JP2016221230A - Program, game system, electronic equipment, server, and game control method for improving user input - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system which improves operability of user input.SOLUTION: There are provided: a server 200; and a plurality of electronic equipment 300 connected by a network 101. In the server 200 of a game system 100 which arranges characters operated by the respective electronic equipment 300 in a common game field to progress a game, there are provided: means receiving virtual coordinate positions showing positions in the game field of the respective characters operated by the respective electronic equipment 300; and means transmitting the received virtual coordinate positions to the respective electronic equipment 300. When the server receives a transmission request including icon information and virtual coordinate positions accompanying the icon information from the electronic equipment 300 to another arbitrary electronic equipment 300, determines whether or not the virtual coordinate position accompanying the icon information and the virtual coordinate positions of another character operated by the another electronic equipment 300 satisfy a prescribed condition, and icon information is transmitted to another electronic equipment 300 operating a character satisfying a prescribed condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, a game system, an electronic device, a server, and a game control method for improving operability of user input in a game via a network.

  In recent years, an increasing number of players enjoy a network-compatible game in which a plurality of players can participate through a network. The game is realized by a game system in which an electronic device such as a game machine, a PC terminal, or a mobile phone communicates with a server device or the like of a game operator, and a player who operates the electronic device cooperates with other players. A game can be progressed or a battle can be played in a battle game.

  In such a game via a network, a game in which a plurality of players operate each character with each game device often requires information on the status of the character operated by another player due to its nature. Also, communication between participating players is often required.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a radar for displaying the position of each character in the virtual game space in addition to the operation screen for each character in a game in which a plurality of players operate each character on each game device. Displaying a screen is described, and Patent Document 2 describes that it is easier to input a message exchanged between players.

JP 2004-329744 A JP 2002-346230 A

  While the use of games via the network as described above has expanded, with recent improvements in touch panel technology, electronic devices such as smartphones that perform user input via a user interface on the touch panel have become widespread.

  Although communication between players is required as described above, when a game is played on a smartphone or the like, it is difficult for the player to send a message at a timing intended for transmission because the character input operation is complicated. In addition, since the game progresses while the input for communication is performed, if a time is required for the message transmission operation, a disadvantageous situation may be caused in the game. Further, the conventional communication interface is intended to be transmitted to a specific person, and cannot be transmitted in association with a specific position, and cannot be transmitted while checking the movement of other players. Absent. On the other hand, in a game in which a plurality of players participate, particularly in a battle game in which a player fights against an enemy team in cooperation with another player, transmission to another player at a specific position instead of a specific person or another player In many cases, it is necessary to transmit while confirming the movement of the camera. Therefore, when a conventional communication interface is used, communication between players cannot be performed smoothly, and there is a possibility that the fun of the game is lowered.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and provides a user interface that enhances the fun of a game.

  The above problem is solved by the present invention having the following features. That is, the program as one aspect of the present invention is for a game in which an electronic device connected to a server via a network and a character operated by one or more other electronic devices are placed in a common game field and played. The electronic device includes a display unit and a contact-type position input device, and coordinates on the contact-type position input device indicate a touch position according to a touch on the contact-type position input device by a player. And the program receives the virtual coordinate position indicating the position of each character in the game field from the server, and the player in a predetermined area of the display unit. The virtual coordinate position of the own character operated by the other character and the other character operated by the other electronic device And a step of displaying one or more icons outside the predetermined area based on a predetermined touch operation on the contact-type position input device, and a state in which the radar screen and the icon are displayed. If a touch on the contact-type position input device is detected, whether or not the icon is touched is determined based on whether the detected touch position is within a coordinate range corresponding to the display position of the icon. A step of determining and obtaining a touch end position that is a touch position detected immediately before the touch end when the touch on the contact-type position input device is ended when the icon is touched; Alternatively, when a touch is detected again after the touch on the contact type position input device is completed, the detected retouch position is acquired. Determining whether the touch end position or the re-touch position is within a coordinate range corresponding to the predetermined area of the display unit; and the touch end position or the re-touch position of the display unit A transmission request for causing the server to transmit icon information corresponding to the touched icon from the server to at least one of the other electronic devices is within the coordinate range corresponding to the predetermined area. And a step of transmitting to the program.

  The program according to one aspect of the present invention includes a step of converting the touch end position or the retouch position into the virtual coordinate position, and the virtual coordinate position of the touch end position or the retouch position. Determining whether or not the virtual coordinate position of the other character satisfies a predetermined condition, and at least one electronic device among the other electronic devices satisfies the predetermined condition. The other electronic device described above is operated.

  The program as one aspect of the present invention further comprises a step of causing the electronic device to further convert the touch end position or the retouch position to the virtual coordinate position, and transmitting the server to the server. And determining whether or not the virtual coordinate position of the touch end position or the retouch position and the virtual coordinate position of the other character satisfy a predetermined condition, and operating the other character that satisfies the predetermined condition Transmitting the converted virtual coordinate position to determine the other electronic device as at least one of the other electronic devices.

  As one aspect of the present invention, the predetermined condition includes that the virtual coordinate position of the touch end position or the retouch position and the virtual coordinate position of the other character are within a predetermined distance.

  As one aspect of the present invention, at least one of the other electronic devices is the other electronic device that operates another character having a predetermined relationship with the player character.

