNS application refers to a user registered to execute the SNS application provided by the server, in which the user ID, the password, the name, and so forth of the user are stored. The SNS application is an example of applications other than games, and provided by the server to the user's portable device.

The portable device owned by the regular user registered in the game transmits the regular user ID and the password to the server, and requests display data for displaying a game execution screen (hereinafter, referred to as game execution screen display data). The game execution screen refers to a screen that can be displayed on the portable device authenticated with the regular user ID, and in which a game space associated with the regular user ID is drawn. Characters, items, and so forth associated with the regular user ID are displayed in the game space. The portable device of the regular user can output drawing data generated on the basis of the game execution screen display data received from the server.

In the game system, a quick response (QR) code (“QR code” is a registered trademark), which is a two-dimensional code, is generated on the basis of the regular user ID. The new user can retrieve the regular user ID by photographing the QR code displayed on the portable device of the regular user. The regular user ID and the new user ID may be any type of information provided that the information allows the user to be uniquely identified. In addition, information other than the two-dimensional QR code may be displayed on the portable device of the regular user. For example, a still image, a moving image, or text information such as numerals or characters may be displayed.

The portable device of the new user who has retrieved the regular user ID requests the server to provide the game execution screen display data including the new user ID and the regular user ID. The server determines, upon receipt of the request for the game execution screen display data, whether or not the new user is registered in the SNS application.

When the new user is registered in the SNS application, the server transmits the display data for displaying the game screen to the portable device of the new user. When the new user is not registered in the SNS application, the server transmits display data for displaying a registration screen for the new user to be registered in the SNS application, to allow the new user to execute the SNS application. The game screen also includes, in addition to the game execution screen, screens related to procedures for the game, such as a friend registration screen and a game registration screen.

When the new user is registered in the SNS application, the server further determines whether the new user is a friend of the regular user in the SNS application. When the new user is a friend of the regular user, the server transmits the game execution screen display data including the character of the new user and the character of the regular user, to the portable device of the new user. When the new user is not a friend of the regular user, the server transmits friend registration screen display data for the new user to be registered as a friend of the regular user, to the portable device of the new user.

The friend is an example of a user associated with a specific user in the game or in the SNS application, and such users are stored in the server in association with each other. When the users are in a friend status in the game, the server manages the user ID of one user and the user ID of another user in association with each other, with respect to the game. When the users are in a friend status in the SNS application, the server manages the user ID of one user and the user ID of another user in association with each other, with respect to the SNS application.

Thus, in the game to be played on the basis of the friend status in the SNS application, the user can easily make access to the game execution screen, without the need to go through a complicated procedure.

(2) Configuration of Game System1

FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating an example of a general configuration of the game system1.

The game system1includes a plurality of portable devices2a,2b,2c, and a server3. The portable devices2a,2b,2care terminal devices having similar configurations. Hereafter, the portable devices2a,2b,2cmay be simply referred to as portable device2. The portable device2and the server3are connected to each other via a communication network, for example via a base station4, a mobile communication network5, a gateway6, and the Internet7. A program executed by the portable device2(for example, browsing program) and a program executed by the server3(for example, game program) communicate with each other using a communication protocol such as the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP).

(2.1) Configuration of Portable Device2

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating an example of a general configuration of the portable device2.

The portable device2is connected to the server3via the base station4, the mobile communication network5, the gateway6, and the Internet7, for communication with the server3. The portable device2executes a game provided by the server3in accordance with instructions inputted by the user through an operation module (for example, buttons). To this end, the portable device2includes a device communication module21, a device storage module22, an operation module23, a display module24, a photographing module25, and a device processing module26.

In this embodiment, the portable device2will be assumed to be a multifunctional mobile phone, widely known as smartphone, however the portable device2may be a different device. The portable device2may be any device provided that this application is applicable, for example a mobile phone (so called feature phone), a portable information terminal device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable game console, a portable music player, or a tablet PC.

The device communication module21includes a communication interface circuit including an antenna sensitive to a specific frequency band, and serves to connect the portable device2to the wireless communication network. The device communication module21establishes a wireless signal line, for example based on the code division multiple access (CDMA) method, for communication with the base station4through a channel assigned by the base station4. The device communication module21transmits data provided from the device processing module26to the server3. The device communication module21also provides data received from the server3to the device processing module26.

The device storage module22includes, for example, a semiconductor memory. The device storage module22stores therein an operating system program, a driver program, an application program, and data, to be utilized for the processing in the device processing module26. Examples of the driver program stored in the device storage module22include an input device driver program for controlling the operation module23, and an output device driver program for controlling the display module24. Examples of the application program stored in the device storage module22include a program for retrieving and displaying the display data related to the game, provided by the server3. The computer program may be installed in the device storage module22with a known setup program, from a computer-readable portable recording medium such as a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) or a digital versatile disk read-only memory (DVD-ROM).

Examples of the data stored in the device storage module22include the user ID which is the identification information of the user of the portable device2, the display data, picture data, and image data related to the game and received from the server3. Further, the device storage module22may temporarily store transitory data related to a predetermined process.

The operation module23may be constituted of any device provided that the device is capable of operating the portable device2, and is typically exemplified by a touch pad and a keyboard. The user can input characters and numerals through the operation module23. The operation module23generates, upon being operated by the user, a signal corresponding to the operation. The signal thus generated is inputted to the device processing module26as an instruction of the user.

The display module24may also be constituted of any device provided that the device is capable of displaying pictures and images, and is typically exemplified by a touch panel display device, an LCD and an organic electro-luminescence (EL) display. The display module24displays pictures corresponding to the picture data provided from the device processing module26, and images corresponding to the image data provided therefrom.

