JP2002253865A - Management method of network game - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a player under log-in to easily and quickly perform a game with a player under log-out. SOLUTION: A plurality of players who operate portable communication terminals 30 is preliminarily registered a game server 20. When any player logs in to the game server through a communication network 40, the game is provided to the portable communication terminal 30 of this player. A game screen is displayed on a display, and both characters under log-in and log-out are displayed on the game screen. When the player selects the character under log-out, a selection signal is transmitted to the game server 20. The game server 20 transmits a log-in operation request to the portable communication terminal 30 of the player operating the selected character.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game management method for a game server that provides a game to a game device of a player who has logged in through a communication network, or a game device and a game server applied to a game using a communication network. , A game program or a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Multiplayer R using the Internet
As a PG (Role Playing Game), Ultima Online provided by Electronic Arts Square is well known. Such multiplayer RP
In G, a game map and player character data are prepared in a game server on the Internet, and a virtual space in which one's player character appears is reproduced on the display of each client computer that has logged in to the game server. Another player character also appears in the virtual space, and this player character is operated by another client computer. As described above, since all the player characters appearing in the virtual space are operated by the client computer, it is possible to enjoy a realistic bargain that cannot be enjoyed by the stand-alone RPG.

[0003]

However, according to the prior art, only the player character logged in to the game server appears in the virtual space. Therefore, in order to play a game with a player who is not logged in to the game server, a non-real time method such as writing on a bulletin board provided in the game or a real space contact method such as making a phone call is used. And it took time to start the game. Also, in a game such as the conventional technology, there are many players who do not want to have a connection with an opponent in the real space even if they play a role as a friend in the game. Can not.

[0004] One of the pleasures in a multiplayer game is to meet a person having a common hobby, but in the conventional system, a new friend can be found only in the player who is logged in at that time. Absent. Of course, on the bulletin board, "People who like ○○○, please come to △△ at xx days of xx"
You can meet people who have a common hobby by leaving a message such as leaving a message saying, but in this case, it is necessary to always access at the meeting time, so it is not only flexible, but also after writing a message on the bulletin board You need to take enough time to get this message read. For this reason, there is a problem that it takes time to enjoy the game with the desired opponent.

[0005] Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a game management method capable of easily and quickly playing a game between a player who has logged in to the game server and a player who has not logged in to the game server. It is to be.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a game server that enables a logged-in player to easily and quickly play a game with a non-logged-in player.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a game device which can easily and quickly play a game with a player who has not logged in to the game server.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a game program capable of playing a game easily and quickly between a player who has logged in to the game server and a player who has not logged in to the game server. It is.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a game program capable of playing a game easily and quickly between a player who has logged in to the game server and a player who has not logged in to the game server. It is to provide.

[0010]

A first invention relates to a game management method of a game server for providing a game to a first game device of a first player who has logged in through a communication network among a plurality of players registered in advance. Transmitting, to the first game device, player information indicating a second player who is not logged in among the plurality of players, and receiving a first selection signal for selecting the second player from the first game device; A game management method comprising transmitting a login operation request to a second game device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game server for providing a game to a first game device of a first player who has logged in through a communication network among a plurality of players registered in advance, wherein the user is logged in among the plurality of players. Transmitting means for transmitting player information indicating a second player to the first game device, and a login operation request to the second game device of the second player when receiving a selection signal for selecting the second player from the first game device. A game server comprising transmission means for transmitting.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in a game device operated by a player who has logged in to a game server through a communication network, player information indicating a specific player registered in advance when logging in to the game server but not logged in to the game server. Receiving information from the game server, guiding means for guiding selection of a specific player based on the player information, requesting means for requesting the game server to transmit a login operation request to the specific player when the specific player is selected. And a login operation request receiving means for receiving a login operation request from the game server when not logged in to the game server.

A fourth invention is a game program to be executed by a game device operated by a player who logs in to a game server through a communication network, wherein the game program is registered in advance when logging in to the game server and logs in to the game server. A player information receiving step for receiving player information indicating a specific player from the game server, a selection guiding step for guiding selection of a specific player based on the player information, transmitting a login operation request to the specific player when the specific player is selected And a login operation request receiving step of receiving a login operation request from the game server when the user is not logged in to the game server.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in a storage medium storing a game program to be executed by a game device operated by a player who logs in to the game server through a communication network, the game program is registered in advance when logging in to the game server. A player information receiving step of receiving player information indicating a specific player who has been logged in and not logged in to the game server from the game server, a selection guiding step of guiding selection of a specific player based on the player information, and when the specific player is selected Requesting a game server to transmit a login operation request to a specific player, and a login operation request receiving step of receiving a login operation request from the game server when not logged in to the game server, It is a 憶媒 body.

[0015]

According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, a plurality of players are registered in the game server in advance, and the game server logs in through the communication network.
A game is provided to a first game device of a player. At this time, the game server transmits, to the first game device, player information indicating a second player who has not logged in.
When a first selection signal for selecting a player is received from the first game device, a login operation request is transmitted to the second game device of the second player. By transmitting the player information to the first game device, the second player who has not logged in can be easily grasped by the first game device. here,
When the second player is selected by the first player, a first selection signal is provided from the first game device to the game server, and a login operation request is transmitted from the game server to the second game device. That is, the first player invites the second player to participate in the game.

In one aspect of the present invention, each player can register first transmission information for uniformly permitting / prohibiting transmission of a login operation request in the game server. When the first transmission information of the second player indicates prohibition, the game server returns the first message to the first game device without transmitting a login operation request to the second game device.

In another aspect of the present invention, each player can register second transmission information for permitting / prohibiting transmission of a login operation request for each player in the game server. When the second transmission information of the second player indicates prohibition for the first player, the game server returns the first message to the first game device without transmitting a login operation request to the second game device.

[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, the game server returns a second message to the first game device when the login operation rejection is returned from the second game device in response to the login operation request.

The login operation request may include identification information for identifying the first player.

In still another aspect of the present invention, each player can register personal information in the game server. When receiving the second selection signal for selecting the second player from the first game device, the game server returns the personal information of the second player to the first game device.

[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, the game server includes a first server which indicates a first character operated by a first player.
Reading from the memory a character signal, a two-character signal indicating a second character operated by the second player, and a third character signal indicating a third character operated by a third player who has already logged in when the first player logs in; The player information is added to the second character signal, and the first and second character signals to which the first character signal and the player information are added are transmitted to the first game device. The second character is displayed on the first game device in a manner different from the first character and the third character.

In the third to fifth inventions, when the player operates the game device, the player logs in to the game server through the communication network. When the user logs in to the game server, player information indicating a specific player registered in advance and not logged in to the game server is transmitted from the game server, and selection of the specific player is guided based on the player information. When the specific player is selected, a request for transmitting a login operation request to the specific player is transmitted to the game server. A game device that has not logged in to the game server receives a login operation request from the game server. That is, when a specific player is selected in the logged-in game device, a login operation request is given to the game device of the specific player.

[0023]

According to the first and second inventions, when the first player selects the second player, a first selection signal is given from the first game device to the game server, and the second selection signal is sent from the game server to the second server. Since the login operation request is transmitted to the game device, the game can be played easily and quickly between the first player and the second player.

According to the third to fifth aspects of the present invention, when a specific player is selected in the logged-in game device, a login operation request is given to the specific player's game device. A game can be played easily and quickly with a player who has not logged in.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, a network game system 10 of this embodiment includes a game server 20 which is always connected to a communication network 40 by wire, and a plurality of mobile phones which are wirelessly connected to the communication network 40 as necessary. Communication terminal 3
0, 30, ... are included. When a player registered in the game server 20 operates his / her own mobile communication terminal 30 to log in to the game server 20, the game server 20 provides a game to the mobile communication terminal 30 of the logged-in player. This enables a game between the logged-in players.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game server 20
As shown in FIG. 3, the memory 24 includes a program storage area 24a, a terrain matrix storage area 24b, and a character data storage area 24c.
And a work area 24d. The program storage area 24a stores a game program, and the terrain matrix storage area 24b stores matrix data indicating the terrain of the virtual space where the game is played. The character data storage area 24c stores data (character data) of characters 1, 2, 3,... Operated by each player. Further, the work area 24d stores matrix data (character matrix) indicating characters appearing in the virtual space, a transmission list listing destinations of the character matrix, and the like.

The memory 24 may be a non-removable storage medium such as a hard disk or a non-volatile memory (for example, an EEPROM) provided inside the apparatus, or a removable storage medium such as a magneto-optical disk or a memory card. May be used.