  As one aspect of the present invention, the icon information is a text message, an illustration, a stamp, a figure, an image, a sound, or a movie corresponding to the icon to be displayed or reproduced on the other electronic device, or the server or This is command information for displaying or reproducing these data stored in the other electronic device.

  A game system as one aspect of the present invention includes a server, an electronic device connected to the server via a network, and one or more other electronic devices, and is operated by each electronic device connected to the server. A game system in which a character is placed in a common game field and the game proceeds, wherein the electronic device includes a display unit and a contact-type position input device, and is applied to the contact-type position input device by a player. A touch position corresponding to a touch is detected as coordinates on the contact-type position input device, and the server determines a virtual coordinate position indicating a position in the game field of each character operated by each electronic device. Virtual coordinate position receiving means for receiving, and virtual coordinate position transmitting means for transmitting the received virtual coordinate position to each of the electronic devices. The electronic device includes a virtual coordinate position receiving unit that receives the virtual coordinate position of each character from the server, a self-character operated by the player, and the other electronic device within a predetermined area of the display unit. A radar screen showing the virtual coordinate position of the other character operated by the button, and a communication screen for displaying one or more icons outside the predetermined area based on a predetermined touch operation on the contact-type position input device When a touch on the contact-type position input device is detected in a state where the display means, the radar screen, and the icon are displayed, the detected touch position corresponds to a coordinate range corresponding to the display position of the icon. First touch position determining means for determining whether the icon is touched based on whether the icon is touched, and when the icon is touched The touch end position acquisition means for acquiring a touch end position that is a touch position detected immediately before the touch end when the touch on the contact type position input device ends, or on the contact type position input device When the touch is detected again after the touch to the touch is completed, the retouch position acquisition means for acquiring the detected retouch position, and the touch end position or the retouch position is displayed in the predetermined area of the display unit. A second touch position determination unit that determines whether the corresponding coordinate range is within the coordinate range corresponding to the predetermined area of the display unit, and the touch end position or the re-touch position is touched A transmission request for transmitting icon information corresponding to the icon from the server to at least one of the other electronic devices is sent to the server. And transmitting the icon information to at least one of the other electronic devices when the server receives the transmission request.

  As one aspect of the present invention, the electronic device includes a coordinate position conversion unit that converts the touch end position or the retouch position into the virtual coordinate position, the virtual coordinate position of the touch end position or the retouch position, and the Coordinate position determination means for determining whether or not the virtual coordinate position of another character satisfies a predetermined condition, and at least one electronic device among the other electronic devices satisfies the predetermined condition. The other electronic device for operating the character.

  As one aspect of the present invention, the electronic device further includes coordinate position conversion means for converting the touch end position or the retouch position into the virtual coordinate position, and the transmission request is the touch end position or the retouch position. The virtual coordinate position information, and the server determines whether the virtual coordinate position of the touch end position or the retouch position and the virtual coordinate position of the other character satisfy a predetermined condition. The electronic device further includes a determination unit, and at least one of the other electronic devices is the other electronic device that operates the other character that satisfies the predetermined condition.

  As one aspect of the present invention, the predetermined condition includes that the virtual coordinate position of the touch end position or the retouch position and the virtual coordinate position of the other character are within a predetermined distance.

  As one aspect of the present invention, at least one of the other electronic devices is the other electronic device that operates another character having a predetermined relationship with the player character.

  As one aspect of the present invention, the icon information is a text message, an illustration, a stamp, a figure, an image, a sound, or a movie corresponding to the icon to be displayed or reproduced on the other electronic device, or the server or This is command information for displaying or reproducing these data stored in the other electronic device.

  An electronic device as one aspect of the present invention includes a server, an electronic device connected to the server via a network, and one or more other electronic devices, and is operated by each electronic device connected to the server An electronic device in a game system in which a character to be played is placed in a common game field, and has a display unit and a contact-type position input device, and a player touches the contact-type position input device. A corresponding touch position is detected as coordinates on the contact-type position input device, and a virtual coordinate position receiving means for receiving a virtual coordinate position indicating the position of each character in the game field from the server; and the display Within a predetermined area of the player's own character operated by the player and another character operated by the other electronic device A communication screen display means for displaying a radar screen indicating the virtual coordinate position of the screen and one or more icons outside the predetermined area based on a predetermined touch operation on the contact-type position input device; When a touch on the contact-type position input device is detected with the radar screen and the icon displayed, whether the detected touch position is within the coordinate range corresponding to the display position of the icon First touch position determination means for determining whether or not the icon is touched, and when the touch on the contact-type position input device is finished when the icon is touched, immediately before the touch is finished. Touch end position acquisition means for acquiring a touch end position, which is a detected touch position, or touch again after the touch on the contact-type position input device is ended. Re-touch position acquisition means for acquiring the detected re-touch position, and whether the touch end position or the re-touch position is within a coordinate range corresponding to the predetermined area of the display unit. Second touch position determination means for determining the icon information corresponding to the touched icon when the touch end position or the retouch position is within a coordinate range corresponding to the predetermined area of the display unit. And a data transmission unit configured to transmit a transmission request to be transmitted from the server to at least one of the other electronic devices to the server.