The photographing module25includes an imaging optical system, an imaging device, and an image processing module. The imaging optical system includes an optical lens for example, and forms an image based on the luminous flux from a subject, on the imaging surface of the imaging device. The imaging device may be for example a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), and outputs an image signal representing the image of the subject formed on the imaging surface. The image processing module generates image data of a predetermined file format, on the basis of the image signal generated by the imaging device, and outputs the image data.

The device processing module26includes one or a plurality of processors, and peripheral circuits thereof. The device processing module26performs centralized control of the overall operation of the portable device2, and is constituted of, for example, a central processing module (CPU). The device processing module26controls the operation of the first communication module21, the display module24and so forth, so as to allow the processing of the portable device2to be executed through appropriate procedures in accordance with the programs stored in the device storage module22and the instructions from the operation module23. The device processing module26executes the processing in accordance with the programs stored in the device storage module22(operating system program, driver program, application program, and so forth). The device processing module26is capable of executing a plurality of programs (for example, application programs) in parallel.

(2.1.1) Configuration of Device Processing Module26

The device processing module26includes a browsing executing module261, an information retrieval module262, and an information transmission module263. These modules are functional modules realized by the program executed by the processor of the device processing module26. Alternatively, those modules may be implemented in the portable device2in the form of firmware.

The browsing executing module261executes the game provided by the server3in accordance with instructions inputted by the user through the operation module23. Upon receipt of the instruction to start the game from the user through the operation module23, the browsing executing module261further receives the user ID and the password through the operation module23, and transmits a game start request including the received user ID and password to the server3through the device communication module21.

The user ID and the password may be stored in the device storage module22in advance, and the browsing executing module261may retrieve the user ID and the password by reading out from the device storage module22. The server3transmits, upon succeeding in authentication with the user ID and the password, home screen display data for displaying a home screen to be subsequently described, to the portable device2. The browsing executing module261is also capable of executing the SNS application provided by the server3, in accordance with the instruction inputted by the user through the operation module23.

Upon receipt of the home screen display data from the server3through the device communication module21, the browsing executing module261generates drawing data based on the received home screen display data. To be more detailed, the browsing executing module261analyzes the received home screen display data to identify control data and content data, and arranges the layout of the identified content data according to the identified control data, thereby generating the drawing data. Then the browsing executing module261outputs the generated drawing data to the display module24.

The browsing executing module261also transmits, in accordance with the instruction inputted by the user through the operation module23, a game progress request including a type of request specified in the instruction, to the server3through the device communication module21. The game progress request is one of a game execution screen request requesting the game execution screen display data, a friend registration request requesting association of the user with the regular user ID, a game registration request requesting user registration for playing the game, and an SNS application registration request requesting user registration for executing the SNS application. The game progress request is identified as one of the game execution screen request, the friend registration request, the game registration request, and the SNS application registration request, according to the type of request specified in the game progress request.

The browsing executing module261receives the corresponding display data from the server3through the device communication module21in response to the game progress request, and generates the drawing data corresponding to the received display data and outputs the drawing data to the display module24.

The information retrieval module262retrieves the user ID of another user on the basis of the two-dimensional code image data obtained by photographing the two-dimensional code displayed on the portable device of the another user with the photographing module25. The information retrieval module262outputs the retrieved user ID of the another user (regular user ID) to the information transmission module263, together with the user ID of the portable device2(new user ID). The information retrieval module262may be realized by a known application program for reading the two-dimensional code.

The information transmission module263generates the game execution screen request for requesting the server to provide the game execution screen display data, and transmits the generated game execution screen request to the server3through the device communication module21, as the game progress request. The game execution screen request includes both of the regular user ID and the new user ID received from the information retrieval module262.

(2.2) Configuration of Server3

FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating an example of a general configuration of the server3.

The server3is an example of the computer that manages the game. The server3provides the game in response to the request from the portable device2, and performs association between the users, user registration for the game, and user registration for the SNS application. The server3also generates the display data according to the request from the portable device2and transmits the display data to the portable device2. To this end, the server3includes a server communication module31, a server storage module32, and a server processing module33.

The server communication module31includes a wired communication interface circuit such as Ethernet (registered trademark) for connecting the server3to the Internet7, for communication with the Internet7. The server communication module31provides the data received from the portable device2to the server processing module33. The server communication module31also transmits the data provided by the server processing module33to the portable device2.

The server storage module32includes at least one of, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic tape device, a magnetic disk device, and an optical disk device. The server storage module32stores therein an operating system program, a driver program, an application program, and data used for the processing performed in the server processing module33. An example of the application program stored in the server storage module32is a game program in which the user creates a character and makes the character play a minigame, and a reward is granted to the user depending on the result of the minigame. The computer program may be installed in the device storage module22with a known setup program, from a computer-readable portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.

Examples of the data stored in the server storage module32include a game user management table (seeFIG. 4A) for managing the user registered in the game, an SNS application user management table (seeFIG. 4B) for managing the user registered in the SNS application, and a reward management table (seeFIG. 4C) for managing the reward. Further, the server storage module32may temporarily store transitory data related to a predetermined process.

FIG. 4Ais a diagram illustrating an example of data structure of the game user management table. The game user management table contains, with respect to each of the users, the user ID, the password, the name, a file name of the character image data, and the game friend user ID, in association with each other. The user ID is the information for uniquely identifying the user, composed of, for example, a character string made up by the user, the mail address of the user, or information randomly determined by the server3. The character image data represents the character of the user displayed on the game execution screen.

