GB2395043A - Image information generation device and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

An image information generation device which generates image information for use in displaying an image comprises control means which updates definition data based on definition action information generated by a definition action performed by a user, based on a definition-use image for defining a correspondence between an action and a response to the action, the control means updating operation history data indicating operation history based on operating information by the user; storage means which stores the definition data and operation history data; and image information generation means which generates the image information, wherein the image information generation means generates a definition change image information for displaying a definition change image which prompts a user to change a definition of a correspondence between an action and a response based on the definition data and operation history data, as image information for displaying the definition-use image.

Description

GB 2395043 A continuation (74) Agent and/or Address for Service: Page

Hargrave Southgate, Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, BRISTOL, BS1 2NT, United Kingdom

1 2395043

image information generation device and information storage medium Technical field

a. The present iIlVCi.tiOn relates to' a image information generation device and a computer-usahle information storage medium, in particular for implementing a game on a terminal by the generation and distribution of game information based on a request from that terminal.

Bacl:ground art ]O Game systems that display a game image on the liquid crystal screen of a portable telephone have been implemented, to enable the playing of games thereon.

In such a game system' game information (such as page data for a game image) is transmitted to the portable telephone from a predetermined information distribution device and 15 the player can mal;e the game progress by pressing numeric and other keys of the portable telephone to cause changes in the image page on the liquid crystal screen of the portable telephone. In such a case, it would increase the ease of use of the portable telephone if the player could obtain a desired response in answer to any key operation.

20 With games platted on a domestic gan1e machine, a game has been proposed in which the player can select any pattern of correspondence between suggested actions and responses from an option screen or the like, and progress of such a game is based on that pattern.

Since definition information for the correspondence pattern that the player has selected is stored in the game machine with this method, however, it is necessary to re-define that 25 information anew whenever the game machine or game software is changed. With devices such as portable telephones in particular, where new models are constantly being introduced, it can often happen that users have to re-dcfine the settings every time a new terminal device is brought out. It is all very well for a machine such as a domestic game machine to have a fixed layout 0 ofthe keys end buttons ofthe operating section, but w ith terminal devices that may have different formats and layouts of leeks depending on the model, it is often necessary to defies functions

! appropriate to that model type. and it is also difficult to use a method of providing correspondence patterns beforehand.

With a terminal device that has a limited storage capacity such as a portable telephone.

storing the definition information within the terminal device mill put prcs.sure on the storage area 5 and hinder real-7.ime processing.

Since operations on a compact terminal device. such as a portable telephone, are mainly done with the thumb and index finger. there is a limited number of keys that are easy to use and it is important Lo operate them with accessible fingers. as far as possible.

10 Disclosure of the invention

The present invention was devised in the light of the above described technical problems and has as an ob Active thereof the provision of a game image generation device, an information distribution device, and an information storage medium that enable the use to define the ] S correspondence between an action such as a key-press and a response to that action.

According to a first aspect of the present inventions there is provided an image information generation device which generates image information for use in displaying an image comprising: control means which updates definition data based on definition action information generated by a definition action performed by a use r, based on a definition-use image for defining 20 a correspondence between an action and a response to the action the control means updating operation history data indicating operation history based on operating information by the user; storage means which stores the definition data and operation history data; and image information generation means which generates the image information. wherein the image information generation means generates a definition change image information for displaying a definition 25 change image which prompts a user to change a definition o f a correspondence between an action and a response based on the definition data and operation history data, as image information for displaying tile definition-use image.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer usable information storage medium which stores a program for generating image information for 30 use in displaying an images the information storage medium comprising a program for implementing on a computer: control means which updates definition data based on

predetermined definition action information the control means upclatino operation history data indicating operation history based on operating information by the user: storage means which stores the definition data and operation history data: and image information generation means which generates the image information. wherein the image information generation means 5 ge.ieratcs a definition change image information for uispiaving a definition change image that prompts a user to change a definition of a correspondence between an action and a response based on the definition data and the operation history data. as image information for displaying the definition-use image.

According to the present invention, the definition action information is stored in a 10 predetermined storage area on the distribution side ofthe system. and an image is generated such that the defined response is performed. Allis enables the user on the information distribution request side to always display an image by pressing an easy-to-use key, increasing the ease of'use of the device.

Note that the image information in this case means data, parameters, or a program for 15 displaying an image, or an object in which data and programming are integrated. for example.

The deDmition-use image may comprise an image for defining a change in a previously assigned correspondence between an action and a response; and the image information generation means may generate the image information based on the definition data indicating the fact that the correspondence between an action and a response 20 has been changed.

This enables the user to obtain a desired response by an operation that the user finds easy to perform. The user can set settings that make the terminal device easy to use, depending on the model type, when using a network where a number of different models of terminal devices are connected. 25 The image information generation means may generate the image information for displaying an image that reflects details of a change, based on the definition data indicating the fact that the correspondence between an action and a response has been changed.

his enables the user to verify that the settings have been customized in an easy-to-use fashion, preventing misoperation by the user.

30 The image may be a game image used in a game that progresses through predetermined image transitions;

the definition-use image may include an image for causing the game image to he displayed in a state in which a number of image transitions have occurred due to an action: and the image information generation meails may generate game information for displaying the game image of a state after the number of image transitions has occurred. when an action has , been performed to display the game image in a state after the number of' image transitions.

Tllis makes it possible to implement linking and short-cut Unctions. enabling the player to play the game efficiently by reducing the number of game images displayed to the player.

The definitic,n data allay include data for Sliding the response only when the game is in a predetermined state of progress.

10 This makes it possible to diary the response depending on the state of progress of the gan1e. even though the player is using the same action. The player can therefore progress through the game by using the same action. In other words, the player can display a game start image by pressing the numeric key 6 in a state in which a menu image is displayed. then play the game by pressing the numeric key 6 again in a state in which the game start image is displayed, and restart 1: the game by pressing the numeric key 6 yet again in a state in which a game-over image is displayed. by way of example.

