U.S. patent application number 10/521156 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-04 for network service system and point commuting system.
Invention is credited to Tasuku Amemiya, Ryo Ikeda, Hideyuki Oya, Yuichi Tatsuno.
Application Number | 20060094499 10/521156 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30112815 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060094499 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Amemiya; Tasuku ; et
al. |
May 4, 2006 |
Network service system and point commuting system
Abstract
A network service system for allowing points related to one
service to be transferred to points related to another service is
provided. Point information is stored in association with a user ID
in databases (18, 20). When a game service is provided to a user, a
game server (16) updates the point information stored in the
database (20) in association with the user ID for that user to
consume the user's points. A network game system (10) updates the
point information stored in the database (20) in association with
the user ID of the user in the game server (16) based on the point
information stored in the database (18) in association with the
user ID of the user in a portal site server (14).
Inventors: |
Amemiya; Tasuku; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Tatsuno; Yuichi; (Tokyo, JP) ; Oya;
Hideyuki; (Tokyo, JP) ; Ikeda; Ryo; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W.
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
US
|
Family ID: |
30112815 |
Appl. No.: |
10/521156 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
June 18, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP03/07728 |
371 Date: |
October 4, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/79 20140902;
A63F 2300/50 20130101; A63F 13/35 20140902; A63F 2300/406 20130101;
A63F 13/792 20140902; A63F 13/71 20140902; A63F 13/85 20140902;
A63F 13/335 20140902; A63F 13/12 20130101; A63F 2300/407 20130101;
A63F 2300/5546 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/029 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 16, 2002 |
JP |
2002-207241 |
Claims
1. A network service system for providing a user with first and
second services, comprising: a first server for providing the first
service; a first database connected to the first server for storing
point information in association with user identifying information
related to the user in the first server; a second server for
providing the second service; and a second database connected to
the second server for storing point information in association with
user identifying information related to the user in the second
server; wherein the first server includes point offering means for
updating the point information stored in the first database in
association with the user identifying information related to the
user so as to offer points to the user, the second server includes
point consuming means for updating the point information stored in
the second database in association with the user identifying
information related to the user so as to consume the point of the
user when the second service is provided to the user, and the
network service system further comprises point transferring means
for updating the point information stored in the second database in
association with the user identifying information related to the
user in the second server based on the point information stored in
the first database in association with the user identifying
information related to the user in the first server.
2. A network service system according to claim 1, wherein at least
one of the first and second services is a service for allowing the
user to play a game.
3. A network service system according to any one of claims 1 or 2,
further comprising charge amount calculating means for calculating
an amount of money to be paid from a person involved in the first
server to a person involved in the second server.
4. A network service system according to claim 3, wherein the
charge amount calculating means includes means for counting the
number of users, and calculates the amount based on the number of
users.
5. A network service system according to any one of claims 3 or 4,
wherein the charge amount calculating means calculates the amount
based on the content stored in the first database.
6. A network service system according to any one of claims 3-5,
wherein the charge amount calculating means calculates the amount
based on the number of times access of a predetermined type is made
from the second server to the first server.
7. A network service system according to any one of claims 1-6,
wherein the point transferring means includes: secret
identification information updating means provided in the first
server for updating secret identification information stored in the
first database in association with the point information when the
point information stored in the first database is updated, point
inquiry request receiving means provided in the first server for
receiving a point inquiry request from the second server, point
information and secret identification information returning means
provided in the first server for returning the point information
and the secret identification information stored in the first
database when the point inquiry request is received by the point
inquiry request receiving means, point transfer request receiving
means provided in the first server for receiving a point transfer
request including secret identification information from the second
server, first point transferring means provided in the first server
for updating the point information stored in the first database to
decrease a point balance and returning point transfer allowance
data to the second server when the secret identification
information included in the point transfer request received by the
point transfer request receiving means matches the secret
identification information stored in the first database, and second
point transferring means provided in the second server for updating
the point information stored in the second database to increase a
point balance when the point transfer allowance data is returned
from the first server by the first point transferring means.
8. A point transfer system including first and second databases,
each storing point information, comprising: point information
updating means for updating the point information stored in the
first database; secret identification information updating means
for updating secret identification information stored in the first
database in association with the point information when the point
information stored in the first database is updated by the point
information updating means; point inquiry request receiving means
for receiving a point inquiry request; point information and secret
identification information returning means for returning the point
information and the secret identification information stored in the
first database when the point inquiry request is received by the
point inquiry request receiving means; point transfer request
receiving means for receiving a point transfer request including
secret identification information; first point transferring means
for updating the point information stored in the first database to
decrease a point balance and returning point transfer allowance
data when the secret identification information included in the
point transfer request received by the point transfer request
receiving means matches the secret identification information
stored in the first database; and second point transferring means
for updating the point information stored in the second database to
increase a point balance when the point transfer allowance data is
returned by the first point transferring means.