The game friend user ID is the user ID of another user associated with the user in the game. For example, when two users become friends of each other in the game, the game friend user ID of one user contains the user ID of the other user, and the game friend user ID of the latter user contains the user ID of the former user.

FIG. 4Bis a diagram illustrating an example of data structure of the SNS application user management table. SNS application user management table contains, with respect to each of the users, the user ID, the password, the name, a file name of avatar image data, and the SNS application friend user ID, in association with each other. The user ID stored in the game user management table and the user ID stored in the SNS application user management table may be the same or different. The subsequent description will be given on the assumption that the same user ID is stored in the both user management tables. The avatar image data refers to data representing the avatar of the user displayed on the execution screen of the SNS application.

The SNS application friend user ID is the user ID of another user associated with the user in the SNS application. For example, when two users become friends of each other in the SNS application, the SNS application friend user ID of one user contains the user ID of the other user, and the SNS application friend user ID of the latter user contains the user ID of the former user.

FIG. 4Cis a diagram illustrating an example of data structure of the reward management table. The reward management table contains a reward ID and the reward in association with each other. The reward ID is information for uniquely identifying the reward. The reward is, for example, an item that the character of the user retrieves in the game, or an experience point given to the character of the user.

The server processing module33includes one or a plurality of processors and peripheral circuits thereof. The server processing module33performs centralized control of the overall operation of the server3, and is constituted of, for example, a CPU. The server processing module33controls the operation of the server communication module31and so forth, so as to allow the processing of the server3to be executed through appropriate procedures in accordance with the programs stored in the server storage module32. The server processing module33executes the processing in accordance with the programs stored in the server storage module32(operating system program, driver program, application program, and so forth). The server processing module33is capable of executing a plurality of programs (for example, application programs) in parallel.

(2.2.1) Function of Server Processing Module33

FIG. 5is a schematic diagram for describing screen transitions of the portable device2. The description will be given below refers to the case where the new user makes access to the game execution screen displayed on the portable device2aof the regular user, with the portable device2bof the new user.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, first the two-dimensional code generated on the basis of the regular user ID is displayed on the portable device2aof the regular user. The portable device2bof the new user retrieves the regular user ID by photographing the two-dimensional code displayed on the portable device2aof the regular user with the photographing module25of the portable device2b.

FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating an example of a home screen600displayed on the portable device2aof the regular user. The home screen600displays a game progress button601, a configuration button602, the two-dimensional code603for smartphone, the two-dimensional code604for feature phone, and a message on how to use the two-dimensional codes603and604.

When the game progress button601is tapped, the browsing executing module261of the portable device2atransmits the game progress request for proceeding with the game to the server3through the device communication module21. The browsing executing module261outputs the drawing data generated on the basis of the game execution screen display data received from the server3in response to the game progress request, to the display module24.

When the configuration button602is tapped, the browsing executing module261transmits to the server3a request for the display data for displaying the screen through which setting information necessary for progress with the game is to be inputted. The browsing executing module261then receives the display data generated in accordance with the request, and outputs the drawing data generated on the basis of the received display data, to the display module24.

The two-dimensional codes603and604are generated on the basis of the regular user ID. Displaying both of the two-dimensional code603for smartphone and the two-dimensional code604for feature phone on the portable device2aof the regular user at the same time allows reduction of the number of redirecting times for displaying the two-dimensional codes603and604.

The message605on how to use the two-dimensional codes603and604urges the user to read the displayed two-dimensional code603or604into the portable device2bof the new user. The message605allows the new user to recognize that the two-dimensional code displayed on the portable device2aof the regular user can be directly shot with the photographing module25of the portable device2bof the new user.

Back toFIG. 5, the server3determines whether the new user is registered in the SNS application, whether the new user is registered in the game, and whether the new user is a friend of the regular user.

When the new user is registered in the SNS application, registered in the game, and a friend of the regular user, the portable device2bof the new user displays a game execution screen501.

FIG. 7Aillustrates a game execution screen700exemplifying the game execution screen501inFIG. 5. The game execution screen700is displayed on the portable device2bof the new user when the portable device2bof the new user makes access to the server3on the basis of the regular user ID retrieved by photographing the two-dimensional code displayed on the portable device2aof the regular user.

A game space703including a character701of the new user and a character702of the regular user is displayed on the game execution screen700. The game space associated with the regular user ID, which the portable device that has succeeded in the authentication with the regular user ID is allowed to display, is drawn on the game execution screen700. For example the character or item associated with the regular user ID is displayed in the game space703. A game such as a battle or competition, or a game for clearing a quest in cooperation may be displayed in the game space703, with the character701of the new user and the character702of the regular user. The portable device2aof the regular user displays the game execution screen700, also when the game progress button601in the home screen600illustrated inFIG. 6is tapped on the portable device2aof the regular user.

Back again toFIG. 5, when the new user is registered in the SNS application and registered in the game, but not a friend of the regular user, the portable device2bof the new user displays a friend registration screen502for registering the new user as a friend of the regular user. When the friend registration button512in the friend registration screen502is tapped, the portable device2bof the new user transmits the friend registration request requesting the registration of the new user as a friend of the regular user, to the server3.

FIG. 7Billustrates a friend registration screen710exemplifying the friend registration screen502inFIG. 5. The friend registration screen710displays a character711of the new user, a character712of the regular user, a message713announcing an advantage of being associated, for example becoming a friend, for the game, and a friend registration button714for associating the new user with the regular user. Displaying the characters711and712allows the new user to confirm the appearance of the character about to become a friend, thereby encouraging the new user to make the friend registration. Likewise, displaying the message713allows the new user to retrieve the information of the advantage obtainable from the game, thereby urging the new user to make the friend registration.