In this case, the control means may store in the storage area a plurality of groups of actions, responses to those actions, and games states that validate those responses. based on a plurality of items of definition action information.

9() The dei'inition-use image may include an image for validating the response only when the game is in a predetermined state of progress.

This makes it possible to obtain various different responses to the same action, so that the response can be made to differ in accordance with the state of progress of the game, even if the player performs the same action.

?) This definition-use image could comprises an image for defining an action, a response to that action, and a game state in which that response is validated.

This males it possible to perform responses that differ in accordance with the game state, even though the player performs the same action. Assume that the player is playing a role-playing game, by via ay of example, and has defined an action. response, and \!alidating game state such () that a character fights (responds) only' \vLen a life parameter of the character has reached or exceeded a predetermined value (validating game state'). In that case. it is possible to make the

/ character Loft if the life parameter has reached or exceeded the predetermined v alue, but escape if it has not reached the predetermined value. This enables the Player to progress rapidly through the game. without having to determine NNhether or not the character should fight.

Tl1e definition-use image could comprise ima yes for defining a plurality of groups of actions and the responses to those actions. or images for defining Hi plurality 0 f'groups of actions.

the responses to those actions. and game states in Wh icl1 those responses are validated.

This makes it possible for the player to define a correspondence between an action and a response for different stages of the game.

The image information generation means may generate the image information for 10 displaying the definition-use image; and the distribution-side transmission means may transmit the image information for the definitionuse image to the terminal device.

This enables control over the definition-use image on the distribution side. so that the user's definitions can be made to conform to the image information that is distributed.

15 The control means may update operation history data that has been stored in the storage area, based on the operating information; and the image information generation means may generate the image information for the definition-use image, based on the history data.

This makes it possible to understand which operations the user performs by monitoring 20 the operation history. and thus support more ef'f cient operation by the user that conforms to the user's actual operation.

More specifically, the image information generation means can generate advice image information forimprovingthe ease of operation for the definition-useimage, based onthehistory data, for example.

25 If is detennined from the history data that it is mostly the numeric key that is pressed, but sometimes the numeric key 7 is pressed, by way of'exa2nple, image information prompting the use of the numeric key 6 instead of the numeric key 7 is generated and displayed on the terminal device to enable the user to feel that he or she can increase the ease of use of the terminal device.

30 The terminal device may he a portable type of'tern1i2lal device comprising: a plurality of input sections for inputting the operating infonnation fi-:m the user;

means for transmitting the distribution request information which includes the input operating information to the distribution-side reception means and receiN ing the image information Prom the distribution-side transmission means; and display means which displays an image based on the received image information.

In an information distribution device that has only a small storable area and downloads data substantially every time it is used such as a portable terminal deN ice. this configuration makes it possible to display imaC es readily without storing definition information in the terminal itself, b, N maintaining definiti.:>n ir,fomation for distribution on the distribution device side.

Note that the portable terminal device in this case could he a portable information 10terminal, a portable telephone set. a portable game machine' or a portable personal computer (PC), by way of example.

The operating information may be input through at least one of the input sections; and the definition action information may include character information specified by the operation of the input sections.

15This makes it possible to display an image of the game of Go by inputting the character string "IGO" by operations on the input section, by way of example.

If the definition is such that images that can only be displayed usually by pressing the keys " I ", "a", and again "2" are displayed by pressing "0" once, the user can achieve the objective of reducing the number of operations.

0()If the contents of definition is inputting a character string, the response is easier for the user to understand than if a number or the like was used for the definition.

Note that character information in this case includes a single character, a character string, a single number, a number string, a single symbol, or a symbol string.

The portable type of terminal device may be a portable telephone set; and the display 95means may comprise: a display formed integrally with the telephone set: and a hroNser section for adjusting and displaying the image on the display.

This enables the player to use a browser to display various images and thus enjoy various games, fortune-telling, and information collection sites. Note that a service such as NTT Docomo's i-mode (RTM) service could be implemented as the service for providing displayable 30information by using the browser of the portable telephone set.

Note also that the portable telephone set in this case could be a portable telephone. a

l personal handvphone system (PHtS) unit. or a portable telephone that employs satellite communications. Pine operating information incinding riser identification information ma!' be generated by the terminal device the definition data maybe proN ided for cacti user; an d the control means mav 5 update the definition data for a user based on the user identification information comprised within the distribution request information.

Since definition information is stored for each users a laser can perform sir.lilar operations Oil an ordinary terminal device, even ashen using a terminal device that differs from the one on which the user performed the definition.

10 With portable telephones in particular, the layout and format of the keys varies with model type, so it is a burden to have to redo all the definitions when the model changes. This configuration makes it possible to implement a desired function by an operation that is similar to that of the original model when the model type changes.

Note that if the terminal device is a portable telephone set in such a case, the generation ] 5 of the user identification information may he based on the number of that telephone.

This mal;es it possible to identify the user in a simple manner, since the telephone number is not duplicated on other telephones.

The terminal device may generate the operating infonnation including the user identification information, by displaying an image prompting the input of user identification 20 information and inputting the riser identification information.

Since definition information is stored for each user, this configuration Italics it possible for each user to operate in an environment that the user finds easy to use, even when a plurality of users are using a single terminal device. 'This also mattes it possible to create an easy-to-use environment regardless of'the terminal device, if one user is using a plurality of terminal devices.

?5 It is possible to store definition action information in a predetermined storage area and generate an image such that a defined response is performed. This enables the player to always press an easy-topress key to display a desired image, increasing the convenience of the device.

it is also possible to vary the response depending on the state of progress of the game, even though the player is using the same action. The player can therefore progress through the 30 game by using the same action. In other words, the player can display a game start image by pressing the numeric key 6 in a state in which a menu image is displayed, then play the game by

pressing the numeric key 6 again in a state in which the game start image is displayed. and restart the game by pressing the numeric keN 6 yet again in a state in wl1ich a game-oNer image is displayed. by way of example.