9. A point transfer system according to claim 8, wherein the secret
identification information updating means updates the secret
identification information based on a random number.
10. A point management device, comprising: point information
updating means for updating point information stored in a database;
secret identification information updating means for updating
secret identification information stored in the database in
association with the point information when the point information
stored in the database is updated by the point information updating
means; point inquiry request receiving means for receiving a point
inquiry request; point information and secret identification
information returning means for returning the secret identification
information and the point information stored in the database when
the point inquiry request is received by the point inquiry request
receiving means; point transfer request receiving means for
receiving a point transfer request including secret identification
information; and point transferring means for updating the point
information stored in the database to decrease a point balance and
returning point transfer allowance data when the secret
identification information included in the point transfer request
received by the point transfer request receiving means matches the
secret identification information stored in the database.
11. A point management method, comprising: a point information
updating step for updating point information stored in a database;
a secret identification information updating step for updating
secret identification information stored in the database in
association with the point information when the point information
stored in the database is updated at the point information updating
step; a point inquiry request receiving step for receiving a point
inquiry request; a point information and secret identification
information returning step for returning the secret identification
information and the point information stored in the database when
the point inquiry request is received at the point inquiry request
receiving step; a point transfer request receiving step for
receiving a point transfer request including secret identification
information; and a point transferring step for updating the point
information stored in the database to decrease a point balance and
returning point transfer allowance data when the secret
identification information included in the point transfer request
received at the point transfer request receiving step matches the
secret identification information stored in the database.
12. A network game system, comprising: a first game server; a first
database connected to the first game server for storing point
information related to a game and secret identification
information; a second game server; and a second database connected
to the second game server for storing point information related to
a game; wherein the first game server includes point information
updating means for updating the point information stored in the
first database, secret identification information updating means
for updating the secret identification information stored in the
first database in association with the point information when the
point information stored in the first database is updated by the
point information updating means, point inquiry request receiving
means for receiving a point inquiry request from the second game
server, point information and secret identification information
returning means for returning the secret identification information
and the point information stored in the first database when the
point inquiry request is received by the point inquiry request
receiving means, point transfer request receiving means for
receiving a point transfer request including secret identification
information from the second game server, and first point
transferring means for updating the point information stored in the
first database to decrease a point balance and returning point
transfer allowance data to the second game server when the secret
identification information included in the point transfer request
received by the point transfer request receiving means matches the
secret identification information stored in the first database, and
the second game server includes second point transferring means for
updating the point information stored in the second database to
increase a point balance when the point transfer allowance data is
returned from the second game server by the first point
transferring means.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a network service system, a
network game system, a point transfer system, a point management
device, and a point management method. For example, the present
invention relates to a technique for updating point information
stored in relation to one service based on point information stored
in relation to another service.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Services such as merchandise sales and games are provided
increasingly through communication networks. Some of these services
allow users to accumulate points earned by using the service, and
gain various privileges based on the accumulated points.
[0003] Conventionally, the points a user has accumulated in one
service cannot be used in another service. However, if a system for
transferring the points is implemented so that the points
accumulated in one service can be used in other services, users
will be interested in the "other" services, and the business is
expected to grow.
[0004] The present invention is conceived in view of the above, and
an object thereof is to provide a system allowing points related to
one service to be transferred to points related to another
service.
[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
system allowing safe transfer of points related to one service to
points related to another service.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems, a network
service system according to one aspect of the present invention is
a network service system for providing a user with first and second
services, comprising a first server for providing the first
service, a first database connected to the first server for storing
point information in association with user identifying information
related to the user in the first server, a second server for
providing the second service, and a second database connected to
the second server for storing point information in association with
user identifying information related to the user in the second
server, wherein the first server includes point offering means for
updating the point information stored in the first database in
association with the user identifying information related to the
user so as to offer points to the user, the second server includes
point consuming means for updating the point information stored in
the second database in association with the user identifying
information related to the user so as to consume the point of the
user when the second service is provided to the user, and the
network service system further comprises point transferring means
for updating the point information stored in the second database in
association with the user identifying information related to the
user in the second server based on the point information stored in
the first database in association with the user identifying
information related to the user in the first server.