The game program stored in the program storage area 24a executes processing according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

The matrix data stored in the terrain matrix storage area 24b is data indicating the terrain (map) of the entire virtual space. The virtual space is divided into n blocks in both the horizontal and vertical directions, and each block is assigned coordinates (X1, Y1) to (Xn, Yn). The terrain matrix is represented by coordinate data of each block and an identification number (graphic number) of graphic data to be reproduced in each block.

The character data stored in the character data storage area 24c includes a character ID, a name, a mail address, an IP address, personal information, position information, map size information, status information, and reception mode information. The character ID is a unique identifier assigned to each character, the name is a unique character name assigned to each character, and the mail address and the IP address are the player operating the character (portable communication terminal 30). Is the unique address assigned to. The mail address is used when transmitting a login operation request from the game server 20 to the mobile communication terminal 30, and the IP address is used when transmitting map data and the like to the mobile communication terminal 30 that has completed login.

The personal information includes the character's gender, the character's age, the character's occupation, the character's graphic number, the character's possession, the character's belongings (items), and the message that the character emits to each player. The position information is information indicating in which block (coordinates) the character is present in the virtual space and in which direction, and the map size information is
It is information indicating which size of the virtual space of size 1 or size 2 is to be displayed on the portable communication terminal 30 of the player, and the status information is information indicating whether the player is in a login or logout state. .

Acceptance mode information is information indicating which player can accept a call. When accepting calls from any player (neutral acceptance)
Is set to "Allow paging" in switch 1,
"Allow all characters" is set for switch 2,
Then, the character list is left blank. When accepting only a call from a specific character (accepting only a call from a friend), switch 1 is set to "permit calling" and switch 2 is set to "permit only specific character".
Is set, and the name of a specific character (friend character) is registered in the character list.

When a call from any other than a specific character is accepted (call from a person requiring caution is rejected), "Allow calling" is set in the switch 1 and "Allow other than a specific character is set in the switch 2". Is set, and the name of a specific character (person in need of care) is registered in the character list. To reject a call from any of the characters, "prohibit calling" is set in the switch 1, and the contents of the switch 2 and the character list are invalidated. When a certain player requests transmission of a login operation request to another player, the game server 20 refers to the reception mode information to determine whether to transmit a login operation request.

It is to be noted that a player who wants to participate in the game needs to register in advance with the game server 20, and at the time of this registration, arbitrary character data is created by the player.

The character matrix stored in the work area 24d is matrix data indicating characters appearing in the virtual space. When a login request, a logout request, a character moving request, and the like are given from the player, the character matrix is created for a part of the virtual space centered on the character of the requesting player. This part of the virtual space is divided into m blocks in both the horizontal and vertical directions, and each block is assigned coordinates (Xp, Yp) to (Xp + m, Yp + m) (m <n). ). The character matrix also
Like the terrain matrix, it is represented by coordinate data and a graphic number.

Even for the same character, if the orientation of the character is different (forward, backward, right, left), the display mode is different. In addition, a character that is logged out is displayed in the virtual space in a sleep state.
Since a character has a plurality of display modes, an extension is added to each graphic number in order to identify the display mode. For example, if the character is forward, “f” is added, if the character is backward, “b” is added, if the character is right, “r” is added, and if the character is left, “l” is added. Is added, and "s" is added if the character is asleep. Note that the coordinates and orientation of each character are specified by the position information, and the login /
Logout is specified by status information.

The transmission list stored in the work area 24d is a list listing players who are to transmit map data including a terrain matrix and a character matrix. Mobile communication terminal 3 for which virtual space needs to be updated
0 differs depending on the relative position between the character of the player who has given the login request, the logout request, the movement request, and the other character, and the size (map size) of the virtual space to be displayed. For this reason, players who need to update the virtual space are listed in the transmission list based on the position information and the map size information of each character.

From the terrain matrix area 24b and the work area 24d, a part of the terrain matrix and the character matrix centered on each of the listed player characters are cut out, and the cut out terrain matrix and character matrix are used as map data. The information is transmitted to the mobile communication terminal 30 of each player.

The portable communication terminal 30 includes a main body 32 formed in an elongated elliptical shape as shown in FIG. An antenna 34 protrudes from the upper surface of the main body 32, and
Call speaker 36, display 38, game key 4
0, a telephone key 42 and a telephone microphone 44 are arranged. The game keys 40 include an A button 40a and a B button 40b for controlling the behavior of the character, display of a menu screen, selection of menu items, and the like.
And a cross key 40c for moving a character on the menu screen or a cursor on the menu screen. As the telephone key 42, a hook key 42a, a hold key 42b, numeric keys 42c indicating "0" to "9",
There are a * key 42d, a # key 42e, a manner key 42f, and a voice memo key 42g. The numeric key 42
Alphabetic characters, hiragana characters, and the like are assigned to the c, * key 42d and # key 42e, so that mail can be created.

The inside of the main body 32 is configured as shown in FIG. The antenna 34 is connected to a communication circuit 44, and the call speaker 36 and the call microphone 42 are connected to a voice conversion circuit 46. Communication circuit 44 and voice conversion circuit 4
6 are connected to each other, and all are controlled by the CPU 48. The CPU 48 is also connected with a game key 40, a telephone key 42, a display 36, a vibration motor 52, a calling speaker 54, and a nonvolatile memory 50 such as an EEPROM. The vibration motor 52 vibrates the main body 32 when receiving the mail or the incoming call signal, and the calling speaker 54 outputs a ringing sound when receiving the mail or the incoming call signal. The calling speaker 54 is provided on the back of the main body 32.

The memory 50 has a program storage area 50a and a graphic data storage area 50 as shown in FIG.
b, a work area 50c and a display area 50d are formed. The program storage area 50a stores a game program received from the game server 20 when the player registers character data. The graphic data storage area 50b stores the game server 20 when logged in.
Stores the graphic data received from. The work area 50c stores map data received from the game server 20 during login, reception mode information set by the player himself, and an acquaintance character list. The reception mode information and the acquaintance character list are transferred from the program storage area 50a to the work area 50d at the time of login, and are transferred from the work area 50d to the program storage area 50a at the time of logout.

The program storage area 50a must be formed in a non-volatile memory, but the graphic data storage area 50b, the work area 50c and the display area 50c
d may be formed in a volatile RAM. The graphic data may be received together with the game program at the time of registration with the game server 20, but in this case, the graphic data storage area 50b needs to be formed in a nonvolatile memory.

The game program stored in the program storage area 50a executes processing according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

The graphic data stored in the graphic data storage area 50b includes image data of an object forming a virtual space such as "tree", "rock", "lawn" and image data of a character appearing in the virtual space. And different graphic numbers are assigned to the respective image data. As described above, the character has five states: forward, backward, right, left, and sleeping. Image data indicating each state is prepared in the graphic data storage area 50b.
A common graphic number is assigned to each image data, but extensions added to the graphic numbers are different from each other.

The map data stored in the work area 50c includes a terrain matrix and a character matrix of a virtual space (a size 1 or size 2 virtual space) reproduced on the display 38. As shown in FIG. 7, the terrain matrix includes the coordinates (X1, Y1) to (Xs, Ys) of each block forming the virtual space and the graphic number of the terrain reproduced in each block. It comprises the coordinates (X1, Y1) to (Xs, Ys) of each block forming the virtual space and the graphic number of the character reproduced in each block. Size 1
, The number of horizontal blocks and the number of vertical blocks are, for example, “9” (s = 9). In the case of a virtual space of size 2, the number of horizontal blocks and the number of vertical blocks are, for example, “5” (s). = 5). Note that s <m for both size 1 and size 2.

Based on the map data and the graphic data in the graphic data storage area 50b, virtual space data (game screen data) of size 1 or size 2 shown in FIG. 8 is created. The created virtual space data is stored in the display area 50d, and a virtual space (game screen) based on the data is displayed on the display 38. According to FIG. 8, the terrain is represented by “rocks”, “trees”, “cobblestones”, and the like, and characters such as “clown”, “mage”, and “mountain” appear on such terrain. The character who is logging in stands up and roams the virtual space. On the other hand, the character being logged out is sleeping at the place where the character was immediately before logout. That is, in this embodiment, all the characters registered in the game server 20 are reproduced in the virtual space irrespective of whether the player is logged in to the game server 20.

