Instant messenger driving server for supporting online game, online game supporting method, and recording medium with its program source stored thereon

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to an instant messenger-driven server that supports an online game, an online game support method, and a recording medium that stores the program source thereof. More specifically, through an instant messenger-driven program used by a large number of users. It is possible to search for an opponent who is going to play an online game and play the online game after obtaining the consent of the searched opponent, and the game content provider can publicize the company's game through the instant messenger or pay a fee. It relates to an instant messenger-driven server that supports an online game that supports the content charging, an online game support method, and a recording medium that stores the program source thereof.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

Recently, with the rapid spread of information media such as computers, the number of users who play computer games instead of video games has increased, and computer games have also developed dramatically. However, users are suffering from games with existing computer artificial intelligence (AI), and as an alternative, multiplayer game software that interacts with gameplay between users has appeared. doing. However, multiplayer game software has the inconvenience of having to gather and play in the same place at the same time, and in order to solve this, each person can connect at the desired position using the Internet, and many Online games that people can play at the same time will appear.

【0003】

However, when a considerable number of users connect to a server that provides an online game and play an online game, the server cannot accept all the users, and the user wants to play the desired online game. There is a problem that you have to wait for a long time.

【0004】

Therefore, the providers of online games have separately manufactured / built the necessary servers in order to overcome the above-mentioned problems. However, there are cases where the server construction cost and maintenance cost are too high, and many vendors who did not convert online game content to paid cannot maintain the cost, interrupt the service, or deteriorate the quality. It's happening frequently. For content that has been converted to paid content, a separate billing method is adopted for each vendor, and as a result, similar billing agencies appear, and users find it inconvenient because of the different payment methods for each content. There is.

【0005】

In addition, each service provider bears the burden of enormous public relations costs, and the public relations provided by these service providers rely on traditional public relations, thus failing to attract the attention of end users.

【0006】

Individual users will form a separate community to search for opponents to play the game with and to exchange opinions on the loot (items) and games acquired during the game. In the end, a large number of similar sites with similar purposes arose. Since information about online games is distributed across a large number of communities, most of these communities remain sites with insufficient content, either quantitatively or qualitatively.

【0007】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

An object of the present invention is to solve technical / capital problems on the side of an online game provider, and by sharing a member DB of each online game provider, it is possible to easily search for and compete with an online game opponent. It is to provide an instant messenger-driven server and an online game support method to help you to do so.

【0008】

[Means for solving problems]

In the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object of the present invention, when a messenger-driven program is mounted on a user computer and the instant messenger-driven program is executed, a message is sent to the other party at the request of the logged-in user. In an instant messenger-driven server that assists in mutual transfer chat, the instant messenger-driven server includes one or more online game contents, and the logged-in user searches for an opponent who is going to play an online game. Then, when the online game play is proposed to the other party who meets the search conditions and the play consent signal is transferred from the other party, the online game is automatically executed, and the user and the other party practice the online game. It provides an instant messenger-driven server that supports online games, which is characterized by helping the player to do so.

【0009】

The present invention for achieving the other object of the present invention described above can be connected to an online game providing server that provides an online game so that a user who requests the online game can play the corresponding online game. In the online game support method to be supported, when the user inputs the search condition of the other party to play with, the other party corresponding to the search condition is searched and the search result is provided to the user computer, and the search condition is set. Through an instant messenger, which includes a step of transferring a gameplay proposal signal to the relevant opponent, and when the consent signal is transferred from the opponent, assisting the user and the opponent to practice the relevant online game. Provides online game support methods.

【0010】

The present invention for achieving the other object of the present invention described above can execute the online game to a user who requests the online game by connecting to the online game providing server that provides the online game. When the user inputs the search condition of the other party to play with in the recording medium in which the online game support program is stored so that the computer can read it, the other party corresponding to the search condition is searched and the search result is displayed. The process provided by the user to the computer and the game play proposal signal are transferred to the other party corresponding to the search conditions, and when the consent signal is transferred from the other party, the user and the other party are to practice the corresponding online game. It provides a recording medium that stores an online game support program through an instant messenger, which includes a process to support the game.

