Patent Publication Number: US-2002007312-A1

Title: Server computer and method for sending virtual character associated with service provided, and computer readable recording medium that records program for implementing the method

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] 1. Field of the Invention  
       [0002] The present invention relates to a technique to provide a service in a server-client system, and more particularly, to a technique for a server computer to provide a client computer with a virtual character associated with the service provided.  
       [0003] 2. Description of the Background Art  
       [0004] A game for raising or breeding an electronic pet using portable electronic equipment is known. A user is able to permit the electronic pet that he/she raised in the portable electronic equipment to participate in an event that is implemented by computers on a network. Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 11-192384 discloses such an electronic pet simulation technique utilizing the network.  
       [0005] The simulation system disclosed therein includes a workstation connected to the network, a terminal device connected to the network, and the portable electronic equipment connected to the terminal device. The portable electronic equipment includes a breeding unit in which the electronic pet is raised, and a circuit for sending data associated with the pet having been raised to the terminal device. The terminal device includes a circuit for receiving the data associated with the pet, and an access unit for accessing the workstation. The access unit includes a circuit for transmitting the data associated with the electronic pet to the workstation, and a circuit for requesting participation of the pet raised in the portable electronic equipment in an event being implemented by computers on the network. The workstation includes a storage unit for storing a program for execution of the event and data representing a plurality of electronic pets that will participate in the event. Each electronic pet participating in the event is related to the electronic pet raised in the portable electronic equipment. The workstation further includes a determination unit that determines, based on the data associated with the electronic pet transmitted from the terminal device, a corresponding electronic pet from the plurality of electronic pets, and a participation unit that responds to a request for participation by reading out the determined electronic pet from the storage unit and making it participate in the event.  
       [0006] According to this system, the user is able to cause the electronic pet that the user has raised using the portable electronic equipment of his/her own to participate in a virtual event being implemented on the network.  
       [0007] The portable electronic equipment being used in the system, however, requires a capability to connect to the terminal device. Further, the user is required to breed the electronic pet actively or energetically using the portable electronic equipment.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a server computer that can send to a client computer a virtual character that is changed in figure according to a history of services provided from the server computer to the client computer, and a method for sending such a virtual character.  
       [0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a server computer that can send a virtual character to any kind of client computer, and a method for sending such a virtual character.  
       [0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide a server computer that can analyze preference of a user based on a history of services having been provided from the server computer to the client computer, and a method for analyzing the preference information of the user.  
       [0011] A still further object of the present invention is to provide a server computer that can send to a client computer a virtual character congenial to a user&#39;s preference, and a method for sending such a virtual character.  
       [0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a server computer in which a virtual character can present a user with a questionnaire congenial to the user&#39;s preference, and a method for sending such a virtual character.  
       [0013] A further object of the present invention is to provide a server computer in which a virtual character can present a user with advertisement information congenial to the user&#39;s preference, and a method for sending such a virtual character.  
       [0014] According to an aspect of the present invention, a server computer sends a virtual character to a client computer through a network. The server computer includes: a communication circuit that is connected to the network for communicating with the client computer; an identification circuit that is connected to the communication circuit for identifying a user using the client computer based on data received from the client computer; a providing circuit that is connected to the communication circuit for providing a service to the user according to a request from the user; a history storage circuit that is connected to the providing circuit for storing a history of services provided to the user; a storage circuit for storing data representing the virtual character changeable in figure; and a sending circuit that is connected to the communication circuit, the identification circuit, the history storage circuit and the storage circuit, for sending the data representing the virtual character having its figure changed based on the history of services provided to the user identified by the identification circuit, to the client computer that is used by the identified user.  
       [0015] The providing circuit provides the user with a service according to a request from the user. The history storage circuit stores the history of services provided to the user by the providing circuit. The sending circuit sends to the client computer used by the user, the data representing the virtual character having its figure changed based on the stored history of services provided. Thus, the server computer is able to send the virtual character having its figure changed based on the history of the services provided to the user. If the virtual character has been created based on a real animal, as the number of the services provided to the user increases, the virtual character with its figure representing a corresponding grown state of the animal is transmitted to the client computer.  
       [0016] More preferably, the server computer further includes a determining circuit that is connected to the communication circuit for determining a data format with which the client computer is able to output. The sending circuit includes a circuit for transforming the data representing the virtual character having its figure changed, to the data format determined by the determining circuit, and sending the transformed data to the client computer.  
       [0017] The sending circuit can send the data representing the virtual character that has been transformed to the data format determined by the determining circuit. Thus, the virtual character can be sent to any client computer, regardless of which kind of data format the client computer can output with.  
       [0018] Still preferably, the providing circuit includes a circuit for providing information to the user according to the user request. The history storage circuit includes a circuit for storing the history of services provided to the user by classifying the services within the history into categories. The server computer further includes a preference information storage circuit that is connected to the history storage circuit for generating and storing preference information of the user based on that history with the services classified into the categories.  
       [0019] The server computer is able to classify the services within the history of services provided to the user into categories, and generate the information representing the preference of the user based on that history with the services classified into the categories.  
       [0020] Still preferably, the storage circuit includes a circuit for storing data including a plurality of virtual characters changeable in figures. The server computer further includes a character select circuit that is connected to the preference information storage circuit and the storage circuit, for selecting one of the plurality of virtual characters based on the preference of the user. The sending circuit includes a circuit for sending the data representing the virtual character that has been selected by the character select circuit and that has its figure changed based on the history of services provided to the user identified by the identification circuit, to the client computer used by the identified user.  
       [0021] The server computer is able to select, based on the preference of the user, a virtual character congenial to the user&#39;s preference from a plurality of virtual characters, and to send such a virtual character congenial to the user&#39;s preference.  
       [0022] Still preferably, the server computer further includes a motion data storage circuit for storing data for implementing a motion of the virtual character in the client computer, in which the motion includes a motion of the virtual character to present the user with a questionnaire in the client computer. An answer to the questionnaire input by the user is sent to the server computer. The server computer further includes a user select circuit that is connected to the preference information storage circuit for selecting a user based on the preference information stored in the preference information storage circuit and the content of the questionnaire. The sending circuit includes a circuit for sending, when the user selected by the user select circuit is the user identified by the identification circuit, the data representing the virtual character having its figure changed and the data for implementing the motion that is stored in the motion data storage circuit, to the client computer used by the selected user.  