Returning to FIG. 6, the reception mode information stored in the work area 50c is different from the reception mode information forming the character data on the game server 20 side, and has only the switch 1 and the switch 2. However, an acquaintance character list is stored separately from the reception mode information, and a sublist of “friend character”, “neutral character”, and “attention person character” is formed in this character list. The meanings of the switch 1, the switch 2, the friend character, the neutral character, and the person-of-attention character are the same between the game server 20 and the portable communication terminal 30.

A start menu screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display 38 of the portable communication terminal 30 during logout. When "game" is selected here, the start menu screen is shown in FIG. Updated to the game menu screen. According to FIG. 10, the title "Online Game" is displayed on the upper side of the screen, and the menu items "Start game" and "Change reception mode" and a cursor pointing to one of the menu items are displayed on the lower side of the screen. Is done. The player presses the cross key 40c and the A button 40
When “start a game” is selected in a, a login request is transmitted from the mobile communication terminal 30 to the game server 20. The game server 20 detects the character data of the player who transmitted the login request from the character data storage area 24c shown in FIG. 3, and updates the status information included in the detected character data from “logout” to “login”.

Further, based on the position information, map size information, and status information included in each character data, a player whose screen needs to be updated by this login is listed in a transmission list, and the listed players are listed. Create map data individually for. The created map data is individually transmitted to the portable communication terminals 30 of the listed players, and the portable communication terminal 30 receiving the map data displays a game screen based on the map data on the display 38. The display of the mobile communication terminal 30 logged in this time is shown in FIG.
The game menu screen shown in FIG. 11 is updated to the game screen shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. In the mobile communication terminal 30 already logged in, the sleeping character displayed on the game screen stands up.

When the logged-in player operates the cross key 40c, a movement request is transmitted to the game server 20. When the movement request is given, the game server 20
The character data of the requesting player is detected from the character data storage area 24b, and the position information included in the detected character data is updated. Further, similarly to the above, the players who need to update the game screen are listed, different map data are created for each of the listed players, and the created map data is transmitted to the mobile communication terminal 30 of each player. I do. by this,
The display on the display 38 of the mobile communication terminal 30 that has received the map data is updated based on the map data. That is, the character of the player who has operated the cross key 40c moves on the game screen of each portable communication terminal 30 that has received the map data.

When the player moves his or her character in front of another character and operates the A button 40a, an action menu screen having two menu items of "examine" and "wake up" is displayed as shown in FIG. It is multiplexed on the upper right of the screen. Here, when the player operates the cross key 40c and the A button 40a and selects “examine”,
“Examine” information is transmitted to the game server 20. The game server 20 detects the character data of the player who has transmitted the “examine” information from the character data storage area 24c shown in FIG. 3, and converts the character information into position information (coordinates and orientation) included in the detected character data. Based on the position information (coordinates) included, the character data of the partner (character in front) to be examined is specified. Then, the character name and the personal information included in the specified character data are returned to the transmission source of the "check" information. The portable communication terminal 30 that has received the character name and the personal information first registers the character name in the “neutral character” sublist shown in FIG. 6, and then displays the personal information screen as shown in FIG.
8 is displayed.

According to FIG. 14, a character image is displayed on the upper left of the screen, the name, occupation, gender and age of the character are displayed on the right side of the character image, and a message is displayed on the lower side of the screen. The character image is generated based on the graphic number included in the personal information and the graphic data stored in the graphic data storage area 50b shown in FIG. Also, of the received personal information, the abilities and belongings are not displayed.

When "wake up" is selected on the action menu screen shown in FIG. 13, "wake up" information is transmitted from the portable communication terminal 30 to the game server 20. The game server 20 stores the character data of the player who transmitted the "wake up" information in the character data storage area 2 shown in FIG.
4c, character data of a partner (a character existing ahead) to be raised is specified based on position information included in the detected character data and position information included in another character data. Then, the reception mode information included in the specified character data is determined.

If the content of the switch 1 is "prohibit calling", the information A is sent to the source of the "wake up" information.
Will be returned. On the display 38 of the portable communication terminal 30 which has received the information A, a message "Sleep and no sign of waking up ..." is displayed in the manner shown in FIG. Even if the content of the switch 1 is "permit calling", the content of the switch 2 is "permit only a specific character", and the character name of the source of the "wake up" information is not registered in the character list. Or if the content of switch 2 is "allow other than a specific character"
And the character name of the transmission source of the "wake up" information is registered in the character list, information A is returned in the same manner as described above, and the message shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the portable communication terminal 30 of the transmission source. Is done.

On the other hand, when the contents of the switches 1 and 2 are "permit calling" and "permit all characters", the contents of the switches 1 and 2 are "permit calling" and "Only specific characters are permitted", and the character list of the request source is registered in the character list, or the contents of switches 1 and 2 are "permit calling" and "permit non-specific characters" If the character name of the request source is not registered in the character list, the mobile communication terminal 3 of the opponent who wants to generate a game-specific mail (login operation request) from the game server 20.
Sent to 0. That is, the character data storage area 2
From 4c, the mail address of the partner who wants to wake up is detected and transmitted to the address where the game-specific mail including the character name of the request source is detected.

A call screen as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the display 38 of the portable communication terminal 30 that has received the game-specific mail. According to FIG. 17, a call message including the character name of the requesting source is displayed at the center of the screen, and below the call message, "Start game", "Do not play now", and "Change to call prohibition mode" are displayed. Three menu items are displayed.

Here, when the player who has received the game-specific mail selects “start game” using the cross key 40c and the A button 40a, the corresponding command information is returned to the game server 20. Game server 2
0 performs the same processing as when the login request is received, thereby displaying a plurality of mobile communication terminals 30 including the mobile communication terminal 30 that has transmitted the “wake up” information and the mobile communication terminal 30 that has received the game-specific mail. Is updated.

When the player who has received the game exclusive mail selects “don't play now” shown in FIG. 17, the corresponding command information is returned to the game server 20. At this time, the game server 20 returns the information B to the source of the information that “wakes up”. On the display 38 of the mobile communication terminal 30 that has received the information B, a message “Mummy.

When the player who has received the game-specific mail selects "change to call prohibition mode" shown in FIG. 17, the contents of switch 1 of the reception mode information shown in FIG. 6 are updated to "prohibit call". The command information corresponding to the selected menu item is returned to the game server 20. At this time, the game server 20 detects the character data of the player who transmitted the command information from the character data storage area 24c shown in FIG.
The contents of the switch 1 of the reception mode information included in the detected character data are changed to “prohibit calling”. Further, the information A is transmitted to the source of the "wake up" information. The message shown in FIG. 15 is displayed at the transmission source of the “wake up” information.

When the player operates the B button 40b in a state where no menu screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 12, the system menu screen shown in FIG. According to FIG. 18, "screen size change", "other setting" and "game end"
Are displayed on the display 38.

Here, when the player selects “change screen size” using the cross key 40 c and the A button 40 a, a size change request is transmitted to the game server 20.
At this time, the game server 20 detects the character data of the request source from the character data storage area 24c shown in FIG. 3, and updates the map size information included in the detected character data. That is, if the map size information before receiving the size change request is “size 1”, the size is updated to “size 2”, and if the map size information before receiving the size change request is “size 2”, Update to 1 ". Further, map data is created based on the updated map size information, and the created map data is returned to the requesting mobile communication terminal 30. The mobile communication terminal 30 creates game screen data based on the received map data, whereby the game screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the display 38.

When the system menu screen shown in FIG. 18 is displayed, when the cursor is pointed at “game end” and the A button 40 a is pressed, a logout request is transmitted to the game server 20. The game server 20
The character data of the requesting player is detected from the character data storage area 24b, and the status information included in the detected character data is updated. Further, similarly to the above, the players who need to update the game screen are listed, different map data are created for each of the listed players, and the created map data is transmitted to the mobile communication terminal 30 of each player. I do. The display of the mobile communication terminal 30 that has received the map data is updated based on the map data, and the player character who has logged out changes to a sleep state on the game screen. On the other hand, the display of the mobile communication terminal 30 that has transmitted the logout request is updated from the game screen shown in FIG. 18 to the start menu screen shown in FIG.

When the player selects “change reception mode” on the game menu screen shown in FIG. 10, a reception mode setting screen shown in FIG. 19 is displayed on the display 38. According to FIG. 19, “switch 1”, “switch 2”, “character list edit” and “setting completed” are displayed as main items, and “permit call” and “call” are displayed below “switch 1”. Ban"
Are displayed below the “switch 2”. The sub-items “allow all characters”, “allow only specific characters”, and “allow other than specific characters” are displayed, respectively.

