(19) Japan Patent Office (JP)
`
`(12) Japanese Publication of Unexamined Patent
`Applications (A)
`
`(43) Date of Publication
`
`(11) Japanese Patent
`Application Publication No.
`JP-A-2001—70658
`(P2001-70658A)
`March 21, 2001
`
`Theme Codes (Reference)
`
`(51) Int.Cl.7
`
`Identification Symbol
`
`A63F 13/12
`
` 13/00
`
` 13/10
`
`G06F 13/00
`
`355
`
`FI
`
`A63F 13/12
`
` 13/00
`
` 13/10
`
`G06F 13/00
`
`355
`
`C
`
`A
`
`F
`
`2C001
`
`2C032
`
`5B089
`
`5K067
`
`9A001
`
`(21) Application No.
`
`JP-H-11-254818
`
`(71) Applicant
`
`000002369
`
`Request for Examination: Not Yet Requested Number of Claims: 26 OL (Total: 16 pages)
`
`Continued to the last page
`
`(22) Application Filing Date September 8, 1999
`
`Seiko Epson Corporation
`
`2-4-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
`
`(72) Inventor
`
`Akiyoshi Nakamura
`
`Seiko Epson Corporation
`3-3-3 Owa, Suwa-shi, Nagano
`
`(74)
`Representative
`
`100093388
`Kisaburo Suzuki, Attorney-at-law (as well as 2
`others)
`
`(54) [Title of the Invention] System and Method for Displaying a Virtual World
`
`Continued to the last page
`
`(57) [Abstract]
`
`[Problem to Be Solved by the Invention] To implement a
`
`system capable of providing a game that offers enjoyment
`
`different from conventional systems.
`
`[Solution] A game system (10) is provided that displays
`
`and controls the current location and displacement in the
`
`real world—obtained from GPS, PHS, CDMA-based
`
`mobile phones, or similar sources—as the virtual position
`
`and virtual displacement on the screen (virtual world)
`
`presented in a role-playing game. Additionally, when the
`
`position overlaps with an event icon, the next screen
`
`(second virtual world) is displayed. As a result, it becomes
`
`possible
`
`to provide a system
`
`that, using
`
`location
`
`information, actualizes new entertainment by combining
`
`real location information with conventional game methods
`
`or entirely new game methods, while also enabling
`
`enjoyable physical activity as pedestrians physically move
`
`around.
`
`Current location
`retrieval
`
`Distance count
`
`Settings
`parameter
`
`Dial-up
`connection
`
`Initial settings
`
`Retrieve & display virtual world
`
`Screen (virtual
`world) information
`
`Determining transition
`conditions
`
`Personal information
`of user
`
`Chat
`
`Display
`control unit
`
`Game system
`
`Mullen Industries, LLC - Ex. 1038
`Page 1
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`

`

`[Scope of Claims for Patent]
`
`[Claim 7] The system for displaying a virtual world
`
`[Claim 1] A system for displaying a virtual world,
`
`according to Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein the means for
`
`comprising: a first display means configured to display a
`
`acquiring information of the virtual world transmits, in
`
`first virtual world; a conversion and display means
`
`addition to the current location information, user-related
`
`configured to acquire a current location or displacement of
`
`information of the terminal to the server system.
`
`a terminal in the real world, wherein the terminal is capable
`
`[Claim 8] The system for displaying a virtual world
`
`of determining its own current location;
`
`according to Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein the information
`
`a second display means configured to display a second
`
`related to the current location is accessed through the
`
`virtual world when the position in the first virtual world
`
`server system from the first virtual world or a virtual world
`
`reaches a predetermined destination or target area;
`
`related thereto, and includes information of users of other
`
`an initialization means configured to display the current
`
`terminals whose current
`
`locations are within a
`
`location in the real world at the time of transitioning to the
`
`predetermined range from the current location.