[0007] According to the present invention, a first service is
provided by a first server, and a second service is provided by a
second server. These services include a service for allowing a user
to play a game or to purchase a product. The user receives the
first and second services provided by the first and second
servers.
[0008] The first server may provide the service to other users,
i.e. users who wish to receive only the first service, not the
second service. Similarly, the second server may provide the
service to other users, i.e. users who wish to receive only the
second service, not the first service.
[0009] A first database is connected to the first server while a
second database is connected to the second server. In the first
database, point information is stored in association with user
identifying information related to the user in the first server,
i.e. the user receiving both of the first and second services. In
the second database, point information is stored in association
with user identifying information related to the user in the second
server, i.e. the user receiving both of the first and second
services. The point information is numerical information or the
like indicating, for example, the balance of points (including
those called by other names such as a "coin" and a "medal").
[0010] The first server updates the point information stored in the
first database in association with the user identifying information
related to the user to give points to the user. When the second
service is provided to the user, the second server updates the
point information stored in the second database in association with
the user identifying information related to the user to consume the
points of the user. In response to, for example, a request from the
user, or with predetermined timing, this system updates the point
information stored in the second database in association with the
user identifying information related to the user in the second
server based on the point information stored in the first database
in association with the user identifying information related to the
user in the first server, and transfers the point in the first
database to the second database.
[0011] Thus, the point related to the first service and stored in
the first server can be transferred to the second database related
to the second service, thereby stirring up the interest of the user
of one service in the other service.
[0012] According to one embodiment, the present invention further
comprises charge amount calculating means for calculating an amount
of money to be paid from a person involved in the first server to a
person involved in the second server. This makes it possible for
the person involved in the first server to know the amount of money
to be paid to the person involved in the second server in
compensation for cooperation in business or the like. The person
involved includes a server administrator, a service provider, and
the like.
[0013] In this embodiment, the charge amount calculating means
includes means for counting the number of users, and may calculate
the amount based on the number of users. The number of users, i.e.
the number of users receiving both of the first and second
services, is related to the degree of cooperation between the
persons involved in the first and second servers, and therefore the
amount can be reasonably calculated based thereon. The amount may
be calculated based on the content stored in the first database,
such as cumulative earned points corresponding to the point
information stored in the first database. Alternatively, the amount
may be calculated based on the number of times access of a
predetermined type (such as a point inquiry request and a point
transfer request) is made from the second server to the first
server.
[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the point transferring means includes secret identification
information updating means provided in the first server for
updating secret identification information stored in the first
database in association with the point information when the point
information stored in the first database is updated, point inquiry
request receiving means provided in the first server for receiving
a point inquiry request from the second server, point information
and secret identification information returning means provided in
the first server for returning the point information and the secret
identification information stored in the first database when the
point inquiry request is received by the point inquiry request
receiving means, point transfer request receiving means provided in
the first server for receiving a point transfer request including
secret identification information from the second server, first
point transferring means provided in the first server for updating
the point information stored in the first database to decrease a
point balance and returning point transfer allowance data to the
second server when the secret identification information included
in the point transfer request received by the point transfer
request receiving means matches the secret identification
information stored in the first database, and second point
transferring means provided in the second server for updating the
point information stored in the second database to increase a point
balance when the point transfer allowance data is returned by the
first point transferring means.
[0015] In this embodiment, secret identification information is
updated when point information stored in a first database is
updated in a first server. As a result, even though the secret
identification information is received in response to a point
inquiry request and this information included in a point transfer
request is returned by the second server to the first server, the
secret identification information included in the point transfer
request does not match the point information stored in the first
database if the point information stored in the first database is
updated between the time the first server transmits the secret
identification information and the time the point transfer request
is received, whereby point transfer allowance data is not returned
to the second server. Thus, point transfer is more securely
performed in this embodiment.
[0016] The point transfer system according to another aspect of the
present invention is a point transfer system including first and
second databases, each storing point information. The system
comprises point information updating means for updating the point
information stored in the first database, secret identification
information updating means for updating secret identification
information stored in the first database in association with the
point information when the point information stored in the first
database is updated by the point information updating means, point
inquiry request receiving means for receiving a point inquiry
request, point information and secret identification information
returning means for returning the point information and the secret
identification information stored in the first database when the
point inquiry request is received by the point inquiry request
receiving means, point transfer request receiving means for
receiving a point transfer request including secret identification
information, first point transferring means for updating the point
information stored in the first database to decrease a point
balance and returning point transfer allowance data when the secret
identification information included in the point transfer request
received by the point transfer request receiving means matches the
secret identification information stored in the first database, and
second point transferring means for updating the point information
stored in the second database to increase a point balance when the
point transfer allowance data is returned by the first point
transferring means. Thus, the points can be securely transferred.