Returning toFIG. 5, when the friend registration button512in the friend registration screen502is tapped and the friend registration request is transmitted to the server, the portable device2bof the new user displays a game execution screen503. For example, the game execution screen700illustrated asFIG. 7Ais displayed as the game execution screen503.

When the new user is not registered in the SNS application, the portable device2bof the new user displays an SNS application registration screen504for the new user to be registered in the SNS application.

FIG. 7Cillustrates a SNS application registration screen720exemplifying the SNS application registration screen504inFIG. 5. The SNS application registration screen720displays a user name input box721for inputting the user's name, a password input box722for inputting the password, a name input box723for inputting the name, and an SNS application registration button724for instructing the registration in the SNS application. When the SNS application registration button724is tapped after the input boxes721to723are filled in, the portable device2bof the new user transmits the SNS application registration request including the inputted information, i.e., the user ID, the password, and the name, to the server3.

Returning toFIG. 5, after the new user is registered in the SNS application through the SNS application registration screen504, the portable device2bof the new user displays a game registration screen505for the new user to be registered in the game.

FIG. 7Dillustrates a game registration screen730exemplifying the game registration screen505inFIG. 5. The game registration screen730displays a user name input box731for inputting the user's name, a password input box732for inputting the password, a name input box733for inputting the name, and a game registration button734for instructing the registration in the game. When the game registration button734is tapped after the input boxes731to733are filled in, the portable device2bof the new user transmits the game registration request including the inputted information, i.e., the user ID, the password, and the name, to the server3.

Returning toFIG. 5, after the new user is registered in the game through the game registration screen505, the portable device2bof the new user displays a non-illustrated retrieval screen urging the new user to again shoot the two-dimensional code displayed on the portable device2aof the regular user.

Then, the portable device2bof the new user retrieves the regular user ID by photographing the two-dimensional code displayed on the portable device2aof the regular user.

After retrieving the regular user ID, the portable device2bof the new user displays a friend registration screen506for the new user to be registered as a friend of the regular user. For example, as the friend registration screen710illustrated asFIG. 7Bis displayed as the friend registration screen506.

When a friend registration button516in the friend registration screen506is tapped and the friend registration request is transmitted to the server3, the portable device2bof the new user displays a game execution screen507. For example, the game execution screen700illustrated asFIG. 7Ais displayed as the game execution screen507inFIG. 5.

When the new user is registered in the SNS application but not registered in the game, the portable device2bof the new user displays the game registration screen505for the new user to be registered in the game. The screen transition subsequent to the game registration screen505is the same as in the case where the new user is not registered in the SNS application.

As illustrated inFIG. 5toFIGS. 7A to 7D, the portable device2bof the new user displays one of the game execution screen501, the friend registration screen502, the SNS application registration screen504, and the game registration screen505, depending on whether the new user is registered in the SNS application, whether the new user is registered in the game, and whether the new user is a friend of the regular user. Such an arrangement allows the user to easily start the game on the basis of the relationship between the users, without the need to go through a complicated and troublesome procedure.

(2.2.2) Configuration of Server Processing Module33

To realize the foregoing functions, the server processing module33includes, as illustrated inFIG. 3A, a control module331, a display data generating module332, an association module333, a game registration module334, and an SNS application registration module335. These modules are functional modules realized by the program executed by the processor of the server processing module33. Alternatively, those modules may be implemented in the server3in the form of firmware.

Hereunder, the operation performed by the control module331will be described. The control module331controls the progress of the game, and instructs the display data generating module332, the association module333, the game registration module334, and the SNS application registration module335to execute a processing as the case may be.

The control module331transmits, upon receipt of the game start request from the portable device2aof the regular user through the server communication module31, the regular user ID and the password included in the received game start request to a non-illustrated user authentication module, to instruct the authentication of the SNS application and the game.

When the authentication by the user authentication module has succeeded, the control module331generates the two-dimensional code on the basis of the regular user ID, using a known two-dimensional code generation algorithm. The server3may generate two types of two-dimensional codes, for the smartphone and the feature phone.

The control module331generates the home screen display data for displaying the home screen including the two-dimensional code, and transmits the home screen display data to the portable device2through the server communication module31.

Upon receipt of the game progress request from the portable device2through the server communication module31, the control module331identifies whether the game progress request is the game execution screen request requesting the game execution screen display data, the friend registration request requesting association of the user with the regular user ID, the game registration request requesting registration of the user for playing the game, or the SNS application registration request requesting registration of the user for executing the SNS application, according to the type of the request included in the game progress request.

When the identified request is the game execution screen request, the control module331transfers the new user ID and the regular user ID included in the game execution screen request to the display data generating module332, and instructs the display data generating module332to generate the game execution screen display data. The control module331transmits the display data generated by the display data generating module332to the portable device2through the server communication module31.

When the identified request is the friend registration request, the control module331transfers the new user ID and the regular user ID included in the friend registration request to the association module333, and instructs the association module333to execute the association. The control module331transmits the game execution screen display data generated by the display data generating module332to the portable device2through the server communication module31.

When the identified request is the SNS application registration request, the control module331transfers the new user ID, the password, the name, and the file name of the avatar image data included in the SNS application registration request to the SNS application registration module335, and instructs the SNS application registration module335to execute the registration. The SNS application registration module335transfers the game registration screen display data generated by the display data generating module332to the control module331. The control module331transmits the game registration screen display data received from the SNS application registration module335to the portable device2through the server communication module31.