First, “switch 1”, “switch 2”,
When a cursor pointing to “character list editing” or “setting end” is activated and the cross key 40c is operated, the valid cursor moves. When the A button 40a is pressed while the cursor is pointing at a desired main item, the cursor of a sub-item positioned below the desired main item is activated. When the activated cursor is moved to a desired sub-item, the contents of the desired sub-item are set in the reception mode information shown in FIG. For example, when the valid cursor is set to “allow call”, FIG.
Is set to the switch 1 of the reception mode information shown in FIG. When the valid cursor is set to "permit only specific characters", "permit only specific characters" is set in switch 2 of the reception mode information shown in FIG.

When the valid cursor is "character list edit"
When the A button 40a is pressed while the player is pointing, the character list editing screen shown in FIG. 20 is displayed on the display 38 instead of the reception mode setting screen. FIG.
According to, "Friends", "Neutral", "Needs Attention" and "End of Editing" are displayed as the main list,
A sub-list of a friend character, a sub-list of neutral characters, and a sub-list of a person of interest character are displayed below "friends", "neutral", and "needs attention", respectively. Each sublist is shown in FIG.
Matches the sublist shown in.

Also here, first, the cursor on the main list is activated, and when the A button 40a is pressed with the valid cursor pointing to a desired menu item,
The cursor on the sub-list below the desired menu item is activated. When the A button 40a is pressed in a state where the valid cursor on the sub list points to a desired character name, a destination list is displayed in the manner shown in FIG. The menu items in the destination list are two sub-lists whose valid cursor is not currently pointing. For example, if the valid cursor points to the neutral character name, "friend" and "person in need of care" are displayed in the destination list.

When the cursor on the destination list is set to a desired item and the A button 40a is pressed, the character name pointed to by the cursor in the sub list is deleted from the sub list, and the deleted character name is displayed in the destination list. It is added to the sublist of the item to which the cursor points in the list. At this time, the acquaintance character list shown in FIG. 6 is also changed at the same time. For example, when "Richard" is selected in the neutral character name sub-list and "Friend" is selected in the destination list, "Richard" is deleted from the neutral character sub-list, and the friend character sub-list is deleted. "Richard" is added to the list.

After the character list has been edited in this way, the cursor is moved to "edit end" and the A button 4
When 0a is pressed, the character list edit screen is displayed as shown in FIG.
Is updated to the reception mode setting screen shown in. On the reception mode setting screen, the cursor is set to "Setting end",
When the A button 40a is pressed, switches 1 and 2
And reception mode information (transmission data) including a character list and the transmission data are stored in the game server 2.
Sent to 0. At this time, the switch 1 and the switch 2 of the transmission data match the switch 1 and the switch 2 of the reception mode information shown in FIG. 6, and the setting of the character list follows the contents of the switch 2. If the switch 2 is “allow all characters”, the character list is left blank, and if the switch 2 is “allow only specific characters”, the friend character name is set in the character list,
If the switch 2 is set to "permit other than a specific character", the name of the person requiring attention is set in the character list.

[0086] The created reception mode information is transmitted to the game server 20. The game server 20 detects the character data of the player who has transmitted the reception mode information from the character data storage area 24c shown in FIG. 3, and updates the reception mode information included in the detected character data with the received reception mode information. Portable communication terminal 30
On the side, after the reception mode information is transmitted, the display on the display 38 is changed from the reception mode setting screen shown in FIG.
The game menu screen shown in FIG.

CPU 22 provided in game server 20
Will be described with reference to FIGS.

Referring to FIG. 23, CPU 22 determines what request or information has been given from portable communication terminal 30 in each of steps S1, S5, S9, S13, S17, S21 and S25. . When a login request is given, YES is determined in step S1,
A login process is performed in step S3. If a logout request has been given, YES is determined in step S5,
A logout process is performed in step S7. When a movement request is given, YES is determined in step S9, and movement processing is performed in step S11. When a size change request is given, YES is determined in step S13, and size change processing is performed in step S15. If the "wake up" information is given, "YES" is determined in the step S17, and a process of waking up is performed in a step S19. Step S
When the processing of 3, S7, S11, S15 or S19 is completed, the process returns to step S1.

When the reception mode information has been given, the process proceeds from step S21 to step S23. In this step, character data of the source player is detected from character data storage area 24c based on the character ID added to the reception mode information, and reception mode information included in the detected character data is transmitted from portable communication terminal 30. Update according to the received reception mode information. As described above, the transmitted reception mode information includes the switch 1, the switch 2, and the character list, and the switch 1, switch 2, and the character list of the reception mode information detected from the character data storage area 24c are transmitted. It is updated with the switch 1 and the switch 2 and the character list of the received reception mode information.

When the "check" information is given, the process proceeds from step S25 to step S27. In this step, the character data of the transmission source player is detected from the character data storage area 24c based on the character ID included in the “examine” information, and the character data included in the detected character data is included in another character data. Based on the position information, character data of a partner to be examined (a character existing in front of the transmission source character) is specified. Further, the character name and the personal information are detected from the specified character data, and the detected character name and the personal information are returned to the transmission source of the "check" information.

The login processing in step S3 follows a subroutine shown in FIG. First, step S31
Then, the character data of the requesting player is detected from the character data storage area 24b shown in FIG. 3 based on the character ID included in the login request, and the status information included in the detected character data is changed from "logout" to "login". Update to When the update of the status information is completed, the login permission is transmitted to the requesting portable communication terminal 30 in a step S33, and the players whose map data should be updated are listed in a step S35. In a succeeding step S37, the map data is transmitted to the portable communication terminals 30 of the listed players. Specifically, map data (terrain matrix and character matrix) is created based on the position information and the map size information included in the character data of the listed players, and the created map data is stored in the mobile communication terminal 3.
Send to 0. Such a process is performed for each of the listed character IDs, and upon completion of the process, the process returns to the upper hierarchical routine.

The logout process in step S7 shown in FIG. 23 follows a subroutine shown in FIG. First, in step S41, character data of the requesting player is detected from the character data storage area 24b based on the character ID included in the logout request, and status information included in the detected character data is changed from “login” to “logout”. Update. Subsequently, step S43
Sends a logout notification (end notification) to the requesting portable communication terminal 30, and in step S45, lists players who should update the map data. In step S47, the map data is transmitted to the portable communication terminals 30 of the listed players, and when the transmission is completed, the process returns to the routine in the upper hierarchy.

The movement processing in step S11 shown in FIG. 23 follows a subroutine shown in FIG. First, step S51
Then, the character data of the requesting player is detected from the character data storage area 24d based on the character ID included in the movement request, and the position information (coordinates or direction) included in the detected character data is updated according to the movement request. In step S53, players who need to update the map data are listed, and in step S5
5, the mobile communication terminal 30 of the listed player is displayed.
Send map data to. Upon completion of the transmission, the process returns to the routine in the upper hierarchy.

The size changing process in step S15 shown in FIG. 23 follows a subroutine shown in FIG. First, in step S61, the character ID included in the size change request
, The character data of the requesting player is detected from the character data storage area 24c, the map information included in the detected character data is specified, and the specified map information is updated. If the current map information is “size 1”, the size is updated to “size 2”. If the current map information is “size 2”, the size is updated to “size 1”. In step S63, the same list processing as described above is performed, and in step S65, the map data is transmitted only to the transmission source of the size change request. When transmission is complete,
Return to the routine at the upper hierarchy.

Step S35, S45, S53 or S
The list-up process in 63 is performed by the processes shown in FIGS.
Follow the subroutine shown in First, in step S71, the contents of the character matrix and the transmission list formed in the work area 24d are cleared. In step S73, character data (character n) of the player who transmitted the login request, logout request, movement request, or size change request is specified from the character data storage area 24c, and position information and map size information are detected from the specified character data. I do. In a succeeding step S75, the center coordinates of the character matrix formed in the work area 24d shown in FIG. 3 are determined based on the position information detected in the step S73. The center coordinates of the character matrix match the coordinates included in the detected position information,
The size of the character matrix is always twice the larger map size (size 1). Therefore, the center coordinates and the size of the character matrix are determined as shown in FIG.