The secret identification information updating means may update the
secret identification information based on, for example, a random
number.
[0017] The point management device according to a further aspect of
the present invention comprises point information updating means
for updating point information stored in a database, secret
identification information updating means for updating secret
identification information stored in the database in association
with the point information when the point information stored in the
database is updated by the point information updating means, point
inquiry request receiving means for receiving a point inquiry
request, point information and secret identification information
returning means for returning the secret identification information
and the point information stored in the database when the point
inquiry request is received by the point inquiry request receiving
means, point transfer request receiving means for receiving a point
transfer request including secret identification information, and
point transferring means for updating the point information stored
in the database to decrease a point balance and returning point
transfer allowance data when the secret identification information
included in the point transfer request received by the point
transfer request receiving means matches the secret identification
information stored in the database.
[0018] The point management method according to a further aspect of
the present invention comprises a point information updating step
for updating point information stored in a database, a secret
identification information updating step for updating secret
identification information stored in the database in association
with the point information when the point information stored in the
database is updated at the point information updating step, a point
inquiry request receiving step for receiving a point inquiry
request, a point information and secret identification information
returning step for returning the secret identification information
and the point information stored in the database when the point
inquiry request is received at the point inquiry request receiving
step, a point transfer request receiving step for receiving a point
transfer request including secret identification information, and a
point transferring step for updating the point information stored
in the database to decrease a point balance and returning point
transfer allowance data when the secret identification information
included in the point transfer request received at the point
transfer request receiving step matches the secret identification
information stored in the database. Thus, the points can be
securely transferred.
[0019] The network game system according to a further aspect of the
present invention comprises a first game server, a first database
connected to the first game server for storing point information
related to a game and secret identification information, a second
game server, and a second database connected to the second game
server for storing point information related to a game, wherein the
first game server includes point information updating means for
updating the point information stored in the first database, secret
identification information updating means for updating the secret
identification information stored in the first database in
association with the point information when the point information
stored in the first database is updated by the point information
updating means, point inquiry request receiving means for receiving
a point inquiry request from the second game server, point
information and secret identification information returning means
for returning the secret identification information and the point
information stored in the first database when the point inquiry
request is received by the point inquiry request receiving means,
point transfer request receiving means for receiving a point
transfer request including secret identification information from
the second game server, and first point transferring means for
updating the point information stored in the first database to
decrease a point balance and returning point transfer allowance
data to the second game server when the secret identification
information included in the point transfer request received by the
point transfer request receiving means matches the secret
identification information stored in the first database, and the
second game server includes second point transferring means for
updating the point information stored in the second database to
increase a point balance when the point transfer allowance data is
returned from the second game server by the first point
transferring means.
[0020] Thus, the points can be securely transferred from the first
database to the second database in the network game system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an overall configuration of a
game system according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an example of a service menu
screen provided by a portal site server.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an example of an ID and
password entry screen provided by the portal site server.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an example of a service menu
screen provided by a game server.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an example of a point balance
confirmation screen provided by the game server.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating an example of a transfer
complete screen provided by the game server.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an example of a transfer
failure screen provided by the game server.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating an example of a transfer point
entry screen provided by the game server.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating an example of a point database
included in a database connected to the portal site server.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating an example of an ID matching
table stored in the database connected to the portal site
server.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating an example of the point
database included in the database connected to the game server.
[0032] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a configuration of functions
of the portal site.
[0033] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a configuration of functions
of a game site.
[0034] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a point updating process performed
by the portal site server.
[0035] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a point reading process performed
by the game site server.
[0036] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a point reading process performed
by the portal site server.
[0037] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a point transfer process performed
by the game site server.
[0038] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a point transfer process performed
by the portal site server.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0039] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0040] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an overall configuration of a
network game system (network service system) according to an
embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, in a
network game system 10, a portal site server 14, a game server 16,
a personal computer 22, and a mobile phone base station 26 are
directly or indirectly connected to a data communication network 12
such as the Internet.
[0041] The portal site server 14 includes a known server computer
system, and provides a mobile phone 24 and the personal computer 22
with games and other network services. The portal site server 14 is
connected to a database 18 formed by a known hard disk memory
device, and a point database (see FIG. 9) and an ID matching table
(see FIG. 10) included in the database 18 can be accessed from the
portal site server 14.
