JP2004290685A - Server device, contents delivery method and game program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a server device giving a real prize to a player according to the game result when the player plays the game via a network. <P>SOLUTION: A Web server 62, in response to a delivery request from a cellular phone 10, delivers game contents to the cellular phone 10 via Internet network 50 and a cellular phone network 30. After finishing the game, the server obtains the game result from the cellular phone 10 via the cellular phone network 30 and the Internet network 50 and determines a winner of the prize among higher-ranking persons of the game results. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a server device, a game program, and a game content distribution technique for distributing game content in response to a distribution request from an information processing terminal connected to a communication network.

  Recently, using the Internet connection function of mobile phones, browsing web pages using the World Wide Web (WWW), sending and receiving e-mails, Internet banking, ticket reservation, music data delivery, game program (Java applet) delivery, etc. Application services are provided. When an information provider distributes game content, it uses a markup language developed for mobile communication terminals such as mobile phones such as Compact HTML (Compact Hyper Text Markup Language) and PDAs (Personal Data Assistance). Java that does not depend on the platform of the mobile communication terminal by creating a desired game on the mobile communication terminal by distributing a Web page in response to a distribution request from a mobile communication terminal equipped with a browser function Applet was distributed over the network.

  By the way, when a player plays a prize acquisition game at a game center, the prize acquisition unit is operated in consideration of the direction, size, shape, position, etc. of the prize contained in the case, and the prize is acquired. If you succeed, you can win prizes on the spot.

  However, when a player plays a game by connecting to an information provider server via a network using a mobile communication terminal or a home game device, the game result is displayed on the screen no matter how excellent the game result is. Only real prizes were not sent to players according to game results.

  In addition, since the mobile phone has poor screen display capability, a device is required to display the game screen on the mobile phone. For example, when a prize acquisition game is played on the screen, it is difficult to catch the character only with the character position information viewed from one direction. In particular, in order to realize a prize acquisition game on a small display screen such as a mobile phone, it is necessary to devise a screen display using limited processing capability.

  Further, in a commercially available mobile phone, the number of game programs that can be stored in the flash memory is determined in advance by storing the memory capacity occupied by one Java applet within a certain capacity (for example, about 10 kbytes). For this reason, if the capacity of the game program is too large, the number of game programs that can be downloaded to the flash memory is reduced.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a server device configured to be able to give a real prize to a player in accordance with game results when the player plays a game via a network. Another object of the present invention is to provide a game program capable of realizing a game screen with rich expressiveness even in a mobile communication terminal with poor screen display capability. In addition, the present invention proposes a game program distribution technique configured to minimize the number of game programs that can be stored in the nonvolatile memory of the mobile communication terminal even when the capacity of the game program is large. Let it be an issue.

  In order to solve the above problems, the server device of the present invention responds to a distribution request from an information processing terminal, means for distributing game content to the information processing terminal via the communication network, and via the communication network. Selecting means for acquiring game results from the information processing terminal and selecting a prize winner based on the game results;

  Preferably, the game content is a content of a prize acquisition game, and the prize is a prize of the same character as the character caught by the player on the game screen.

Preferably, each character is assigned a point, and the selecting means selects a prize winner when the points acquired by the player are higher in the game participants' points.
Preferably, the character has position information defined by two-dimensional coordinates, and when the coordinates input by the player coincide with predetermined coordinates, an image for catching the character is displayed on the information processing terminal. Means for transmitting image data for display to an information processing terminal via a communication network.

  Preferably, the information processing terminal device further comprises means for continuously transmitting one frame of image data ordered in advance for displaying a moving image to the information processing terminal via a communication network.

  Preferably, there is provided means for informing the player in advance of the contents of the game content by e-mail.

  Preferably, there is provided means for notifying a player in advance of the contents of a game event in which a plurality of players compete for game results by e-mail.

  Preferably, the information processing terminal is a mobile communication terminal.

  The content distribution method of the present invention distributes game content to an information processing terminal via a communication network in response to a distribution request from the information processing terminal, and acquires game results from the information processing terminal via the communication network Then, a prize winner is selected based on the game results.

  Preferably, the game content is a content of a prize acquisition game, and the prize is a prize of the same character as the character caught by the player on the game screen.

