PRESENT DETERMINATION SYSTEM, CONTROL METHOD FOR A PRESENT DETERMINATION SYSTEM, PRESENT DETERMINATION SERVER DEVICE, CONTROL METHOD FOR A PRESENT DETERMINATION SERVER DEVICE, AND NON-TRANSITORY INFORMATION STORAGE MEDIUM

Provided is a present determination system, including: a unit for acquiring present candidate data indicating candidates for an imaginary present that can be given to one of a character and a person by a user; a unit for acquiring condition data associating a condition related to the imaginary present, and one of a product and a service to be presented to the user as a present from the one of the character and the person, with each other; a condition judgment unit for judging whether or not the imaginary present selected by the user satisfies the condition indicated by the condition data; and a present determination unit for determining the one of the product and the service associated with the condition indicated by the condition data as a present to be given to the user from the one of the character and the person.

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from Japanese application JP 2011-068880 filed on Mar. 25, 2011, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a present determination system, a control method for a present determination system, a present determination server device, a control method for a present determination server device, and a non-transitory information storage medium.

2. Description of the Related Art

Up to now, there is known a technology that allows a user to virtually perform communication with a character (for example, game character) or a person (for example, singer or actor). For example, JP 2004-152183 A discloses a technology that allows the user to virtually perform communication with the character by using weather forecast information distributed to the user in virtual conversation processing with the character.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, a method that allows the user to virtually perform communication with the character or person is limited to such a method as disclosed in JP 2004-152183 A in which the user receives a message therefor from the character or person. There is a demand for a technology for further improving a feeling of satisfaction of the user by allowing the user to perform virtual communication with the character or person.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problem, and it is an object thereof to provide a present determination system, a control method for a present determination system, a present determination server device, a control method for a present determination server device, and a non-transitory information storage medium, which can improve a feeling of satisfaction of a user in virtual communication performed between the user and a character or a person.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to the present invention, there is provided a present determination system, comprising: means for acquiring present candidate data, indicating candidates for an imaginary present that can be given to one of a character and a person by a user, from the means for storing the present candidate data; means for acquiring condition data, associating a condition related to the imaginary present, and one of a product and a service to be presented to the user as a present from the one of the character and the person, with each other, from the means for storing the condition data; selection receiving means for receiving selection, which is made by the user, of a present from the candidates for the imaginary present indicated by the present candidate data; condition judgment means for judging whether or not the imaginary present selected by the user satisfies the condition indicated by the condition data; and present determination means for determining the one of the product and the service associated with the condition indicated by the condition data as a present to be given to the user from the one of the character and the person based on a judgment result obtained by the condition judgment means, wherein the one of the product and the service determined by the present determination means is given from the one of the character and the person to the user as the present therefor.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a control method for a present determination system, comprising: a step of acquiring, from means for storing present candidate data indicating candidates for an imaginary present that can be given to one of a character and a person by a user, the present candidate data; a step of acquiring, from means for storing condition data, associating a condition related to the imaginary present, and one of a product and a service to be presented to the user as a present from the one of the character and the person, with each other, the condition data; a selection receiving step of receiving selection, which is made by the user, of a present from the candidates for imaginary present indicated by the present candidate data; a condition judgment step of judging whether or not the imaginary present selected by the user satisfies the condition indicated by the condition data; and a present determination step of determining the one of the product and the service associated with the condition indicated by the condition data as a present to be given to the user from the one of the character and the person based on a judgment result obtained in the condition judgment step, wherein the one of the product and the service determined in the present determination step is given from the one of the character and the person to the user as the present therefor.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a present determination server device, comprising: means for acquiring data indicating the imaginary present selected by the user from the means for receiving the selection, which is made by the user, of a present from candidates for an imaginary present indicated by present candidate data that indicates the candidates for the imaginary present that can be given to one of a character and a person from the user; means for acquiring the condition data, associating a condition related to the imaginary present, and one of a product and a service to be presented to the user as a present from the one of the character and the person, with each other, from the means for storing the condition data; condition judgment means for judging whether or not the imaginary present selected by the user satisfies the condition indicated by the condition data; and present determination means for determining the one of the product and the service associated with the condition indicated by the condition data as a present to be given to the user from the one of the character and the person based on a judgment result obtained by the condition judgment means, wherein the one of the product and the service determined by the present determination means is given from the one of the character and the person to the user as the present therefor.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a control method for a present determination server device, comprising: a step of acquiring, from means for receiving selection, which is made by the user, of a present from candidates for an imaginary present indicated by present candidate data that indicates the candidates for the imaginary present that can be given to one of a character and a person from the user, data indicating the imaginary present selected by the user; a step of acquiring, from means for storing condition data, associating a condition related to the imaginary present, and one of a product and a service to be presented to the user as a present from the one of the character and the person, with each other, the condition data; a condition judgment step of judging whether or not the imaginary present selected by the user satisfies the condition indicated by the condition data; and a present determination step of determining the one of the product and the service associated with the condition indicated by the condition data as a present to be given to the user from the one of the character and the person based on a judgment result obtained in the condition judgment step, wherein the one of the product and the service determined in the present determination step is given from the one of the character and the person to the user as the present therefor.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to function as a present determination server device, the present determination server device comprising: means for acquiring data indicating the imaginary present selected by the user from the means for receiving the selection, which is made by the user, of a present from candidates for an imaginary present indicated by present candidate data that indicates the candidates for the imaginary present that can be given to one of a character and a person from the user; means for acquiring the condition data, associating a condition related to the imaginary present, and one of a product and a service to be presented to the user as a present from the one of the character and the person, with each other, from the means for storing the condition data; condition judgment means for judging whether or not the imaginary present selected by the user satisfies the condition indicated by the condition data; and present determination means for determining the one of the product and the service associated with the condition indicated by the condition data as a present to be given to the user from the one of the character and the person based on a judgment result obtained by the condition judgment means, wherein the one of the product and the service determined by the present determination means is given from the one of the character and the person to the user as the present therefor.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable information storage medium having stored thereon the above-mentioned program.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve a feeling of satisfaction of the user in the virtual communication performed between the user and the character or the person.

Further, according to an aspect of the present invention, the present determination system further includes date determining means for determining, in a case where the selection receiving means receives selection of the user before a predetermined selection due date, information related to a date on which the one of the product and the service is to be presented to the user so that the one of the product and the service determined by the present determination means is kept from being given to the user until the date corresponding to the predetermined selection due date arrives.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, the present determination system further comprises: means for acquiring the game parameter, related to the one of the character and the person which changes in accordance with an operation of the user in a game configured such that the one of the character and the person appears therein, from the means for storing the game parameter; and date determining means for determining information related to a date on which the one of the product and the service determined by the present determination means is to be presented to the user based on the game parameter.