It is possible to store definition action information in a predetermined storage area on the 5 garlic information generation side generate an image showing the defined response and transmit that imapc to the terminal device operated by the player. The player can therefore display desired images by alp ays pressing an easy-to-use key, increasing the convenience of the device.

It is also, po..sible to vary file response depending on the state of progress of the game, even though the player is using the same action. 'he player can theref'-,re progress through the 10 game by using the same action. In other words. the player can display a game start image by pressing the numeric key 6 in a state in which a menu image is displayed' then play the game by pressing the numeric key 6 again in a state in which the game start image is displayed, and restart the game by pressing the numeric key 6 yet again in a state in which a game-over image is displayed, by way of example.

Brief description of drawings

Fig. l is a schematic view of a game system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

20 Fig. is an external view of a portable telephone.

Fig. 3 shows an example of image transitions in a prior-art poker game.

Fig. shouts another example of image transitions in a prior-art poker game.

Fig. SA shows an example of a key assignment change screen in accordance with cite embodiment of the invention and Fig. 5B shouts another example of a key assignment change 25 screen in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 shr-'us an example of' image transitions in a poker game in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Trig. 7 is a functional block diagram of the portable telephone and game information distribution device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

30 Fig. 8 shows a key assignment table and a key input historN table in accordance u ith one embodiment of the present invention.

ig. shows an example of image transitions for short-cut definition in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. I O shows an example of an image transition after a short-cut has been perfr-'nled in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

5 1 ig. ' 1 sho w s another example of image transitions for short-cut definition in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 12 shows another example of an image transition after a short-cut has been perfor.ned i,., accordance with one embodimer,t of the invention.

Fig. I 3A shows an example of an image before key assignment change in accordance 10 with one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 13B shows an example of an image after key assignment change in accordance with the prior art. and Fig. 1 3C shows an example of an image

after key assignment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Best mode for carrying out the invention

Examples of the invention applied to a game system that uses a portable telephone are described below with reference to the accompanying f gures.

A schematic view of the game system in accordance with this embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 1.

20 The game system comprises a portable telephone 200, which acts as a terminal device, and a game information distribution device 100, which is an information distribution device that generates game information based on distribution request information that is transmitted from the portable telephone 20() over a transfer path and transmits game information to the portable telephone 2()0.

25 In this case, the game information distribution device 100 and the portable telephone 200 are connected together by a paclet-switching networl: 300 The transfer paths between the game information distribution device 100 and the portable telephone 200 include a wireless transfer path 320 and a wired transfer path 310.

Note that data is transferred between the game information distribution device 100 and 30 the portable telephone 200 in packet format w ithin the paclet-switching networl; 300, v ia a base station and a packet assembleridisas.seillbler or the like. In practice. a plurality of these portable

telephones 2()() will be connected to the game information distribution device] 0() by the packet switching network 300.

First of all. a player uses the portable telephone 2()() to connect to the packet-sNNitching network 300 and the portable telephone 200 transmits distribution request data to the flame 5 information distribution device I ()() based on the player's action. Game information is generated at the game information distribution device 10() in accordance w ith the distribution requests then is transmitted to the portable telephone 20().

The portable telephone Oh) receives the game information from the game information distribution device 10(). then displays gaine images on a screen of the portable telephone 2 ()O to I () implement a gamine.

An external view of the portable telephone 200 is shown in Fig. 2.

The portable telephone 200 comprises a plurality of keys that function as an operating section 210, a display section 220 having a liquid crystal screen on which characters and images are displayed, and an antenna that functions as a transfer section 290.

15 The player used the numeric keys of the Operating secti on 210 to input numbers, and also input characters and symbols that have been assigned to the numeric keys, to play a game.

lithe description below is based on the game of poker, by way of example.

An example of a transition between images in a prior-art poker game is shown in Fig. 3.

As shown in an image 40() the player presses the numeric key 6 to draw, after pressing ?0 the numeric keys I. 2. and 3 to hold three cards. This causes the display of another image 4()2 in which the two remaining cars, which hadn't been held, have been replaced with two new cards.

As a result of the draw shown in the image 4()2, the player has achieved a f'ull-house. This adds $15, increasing the total to $1537.

If the numeric key 6 is pressed in this winning state, "Bet and draw" is sclccted and five 25 new cards are drawn on the payment of an imaginary stake.

If the numeric key 7 is pressed in this \vinning state, a double-up game that offers the chance of doubling the prize m-,ne,'is started, but since the numeric key tS is pressed at this point.

no double-up occurs.

Another example of a transition between images in the prior-art poker game is shown in 3() Fig. 4.

An image 410 and an image 4] ? are similar to the images 4()0 and 402, except that the 1()

player presses the numeric key 7 in the ima; e 412 to select donble-up.

This over the leftmost of the five cards. leaving the remaining four cards hidden.

At this point. the player presses numeric key 3 to turn over the second card from the right.

This state is shown in an ima:C'e 414.

:, The leftmost card is 6 but the card that the player revealed is a Jack: (value: I I), which is greater than 6' so the double-up is successful and the points gained are doubled to $30.

The player can select whether or not to play the double-up game again. to double the score. the double-up game is played agate kv prcssinc, the numeric Lily 6 for Yes. Pressing the numeric key 7 for No guarantees the score without playing the double-up game.

10 With this embodiment ofthe invention. the player presses numeric key 6 to select (6) and play the double-up game again.

This turns over the leftmost of the five cards aC,ain. leaving the remaining four cards in the hidden state.

In this case, the player presses the numeric key 3 to turn over the second card from the 15 right. This state is shown in an image 416.

Since the leftmost card is a Queen (value: 19) but the card that the player turns over is 5.

the double-up fails and the game ends (game over).

Note that the game can be restarted by pressing the numeric key 6 from the state shown by the image 416, after that game is over.