`
`second virtual world as a predetermined initial position in
`
`[Claim 9] The system for displaying a virtual world, wherein
`
`the second virtual world;
`
`the first virtual world is a map corresponding to the real
`
`and a conversion and display means configured to convert
`
`world, and the map displays the destination or target area.
`
`and display the current location or displacement in the real
`
`[Claim 10] A mobile terminal comprising:
`
`world as
`
`the corresponding current
`
`location or
`
`a system for displaying a virtual world according to Claim
`
`displacement in the second virtual world.
`
`1; and means for acquiring the terminal's current location.
`
`[Claim 2] The system for displaying a virtual world
`
`[Claim 11] A mobile terminal comprising:
`
`according to Claim 1, wherein the second virtual world
`
`a system for displaying a virtual world according to Claim
`
`includes a plurality of said initial positions, and the means
`
`4; means for acquiring the terminal's current location;
`
`for displaying the initial position is configured to select one
`
`and further comprising means for enabling communication
`
`of the plurality of initial positions based on conditions at
`
`with a server system via a connection.
`
`the time of transitioning from the first virtual world to the
`
`[Claim 12] A method for displaying a virtual world,
`
`second virtual world and to display the selected initial
`
`comprising the steps of:
`
`position corresponding to the current location in the real
`
`displaying a first virtual world; converting and displaying
`
`world.
`
`the current location or displacement in the real world,
`
`[Claim 3] The system for displaying a virtual world
`
`which can be acquired by a terminal, as a corresponding
`
`according to Claim 1, further comprising: means for
`
`position or displacement in the first virtual world;
`
`displaying the first virtual world when predetermined
`
`displaying a second virtual world when the position in the
`
`conditions are satisfied in the second virtual world,
`
`first virtual world reaches a destination or target area;
`
`and means for associating the position in the first virtual
`
`displaying the current location in the real world at that time
`
`world at the time of transitioning from the second virtual
`
`as a predetermined initial position in the second virtual
`
`world back to the first virtual world with the current location
`
`world;
`
`in the real world at the time of said transition.
`
`and converting and displaying the current location or
`
`[Claim 4] The system for displaying a virtual world
`
`displacement in the real world as a corresponding position
`
`according to Claim 1, further comprising means for
`
`or displacement in the second virtual world.
`
`acquiring information of the first or second virtual world via
`
`[Claim 13] The method for displaying a virtual world
`
`communication with a server system.
`
`according to Claim 12, wherein the second virtual world
`
`[Claim 5] The system for displaying a virtual world
`
`includes a plurality of said initial positions, and in the step
`
`according to Claim 4, wherein the means for acquiring
`
`of displaying the initial position, one of the plurality of initial
`
`information of the virtual world transmits the current
`
`positions is selected based on the conditions at the time
`
`location information to the server system and acquires
`
`of transitioning from the first virtual world to the second
`
`information of
`
`the second virtual world,
`
`including
`
`virtual world, and the selected initial position is displayed
`
`information related to the current location, from the server
`
`corresponding to the current location in the real world.
`
`system.
`
`[Claim 14] The method for displaying a virtual world
`
`[Claim 6] The system for displaying a virtual world
`
`according to Claim 12, further comprising the steps of:
`
`according to Claim 4, wherein the first virtual world
`
`displaying the first virtual world when predetermined
`
`includes a plurality of said destinations or target areas,
`
`conditions are satisfied in the second virtual world; and
`
`and the means for acquiring information of the virtual world
`
`associating the position in the first virtual world at the time
`
`transmits the current location information to the server
`
`of transitioning to the second virtual world with the current
`
`system when a destination or target area, for which
`
`location in the real world at the time of the transition back
`
`information related to the current location can be obtained,
`
`to the first virtual world.
`
`is reached, and acquires information of the second virtual
`
`[Claim 15] The method for displaying a virtual world
`
`world, including information related to the current location,
`
`according to Claim 12, further comprising the step of
`
`from the server system.
`
`acquiring information of the first or second virtual world via
`
`Mullen Industries, LLC - Ex. 1038
`Page 2
`
`

`

`communication with a server system.