  Preferably, each character is assigned a point, and when the point acquired by the player is higher in the points of the game participant, it is selected as a prize winner.

  Preferably, the character has position information defined by two-dimensional coordinates, and when the coordinates input by the player coincide with predetermined coordinates, an image for catching the character is displayed on the information processing terminal. Image data to be displayed is transmitted to the information processing terminal via the communication network.

  Preferably, one frame of pre-ordered image data for displaying a moving image on the information processing terminal device is continuously transmitted to the information processing terminal via a communication network.

  Preferably, the game content is notified to the player in advance by e-mail.

  Preferably, the contents of a game event in which a plurality of players compete for game results are notified to the players by e-mail in advance.

  Preferably, the information processing terminal is a mobile communication terminal.

  The present invention can also provide a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer system to execute the above method is recorded. As a computer-readable recording medium, for example, an optical recording medium (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, PD disk, MD disk, MO disk, or the like optically readable recording data) Medium), a magnetic recording medium (a recording medium capable of magnetically reading data such as a flexible disk, a magnetic card, and a magnetic tape), or a memory cartridge having a storage element such as a semiconductor memory (DRAM). In addition to the portable recording medium, there is an internal storage device provided in a computer or a memory card, or an external storage device such as a hard disk.

  The game program of the present invention is a program operable on an information processing apparatus, and includes an image table area of the information processing apparatus, a first area for displaying a character, and a position of the character on a two-dimensional plane. A representative display body to be displayed is divided into a second area to be displayed in association with the character, and an operation display body that moves in response to a player's operation is displayed in the second area. Based on the positional relationship between the body and the operation display body, a state in which the character is caught is displayed in the first area.

  Preferably, the representative display body is a projection point of the character on the two-dimensional plane.

  Preferably, two straight lines that are orthogonal to each other with the operation display body as an intersection and move following the movement of the operation display body are displayed on the second screen.

  Preferably, a probability that the character can be caught is set according to the distance between the operation display body and the representative display body.

  The game program of the present invention is a program operable on an information processing apparatus, and projects a character placed in a virtual space defined by an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system onto an XY plane, a YZ plane, or a ZX plane. It displays as an image, and shows how the character is caught by the player's operation.

  The game program of the present invention is a program that can be operated on the information processing apparatus, and displays a state of a character placed in a virtual three-dimensional space as an image viewed from an arbitrary viewpoint position, and is operated by a player's operation. A state in which the character is caught is displayed.

  The game program of the present invention is a program for a prize acquisition game in which a prize acquisition unit on the screen is moved by a player's operation to acquire a prize on the screen, and the prize is viewed in at least two directions on the display screen of the information processing terminal. Shows the position of the prize viewed from the player.

  The game program of the present invention is a program of a prize acquisition game in which a prize acquisition unit on the screen is moved by a player's operation to acquire a prize on the screen, and the prize position viewed from multiple directions on the game screen is shown to the player. Includes area.

  Preferably, when the character is caught, the vibration generator built in the mobile communication terminal is vibrated.

  The server device of the present invention comprises means for adjusting the probability that the character can be caught in the server device that distributes the game program of the present invention to an information processing terminal via a communication network.

  The server device of the present invention is a server device that distributes the game program of the present invention to an information processing terminal via a communication network, and includes means for adjusting a character arrangement pattern corresponding to the time that a player plays a game.

  The server device of the present invention is a server device that distributes the game program of the present invention to an information processing terminal via a communication network, and includes means for distributing voice data related to a character caught by a player to the information processing terminal.

  The server device of the present invention is a server device that distributes the game program of the present invention to an information processing terminal via a communication network. When the mobile communication terminal executes a game, image data necessary for character display is transmitted via the communication network. And means for delivering to the mobile communication terminal device.

  According to the present invention, since the player can receive the real prize according to the game result, the player can be motivated to play the game, and the fun of the game can be increased. In addition, even a terminal device having a poor image display capability such as a mobile communication terminal can realize a game screen rich in expressiveness. In addition, when the character is caught, the mobile communication terminal vibrates, so that the fun of the game can be enhanced.