0() I'hus the game progresses by mostly pressing just the numeric key 6. However, it is sometimes necessary to press the numeric key 7, such as for the transition from the image 419 to the image 414. An adventurous player would select double-up with (7); a conservative player would select bet-and-draw with (6). If each player could change the function that is assigned to each key to a preferred function in such a case. that would increase the ease of use of the terminal 95 device. In general, the keys of the portable telephone 000 are operated by the thumb. For that reason, a player who operates the portable telephone 9()0 with the right hand will consider different keys to be easy to operate than a player who uses the left hand. A player operating the portable telephone 900 with the right hand would find the numeric keys 3. 6, and 9 easier to press 30 on the portable telephone 900 sho\sTn in F! T 9. On the other hand. so to speak, a player who operates the portable telephone 00 with the left hand would find the numeric 1;eN's l, 4' and 7

easier to press.

With this embodiment ofthe present invention. the configuration is such that each player can define key Operations to achieve a desired response.

A typical key assignment change image 420 in accordance with an example of this 5embodiment of the pi-esent inN;cntion is shown in ig.:>A.

The player causes the ke,N: assignment change image 420 to appear h,N means such as selecting the display of the keN, assignment change image 420 from a menu screen or the like.

When the keN assignment chancre image 420 is dispia,ved. the player selects the blank field to the right oi'the bet-and-draw item. assigns the numeric key 7 to it by pressing the numeric

I ()key 7, then assigns the numeric l;ey 6 to the double-up item in a similar manner.

After the assignment. the player confirms the assignment by pressing numeric hey I to select OK. and the menu screen automatically returns. Note that if the numeric key 2 is pressed when the key assignment change image 420 is displayed, the menu screen returns without confirmation of the leek assignment.

] 5An example of a transition between images in the poller game in accordance with this embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 6.

I'he player starts the poker game after the key assignment, and an image 430 changes to an image 432 when the numeric key 6 is pressed. As is clear from a comparison of the image 412 of Fig. 4 and the image 432 of Fig. 6, pressing the numeric key 6 in the winning state selects Bct 20and- Drawand pressing the numeric key 7 selects Double-up. but after the key assignment, pressing the numeric key 6 selects Double-up and pressing numeric key 7 selects Bet-and-DraA.

In this manner, game images that reflect the definitions of the key assignment change image 420 are displayed. In this state, the player starts the double-up game by pressing the numeric key 6.

25Even after the start of the double-up game, pressing the numeric key 6 causes a transition to an image 436 and then to a game restart screen.

It is therefore possible to implement a game system that is more convenient to use from the player's point of view. by making it possible to define a correspondence between a player's action and the response to that action and by generating game images that reflect that definition.

30It is also possible to define the correspondence between an action and the response to that action for each stage of the game.

( Another example of a key assignment change image 42 2 in accordance with an example of this embodiment of the invention is shown in Fin. ORB.

To define the correspondence between an action and the response to that action for each stage of the games using a menu screen or the like. first of all the key assignment change image 5 422 is dispirited on the screen. The player presses the numeric key 7 as the action for obtaining the response for "next", to input (7) into the blank field. When the player then presses the

numeric key] to select "( I) Next Ke,v Assignment" the lvey assignment change image 420 of Fig. SA appears on he screen. The key operation definition for validating bet-and-draNN: in the above described winning stage and the key operation definition for obtaining the response "Next" in 10 stages other than the winning stage are done by pressing the numeric 1<e,v I to select "( I) OK" in the state in which the key assignment change image 420 is displayed.

Note that if the numeric key is pressed in the key allocation change image 497 to select "(2) Ok:". the key assignment change image 420 is not displayed next and only the lacy operation definition for obtaining the "Next" response in stages other than the winning stage is done.

15 If the numeric key 2 is pressed in the key allocation change image 422 the menu screen returns without confirmation of the lacy assignment.

In this manner, the player can define valid key assignments for each came stage' by displaying a plurality of definition-use images.

I'he description now turns to the functional blocks of the portable telephone 2()0 and

20 game information distribution device 100 for implementing such a game system.

A functional block diagram of the portable telephone 900 and the game information distribution device 100 in accordance with an example of this embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 7.

As described above, the portable telephone 2()0 comprises the operating section 210; the 25 transfer section 290. which generates distribution request inf'omlation comprising operating information Prom the operating section 210 for transmission and receives game information from the game information distribution device] 00; a storage section 230 for temporarily storing the thus received game information; and the display section 220 for adjusting the game information stored in the storage section 230. using a browser. and displaying it on a liquid crystal screen.

30 Note that "game information" in this case means a program or the like for executing a games by way of example. This game information includes not only game image information but

it could also comprise game sound information that is Venerated by a predetermined game sound generation means.

The game information distribution device 100 comprises a transfer section i 90. which integrates a distribution-side reception means for receiving distribution request information from the po,-table telephone ()0 together sA ith a disribution-side transmission means for transmitting game information. a control section 1 19 for updating user data I " that is stored for each player in a storage section]20' and an image generation section 111 that is an image information generation means for Tenet acing game image information based on received distribution request information. 10 The image generation section 111 and the control section 112 are integrated as a processing section I l 0, and the functions thereofcould be implemented by means such as a CPI J. More specifically, the image generation section] 1 1 could he configured in such a maimer that game image pages are generated dynamically by software using the common gateway interface (CGI), by way of example.

15 The storage section 120 could he implemented by means such as RAM and the transfer section 19() could be implemented by means such as a communications device having a packet assembler/disassembler (PAD) function.

Note that it is also possible to have a configuration in which an information storage medium 180 is connected to the game information distribution device 10(), whereby the functions 9() thereof can be implemented by reading information (such as a program) from that information storage medium 18().

To implement components SUCK as the transfer section 190 the image generation section 111, and the control section 112 in such a ease, programs can be used within the game information distribution device lOO for effecting means for receiving distribution request 95 information from the portable telephone 900 into the transfer section 190; control means for generating in accordance with a definition action by the user, based on a definition-use image for defining the correspondence between an action displayed on the portable telephone 00 and the response to that action, and storing definition data in a predetermined storage area, based on definition action information that indicates details of that definition that have been transmitted 30 as part ofthat distribution request information; means for generating hnage information based on the definition data: and means for causing the transfer section 19() to send the thus generated

image information to the terminal device.