`
`according to Claim 20, further executing the steps of:
`
`[Claim 16] The method for displaying a virtual world
`
`displaying the first virtual world when predetermined
`
`according to Claim 15, wherein in the step of acquiring
`
`conditions are satisfied in the second virtual world;
`
`information of the virtual world, the current location
`
`and associating the position in the first virtual world at the
`
`information is transmitted to the server system, and
`
`time of transitioning to the second virtual world with the
`
`information of
`
`the second virtual world,
`
`including
`
`current location in the real world at the time of the
`
`information related to the current location, is acquired from
`
`transition back to the first virtual world.
`
`the server system.
`
`[Claim 23] A computer-readable recording medium having
`
`[Claim 17] The method for displaying a virtual world
`
`recorded thereon a program for displaying a virtual world
`
`according to Claim 15, wherein the first virtual world
`
`according to Claim 20, further executing the step of
`
`includes a plurality of said destinations or target areas,
`
`acquiring information of the first or second virtual world via
`
`and in the step of acquiring information of the virtual world,
`
`communication with a server system.
`
`when a destination or target area is reached, for which
`
`[Claim 24] A computer-readable recording medium having
`
`information related to the current location can be obtained,
`
`recorded thereon a program for displaying a virtual world
`
`the current location information is transmitted to the server
`
`according to Claim 23, wherein in the step of acquiring
`
`system, and information of the second virtual world,
`
`information of the virtual world, the current location
`
`including information related to the current location, is
`
`information is transmitted to the server system, and
`
`acquired from the server system.
`
`information of
`
`the second virtual world,
`
`including
`
`[Claim 18] The method for displaying a virtual world
`
`information related to the current location, is acquired from
`
`according to Claim 16 or Claim 17, wherein in the step of
`
`the server system.
`
`acquiring information of the virtual world, in addition to the
`
`[Claim 25] A computer-readable recording medium having
`
`current location information, user-related information of
`
`recorded thereon a program for displaying a virtual world
`
`the terminal is transmitted to the server system.
`
`according to Claim 23, wherein the first virtual world
`
`[Claim 19] The method for displaying a virtual world
`
`includes a plurality of said destinations or target areas,
`
`according to Claim 16 or Claim 17, wherein the information
`
`and in the step of acquiring information of the virtual world,
`
`related to the current location is accessed through the
`
`when a destination or target area is reached, for which
`
`server system from the first virtual world or a virtual world
`
`information related to the current location can be obtained,
`
`the current location information is transmitted to the server
`
`related thereto, and includes information of users of other
`
`terminals whose current
`
`locations are within a
`
`system, and information of the second virtual world,
`
`predetermined range from the current location.
`
`including information related to the current location, is
`
`[Claim 20] A computer-readable recording medium having
`
`acquired from the server system.
`
`recorded thereon a program for displaying a virtual world,
`
`[Claim 26] A transmission medium capable of transmitting
`
`the program executing the steps of:
`
`a program between computers for displaying a virtual
`
`displaying a first virtual world; converting and displaying
`
`world, or data converted from the program, the program
`
`the current location or displacement in the real world,
`
`executing the steps of:
`
`which can be acquired by a terminal, as a corresponding
`
`displaying a first virtual world; converting and displaying
`
`position or displacement in the first virtual world;
`
`the current location or displacement in the real world,
`
`displaying a second virtual world when the position in the
`
`which can be acquired by a terminal, as a corresponding
`
`first virtual world reaches a destination or target area;
`
`position or displacement in the first virtual world;
`
`displaying the current location in the real world at that time
`
`displaying a second virtual world when the position in the
`
`as a predetermined initial position in the second virtual
`
`first virtual world reaches a destination or target area;
`
`world;
`
`displaying the current location in the real world at that time
`
`and converting and displaying the current location or
`
`as a predetermined initial position in the second virtual
`
`displacement in the real world as a corresponding position
`
`world;
`
`or displacement in the second virtual world.