[0042] The game server 16 also includes a known server computer
system to provide the mobile phone 24 and the personal computer
with games and other network services. The game server 16 is
connected to a database 20 formed by a known hard disk memory
device, and a point database (see FIG. 11) included in the database
20 can be accessed from the game server 16.
[0043] The personal computer 22 includes a known personal computer
system configured to access the game server 16 through the
communication network 12 to receive various image data and game
programs using Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP), File Transfer
Protocol (FTP), and the like.
[0044] The mobile phone 24 includes an input unit (such as dial
buttons) and a display unit (such as a liquid crystal display
device), and is especially provided with a data communication
function in addition to a conversation function. The phone 24 can
also access to the portal site server 14 through the mobile phone
base station 26 and the communication network 12 to receive various
image data and game programs using HTTP, its own protocol, and the
like.
[0045] FIG. 2 shows an example of a service menu presented on the
display unit of the mobile phone 24 when accessing the portal site
server 14 from the phone. As shown, the portal site server 14
provides its original service ("Original Game Section"), and
services ("Site A Section", and "Site B Section") aiming
affiliation with other sites (such as the game server 16). When the
game service (hereinafter referred to as an "affiliate game")
aiming affiliation with another site (hereinafter referred to as an
"affiliate site") such as "Site A Section" is selected from the
menu with the mobile phone 24, an ID and password entry screen
shown in FIG. 3 is returned to the portal site server 14. When a
user enters the ID and password registered for the user in the
affiliate site, the user is allowed to play a communication game
using a CGI (common gateway interface) or download a game program,
and accumulate points in the database 18 in accordance with the
result of the game. The portal site server 14 desirably
interrogates the game server 16 or the like, upon reception of the
ID and the password entered on the ID and password entry screen in
FIG. 3, as to whether or not the entered information is
correct.
[0046] The network game system 10 is designed to allow a user to
play a game in the portal site server 14, accumulate points, and
use the points in the game server 16. More specifically, a user who
has played a game with the mobile phone 24 can later access the
game server 16 from the personal computer 22 at home or the like,
and transfer the points accumulated in the database 18 to the
database 20 connected to the game server 16.
[0047] FIG. 4 shows an example of a service menu presented on a
display provided for the personal computer 22 when accessing the
game server 16 from the computer 22. As illustrated on the menu,
the services provided by the game server 16 include, in addition to
a service allowing a user to play its original games ("Original
Game Section"), a service for transferring the points accumulated
by the user in the portal site server 14 ("Point Transfer Section")
The user can play the original game provided by the game server 16
using the points they accumulated in the game server 16 or the
portal site server 14.
[0048] FIG. 5 shows an example of a point balance confirmation
screen presented on the display of the personal computer 22 when
the user selects "Point Transfer Section" on the menu of FIG. 4. As
illustrated in FIG. 5, when the user selects "Point Transfer
Section", the balance of points he/she accumulated in the portal
site server 14, and a link button used for choosing whether or not
to transfer the point to the game server 16 are presented on the
display of the personal computer 22. When the user wishes point
transfer and selects the "Yes" button, the user's points stored in
the database 18 are reduced to zero, and that points are added to
the user's points stored in the database 20. When the user does not
wish point transfer and selects the "No" button, the menu screen
of, for example, FIG. 4 is displayed again.
[0049] More specifically, for point transfer, the game server 16
sends a point transfer request to the portal site server 14. The
portal site server 14 judges as to whether or not the points can be
transferred. If the point transfer is approved, the server 14
reduces the point balance of the user to zero, and returns point
transfer allowance data (data indicating that point transfer is
allowed) to the game server 16. On the other hand, if the point
transfer is not allowed, the server 14 returns point transfer
rejection data (data indicating that point transfer is rejected) to
the game server 16. Receiving the point transfer allowance data
from the portal site server 14, the game server 16 adds the point
balance stored in the database 18 to the point balance stored in
the database 20 to update the point balance. The server 16 then
transmits a transfer complete screen shown in FIG. 6 to the
personal computer 22. On the other hand, if the point transfer
rejection data is received from the portal site server 14, the
server 16 transmits a transfer failure screen shown in FIG. 7 to
the personal computer 22.