Further, according to still another aspect of the present invention, the present determination system further comprises: means for acquiring a game parameter, related to the one of the character and the person which changes in accordance with an operation of the user in a game configured such that the one of the character and the person appears therein, from the means for storing the game parameter; wherein the present determination means determines, from among the products and the services associated with the condition indicated by the condition data, the one of the product and the service determined based on the game parameter as the present to be given to the user from the one of the character and the person.

Further, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, the present determination system further includes means for outputting information for notifying the user that the imaginary present selected by the user has been given to the one of the character and the person.

Further, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, the condition indicated by the condition data is a condition related to a combination of a plurality of the imaginary presents indicated by the present candidate data, and the condition judgment means judges whether or not the combination of the plurality of the imaginary presents selected by the user satisfies the condition indicated by the condition data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a present determination system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an overall flow of a game;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating functions realized by the present determination system;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of game event data;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of present candidate data;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of selected present data;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of condition data;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of gift date data;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of gifted present data;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a flow of processing performed in the present determination system;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating association between a condition related to a game parameter and a date on which a product or a service is to be presented;

FIG. 13 illustrates a data storage example of condition data according to Modified Example (2);

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a flow of processing performed in a case where a website is used to receive a user's selection of an imaginary present; and

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the processing performed in the case where the website is used to receive the user's selection of the imaginary present.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 1. Embodiment

Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. A present determination system according to the embodiment of the present invention determines a product or a service that is to be presented to a user from a character or a person. By giving the determined product or service to the user as a present therefor from the character or person, it is possible to allow the user to virtually perform communication with the character or person.

The product to be presented to the user refers to a product to be received by the user as a present therefor from the character or person, for example, a product to be sent (delivered) to the user. The service to be presented to the user refers to a service to be received by the user as a present therefor from the character or person, for example, a service to be provided to the user.

Note that the “person” referred to in this embodiment may be a real-world person (for example, an entertainer such as a singer or idol) or may be an imaginary person (for example, a character in a novel or a myth). Further, the following description is directed to a case where the user performs virtual communication with the character. In the following description, the wording “character” may be read as “character or person”.

2. Overall Configuration of Present Determination System

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the present determination system according to the embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a present determination system S includes at least one server device 1 for determining, for example, the product or service to be presented to the user from the character and at least one user device 10 that is subjected to the user's operation. The respective devices that are included in the present determination system S are connected to each other so as to be able to perform data communications via a network N.

The server device 1 is a known server computer. For example, the server device 1 includes a control unit 2 including a CPU, a storage unit 3 including an HDD and a RAM, an operation unit 4 including a keyboard and a mouse, an input unit 5 including a DVD reproducing device, a display unit 6 including a liquid crystal monitor, and a communication unit 7 including a network card.

The control unit 2 controls each of the units of the server device 1 according to an operating system stored in the storage unit 3, a program read from the input unit 5, and the like. The storage unit 3 stores various programs, various kinds of data, and the like. The operation unit 4 inputs various operation signals to the control unit 2. The input unit 5 reads data, programs, and the like from various storage media. The communication unit 7 performs communications with another terminal via the network N. Note that the server device 1 and a printer may be connected via the communication unit 7.

The user device 10 is a known computer such as a personal computer, a game machine (such as consumer game machine or portable game machine), or a cellular telephone set. In this embodiment, the description is directed to a case where the user device 10 is a game machine. For example, the user device 10 includes a control unit 11 including a CPU, a storage unit 12 including a flash memory and a RAM, an operation unit 13 including a cross-shaped key and various buttons, an input unit 14 including an optical disc reproducing device and a memory card slot, a display unit 15 including a liquid crystal panel, and a communication unit 16 including a network card.

The control unit 11 executes, for example, a game program stored in the storage unit 12. Note that the game program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as an optical disc. The storage unit 12 stores not only the game program but also various kinds of data such as current time point data indicating current time point (current date and time). The operation unit 13 inputs various operation signals to the control unit 11. The input unit 14 reads game data and the like from the various storage media. The communication unit 16 performs communications with another terminal via the network N.

The user device 10 executes, for example, a game configured so that a character appears therein. For example, a game that allows the user to perform the virtual communication with the character is executed. Further, for example, a game configured so that the user vicariously enjoys everyday life with the character is executed.

In a case where the game is executed, a game event in which a character appears occurs. For example, in the case where the game event occurs, the user is given a plurality of options, and a game parameter indicating a favorability rating of the character changes depending on the option selected by the user.

Further, for example, a time point (time) of a virtual world within the game is associated with a time point (time) of a real world. That is, the time point within the game elapses as the time point indicated by the current time point data stored in the storage unit 12 elapses. For example, the date within the game changes as the date indicated by the current time point data stored in the storage unit 12 changes. In a case where the time point indicated by the current time point data satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, in a case where the time point indicated by the current time point data becomes a predetermined date), a predetermined game event occurs.

For example, in the case where a predetermined date arrives, a game event in which a user U (such as protagonist of the game or a user character that acts in accordance with the user's operation) gives a present to a character C occurs. Hereinafter, this game event is referred to as “first game event”. Further, for example, in a case where another date arrives, a game event in which the character C gives a present to the user U occurs. Hereinafter, this game event is referred to as “second game event”.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an overall flow of the game. For example, with common knowledge of the Japanese custom that women give presents to men on “February 14” (so-called “Valentine's Day” in Japan) in the real world, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a female user U selects an imaginary present to be given to a male character C by, for example, “February 14” (S1). Information that identifies the imaginary present selected by the user U is transmitted to the server device 1. The server device 1 charges the user U based on the information.

In a case where the date indicated by the current time point data becomes “February 14”, the first game event that imitates Valentine's Day occurs (S2). In the first game event, the imaginary present selected by the user U is presented to the character C. Note that in the first game event, the imaginary present is given to the character C, which does not mean that a product or the like is presented by someone in the real world. Therefore, the imaginary present selected by the user U may be a present that cannot be given in the real world, such as “Shinkansen (Bullet Train)” or the “moon”.

Then, in accordance with the processing performed by the server device 1, a letter of thanks from the character C is printed (S3). This letter is delivered to a home of the user U by a system administrator so as to reach the home after “February 14”. That is, by receiving the letter, the user U can feel as if the imaginary present given to the character C by themselves had been given in actuality.

Further, for example, with common knowledge of the Japanese custom that men given the presents from women on Valentine's Day give return presents to the women on “March 14” (so-called “White Day” in Japan) in the real world, as illustrated in FIG. 2, in a case where the date indicated by the current time point data becomes “March 14”, the second game event that imitates White Day occurs (S4). That is, a game event where a return present from the character C given the present on Valentine's Day is given to the user U occurs.