`
`and converting and displaying the current location or
`
`[Claim 21] A computer-readable recording medium having
`
`displacement in the real world as a corresponding position
`
`recorded thereon a program for displaying a virtual world
`
`or displacement in the second virtual world.
`
`according to Claim 20, wherein the second virtual world
`
`[Detailed Description of the Invention]
`
`includes a plurality of said initial positions, and in the step
`
`[0001]
`
`of displaying the initial position, one of the plurality of initial
`
`[Relevant Technical Field of the Invention] The present
`
`positions is selected based on the conditions at the time
`
`invention relates to a system for controlling a computer
`
`of transitioning from the first virtual world to the second
`
`based on location information.
`
`virtual world, and the selected initial position is displayed
`
`[0002]
`
`corresponding to the current location in the real world.
`
`[Prior Art] As methods or means for acquiring information
`
`[Claim 22] A computer-readable recording medium having
`
`about one's current location, satellite positioning systems
`
`recorded thereon a program for displaying a virtual world
`
`such as GPS, which perform radio wave positioning by
`
`Mullen Industries, LLC - Ex. 1038
`Page 3
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`

`

`receiving signals from multiple satellites, and systems that
`
`creating an entirely new gaming experience. In other
`
`identify base stations of mobile communication networks
`
`words, in the system for displaying a virtual world
`
`such as PHS to obtain information about one's current
`
`according to the present invention, the system comprises:
`
`location from the position of the base station are known.
`
`means for displaying a first virtual world (hereinafter
`
`Furthermore, by equipping mobile information terminals
`
`referred to as the "virtual world"); means for converting
`
`with these systems for acquiring such current location
`
`and displaying the current location in the real world
`
`information, several systems have been disclosed that
`
`(hereinafter referred to as the "current location" or "real
`
`send information about one's current location to a server
`
`position") of a terminal capable of obtaining its own current
`
`via a computer network. For example, JP-H-8-322091
`
`location, or the displacement thereof (hereinafter referred
`
`discloses a system for transferring information, including
`
`to as "real displacement"), into a position (hereinafter
`
`the current location of a reporting terminal, to an electronic
`
`referred to as the "virtual position") or displacement
`
`newspaper server via a network as part of a field reporting
`
`(hereinafter referred to as "virtual displacement") within
`
`support system. Additionally, JP-H-10-336238 discloses a
`
`the first virtual world; means for displaying a second virtual
`
`system in which information indicating the current location
`
`world when the position within the first virtual world
`
`is sent from a mobile terminal to a server, and based on
`
`reaches a destination or target area; means for displaying
`
`the sent information that has been received, map data and
`
`the current location in the real world at that time as a
`
`related information of the surrounding area of that location
`
`predetermined initial position in the second virtual world;
`
`are sent back to the mobile terminal.
`
`and means for converting and displaying the displacement
`
`[0003] Additionally, a navigation device that uses means
`
`of the current location in the real world into displacement
`
`for detecting the current location to run a game is
`
`within the second virtual world. The method for displaying
`
`disclosed in JP-H-9-114370. This navigation device
`
`a virtual world according to the present invention is
`
`displays a map including the current location and is
`
`characterized by including: a step of displaying a first
`
`designed to execute an event when the current location
`
`virtual world; a step of converting and displaying the
`
`arrives at a designated event occurrence point on the
`
`current location or real displacement into a virtual position
`
`map.
`
`[0004]
`
`or virtual displacement within the first virtual world; a step
`
`of displaying a second virtual world when the position
`
`[Problem To Be Solved By The Invention] Currently,
`
`within the first virtual world reaches a destination or target
`
`indicating one's own
`
`location
`
`is easily
`
`area; a step of displaying the current location at that time
`
`information
`
`accessible in this manner, and it is conceivable to provide
`
`as a preset initial position in the second virtual world; and
`
`various services or entertainment using this information.