  A server as one aspect of the present invention includes a server, an electronic device connected to the server via a network, and one or more other electronic devices, and is operated by each electronic device connected to the server. In a game system in which a character is placed in a common game field and the game proceeds, wherein the server determines a virtual coordinate position indicating a position in the game field of each character operated by each electronic device. A virtual coordinate position receiving means for receiving, and a virtual coordinate position transmitting means for transmitting the received virtual coordinate position to each electronic device, wherein the electronic device is a transmission request to the other electronic device, When a transmission request including the icon information and the virtual coordinate position accompanying the icon information is received, the icon information accompanies The other electronic device that determines whether the virtual coordinate position and the virtual coordinate position of another character operated by the other electronic device satisfy a predetermined condition and operates the other character that satisfies the predetermined condition A server that transmits the icon information to the server.

  A game control method as one aspect of the present invention includes a server, an electronic device connected to the server via a network, and one or more other electronic devices, and each electronic device connected to the server A game control method in a game system in which characters to be operated are arranged in a common game field and the game progresses, wherein the electronic device includes a display unit and a contact-type position input device, and the contact-type position by a player A touch position corresponding to a touch on the input device is detected as coordinates on the contact-type position input device, and the server determines a position in the game field of each character operated by each electronic device. A step of receiving a virtual coordinate position to be indicated, and a step in which the server transmits the received virtual coordinate position to each electronic device. The electronic device receives the virtual coordinate position of each character from the server; and the electronic device is operated by the player within the predetermined area of the display unit and the other character. A radar screen indicating the virtual coordinate position of another character operated by the electronic device and one or more icons outside the predetermined area are displayed based on a predetermined touch operation on the contact-type position input device. And when the electronic device detects a touch on the contact-type position input device in a state where the radar screen and the icon are displayed, the detected touch position becomes the display position of the icon. Determining whether the icon has been touched based on whether it is within a corresponding coordinate range; and In the case of touching, when the touch on the contact-type position input device is finished, a step of acquiring a touch end position that is a touch position detected immediately before the touch is finished, or on the contact-type position input device When the touch is detected again after the touch to the touch is completed, the step of acquiring the detected re-touch position, and the electronic device indicates that the touch end position or the re-touch position is the predetermined area of the display unit. The electronic device is touched when the touch end position or the retouch position is within the coordinate range corresponding to the predetermined area of the display unit. A transmission request for transmitting icon information corresponding to the icon from the server to at least one of the other electronic devices. A game control method comprising: transmitting to a server; and transmitting the icon information to at least one of the other electronic devices when the server receives the transmission request.

  The present invention provides a user interface for communicating between players using a radar screen for displaying the position of each character on the virtual game space, so that the player can It is possible to transmit a message or the like at the same timing, or to transmit a destination in association with a position, not a person. Therefore, the present invention facilitates communication between players, thereby assisting in making and executing a strategy in which a plurality of players cooperate with each other, and can enhance the interest of the game.

An example of the whole structure of the game system which concerns on embodiment of this invention is shown. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the server which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the electronic device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the coordinate axis of the touchscreen of the electronic device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The game field of the game which concerns on embodiment of this invention is shown. The normal screen of the game which concerns on embodiment of this invention is shown. The radar screen of the game which concerns on embodiment of this invention is shown. The screen for communication of the game concerning the embodiment of the present invention is shown. The flowchart explaining the information processing of the game system which concerns on embodiment of this invention is shown. The 1st Embodiment of the flowchart explaining the information processing of the user interface for communicating between players in the game system concerning the embodiment of the present invention is shown. The 2nd Embodiment of the flowchart explaining the information processing of the user interface for communicating between players in the game system which concerns on embodiment of this invention is shown. The 3rd Embodiment of the flowchart explaining the information processing of the user interface for communicating between players in the game system which concerns on embodiment of this invention is shown. The 4th Embodiment of the flowchart explaining the information processing of the user interface for communicating between players in the game system which concerns on embodiment of this invention is shown.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The game system according to the present embodiment provides a game in which a plurality of players can participate by connecting a plurality of electronic devices via a network or the like and transmitting / receiving information between the respective electronic devices. In the virtual space set by the game system, each player can enjoy a common game by operating each character on each electronic device.

  As described above, the game system according to the present embodiment, in which each electronic device is connected via a network, is assumed to be a server-client system, but may be configured as a system without a server such as PtoP. Here, the player is a user who operates the electronic device when executing the game, and is a concept corresponding to a client of a so-called server-client system. In general, a player can participate in a game through a so-called character that performs activities and actions in a virtual game space. Accordingly, in the present specification, when simply referred to as a player, a character may be indicated.

  Further, for convenience of explanation, in this specification, a player who participates in the game other than the player who operates the electronic device is referred to as another player, a character that the player operates with the electronic device is referred to as a player character, A character that the player operates with another electronic device may be referred to as another character. Similarly, an electronic device operated by a player may be referred to as an electronic device, and an electronic device operated by another player may be referred to as another electronic device.

[System configuration]
FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a game system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 includes a server 200 and a plurality of electronic devices 300. These are connected to each other by the network 101, but may be individually connected as necessary. When one of the plurality of electronic devices also functions as a server, the system 100 can be configured not to include the server.

[Server configuration overview]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the server 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The server 200 includes a processing unit 201, a display unit 202, an input unit 203, a storage unit 204, and a communication unit 205. Each of these components is connected by the bus 210, but each may be individually connected as necessary.