[0050] While all the points in the balance the user has accumulated
in the database 18 are transferred to the database 20 in this
example when the user selects the "Yes" button on the point balance
confirmation screen shown in FIG. 5, a transfer point entry screen
shown in FIG. 8 may be returned from the game server 16 when the
"Yes" button is selected on the screen of FIG. 5, so that the user
can specify the point to be transferred.
[0051] The contents stored in the databases 18 and 20 will next be
described.
[0052] FIG. 9 illustrates a data configuration of a point database
included in the database 18. As illustrated, the point database
stores, in association with one another, a user ID of each user in
the portal site server 14, an ID of the affiliate site where the
user has played an affiliate game (game site ID), the balance of
points the user has accumulated through the affiliate game, and a
personal identification key (secret identification information)
corresponding to the point balance. When the user enters an ID and
a password on the ID and password entry screen shown in FIG. 3, and
the entered ID and password are authorized, the portal site server
14 generates a new record including a user ID, a game site ID
corresponding to the entry screen, the point balance of zero, and a
personal identification key based on a random number, and registers
the record in the point database. When the user plays an affiliate
game, the corresponding point balance and personal identification
key are updated based on the result.
[0053] FIG. 10 shows a data configuration of an ID matching table
included in the database 18. As illustrated, the ID matching table
stores, in a correlated manner, a user ID (e.g. "Z001") of each
user in the portal site server 14, and a set of an ID (e.g. "Z01)
of another site (e.g. the game server 16) and a user ID (e.g.
"A087") in that site. When the user enters an ID and a password on
the ID and password entry screen shown in FIG. 3, and the entered
ID and password are authorized, a set of the game site ID
corresponding to the entry screen and the user ID entered on the
entry screen are additionally registered to the set of the site ID
and user ID corresponding to the user ID in the portal site server
14 for that user. The portal site server 14 can obtain information
through this table as to which user ID is assigned in a site to a
user assigned with a certain ID in another site (such as the portal
site server 14 and the game server 16).
[0054] FIG. 11 shows a data configuration of a point database
included in the database 20. Referring to FIG. 11, the point
database stores, in a correlated manner, a user ID assigned to a
user in the game server 16 connected to the database 20, and the
balance of points the user has accumulated. When a game is provided
to a user, the game server 16 withdraws the point required for
playing the game from the point balance corresponding to the user,
and updates the point database.
[0055] Configurations of functions of the portal site server 14 and
the game server 16 will be next described.
[0056] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of
functions performed by the portal site server 14. FIG. 12
illustrates especially the functions related to the present
invention among those achieved by the portal site server 14. As
shown, the functions achieved by the portal site server 14 include
a point updating unit 14a, a point reading unit 14b, a point
transferring unit 14c, a charge calculating unit 14d, and a storage
unit 18a. The point updating unit 14a, the point reading unit 14b,
the point transferring unit 14c, and the charge calculating unit
14d are implemented by the portal site server 14 performing a
program such as a CGI program.
[0057] The storage unit 18a includes the database 18, and stores
the point database and the ID matching table described above.
[0058] The point updating unit 14a is a function of providing a
game when accessed by a user from the mobile phone 24 or the like,
giving points to the user in accordance with the result of the play
(such as the score and play time), and updating the point balance
stored in the point database included in the storage unit 18a in
association with the user ID of the user and the game site ID
corresponding to the game. The point updating unit 14a also updates
the personal identification key corresponding to the point balance
based on a random number when the point balance is updated.
[0059] Receiving a point balance inquiry request from the game
server 16, the point reading unit 14b reads out the point balance
and the personal identification key stored in the point database
included in the storage unit 18a in association with the user ID
included in the point balance inquiry request, and returns the
readout data to the game server 16.
[0060] Receiving a point transfer request including a set of the
site ID and the user ID and the personal identification key from
the game server 16, the point transferring unit 14c checks the user
ID in the portal site server 14 corresponding to the set of the
site ID and the user ID, and compares the personal identification
key stored in the point database included in the storage unit 18a
in association with the user ID and the personal identification key
included in the point transfer request. If the two keys match, the
point balance corresponding to the identification key is updated to
zero, and point transfer allowance data is returned. If the two
keys do not match, point transfer rejection data is returned.
[0061] The charge calculating unit 14d is a function of calculating
the charge to be paid by those involved in the portal site server
14 (such as administrators and providers of the service) to those
involved in each game server 16 (such as administrators and
providers of the service). The charge calculating unit 14d
calculates the charge to be paid based on, for example, the number
of records for each game site ID stored in the "game site ID"
column, i.e. the number of users of the affiliate games, in the
point database included in the storage unit 18a. The charge may be
calculated based on the value of accumulated points corresponding
to each game site ID earned by the user. Further, the charge may be
calculated based on the number of times the point balance inquiry
request or the point transfer request is transmitted from each game
server 16 to the portal site server 14.