The information stored in the information storage medium 180 could also he embodied over carrier was es. In other words, it is possible to implement the above described various functions bV having the 'ame information distribution de\ ice 100 read information from a pTedelermined host tcrminai river a network. instead of from the infonnation storage medium 180. Note that a CD-RC)M, DVD-ROI\I. IC card RC)\I. RANT, or storage medium using a laser ca magnetic means, such as a hard disk, could he used as the information store e medium ]80. I () The description now turns to the user data 122.

Since the storage section 230 ofthe portable telephone 200 has a small capacity, it could happen that the storage of definition information during the definition:,f key assignments or the like could place pressure upon the storage area and thus impede the execution of the game.

The format of the operating section 210 ofthe portable telephone 200 and the layout of 15 the keys will differ with the model, but it is possible k, obtain a similar operating feel regardless of the model type by setting the portable telephone 2()0 as appropriate.

In addition, newer, comparatively inexpensive models of the portable telephone 200 are constantly coming onto the market, to the models change frequently. For that reason, if the user of the portable telephone 200 changes to a new model and wants to obtain a desired response 2() with an operation that is similar to that used with the previous model. the player can continue Lo feel that the device is easy to use, even after changing model.

This embodiment of the present invention therefore ensures that the user data 122 is provided for each user in the storage section 120 ofthe game information distribution device 100, and provides a lacy assignment table 124 for holding the above described key assigmnent 25 information within the user data 122 and a key input history table 1 96 for holding a history of key inputs on the portable telephone 90().

Schematic views of the key assignment table 124 and the lacy input history table 126 in accordance with an example of this embodiment ' f the invention arc shown in Fig. 8.

The key assignment table l 24 lists a "Key" to be pressed. a "Function" that indicates the 30 response to that l<ey operation and the "Validating game state" that indicates the game state in which that operation is valid.

1-

( Assume. by clay of example. that the key assignment change imaoc 420 of Fig. PA is displayed on the display; section 220 ofthe portable telephone 90(:). as described belong.

If the state of progress of the game is equiN alent to a point at which a predetermined definition is enabled, such as an option image display stage, the image generation section 111 generates the l;ey assignment change image information that corresponds to that state of progress.

based on the distribution request information from the portable telephone 20().

The portable telephone 200 uses the display section 220 to display the lacy assignment chan Be image 42(). based on the key assignment change image inloTTllatiorl.

It is possible to generate the key assigrunent change image information on the terminal 1 () device side. but generating the key assignment change image information at the distrikution device side makes it possible not only to generate the optimal key assignment change image information in accordance with the game. hut also to generate image information to prompt the player to change the key assignments as will be described later.

If the player does the definition in a state in which the key assignment change image 420 15 isdisplayed,thatdefinition information is transmitted from the transfersection 290 to the transfer section 190 as distribution request information, then is written by the control section 112 into the key assigmnent table 124. For instance, the control section 112 writes "6" as "Key", "Oouble-TTp" as "Function", and "Success Scene" as the "Validating Game State".

Note that if the key allocation change image 422 of Fig. 5B and the lacy assignment 20 change image 420 of Fig. 5A are to he displayed, these definition-use images are generated by the image generation section I I I in sequence then are transmitted by the transfer section 190 to the portable telephone 200 in sequence. By performing the definition action on the portable telephone 200, the definition data is stored in the key assignment table 124.

In such a case, the control section 112 stores in the key assignment table 124 "7" for 25 "Key", "Display Next Page" for "Function", and "Nonsuccess Scene" for the "Validating Game State". based on the definition action information for the key allocation change image 422. The control section 112 also stores into the keel assignment table 124 "6" for "Key", "Double-up" for "Function". and "Success Scene" for the "Validating (lame State", based on the definition action information for the key assignment change image 420.

30 The display of a plurality of defBitioTl-use iTnages jTI this manner. enabling tile player to perform a plurality of deft nitions, makes it possible for the player to assign l;eys that are valid

! for different stages of the came.

When definitions have been performed in a state in which the key assignment chancre image 4'0 of'Fig. 5A was displayed, the image generation section I i references the keN; assignment table 124. If it is determined from the distribution request information that the 5 numeric iiCN 6 was pressed at the image 432. by way of example. the double-up response is assumed so that inmage information for displaying a double-up images.sucl1 as that of an image 434, is generated. 'I'he transfer section 190 transmits that image information to the portable telephone 200. snore that the identification number comprised within the distribution request information can iclentif,v each portable telephone 000 that issues a distribution request, even when 10 a plurality of portable telephones is connected to the paciet-switching network 2.()0.

A method in which the player deliberately inputs his or her Own user ID could be used as this method of identification method. In such a case, a user ID input image is displayed on the display section 22() of the portable telephone 2()0 as user identification information. 'eased on the game image information sent from the game information distribution device 100, the player 15 inputs his or her own user ID, and distribution request information comprising that user identification information is sent by the transfer section 290 to the game information distribution device 100.

The control section 1 12 identifies the player from the user identification information receipted by the transfer section 190 and can update the user data 122 for that player.

2() This configuration snakes it possible to store information Nor each player at the game information distribution device 100 by a method in which each player inputs his or her own user ID, even when a plurality of players are using the same portable telephone 200 in common, such as when a family is using one portable telephone 200 in common. This enables the players to play the game with an easy-to-operate setting method.

25 If a player usually plays a game on a PC hut also plays the game on the portable telephone 200 Allen outside, the same response can be obtained for substantially the same action by enabling use of the keyboard of the PC and the keys of the portable telephone 200 to input the same user iD to the PC and the portable telephone 200. '(his increases the ease of use ofterminal devices, even widen a single player uses a plurality of terminal devices.

3() Note that since an individual telephone number is issued for each user of a portable telephone 200. it is also possible to use a method by which the portable telephone 200

automatically C,cncrates the user identification information and transmits it to the game information distribution device l 00.

l hits reduces the burden Oil the user of inputting, the user ID.