Further, in accordance with the processing performed by the server device 1, the product or service to be presented to the user U is determined based on the imaginary present selected by the user U (S5). The product or service to be presented to the user U is unknown to the user U at the time point in the case where the user U selects the imaginary present in Step S1. For example, by the system administrator, the product is delivered to the home of the user U or it is notified that the user U can receive the service. It is not until this time point that the user U knows the product or service to be presented to themselves.

In this manner, the user U can virtually perform communication with the character C by exchanging presents and vicariously experiencing events occurring in the real world such as Valentine's Day and White Day. Hereinafter, this technology is described in detail.

3. Functional Blocks

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating functions realized by the present determination system S. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the present determination system S realizes a game data storage unit 20, a game execution unit 22, a selection receiving unit 24, a server DB unit 30, a condition judgment unit 32, a present determination unit 34, a date determination unit 36, and a notification unit 38.

In this embodiment, the description is directed to a case where the game data storage unit 20, the game execution unit 22, and the selection receiving unit 24 are realized by the user device 10. On the user device 10, those functions are realized by the control unit 11 operating in accordance with the game program read from the optical disc via the input unit 14.

Further, in this embodiment, the description is directed to a case where the server DB unit 30, the condition judgment unit 32, the present determination unit 34, the date determination unit 36, and the notification unit 38 are realized by the server device 1. On the server device 1, those functions are realized by the control unit 2 operating in accordance with the programs read from the storage unit 3.

[3-1. Game Data Storage Unit]

The game data storage unit 20 is realized mainly by the storage unit 12 and the optical disc. The game data storage unit 20 stores various kinds of data necessary for the user device 10 to execute the game. The game data storage unit 20 stores, for example, the following data items: (1) the current time point data indicating the current time point (day/time); (2) game situation data indicating a situation of the game in execution; (3) game event data defining game events that are to occur in the game; and (4) present candidate data indicating candidates for the imaginary present that can be given to the character by the user.

The current time point data may be any data as long as the data is used by the computer to judge the time, and may also be acquired from a known time function. The game situation data stores, for example, the game parameter related to the character, the game parameter related to the user character, information identifying the game events that have occurred in the past, and information indicating a history of operations performed by the user.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of the game event data. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the game event data stores information identifying the game events that are to occur and occurrence conditions for the game events to occur in association with each other. That is, the game event data is data used by the game execution unit 22 described later to judge whether or not to cause the game event to occur.

The occurrence condition stored in the game event data may be any condition that is defined in advance. In this embodiment, the game event occurs in the case where the predetermined date arrives, and hence the occurrence condition stored in the game event data includes at least a condition related to the current time point.

For example, the conditions for the game events to occur include a condition indicating whether or not a predetermined time point has arrived, a condition indicating whether or not another specific game event has occurred, and a condition indicating whether or not the game parameter falls within a predetermined range. For example, the game execution unit 22 judges whether or not the occurrence condition stored in the game event data is satisfied based on one of the current time point data and the game situation data. The game execution unit 22 causes the game event to occur based on the judgment result. That is, if it is judged that the occurrence condition is satisfied, the game event associated with the occurrence condition occurs.

Note that in this embodiment, the description is directed to a case where the game event that imitates Valentine's Day and the game event that imitates White Day occur, but as illustrated in FIG. 4, another game event may be caused to occur. In addition, for example, a game event that imitates a custom of exchanging presents in a certain season in Japan may occur, or a game event that occurs on the birthday of the user and a game event that occurs on the birthday of the game character may be caused to occur.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of the present candidate data. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the present candidate data stores information identifying candidates for the imaginary present, and information indicating an amount of money charged to the user in giving the imaginary present, in association with each other. That is, the present candidate data is data indicating the candidates for the imaginary present to be received by the character in the game event. For example, in the case of the data storage example illustrated in FIG. 5, in a case where the user presents “chocolate” to the character, the user is to be charged “1 dollar”.

Note that the control unit 11 functions as means for acquiring the various kinds of data stored in the game data storage unit 20. Further, the data stored in the game data storage unit 20 is not limited to the above-mentioned example as long as data necessary for the user device 10 to execute the game is stored. In addition, for example, data (for example, data indicating full name, sex, birth date, hobby, and the like) related to the user may be stored.

Further, contents of the respective data items stored in the game data storage unit 20 may be distributed from the server device 1 on a regular basis. That is, most recently updated data such as the game event data to which a new game event has been added and the present candidate data to which a new imaginary present has been added may be distributed from the server device 1.

[3-2. Game Execution Unit]

The game execution unit 22 is realized mainly by the control unit 11. The game execution unit 22 executes a game configured so that the character appears therein. The game execution unit 22 executes the game based on, for example, the data stored in the game data storage unit 20. The game execution unit 22 causes, for example, the game event to occur or the game parameter to change.

Further, for example, in a case where a first time point at which the first game event is to occur (for example, “February 14”) approaches, the game execution unit 22 causes the display unit 15 to display a game screen for showing the present indicated by the present candidate data to the user.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the game screen. As illustrated in FIG. 6, a game screen 50 displays a present list 51 from which the user is to select the present, and buttons 52 and 53. The present list 51 is displayed based on the present candidate data. Displayed in the present list 51 are the imaginary present that is to be given to the character by the user and the amount of money charged to the user in giving the imaginary present.

The user operates the operation unit 13, for example, to thereby select at least one imaginary present from the present list 51. In a case where the user selects the imaginary present and depresses the button 52, the selected imaginary present is given to the character. In a case where the button 53 is selected, the imaginary present is not given to the character.

[3-3. Selection Receiving Unit]

The selection receiving unit 24 is realized mainly by the control unit 11 and the operation unit 13. The selection receiving unit 24 receives a selection (designation) made by the user among the imaginary presents indicated by the present candidate data. For example, the selection receiving unit 24 receives the selection made by the user from the present list 51 displayed on the game screen 50. For example, the selection receiving unit 24 receives the selection made by the user by acquiring a detection signal from the operation unit 13.

[3-4. Server DB Unit]

The server DB unit 30 is realized mainly by the storage unit 3. The server DB unit 30 stores various kinds of data from which the server device 1 is to determine the product or service to be presented to the user. For example, the server DB unit 30 stores the following data items: (1) the current time point data, the game event data, and the present candidate data (which are the same as the contents stored in the game data storage unit 20, and hence the descriptions thereof are omitted); (2) user data for uniquely identifying the user; (3) selected present data indicating the imaginary present selected by the user; (4) condition data obtained by associating a condition related to the imaginary present, and the product or service to be presented to the user as a present from the character, with each other; (5) gift date data indicating a date on which the product or service is to be given to the user; and (6) gifted present data indicating when the user is to be given what product or service.