When the identified request is the game registration request, the control module331transfers the new user ID, the password, the name, and the file name of the character image data included in the game registration request to the game registration module334, and instructs the game registration module334to perform the game registration. The game registration module334transfers the generated retrieval screen display data to the control module331. The control module331transmits the retrieval screen display data received from the game registration module334to the portable device2through the server communication module31.

Hereunder, the operation performed by the display data generating module332will be described. The display data generating module332generates the display data in accordance with the instruction from the control module331, and transfers the generated display data to the control module331.

The display data generating module332determines, upon receipt of the instruction to generate the game execution screen display data, whether the new user is registered in the SNS application. In more detail, the display data generating module332looks up the SNS application user management table stored in the server storage module32, and determines whether the new user ID received from the control module331is registered in the SNS application user management table. When the new user is not registered in the SNS application, the display data generating module332generates the SNS application registration screen display data for displaying the user name input box721, the password input box722, the name input box723, and the SNS application registration button724in a predetermined layout, and transfers the SNS application registration screen display data to the control module331.

When the new user is registered in the SNS application, the display data generating module332determines whether the new user is registered in the game. To be more detailed, the display data generating module332looks up the game user management table stored in the server storage module32, and determines whether the new user ID received from the control module331is registered in the game user management table. When the new user is not registered in the game, the display data generating module332generates the game registration screen display data for displaying the user name input box731, the password input box732, the name input box733, and the game registration button734in a predetermined layout, and transfers the game registration screen display data to the control module331.

When the new user is registered in the game, the display data generating module332determines whether the new user is a friend of the regular user. In more detail, the display data generating module332looks up the game user management table stored in the server storage module32, and determines whether the regular user ID received from the control module331is stored in association with the friend user ID corresponding to the new user ID received from the control module331.

When the new user is not a friend of the regular user, the display data generating module332generates the friend registration screen display data. To be more detailed, the display data generating module332looks up the game user management table stored in the server storage module32, and extracts the character image data corresponding to the new user ID and the regular user ID received from the control module331, as the character of the new user and the character of the regular user, respectively. The display data generating module332generates the friend registration screen display data for displaying the friend registration screen including the character of the new user and the character of the regular user. The display data generating module332transfers the generated friend registration screen display data to the control module331.

When the new user is a friend of the regular user, the display data generating module332generates the game execution screen display data. To be more detailed, the display data generating module332looks up the game user management table stored in the server storage module32, and extracts the character image data corresponding to the new user ID and the regular user ID received from the control module331, as the character of the new user and the character of the regular user, respectively. The display data generating module332generates the game execution screen display data for displaying the game execution screen including the character of the new user and the character of the regular user which have been extracted, and transfers the game execution screen display data to the control module331.

The display data generating module332also generates the game registration screen display data in accordance with the instruction from the SNS application registration module335, and transfers the generated game registration screen display data to the SNS application registration module335.

The operation performed by the association module333will be described hereunder. The association module333establishes the association in accordance with the instruction from the control module331, and instructs the display data generating module332to generate the game execution screen display data.

The association module333registers the new user as a friend of the regular user. Upon receipt of the association instruction, the association module333stores the regular user ID received from the control module331in the game user management table, in association with the game friend user ID corresponding to the new user ID received from the control module331. In addition, the association module333stores new user ID received from the control unit331in association with the game friend user ID corresponding to the regular user ID received from the control unit331. Alternatively, the regular user ID and the new user ID may be stored in association with the SNS application friend ID corresponding to the new user ID and the regular user ID in the SNS application user management table.

The association module333transfers the new user ID and the regular user ID associated with each other to the display data generating module332, and instructs the display data generating module332to generate the game execution screen display data. The display data generating module332generates the game execution screen display data when the new user is a friend of the regular user, and transfers the game execution screen display data to the association module333. The association module333transfers the received game execution screen display data to the control module331.

The operation performed by the game registration module334will be described hereunder. The game registration module334performs the game registration in accordance with the instruction from the control module331, and generates the retrieval screen display data and transfers the same to the control module331.

The game registration module334performs the user registration for executing the game. Upon receipt of the instruction for game registration, the game registration module334adds a data record including the new user ID, the password, the name, and the file name of the character image data received from the control module331, to the game user management table stored in the server storage module32. The game registration module334generates the retrieval screen display data including the message urging the new user to shoot the two-dimensional code displayed on the portable device of the regular user, and transfers the retrieval screen display data to the control module331.

Hereunder, the operation performed by the SNS application registration module335will be described. The SNS application registration module335performs the SNS application registration in accordance with the instruction from the control module331, and instructs the display data generating module332to generate the game registration screen display data. The SNS application registration module335transfers the received game registration screen display data to the control module331.

The SNS application registration module335performs the user registration for executing the SNS application. Upon receipt of the instruction for SNS application registration, the SNS application registration module335adds a data record including the new user ID, the password, the name, and the file name of the avatar image data received from the control module331, to the SNS application user management table stored in the server storage module32. The SNS application registration module335instructs the display data generating module332to generate the game registration screen display data for registering the new user in the game, and transfers the game registration screen display data received from the display data generating module332to the control module331.

(3) Operation of Game System1

FIG. 8illustrates an example of the operation sequence of the game system1. The operation sequence described below is primarily performed by the device processing module26and the server processing module33in collaboration with the modules in the portable device2and the server3, in accordance with the programs stored in advance in the device storage module22and the server storage module32.