       [0023] The server computer is able to send the virtual character that makes a motion to display to the user a questionnaire congenial to the user&#39;s preference and a motion to send an answer to the questionnaire back to the server computer.  
       [0024] Still preferably, the server computer further includes a motion data storage circuit for storing data for implementing a motion of the virtual character in the client computer, in which the motion includes a motion of the virtual character to prompt the user to access advertisement information. The server computer further includes a user select circuit that is connected to the preference information storage circuit for selecting a user based on the preference information stored in the preference information storage circuit and the content of the advertisement information. The sending circuit includes a circuit for sending, when the user selected by the user select circuit is the user identified by the identification circuit, the data representing the virtual character having its figure changed and the data for implementing the motion that is stored in the motion data storage circuit, to the client computer used by the selected user.  
       [0025] The server computer is thus able to send the virtual character that makes a motion to prompt the user to access the advertisement information congenial to the user&#39;s preference.  
       [0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, a virtual character sending method in a server computer for sending a virtual character to a client computer through a network is provided. The virtual character sending method includes the steps of: identifying a user using the client computer based on data received from the client computer; providing a service to the user according to a request from the user; storing a history of services provided to the user; preparing data representing the virtual character changeable in figure; and sending the data representing the virtual character having its figure changed based on the history of services provided to the user identified in the step of identifying the user, to the client computer used by the identified user.  
       [0027] In the step of providing the service, the service is provided to the user according to the user request. In the step of storing the history of services, the history of the services having been provided to the user is stored. In the step of sending the virtual character, the data representing the virtual character having its figure changed based on the stored history of services is sent to the client computer used by the user. Thus, the virtual character sending method of the present invention is able to send the virtual character having its figure changed based on the history of the services provided to the user.  
       [0028] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a computer readable recording medium that records a program for implementation of a sending method in a server computer for sending a virtual character to a client computer through a network is provided. The virtual character sending method includes the steps of: identifying a user using the client computer based on data received from the client computer; providing a service to the user according to a request from the user; storing a history of services provided to the user; preparing data representing the virtual character changeable in figure; and sending the data representing the virtual character having its figure changed based on the history of services provided to the user identified in the step of identifying the user, to the client computer used by the identified user.  
       [0029] In the step of providing the service, the service is provided to the user according to the user request. In the step of storing the history of services, the history of the services having been provided to the user is stored. In the step of sending the virtual character, the data representing the virtual character having its figure changed based on the stored history of services is sent to the client computer used by the user. The recording medium of the present invention is able to provide a program for implementation of the virtual character sending method for sending the virtual character having its figure changed based on the history of the services provided to the user.  
       [0030] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0031]FIG. 1 shows an entire server-client system including a server computer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0032]FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the server computer of the first embodiment.  
     [0033]FIG. 3 shows in detail a control unit of the server computer.  
     [0034]FIG. 4 shows in detail a storage unit of the server computer.  
     [0035]FIG. 5 shows data being stored in a user ID storage unit.  
     [0036]FIG. 6 shows data being stored in a user provided history storage unit.  
     [0037]FIG. 7 shows data being stored in a service-for-provision storage unit.  
     [0038]FIG. 8 shows data being stored in a virtual character storage unit.  
     [0039]FIG. 9 shows data being stored in a user virtual character storage unit.  
     [0040]FIG. 10 shows an appearance of a computer implementing the server computer according to the first embodiment.  
     [0041]FIG. 11 is a control block diagram of the computer implementing the server computer of the first embodiment.  
     [0042]FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating the control procedure of an entire process according to the first embodiment.  
     [0043]FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating the control procedure of a login process of the first embodiment.  
     [0044]FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating the control procedure of an update flag process of the first embodiment.  
     [0045]FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating the control procedure of a virtual character updating process of the first embodiment.  
     [0046]FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating the control procedure of a service providing process of the first embodiment.  
     [0047]FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating the control procedure of a questionnaire process of the first embodiment.  
     [0048]FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating the control procedure of an advertisement process of the first embodiment.  
     [0049] FIGS.  19 - 23  illustrate examples of image screens at a portal site according to the first embodiment.  
     [0050]FIG. 24 shows a communication interface connecting a server computer and a terminal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0051]FIG. 25 is a flow chart illustrating the control procedure of the login process and the virtual character sending process according to the second embodiment.  
     [0052]FIG. 26 shows a display example at a portal site being displayed on a portable telephone in the second embodiment. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0053] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, through which the same elements are denoted by the same reference characters, and they have the same names and same functions. Thus, detailed description thereof will not be repeated where appropriate.  
     [0054] First Embodiment  
     [0055] Referring to FIG. 1, a server computer  100  of the present embodiment is connected to a plurality of client computers  200  through a network  220 . A user uses client computer  200  to access server computer  100 .  
     [0056] Referring to FIG. 2, server computer  100  includes: a communication interface  300  that is connected to network  220  for communicating with client computer  200 ; a control unit  400  that is connected to communication interface  300  for delivering, e.g., music data according to a user request received from client computer  200 , or updating a virtual character based on a history of services provided to the user; and a storage unit  500  that is connected to control unit  400  for storing a user ID (identification) for identification of the user accessing server computer  100 , and storing information being provided.  
     [0057] Referring to FIG. 3, control unit  400  shown in FIG. 2 includes: a login processing unit  410  that performs a login process upon reception of a login request from client computer  200 ; an update flag processing unit  420  that sets a character update flag when a new service is provided after the history of services provided has been analyzed; a virtual character updating unit  430  that updates the virtual character when a user whose update flag has been set logs in; a service providing unit  440  that provides a service corresponding to a request from the user; a questionnaire processing unit  450  that sends a questionnaire to the user when a prescribed condition is satisfied; and an advertisement processing unit  460  that sends advertisement information to the user.  
     [0058] Referring to FIG. 4, storage unit  500  shown in FIG. 2 includes: a user ID storage unit  510  that stores a user password and the like; a user provided history storage unit  520  that stores services provided to the user; an information-for-provision storage unit  530  that stores information being provided to the user according to a request from the user; a questionnaire storage unit  540  that stores questionnaires being sent to the user; an advertisement information storage unit  550  that stores advertisement information being sent to the user; a service-for-provision storage unit  560  that stores a category and points of each service being provided to the user; a virtual character storage unit  570  that stores virtual characters according to respective categories and points; and a user virtual character storage unit  580  that stores, for each user, a virtual character selected based on the history of the services provided to the user.  