  Moreover, since the server apparatus can adjust arbitrarily the probability which can catch a character, the fun of a game can be improved. Further, since the character arrangement pattern changes corresponding to the game play time, the game play can be changed. In addition, since audio data related to the caught character is distributed, the fun of the game can be improved. Further, since the image data necessary for character display is distributed from the server device via the communication network, a large number of game programs that can reside in the mobile communication terminal can be secured.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a network configuration of the game system. In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a digital mobile phone having an Internet connection function, which is an information processing terminal for playing a game via a network. As such an information processing terminal, in addition to a mobile phone, a mobile communication terminal (portable terminal device) such as a portable personal computer that can communicate by PHS (Personal Handy Phone), PDA, PIAFS (PHS Internet Access Forum Standard) protocol In addition, there are general-purpose terminal devices such as home game devices and personal computers having a communication function.

  Reference numeral 60 denotes a game system (game content distribution system) operated and managed by a game company as an information provider, and includes a router 61, a Web server 62, and a terminal device 63 wired by an Ethernet cable such as 100BASE-TX. ing. The router 61 partitions the Internet network 50 as an external network and the game system 60 constituting the internal network at the network layer level, and performs filtering of IP (Internet Protocol) packets.

  The Web server 62 is a server device equipped with HTTPd (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol daemon), and is sent to the mobile phone 10 (client) owned by a member (player) who has approved a license to use game contents with an information provider. Deliver game content. The game contents are created in markup languages such as Compact HTML, HDML (Handheld Device Markup Language), WML (Wireless Markup Language), etc. according to the mobile communication terminal standards, and are GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), JPEG (Joint Photographic There are Web pages linked with image data such as Expert Group, PNG (Portable Network Graphics), or Java applets that can be operated on a mobile communication terminal equipped with a Web browser.

  Further, the Web server 62 registers member information (user ID, name, address, age, etc.), game results (acquisition points, acquired characters, etc.), game history, network access date / time, etc. for each user. ing. In this way, the Web server 62 functions as a game server that realizes desired game processing such as determining game winners based on game results, in addition to delivering game content in response to client requests. When the load on the Web server 62 increases as the number of members increases, a Web application server dedicated to game content distribution may be newly installed. Reference numeral 63 denotes a terminal device that performs maintenance of the Web server 62, and performs confirmation of member information, addition, deletion, and update of game content. In addition, as will be described later, inventory management of prizes sent to members is also performed.

  Reference numeral 40 denotes an Internet network in order to make Web application services provided by various information providers using the WWW, such as game content distribution service, electronic advertisement service, Internet banking, and ticket reservation, usable by the mobile phone 10. The gateway server converts the communication protocol between the mobile phone network 50 and the mobile phone network 30. HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) is used as a protocol for transferring hypertext created in a markup language for a mobile communication terminal between a client and a server. The gateway server 40 is operated and managed by a mobile communication provider, and data necessary for game play on the mobile phone 10 is charged by the gateway server 40 as a packet communication fee.

  Reference numeral 30 denotes a cellular phone network constituting a PDC (Personal Digital Cellular), a base station 20 for wireless connection with the cellular phone 10, a packet switch for routing packet data passing through the network, and the location of the cellular phone 10 It consists of a home memory station that performs registration. The cellular phone network 30 is configured to be capable of packet communication by providing a packet processing module (PPM) and a packet gateway (PGW). The PGW is realized by the gateway server 40.

  In the above configuration, in order for a player to register as a member, the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the information provider is input from the mobile phone 10, and the base station 20, the mobile phone network 30, the gateway server 40, and the Internet network 50 are input. To access the Web server 62. Then, since the input of the user ID is requested from the Web server 62, the user ID is input. After entering the user ID, enter your name, gender, age, e-mail address, etc. according to the guidance screen displayed on the liquid crystal display of the mobile phone 10, and if you agree to the game license, you will be registered as a member. After membership registration, the game content can be downloaded at any time by accessing the Web server 62 on condition that the desired membership fee is paid.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart describing processing steps in the case of realizing game play by communication between a request message and a response message of a Web page between a client / server. In this example, a free gift acquisition game will be described as an example of game content. The player selects a game mode from the menu screen of the mobile phone 10 and inputs a user ID (S1). The input user ID is transmitted to the Web server 62 and collated with a pre-registered user ID. If the user IDs do not match as a result of the collation (S2; NO), a re-input of the user ID is requested (S4).