The user data stores the user ID that uniquely identifies the user, and personal information on the user, in association with each other. The personal information on the user includes, for example, the user's full name, sex, birth date, address, contact (such as telephone number or e-mail address), and information used for charging the user (for example, information indicating their credit card number or bank account).

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of the selected present data. As illustrated in FIG. 7, for example, the selected present data stores the user ID, information identifying the game event in which the imaginary present selected by the user is given, information identifying the imaginary present selected by the user, and the day/time (that is, order placement day/time) at which the imaginary present is selected by the user, in association with one another.

The selected present data is created on the user device 10 in a case where, for example, the selection receiving unit 24 receives the user's selection of the present. The selected present data that has been created is stored in the game data storage unit 20 and also transmitted to the server device 1. The server device 1 causes a new record to be added to the server DB unit 30 each time the selected present data is received (acquired) from the user device 10.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of the condition data. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the condition data stores the condition related to the imaginary present, and the product or service to be presented to the user as the return present from the character, in association with each other. That is, the condition data is data that allows the server device 1 to identify the product or service to be presented to the user.

The condition related to the imaginary present is a condition referenced in determining the product or service to be presented to the user who has selected the imaginary present, for example, a condition including at least one of a condition indicating whether or not a predetermined one has been selected from among the candidates for the imaginary present, a condition related to a combination of a plurality of imaginary presents, and a condition indicating a total amount of money for the selected imaginary present.

For example, the contents of the imaginary present given to the character from the user is different from the contents of the product or service to be presented to the user from the character. Further, for example, the product or service corresponding to the amount of money charged to the user may be designated in advance as the product or service to be presented to the user.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of the gift date data. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the gift date data is data obtained by associating information identifying the first game event, a first date on which the first game event occurs, and a date on which (or period during which) the product or service is to be given to the user, with one another. That is, the gift date data is data that defines one of a shipping date or a delivery date of the product and a date on which the service is to be provided. The date stored in the gift date data is, for example, a second date on which the second game event corresponding to the first game event occurs.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of the gifted present data. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the gifted present data stores the user ID, information indicating the product or service to be presented to the user, and information on a date on which the product or service is to be given to the user, in association with one another. The system administrator can manage when to give what product or service to which user depending on the contents stored in the gifted present data.

Note that the control unit 2 functions as means for acquiring the various kinds of data stored in the server DB unit 30. Further, the data stored in the server DB unit 30 is not limited to the above-mentioned example as long as data necessary for the server device 1 to determine the product or service to be presented to the user is stored.

[3-5. Condition Judgment Unit]

The condition judgment unit 32 is realized mainly by the control unit 2. The condition judgment unit 32 judges whether or not the imaginary present selected by the user satisfies the condition indicated by the condition data. For example, the condition judgment unit 32 performs the judgment by comparing the selected present data with the condition data.

For example, it is judged whether or not the imaginary present selected by the user is stored in the condition data, whether or not a combination of a plurality of imaginary presents selected by the user is the combination indicated by the condition data, or whether or not the amount of money for the imaginary present selected by the user is the amount of money stored in the condition data.

[3-6. Present Determination Unit]

The present determination unit 34 is realized mainly by the control unit 2. The present determination unit 34 determines the product or service associated with the condition indicated by the condition data as the present to be given to the user from the character based on the judgment result obtained by the condition judgment unit 32. That is, the present determination unit 34 determines the product or service associated with the condition judged as being satisfied by the imaginary present selected by the user as the present to be given to the user from the character.

The product or service determined by the present determination unit 34 is given to the user as a present from the character. For example, the system administrator has the product delivered to reach the home of the user. Further, for example, the product, if being digital content (for example, game or music), is distributed to the user. Further, for example, the system administrator makes arrangements for the service to be received by the user. For example, the system administrator makes a telephone call to make a reservation at a restaurant so that the user can receive the service.

[3-7. Date Determination Unit]

The date determination unit 36 is realized mainly by the control unit 2. If the selection receiving unit 24 receives the user's selection before a predetermined selection due date (reception due date), the date determination unit 36 determines information related to a date on which the product or service is to be presented to the user so that the product or service determined by the present determination unit 34 is kept from being given to the user until a date corresponding to the selection due date. The information related to the date on which the product or service is to be presented to the user is, for example, one of the shipping date or delivery date of the product and the date on which the service is to be provided.

The selection due date is a due date by which the user should select the imaginary present, for example, a due date defined based on the first date on which the first game event occurs. For example, the selection due date is a due date (for example, “February 13”) defined based on “February 14” on which the first game event that imitates Valentine's Day occurs. It is judged whether or not the selection receiving unit 24 received the user's selection by the selection due date. In this embodiment, in a case where the selection due date approaches, the game screen 50 is displayed to receive the user's selection of the imaginary present.

The date corresponding to the selection due date is a date which is defined based on the selection due date and which indicates a predetermined date after the selection due date. The date corresponding to the selection due date is, for example, a date associated with the first game event corresponding to the selection due date.

For example, the information related to the date on which the product or service is to be presented to the user is determined so that the date on which the product or service is to be presented to the user determined by the present determination unit 34 becomes the date corresponding to the selection due date. That is, for example, the date determination unit 36 determines the shipping date or delivery date of the product so that the product determined by the present determination unit 34 is shipped or delivered on the date corresponding to the selection due date. Further, for example, the date determination unit 36 determines the date on which the service is to be provided so that the service determined by the present determination unit 34 is provided on the date corresponding to the selection due date.

Based on the determined contents of the present determination unit 34 and the determined contents of the date determination unit 36, new records are stored in the gifted present data as appropriate.

[3-8. Notification Unit]

The notification unit 38 is realized mainly by the control unit 2. The notification unit 38 outputs information for notifying the user that the imaginary present selected by the user has been given to the character. For example, the notification unit 38 prints/outputs a letter indicating that the imaginary present selected by the user has been presented to the character in the first game event. Alternatively, the notification unit 38 transmits an electronic mail message indicating that the present indicated by the selected present data has been presented to the character in the first game event to the user (that is, to the e-mail address stored in the user data). Note that in the case where the letter has been printed/output, the letter is delivered to the home of the user by the administrator of the present determination system S themselves.

4. Flow of Processing Performed in Present Determination System

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the flow of processing performed in the present determination system S. The processing illustrated in FIG. 11 is executed by the control unit 2 operating in accordance with the program stored in the storage unit 3 or the like and the control unit 11 operating in accordance with the program stored in the optical disc or the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, first, the control unit 11 judges whether or not the selection due date of the imaginary present has approached (S10). In Step S10, it is judged whether or not the current time point indicated by the current time point data satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition indicates, for example, whether or not the current time point reaches a time point corresponding to the selection due date.