[0062] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of
functions of the game server 16. The figure shows especially the
functions related to the present invention among those implemented
by the game server 16. As illustrated, the functions implemented by
the game server 16 include a game providing unit 16a, a point
reading unit 16b, a point transferring unit 16c, and a storage unit
20a. The game providing unit 16a, the point reading unit 16b, and
the point transferring unit 16c are implemented by the game server
16 performing a program such as a CGI program.
[0063] The storage unit 20a includes the database 20, and stores
the above-described point database.
[0064] The game providing unit 16a provides a user of the game
server 16 with a game, or allows the user to download a game
program using CGI. When a game service is provided to a user, the
game providing unit 16a updates the point database included in the
storage unit 20a by decreasing the point balance for the user in
accordance with, for example, the contents of the play and the
number of times the game is downloaded.
[0065] The point reading unit 16b is the function of, when a point
balance inquiry request is transmitted from the personal computer
22 by a user, making an inquiry to the portal site server 14 about
the point balance corresponding to the user and the game server 16,
and returning the result included in a point balance display screen
(FIG. 5).
[0066] The point transferring unit 16c is the function of
requesting the portal site server 14 to transfer points
corresponding to a user sending a point transfer request from the
personal computer 22 and the game server 16, and updating the point
database included in the storage unit 20a and returning a transfer
complete screen if the transfer is allowed, or returning a transfer
failure screen when the transfer is not allowed.
[0067] The processes performed by the portal site server 14 and the
game server 16 will be described further in detail with reference
to the flowcharts.
[0068] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a point updating process performed
by the point updating unit 14a implemented in the portal site
server 14. According to the process shown in FIG. 14, the earned
points, or basic information thereof, in accordance with the
contents of the play (such as the number of play times and game
scores) in the affiliate game and the number of times the game
program is downloaded, the user ID assigned to the user in the
portal site server 14 (the user ID within the portal site;
hereinafter referred to as the "portal site user ID"), and the game
site ID corresponding to that affiliate game are first received
from the mobile phone 24 (S101) A random number is then generated
(S102). A personal identification key is generated based on the
random number, and written over the personal identification key
stored in the point database corresponding to the portal site user
ID and the game site ID received at the step S101, thereby updating
the personal identification key (S103) Further, the earned point
received at the step S101 (the earned point generated based on the
basic information if the basic information is received) is added to
the point balance stored in the point database in association with
the portal site user ID and the game site ID received at the step
S101, thereby updating the point balance (S104). Thus, the portal
site server 14 updates the personal identification key
corresponding to the point balance based on the random number when
the point balance is updated.
[0069] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a point reading process performed
by the point reading unit 16b implemented in the game server 16.
The process shown in FIG. 15 is performed when, for example, a user
selects "Point Transfer Section" on the menu illustrated in FIG. 4.
In this process, a user ID in the game site 16, i.e. a game site
user ID, is first acquired from the personal computer 22 (S201).
For example, when the user ID already authorized is designed to be
transmitted in the form of a cookie or the like to the game site 16
from the personal computer 22 upon user's selection of "Point
Transfer Section" on the menu illustrated in FIG. 4, the point
reading unit 16b is designed to acquire the user ID at the step
S201. A point balance inquiry request including the game site user
ID and the game site ID identifying the game server 16 is
transmitted to the portal site server 14 (S202). The point balance
and the personal identification key transmitted from the portal
site server 14 in response to the request are received (S203). HTML
(hypertext markup language) data (see FIG. 5) for presenting the
point balance on the display of the personal computer 22 is
returned (S204). Upon this transmission, a URL (uniform resource
locator) of the game server 16 is associated with the "YES" button
shown at the bottom of the screen, and the point balance and the
identification key are set as arguments. It is desirable for data
such as the point balance and the identification key is encrypted
to be exchanged between the game server 16 and the portal site
server 14.
[0070] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a point reading process
performed by the point reading unit 14b implemented in the portal
site server 14. The process shown in FIG. 16 is performed when a
point balance inquiry request is transmitted from the point reading
unit 16b implemented in the game server 16. This process begins
with acquisition of the game site user ID and the game site ID
included in the point balance inquiry request received from the
game server 16 (S301). Next, referring to the ID matching table
included in the storage unit 18a, the portal site user ID
corresponding to the set of the game site user ID and the game site
ID acquired at the step S301 is read out (S302). The point balance
and the personal identification key stored in association with the
portal site user ID read at the step S302 and the game site ID
acquired at the step S301 in the point database included in the
storage unit 18a are read out (S303). The point balance and the
personal identification key are returned to the game server 16
(S304).