  On the other hand, if the user IDs match (S2; YES), the Web server 62 transmits a character selection screen to the mobile phone 10 (S3). The character selection screen is a screen for selecting the type of character (prize) arranged in the case. Examples of character types include the main character of a popular anime. When the player selects an arbitrary character from the character selection screen (S5), the Web server 62 transmits an image of the character placed in the case to the mobile phone 10 (S6). An image as shown in FIG. 3A is displayed on the image display unit of the mobile phone 10 (S7). As shown in the figure, characters are arranged in 3 rows and 3 columns in the case. The player grasps the position of the character that is the target of catching by looking at the state of the entire character arranged in the case.

  FIG. 4B shows the positions of characters arranged in the case. Each character has acquirable coordinates defined by coordinates of 6 squares in the horizontal direction and 6 squares in the depth direction. Acquirable coordinates refer to coordinates at which a character can be caught by operating a prize acquisition unit (crane), and a character cannot be caught at coordinates other than the obtainable coordinates. For example, in order to catch the character No. 8, there are four types (5, 3), (5, 4), (6, 3), (6, 4) as the gripping positions. If is (5, 4), the player cannot catch the eighth character unless (5, 4) is entered. Acquireable coordinates are set for each character, and the Web server 62 can appropriately change the setting according to the difficulty level of the game. Further, the number of obtainable coordinates is not limited to one per character, and a plurality of obtainable coordinates can be set.

  The player performs the positioning operation of the prize acquisition unit in accordance with the target character position (S8). Positioning operation of the prize acquisition unit is performed by determining the position in the horizontal direction and the position in the depth direction. The position of the prize acquisition unit in the horizontal direction is set in six stages by operating the operation button of the mobile phone 10 as shown in FIG. Further, the position in the depth direction is set in six steps by operating the operation buttons of the mobile phone 10 as shown in FIG.

  The Web server 62 determines whether or not the coordinates input by the player match the acquirable coordinates (S9). If the coordinates match the acquirable coordinates (S9; YES), a catching success image is selected (S10), and image data is transmitted (S12). Then, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a moving image in which the character is successfully caught is displayed on the image display unit of the mobile phone 10 (S13). This moving image display (animation display) can be realized by continuously displaying GIF images continuously transmitted from the Web server 62 according to a predetermined order for each frame.

  On the other hand, if the coordinates input by the player do not match the acquirable coordinates (S9; NO), a catching failure image is selected (S11), and image data is transmitted (S12). Then, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C, a moving image in which the character catching has failed is displayed on the image display unit of the mobile phone 10 (S13). Subsequently, the points acquired by the player are displayed on the mobile phone 10 (S14). Acquired points are set for each character, and the points increase according to the difficulty of catching.

  The Web server 62 counts the game history, the number of remaining games, game points, etc. for each player, and decides to send a prize by lottery from the ranking leader of the game results regularly (for example, every month). To do. Examples of the prize include a character mascot and a stuffed toy acquired by a player in a prize acquisition game. When the player wins the lottery (S15; YES), the winning information is transmitted to the mobile phone 10 (S16). Then, the winning display is displayed on the image display unit of the mobile phone 10 (S17). If the player wishes to deliver a prize (S18; YES), the player inputs a prize delivery destination (S19). The delivery destination is registered in the database of the Web server 62 (S20), and the prize is delivered the next month based on the delivery destination.