The history of each "KeN" used by the player through the operating section 910 of the S portable telephone 00 can be stored in the leek input history table 126. More specifically: since the operating information comprises information indicating which keys the player has used the control section I 10 can write the history of tCN'S used by the player to the key input historic table I 25. ba.ied on ibe cooperating information.

As shown in Fig. 8, if the image generation section 1 1 1 references the l;ev input history I O table 126 and determines therefrom that the numeric lacy 6 was mostly used by sometimes the numeric key 7 was also used, it can generate image information for a notice prompting the use of the numeric key 6 instead of the numeric key 7. then transmit that image information by the transfer section 190 to the portable telephone 2()0.

This enables the display of an image similar to that of the key assignment change image 15 490 of Fig. 5 on the portable telephone ?0O SO that the above described definition information can be written to the lacy assignment table 124 by the key assignment performed by the player.

In this manner, it is possible to provide support that enables efficient operation by the player, not only from the player's side but also from the system side. This makes it possible to give the player the impression that he or she can increase the ease of use of the portable telephone 20 90O

The above description concerned examples in which existing key assignments were

changed, but it is also possible to assign short-cuts to key operations. Note that a short-cut in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention means a state in which a number of image transitions occur when the game progresses to a predetermined image transition.

25 An example of image transitions for short-cut definition relating to an example of this embodiment of the invention is shown in trig. 9.

If a player selects "(]) (dame Republic" from a menu image 440, by way ol example, a game selection image 449 appears. If the player selects "(2) 1go Village" from that came selection image 442* a game start image 444 appears.

30 Three items. "( I) New Game, (2) Continue, and "(3) Record Short-cut" are display ed as selection choices in the game start image 444. If the player selects "(3) Record Short-ctit" when ]8

the game start image 444 is displayed. a short-cut assignment image 446 appears.

A message "Set a short-cut for IgQ Village: _. ( 1) Set. (2) Igo Village" appears on the short-cut assignment image 446.

At this point, the player presses numeric keN; O at the "_" Underlined portion). to input 5 "0". This transmits that definition information to the game information distribution device 100, her c it is vat r itten into the key assignment table 124 as definition data by the control section] I 2.

In this case, "Key" in the key assignment table] 24 becomes "0", "Function" becomes iDisplay ( lame Start Image", and "Validating (lame State" becomes "Menu Stage". as shown in Fig. 8.

] () The game start image 444 appears if the player subsequently presses the numeric key I to select "(1) Set", or the game restarts if the player presses the numeric key 2 to select "(2) Continue". An image transition during a short-cut in accordance with this example of the present invention is shown in Fig. 10.

15 If the player temporarily disconnects from the packet-switching network 300 then reconnects to the packet-switching network 300 again, a menu image 450 is displayed again on the display section 220.

I here are usually four choices when the menu image 450 is displayed "( 1) Shogi Town, (2) Igo Village, (3) Mahjongg Island! and (4) Information", but since a short-cut has been 20 defined, a selection made by pressing the numeric key 0 is also valid.

I he display changes to a game start image 452 when the player presses the numeric key O from the menu image 450. In other words, this makes it possible to start a game without displaying the game selection image.

This enabling of short-cuts mai;es it possible for the player to play the game more 25 efficiently, and the resultant reduction in the number of data transfers and the quantity of data transfers also reduces the communications bandwidth talon up by data, enabling more efficient data transfer.

These examples related to cases in which a single numeric is specified. hut it is also possible to specify a numeric string such as "]23", a single character such as "a", a string of 30 characters such as "abc". a single symbol such as "-", or a symbol string such as " ".

An example of image transitions for short-cut definition in accordance with another

example elf this embodiment of the invention is shown in Fin. 1 1.

Pransitions between a menu image 460. a game selection image 462' a game start image 464. and a short-cut assignment image 466 are similar to those of the previous embodiment.

except that "Short-Cut Input " is pros ided for the area for short-cut in, rut on the menu image 46(). The player inputs the character strip, "I(JO'! when the short-cut assignment image 466 is displayed. The operating section 210 of the portable telephone 200 generally has a function for selecting a predetermined alphabetic character depending on the selected numeric licy and the number of times that key is pressed. In other words. it is possible for the player to input 10 alphabetic characters by pressing the numeric keys.

When the player inputs "IGO" and selects "( 1) Set" when the short-cut assignment image 466 is displayed, that definition information is transmitted to the game information distribution device 100 where it is written into the key assignment table 124 by the control section 1 12.

In that case, "Key,' in the key assignment table 124 becomes "IGO" (or numeric keys 15 representing that alphabetic character string)' "Function" becomes "Display Game Start Image" and "Validating Game State" becomes "Menu Stage".

An image transition during a short-cut in accordance with this other example of the present invention is shown in Fig. 12.

The player inputs "I(iO" into the short-cut input area when a menu image 470 is 20 displayed. This causes operating information indicating that character string to be transmitted to the game information distribution device 100.

The image generation section 1 1 1 references the key assignment table 124, determines that "IGO" was input at "Menu Stage". and issues the response "Display Game Start image".

This causes a game start image 472 to appear on the display section 220 of the portable 25 telephone 200, providing a similar effect to the implementation of a short-cut by pressing "0" as described previously.

If a character string is input to specify a short-cut, the player can specify an easy-to remember short-cut. (his makes it possible to play games conveniently N'ith no confusion if several short-cuts have been defined, by specifN ink "TG(-)" for the "TgTO Village" game or "Sh-'gi" 30 for the "Shogi Lotion" game.

The description above dealt with the application of the present inN ention to embodiments

hut the present invention is not limited to the thus described embodiments.

For instance. the above embodiments concerned the application of the present invention to a game system that comprises the portable telephone 2()() and the came information distribution deN ice I ()(), but the present invention can equally well he applied to other devices 5 such as an independent gan1e image generation device and an independent information distribution device.