[0071] Thus, the game server 16 transmits the point balance inquiry
request specifying the user to the portal site server 14, and
receives the point balance and the personal identification key
corresponding to the user and the game server 16.
[0072] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a point transfer process performed
by the point transferring unit 16c implemented in the game server
16. The process illustrated in this figure is performed when a user
selects the "YES" button on the point balance confirmation screen
transmitted to the personal computer 22 from the game server 16 and
wishes the point transfer. The process starts with reception of the
game site user ID, the personal identification key, and the point
balance from the personal computer 22 (S401). As described above,
the "YES" button displayed at the bottom of the point balance
confirmation screen is associated with the URL of the game server
16, and the point balance and the personal identification key are
set as the arguments, so that the point balance and the personal
identification key can be acquired at the game server 16 by
referring to the arguments of the URL received from the personal
computer 22. The game site user ID may be acquired, for example, in
the form of a cookie. Note that data may be exchanged in any form
other than those described above between the personal computer 22
and the game server 16.
[0073] The game server 16 then transmits a point transfer request
including the game site user ID and the personal identification key
acquired at the step S401 to the portal site server 14, and the
game site ID of the game server 16 (S402), and determines whether
or not the point can be transferred based on whether or not the
point transfer allowance data is received (S403). If the point
transfer allowance data is received from the portal site server 14,
the point balance acquired at the step S401 is added to the point
balance stored in the point database included in the storage unit
20a in association with the game site user ID acquired at the step
S401 (S404), and the point transfer complete screen is returned to
the personal computer 22 (S405). On the other hand, if the point
transfer allowance data is not received from the portal site server
14, i.e. the point transfer rejection data is received, a transfer
failure screen is returned to the personal computer 22 (S406). The
point balance is not updated in this case.
[0074] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a point transfer process performed
by the point transferring unit 14c implemented in the portal site
server 14. The process shown in this figure is performed when the
point transfer request is transmitted from the point transferring
unit 16c implemented in the game server 16. In the beginning of the
process, the game site user ID, the game site ID, and the personal
identification key are received from the game server 16 (S501). By
referring to the ID matching table included in the storage unit
18c, the portal site user ID corresponding to the set of the game
site user ID and the game site ID received at the step S501 is read
out (S502). Further, by referring to the point database included in
the storage unit 18c, determination is made as to whether or not
the personal identification key received at the step S501 matches
the personal identification key stored in the point database in
association with the portal site user ID read out at the step S502
and the game site ID received at the step S501 (S503). If the two
keys match, the point balance stored in the point database in
association with the portal site user ID read out at the step S502
and the game site ID received at the step S501 is updated to zero
(S504), and the point transfer allowance data is returned to the
game server 16 (S505). If the two keys do not match, the point
balance is not updated, and the point transfer rejection data is
returned to the game server 16 (S506).
[0075] As described above, according to the present network game
system 10, the point related to the service provided by the portal
site server 14 can be transferred to the point related to the
service provided by each game server 16. For such transfer, when
the point balance corresponding to the user and the site is
updated, the personal identification key corresponding to the point
balance is also updated in the portal site server 14. Further, the
point balance and the personal identification key are returned in
response to the point balance inquiry request from the game server
16, which is designed to transmit the point transfer request
including the personal identification key. If the personal
identification key matches the personal identification key stored
in the database, the point transfer allowance data is returned. As
a result, the point cannot be transferred unless the latest point
balance is inquired and the point transfer request is made before
the point balance is updated. The point transfer can thus be safely
performed.
[0076] The present invention is not limited to the above-described
embodiment. For example, while the service provided by the portal
site server 14 is received by the mobile phone 24 and the service
provided by the game server 16 is received by the personal computer
22 in the above description, the service provided by the portal
site server 14 can be received by the personal computer 22 or other
terminals such as personal digital assistants, home-use game
machines, and handheld game machines. Similarly, the service
provided by the game server 16 can be received by the mobile phone
24 or other terminals such as personal digital assistants, home-use
game machines, and handheld game machines.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0077] The present invention is applicable to a network computer
system so as to implement a system for transferring points related
to one service to points related to another service.
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