     [0059] Referring to FIG. 5, the information stored in user ID storage unit  510  includes basic information, added information and questionnaire answer flags. The basic information is the information that is necessary for the login process, which includes user ID, name and password of the user. The added information is the information that is stored based on a result of questionnaires made by the virtual character. The added information includes, for example, mail address, gender, age, preference information, the content of an answer to the first questionnaire, the content of an answer to the second questionnaire, and others. If there is no answer to a specific questionnaire (e.g., if the user did not answer the questionnaire asking his/her age), the information about the questionnaire (the age in this case) is not stored. The questionnaire answer flag is stored for each questionnaire, and is set when the relevant questionnaire is answered.  
     [0060] Referring to FIG. 6, the information stored in user provided history storage unit  520  includes a user ID for identification of the user to whom the service was provided, a day and a time when the service was provided, and a service ID for identification of the service provided.  
     [0061] Referring to FIG. 7, the information stored in service-for-provision storage unit  560  includes, for each service ID, a category in which the service is included, the points for the service, and the content of the service. Specifically, category “1” represents “animal”, and category “4” represents “sport”. The category and the points of the service provided to the user are determined by the service ID.  
     [0062] Referring to FIG. 8, the information stored in virtual character storage unit  570  includes, for each category and level, an image file name of the virtual character and an added function of the relevant virtual character. The level is determined based on a score obtained by accumulating the points shown in FIG. 7. The image file shown in FIG. 8 and the data for implementing the added function at client computer  200  are stored in virtual character storage unit  570 . The data stored in respective image files “neko1.gif”, “neko2.gif”, and “neko3.gif” represent the same virtual character having their figures different from each other.  
     [0063] Referring to FIG. 9, the information stored in user virtual character storage unit  580  includes, for each user, a character name the user has given to the virtual character, day and time of the latest analysis of the history of services provided to the user, a character update flag, an image file name, added functions provided to the virtual character, a selected category, a selected level, and scores for respective categories. For example, for the user identified by the user ID “tarou”, a virtual character of the second category, second level is selected. The functions added to the virtual character include those for delivery of music news and reservation for concert tickets.  
     [0064] The category and the level are selected as follows. A category whose score obtained by accumulating the points is highest among the plurality of categories is selected, and the level is selected according to the score of the selected category. The level selection is made according to a range of the scores prescribed for each level as shown in FIG. 8.  
     [0065] In practice, server computer  100  is implemented by software running on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. FIG. 10 shows an appearance of a computer system as an example of server computer  100 . Referring to FIG. 10, this computer system  600  includes a computer  602  provided with an FD (flexible disk) driver  608  and a CD-ROM (compact disc-read only memory) driver  606 , a monitor  604 , a keyboard  610  and a mouse  612 .  
     [0066]FIG. 11 shows the configuration of computer system  600  in a block diagram. As shown in FIG. 11, computer  602  includes, besides FD driver  608  and CD-ROM driver  606 , a CPU (central processing unit)  620 , a memory  622 , a fixed disk  624  and a communication interface  626 , which are all connected to each other through a bus. An FD  618  is set to FD driver  608 , and a CD-ROM  616  is set to CD-ROM driver  606 .  
     [0067] Server computer  100  is implemented by such computer hardware and software running on CPU  620 . In general, such software is available as being stored in a recording medium like FD  618  or CD-ROM  616 , which is read from the recording medium using FD driver  608  or CD-ROM driver  606  and stored in fixed disk  624 . It is further read from fixed disk  624  to memory  622 , and executed by CPU  620 . The hardware itself of the computer system shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is well known. Thus, the most essential feature of the present invention is the software recorded on a recording medium such as FD  618 , CD-ROM  616  or fixed disk  624 .  
     [0068] Communication interface  300  and storage unit  500  in FIG. 2 correspond to communication interface  626  and fixed disk  624  in FIG. 11, respectively. The functions of control unit  400  in FIG. 2 are implemented by the software executed by CPU  620  in FIG. 11.  
     [0069] Otherwise, the operations of the computer system itself shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are well known, so that detailed description thereof is not provided here.  
     [0070] Referring to FIG. 12, the programs running on server computer  100  have the control structure as follows.  
     [0071] In step  2  (hereinafter, a step is simply referred to as “S”), server computer  100  performs a login process upon detection of an access from client computer  200 .  
     [0072] In S 4 , server computer  100  performs a virtual character updating process based on a character update flag stored in user virtual character storage unit  580 .  
     [0073] In S 6 , server computer  100  reads out image data representing a virtual character and data for implementing an added function stored in user virtual character storage unit  580 , and sends the data to client computer  200 .  
     [0074] In S 8 , server computer  100  determines whether a service request has been received from client computer  200  for which the login process was performed. If so (“Yes” in S 8 ), process goes to S 10 . Otherwise (“No” in S 8 ), process goes to S 12 .  
     [0075] In S 10 , server computer  100  provides client computer  200  with the service requested.  
     [0076] When a service request has not arrived from client computer  200 , in S 12 , server computer  100  determines whether or not to send a questionnaire. This determination is made according to whether the current day and time corresponds to the day and time when the questionnaire is supposed to be sent out. When the questionnaire is to be sent out (“Yes” in S 12 ), process goes to S 16 , where server computer  100  sends the questionnaire to client computer  200 . Otherwise (“No” in S 12 ), process goes to S 14 , where server computer  100  sends advertisement information to client computer  200 .  
     [0077] After the process in S 10 , S 14  or S 16 , server computer  100  determines whether to log out or not based on a request from client computer  200 . After logging out (“Yes” in S 18 ), process is terminated. Otherwise (“No” in S 18 ), process returns to S 8 , where server computer  100  waits for a service request from the client.  
     [0078] Hereinafter, the login process in S 2 , the virtual character updating process in S 4 , the service providing process in S 10 , the questionnaire process in S 16  and the advertisement sending process in S 14  will be described in more detail.  
     [0079] Referring to FIG. 13, the program running on login processing unit  410  in server computer  100  is directed to the login process, which has the control structure as follows. In the description below, it is assumed that the basic information shown in FIG. 5 has been stored.  