`
`a step of converting and displaying the current location or
`
`Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a new
`
`real displacement
`
`into a virtual position or virtual
`
`form of recreation that utilizes one's own location
`
`displacement within the second virtual world.
`
`information, i.e., one's current location. Games in which
`
`[0006] There are systems that progress role-playing
`
`the player can advance forward using location information
`
`games by reflecting the relative movement of a finger or
`
`include, as mentioned above, those where one follows
`
`part of the body on the screen. For example, a mouse,
`
`along on the map of a navigation device, or orienteering
`
`which is a pointing device, can be considered one such
`
`using a personal navigation device. However, such games
`
`system. However, there is no system that opens a new
`
`are limited to simply following a map or utilizing the actual
`
`virtual world based on the current location obtained from a
`
`terrain or roads as they are. Such methods offer limited
`
`terminal held by the user, such as coordinates on a map,
`
`potential for creating engaging games. Therefore, the
`
`and allows the user to control the virtual world only after
`
`present invention aims to provide a system or application
`
`physically moving their actual location. Therefore, in the
`
`that offers a completely new form of entertainment, distinct
`
`system and method for displaying a virtual world according
`
`from the existing methods mentioned above.
`
`to the present invention, a new virtual world cannot be
`
`[0005]
`
`opened unless the user physically moves to a degree
`
`[Means to Solve the Problem] Currently, various types of
`
`sufficient to produce a significant difference in the current
`
`portable gaming devices are commercially available.
`
`location obtained via means such as GPS. Furthermore,
`
`These games include role-playing games or shooting
`
`the user's own intentions cannot be reflected within the
`
`games, where new scenes or worlds automatically open
`
`opened virtual world. As a result, even though the user is
`
`depending on certain conditions. In these new worlds,
`
`playing a role-playing game displayed on a terminal, it is
`
`players progress in the game by moving through the virtual
`
`possible to experience a similar sensation to actually
`
`world using directional buttons, joysticks, or other pointing
`
`moving through the virtual world displayed in the game.
`
`devices. In the present invention, by utilizing current
`
`Furthermore, such physical movement is required by the
`
`location information, which can be obtained through
`
`game. Therefore, this approach allows for the provision of
`
`technologies such as GPS, a new virtual world is opened.
`
`a game with a different flavor compared to conventional
`
`This allows users to progress and enjoy the game in a
`
`games that can be played without moving a single step.
`
`completely new and engaging way using portable devices,
`
`Additionally, since the user physically moves, it enables
`
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`

`

`the creation of a new type of game where one can utilize
`
`capabilities.
`
`or enjoy various elements at their destination.
`
`[0010] In the second virtual world, multiple initial positions
`
`[0007] For example, with the current standalone GPS
`
`can be provided. In the means or process for displaying
`
`positioning, movement of approximately several tens of
`
`an initial position, one of these initial positions may be
`
`meters may be
`
`required as actual displacement,
`
`selected based on the conditions under which the
`
`depending on the circumstances. On the other hand, with
`
`transition is made from the first virtual world to the second
`
`relative positioning (DGPS), which uses correction values
`
`virtual world, and this position can then be displayed
`
`measured at base stations, movement of about several
`
`corresponding to the current location in the real world. For
`
`meters may suffice as actual displacement. Thus, by
`
`example, the second virtual world may have multiple entry
`
`reflecting a certain degree of actual movement by the
`
`points, allowing for a configuration where the entry point
`
`user, there is the added benefit of allowing the user to
`
`varies depending on the direction in which the target
`
`exercise while enjoying the experience, as well as the
`
`position or area is reached. This design allows the
`
`opportunity
`
`to discover
`
`interesting aspects of
`
`their
`
`movements in the first virtual world to influence the second
`
`destination. Of course, there are also positioning systems
`
`virtual world, enhancing the game's overall enjoyment.