When the center coordinates and the size of the character matrix are determined, the character number i is set to "1" in a step S77, and the character i is set in a step S79.
Character data (character data storage area 24c)
From the location information). In a step S81, it is determined whether or not the character i is included in the range of the character matrix based on the position information detected in the step S79.
Proceed to. On the other hand, if YES in the step S79, the status information and the graphic number are detected from the character data of the character i in a step S83, and the graphic number is mapped to the character matrix in a step S85, and then the process proceeds to a step S87. Step S8
5, specifically, position information (direction of character i)
Then, the extension determined based on the status information is added to the graphic number, and the graphic number to which the extension has been added is mapped to the character matrix according to the position information (the coordinates of the character i) detected in step S79.

In a step S87, the character number i is incremented. In a succeeding step S89, the incremented character number i is changed to the maximum character number ima.
Compare with x. Here, if i ≦ imax, the processing of steps S79 to S87 is repeated. Thus, the graphic numbers of a plurality of characters existing around the character n are mapped to the character matrix. According to FIG. 22, among the characters i, i ', i "and n, the graphic numbers of the characters i, i" and n are mapped to the character matrix.

If i> imax, the flow advances from step S89 to step S91 to set the character number i to "1" again. In a succeeding step S93, it is determined whether or not the character i matches the character n. If YES here, the character i (=
The character ID of n) is added to the transmission list, and the process proceeds to step S105. That is, the character I of the character n
D is unconditionally added to the transmission list.

On the other hand, if NO in the step S93, status information is detected from the character data of the character i (stored in the character data storage area 24c) in a step S95. Is determined. If it is in the logout state, the process proceeds to step S105 without performing the transmission list adding process. On the contrary,
If the user is logged in, the character i is determined in step S99.
, The map size information is detected from the character data, and it is determined in step S101 whether or not the character n exists in the field of view of the character i. Specifically, based on the detected map size information and position information of the character i, it is determined whether or not the coordinates of the character n are included in the range of the map size of the character i. And YE
If S, the process proceeds to step S105 via the transmission list adding process in step S103, but if NO, the process directly proceeds to step S105.

In step S105, the character number i is incremented, and in step S107, the incremented character number i is changed to the maximum character number i.
max. If i ≦ imax, step S
Steps 93 to S107 are repeated. As a result, the character ID of the character n and the character ID of the character whose character n exists in the field of view are added to the transmission list. According to FIG. 22, only the character i exists in the field of view of the character n. Therefore, the character IDs of the characters n and i are added to the transmission list. When it is determined that i> imax, the process returns to the routine in the upper hierarchy.

The above steps S37, S47 and S5
In step 5, map data is created by cutting out the terrain matrix and character matrix for each player registered in the transmission list. on the other hand,
In step S65, map data is created by cutting out the terrain matrix and the character matrix only for the player who has transmitted the size change request. In any case, the size of the map data is in accordance with the map size information of the destination player, and the center number of the map data is assigned the graphic number of the destination player.

In step S19 shown in FIG.
And a subroutine shown in FIG. In step S111, the character I included in the "wake up" information
The character data of the transmission source player is specified from the character data storage area 24c based on D, and the position information (coordinates and orientation) included in the specified character data
, Character data of the partner to be raised is specified, and reception mode information is detected from the character data of the specified partner. In step S113, it is determined whether or not the content of the switch 1 of the detected reception mode information is "permit calling".
In step 25, the permission / inhibition flag is set to "inhibition". On the other hand, if YES in step S113, step S1
The contents of the switch 2 are determined at 15 and S117.

If the content of the switch 2 is "permit all characters", YES is determined in the step S115, and a permit / inhibit flag is set to "permit" in a step S123. If the content of the switch 2 is "permit only a specific character", the process proceeds from step S117 to step S1.
Proceeding to 21, it is determined whether or not the caller character is registered in the character list of the reception mode information detected in step S111. If YES here,
In step S123, the permission / inhibition flag is set to "permission". If NO, the permission / inhibition flag is set to "inhibition" in step S125. If the content of the switch 2 is "permit a character other than a specific character", step S
From step 117 to step S119, and step S111
It is determined whether or not the caller character has been registered in the character list of the reception mode information detected in.
If “NO” here, the permission / prohibition flag is set to “permit” in a step S123, but if “YES”, the permission / prohibition flag is set to “prohibition” in a step S125.

When the setting of the permission / prohibition flag is completed, the setting state of the permission / prohibition flag is determined in step S127. If the setting state is "prohibited", the information A is transmitted in step S137, and the process returns to the upper hierarchical routine. As a result of the transmission of the information A, a message saying “There is no sign of getting up asleep deeply ...” is displayed on the display 38 of the portable communication terminal 30 that is the calling source.

On the other hand, if the setting state is "permitted", a game dedicated mail is created in step S129, and the created game dedicated mail is transmitted to the other party's portable communication terminal 30 in step S131. The game dedicated mail is a mail for requesting the other party to perform a login operation, and includes the character name of the caller. When the opponent selects “change to the call prohibition mode” in response to the game dedicated mail (login operation request), the process proceeds from step S133 to step S135. In this step, the character data of the other party is detected from the character data storage area 24c, and the switch 1 of the reception mode information included in the detected character data is updated to "prohibit calling". When the update process is completed, the information A is transmitted in step S137, and the process returns to the routine in the upper hierarchy.

If the opponent selects "don't play now" for the game-specific mail, the process advances from step S139 to step S141 to transmit information B to the calling portable communication terminal 30. As a result of the transmission of the information B, a message saying “Mummy. When the transmission of the information B is completed, the process returns to the routine in the upper hierarchy.

If the opponent selects "Start the game" or the time-out occurs before the opponent selects anything in response to the game exclusive mail, YES is determined in the step S143 or S145, and the upper layer is determined as it is. Return to routine. However, when "start a game" is selected, a login request is transmitted from the mobile communication terminal 30, and the game is started by the login process in step S3 shown in FIG.

Next, the CP provided in the portable communication terminal 30
The processing of U48 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

First, the CPU 48 executes steps S151 and S151.
In each of 153 and S155, the presence / absence of signal reception from outside and the key operation by the player are determined. When a signal is received from the outside, steps S151 to S15
Proceeding to 7, it is determined whether the received signal is a mail signal or an incoming call signal for a call. If the received signal is an incoming call signal, the process proceeds to step S159 to perform a call process.
In step S161, it is determined whether or not the call process has been completed. If NO, the process returns to step S159 to repeat the call process. If YES, the process returns to step S151.

If the received signal is a mail signal, it is determined in step S165 whether the received mail signal is a normal mail or a game-specific mail.
Return to 51. On the other hand, if the received mail signal is a game mail, the game mail processing is performed in step S169, and the state of the game start flag is determined in step S171. If the game start flag is in the reset state, the process directly returns to step S151. If the game start flag is in the set state, the process returns to step S17.
3. After performing the login processing, the game processing, and the logout processing in S175 and S177, step S15 is performed.
Return to 1.

On the menu screen shown in FIG. 10, when the player moves the cursor to “change reception mode” with the cross key 040c and presses the A button 40a, the step S
From 153, the process proceeds to step S163, and a reception mode change process is performed. When the processing is completed, step S151
Return to On the other hand, when the player selects “start the game” using the cross key 40c and the A button 40a on the menu screen shown in FIG. 10, step S155
Is determined as YES, and the process proceeds to step S173.

The game mail processing in step S169 follows a subroutine shown in FIG. First, in step S181, a ringing tone is generated through the calling speaker 54, and in step S183, vibration is generated by the vibration motor 52. In step S185, the character name of the caller is detected from the received game-specific mail, and in step S187, the detected character name is added to the "neutral character" sublist formed in the work area 50c shown in FIG. If the detected character name is already registered in the acquaintance character list, the process of step S187 is not performed.

Upon completion of the process in the step S187, a call screen shown in FIG.
“Do not play now” and “Change to call prohibition mode”
Which of the menu items is selected by the player is determined in steps S191, S197, and S205.

When the cursor is set to "start the game" by the cross key 40c and the A button 40a is pressed, the process advances from step S191 to step S193.
The command information corresponding to the selected menu item is transmitted to the game server 20. After that, the game start flag is set in step S195, and the process returns to the routine of the upper hierarchy. When "set to the call prohibition mode" is selected by the cross key 40c and the A button 40a, YES is determined in the step S197, and the step S1 is performed.
At 99, command information corresponding to this menu item is transmitted to the game server 20, and at step S201, "prohibit calling" is set to the switch 1 of the reception mode information stored in the work area 50c. afterwards,
In step S203, the game start flag is reset, and the process returns to the routine at the upper hierarchy.