If an arcade or domestic game machine is employed as the independent game image generation device by way of example. that game machine can be configured to comprises means for implementing the functions of the operating section 210 the display section 02() the 10 processing section 1 10' and the storage section 100 that were described above.

This makes it possible to increase the ease <off use ofthe game machine because the player can use any operation to display a desired image, even when the game is applied to a separate game machine.

The present invention can also be applied to an information distribution device that 15 distributes information other than game information. F or example, an information distribution device that comprises means for Implementing the functions of the previously described operating section 210, display section 230, processing section 1 l O. and storage section l 20 could be used to implement an image processing system that enables improvements in the ease of use of terminal devices, by distributing image information to the terminal devices.

20 (he ahovementioned user data 122 could be provided for each user, but it is also possible to provided it for each terminal device, and it is further possible to provide it for each game in addition to each user and each terminal device.

In addition, it is also possible to group together a plurality of keys as "Key" in the key assignment table 124 of Fig. 8, such as " 123" or "4123#". In general, the portable telephone 2()() 25 has ten numeric keys, so that if key definitions are done for single numeric keys alone only ten "Key" definitions can be done. It is possible to define a larger number of different settings by defining "F(ey" as a group of a plurality, of keys.

In addition to an action and a response to that action, the key assignment change image that is the above described definition-use image could also comprise an image for defining a 30 game state in which that response is validated.

An example of an image before lay assignment in accordance zenith this embodiment of

the invention is shoNNn in File. 1 3A. an example of an image after key assignment in accordance incite the prior art is shown in Fig. I A, and an example of an image after key assignment in

accordance \vitl1 the present inNention is shown in Fig. 13C.

The portions of a pre-ley-assignment image 480 that can be changed when in a displayed 5 state are iLe portions \vithin a v Friable rrarne 430 shorten in Fig. 13. As can be seen from a comparison of Fi ages. I and 1 3B the "I,ook. Look. Attacl; " croup tliat was originally assigned to a kev A its re-assigned to a lie, B. and the group "Rest, Speak, Defend" that was oriinall,v assigned to ION B is rc-a.ssigncd to Leo, A. with the prior-an method. Rev assignments can be changed online in integral blocks. irrespective of the game stage such as "Outdoors, Town, 1 () Combat".

With this embodiment of the present invention, variable frames 499-1 to 492-3 are provided for each game stage, as shown in Fig. IC, to enable changes for each stage. In other words. "I,ook. Rest, Unused" can be changed sequentially by pressing the predetermined buttons and keys when the cursor is at the variable frame 492-] for "Outdoors".

15 In the example shown in Fig. 1 3C, the cursor is moved k-, the variable frame 492-2 for the "Town" stage. leaving the variable frame 492- 1 for "Outdoors" alone, the predetermined button is pressed once to move the cursor to "F,nter Shop" at the top, then to "Loot:" in the middle, then to "Speak" at the bottom. Each movement is one step. The cursor is then moved to the variable frame 499-3 for "Combat"' the button is pressed twice to move to "L)cfend" at the 90 top. then to "F.scape" in the middle. and then to "Attack" at the bottom.

In this case, records are stored in groups in the key assignment table I r74 of Fig. <'I in such a manner that a certain record has "A" for "Key", "Look" for "function" and "Outdoors" for "Validating Tame State", and the next record has "13" for "Key", "Rest" for "function" and "Outdoors" for "Validating Came State".

9> Since definitions are done for each game stage in this manner. the player can assign keys freely as preferred, enabling a reduction in the stress of operation.

In addition this method of separate definitions for each game stage means that the player can set different responses for different game states, using the same action. In a role-playing game, by way of example. assume that the player mal;es a character fi rht by pressing the a button 30 on the controllers and has also defiecd an action, response, and Validating game state such that the character fights only when a life parameter of that character has reached or exceeded a is?

i predetermined value. This makes it possible to ensure that the character fights when the life parameter has reached or exceeded the predetermined value. hut escapes w hen the life parameter is below that predetermined value.

In another example based on the pol;er game described above' assume that the initial se.tir.C' is such that pressing the numeric keN 6 selects eana-i)raNv but the player has selected Doublc-up for the pressing Elf the numeric lveN 6 and has also defined an action, response and validating game state such that double-up is done only when the current stal;e iT1 the game has reached or eceede d a predetermined N alue. In touch a case, ii is possible to set Ooubie-up if the current stal;e in the game has reached or exceeded the defined predetermined v clues hut Bet-and 10 Draw if it has not reached the predetermined v alue.

In this manner, the player can progress rapidly through the game without stopping to determine wl1etller or not to fight or whether or not to select hat-and-draw. by defining a group olfaction. response, and validating game state. From the point of view of a player who wants to progress through the game without paying too much attention to it, the ease of use can be 15 increased because the game can be made to move forward by repeating the same action.

In particular, image information for definition-use images that enable a plurality of dit'f'erent definitions is generated by the image generationsection I] I and those that definition use images are displayed by the portable telephone 200 so that the player can define the correspondence between an action and a response for different stages of the game.

20 Note that although the above embodiments of the present invention were described as relating to examples of the use of the portable telephone 200 as a terminal device, the present invention can cquall,v unwell be applied to portable telephone sets otl1er than the portable telephone 200, such as a PI IS or satellite communications telephone. It is also possible to apply the present invention to devices other than portable telephones, such as PCs, portable information terminals, 95 domestic game machines having communications functions, portable flame machines having coTnTnunications functions, or arcade game machines having communications functions.

The above embodiments were described with reference to application to a pacl;et ssN'itching network, but the present invention can equally well be applied to other networl; formats including a wired communications network such as isdn or a wide-band communications 3() networl; such as an A'l'M network. In practice, the game information distribution device 100 and the portable telephone 200 arc not necessarily connected by a pacl;et-sNvitchiT1g network; they

could equally Nvell he connected oN er the interact or h,N a public telephone network (amp).