  The processing unit 201 includes a processor that controls each unit included in the server 200, and performs various processes using the storage unit 204 as a work area. The display unit 202 has a function of displaying information to the user. The input unit 203 has a function of receiving input from the user, such as a keyboard and a mouse. The storage unit 204 stores a server program 206 and various types of data that can be referred to when the program is executed. The storage unit 204 may be any device that can store information such as a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory, and a volatile memory. It may be a removable memory such as a memory card. The communication unit 205 connects to the network 101 by performing wired communication using an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable, mobile communication, wireless communication such as a wireless LAN, and the like.

  For example, the server 200 is an information processing apparatus that is used when a system administrator or the like operates and manages a game service. When the server 200 receives various commands (requests) from the electronic apparatus 300, the server 200 can operate on the electronic apparatus 300. A Web page, a game screen, or the like created in a markup language that conforms to the program or the standard of the electronic device 300 can be distributed (response).

  The server 200 realizes various functions by executing the server program 206, but these functions can also be realized by configuring an electronic circuit or the like.

[Outline of electronic device configuration]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the electronic apparatus 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device 300 includes a processing unit 301, a display unit 302, a contact type input unit 303, a storage unit 304, and a communication unit 305. Each of these components is connected by a bus 310, but each may be individually connected as necessary.

  The electronic device 300 is preferably a smartphone, but includes, for example, a computer including a contact input device such as a mobile phone, a portable information terminal, a tablet computer, a video game machine, a portable video game machine, and a touch pad. .

  The processing unit 301 performs various processes such as a game process and an image generation process based on a program, input data from the contact input unit 303, or data received from a server. The processing unit 301 includes a processor that controls each unit included in the electronic apparatus 300, and performs various processes using the storage unit 304 as a work area.

  The storage unit 304 stores an electronic device program 306. The storage unit 304 may be any device that can store information such as a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory, and a volatile memory. It may be a removable memory such as a memory card. For example, when the electronic device 300 is a smartphone, it includes ROM and RAM. The storage unit 304 stores the electronic device program 306 and various types of data that can be referred to when the program is executed. The program includes a program for every application that requests user input such as a video game, a web browser, etc., and various types of data include, for example, image data for displaying various images in the game and a storage unit during the game. Data such as coordinates that can be written to 304 is also included.

  A communication unit 305 performs wired communication using an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable, mobile communication, wireless communication such as a wireless LAN, and connects to the network 101.

  A display unit (display) 302 displays an image output by a program executed in the electronic apparatus 300. A liquid crystal display is preferable, but a display using an organic EL, a plasma display, or the like may be used.

  The contact-type input unit 303 gives an input to the electronic device 300 based on the position touched by the player, such as a touch pad. Preferably, the display unit 302 and the contact type input unit 303 are an integrated touch panel, but may be in a separate form arranged at different positions. For example, in the case of a touch panel in which the display unit 302 and the contact type input unit 303 are integrated, the input by the player's touch on the display unit 302 is accepted, and the contact type input unit 303 sets the coordinates corresponding to the position touched by the player. Detect and apply to electronic device 300. The detection method can include all methods (for example, a capacitance method in a touch panel), but the contact-type input unit 303 detects that the player's finger or the like has touched at least two points at the same time, and each corresponding to the detected position. It is preferable that the coordinate information is given to the electronic device 300.

  Here, the touch is an operation or a state in which a finger or the like touches the touch input unit 303, in this embodiment, the touch panel. In the present embodiment, the touch by the player is described as being performed by the player's finger, but may be touched by any finger, or may be another such as a stylus pen. On the other hand, the release is an operation or a state in which a finger or the like leaves the touch panel. The player mainly operates the electronic device 300 by touching or releasing it. Such touch operations may include touch, long touch, multi-touch, release, swipe, tap, double tap, long tap, drag, and flick. For example, swiping is an operation that changes the touch position while a finger or the like is in contact with the touch panel, and dragging specifies an object or icon displayed on the display by touching, and the object or icon is moved or deformed. This is a swipe operation. Preferably, the processing unit 301 determines part or all of the types of touch operations based on contact with a touch panel such as a finger, contact position, contact time, or number of contacts.

  For example, when a smartphone is used as the electronic device 300, the display unit 302 and the contact type input unit 303 are an integrated touch panel 307. The contact-type input unit 303 is designated by coordinates using a coordinate plane composed of a first axis and a second axis that is substantially orthogonal to the first axis. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, the first axis is substantially parallel to the short side of the display unit 302 (contact-type input unit 303), and the second axis is substantially parallel to the long side of the display unit 302. The coordinate axis (horizontal axis) in the first axis direction and the coordinate axis (vertical axis) in the second axis direction are represented as coordinates (x, y). The processing unit 301 can acquire a touch position detected by the touch panel 307 as the coordinate (x, y) data using a program or the like. For example, when the detection accuracy of the touch panel 307 is 640 dots × 1,136 dots, the resolution can be 640 dots in the horizontal axis direction and 1,136 dots in the vertical axis direction. In this case, the dot may be a single point or a certain region (cell). However, it should be noted that the distance between the dots is usually different for each touch panel (electronic device). In this specification, unless otherwise specified, “distance” represents a coordinate distance. Note that the coordinate setting shown in FIG. 4 is an example of this, and the coordinate axes can be set by a program. Also, polar coordinates can be set, and other coordinate systems can be set by coordinate conversion.