【0011】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

【0012】

According to the present invention, a user computer equipped with an instant messenger-driven program, a game content providing server, and an instant messenger-driven server are connected to an Internet network to support an online game with a server that provides the instant messenger-driven program. The embodied system is shown as a desirable embodiment.

【0013】

Also, preferred embodiments of the present invention include embodiments such as computer systems and computer program products programmed to perform the methods of the invention. According to an embodiment of a computer system, a set of instructions for a computer program source designed to perform a method of assisting an online game resides in one or more memory (RAM) and these instructions The set can be stored as a computer program product on a recording medium, such as a hard disk, until required by the computer system.

【0014】

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a system including an instant messenger-driven server that supports an online game according to the present invention.

【0015】

As shown in FIG. 1, the system for the present invention is connected to the Internet network 2 with one or more user computers 10 and an instant messenger (hereinafter referred to as IM) drive server 40 that supports an online game. ing.

【0016】

The user computer 10 must include all terminals that can be connected to the Internet network 2 such as a PC and a notebook, and must be a terminal equipped with an IM drive program distributed by the IM drive server 40. The IM-driven program can be downloaded by connecting to the IM-driven server 40 or another Internet site.

【0017】

The IM-driven server 40 distributes and manages an IM-driven program, and a login server 41 that determines whether or not a user who wants to connect to the IM-driven server 40 is a member, and a chat request of the logged-in user. Main server 42 that transfers messages between the user's computer and the other party's computer, and lobby server 43 and DB server 44 that manage the list of members belonging to the chat group and members participating in the chat group. Is configured by including.

【0018】

The DB server 44 supports the online game proposed in the present invention, and when the member information DB44e and the content DB44f that store the member information and the content information and the search condition of the opponent to be played against are input, the search condition is entered. When the search support module 44a presented to the user and the game play control signal are transferred by detecting the other party corresponding to the above from the member information DB 44e, the corresponding online game program is installed in the computer of the user and the other party, respectively. If the online game program is not installed, the online game is automatically detected from the content DB44f and downloaded to the user computer or the other party's computer. Includes module 44b.

【0019】

In the content execution support module 44b, when the "accept" button included in the game request message window presented to the other party in the search support module 44a is clicked, the online game that the user and the other party intend to play is displayed. When it is paid content, a paid content payment support module that presents paid content information notifying the user and the other party's computer that the corresponding content is charged and requests the user and the other party to pay the corresponding amount (Fig.) (Not shown) is further included.

【0020】

In addition, the DB server 44 receives event content from the booty transaction support module 44c that mediates the booty transaction that the user intends to trade, and one or more prize content providing servers 30, and stores the event content in the content DB44f. An event management module 44d that assists the user in providing a prize by lottery when participating in an event in the event advertising area 60 included in the predetermined area of the instant messenger can be further included.

【0021】

The process of supporting an online game with the IM-driven server 40 of the present invention configured as described above will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 13.

【0022】

Like any IM, in order for the IM-driven program of the present invention to use IM, the user must register as a member on the IM-driven server 40 and be given an ID and password. In order for a user registered as a member to execute an IM-driven program and connect to the IM-driven server 40, the user logs in at the login server 41 of the IM-driven server 40 through the login process. Determine if is a legitimate user.

【0023】

A user registered as a member on the IM-driven server 40 needs to separately register as a member on the game content providing server 20 that provides the online game when executing the online game provided on the IM-driven server 40. do not.

【0024】

When the user registers as a member on the IM-driven server 40, the user information is stored in the member information DB44e, and the login server 41 has an accurate ID and password entered when the user connects to the IM-driven server 40. Judge whether or not, and ensure that only users whose entered ID and password are correct can connect to the IM-driven server 40.