In this embodiment, for example, based on the current time point data and the game event data stored in the storage unit 12, it is judged whether or not the first date on which the first game event occurs has approached. For example, it is judged whether or not the date indicated by the current time point data is a predetermined number of days before the date stored in the game event data. For example, for the game event that occurs on “February 14”, it is judged whether or not the current time point data falls within “February 1” to “February 13”.

If it is not judged that the selection due date has approached (N in S10), the control unit 11 finishes this processing. In this case, the imaginary present is not given to the user from the character, and a game configured so that the user performs the virtual communication with the character is executed.

On the other hand, if it is judged that the selection due date has approached (Y in S10), the control unit 11 causes the display unit 15 to display the game screen 50, and is prepared to receive the user's selection of the imaginary present (S11). Subsequently, the control unit 11 judges whether or not the selection of the imaginary present to be given to the character has been received (S12). For example, it is judged whether or not at least one of the imaginary presents in the present list 51 has been selected and the button 52 has been depressed on the game screen 50.

If it is not judged that the selection of the imaginary present has been received (N in S12), this processing is finished. For example, if the button 53 is depressed, the imaginary present is not given to the character from the user. That is, in this case, even if the first game event occurs, the imaginary present is not given to the character. Alternatively, in this case, the first game event itself may be kept from occurring.

If it is judged that the selection of the imaginary present has been received (Y in S12), the control unit 11 creates the selected present data indicating the imaginary present the user's selection of which has been received, retains the selected present data in the storage unit 12, and transmits the selected present data to the server device 12 (S13).

On the other hand, on the server device 1, the control unit 2, which has received (acquired) the selected present data transmitted by the user device 10 in Step S13, causes the storage unit 3 to store the selected present data (S14). In Step S14, the selected present data that has been received is added as a new record. That is, the server device 1 acquires data indicating the imaginary present selected by the user among the imaginary presents indicated by the present candidate data from means for receiving the user's selection (for example, user device 10).

The control unit 2 performs charge processing based on the selected present data received in Step S14 (S15). For example, the user having the user ID indicated by the selected present data is charged the amount of money for the imaginary present indicated by the selected present data. The charge processing may be charge processing using a credit card or charge processing for causing the user to make a payment for an issued bill, and various known charge processing can be employed.

The control unit 2 prints/outputs the letter to be sent to the home of the user from the printer connected via the communication unit 7 (S16). The letter printed in Step S16 is, for example, sent to the home of the user by the system administrator. For example, the system administrator waits to send the letter until the first date on which the first game event occurs which is included in the selected present data arrives. With the letter sent in this manner, the user can feel a sensation as if the character that had received the present had sent the letter of thanks to the user.

Note that the data indicating the letter of thanks from the character may also be transmitted to the user and printed/output from a printer connected to the user device 10. Further, for example, electronic mail of thanks may be transmitted from the character to the user.

Note that on the user device 10, in the case where the first date arrives, for example, the first game event occurs. For example, the first game event in which the present the selection of which has been received in Step S12 is presented to the user character from the game character occurs on the display unit 15.

Subsequently, the control unit 2 determines the product or service to be given to the user (S17). In Step S17, the product or service is determined based on the selected present data and the condition data. That is, the product or service corresponding to the condition satisfied by the imaginary present indicated by the selected present data received in Step S14 is determined.

Subsequently, the control unit 2 determines the date on which the product or service determined in Step S17 is to be presented (S18). For example, the date on which the product or service is to be presented to the user is determined based on the selected present data and the gift date data. In a case where the shipping date or delivery date of the product or the date on which the service is to be provided is determined, a new record is added to the gifted present data. That is, the product or service determined in Step S17 is managed by the system administrator so as to be given to the user on the date determined in Step S18.

Note that on the user device 10, in the case where the second date arrives, if a predetermined occurrence condition is satisfied, for example, the second game event occurs. For example, the second game event in which a present is given to the user from the character occurs. In the second game event, the user is notified that the present is to be given to the user from the character.

Note that in the case where the second game event occurs, the user device 10 may request information identifying the present to be given to the user from the server device 1 for. In a case where the request is received, the server device 1 acquires the user ID from the user device 10, and transmits the information indicating the present stored in the gifted present data to the user device 10. In a case where the information identifying the present to be given to the user is received, the user device 10 may notify the user thereof on the game screen. For example, the user may be notified of the contents of the present to be given to the user through a speech of the character.

In the present determination system S described above, the imaginary present selected by the user is given to the character. The imaginary present is not given to someone in actuality, but is, for example, virtually given to the character in the first game event. Then, in a few days, the product or service is given to the user as a return present from the character. The product or service to be presented to the user is determined based on the imaginary present selected by the user, but the user does not know what product or service is to be given to them at the time point when the user selects the imaginary present.

According to the present determination system S, the user can feel as if a return present had arrived from a party to which they had given a present, and can therefore feel as if the virtual communication were being performed with the character in the real world, which can improve the user's feeling of satisfaction.

Further, the product or service is given as the return present from the character, and hence it is possible to further improve added value of the product or service compared to a case of simply purchasing the same product or service. Further, from the user's standpoint, instead of purchasing the product or service to be presented to themselves, the user can feel a sensation as if they were purchasing the present for the character.

Further, the condition data has an amount of money to be charged to the user stored therein as a condition related to the present and has the product or service corresponding to the amount of money associated with the condition, and hence it is possible to associate the amount to be charged to the user with the product or service to be presented to the user. That is, it is possible to classify the users based on fixed criteria (customer segmentation).

Further, by storing the condition related to the combination of the imaginary presents in the condition data, it is possible to determine the contents of the present to be given to the user depending on the combination of the imaginary presents selected by the user. That is, it is possible to change the contents of the present to be given to the user depending on whether the combination of the imaginary presents is good or bad.

Further, if the user selects the imaginary present by the predetermined selection due date, the date on which the product or service is to be presented to the user is determined based on the selection due date. Therefore, a real-world custom where a return present is given back from another person to whom a present had been given before the date on which a certain event occurred can be vicariously experienced by the user with respect to the character.

Further, the letter of thanks from the character is printed/output and delivered to the user, and hence the user can virtually feel as if the letter arrived from the character in return for the present given by themselves. Note that the letter of thanks from the character itself may be the product to be delivered to the user. In this case, for example, it is possible to further improve entertainment value for the user compared to a case where the user simply receives a notification for confirming the ordered content.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and may be variously modified as long as it does not depart from the split of the present invention.

(1) For example, in the embodiment, the description is directed to the case where the date on which the product or service is to be presented is determined if the user selects the imaginary present by the selection due date, but the date on which the product or service is to be presented may be determined based on the game parameter. That is, the date on which the product or service is to be presented may be determined based on, for example, whether or not the game parameters indicating the favorability rating and personality of the character satisfy a predetermined condition.