When "don't play now" is selected by the cross key 40c and the A button 40a, step S
YES is determined in 205, command information corresponding to this menu item is transmitted to the game server 20 in step S207, and the process proceeds to step S203. If a timeout occurs before the player selects any of the menu items, “YES” is determined in the step S209, and the process proceeds to a step S203.

On the game server 20 side, based on the command information transmitted in step S193, S199 or S207, steps S133 and S133 shown in FIG.
139 and S143 are determined.

The login processing in step S173 follows a subroutine shown in FIG. First, step S
Initialization is performed at 211, and a login request is transmitted to the game server 20 at step S213. In response to the login request, the game server 20 returns the login permission and the map data (steps S33, S37). Therefore, on the side of the portable communication terminal 30, steps S215 and S215
217, it is determined whether or not login permission and map data have been received.
Proceed to 219. In step S219, a virtual space (game screen) as shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. 12 is displayed on the display 38 based on the received map data. When the display process is completed, the process returns to the routine at the upper hierarchy.

The game processing in step S175
The subroutine shown in FIGS. 35 and 36 is followed. First, a map update process is performed in step S221, and subsequently, in each of steps S223, S227, and S229, it is determined whether or not the cross key 40c, the A button 40a, and the B button 40b are operated. When the cross key 40c is operated, the moving process is performed in step S225, and when the process is completed, the process returns to step S221.

If the A button 40a has been pressed, the flow advances to step S231 to determine whether or not another character exists in front of the own character. If “NO” here, the process returns to the step S221. If “YES”, the process proceeds to a step S233 to display an action menu screen shown in FIG.

Here, when the player sets the cursor to “examine” with the cross key 40c and presses the A button 40a, it is determined as YES in step S235, and step S235 is performed.
At 237, a check process is performed. Upon completion of the process, the process returns to step S221. On the other hand, if the player
Set the cursor to “wake up” with A button 4
When 0a is pressed, YES is determined in the step S239, and the process that is performed in the step S241 is performed. Upon completion of the process, the process returns to step S221. On the other hand, when the player presses the B button 40b, YES is determined in the step S243, the action menu screen is deleted in a step S245, and the process returns to the step S221.

While the player does not perform any key operation, the map is updated in step S247, and it is determined in step S249 whether another character exists in front of the player's own character. And Y
If ES, the process returns to step S235. If NO, the action menu screen is deleted in step S245, and the process returns to step S221. Therefore, when another character moves away from the front of his own character, the B button 4
The action menu screen is deleted without operating 0b.

When the player operates the B button 40b in a state where the action menu screen is not displayed, step S
229 is determined as YES, and the system menu screen shown in FIG. 18 is displayed on the display 38 in step S251. Here, if the player sets the cursor to “screen size change” using the cross key 40c and presses the A button 40a, YES is determined in the step S253, and the step S253 is performed.
At step 255, a size change process is performed. When the process is complete,
It returns to step S221. When the player sets the cursor to “other setting processing” using the cross key 40c and presses the A button 40a, the CPU makes a determination of YES in step S257 and returns to step S221 via the other setting processing in step S259. When the player presses the B button 40b, YES is determined in the step S261, and the step S261 is performed.
After the system menu screen is erased in 263, the process returns to step S221. When the player sets the cursor to “game end” using the cross key 40c and presses the A button 40a, the CPU determines “YES” in the step S265 and returns to the routine of the upper hierarchy.

As long as the player does not perform any key operation, the map is updated in step S267, and the process returns to step S253. This allows another character to move on the game screen while the system menu screen is displayed.

Step S221, S247 or S26
The map update processing in 7 follows a subroutine shown in FIG. First, in step S271, it is determined whether or not new map data has been received. If NO, the process returns to the upper-layer routine, but if YES, the game screen is updated in step S273. That is, the map data stored in the work area 50c shown in FIG. 6 is updated with the currently received map data. Display area 50d
The game screen data created based on the updated map data and the graphic data stored in the graphic data storage area 50b is expanded, and the game screen on the display 38 is updated. Upon completion of such an updating process, the process returns to a routine at a higher hierarchy.

The movement processing in step S225 follows a subroutine shown in FIG. First, step S281
With your character ID and destination information (up, down,
(Right or left)
Send to The game server 20 side updates the position information corresponding to the requesting player (step S51),
And new map data return processing (step S5)
5) is performed. When the map data is returned, YES is determined in the step S283, and the game screen is updated in a step S285 in the same manner as the step S273. When the update is completed, the process returns to the routine in the upper hierarchy.

The checking process in step S237 is as follows.
According to a subroutine shown in FIG. First, step S29
In step 1, “check” information including the own character ID is transmitted. Since the game server 20 detects / returns the character name and the personal information (step S2)
7) In a succeeding step S293, it is determined whether or not the character name and the personal information have been received. If "YES" is determined here, the process proceeds to a step S295 to register the received character name in the "neutral character" sublist shown in FIG. In step S297, personal information screen data based on the received personal information is displayed in display area 50 shown in FIG.
d, and a personal information screen as shown in FIG. In step S299, it is determined whether or not the B button 40b has been operated, and when the B button 40b has been pressed, the process returns to the upper hierarchy routine. Note that the additional processing in step S295 is performed when the same character name does not exist in the acquaintance character list, as described above.

The processing to be performed in step S241 is as follows.
According to a subroutine shown in FIG. First, step S30
In step 1, "wake up" information including the own character ID is transmitted. The game server 20 returns the information A or the information B in response to the “wake-up” information (step S137 or S141). Determine the presence or absence. When the information A is returned, the process proceeds to step S305, and the message "No sign of getting up and sleeping ..." is displayed on the display 38 as shown in FIG.
To be displayed. When the information B is returned, step S30
9 and displays a message "Mummy ... I'm going to wake up ..." on the display 38 as shown in FIG.
To be displayed. In step S313, it is determined whether or not the B button 40b has been operated, and when the B button 40b has been pressed, the process returns to the upper hierarchy routine. Information A and information B
If a timeout occurs before any of the above is received, YES is determined in the step S311 and the process returns to the routine of the upper hierarchy as it is.

The size changing process in step S255 follows a subroutine shown in FIG. First, step S
At 321, a size change request including the own character ID is transmitted to the game server 20. In order to return the map data in response to the size change request (step S65), the game server 20 determines whether or not map data has been received in step S323. When the map data is received, the process proceeds to step S325, and the game screen is updated. That is, the map data stored in the work area 50c shown in FIG. 6 is updated with the currently received map data. In the display area 50d, game screen data created based on the updated map data and the graphic data in the graphic data storage area 50b is developed, whereby the game screen on the display 38 is updated. Upon completion of the updating process, the process returns to the routine in the upper hierarchy.

The logout processing in step S177 shown in FIG. 32 complies with a subroutine shown in FIG. First, in step S331, a logout request including the own character ID is transmitted to the game server 20. Game server 20
Transmits a logout notification in response to the logout request (step S43), and determines in step S333 whether or not there is a logout notification. Upon receiving the logout notification, the game end processing is performed in step S335, and thereafter, the process returns to the routine at the upper hierarchy.

The accepting mode change process in step S163 shown in FIG. 32 complies with a subroutine shown in FIG. First, in step S341, the reception mode setting screen shown in FIG. 19 is displayed on the display 38, and "switch 1", "switch 2", "character list editing" or "setting end" is performed.
Enable cursor pointing to Then, step S
In each of steps 343, S347, S351, and S355, it is determined which of "switch 1", "switch 2", "character list edit", and "setting end" has been selected.

When the player moves the cursor to "switch 1" using the cross key 40c and presses the A button 40a, YES is determined in the step S343, and a step S3 is performed.
At 45, a SW1 change process is performed. On the other hand, when the player moves the cursor to “switch 2” using the cross key 40c and presses the A button 40a, YE is determined in step S347.
S is determined, and the SW2 change processing is performed in step S349.

Referring to FIG. 19, in the SW1 change processing, "calling is permitted" or "calling is prohibited"
In the SW2 changing process, the cursor pointing to "permit all characters", "permit only specific characters", or "permit other than specific characters" is enabled. When the cursor is set to a desired menu item by the cross key 40c, the switch 1 or the switch 2 of the reception mode information shown in FIG. 6 is updated by the menu item to which the cursor points. When the B button 40b is pressed, a cursor pointing to "switch 1", "switch 2", "edit character list" or "end setting" is activated, and the process returns to step S343.