  In addition, although the case where the character was arrange | positioned on a two-dimensional plane was illustrated in said description, it is not restricted to this, You may arrange | position a character in three-dimensional space. In this case, for example, the three-dimensional space is defined by XYZ coordinates, the X axis is set in the vertical direction in the horizontal plane, the Y axis is set in the horizontal direction in the horizontal plane, and the Z axis is set in the height direction (direction orthogonal to the horizontal plane). If the vertical direction in FIG. 3B is the X-axis direction and the horizontal direction is the Y-axis direction, the player can perform the positioning operation of the prize acquisition unit in the XY plane by referring to the same screen. . When the vertical direction in FIG. 3B is the Z-axis direction and the horizontal direction is the X-axis direction, the player can perform the positioning operation of the prize acquisition unit on the ZX plane by referring to the same screen. . At this time, if the last column of characters (the third column) is set one step higher, the character coordinates viewed on the ZX plane are, for example, (number 2: coordinates (3, 1)), (number 6: coordinates (1) , 3)) and (number 9: coordinates (1, 5)). Similarly, if the second row of characters is set two steps higher, the character coordinates viewed on the ZX plane are, for example, (number 3: coordinates (1, 1)), (number 5: coordinates (3, 3)). , (Number 9: coordinates (1, 5)). Also, even when the character is arranged on the XY plane, when the character size is different, for example, when the character size arranged in the front row is larger than the size of other characters The coordinates of the character on the ZX plane are, for example, (number 3: coordinates (1, 1)), (number 6: coordinates (1, 4)), and (number 9: coordinates (3, 6)).

  In addition, when a game screen is displayed, a third party comment may be displayed in accordance with the game development. For example, at the start of the game, “This store is easy. It ’s natural to catch!”, When the claim is positioned, “No. Not good!”, When the character is caught, “The balance is subtle. “When the character crane can transport it to the vicinity of the discharge port, the atmosphere is good!” When you drop the character into the discharge port, “YOU COOL!”. If you cannot catch the character, It's interesting to display comments like “I ’m going to fall!” Or “I ’m bad!” When the character is about to fall off the crane.

  Further, in the above configuration, an image of a character acquired by a player can be transferred from the Web server 62 to the mobile phone 10, and the image can be used for a game standby screen. By setting in this way, the player can collect the images of the favorite characters, so that the willingness to play the game can be stimulated. Further, the Web server 62 may be set so that the type of character appearing in the prize acquisition game can be updated every month. At this time, the popular character may be set to be usable in the next month. Further, at the opening of the game, the game results of each player, the remaining number of games, and the like may be displayed.

  Further, it may be set so that notification of game events that are periodically performed from the Web server 62 to each player is performed by e-mail. In addition, the prize winner may not be determined by lottery, but may be given as a gift to the top performers (for example, the top 3%). Further, the management terminal 63 may be configured to consign the delivery to the logistics company by e-mail so as to deliver the prize to the winner in addition to managing the inventory of the prize.

  In addition, it may be set so that the web server 62 notifies the user of the cellular phone 10 of the registered player in advance by e-mail the date when the player can play twice in one PLAY (one play). In addition, the number of plays per month is determined by the contract with the information provider, but the player sets a time zone in which the number of plays for a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour) is not counted, The date and time may be transmitted from the Web server 62 to the player's mobile phone 10 by e-mail in advance.

  In addition, when the information provider plays the date set, comments (for example, free gift information or information advantageous for free gift acquisition) can be given to those who are arbitrarily selected (randomly selected) from the members , Fortune-telling information, etc.) may be notified by e-mail that the Web server 62 is sent. Similarly, when the date set by the information provider is played, an image of an alien appearing from the UFO is sent, and special advice (for example, information that makes it easy to obtain a prize, prize information (for example, this prize now) May be configured to be notified by e-mail that the Web server 62 is sent.

  Next, a case where a game program (Java applet) is downloaded from the Web server 62 and game play is performed will be described. FIG. 5 is a circuit configuration diagram of the mobile phone 10. As shown in the figure, the mobile phone 10 includes an antenna 16, a radio circuit unit 11, a CPU 21, a liquid crystal display unit 22, operation buttons 23, a vibrator (vibration generator) 24, and a storage unit 25. The antenna 16 converts the transmission signal output from the radio circuit unit 11 into a radio frequency signal and transmits it to the base station 20, and converts the radio frequency signal radiated from the base station 20 into a reception signal to convert the radio circuit signal into the radio circuit unit 11. To supply. The CPU 21 outputs various control signals to the radio circuit unit 11 and controls outgoing call connection and incoming call connection with the base station 20.