The present determination system S according to Modified Example (1) acquires the game parameter from means (for example, control unit 11 of user device 10) for storing the game parameter related to the character which is changed depending on the user's operation in the game configured so that the character appears therein. As in the embodiment, in the case where the game parameter is stored in the game data storage unit 20 of the user device 10, the server device 1 acquires the game parameter from the user device 10 via the network N.

For example, the game execution unit 22 causes the game parameter to change depending on the user's operation. For example, in the game event, a plurality of options are given to the user, and the game parameter is changed depending on the option selected by the user.

Note that various known methods can be employed as a method of changing the game parameter. In addition, for example, the game parameter may be caused to change depending on the imaginary present selected by the user, or may be caused to change depending on the contents of a known charged item to be purchased by the user.

It suffices that the present determination system S is configured to acquire the game parameter at a predetermined time point. For example, the game parameter may be acquired at the time point in the case where the selection receiving unit 24 receives the user's selection, or may be acquired in the case where the present determination unit 34 execute processing (for example, processing of Step S17 illustrated in FIG. 11) for determining the product or service.

Note that means for changing the game parameter and means for storing the game parameter may be included in the present determination system S, or may be connected to an external portion of the present determination system S. For example, the means for changing the game parameter and the means for storing the game parameter may be included in the server device 1. Further, for example, the present determination system S may be configured to acquire the game parameter from a game system connected to the present determination system S.

The date determination unit 36 according to Modified Example (1) determines the information related to the date on which the product or service is to be presented determined by the present determination unit 34, based on the game parameter. For example, it is judged whether or not the game parameter satisfies the predetermined condition, and the date on which the product or service is to be presented is determined based on the judgment result. The predetermined condition is, for example, a condition indicating whether or not the game parameter falls within a predetermined range.

In Modified Example (1), the same processing as that of FIG. 11 is executed except that it is judged in Step S18 whether or not the game parameter satisfies the predetermined condition. For example, if it is not judged that the game parameter satisfies the predetermined condition, the product or service is kept from being given to the user. That is, the date on which the product or service is to be presented to the user is kept from being determined. In this case, the game parameter is again acquired at a predetermined time point after the judgment. That is, after a predetermined period of time, it is judged whether or not the acquired game parameter satisfies the predetermined condition.

If it is judged that the game parameter satisfies the predetermined condition, the information related to the date on which the product or service is to be presented is determined so that the product or service is to be given to the user after the time point at which the judgment is performed. That is, the information related to the date on which the product or service is to be presented is determined so that the product or service determined by the present determination unit 34 is kept from being given to the user until the game parameter satisfies the predetermined condition.

According to the present determination system S according to Modified Example (1), for example, it is possible to keep the present from being sent in return for the present given to the character unless the user increases the game parameter by playing the game. That is, the user plays the game so as to increase the game parameter in order to receive the return present from the character, and hence it is possible to further improve the entertainment value for the user compare to a case where the date on which the product or service is to be presented is designated in advance.

Note that in Modified Example (1), the description is directed to the case where the product or service is given in a case where the game parameter falls within the predetermined range, but a condition related to the game parameter and the date on which the product or service is to be presented may be associated with each other in advance.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the association between the condition related to the game parameter and the date on which the product or service is to be presented. The data indicating the association is stored in, for example, the server DB unit 30. The condition related to the game parameter is a condition including at least the condition indicating whether or not the game parameter falls within the predetermined range. For example, in the case of the data storage example illustrated in FIG. 12, the date on which the product or service is to be presented becomes earlier as the game parameter indicating the favorability rating becomes higher. Note that the “reference date” indicated in FIG. 12 represents a date defined in advance, for example, the date corresponding to the selection due date.

Further, the selection receiving unit 24 may be kept from performing the reception depending on whether or not the game parameter satisfies the predetermined condition. That is, if the game parameter does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the user may be kept from even giving the present to the character. In this case, for example, the occurrence condition stored in the game event data serves as the condition related to the game parameter. For example, unless the game parameter satisfies the predetermined condition, the first game event that imitates Valentine's Day itself may be kept from occurring, and the user may be kept from selecting the imaginary present.

(2) Further, for example, in the embodiment, the description is given for the case where the product or service associated with the condition satisfied by the imaginary present selected by the user is given to the user, but the product or service to be presented to the user may be determined based on the game parameter. That is, for example, the product or service to be presented to the user may be caused to differ depending on whether or not the game parameters indicating the favorability rating and the personality of the game character satisfy the predetermined condition.

The present determination unit 34 according to Modified Example (2) determines the product or service determined based on the game parameter as the present to be given to the user from the character from among the products or services associated with the condition indicated by the condition data. For example, the present determination unit 34 causes the product or service to be presented to the user to differ depending on whether or not the game parameter satisfies the predetermined condition.

For example, in Modified Example (2), the condition data may have the condition related to one imaginary present associated with a plurality of products or a plurality of services. From among the plurality of products or the plurality of services, the product or service to be presented to the user is determined based on the game parameter.

FIG. 13 illustrates a data storage example of the condition data according to Modified Example (2). As illustrated in FIG. 13, in the condition data, the condition related to the imaginary present selected by the user, the condition related to the game parameter, and candidates for the product or service to be presented to the user may be associated with one another. For example, even if the same present is selected by the user, a better product or service is given to the user as the favorability rating indicated by the game parameter becomes higher.

In modified Example (2), the same processing as that of FIG. 11 is executed except that it is judged in Step S17 whether or not the game parameter satisfies the condition related to the game parameter stored in the condition data. The present determination unit 34 determines the product or service, which is associated with the condition satisfied by the imaginary present selected by the user and the condition satisfied by the game parameter, as the product or service to be presented to the user.

According to the present determination system S according to Modified Example (2), it is possible to cause the product or service to be presented to the user to differ depending on the game parameter. Therefore, for example, a better product or service can be shipped as the favorability rating of the character becomes higher, and hence it is possible to give a wide variety of products or services to the user according to the progress of the game.

Note that the above description is directed to the case where the product or service is determined based on the game parameter indicating the favorability rating, but the product may be determined based on another game parameter. In addition, the product may be determined based on, for example, the game parameter indicating the personality or mood of the character. In this case, for example, even if the user gives the same imaginary present, the product or service given to the user in return can be caused to differ depending on the personality or mood of the party to be given the imaginary present.

Further, for example, the imaginary present that can be selected by the user from among the imaginary presents indicated by the present candidate data may be limited based on the game parameter. For example, the user may be kept from selecting an expensive present unless the favorability rating of the character is high to some extent. That is, the imaginary present that can be selected by the user from among the imaginary presents indicated by the present candidate data may change depending on whether or not the game parameter satisfies the predetermined condition.