     [0080] In S 100 , CPU  620  determines whether a login request has been received from client computer  200  through communication interface  300 . If so (“Yes” in S 100 ), process goes to S 102 . Otherwise (“No” in S 100 ), process returns to S 100 , where CPU  620  waits for a login request from client computer  200 .  
     [0081] In S 102 , CPU  620  sends data representing an input image screen for user ID and password to client computer  200 .  
     [0082] In S 104 , CPU  620  determines whether the user ID and password have been received from client computer  200 . If so (“Yes” in S 104 ), process goes to S 106 . Otherwise (“No” in S 104 ), process returns to S 104 , where CPU  620  waits for the user ID and password from client computer  200 .  
     [0083] In S 106 , CPU  620  reads out the basic information from user ID storage unit  510 . In S 108 , CPU  620  determines whether the user ID and password received in S 104  match the basic information in user ID storage unit  510  read out in S 106 . If the received user ID and password match the basic information in user ID storage unit  510  (“Yes” in S 108 ), process goes to S 110 . Otherwise (“No” in S 108 ), process goes to S 112 .  
     [0084] In S 110 , CPU  620  sends to client computer  200  data indicating that the login was successfully completed. In S 112 , CPU  620  sends to client computer  200  data indicating mismatch of the user ID and password.  
     [0085] Referring to FIG. 14, the program running on update flag processing unit  420  in server computer  100  is directed to the update flag process, which has the control structure as follows. Note that this update flag process is conducted at intervals of a predetermined period of time.  
     [0086] In S 200 , CPU  620  reads out, from user virtual character storage unit  580 , the day and time when the history of services provided to the user was analyzed the last time (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the “latest analysis day and time”). In S 202 , CPU  620  reads out the history of services provided to the user from user provided history storage unit  520 . The history being read out in S 202  includes the day and the time when a service was provided, the user ID for identification of the user to whom the service was provided, and the service ID for identification of the service provided (see FIG. 6).  
     [0087] In S 204 , CPU  620  determines whether a service has newly been provided to the user after the latest analysis day and time. If so (“Yes” in S 204 ), process goes to S 206 . Otherwise (“No” in S 204 ), the update flag process is terminated.  
     [0088] In S 206 , CPU  620  reads out the category and points corresponding to the service ID of the newly provided service, from service-for-provision storage unit  560 . For example, for the service identified with the service ID of “01243”, the category of “2” and the points of “+10” are read out in S 206  (see FIG. 7).  
     [0089] In S 208 , for the user who received the service after the latest analysis day and time, CPU  620  recalculates the scores of respective categories by adding up the points of the newly provided service to the relevant category. The resultant scores are stored in user virtual character storage unit  580 . In S 210 , CPU  620  writes the current day and time over the latest analysis day and time of the history of services provided to the user, stored in user virtual character storage unit  580 .  
     [0090] In S 212 , CPU  620  sets the character update flag in user virtual character storage unit  580 .  
     [0091] Thus, according to the update flag process, for a user having received a service after the latest analysis of the history of services provided thereto, the points for the newly received service are add to the score for the category to which the service belongs, the current day and time are written over the latest analysis day and time, and the character update flag is set. For a user who has not received a service after the last analysis of the history, the update flag process is terminated, without recalculating the points. The character update flag of such a user has been reset.  
     [0092] Referring to FIG. 15, the program running on virtual character updating unit  430  in server computer  100 , regarding the virtual character updating process, has the control structure as follows.  
     [0093] In S 300 , CPU  620  reads out the character update flag and points for respective categories of the user who logged in, from user virtual character storage unit  580 .  
     [0094] In S 302 , CPU  620  determines whether the character update flag of the logged-in user that was read out in S 300  has been set. If so (“Yes” in S 302 ), process goes to S 304 . If the flag has been reset (“No” in S 302 ), the virtual character updating process is terminated.  
     [0095] In S 304 , CPU  620  reads out the points and the levels of respective categories from virtual character storage unit  570  In S 306 , CPU  620  selects a category whose score is highest for the relevant user. In S 308 , CPU  620  determines whether the score of the selected category is equal to or greater than a prescribed value. If so (“Yes” in S 308 ), process goes to S 310 . If the score is less than the prescribed value (“No” in S 308 ), process goes to S 316 .  
     [0096] In S 310 , CPU  620  determines the level from the score of the selected category. This determination is made based on a relation between the levels and scores stored in virtual character storage unit  570  (see FIG. 8).  
     [0097] In S 312 , CPU  620  reads out the image file name and the added function of the virtual character that corresponds to the level determined in S 310 , from virtual character storage unit  570 . In S 314 , CPU  620  stores the image file name and the added function read out in S 312 , in user virtual character storage unit  580 .  
     [0098] When it is determined that the score of the selected category is less than the prescribed value in S 308  (i.e., the points have not been accumulated to the level enough to determine a category that is characteristic to the relevant user), in S 316 , CPU  620  determines that there is no relevant virtual character. In this case, a default image file name (tamago.gif) is stored as the image file name in user virtual character storage unit  580 . Stored in this default image file is a virtual character (created based on an image of an egg of an animal) that has little association with any categories.  
     [0099] After the process in S 314  or S 316 , CPU  620  resets the character update flag in S 318 .  
     [0100] Thus, according to the virtual character updating process, at the time when the character update flag of the logged-in user is set, a category whose score is highest is selected. The level is determined based on the score, and the image file name and the added function corresponding to the determined level are stored in user virtual character storage unit  580 . The character update flag is then reset. The preference information as shown in FIG. 5 is stored based on the name representing the category having such a highest score.  
     [0101] Referring to FIG. 16, the program running on service providing unit  440  in server computer  100 , regarding the service providing process, has the control structure as follows.  
     [0102] In S 400 , CPU  620  receives a service request from the logged-in user. Here, the service request includes, e.g., requests for download of music data or image data, and requests for participation in chat or electronic bulletin board. Hereinafter, the case where download of data is requested will be described.  
     [0103] In S 402 , CPU  620  reads out data corresponding to the service requested in S 400 , from information-for-provision storage unit  530 .  
     [0104] In S 404 , CPU  620  sends the data that was read out from information-for-provision storage unit  530  in S 402 , to client computer  200  that the logged-in user is using.  