【0025】

When the user executes the IM-driven program installed in the user computer 10, a window in which the ID and password can be entered is presented to the user computer 10 as shown in FIG.

【0026】

If the ID and password entered by the user are correct, an IM window pops up in a predetermined area of the user computer 10 as shown in FIG. The IM window as shown in FIG. 3 pops up even when a general chat program is executed, and the friend list registered by the user is included in the IM window.

【0027】

Since the IM-driven program of the present invention has all the functions of the existing chat program, the description regarding the general functions of the existing chat program such as message exchange or personal information disclosure / search will be omitted. The main server 42 of the IM drive server 40 implements a function of mutual transfer of messages between the user's computer and the other party's computer in response to a chat request of the logged-in user, and the lobby server 43 becomes a chat group. Manage the list of members to which you belong and members who are participating in the chat group.

【0028】

The IM-driven server 40 includes a DB server 44 that stores member information and content information, and the DB server 44 implements the functions proposed in the present invention in addition to the functions of a general chat program. Help to be done.

【0029】

When the IM drive program is driven, an IM window pops up on the screen of the user computer 10 as shown in Fig. 3, and among the menu items 50 of the IM window, "friend" is the opponent to whom the user is trying to play. When the user clicks the item corresponding to the other party's search menu, the window as shown in Fig. 4 pops up. Next, the user selects the gender, age, region, occupation, game, etc. of the user with whom the user is to play. When the search support module 44a searches for a partner who meets the search conditions entered by the user, it preferentially searches among the member information stored in the member information DB44e, and further searches as a member on the game content providing server 20. You can search even among registered users.

【0030】

The DB (not shown) in which the member information of each game content providing server 20 is stored is shared so that the search support module 44a of the IM drive server 40 can access when searching for the other party according to the search conditions. You can see that it is specified in the state.

【0031】

From Fig. 4, the current user is searching for the opponent who will execute the game "Tank Mania" together, and as shown in the search result Fig. 5, users with IDs such as test 0, test 1 ..... Was searched. In order to support the search for the other party by the above method, the user information includes information such as "favorite game" and "playable game" when the user registers as a member. Must be included. As described above, when the user searches for the opponent to play with, the opponent can be searched through the game name.

【0032】

That is, the user searches for the other party by entering the other party's gender, age, occupation, etc., or searches for the other party only by the game name in order to play the game that the user wants to play regardless of the other party's conditions. can do.

【0033】

Of the many searched counterparties, as shown in Fig. 6, the user double-clicks the corresponding ID to see the information of each counterparty in detail, and the detailed information of the other party can be found, and Fig. 6 is used. It is a screen view which shows the detailed information about the other party which has the ID of "test 0" among a large number of counterparties.

【0034】

When the user looks at the screen diagram as shown in Fig. 5, sees the information about each opponent, and then selects one opponent to play against, the search support module 44a sends the selected opponent as shown in Fig. 7. Forward the message.

【0035】

At this time, the selected party can receive the message as shown in FIG. 7 while currently connected (logged in) to the IM drive server 40.

【0036】

Whether or not the opponent with the "Test 0" ID who received the message window as shown in Fig. 7 clicks the "Accept" or "Reject" button included in the message to play the proposed game together. Show your will to the game.

【0037】

When the other party clicks the "accept" button, the content execution support module 44b determines whether or not the user and the other party's computer 10 are equipped with the online game program to be executed.

【0038】

In the above case, since the user proposed to play the "tank mania" game together, the content execution support module 44b indicates whether or not the "tank mania" game program is installed in the computer 10 of the user and the other party. To judge. As a result of the judgment, if the corresponding program is not installed in the user computer 10 and the other party computer 10, the corresponding program is downloaded from the content DB 44f to the user (or the other party) computer 10.

【0039】

Online game content provided from a large number of game content providing servers 20 is stored in the content DB 44f, and the game content stored in the content DB 44f is subsequently downloaded to the user computer 10. The content includes free content that can be used free of charge by the user and paid content for which a fixed amount of money must be paid.