  In addition, for example, when the display unit 302 and the contact type input unit 303 are separately arranged at different positions, the coordinates are set in the contact type input unit 303 as described above, and the display unit 302 has a contact type. Coordinates corresponding to the coordinates of the input unit 303 can be set.

  The electronic device 300 realizes these functions by executing the electronic device program 306, but these functions can also be realized by configuring an electronic circuit or the like.

[Game Overview]
The game provided by the game system 100 in the present invention is realized by causing the server program 206 to be executed by the server 200 and causing the electronic device program 306 to be executed by the electronic device 300. In the operation or process described below, as long as no contradiction occurs in the process or operation, the process or operation that is executed by the server program 206 on the server 200 is executed by the electronic device program 306. And vice versa.

  In the present embodiment, a smartphone is used as the electronic device 300. The installed electronic device program 306 is, for example, a game application. The player can start the game by starting the application.

  An outline of a game provided by the game system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The game system 100 places each character operated by a plurality of players in a virtual space on the game and causes each player to play. Further, a team (group) composed of a plurality of players is created, each character is arranged on the game field 500 shown in FIG. 5, and the victory or defeat is determined by fighting against the enemy team. The opponent team may be a team composed of a plurality of players, or may be a CPU team provided by the server program 206 or the like.

  An area 501 on the game field 500 indicates the main team of each team. The player's team wins by destroying / acquiring the enemy base before the opponent. The lane 502 and the forest 503 are paths through which the character can be moved, but the lake 504 cannot move the character. However, the forest 503 is an area having characteristics such as that it is difficult to move the character and difficult to find other characters compared to the lane 502.

  FIG. 6a shows a normal screen 600 of the electronic device 300 operated by the player in the game. The normal screen 600 includes an operation screen centered on the player character 601 operated by the player, and a radar screen 610. The operation screen is preferably larger than the radar screen 610. The normal screen 600 can also display the status display of the own character 601 and setting buttons.

  FIG. 6 b shows the radar screen 610. Before describing the radar screen, the position of the character on the game field will be described. In the game, since each player participating in the game plays by operating each character on the game field shown in FIG. 6B, it is necessary to share the position of each character on the game field. Accordingly, each character has virtual coordinate position information on the virtual space of the game field. Hereinafter, the notation of the position on the radar screen indicates the position corresponding to the virtual coordinate in the virtual space. The radar screen 610 is a screen showing a map of a part or the whole on the game field, and is a screen showing the position 611 of the own character on the map and the position 612 of another character on the same team as the own character. The place where the player can confirm the situation on the radar screen 610 is a place within the capture range 614 of the player character 611 or another character 612 of the same team as the player character. The player and other players on the same team as the player can confirm the position 613 of the other character of the enemy team only when the position 613 of the other character of the enemy team enters the captureable range 614. Note that the player may be able to identify each character by adding a character name to the player character and other characters on the radar screen 610.

  The game system also provides an interface for communication between players in the team. FIG. 6 c shows a communication screen 620 according to one embodiment of the present invention, which displays a radar screen 621 in a predetermined area of the touch panel 307. The communication screen 621 includes a radar screen 621 within a predetermined area, one or more icons 622 outside the predetermined area, and a screen switching button 623 outside the predetermined area. The communication screen 620 is a screen for allowing players to quickly exchange information such as messages. Switching to the communication screen 620 is performed by touching the radar screen 610 display area on the touch panel 307 on the normal screen 600 shown in FIG. 6A. However, it may be set to be switched by a predetermined touch operation.

  The radar screen 621 displays the radar screen 610 in a predetermined area, and is usually an enlarged screen of the radar screen 610. The icon 622 is arranged for the player to transmit information to another player or the game field. As shown in FIG. 6c, a plurality of icons 622 are preferably arranged on the communication screen 620, but more icons 622 are slid and displayed by a predetermined touch operation such as swipe. It may be configured.

  Each icon 622 has icon information corresponding to the symbol or character. Here, the icon information is a text message, an illustration, a stamp, a figure, an image, a sound, a moving image, or the like corresponding to an icon to be displayed or played on another electronic device, or stored in a server or another electronic device. This is command information for displaying or reproducing these data. Further, the icon information can include information on the player as the transmission source. A player can communicate with other players by selecting an icon corresponding to such icon information.

  When the communication screen 620 is displayed, the player cannot operate the player character, which may be disadvantageous to the player character in the progress of the game. Therefore, when displaying the communication screen 620, the character can be automatically moved by the program of the electronic device. The exchange of information between players in the team using the communication screen 620 will be described in the game processing described below.

[Game processing]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining information processing in the game system described in the game outline. The electronic device 300 starts the game by executing the electronic device program 306 for the game (step 701), and starts communication with the server 200. As a result, the server 200 recognizes the electronic device 300 (step 702). Subsequently, the server 200 generates a game field and transmits information related to the game field to the electronic device 300 (step 703). The game field may be generated by executing the electronic device program 306.