  The radio circuit unit 11 includes an RF switch 15, a transmission unit 12, a frequency synthesizer 13, and a reception unit 14. The transmission unit 12 generates a transmission signal from the transmission signal output from the microphone via the CPU 21, and communicates with the base station 20 via the RF switch 15 and the antenna 16. On the other hand, the reception unit 14 generates a reception signal from reception signals supplied from the base station 20, the antenna 16, and the RF switch 15, and supplies this to the CPU 21. The received signal supplied from the receiving unit 14 to the CPU 21 is converted into an audio signal and output from the receiver. The frequency synthesizer 13 supplies a local transmission signal to the transmission unit 12 and the reception unit 14. The transmitter 12 and the receiver 14 select a specific frequency channel from various control signals supplied from the CPU 21.

  In addition, the mobile phone 10 includes a storage unit 25, and is configured such that the CPU 21 can execute a game program downloaded to the storage unit 25. The storage unit 25 includes a RAM 26 and a flash memory 27. The Java applet downloaded from the Web server 62 resides on the flash memory 27, and data other than the game program is stored in the RAM 26. For example, when downloading a free gift acquisition game program, a Java applet constituting the game program resides in the flash memory 27. On the other hand, character data for drawing a character is supplied from the Web server 62 when connected to the network and stored in the RAM 26.

  In this way, the character data that requires data capacity is not stored in the flash memory 27, but can be downloaded onto the flash memory 27 by downloading the character data from the web server 62 when connected to the network when playing the game. It is configured so that the number of applets is not reduced. In addition, by separating the execution program from the character data, the character data is added or changed because the Web server 62 manages the character data even when the character type is added or changed due to a trend or the like. Can be easily dealt with. Also, for the player, the flash memory 27 is not wasted, and the character can be enjoyed according to the fashion and mood.

  The CPU 21 performs a game process based on a player's operation signal input via the operation button 23, and displays a game screen on the liquid crystal display unit 22. The liquid crystal display unit 22 can display 4096 colors using a TFD liquid crystal. Further, the vibrator 24 is operated as necessary to enhance the game effect. The role of the vibrator 24 will be described later.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart describing the procedure of game processing in the Web server 62. In order to execute the game program downloaded to the mobile phone 10, the member must pay a predetermined amount determined every month, and needs to access the Web server 62 and obtain authentication before playing the game. . The Web server 62 connects to the network based on the connection request from the mobile phone 10 (S21) and performs authentication (S22). The authentication checks whether the member registration is valid and whether the membership fee has been paid by a predetermined date. If the authentication is OK (S22; YES), the character acquisition probability is adjusted (S23), and the probability data is transmitted (S24). The character acquisition probability is a probability that the character can be caught on the game screen in the prize acquisition game, and will be described in detail later.

  Next, the character arrangement pattern is adjusted (S25), and character data is transmitted (S26). The character arrangement pattern is a combination pattern of arrangement positions (including increase / decrease of the number of characters) of each character arranged in the storage case, and details will be described later. The Web server 62 disconnects the network connection after transmitting data necessary for game play (S27). Thereby, the mobile phone 10 can execute the game program. When the game play ends, the mobile phone 10 is programmed to access the Web server 62 automatically or after confirmation by the player.

  After the game, when there is a network reconnection request from the mobile phone 10 (S28; YES), the Web server 62 reconnects to the network (S29) and acquires game results from the mobile phone 10 (S30). The game results include the type, number, and required time of characters that can be caught. The web server 62 adds the points corresponding to the characters caught by the player and calculates the total points. Then, a person who presents a prize is selected from among the top scorers of the total points every month (S31). The prize will be mailed to the winner's home by mail or delivery.

  If the game is forcibly terminated by turning off the mobile phone 10 in the middle of the game, the data such as the game results and the number of game play will be automatically sent to the Web server 62 when connecting to the network next time. Transferred.