【0040】

First, in order to explain the case where the game in which the user tries to play against the other party is free content, it is assumed that the "tank mania" program is free content. When the other party clicks the "Accept" button, the content execution support module 44b immediately downloads and automatically installs the program required for executing "Tank Mania" on the user (or the other party) computer 10 as shown in Fig. 8. Then, the user computer 10 and the other party computer 10 are connected to the corresponding server (server provided by "Tank Mania") so that the user or the other party can immediately execute the game.

【0041】

The free content as described above is content that is provided free of charge in terms of public relations before being charged, that is, is provided during the period.

【0042】

However, if the "tank mania" program is charged, the paid content support module (not shown) first sends a message to the user (or the other party) computer 10 notifying that the program is charged. Forward.

【0043】

The message includes the amount paid by the user to execute the paid program, as shown in FIG.

【0044】

When the user (or the other party) pays the corresponding amount and clicks the "YES" button included in the above message to execute the game, the page for executing the online payment service as shown in Fig. 10 is displayed. A message is presented to the user (or the other party) computer 10.

【0045】

At this time, the paid content payment support module supports the user so that he / she can settle the payment with the cyber money if he / she has the cyber money, and if he / she does not have the cyber money or if it is insufficient. We will support you so that you can make payments by credit card payment or transfer.

【0046】

Recently, PG (Payment Gateway), which acts as a billing agent, has appeared, and it is recommended that credit card companies also go through PG, and the IM-driven server 40 management side uses credit cards through a business alliance with a specific PG. Alternatively, if the account is authenticated and approved, the user will provide the cyber money requested for purchase, and the price will be paid through the credit card price or the account withdrawal.

【0047】

In addition, there are also agents that charge users' communication charges by including information usage charges through business alliances with communication companies such as mobile phones and ARS.

【0048】

The paid content payment support module enables the user to select a convenient payment method and settle the paid content fee through various payment methods as described above.

【0049】

When the paid content payment process is completed, a window as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is presented to the user or the other party's computer 10 in order to connect to the game content providing server 20.

【0050】

When the relevant online game is charged, the user and the other party who intend to execute the game can execute the game between each other by completing the settlement of the applicable amount.

【0051】

The information of the user registered as a member on the IM-driven server 40 further includes information on the loot owned by the user, and the DB server 44 includes the loot that supports the trading of the loot. An additional goods trading support module 44c is included.

【0052】

The loot trading support module 44c selects the loot that the user wants to exchange in the "Exchange" field included in the window shown in Fig. 4, and selects the user who has the selected loot in the member information DB44e. A search list having a form similar to that of FIG. 5 is presented to the user computer 10 by detecting from.

【0053】

When the user looks at the inspection list and selects one or more opponents who want to trade the loot, the loot transaction support module 44c sends the user's loot transaction proposal message to the selected opponent. To do.

【0054】

After that, the other party who receives the booty transaction proposal message re-forwards the conditions to be traded to the user if he / she has the intention to trade.

【0055】

The user receives one or more transaction conditions from the other party, and selects the final trader who matches the conditions that the user intends to trade from among the received transaction conditions. Then, the loot transaction is established between the user and the final trader, and the loot transaction is achieved through the IM-driven server 40. Loot trading includes loot exchange, sale, purchase, etc.

【0056】

A predetermined area of the IM window driven by the user computer 10 has an event advertisement area 60 for publicizing specific information, and a large amount of event information is presented in the event advertisement area 60. For this purpose, the DB server 44 further includes an event management module 44d, and the event management module 44d receives from the prize content providing server 30 and stores the event in the content DB 44f, and the event of the IM window is held at regular intervals. Present event information in the advertising area 60.

【0057】

The event information includes prize event information through a quiz or prize event information through a questionnaire survey.

【0058】

When the user clicks the event presentation area presented in the IM window, a window including the corresponding event is presented, and the window includes a quiz, a questionnaire survey, and the like.