  Subsequently, the electronic device 300 generates a character (step 704). The character is generated automatically by the player's selection or by the program. The electronic device 300 transmits the generated own character information to the server 200 (step 704). The server 200 stores the character information and other character information transmitted from another player (step 705).

  Here, the character information indicates various statuses of the character in the game, but can include virtual coordinate position information in the game field of the character. The electronic device 300 and the server 200 exchange game information including such character information and communication information between characters. However, the data structure about the information regarding a game is not limited to these.

  As described above, the character belongs to the team, but the game information or the character information can include team information to which the character belongs. The team to which the character belongs preferably is determined by the server 200 after collecting each character information (step 705). However, when the game field is generated and transmitted to the electronic apparatus 300, the server 200 may determine the team, or may determine at another timing or by another method.

  Server 200 transmits part or all of the character information to each electronic device 300 based on the stored character information (step 706). Subsequently, the electronic device 300 receives the character information from the server, displays the normal screen 600 including the operation screen and the radar screen 602 shown in FIG. 6A (step 707), and updates the screen and various statuses of each character (step 707). Step 708). However, as described above, the electronic device 300 preferably does not display all the character information received from the server 200, for example, where the player can check the situation on the radar screen 602 is limited.

  As the game progresses, the player's own character information including position information is updated by the player operating the character or by an event on the game field. The electronic device 300 transmits game information including its own character information to the server 200 at a predetermined interval (step 709). The electronic apparatus 300 may periodically transmit to the server 200 as described above, or may transmit game information to the server 200 in response to a request from the server 200. The server 200 stores the game information received from each electronic device 300 (step 710), transmits game information including other character information to the electronic device 300 (step 711), and the electronic device 300 receives the information. Similarly, the server 200 may transmit game information including each character information to each electronic device 300 at a predetermined interval, or may transmit it in response to a request from the electronic device 300. Thereafter, step 708 to step 712 are repeated as long as electronic device 300 continues to execute the game (step 712).

  FIG. 8 is a first embodiment of a flowchart for explaining information processing of a user interface for communication between players in the game system described in the above game outline. The processing of the following flowchart is executed simultaneously when steps 708 to 712 in FIG. 7 are executed. However, it can also be configured to be executed by information processing of one flowchart by modifying it so that it is incorporated from step 708 to step 712.

  In order to display the normal screen 600 in step 707, at the start of the flowchart of FIG. 8, the electronic device 300 displays the normal screen 600 and waits for the player to touch the touch panel 307.

  The electronic device 300 determines a touch on the touch panel 307 (step 801), and when it is determined that the touch is made, the electronic device 300 detects the touch position as coordinates (step 802). The electronic device 300 determines whether or not the detected touch position coordinates are within the screen switching area (step 803).

  In the present embodiment, a smart phone is used as the electronic device 300, but in general, the smart phone performs touch detection at regular intervals and updates the screen at regular intervals. For example, the screen update unit time can be 1/30 seconds, 1/60 seconds, 1/120 seconds, or the like. In this flowchart, preferably, touch detection is performed in conjunction with the screen update cycle. Further, the detected touch position coordinates are stored in the storage unit 304 temporarily or until the processing by the flow is completed unless otherwise specified.

  Whether or not the touch position coordinates are within the screen switching area is based on whether or not the touch position coordinates are within a coordinate range corresponding to the display position of the radar screen 610 in the normal screen 600 shown in FIG. 6a. Although it is determined, another area may be set as the coordinate range to be determined. Note that the determination in step 803 can also be determined based on whether or not a predetermined touch operation has been detected.

  If it is determined in step 803 that it is not within the screen switching area, a process corresponding to the touch operation is performed (step 804), and the process returns to step 801. The process according to the touch operation is a process such as moving the own character to be operated or changing the setting, but the description is omitted.

  If it is determined in step 803 that it is within the screen switching area, the electronic apparatus 300 displays a communication screen 620 based on the radar screen 610 (step 805). Subsequently, the electronic apparatus 300 determines a touch on the touch panel 307 (step 806). If it is determined that the touch is made, the electronic device 300 detects the touch position as coordinates (step 807), and the detected touch position coordinates are displayed on the screen. It is determined whether it is within the coordinate range corresponding to the display position of the switching button 623 (hereinafter referred to as the display range) (step 808). The determination in step 808 can be determined based on whether or not a predetermined touch operation is detected, in addition to the touch within the display range of the screen switching button 623.

  If it is determined in step 808 that it is within the display range of the screen switching button 623, the process returns to step 801, and if it is determined that it is not within the display range of the screen switching button 623, one or more detected touch position coordinates are present. It is determined whether it is within the display range of any one of the icons 622 (step 809). If it is determined in step 809 that it is not within the display range of the icon 622, the process returns to step 806. If it is determined in step 809 that the icon is within the display range of any icon 622, icon information corresponding to the icon is stored (step 810). When the player touches two places and the two detected touch position coordinates are within the display range of two different icons, the icon information corresponding to each icon is stored.

  When the icon information is stored, it is determined whether or not the touch is continued (step 811). When the continuation of the touch is completed or when the release is detected, the touch position coordinate A1 detected immediately before the end of the touch is detected (step 812). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the detected touch position A1 is within a predetermined area of the touch panel 307 (step 813). The predetermined area is preferably a coordinate range corresponding to the display position of the radar screen 621 as described above. With such processing, the player can determine the transmission content by first touching the icon, and can determine the transmission destination by performing the drag operation as it is.