  FIG. 7 is a transition diagram of screens displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the mobile phone 10 when game play is started. When the cursor displayed on the screen is operated to start the game program, a screen as shown in FIG. Here, when “Connect to network” is selected, a top screen as shown in FIG. Here, when “game start” is selected, data necessary for game execution such as the above-described probability data and character data is received, and the game screen shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a game screen. In the figure, reference numeral 101 denotes a screen (character display screen) that displays how characters 31, 32, and 33 arranged in a virtual storage case are caught, and is slightly against the bottom surface of the premium storage case. An image viewed from the direction of the line of sight that forms an elevation angle is displayed. Reference numeral 102 denotes a display screen for displaying the projection points 51, 52, and 53 of the characters 31, 32, and 33 on the XY plane when the bottom surface of the prize storage case is defined by the XY plane. The operation screen for positioning is displayed. The projected point can be treated as a representative point representing the position of the character. In addition, instead of the projection point, or superimposed on the projection point, a projected image of the character on the XY plane (an image of the character viewed from directly above) may be displayed. Further, the projection point is not necessarily a point, and may be a display body (representative display body) having a certain area. As shown in the figure, the character 31 and the projection point 51, the character 32 and the projection point 52, and the character 33 and the projection point 53 are displayed in a one-to-one correspondence. The arrangement patterns of the characters 31, 32, and 33 are random, and it is not always necessary to arrange them regularly in a grid pattern as shown in FIG.

  Reference numeral 35 denotes a crane for grabbing (catching) the character, and moves the screen in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) following the movement of the cursor 41. The player can move the cursor 41 in the vertical direction (up and down direction) and the horizontal direction of the screen by operating the operation buttons of the mobile phone. Reference numeral 42 denotes a vertical line that moves in the horizontal direction following the movement of the cursor 41 in the horizontal direction of the screen, and serves as a guide line for moving the cursor 41 in the vertical direction after moving the cursor 41 in the horizontal direction. . Reference numeral 43 denotes a horizontal line that moves in the vertical direction following the movement of the cursor 41 in the vertical direction of the screen, and serves as a guide line for moving the cursor 41 in the horizontal direction after moving the cursor 41 in the vertical direction. . The cursor 41 moves only while the operation button is pressed, and once the operation is stopped, it cannot be moved again in the same direction. The cursor 41 can be moved steplessly in the horizontal and vertical directions. Reference numeral 38 denotes a discharge port for discharging the character caught by the crane 35 from the storage case.

  FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram of the cursor 41. As shown in the figure, the cursor 41 includes a center point 44 and an outer peripheral portion 45. FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram of the projection point 51. As shown in the figure, the projection point 51 includes a central region 54, an intermediate region 55, and an outer peripheral region 56. The projection points 52 and 53 have the same configuration. The player operates the cursor 41 in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and matches the center point 44 of the cursor 41 with the projection point 51 to catch the character. The cursor 41 is also called an operation point, an operation display body, a designated point, a designated display body, an indication point, an indication display body, and an aim.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the center point 44 overlaps the center region 54, the character can be caught with a probability of 95%. However, there is a case where catching may fail with a probability of 5%. In this case, the character falls while the crane 35 is moving. When the center point 44 overlaps the intermediate area 55, the character can be caught with a probability of 60%. However, there is a case where the catching may fail with a probability of 40%. In this case, when the character is caught by the crane 35, the character is lifted for a moment but immediately slips down. If it overlaps the outer peripheral area 56, the character can be caught with a probability of 20%. However, there is a case where the catching may fail with a probability of 80%. In this case, the character does not lift up only by lightly touching the crane 35, and the position of the character is slightly shifted in the horizontal direction.

  The probability that the character can be caught can be adjusted by the Web server 62, and is adjusted to an appropriate value in the processing step of S23 in FIG. As described above, since the Web server 62 is configured so that the probability that the character can be caught can be adjusted, the Web server 62 considers the game results of the player and changes the probability that the character can be caught. The degree can be adjusted. Further, when the stock amount of the free gift is small, the probability is adjusted to a small value, and when the stock amount of the free gift is large, the probability is adjusted to a large value so that the stock of the free gift can be adjusted. In addition, the adjustment of the probability that the character can be caught may be performed every time the game is performed, or may be performed every certain period (for example, one month).

  FIG. 9 shows a screen display example in which the character 31 has been successfully caught, and points assigned to the caught character are added. When the character is successfully caught, a sound effect such as a fanfare is output. However, when playing a game on a mobile communication terminal, it is preferable to turn on / off the sound output of BGM, sound effects, etc., since it causes trouble for a third party if the game is played in a public place.