     [0105] In S 406 , CPU  620  obtains the category and points corresponding to the service provided in S 404 , i.e., sending of the data to the user. The category and points are obtained from the service ID and the information stored in service-for-provision storage unit  560  shown in FIG. 7.  
     [0106] In S 408 , CPU  620  adds the points of the service to the score of the relevant category in user virtual character storage unit  580 .  
     [0107] Thus, according to the service providing process, upon reception of a service request from a user, the service requested is provided (e.g., data is sent) to the relevant user. The category corresponding to the service provided (in this case, the sending of the data) is determined, and predetermined points are added to the score of the category thus determined.  
     [0108] Referring to FIG. 17, the program running on questionnaire processing unit  450  in server computer  100 , regarding the questionnaire process, has the control structure as follows. In the description below, it is assumed that questionnaire storage unit  540  stores a plurality of questionnaires and, for each questionnaire, the date (day, time zone) when the relevant questionnaire is supposed to be sent out. As shown in FIG. 5, user ID storage unit  510  stores, for each user, questionnaire answer flags for respective questionnaires. Each questionnaire answer flag is set for the questionnaire that has already been answered, and reset for the one that has not been answered.  
     [0109] In S 500 , CPU  620  reads out preference information and questionnaire answer flags of the logged-in user from user ID storage unit  510 .  
     [0110] In S 502 , CPU  620  determines whether the questionnaire answer flag for the questionnaire that is to be sent out this time has been set. If so (“Yes” in S 502 ), the questionnaire process is terminated. Otherwise (“No” in S 502 ), process goes to S 504 . This step S 502  prevents a user having its questionnaire answer flag set for the questionnaire (i.e., the user who has already answered it) from receiving the same questionnaire again.  
     [0111] In S 504 , CPU  620  determines a category of the questionnaire from its content. This determination is made based on a questionnaire name given according to the content of the questionnaire.  
     [0112] In S 506 , CPU  620  determines whether this category of the questionnaire determined in S 504  matches the preference information read out in S 500 . The preference information has been created based on the name of the category in the virtual character updating process. If the category of the questionnaire matches the user preference information (“Yes” in S 506 ), process goes to S 508 . Otherwise (“No” in S 506 ), the questionnaire process is terminated.  
     [0113] In S 508 , CPU  620  sends the questionnaire to the logged-in user. At this time, the questionnaire is sent in a form of data for implementing a motion of the virtual character of the logged-in user to send out the questionnaire in client computer  200 . Specifically, in client computer  200 , the virtual character of the user makes a motion to display the questionnaire and a motion to prompt the user to answer it. The answer to the questionnaire input by the user is sent to server computer  100 .  
     [0114] In S 510 , CPU  620  determines whether the answer to the questionnaire sent in S 508  has been received. If so (“Yes” in S 510 ), process goes to S 514 . Otherwise (“No” in S 510 ), process goes to S 512 .  
     [0115] In S 512 , CPU  620  determines whether a predetermined time period has passed. If the predetermined time period has passed without receiving the answer (“Yes” in S 512 ), the questionnaire process is terminated. Otherwise (“No” in S 512 ), process returns to S 510 , where CPU  620  waits for the answer from client computer  200 .  
     [0116] In S 514 , CPU  620  stores the answer received in S 510  as the added information in user ID storage unit  510 . In S 516 , CPU  620  sets the relevant questionnaire answer flag of the logged-in user. In S 518 , CPU  620  adds prescribed points to the score of the category to which the questionnaire belongs, in user virtual character storage unit  580 .  
     [0117] Thus, according to the questionnaire process, a questionnaire is sent to the logged-in user under the conditions where the category to which the questionnaire belongs matches the preference information of the relevant user and the user has not answered the questionnaire before. When the user sends the answer to the questionnaire, the corresponding points are added to the score of the category to which the questionnaire belongs.  
     [0118] Referring to FIG. 18, the program running on advertisement processing unit  460  in server computer  100  has, regarding the advertisement process, the control structure as follows. In the description below, it is assumed that advertisement information storage unit  550  stores a plurality of advertisements and, for each advertisement, the day and time zone when the advertisement is to be sent, and conditions (gender, age) for sending the advertisement.  
     [0119] In S 600 , CPU  620  reads out the gender, age and preference information of the logged-in user from user ID storage unit  510 .  
     [0120] In S 602 , CPU  620  selects, based on current day and time, advertisement information that is to be sent, and determines the category of the selected advertisement information. The category is determined based on an advertisement name given according to the content of the advertisement.  
     [0121] In S 604 , CPU  620  reads out the conditions (gender, age) for sending the relevant advertisement information from advertisement information storage unit  550 .  
     [0122] In S 606 , CPU  620  determines whether the category of the advertisement information determined in S 602  matches the preference information of the logged-in user. If they match (“Yes” in S 606 ), process goes to S 608 . If they do not match (“No” in S 606 ), the advertisement process is terminated.  
     [0123] In S 608 , CPU  620  determines whether the gender of the relevant user meets the condition for sending the advertisement information that was read out in S 604 . If so (“Yes” in S 608 ), process goes to S 610 . Otherwise (“No” in S 608 ), the advertisement process is terminated.  
     [0124] In S 610 , CPU  620  determines whether the age of the user meets the condition for sending the advertisement information. This determination is made by checking whether the age of the user is included within a prescribed age range as the condition for sending the advertisement information. If the age of the user meets the condition for sending the advertisement information (“Yes” in S 610 ), process goes to S 612 . Otherwise (“No” in S 610 ), the advertisement process is terminated.  
     [0125] In S 612 , CPU  620  sends the advertisement information to the user. The advertisement information being sent in S 612  is the data for implementing a motion of the virtual character of the user in client computer  200  to prompt the user to access the advertisement information. Specifically, in client computer  200 , the virtual character of the user makes a motion to point a URL (uniform resource locator) for access to the advertisement information, to prompt the user to access the information.  
     [0126] Thus, according to the advertisement process, the gender, age and preference information of the logged-in user are read out from the user ID storage unit. If the gender and age of the user thus read out meet the conditions for sending advertisement information, the advertisement information is sent. In client computer  200  where the advertisement information is received, the virtual character makes a motion to prompt the user to access the advertisement information.  
     [0127] The operations of server computer  100  based on the structures and flow charts explained above will now be described. In the description below, it is assumed that the virtual character is to be displayed on a portal site of the user.  