`
`that use methods such as carrier phase shift
`
`[0011] In a game where the player returns from the second
`
`measurement, capable of detecting displacement of the
`
`virtual world to the first virtual world, as in a role-playing
`
`current location at levels ranging from a few centimeters
`
`game, it is desirable to include means or steps for
`
`to a few millimeters. Consequently, it is also possible to
`
`displaying the first virtual world when certain conditions
`
`enjoy the game with minimal movement.
`
`are met in the second virtual world—such as reaching a
`
`[0008] The first virtual world may simply be a world
`
`predetermined location or achieving a specific objective.
`
`represented by a map corresponding to the real world
`
`Additionally, it is preferable to provide means or steps for
`
`(including deformed or stylized maps) that shows a
`
`displaying
`
`the position
`
`in
`
`the
`
`first virtual world,
`
`destination or target area. When the user reaches the
`
`corresponding to the current location, when transitioning
`
`destination on the map, a virtual world opens, allowing the
`
`back from the second virtual world. The relationship
`
`user to move further within this new world as part of the
`
`between the current location and the position in the first
`
`game. However, in the system and method for displaying
`
`virtual world can be maintained, and it is certainly possible
`
`a virtual world according to the present invention, the
`
`to require the player to retrace their movements in the
`
`user’s movements are not limited to representations
`
`second virtual world to return to their original position in
`
`reflecting the real world, such as maps. Instead, they can
`
`the first virtual world. However, since the second virtual
`
`be reflected in virtual worlds that are further removed from
`
`world is also controlled by reflecting the current location
`
`reality. This enables the user to enjoy their movements
`
`and real displacement, it is possible for the current location
`
`within a freely customizable world, not restricted to real-
`
`to deviate significantly from the original position in the first
`
`world conditions, and
`
`tailored
`
`to
`
`their preferences.
`
`virtual world while the player is in the second virtual world.
`
`Moreover, in at least the second virtual world, the initial
`
`Furthermore, the present invention also encompasses
`
`position is fixed, meaning the user’s movements and the
`
`scenarios where the transition extends beyond the second
`
`controllable range in the virtual world may not align with
`
`virtual world to a third or fourth virtual world, or even
`
`their real-world range of movement. This introduces an
`
`additional virtual worlds. In such cases, the virtual position
`
`element of force majeure-like restriction, providing an
`
`in the first virtual world and the current location in the real
`
`additional way to enjoy the game.
`
`world often differ significantly. Therefore, it is more
`
`[0009] It is also possible to allow initial settings to be
`
`effective for smooth gameplay to update the relationship
`
`configured to reflect movements in the real world within
`
`between the position in the first virtual world and the
`
`the virtual world. For example, in a role-playing game, it is
`
`current location in the real world. This can be achieved by
`
`desirable to set the current location in the real world as a
`
`aligning the position in the first virtual world at the time of
`
`predetermined position (the initial value of the virtual
`
`transition to the second virtual world with the current
`
`position) within the first virtual world. This position could
`
`location when returning from the second virtual world to
`
`be the starting point of the game or, if the game was
`
`the first virtual world.
`
`interrupted, the point where it was paused. Additionally, it
`
`[0012] The information for these virtual worlds may be
`
`is possible to enable the adjustment of the ratio between
`
`prepared in advance on the system side, i.e., the terminal.
`
`real-world displacement and the corresponding virtual
`
`However, as the number of virtual worlds increases or as
`
`displacement displayed in the game. If the ratio of virtual
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`individual worlds involve large virtual displacements, the
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`displacement to real displacement is small, the user must
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`amount of information grows significantly. Therefore, it is
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`move a considerable distance in the real world to traverse
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`desirable to include means or steps for obtaining virtual
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`the virtual world, increasing physical activity. This flexibility
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`world information via communication with a server system
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`supports various purposes and use cases. Different
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`through wireless or computer networks. Enabling
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`settings can also be applied to users with varying physical
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`communication with a server system to retrieve virtual
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`abilities, enabling competitive gameplay tailored to their
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`world information allows the transmission of the current
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`Mullen Industries, LLC - Ex. 1038
`Page 5
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`

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`location information to the server system and the retrieval
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`as a GPS unit, methods for acquiring the user's current
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`of virtual world information relevant to that location from
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`location (e.g., through PHS units, mobile phones, etc. that
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`the server system.