【0059】

When the user solves the quiz or responds to the questionnaire survey, the prize content providing server 30 presents the prize by lottery among a large number of participants. Through the event advertising area 60, the operating side of the prize content providing server 30 can obtain an excellent advertising effect, and the operating side of the IM-driven server 40 can obtain a commission from it.

【0060】

Attached FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram for explaining a method of supporting the online game of the present invention. The process of supporting an online game on the IM-driven server 40 will be described below with reference to FIG.

【0061】

First, the user computer 10 must be running an IM program (S100). When the IM program is driven, the IM window pops up and is located in a predetermined area on the user computer 10 screen. The IM window is illustrated in FIG.

【0062】

When the user clicks the other party search menu included in the menu item 50 of the IM window, the search support module 44a of the IM drive server 40 receives the other party's search request signal (S110). When the user clicks the other party search menu, the condition of the other party to be searched is input, and the search support module 44a of the IM drive server 40 selects the member corresponding to the other party's search condition entered by the user as member information. Detected from DB44e, the search list is presented to the user computer 10 (S120).

【0063】

When the user selects an opponent to play against in the search list, the search support module 44a transfers the user's game proposal message to the selected opponent (S130). The game proposal message at this time is illustrated as an embodiment in FIG.

【0064】

When the other party sees the game proposal message and consents to play the game together (S140), the content execution support module 44b assists the user and the other party to play the online game together (S150). .. However, when the other party sees the game proposal message and rejects it, the content execution support module 44b transfers a message notifying the user that the other party has rejected the game proposal (S145), and the user is the other party. Search again.

【0065】

In the above case, even if the other party approves the game proposal, the online game program proposed by the user must be installed in the user computer and the other party's computer, and the corresponding game program can be used. The process of determining whether or not it is installed in the computer and downloading it if it is not installed is omitted because it has been described above.

【0066】

Although the above description has been made in detail according to the embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to this, and any person who has ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs can keep the idea and spirit of the present invention. The present invention could be modified or modified.

【0067】

[Effect of the invention]

According to the present invention, since the online game partner is searched and provided by the IM-driven server through the IM program provided by the IM-driven server, the user does not need to use the Internet cafe or the lobby server of other online games to go online. You can search for the opponent to play the game and play the online game conveniently and quickly.

【0068】

In addition, there is an effect that the loot that one wants to trade can be easily traded through the search without searching other game-related sites and bulletin boards one by one.

【0069】

The operator who develops / provides the online game can save the enormous cost required for the operation without requiring the development and construction of the lobby server and the login server for each content, and the IM-driven server can be used. Even just registering the relevant online game content has an excellent advertising effect.

【0070】

In addition, the IM-driven server operator can obtain a large effect on profitability through public relations fees and fees for paying paid contents through alliances with providers of games and prize contents.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is a block diagram of the system including the instant messenger drive server which supports the online game by this invention.

[Figure 2]

It is a drawing which illustrated the login window of the instant messenger which supports an online game.

[Fig. 3]

It is a screen diagram which is presented at the time of execution of the instant messenger which supports an online game.

[Fig. 4]

It is a drawing for demonstrating the process of circling an online game.

[Fig. 5]

It is the same figure as FIG.

[Fig. 6]

It is the same figure as FIG.

[Fig. 7]

It is the same figure as FIG.

[Fig. 8]

It is the same figure as FIG.

[Fig. 9]

It is the same figure as FIG.

[Fig. 10]

It is the same figure as FIG.

[Fig. 11]

It is the same figure as FIG.

[Fig. 12]

It is the same figure as FIG.

[Fig. 13]

It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the method of supporting the online game of this invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 internet network 10 User computer 20 Game content providing server 30 Free gift content providing server 40 IM drive server 41 Login server 42 Main server 43 Lobby server 44 DB server 44a Search support module 44b Content execution support module 44c Loot Trading Support Module 44d Event Management Module 44e Member information DB 44f Content DB 50 menu items 60 Event advertising area