     [0128] Login Process  
     [0129] A request for login is sent from client computer  200  to server computer  100  (“Yes” in S 100 ). Data representing an input image screen for user ID and password is sent from server computer  100  to client computer  200  that issued the login request (S 102 ). Server computer  100  receives the user ID and password from client computer  200  (“Yes” in S 104 ). The basic information (user ID, password) is read out from user ID storage unit  510  (S 106 ). If the user ID and password received at server computer  100  match the basic information in user ID storage unit  510  (“Yes” in S 108 ), data indicating that the login was successfully completed is sent to client computer  200  (S 110 ).  
     [0130] Virtual Character Updating Process  
     [0131] When a user logs in, server computer  100  reads out a character update flag and scores for respective categories of the logged-in user, from user virtual character storage unit  580  (S 300 ). If the character update flag of the relevant user ID has been set (“Yes” in S 302 ), scores and levels of respective categories are read out from virtual character storage unit  570  (S 304 ).  
     [0132] For the user with the character update flag having been set, a category whose score is highest is selected (S 306 ). If the score of the selected category is equal to or greater than a prescribed value (“Yes” in S 308 ), a level is determined from the score of the selected category (S 310 ). The level is determined based on the data stored in virtual character storage unit  570  shown in FIG. 8.  
     [0133] An image file name and added function corresponding to the determined level are read out from virtual character storage unit  570  (S 312 ). The image file name and added function read out are stored in user virtual character storage unit  580  (S 314 ). After the virtual character updating process is conducted for the logged-in user, the character update flag is reset (S 318 ).  
     [0134] When the login process of the user employing client computer  200  and the virtual character updating process are completed, the virtual character is displayed on the portal site of the user, as shown in FIG. 19. At this time, the user is able to give a character name to the virtual character. The user is also able to look at detailed information of the virtual character displayed. The detailed information includes, for example, the character name, the image file name, the added function, the selected category, the selected level, and the scores for respective categories, as shown in FIG. 9. The user is not allowed to look at detailed information of other users.  
     [0135] As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, not only the character name but also the added function provided to the character are displayed. Referring to FIG. 21, when the character is provided with a stock news delivery function as the added function, the virtual character makes a motion to deliver the stock news to the user. Accordingly, the virtual character shown in FIG. 19 grows to the virtual character as shown in FIG. 20. Such growth of the character is based on the history of services provided from server computer  100  to the user.  
     [0136] Service Providing Process  
     [0137] Assume that the user requests to server computer  100  to provide a service or news (of stock price average) at the portal site shown in FIG. 20. Server computer  100  then reads out the data corresponding to the requested service or the news (of stock price average) from information-for-provision storage unit  530  (S 402 ). The read out data of the news (of stock price average) is provided to the user (S 404 ). Server computer  100  determines the category of the sent data. In this case, the category is determined as “stock” from the service ID of “03445”. Server computer  100  adds predetermined points ( 5  points) to the score of the relevant category (in this case, the category of “stock”) in user virtual character storage unit  580  (S 408 ).  
     [0138] Update Flag Process  
     [0139] When the user receives a service by the service providing process, the day and the time when the service was provided, the user ID for identification of the user who received the service, and the service ID for identification of the service provided, are stored in user provided history storage unit  520  as shown in FIG. 6.  
     [0140] The latest analysis day and time of the history of services provided to the user are read out from user virtual character storage unit  580  at intervals of a predetermined period of time (S 200 ). In this case, the latest analysis day and time being read out are those stored for each user shown in FIG. 9. The history of services provided to the user is read out from user provided history storage unit  520  (S 202 ). The history being read out at this time includes the day and time when the service was provided, the user ID for identification of the user who received the service, and the service ID for identification of the service provided, as shown in FIG. 6.  
     [0141] Server computer  100  determines, for each user, whether a service has newly been provided to the user after the latest analysis day and time. If so (“Yes” in S 204 ), the category and points corresponding to the relevant service ID shown in FIG. 7 are read out from service-for-provision storage unit  560  (S 206 ). The points of respective categories are recalculated for the relevant user, and the resultant scores are stored in user virtual character storage unit  580  (S 208 ). The current day and time are written over the latest analysis day and time (S 210 ), and the character update flag is set (S 212 ).  
     [0142] Accordingly, the service providing process provides the logged-in user with a service, e.g., to receive download of news or music data, or to participate in chat or electronic bulletin board. When the user receives the service, points corresponding to the service are added to the score of the category to which the relevant service belongs. The update flag process is conducted at intervals of a predetermined time period, and the character update flag is set for a user who has received a service after the latest analysis day and time. Next time the same user logs in, the virtual character updating process is performed. On the portal site of each user of client computer  200 , a grown virtual character is displayed. The virtual character as shown in FIG. 19 is grown according to the points being accumulated, and the grown character as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed on the portal site.  
     [0143] Questionnaire Process  
     [0144] If the system is configured such that a questionnaire is to be sent to a user, then, a predetermined time period after the login of the user, the preference information and the questionnaire answer flag of the logged-in user are read out from user ID storage unit  510  (S 500 ). If the answer flag has been set for the questionnaire that is supposed to be sent at that time zone (“Yes” in S 502 ), the questionnaire process is not conducted for the user, as the user has already answered the questionnaire. If the answer flag for the questionnaire has been reset (“No” in S 502 ), the category to which the questionnaire belongs is determined from the content of the questionnaire stored in questionnaire storage unit  540  (S 504 ). If the category to which the questionnaire belongs and the preference information of the logged-in user match with each other (“Yes” in S 506 ), the questionnaire is sent to the user (S 508 ).  
     [0145] When the questionnaire is sent to the logged-in user (S 508 ), the virtual character is displayed on the portal site of the user, as shown in FIG.  22 . The virtual character makes a motion to display the questionnaire and a motion to prompt the user to answer the questionnaire. The user uses client computer  200  to select the answer to the questionnaire and pushes a send button. Server computer  100  receives the answer thus sent (“Yes” in S 510 ).  
     [0146] Before a predetermined time has passed (“No” in S 512 ), if the answer is received from the user (“Yes” in S 510 ), then the received answer is stored in user ID storage unit  510  as the added information (S 514 ). Upon receipt of the answer from the user, the questionnaire answer flag is set (S 516 ). As shown in FIG. 5, when the user makes an answer to the first questionnaire, the answer is stored as the added information, and the questionnaire answer flag for the first questionnaire is set.  