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`utilize location information from base stations), and
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`[0013] Furthermore, when the user reaches a destination
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`communication means for connecting to a server system
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`or target area in the first virtual world, where information
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`via wireless, PHS, mobile phones, dial-up Internet, or
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`relevant to their current location is available, the system
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`other computer networks. By installing this program on the
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`may send the current location information to the server
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`mobile terminal, the virtual world display system and
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`system. In response, the server system can provide
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`method according to the present invention can be utilized.
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`information about the second virtual world that is relevant
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`Additionally, the program can be supplied via transmission
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`to the user's current location. By providing means or steps
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`media such as computer networks, either by converting it
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`to access such a server, the user can actively obtain
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`into a suitable format or embedding it for delivery.
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`location-related information while playing the game.
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`[0017] Furthermore, if the installed terminal is a device
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`Additionally, the server may use DGPS to calculate a more
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`equipped with a direction sensor, it is possible to rotate the
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`accurate current location and return this information to the
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`display of the virtual world so that the direction of real
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`terminal, or base the information selection on the more
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`displacement aligns with
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`the direction of virtual
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`accurate location. Moreover, in addition to the current
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`displacement. Additionally, if the game is a role-playing
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`location information, the terminal can send user-related
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`game set in the virtual world, after the game ends, it is also
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`information to the server system, allowing the server to
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`possible to provide means for connecting to the server to
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`display a virtual world containing information that matches
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`register rankings or perform other actions.
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`the user's interests, thereby enhancing the game's
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`[0018]
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`enjoyment.
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`[Mode for Carrying Out the Invention] The present
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`[0014] Additionally, information related to the current
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`invention will be described with reference to the drawings
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`location can include information about other users'
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`below. Figure 1 shows an example of the environment in
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`terminals within a designated range from the user's current
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`which the mobile terminal 6, on which the virtual world
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`location, accessed through the server system, within the
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`(described here with a role-playing game as an example)
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`first virtual world. In current email terminals and other
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`according to the present invention is displayed, operates.
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`internet-connected devices, data communication methods
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`In this example, the mobile terminal 6 is capable of
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`such as two-way chats are available for communication.
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`connecting to a server system 20 that provides the role-
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`However, traditionally, such communication has been
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`playing game through the general internet 1 as the
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`limited to situations where one already knows the email
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`computer network. The mobile terminal 6, in many cases,
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`address of friends or group members, and there has been
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`is equipped with a PHS unit or a mobile phone unit.
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`no means to initiate simple communication that could
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`Through these units, it connects to the public telephone
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`occur in the real world, such as a chance encounter. In
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`network 7 via PHS base station 7a or mobile phone base
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`contrast, in the system and method for displaying a virtual
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`station 7b, and further connects to the server system 20
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`world according to the present invention, by combining the
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`via dial-up server 25. Of course, it is also possible to
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`virtual world with real location information obtained from
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`connect to the server system 20 of the service provider via
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`GPS, it becomes easy to create opportunities for meeting
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`the Internet 1 from the server 5 of another provider.
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`others who are both virtually and physically nearby, thus
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`[0019] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 6 in this example
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`facilitating spontaneous interactions.
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`is equipped with a system for obtaining data indicating its
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`[0015] In this way, in the system and method for displaying
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`current location (typically coordinates including latitude
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`a virtual world according to the present invention, the
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`and longitude information). There are several such
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`current location or real displacement is reflected in the
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`systems, and the one currently considered to have the
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`virtual world, allowing the game to progress. Therefore,
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`highest accuracy uses a GPS unit, which receives signals
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`the user must physically move by walking, running, or
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`from GPS satellites 9 to perform positioning and determine
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`using a bicycle, for example. To su