The player moves the cursor to “character list editing” using the cross key 40 c and presses the A button 40.
When a is pressed, YES is determined in the step S351, and a character list editing process is performed in a step S353. When the character list editing process is completed, step S34
Return to 3.

When the player moves the cursor to “end” with the cross key 40c and presses the A button 40a,
The process advances from step S355 to step S357 to determine whether the setting has been changed. If “NO” here, the process directly proceeds to a step S363 to delete the mode change screen and then return to the routine at the upper hierarchy. On the other hand, if YES in step S357, reception mode information creation processing is performed in step S359, and in the following step S361, the created reception mode information is added to the own character ID and transmitted to game server 20. When the transmission is completed, the mode change screen is erased in step S363, and the process returns to the routine in the upper hierarchy.

The character list editing process in step S353 follows a subroutine shown in FIG. First, in step S371, the character list editing screen shown in FIG. 20 is displayed on the display 38, and in step S373,
In each of S377, S381 and S385, "friend"
"Neutral", "Needs Attention" and "End of Editing"
Is determined.

When the A button 40a is pressed with the cursor pointed at "friend", the flow advances from step S373 to step S375 to perform a sublist editing process for the friend character. Cursor is "neutral"
When the A button 40a is pressed in the state where the character is set to, the process proceeds from step S377 to step S379, and performs a sublist editing process for the neutral character. A with the cursor pointed to "Person of Attention"
When the button 40a is pressed, the process proceeds from step S381 to step S383, in which a sub-list editing process is performed for the person-of-interest character. Step S375, S3
When the processing of S79 or S383 is completed, step S3
Return to 73. If the A button 40a is pressed while the cursor is set to "end of editing", "YES" is determined in the step S385, the edit screen is deleted in a step S387, and the process returns to the routine of the upper hierarchy.

Step S375, S379 or S38
The sublist editing process shown in FIG. 3 complies with a subroutine shown in FIG. In step S391, a cursor is displayed on the selected sublist. When "friend" is selected, a cursor is displayed so as to point to any friend character name, and when "neutral" is selected, a cursor is displayed so as to point to any neutral character name, Then, when "Person of Attention" is selected, a cursor is displayed so as to point to any of the names of persons at need of attention. Here, the player presses the cross key 40c.
Is operated, YES is determined in the step S393, the cursor is moved in the step S395, and then the step S393 is performed.
Return to 393. When the player operates the B button 40b, YES is determined in the step S399, and the step S4 is performed.
In step 01, the cursor in the sublist is deleted, and then the routine is returned to the routine in the upper hierarchy.

When the player has operated the A button 40a, YES is determined in the step S397, and the step S4 is performed.
At 03, the destination list as shown in FIG. 21 is multiplexed and displayed. The destination list shown in FIG. 21 is a list displayed when the sub-list is edited for the neutral character, and the menu items are “friend” and “person in need”. In the sub-list editing process for the friend character, the menu items of the destination list are “neutral” and “cautious person”. In the sub-list editing process for the cautious person character, the menu item of the destination list is “friend”. "And" neutral ".

When the player operates the cross key 40c while the destination list is displayed, the process advances from step S405 to step S407 to move the cursor in the destination list in a desired direction. Upon completion of the movement processing, the flow returns to step S405. On the other hand, when the player presses the B button 40b
Is operated, YES is determined in the step S411, the destination list is deleted in the step S419, and the process returns to the step S393.

On the other hand, when the player operates the A button 40a, the processing from step S413 is performed. First, in step S413, the character name to which the cursor points in the displayed sublist is displayed in the work area 5 shown in FIG.
0c from the corresponding sublist. Step S4
In step S15, the sub-list of FIG. 6 corresponding to the menu item pointed by the cursor in the destination list is stored in step S
The character name deleted in 413 is added. When the movement of the character name is completed in this way, the character list editing screen is updated in step S417, and step S419 is performed.
Then, the destination list is deleted, and the process returns to step S393.

The reception mode information creation processing in step S359 shown in FIG. 43 follows a subroutine shown in FIG.
First, in steps S421 and S423, the contents of the switches 1 and 2 of the reception mode information shown in FIG. 6 are set in the columns of the switches 1 and 2 of the reception mode information (transmission data) to be transmitted. In steps S425 and S429, the contents of the set switch 2 are determined. If the content of the switch 2 is "permit all characters", the process proceeds from step S425 to step S427 to clear the character list column of the transmission data.
On the other hand, if the content of the switch 2 is “permit only a specific character”, the process proceeds from step S429 to step S431.
To set the friend character names registered in the acquaintance character list shown in FIG. 6 in the character list of the transmission data. On the other hand, if the content of the switch 2 is “permits a character other than a specific character”, the process proceeds from step S429 to step S433, and the name of the person requiring attention registered in the acquaintance character list shown in FIG. Set. When the transmission data is created in this way, the process returns to the routine in the upper hierarchy.

As can be understood from the above description, a plurality of players are registered in the game server 20 in advance, and the game server 20 provides the game to the portable communication terminal 30 of the player who has logged in through the communication network 40. At this time, the game server 20 displays not only the graphic number indicating the character of the logged-in player,
The graphic number indicating the character being logged out is also transmitted to the game device 30 of the logged-in player. Each character image is displayed on the display 38 of the game device 30 in a manner corresponding to login / logout. Here, when “wake up” is selected for the character being logged out, “wake up” information is provided from the mobile communication terminal 30 to the game server 20.

The game server 20 determines the reception mode information of the character being logged out, and if the content of the switch 1 is “prohibit calling”, returns the information A to the source of the “wake up” information. The portable communication terminal 30 that has received the information A reads, “I have a good night's sleep and there is no sign of getting up ...”
Is displayed. Even if the content of the switch 1 is "permit calling", the content of the switch 2 is "permit only specific characters", and the character name of the source of the "wake up" information is not registered in the character list. In the case where the content of the switch 2 is "permit non-specific characters" and the character name of the source of the "wake up" information is registered in the character list, the information A is returned as described above. You.

On the other hand, when the contents of the switches 1 and 2 are “permit calling” and “permit all characters”, the contents of the switches 1 and 2 are “permit calling” and “specific If only the character is permitted "and the character name of the requesting source is registered in the character list, or if the contents of switches 1 and 2 are" permit calling "and" permit non-specific characters " If the requesting character name is not registered in the list, a login operation request is transmitted from game server 20 to mobile communication terminal 30 of the other party. On the display 38 of the mobile communication terminal 30 that has received the login operation request, a call message including the character name of the caller is displayed.

Here, when the player who has received the login operation request selects “start game”, the game server 20 performs a login process, and thereby the portable communication terminal 30 of the player who has selected “start game”. Is provided with a game. When the player who has received the login operation request selects “don't play now”, the game server 2
0 Information B is returned to the source of the "wake up" information. Information B
Is received on the display 38 of the mobile communication terminal 30.
The message "Mummy ... I'm not going to get up" is displayed.

As described above, when the character of the logged-out player is selected by the logged-in player, "wake up" information is given from the logged-in portable communication terminal 30 to the game server 20, and the logged-out player is logged out of the game server 20. A login operation request is transmitted to the portable communication terminal 30. Therefore, the game can be played easily and quickly between the logged-in player and the logged-out player.

In this embodiment, the game is progressed using the game screen formed by the graphic data of the terrain and the character. However, the game is executed only from the text data as shown in FIGS. The process may be performed using a different screen.

FIG. 47 shows a game menu screen. The title “Online game” is displayed at the center of the screen, and the menu items “Start game”, “Change reception mode” and “Return” are displayed at the bottom of the screen. You.

FIG. 48 shows a game screen, in which the current location name “Prairie Grassland” is displayed at the top of the screen, a plurality of character names are displayed at the center of the screen, and menu items are displayed at the bottom of the screen. As for the character name, your character name "Ninten" is displayed at the top, and the names of other characters "Robin", "Wil", "Marian" and "John" in the prairie grassland are displayed in " It is displayed under "Tenten". Robin is being logged out, and the status information of “sleeping” is displayed on the right side of “Robin”. For menu items, “Move”, “Check”,
“Setting” and “End” are displayed.