  If it is determined that the touch position coordinate A1 is not within the predetermined area, the process returns to step 806. This process is effective when the player cancels communication. When it is determined that the touch position coordinate A1 is within the predetermined area, the touch position coordinate A1 is converted into a virtual coordinate A2 on the virtual space of the game field (step 814). That is, the virtual coordinate of the position of the touch position coordinate A1 in the virtual space of the game field indicated by the radar screen 621 is A2, and the virtual coordinate A2 has the same coordinate axis as the position 611 of the own character and the position 612 of the other character described above. Indicates virtual coordinate position information.

  Subsequently, the electronic apparatus 300 determines whether or not the converted virtual coordinate A2 satisfies a predetermined condition with the virtual coordinates of other characters (step 815). It is preferable to use the latest virtual coordinates received in step 711 as the virtual coordinates of other characters. For example, the predetermined condition is that the distance between the virtual coordinates of the other character and the virtual coordinates A2 is within a predetermined distance.

  If it is determined in step 815 that there is no other character that satisfies the predetermined condition, the process returns to step 806 as long as the electronic device 300 continues to execute the game (step 819). If it is determined in step 815 that there is another character that satisfies the predetermined condition, the icon information stored in step 810 is transmitted to the server 200 to another electronic device 300 (another player) that operates the other character that satisfies the predetermined condition. The transmission request to be transmitted is transmitted to the server 200 (step 816). The transmission request data includes icon information and information about the transmission destination electronic device, and is preferably transmitted to the server 200 in step 709 as communication information included in the game information. May be transmitted to the server 200.

  When receiving a transmission request from the electronic device 300, the server 200 stores the information (step 817), and transmits icon information to the other electronic device 300 that operates another character that satisfies a predetermined condition (step 818). The icon information transmission from the server 200 is transmitted to the other electronic device 300 in step 711 as communication information included in the game information. However, separately from step 711, it may be transmitted as icon information transmission data to another electronic device 300.

  Up to this point, the information processing in which the server 200 transmits icon information to another electronic device 300 has been described using the flowchart of FIG. 8. Next, information processing of another electronic device 300 that has received icon information from the server 200 will be described. The other electronic device 300 also executes the information processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, and receives icon information transmitted from the electronic device 300 from the server 200 in step 711. As long as the other electronic device 300 continues to execute the game (step 712), the other electronic device 300 updates the screen or the like to display or reproduce based on the icon information (step 708). When the icon information is a text message, an illustration, a stamp, a graphic, an image, a sound, or a moving image, the other electronic device 300 displays or reproduces the information received from the server 200. On the other hand, when the icon information is command information for displaying or reproducing these data stored in another electronic device 300, the server 200 stores the data to be displayed or reproduced in the storage unit 204, and the electronic device Based on the command information received from 300, the data to be displayed or reproduced stored in the storage unit 204 is transmitted to the other electronic device 300, and the other electronic device 300 displays or reproduces the data received from the server 200. Alternatively, each electronic device 300 including another electronic device 300 stores data to be displayed or reproduced in the storage unit 306 in each electronic device 300, and these data are based on command information received from the server 200. Is displayed or played. When two icons are selected and the other electronic device 300 receives two pieces of icon information, the other electronic device 300 displays or reproduces based on the two icon information. The display or reproduction based on the two icon information may be displayed or reproduced by adding the two icon information as they are, or may be displayed or reproduced by something different from the two icon information. The received information processing of the other electronic device 300 is the same in the following embodiments.

  In the first embodiment, the following processing can be performed instead of Steps 815 to 818. For example, the electronic device 300 that has executed Step 814 sends the icon information stored in Step 810 to all other electronic devices 300 that operate other characters on the same team as the player, or to all other electronic devices 300. A transmission request to be transmitted to the server 200 is transmitted to the server 200. In this case, the server 200 stores transmission request data including icon information (step 817), to all other electronic devices 300 that operate other characters on the same team as the player, or to all other electronic devices 300. Icon information is transmitted (step 818). In addition, for example, the electronic device 300 that has executed Step 814 has the icon information stored in Step 810 as a game to all other electronic devices 300 that operate other characters of the same team as the player or to all other electronic devices 300. A transmission request that causes the server 200 to transmit game information associated with the virtual coordinate A2 on the field is transmitted to the server 200. The server 200 stores the game information (step 817) and transmits the game information to all other electronic devices 300 that operate other characters of the same team as the player or to all other electronic devices 300 ( Step 818). In this case, when another character in the other electronic device 300 that has received the game information moves to a position within a predetermined distance from the virtual coordinate A2 within a predetermined time, the other electronic device 300 updates the screen or the like. Thus, display or reproduction is performed based on the icon information (step 708).

  FIG. 9 is a second embodiment of a flowchart for explaining information processing of a user interface for communication between players in the game system described in the game outline. Since the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment from step 801 to step 814, differences will be mainly described.

  The electronic device 300 transmits to the server 200 a transmission request that causes the server 200 to transmit the icon information stored in Step 810 to at least one other electronic device 300 (another player) (Step 820). The transmission request data includes icon information and virtual coordinate A2 information, and is preferably transmitted to the server 200 in step 709 as communication information included in the game information. However, as transmission request data different from step 709, You may transmit to the server 200. The electronic device 300 returns to step 806 while continuing to execute the game (step 824).