(3) Further, for example, in Modified Example (2), the description is directed to the case where the product or service to be presented to the user is determined based on the game parameter, but the product or service to be presented to the user may be determined based on another factor. For example, the product or service to be presented to the user may be determined based on the personal information (for example, sex, birth date, height, weight, and hobby) on the user stored in the user data.

(4) Further, for example, in the embodiment, the description is directed to the case where the product or service is given to the user from a male character on White Day if the female user selects the imaginary present for the male character by Valentine's Day. A situation in which a present is exchanged between the user and the character is not limited to the above-mentioned examples.

In addition, for example, the product or service may be given to a male user on Valentine's Day if the male user selects the imaginary present to be given to the female character on White Day before Valentine's Day arrives (by the selection due date).

That is, any one of a time at which the imaginary present is given to the character from the user and a time at which the product or service is given to the user from the character may come first, or those times may be the same. In other words, anyone of the first game event and the second game event may occur first, or the game event obtained by combining the first game event and the second game event may occur.

For example, the custom where two persons exchange presents on December 24 (so-called Christmas Eve) is known in the real world. In a case where the user performs an operation for giving a present to the game character before December 24, the game event may occur on December 24 so as to give the product or service to the user.

(5) Note that in the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples, the description is directed to the case where the date determination unit 36 is realized in the present determination system S, but the date determination unit 36 is not necessarily included in the functions of the present determination system S. For example, the date on which the product or service is to be presented may be the day/time defined based on the time point at which the present determination unit 34 determines the product or service. In the same manner, the notification unit 38 is not necessarily included in the functions of the present determination system S. That is, the present determination system S does not necessarily notify the user that the imaginary present has been given to the character.

(6) Further, the various kinds of data used in the present determination system S are not limited to the above-mentioned example. For example, it suffices that the present determination system S is configured to realize the above-mentioned functions by using at least the present candidate data, the selected present data, and the condition data.

Further, the data storage examples of the present candidate data, the selected present data, and the condition data are not limited to the contents described in the embodiment and modified examples. For example, the present candidate data may be configured to store only information identifying the amount of money necessary to give the present to the character. In this case, “five-dollars' worth of present” may be displayed on the game screen 50.

(7) Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples, the description is directed to the case where the game is executed as an example of a method of receiving the present to be given to the character, but the game is not necessarily executed in the present determination system S. In other words, it suffices that means for receiving the user's selection of the imaginary present is realized.

In addition, for example, the user's selection of the imaginary present may be received in a case where various kinds of content related to the character are executed. For example, content including at least one of a predetermined image (still image or moving image) of the character, a predetermined voice of the character, and a predetermined character string related to the character may be executed. Examples of the content may include various kinds of web content such as a website and a social networking service and electronic book content containing moving image data and still image data.

FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are diagrams illustrating a flow of processing performed in a case where a website is used to receive the user's selection of the imaginary present. The processing illustrated in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 corresponds to the processing illustrated in FIG. 11. As illustrated in FIG. 14, first, on the user device 10, the control unit 11 judges whether or not an instruction for display of a website has been received through the user's operation (S20). For example, it is judged whether or not an input of a URL of the website has been received or whether or not a link to the website has been clicked on.

The website is a website used by the user to perform the virtual communication with the character. For example, in a case where the website is displayed on the display unit 15, the image of the character and the speech of the character are displayed. The user performs the virtual communication with the character while selecting the option displayed on the website with the help of the display contents on the display unit 15.

If it is not judged that the instruction for the display of the website has been received (N in S20), the processing is brought to an end. If the instruction for the display of the website is received (Y in S20), the control unit 11 transmits a request for the display of the website to the server device 1 (S21).

On the other hand, on the server device 1, in a case where receiving the request for the display of the website, the control unit 2 judges whether or not the selection due date of the imaginary present has approached (S22). The processing of Step S22 is the same as the processing of Step S10. In this case, for example, the data indicating the selection due date is stored in the storage unit 3. That is, the judgment of Step S22 is performed by comparing the data indicating the selection due date stored in the storage unit 3 with the current time point data stored in the storage unit 3.

If it is not judged that the selection due date of the imaginary present has approached (N in S22), the control unit 2 transmits a normal website page to the user device 10 (S23), and ends the processing. In this case, the user cannot select the imaginary present, and performs the virtual communication with the character.

If it is judged that the selection due date of the imaginary present has approached (Y in S22), the control unit 2 transmits the display contents (page contents) of the website for receiving the selection of the imaginary present, to the user device 10 (S24). In this case, the display contents are determined by referencing the present candidate data stored in the storage unit 3. That is, the website page containing the candidates for the imaginary present that can be selected by the user is created and transmitted to the user device 10.

On the user device 10, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 15 to display the website based on the received display contents of the website (S25). The display contents of the website page are the same as that of FIG. 6. The user selects the imaginary present to be given to the character based on the display contents of the website displayed on the display unit 15.

The subsequent Steps S26 to S32 illustrated in FIG. 15 are the same as Steps S12 to S18, respectively, and hence the descriptions thereof are omitted.

As described above, the website may be used to allow the user's selection of the virtual present to be received. Also in the case of using the website, similarly to the embodiment, the product or service to be presented to the user is determined based on the imaginary present selected by the user.

(8) Further, the respective functional blocks of the present determination system S described above may be realized by any one of the server device 1 and the user device 10. For example, the respective functional blocks are realized by the server device 1 or the user device 10 by having data transmitted/received between the server device 1 and the user device 10 via the network N.

For example, the game data storage unit 20 and the game execution unit 22 may be realized by the server device 1. In this case, the server device 1 executes the game by acquiring the content of the user's operation from the user device 10 via the network N. That is, the game may be executed on the server device 1.

Further, for example, the selection receiving unit 24 may be realized by the server device 1. In this case, the server device 1 may be configured to receive the user's selection by acquiring the content of the user's operation from the user device 10 and identifying the imaginary present selected by the user from the operation content.

Further, for example, the condition judgment unit 32 may be realized by the user device 10. In this case, the condition data is stored on the user device 10. The user device 10 may be configured to transmit data indicating the judgment result obtained by the condition judgment unit 32 to the server device 1. The server device 1 may determine the product or service to be given to the user based on the data indicating the judgment result.

Further, for example, the present determination unit 34 may be realized by the user device 10. In this case, the condition data is stored on the user device 10. The user device 10 acquires the data indicating the judgment result obtained by the condition judgment unit 32 from the condition judgment unit 32, and determines the product or service to be presented to the user. The data indicating the determined product or service may be transmitted to the server device 1 and added to the gifted present data as a new record.

Further, for example, the date determination unit 36 may be realized by the user device 10. In this case, date data is stored on the user device 10. The user device 10 may be configured to transmit data indicating a date determined by the date determination unit 36 to the server device 1.