Here, when “move” is selected, FIG.
Is displayed. According to FIG. 49, the command name “move” is displayed on the upper side of the screen, and the current location name “Prairie Prairie” is displayed below it. In the center of the screen, the directions of movement "North", "South", "West" and "East"
And the place names "Selva Forest", "Orleans Forest", "Nord Wetlands", and "Mt. At the bottom of the screen, a menu item “return” is displayed. Here, when the desired destination is selected, a game screen including the place name of the destination and the name of the character existing at the destination is displayed as shown in FIG. "Return"
Is selected, the screen returns to the game screen shown in FIG.

When an arbitrary character name and “check” are selected on the menu screen shown in FIG.
A personal information screen as shown in FIG. The name, sex, and status of the selected character are displayed at the top of the screen, the profile (message) of the selected character is displayed at the center of the screen, and "check" is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
And two menu items, "Return". When "wake up" is selected here, a call screen shown in FIG. 51 is displayed on the mobile communication terminal of the Robin player. According to FIG. 51, the title “Online Gam”
"e" is displayed, the message "Ninten is waking you" is displayed in the center of the screen, and "Start the game", "Do not play now" and "Call prohibited" are displayed at the bottom of the screen. The three menu items "SETTING" are displayed. Here, the operation when the Robin player selects each menu item is almost the same as in the above-described embodiment.

As described above, the name of the character being logged out is also displayed on the game screen composed of text data, and a login operation request is transmitted to the player when this character name is selected. A game can be played easily and quickly with the player.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, all of the login processing, logout processing, moving processing, size changing processing, starting processing, reception mode updating processing and personal information transmitting processing are performed by one game server. Although the process is performed, the above-described processing may be shared by a plurality of servers separated from each other.
In this case, a game server is formed by a plurality of servers installed at different positions.

Further, in this embodiment, although the specific contents and types of the game are not described in detail, all of those in which the characters appearing in the virtual space can be freely controlled by the player are included in the concept of the “game”. It is considered to be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a game server.

FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing a mapping state of a memory provided in the game server;

FIG. 4 is an external view illustrating an example of a mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing a mapping state of a memory provided in the mobile communication terminal;

FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing a structure of map data;

FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing one example of a virtual space;

FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing one example of a start menu screen displayed on the mobile communication terminal;

FIG. 10 is an illustrative view showing one example of a game menu screen displayed on the mobile communication terminal;

FIG. 11 is an illustrative view showing one example of a virtual space displayed on the mobile communication terminal;

FIG. 12 is an illustrative view showing another example of the virtual space displayed on the mobile communication terminal;

FIG. 13 is an illustrative view showing one example of a virtual space and an action menu screen displayed on the mobile communication terminal;

FIG. 14 is an illustrative view showing one example of a personal information screen displayed on the mobile communication terminal;

FIG. 15 is an illustrative view showing one example of a virtual space, an action menu screen, and a response message displayed on the mobile communication terminal;

FIG. 16 is an illustrative view showing another example of the virtual space, the action menu screen, and the response message displayed on the mobile communication terminal;

FIG. 17 is an illustrative view showing one example of a call screen displayed on the mobile communication terminal;

FIG. 18 is an illustrative view showing one example of a virtual space and a system menu screen displayed on the mobile communication terminal;

FIG. 19 is an illustrative view showing one example of a reception mode setting screen displayed on the mobile communication terminal;

FIG. 20 is an illustrative view showing one example of a character list editing screen displayed on the mobile communication terminal;

FIG. 21 is an illustrative view showing one example of a character list editing screen and a destination list displayed on the mobile communication terminal;

FIG. 22 is an illustrative view showing one portion of an operation of a game server;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing of the game server.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing another portion of the process of the game server.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing another portion of the processing of the game server.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing yet another portion of the process of the game server.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing another portion of the process of the game server.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing another portion of the processing of the game server.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing yet another portion of the process of the game server.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing another portion of the processing of the game server.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing another portion of the process of the game server.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a part of processing of the mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing another portion of the process of the mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing another portion of the processing by the mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing yet another portion of the process of the mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing another portion of the processing by the mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing another portion of the processing by the mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing yet another portion of the process of the mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing another portion of processing by the mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing another portion of the processing by the mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing yet another portion of the process of the mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing another portion of the processing by the mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing another portion of the processing by the mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing yet another portion of the process of the mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing another portion of the process of the mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing another portion of the processing by the mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 47 is an illustrative view showing one example of a game menu screen displayed on the mobile communication terminal in another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 48 is an illustrative view showing one example of a game screen displayed on the mobile communication terminal in another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 49 is an illustrative view showing one example of a movement menu screen displayed on the mobile communication terminal in another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 50 is an illustrative view showing one example of a personal information screen displayed on the mobile communication terminal in another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 51 is an illustrative view showing one example of a call screen displayed on the mobile communication terminal in another embodiment of the present invention;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Network system 20 ... Game server 22, 48 ... CPU 24, 50 ... Memory 30 ... Portable communication terminal 38 ... Display

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A game management method of a game server for providing a game to a first game device of a first player who has logged in through a communication network among a plurality of players registered in advance, wherein the login of the plurality of players is Transmitting, to the first game device, player information indicating a second player who has not performed the second game device of the second player when receiving a first selection signal for selecting the second player from the first game device; Sending a login operation request to the game management method. 2. The game server according to claim 1, wherein each of the players can register first transmission information for uniformly permitting / prohibiting transmission of the login operation request to the game server, wherein the game server transmits the first transmission information of the second player. 2. The game management method according to claim 1, wherein when the message indicates the prohibition, the first message is returned to the first game device without transmitting the login operation request to the second game device. 3. Each of the players can register in the game server second transmission information for permitting / prohibiting transmission of the login operation request for each of the players, and the game server is configured to register the second transmission information of the second player. When the transmission information indicates the prohibition for the first player,
The game management method according to claim 1, wherein the first message is returned to the first game device without transmitting the login operation request to the second game device. 4. The game server returns a second message to the first game device when a login operation rejection is returned from the second game device in response to the login operation request. The game management method according to any one of the above. 5. The game management method according to claim 1, wherein said game server includes identification information capable of identifying said first player in said login operation request. 6. Each of the players can register personal information in the game server, and the game server selects a second player to select the second player.
The game management method according to claim 1, wherein when receiving a selection signal from the first game device, the personal information of the second player is returned to the first game device. 7. The game server includes a first character signal indicating a first character operated by the first player, a second character signal indicating a second character operated by the second player, and login of the first player. A third character signal indicating a third character operated by a third player who has already logged in is read from the memory, and the display mode of the second character on the first game device is changed to the first character and the third character. And adding the player information to the second character signal and transmitting the first character signal and the second character signal and the third character signal to which the player information is added to the first game device. Claim 1
7. The game management method according to any one of items 6 to 6. 8. A game server for providing a game to a first game device of a first player who has logged in through a communication network among a plurality of players registered in advance, the game server having the first player who has not logged in among the plurality of players. Transmitting means for transmitting player information indicating the two players to the first game device, and a login operation to the second game device of the second player when a selection signal for selecting the second player is received from the first game device A game server comprising transmission means for transmitting a request. 9. A game device operated by a player who has logged in to a game server through a communication network, wherein the player information indicating a specific player registered in advance when logging in to the game server and not logging in to the game server is stored in the game device. Player information receiving means for receiving from a game server, guidance means for guiding the selection of the specific player based on the player information, transmission of a login operation request to the specific player to the game server when the specific player is selected A game device, comprising: a requesting means for making a request; and a login operation request receiving means for receiving the login operation request from the game server when not logged in to the game server. 10. A game program to be executed by a game device operated by a player who logs in to a game server through a communication network, wherein a game program registered in advance when logging in to the game server and not logging in to the game server is specified. A player information receiving step of receiving player information indicating a player from the game server; a selection guiding step of guiding selection of the specific player based on the player information; a login operation to the specific player when the specific player is selected A requesting step of requesting the game server to transmit a request; and a login operation request receiving step of receiving the login operation request from the game server when the user is not logged in to the game server. Program. 11. A storage medium storing a game program to be executed by a game device operated by a player who logs in to a game server through a communication network, wherein the game program is registered in advance when logging in to the game server. And a player information receiving step of receiving, from the game server, player information indicating a specific player who has not logged in to the game server; a selection guide step of guiding selection of the specific player based on the player information; Requesting the game server to transmit a log-in operation request to the specific player when the log-in operation is performed, and a log-in operation request for receiving the log-in operation request from the game server when not logged in to the game server A storage medium comprising a receiving step.