The regular user inputs an instruction to start the game through the operation module23of the portable device2a. The browsing executing module261receives the regular user ID and the password through the operation module23, and transmits a game start request including the received regular user ID and password to the server3through the device communication module21(step S101).

The control module331of the server3transmits, upon receipt of the game start request from the portable device2athrough the server communication module31, the regular user ID and the password included in the game start request to the user authentication module, and instructs the user authentication module to authenticate that the regular user is registered in the SNS application (step S102).

When the authentication by the user authentication module with respect to the SNS application is successful, the control module331instructs the user authentication module to authenticate that the regular user is registered in the game (step S103).

When the authentication by the user authentication module with respect to the game is successful, the control module331generates the two-dimensional code on the basis of the regular user ID, using a known two-dimensional code generation algorithm. The control module331then generates the home screen display data for displaying the home screen including the two-dimensional code (step S104).

The control module331then transmits the generated home screen display data to the portable device2athrough the server communication module31(step S105).

The browsing executing module261of the portable device2agenerates, upon receipt of the home screen display data from the server3through the device communication module21, the drawing data based on the received home screen display data. The browsing executing module261then outputs the generated drawing data to the display module24so as to display the home screen including the two-dimensional code (step S106).

The photographing module25of the portable device2bof the new user shoots the two-dimensional code according to the instruction inputted by the user of the portable device2bthrough the operation module23. The information retrieval module262of the portable device2bretrieves the regular user ID on the basis of the two-dimensional code image data shot by the photographing module25of the portable device2b(step S107).

The information retrieval module262outputs the retrieved regular user ID to the information transmission module263, together with the new user ID.

The information transmission module263receives the new user ID and the regular user ID. The information transmission module263transmits the game execution screen request including the new user ID and the regular user ID as the game progress request to the server3through the device communication module21, to retrieve the display data (step S108).

The control module331of the server3identifies, upon receipt of the game progress request from the portable device2through the server communication module31, whether the game progress request is the game execution screen request, the friend registration request, the game registration request, or the SNS application registration request, according to the type of the request included in the received game progress request. The modules in the server processing module33generate the display data of the respective screens, on the basis of the received game progress request and the content specified in the user management tables stored in the server storage module32, and transfer the generated screen display data to the control module331(step S109). The details of the game progress will be subsequently described.

The control module331transmits the screen display data received from the modules in the server processing module33to the portable device2bthrough the server communication module31(step S110).

The browsing executing module261of the portable device2bgenerates, upon receipt of the screen display data from the server3through the device communication module21, the drawing data based on the received screen display data. The browsing executing module261then outputs the generated drawing data to the display module24, so as to display the corresponding screen (step S111). Thereafter, the operations of steps S108to S111are repeated.

FIG. 9is a flowchart of the operations of the modules in the server processing module33for progressing with the game. The game progress illustrated inFIG. 9is performed at step S109inFIG. 8.

First, the control module331identifies, upon receipt of the game progress request from the portable device2through the server communication module31, the request from the portable device2baccording to the type of the request included in the game progress request (step S201).

When the identified request is the game execution screen request (Yes at step S202), the control module331instructs the display data generating module332to generate the game execution screen display data. The display data generating module332generates the game execution screen display data in accordance with the game execution screen request (step S203), and finishes the series of steps. The details of the generation of the game execution screen display data will be subsequently described.

When the request identified at step S201is the friend registration request (No at step S202, Yes at step S204), the control module331instructs the association module333to establish the association.

The association module333establishes the association (step S205), and finishes the series of steps. The details of the association process will be subsequently described.

When the request identified at step S201is the game registration request (No at step S204, Yes at step S206), the control module331instructs the game registration module334to perform the game registration.

The game registration module334performs the game registration (step S207), and finishes the series of steps. The details of the game registration will be subsequently described.

When the request identified at step S201is the SNS application registration request (No at step S206), the control module331instructs the SNS application registration module335to perform the SNS application registration. The SNS application registration module335performs the SNS application registration (step S208), and finishes the series of steps. The details of the SNS application registration will be subsequently described.

FIG. 10illustrates an operation flow for generation of the game execution screen display data by the display data generating module332. The generation of the game execution screen display data illustrated inFIG. 10is performed at step S203inFIG. 9.

First, the display data generating module332determines whether the new user is registered (step S301).

When the new user is not registered in the SNS application (No at step S301), the display data generating module332generates the SNS application registration screen display data (step S302). The display data generating module332then transfers the generated SNS application registration screen display data to the control module331(step S308), and finishes the series of steps.

When the new user is registered in the SNS application (Yes at step S301), the display data generating module332determines whether the new user is registered in the game (step S303). When the new user is not registered in the SNS application (No at step S303), the display data generating module332generates the game registration screen display data (step S304). The display data generating module332then transfers the generated game registration screen display data to the control module331(step S308), and finishes the series of steps.

When the new user is registered in the game (Yes at step S303), the display data generating module332determines whether the new user is a friend of the regular user (step S305).

When the new user is not a friend of the regular user (No at step S305), the display data generating module332generates the friend registration screen display data (step S304). The display data generating module332then transfers the generated friend registration screen display data to the control module331(step S308), and finishes the series of steps.

When the new user is a friend of the regular user (Yes at step S305), the display data generating module332generates the game execution screen display data (step S307). The display data generating module332then transfers the generated game execution screen display data to the control module331(step S308), and finishes the series of steps.

FIG. 11illustrates an operation flow of the association process performed by the association module333and the display data generating module332. The association process illustrated inFIG. 11is performed at step S205inFIG. 9.