Further, for example, the notification unit 38 may be realized by the user device 10. In this case, a letter may be printed out from the printer connected to the user device 10.

Further, the devices included in the present determination system S are not limited to the example of FIG. 1. For example, the respective functions of the present determination system S may be realized by one computer. Further, for example, the administrator of the devices included in the present determination system may differ depending on the device. For example, the device (for example, game system including a plurality of user devices 10) for executing the game may be managed by a game company, and the device (for example, server device 1) for determining the product or service to be presented to the user may be managed by a company (for example, company providing the product or service) other than the game company.

While there have been described what are at present considered to be certain embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made thereto, and it is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A present determination system, comprising:

means for acquiring present candidate data, indicating candidates for an imaginary present that can be given to one of a character and a person by a user, from the means for storing the present candidate data;
means for acquiring condition data, associating a condition related to the imaginary present, and one of a product and a service to be presented to the user as a present from the one of the character and the person, with each other, from the means for storing the condition data;
selection receiving means for receiving selection, which is made by the user, of a present from the candidates for the imaginary present indicated by the present candidate data;
condition judgment means for judging whether or not the imaginary present selected by the user satisfies the condition indicated by the condition data; and
present determination means for determining the one of the product and the service associated with the condition indicated by the condition data as a present to be given to the user from the one of the character and the person based on a judgment result obtained by the condition judgment means,
wherein the one of the product and the service determined by the present determination means is given from the one of the character and the person to the user as the present therefor.

2. The present determination system according to claim 1, further comprising date determining means for determining, in a case where the selection receiving means receives selection of the user before a predetermined selection due date, information related to a date on which the one of the product and the service is to be presented to the user so that the one of the product and the service determined by the present determination means is kept from being given to the user until the date corresponding to the predetermined selection due date arrives.

3. The present determination system according to claim 1, further comprising:

means for acquiring the game parameter, related to the one of the character and the person which changes in accordance with an operation of the user in a game configured such that the one of the character and the person appears therein, from the means for storing the game parameter; and
date determining means for determining information related to a date on which the one of the product and the service determined by the present determination means is to be presented to the user based on the game parameter.

4. The present determination system according to claim 1, further comprising:

means for acquiring a game parameter, related to the one of the character and the person which changes in accordance with an operation of the user in a game configured such that the one of the character and the person appears therein, from the means for storing the game parameter;
wherein the present determination means determines, from among the products and the services associated with the condition indicated by the condition data, the one of the product and the service determined based on the game parameter as the present to be given to the user from the one of the character and the person.

5. The present determination system according to claim 1, further comprising means for outputting information for notifying the user that the imaginary present selected by the user has been given to the one of the character and the person.

6. The present determination system according to claim 1, wherein:

the condition indicated by the condition data comprises a condition related to a combination of a plurality of the imaginary presents indicated by the present candidate data; and
the condition judgment means judges whether or not the combination of the plurality of the imaginary presents selected by the user satisfies the condition indicated by the condition data.

7. A control method for a present determination system, comprising:

a step of acquiring, from means for storing present candidate data indicating candidates for an imaginary present that can be given to one of a character and a person by a user, the present candidate data;
a step of acquiring, from means for storing condition data, associating a condition related to the imaginary present, and one of a product and a service to be presented to the user as a present from the one of the character and the person, with each other, the condition data;
a selection receiving step of receiving selection, which is made by the user, of a present from the candidates for imaginary present indicated by the present candidate data;
a condition judgment step of judging whether or not the imaginary present selected by the user satisfies the condition indicated by the condition data; and
a present determination step of determining the one of the product and the service associated with the condition indicated by the condition data as a present to be given to the user from the one of the character and the person based on a judgment result obtained in the condition judgment step,
wherein the one of the product and the service determined in the present determination step is given from the one of the character and the person to the user as the present therefor.

8. A present determination server device, comprising:

means for acquiring data indicating the imaginary present selected by the user from the means for receiving the selection, which is made by the user, of a present from candidates for an imaginary present indicated by present candidate data that indicates the candidates for the imaginary present that can be given to one of a character and a person from the user;
means for acquiring condition data, associating a condition related to the imaginary present, and one of a product and a service to be presented to the user as a present from the one of the character and the person, with each other, from the means for storing the condition data;
condition judgment means for judging whether or not the imaginary present selected by the user satisfies the condition indicated by the condition data; and
present determination means for determining the one of the product and the service associated with the condition indicated by the condition data as a present to be given to the user from the one of the character and the person based on a judgment result obtained by the condition judgment means,
wherein the one of the product and the service determined by the present determination means is given from the one of the character and the person to the user as the present therefor.

9. A control method for a present determination server device, comprising:

a step of acquiring, from means for receiving selection, which is made by the user, of a present from candidates for an imaginary present indicated by present candidate data that indicates the candidates for the imaginary present that can be given to one of a character and a person from the user, data indicating the imaginary present selected by the user;
a step of acquiring, from means for storing condition data, associating a condition related to the imaginary present and one of a product and a service to be presented to the user as a present from the one of the character and the person with each other, the condition data;
a condition judgment step of judging whether or not the imaginary present selected by the user satisfies the condition indicated by the condition data; and
a present determination step of determining the one of the product and the service associated with the condition indicated by the condition data as a present to be given to the user from the one of the character and the person based on a judgment result obtained in the condition judgment step,
wherein the one of the product and the service determined in the present determination step is given from the one of the character and the person to the user as the present therefor.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable information storage medium having stored thereon a program for causing a computer to function as a present determination server device, the present determination server device comprising:

means for acquiring data indicating the imaginary present selected by the user from the means for receiving the selection, which is made by the user, of a present from candidates for an imaginary present indicated by present candidate data that indicates the candidates for the imaginary present that can be given to one of a character and a person from the user;
means for acquiring condition data, associating a condition related to the imaginary present, and one of a product and a service to be presented to the user as a present from the one of the character and the person, with each other, from the means for storing the condition data;
condition judgment means for judging whether or not the imaginary present selected by the user satisfies the condition indicated by the condition data; and
present determination means for determining the one of the product and the service associated with the condition indicated by the condition data as a present to be given to the user from the one of the character and the person based on a judgment result obtained by the condition judgment means,
wherein the one of the product and the service determined by the present determination means is given from the one of the character and the person to the user as the present therefor.
Patent History
Publication number: 20120244936
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 23, 2012
Publication Date: Sep 27, 2012
Applicant: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD. (Tokyo)
Inventors: Akari UCHIDA (Chigasaki-shi), Satoko KIGUCHI (Yokohama-shi), Akihiro ISHIHARA (Taito-ku)
Application Number: 13/428,630
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Perceptible Output Or Display (e.g., Tactile, Etc.) (463/30)
International Classification: A63F 9/24 (20060101);