     [0147] Upon receipt of the answer from the user, server computer  100  adds predetermined points to the score of the category to which the questionnaire belongs, for the relevant user stored in user virtual character storage unit  580  (S 518 ).  
     [0148] Advertisement Process  
     [0149] The advertisement process is conducted if no request for providing a service is received from server computer  100  before a predetermined tine period has passed from the user login and if no questionnaire is supposed to be sent at the current day and time.  
     [0150] The gender, age and preference information of the user are read out from user ID storage unit  510  (S 600 ). The advertisement information that is to be sent at the time zone is read out from advertisement information storage unit  550 , and the category to which the relevant advertisement information belongs is determined (S 602 ).  
     [0151] The conditions (gender, age) for sending the advertisement information are read out from advertisement information storage unit  550  (S 604 ). Only in the case where the category of the advertisement information matches the preference information of the user (“Yes” in S 606 ), the gender of the user meets the condition for sending the advertisement information (“Yes” in S 608 ) and the age of the user meets the condition for sending the advertisement information (“Yes” in S 610 ), the advertisement information is sent to the user (S 612 ).  
     [0152] When the advertisement information is sent from server computer  100  to client computer  200  (S 612 ), the virtual character is displayed on the portal site of the user, as shown in FIG. 23. The virtual character makes a motion to indicate the title of the advertisement information. A button for accessing the advertisement information is displayed, and the user can visit the predetermined URL by pushing the button, and read the advertisement whose title has been displayed on the portal site.  
     [0153] As explained above, the server computer according to the present embodiment is able to let the virtual character grow based on the contents of the services having been provided to the logged-in user. The function allowed for the virtual character is improved as it grows. As a result, it is possible to provide, in a server-client system, a server computer that permits a virtual character stored therein to grow according to operations of the client, and whose function allowed within the system is improved according to the growth of the virtual character.  
     [0154] The virtual character updating process in S 4  described above may be conducted, not after the login process in S 2 , but immediately before or immediately after the logout. Alternatively, the virtual character updating process in S 4  may be conducted every time the service providing process is conducted in S 10 , or every time the questionnaire process is conducted in S 16 .  
     [0155] Further, in the update flag process, the determination may be made as to whether the accumulated points or score of a category has crossed a border between two levels after S 208 , and the character update flag may be set only when the score has crossed the border.  
     [0156] In addition, in the questionnaire process, certain gender and age may be preset for each questionnaire, and the determination as to whether to send the questionnaire or not may be made based on the preset gender and age.  
     [0157] Second Embodiment  
     [0158] The server computer according to the present embodiment includes, instead of the communication interface  300  in the first embodiment, a communication interface  350  having a different function.  
     [0159] Referring to FIG. 24, communication interface  350  includes: a web response unit  352  that is connected to a portable telephone  250  of a user through a telephone line for portable telephone; an automatic voice response unit  354  that is connected to a stationary telephone  252  of the user through a telephone line for stationary telephone; and an image data transforming unit  356  that is connected to a stationary telephone provided with a facsimile function (hereinafter, referred to as “stationary telephone (facsimile)”)  254  of the user through the telephone line for stationary telephone. Web response unit  352 , automatic voice response unit  354  and image data transforming unit  356  are connected to the control unit  400 , and operate based on control signals from control unit  400 .  
     [0160] In the present embodiment, virtual character storage unit  570  stores, in addition to the image data of the virtual character, audio data (e.g., bird songs) of the virtual character. Otherwise, the hardware configuration of the second embodiment is identical to that of the first embodiment, and thus, detailed description thereof is not repeated here.  
     [0161] Web response unit  352  transforms the data indicating the input image screen for user ID and password into the data format that can be displayed using the browser function provided to portable telephone  250 , and sends the transformed data to portable telephone  250 . Web response unit  352  transforms the data representing the virtual character that is stored in user virtual character storage unit  580  into the data format that can be displayed using the browser function provided to portable telephone  250  before sending thereto.  
     [0162] In the description below, it is assumed that the user terminal device includes, in addition to portable telephone  250 , stationary telephone  252  and stationary telephone (facsimile)  254 , an information terminal like a PDA (personal digital assistant) having a browser function.  
     [0163] Automatic voice response unit  354  responds to the login request with tone signals from stationary telephone  252 , and executes a login request process using synthetic voice. Automatic voice response unit  354  transforms the audio data of the virtual character stored with the image data, to the data format that can be output by the stationary telephone, and sends the transformed data to stationary telephone  252 .  
     [0164] Image data transforming unit  356  responds to the request from stationary telephone (facsimile)  254 , transforms the image data of the virtual character to the data format that can be output by a facsimile, and sends the transformed data to stationary telephone (facsimile)  254 .  
     [0165] Referring to FIG. 25, the login process and the virtual character sending process of server computer  100  according to the present embodiment will be described. The other processes are identical to those in the first embodiment, and therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.  
     [0166] In S 700 , CPU  620  determines whether a login request was received from the terminal device of the user. If so (“Yes” in S 700 ), process goes to S 702 . Otherwise (“No” in S 700 ), process returns to S 700 , where CPU  620  waits for the login request from a user terminal device.  
     [0167] In S 702 , CPU  620  determines whether the user terminal device from which the request was received in S 700  is a stationary telephone, portable telephone or information terminal. If it is the stationary telephone (“stationary telephone” in S 702 ), process goes to S 712 . If it is the portable telephone or the information terminal (“portable telephone, information terminal” in S 702 ), process goes to S 704 .  
     [0168] In S 704 , CPU  620  determines the kind of the terminal device. The determination is made based on the information included in a header of the received login request data.  
     [0169] In S 706 , CPU  620  transforms the data indicating the input image screen for user ID and password, according to the kind of the terminal device determined in S 704 . In S 708 , CPU  620  sends the data transformed in S 706  to the terminal device of the user.  
     [0170] In S 710 , CPU  620  determines whether user ID and password have been received from the terminal device of the user. If so (“Yes” in S 710 ), process goes to S 716 . Otherwise (“No” in S 710 ), process returns to S 710 , where CPU  620  waits until the user ID and password are received from the terminal device of the user.  