Claims (1)

1. ( Claims

   1. An image information generation device which generates image information for use in .... dTSplaN,'Ing an nnage cc-,mprTsng: - control means which updates definition data based on definitioTI action information generated by a definition action performed by a user. based on a definition-use image for defining a correspondence between an action and a response to the action, the control means updating operation history data indicating operation history based OTT operating information by the useT: JO storage means which stores the definition data and operation history data; and image information generation means which generates the image information' ] 5 wherein the image information generation meaTls generates a definition change image information for displaying a definition change image which prompts a user to change a definition of a correspondence between an action and a response based on the definition data and operation history data as image information for displaying the definition-use image.

   00 3. The image information generation crevice as defined iT1 claim 1. further comprising: distribution-side reception means which receives distribution request information including the definition action information from the terminal device transmitted over a transfer path; and - distribution-sicle transmission means which transmits the image information to the terminal device wherein the control means updates the definition data based on the definition action 30 information that is part of the distribution request information: and

   / the distribution-side transmission means transmits the definition change image information to the terminal devices 3. The image information generation device as defined in anN: preceding claim wherein: - the image information generation means generates image information for displaN!ing an image which prompts a player to associate a second action performed frequently with a first response in the definition data. when the first action performed less frequent!! is associated with the first response in the definition data as the definition change image information.

   4. The image information generation device as defined in any preceding claim wherein the image information generation means generates the image information f-,r I displaying an image that reflects details of a change. based on the definition data indicating the 15 fact that the correspondence between an action and a response has been changed.

   S. The image information generation device as defined in any preceding claim, wherein: the image is a game image used in a came that progresses through predetermined image SO transitions; the definition-use image includes an image for causing the game image to be displayed in a state in which a number of image transitions have occurred due to an action; and 25 the image information generation means generates game information for displaying the game image of a state after the number of image transitions has occurred, when an action has been performed to display the game image in a state after the number of image transitions.

   6. The image information generation device as defined in any preceding claim.

   30 NN herein the definition data is associated with an action. a response to the action and a state of the game in which the response is validated by the action.

   7. The imacc information generation device as defined in either of claims 5 and 6, w herein the definition-use image incl udes an image for v alidating the response only x hen the game is in a predetermined state of progress.

   8. The image information <encration device as defined in any of claims 2 to 7. wherein the terminal deN ice is a portable type of'tenninal device comprising: a plurality of input sections for inputting the operating information from the user; means for transmitting the distribution request information which includes the input operation information to the distribution-side reception means and receiving the image information from the distribution-side transmission means; and ] 5 display means which displays an image based on the received image information.

   9. The image information generation device as defined in claim 8. v:hcrein: the operating information is input through at least one ho the input sections; and the definition action infonmationincludes characterinfonnation specified by the operation of the input sections.

   10. 'I'he image information generation device as defined in any of claims 2 to 9, wherein: the operating information including user identification information is generated by the terminal device; the definition data is provided for each user; and the control means updates the definition data for a user based on the user identification

   information comprised within the distribution request information.

   11. A computer-usable information storage medium which stores a program for generating image information for use in displaying an image. the information storage medium comprising 5 a program for implementing on a computer: control means which updates definition data based on predetermined definition action information, the control means updating operation history data indicating operation history based on operating information by the user; storage means which stores the definition data and operation history data; and image information generation means which generates tile image information.

   15 wherein the image information generation means generates a definition change image information for displaying a definition change image that prompts a user to change a definition of a correspondence between an action and a response based on the definition data and the operation history data, as image information for displaying the definition-use image.

   20] 2. The information storage medium as defined in claim I further comprising a program for implementing on a computer: means which causes distribution-side reception means to receive distribution request information including the definition action information from the terminal device transmitted over 25 a transfer path; and means which causes distribution-side transmission means to transmit the image information to the terminal device, 30 wherein the control means updates the definition data based on the definition action information that is part of the distribution request information; and

   ( the distribution-side transmission means transmits the definition change image information to the terminal device.

   13. The ini:'rmation storage medium as defined iT1 either of claims 1 1 and 12. \vLerein: the image information generation means generates image information for displaying an image which prompts a player to associate a second action performed frequently Nvith a first response in the definition data, when a first action performed less frequently is associated with the first response in the definition data. as the definition change image information.

   14. The information storage medium as defined in any of claims I I to 13' wherein the image information generation means generates the image information for displaying an image that reflects details of a change, based on the definition data indicating the fact that the correspondence between an action and a response has been changed.

   15. The information storage medium as defined in any of claims I I to 14 wherein: the image is a game image used in a game that progresses through predetermined image transitions, the definition-use image includes an image for causing the game image to be displayed in a state in which a number of image transitions have occurred due to an action; and the image information generation means generates game information for displaying the game image of a state after the number of image transitions has occurred. when an action has 25 been performed to display the game image iTI a state after the number of image transitions.

   16. Ihc information storage medium as defined in claim 15, wllereiTI the deEmition data is associated with an action, a response to the action, and a state of the came in which the response is validated by the action.

   17. The inlormatioT, storage medium as defined in either of claims 15 and 16, wllereiT1 the

   ! definition-use image includes an image- for v alidating the response only when the game is in a predetermined state of progress.

   I The inf'onnation storage medium as defined in any of claims 19 to 17 wherein the 5 terminal device is a poT1abie Hope of terminal device comprising: a plurality of input sections for inputting user operating information: means for transmitting the distribution request information which includes the input 10 operating information to the distributionside reception means and receipting the image information from the distribution-side transmission means; and display means which displays an image hased on the received image information.

   15 19. '(he information storage medium as defined in any of claims 12 to 18, wherein: the operating information is input through at least one of the input sections; and the definition action information includes character information specified by the operation 20 of' the input sections.

   20. The information storage medium as defined in any of'claims 12 k' 19, wherein: the operating information including, user identification information is generated by the 5 terminal device; the definition data is provided for each user; and the control meaTls updates the definition data for a user based on the user identification 0 information comprised within the distribution request infoT-matioTl.