  When the server 200 receives the transmission request from the electronic device 300, the server 200 stores the received data (step 821), and determines whether or not the received virtual coordinate A2 satisfies a predetermined condition with the virtual coordinates of other characters (step 822). ). The virtual coordinates of other characters are preferably the latest virtual coordinates stored in the server. For example, the predetermined condition is that the distance between the virtual coordinates of the other character and the virtual coordinates A2 is within a predetermined distance. If it is determined in step 822 that there is no other character satisfying the predetermined condition, the server 200 does not transmit the icon information to the other electronic device 300. If it is determined in step 822 that there is another character that satisfies the predetermined condition, the server 200 transmits icon information to another electronic device 300 that operates the other character that satisfies the predetermined condition (step 823). The icon information transmission from the server 200 is transmitted to the electronic device 300 in step 711 as communication information included in the game information. However, it may be transmitted to the electronic apparatus 300 as icon information transmission data separately from step 711. As described above, in the second embodiment, the server 200 mainly determines the transmission destination.

  In the second embodiment, the following processing can be performed instead of Step 821 to Step 823. For example, when the server 200 receives the transmission request including the icon information, the server 200 stores the received data (step 821) and sends it to all other electronic devices 300 that operate other characters of the same team as the player or all other electronic devices. Icon information is transmitted to the apparatus 300 (step 823). Further, for example, the server 200 stores the icon information as game information in association with the virtual coordinate A2 on the game field (step 821), and all other electronic devices that operate other characters on the same team as the player. Transmit to 300 or to all other electronic devices 300 (step 823). In this case, when another character in the other electronic device 300 that has received the game information moves to a position within a predetermined distance from the virtual coordinate A2 within a predetermined time, the other electronic device 300 updates the screen or the like. Thus, display or reproduction is performed based on the icon information (step 708).

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the player displays the communication screen 620 by touching the radar screen 610 on the normal screen 600, and the game field and other screens are displayed on the radar screen 621 in the communication screen 620. While confirming the movement of the character, touch the icon 622 corresponding to the communication content to determine the content to be transmitted, and perform a drag operation on the radar screen as it is to set an icon to an arbitrary position on the radar screen 621 or to another player. Information can be sent. Therefore, the player can quickly communicate with other players using the radar screen 621. As described above, the first embodiment and the second embodiment have the same operability of the player, but the determination of the other electronic device 300 as the transmission destination is determined by the electronic device 300 in the first embodiment. In contrast, the second embodiment is different in that the server 200 determines.

  FIG. 10 is a third embodiment of a flowchart for explaining information processing of a user interface for communication between players in the game system described in the game outline. In the third embodiment, steps 801 to 811 and steps 813 to 819 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus differences will be mainly described.

  When the icon information is stored, it is determined whether or not the touch is continued (step 811). When the continuation of the touch is completed or when release is detected, the touch position detected by touching again (step 825) is detected as the touch position coordinate A1 (step 826). Steps 827 to 833 after the detection are the same as steps 813 to 819 of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 11 is a fourth embodiment of a flowchart for explaining information processing of a user interface for communication between players in the game system described in the game outline. In the fourth embodiment, steps 801 to 811, and steps 813 to 824 are the same as those of the second embodiment, and steps 825 to 826 are the same as those of the third embodiment. It is a combination of the described embodiments.

  In the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment, the player determines the transmission content by touching the icon displayed on the communication screen 620, and determines the transmission destination by touching the radar screen 620 again as it is. Thus, it is different from the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

  In the process or operation described above, a process or operation can be freely performed at a certain step as long as there is no inconsistency in the process or operation such as using data that should not be used at that step. Can be changed.

  Each Example described above is an illustration for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these Examples. The present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist thereof.

100 System 101 Network 200 Server 201 Processing Unit 202 Display Unit 203 Input Unit 204 Storage Unit 205 Communication Unit 206 Server Program 210 Bus 300 Electronic Device 301 Processing Unit 302 Display Unit 303 Contact Type Input Unit 304 Storage Unit 305 Communication Unit 306 Electronic Device Program 307 touch panel 310 bus 500 game field 501 area 502 lane 503 forest 504 lake 600 normal screen 601 character 610, 621 radar screen 611, 612, 613 position 614 capture range 620 communication screen 622 icon 623 screen switching button

Claims (1)

A server, an electronic device connected to the server via a network, and one or more other electronic devices, wherein characters operated by the electronic devices connected to the server are arranged in a common game field A server in a game system that progresses the game,
The server
Virtual coordinate position receiving means for receiving a virtual coordinate position indicating a position in the game field of each character operated by each electronic device;
Virtual coordinate position transmission means for transmitting the received virtual coordinate position to each electronic device,
A transmission request from the electronic device to any other electronic device, which is selected by the player to transmit icon information corresponding to the icon selected by the player operating the electronic device and the icon information. When the transmission request including the virtual coordinate position associated with the icon information is received, the virtual coordinate position associated with the icon information and the virtual coordinate position of another character operated by the other electronic device satisfy a predetermined condition. A server that determines whether or not and transmits the icon information to the other electronic device that operates the other character that satisfies the predetermined condition.

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