     [0171] When the terminal device of the user which issued the received login request is the stationary telephone, in S 712 , CPU  620  controls automatic voice response unit  354  to request the user to input the user ID and password. In S 714 , CPU  620  determines whether the user ID and password have been received from the terminal device of the user by tone signals. If so (“Yes” in S 714 ), process goes to S 716 . Otherwise (“No” in S 714 ), process returns to S 714 , where CPU  620  waits until the user ID and password are received by tone signals.  
     [0172] In S 716 , CPU  620  reads out the basic information (user ID, password) from user ID storage unit  510 . In S 718 , CPU  620  determines whether the received user ID and password match the basic information in user ID storage unit  510 . If they match (“Yes” in S 718 ), process goes to S 722 . If they do not match (“No” in S 718 ), process goes to S 720 .  
     [0173] In S 720 , CPU  620  sends data indicating the mismatch of the user ID and password to the terminal device of the user.  
     [0174] In S 722 , CPU  620  sends data indicating that the login is completed to the terminal device of the user. If the user terminal device is the portable telephone or the information terminal, the sending processes in S 720  and S 722  are performed by sending the data through web response unit  352 . If the user terminal device is the stationary telephone, the processes are performed by sending synthetic voice from automatic voice response unit  354 .  
     [0175] In S 724 , CPU  620  reads out the image data and audio data of the virtual character from user virtual character storage unit  580 . In S 726 , determination is made whether the terminal device of the logged-in user is a stationary telephone, portable telephone or information terminal. The process in this step S 726  is identical to the process in S 702  described above. If the terminal device is the portable telephone or the information terminal, in S 728 , CPU  620  transforms the image data read out in S 724 , according to the kind of the terminal device.  
     [0176] When the terminal device of the user is the stationary telephone, in S 730 , CPU  620  determines whether the user desires reception of the virtual character by voice or facsimile. This determination is made based on the answer that was input by the user according to the synthetic voice output from automatic voice response unit  354 . If the user wants to receive the character by voice (“voice” in S 730 ), process goes to S 734 . If the user wants to receive the character by facsimile (“FAX” in S 730 ), in S 732 , image data transforming unit  356  transforms the image data into the data that can be output by the facsimile.  
     [0177] After the data transformation in S 728  and S 732 , in S 736 , CPU  620  sends the transformed data to the terminal device of the user. When the user wants to receive the virtual character by the voice, in S 734 , the audio data stored in user virtual character storage unit  580  is transformed into the data format with which the stationary telephone can output the voice, and the transformed data is sent to the stationary telephone.  
     [0178] The operation of server computer  100  according to the present embodiment based on the structures and flow charts explained above will now be described.  
     [0179] If Terminal Device is Portable Telephone or Information Terminal  
     [0180] When a user sends a login request using a terminal device having a browser function, such as a portable telephone or an information terminal, server computer  100  receives the login request from the terminal device of the user (“Yes” in S 700 ). The kind of the terminal device is determined based on the information included in the header of the login request data that was sent from the portable telephone or information terminal to server computer  100  (S 704 ). Based on the kind of the terminal device, the data indicating the input image screen for user ID and password is transformed (S 706 ), and the transformed data is sent to the terminal device of the user (S 708 ).  
     [0181] When the terminal device of the user receives the data indicating the input image screen for user ID and password, the input image screen for user ID and password is displayed on a display screen of the portable telephone or information terminal. When the terminal device of the user sends the user ID and password, server computer  100  determines that the user ID and password were received from the terminal device of the user (“Yes” in S 710 ). In this case, web response unit  352  receives the user ID and password sent from the portable telephone or information terminal.  
     [0182] If the received user ID and password match the basic information in user ID storage unit  510  (“Yes” in S 718 ), the data indicating that the login is completed is transformed into the data format corresponding to the kind of the terminal device, portable telephone or information terminal, and sent to the relevant device (S 722 ). The image data of the virtual character of the logged-in user is read out from user virtual character storage unit  580  (S 724 ), and transformed according to the kind of the terminal device (S 728 ). The transformed data is sent to the terminal device of the user (S 736 ). The data thus transmitted makes it possible to display the virtual character on a display unit of the terminal device of the user, portable telephone or information terminal. In the case of the portable telephone, for example, the portal site is displayed on the display unit of the portable telephone, with the virtual character of the user being displayed therein, as shown in FIG. 26.  
     [0183] If Terminal Device is Stationary Telephone (Voice)  
     [0184] When a user issues a login request using the stationary telephone, server computer  100  receives the login request from the user terminal device (S 700 ). At this time, the login request by tone signals from the stationary telephone is sent through automatic voice response unit  354  to a control unit. Automatic voice response unit  354  uses synthetic voice to prompt input of the user ID and password (S 712 ), and the user inputs the user ID and password with the tone signals. The tone signals are sent to server computer  100 , and server computer  100  determines that the user ID and password were received (“Yes” in S 714 ).  
     [0185] If the user ID and password received by the tone signals match the basic information read out from user ID storage unit  510  (“Yes” in S 718 ), the data indicating that the login is completed is sent to the terminal device of the user (S 722 ). In this case, automatic voice response unit  354  sends the synthetic voice notifying the completion of the login. The audio data of the virtual character of the logged-in user is read out from user virtual character storage unit  580  (S 724 ). The read out audio data is transformed into the data format that can be output from the stationary telephone, and sent thereto (S 734 ).  
     [0186] If Terminal Device is Stationary Telephone (Facsimile)  
     [0187] The login process and virtual character sending process in the case where the terminal device of the user is a stationary telephone and the user wants to receive the data of the virtual character by facsimile will be described. The operations for the login process in S 700 -S 722  are identical to the case of the stationary telephone (voice) described above, and thus, detailed description thereof is not repeated here.  
     [0188] Server computer  100  reads out the image data of the virtual character of the logged-in user from user virtual character storage unit  580  (S 724 ). The read out image data is transformed such that it can be output by the facsimile (S 732 ). The transformed data is sent to the terminal device of the user (S 736 ). When the data thus transformed to the data format for output by the facsimile is sent to the stationary telephone (facsimile) as the user terminal device, the image of the virtual character is output from the stationary telephone (facsimile).  
     [0189] As explained above, according to the present embodiment, it is again possible to provide a server computer that permits a virtual character stored therein to grow according to the operations of the client, regardless of the kind of the terminal device, and whose function in the server-client system is improved according to the growth of the virtual character.  
     [0190] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.