First, upon receipt of the instruction for the association, the association module333associates the new user and the regular user ID designated by the control module331with each other, in the game user management table (step S401).

Then, the association module333instructs the display data generating module332to generate the game execution screen display data, and the display data generating module332generates the game execution screen display data (step S402).

The display data generating module332transfers the generated game execution screen display data to the association module333, and the association module333transfers the received game execution screen display data to the control module331(step S403), and finishes the series of steps.

FIG. 12illustrates an operation flow of the game registration performed by the game registration module334. The game registration illustrated inFIG. 12is performed at step S207inFIG. 9.

First, upon receipt of the instruction for the game registration, the game registration module334registers the user designated by the control module331in the game user management table (step S501).

The game registration module334generates the retrieval screen display data (step S502).

The game registration module334then transfers the generated retrieval screen display data to the control module331(step S503), and finishes the series of steps.

FIG. 13illustrates an operation flow of the SNS application performed by the SNS application registration module335. The SNS application registration illustrated inFIG. 13is performed at step S208inFIG. 9.

First, upon receipt of the instruction for the SNS application registration, the SNS application registration module335registers the user designated by the control module331in the SNS application user management table (step S601).

The SNS application registration module335instructs the display data generating module332to generate the game registration screen display data. The display data generating module332generates the game registration screen display data (step S602), and transfers the generated game registration screen display data to the SNS application registration module335.

The SNS application registration module335then transfers the game registration screen display data received from the display data generating module332to the control module331(step S603), and finishes the series of steps.

As described thus far, the game system1provides a smooth interface for executing the game according to the registration status of the user in the SNS application, thereby allowing the user to easily start the game on the basis of the relationship between the users, without the need to go through a complicated and troublesome procedure. In addition, the game system1allows the user to access the page of a friend and immediately start the game with the friend, simply by photographing the two-dimensional code displayed on the portable device of the friend. Such a system eliminates the need for the user to seek the user ID of the friend on the SNS in order to play the game with the friend. Thus, the smooth interface for executing the game according to the friend status between the user and the friend user, or the registration status of the user in the game, is provided. Therefore, a large number of users of different properties can easily participate in the game.

The present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiment. For example, although the two-dimensional code displayed on the portable device2aof the regular user is generated on the basis of the regular user ID in the embodiment, the two-dimensional code may be generated on the basis of the user ID of a user other than the regular user (hereinafter, second regular user).

Hereafter, s description will be given of the case in which the second regular user utilizes the portable device2c. In this case, the portable device2aof the regular user retrieves the second regular user ID by photographing the two-dimensional code displayed on the portable device2cof the second regular user. The portable device2aof the regular user stores the second regular user ID thus retrieved in the device storage module22of the portable device2aof the regular user.

When the instruction to start the game is inputted through the operation module23of the portable device2a, the browsing executing module261receives the regular user ID and the password from the regular user through the operation module23, and transmits the game start request including the received regular user ID and the password, and also the second regular user ID retrieved as above, to the server3through the device communication module21server3.

The control module331of the server3transmits, upon receipt of the game start request from the portable device2athrough the server communication module31, the regular user ID and the password included in the received game start request to the user authentication module, and instructs the user authentication module to perform the authentication.

When the authentication by the user authentication module is successful, the control module331generates the two-dimensional code on the basis of the regular user ID and the second regular user ID. The game start request may include a plurality of second regular user IDs in addition to the regular user ID, in which case the control module331generates the two-dimensional code on the basis of the regular user ID and the plurality of second regular user IDs.

The control module331generates the home screen display data for displaying the home screen including the two-dimensional code. The control module331then transmits the generated home screen display data to the portable device2athrough the server communication module31.

The portable device2bof the new user can retrieve the regular user ID and the second regular user ID by photographing the two-dimensional code displayed on the portable device2aof the regular user. Such an arrangement allows the new user to retrieve the regular user ID and the plurality of second regular user IDs at the same time, and to associate the new user with the regular user and the plurality of second regular users, without the need to go through a complicated procedure.

Although the two-dimensional code displayed on the portable device of the regular user is generated on the basis of the regular user ID in the embodiment, the two-dimensional code may be generated on the basis of the regular user ID and the reward ID.

In this case, when the regular user inputs the instruction to start the game through the operation module23of the portable device2a, the browsing executing module261receives the regular user ID and the password from the regular user through the operation module23, and transmits the game start request including the received regular user ID and the password to the server3through the device communication module21server3.

The control module331of the server3transmits, upon receipt of the game start request from the portable device2athrough the server communication module31, the regular user ID and the password included in the received game start request to the user authentication module, and instructs the user authentication module to perform the authentication.

When the authentication by the user authentication module is successful, the control module331generates the two-dimensional code on the basis of the regular user ID and the reward ID. The control module331may randomly select a predetermined number of reward IDs among a plurality of reward IDs, and generate the predetermined number of two-dimensional codes on the basis of the respective reward IDs and the regular user ID. The control module331generates the home screen display data for displaying the home screen including the two-dimensional code. The control module331then transmits the generated home screen display data to the portable device2athrough the server communication module31.

FIG. 14Aillustrates another example of the home screen1300. The home screen1300displays a plurality of two-dimensional codes1301and a message1302on how to use the plurality of codes1301.

The portable device2bof the new user retrieves the regular user ID and the reward ID by photographing the two-dimensional code displayed on the portable device2aof the regular user. The portable device2bof the new user transmits the retrieved reward ID to the server3, and the control module331of the server3looks up the reward management table illustrated inFIG. 4Band grants the reward corresponding to the received reward ID to the new user. The new user can become a friend of the regular user and obtain the reward by photographing the two-dimensional code displayed on the portable device2aof the regular user, and is therefore encouraged to shoot the two-dimensional code displayed on the portable device2aof the regular user. In addition, the new user can participate in a lottery by selecting one of a plurality of two-dimensional codes and photographing the selected one, which further induce the new user to shoot the two-dimensional code.

The control module331of the server3may grant the reward corresponding to the reward ID to the regular user at the same time as granting the reward to the new user, or grant the reward only to the regular user, and not to the new user. Further, the reward granted to the new user and the reward granted to the regular user may be the same, or predetermined different ones.

FIG. 14Billustrates another example of the display screen of the portable device2displaying a plurality of two-dimensional codes. The home screen1310illustrated inFIG. 14Bdisplays a three-dimensional object1311composed of a plurality of codes and a message1312on how to use the three-dimensional object1311. The plurality of two-dimensional codes are located on the respective faces of the three-dimensional object1311. The browsing executing module261of the portable device2agenerates the drawing data of the three-dimensional object1311that can be rotated in a desired direction according to the operation of the regular user through the operation module23. The browsing executing module261then outputs the generated drawing data to the display module24.

With the mentioned arrangement, the new user can rotate the three-dimensional object1311composed of a plurality of two-dimensional codes displayed on the portable device2athrough the operation module23, and shoot the desired two-dimensional code with the portable device2bof the new user. Therefore, the new user can seek the two-dimensional code on a hidden face of the three-dimensional object, and is further induced to shoot the two-dimensional code.

The two-dimensional code may be generated on the basis of a uniform resource locator (URL) including information for identifying the regular user ID and indicating the storage location of the display data of the screens. In this case, the information transmission module263generates the game progress request including the new user ID and the regular user ID, on the basis of the URL retrieved by photographing the two-dimensional code. In addition, in the server implemented with the function of transmitting the game execution screen display data, the game registration screen display data, and the friend registration screen display data to the portable device, the implementation process of existing social games can be alleviated by storing the game execution screen display data, the game registration screen display data, and the friend registration screen display data in the URL to be included in the game progress request.

In the foregoing embodiment, the portable device2bof the new user retrieves the regular user ID by photographing the two-dimensional code displayed on the portable device2aof the regular user. Alternatively, wireless communication between terminal devices may be employed to transmit the regular user ID from the portable device2aof the regular user to the portable device2bof the new user, instead of the two-dimensional code.

FIG. 15is a diagram illustrating an example of a general configuration of portable devices2′ (2′a,2′b). In this case, the regular user ID is transmitted from the portable device2′aof the regular user to the portable device2′bof the new user, through wireless communication. InFIG. 15, the same constituents as those of the portable device2illustrated inFIG. 2are given the same numeral, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

The portable device2′ further includes a near-field wireless communication module27′, in addition to the modules included inFIG. 2. The near-field wireless communication module27′ includes an interface circuit for executing near-field wireless communication according to Bluetooth (registered trademark) specification. The information transmission module263of the portable device2′aof the regular user transmits the regular user ID through the near-field wireless communication module27′. The portable device2′bof the new user receives the regular user ID transmitted through the near-field wireless communication module27′, and transfers the regular user ID to the information retrieval module262. The near-field wireless communication module27′ is an example of a wireless communication module that includes an interface circuit for executing direct communication between terminal devices.

FIG. 16is a diagram for describing screen transitions of the portable device2′ configured as above. InFIG. 16, the same constituents as those illustrated inFIG. 5are given the same numeral, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Referring toFIG. 16, first the portable device2′bof the new user receives the regular user ID from the portable device2′aof the regular user through wireless communication between the devices. Then, the server3determines whether the new user is registered in the game and whether the new user is a friend of the regular user.

When the new user is not registered, the portable device2bof the new user displays the game registration screen for registering the new user in the game. After the new user is registered through the game registration screen, the portable device2′bof the new user displays a non-illustrated retrieval screen urging the new user to receive the regular user ID again from the portable device2′aof the regular user through the wireless communication between the devices.

The portable device2′bof the new user again receives the regular user ID again from the portable device2′aof the regular user through the wireless communication between the devices. Upon retrieving the regular user ID, the portable device2′bof the new user displays the friend registration screen for registering the new user as a friend of the regular user.

Through the mentioned steps, in which the two-dimensional code is not involved, the game execution screen displayed on the terminal device of another user can be easily displayed on the terminal device of the user, without the need to go through a complicated procedure.

The server3may determine whether the new user is registered in the SNS application depending on whether the new user has logged-in in the SNS application, instead of whether the new user ID is registered in the SNS application user management table. In this case, the server3determines, upon receipt of the game execution screen display data from the portable device2bof the new user, that the new user is registered in the SNS application when the authentication of the new user is successful, and that the new user is not registered in the SNS application when the authentication of the new user has failed. Likewise, the server3may determine whether the new user is registered in the game depending on whether the new user has logged-in in the game.

It is to be understood that it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications, substitutions, or amendments may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of this application. In particular, when the game system1according to this application acts as the server3connected to the portable device2via the network, a hybrid game may be set up in which the server3and the portable device2are each engaged in a part of the processing such that, for example, the game progress screen is displayed on the portable device2through the web on the basis of the data generated by the server3, and the menu screens and so forth are displayed by native applications installed in the portable device2. Further, the processing of the server3may be realized by using a plurality of servers.