  In the above description, the character is caught by the positional relationship between the cursor 41 and the projection point. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the character may be caught by collision determination between the crane 35 and the character.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart describing the character arrangement pattern adjustment step, and corresponds to S25 (subroutine) in FIG. The Web server 62 compares the date and time when the mobile terminal 10 was connected to the network (S32), and if the time difference is within 5 minutes (S33; YES), displays the game screen after the end of the previous game. . That is, in this case, the character arrangement pattern is not changed (S37). If FIG. 9 is a game screen immediately before the end of the previous game, as shown in FIG. 13A, a state in which only the characters 32 and 33 remain in the storage case is displayed.

  On the other hand, when the time difference is 5 minutes or more (S33; NO) and within one hour (S34; YES), the character arrangement pattern is partially changed as shown in FIG. S35). In FIG. 13B, instead of the character 31, a character 34 is arranged at a position on the front side of the screen. When the time difference is 1 hour or more (S36; NO), as shown in FIG. 13C, all the character arrangement patterns are changed (S37). In FIG. 13C, characters 34, 35, and 36 are newly arranged in place of the characters 31, 32, and 33. In this way, when the time has not passed since the last time the game was connected to the network, the previous game end screen is reproduced, and when the time has passed, the character arrangement pattern is changed. By making significant changes, the player can experience a simulated experience as if he / she was playing a prize acquisition game at a game center. Moreover, the player is not bored by changing the arrangement of the character every time the game is played. Further, the character acquisition probability can be changed according to the arrangement and quantity of characters.

  FIG. 14 shows an image of a character caught by a player, which is transmitted from the Web server 62 to the mobile phone 10. This image can be used as a standby screen of the mobile phone 10. In addition, when the character is caught, it is possible to receive image data and points, and real prizes are presented to the superior of the accumulated points. If the character is successfully caught, “win” is displayed with a certain probability (for example, 10%) as shown in FIG. When this “winning” is displayed, the player can receive a real prize. In addition to “winning”, “game coins” can be presented to a player who catches a character with a certain probability (for example, 20%). The player can additionally play a prize acquisition game in accordance with the number of “game coins”. For example, if the number of “game coins” is five, the prize acquisition game can be played five more times.

  In the above example, the case where the real prize is presented to the winner is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, voice data corresponding to the caught character may be transmitted to the mobile phone 10. . For example, when the caught character is a TV animation character, the voice data of the voice actor of the character is transmitted. This voice data can be used as a ring tone, clock alarm sound, and recorded voice data of the mobile phone 10.

  In addition to voice data, anime songs related to characters, breeding simulation games, shooting games, timer clocks (equipped with a function that notifies the time with the character's melody and voice when the set time is reached), calculator, system notebook, You may comprise so that the e-mail with which the character image was attached, a greeting card, fancy goods (stuffed animal, stationery, a mobile phone strap, a figure, miscellaneous goods, a key ring, etc.) and movie software may be provided. Further, in addition to presenting a prize, a point corresponding to the character caught by the mobile phone 10 may be transmitted, and the point may be exchanged for a prize on the spot when the point is brought to a window such as a game center.

  In the above description, the main part (Java applet) constituting the game program is made resident in the flash memory 27 in advance, and the character drawing data is downloaded via the network to play the game. Data may be stored in the flash memory 27 in advance. With this configuration, there is no need to connect to the Web server 62 via a network when the game is executed. As an example of the game in this case, for example, 1 to 20 game stages are prepared. Stages 1 to 5 are set to a normal difficulty level, and stages 6 to 10 are set so that the crane moves back and the crane returns by 1 or 2 pixels after the horizontal operation. In stages 11 to 14, the cursor 41 blinks irregularly, and in stages 15 to 19, the cursor 41 is not displayed. As the final stage, a super-difficult level stage that applies all the above items is set.

  In addition to this, for example, it is possible to compete for the required time for catching all the characters arranged in the storage case, or to compete for how many characters can be caught within the time limit. In addition, how many times the character can be caught in succession may be competed by the number of catches, or may be competed by the average catching probability of a player who is playing 100 or more times a month. Also, the fortune of the day may be displayed according to the result of one play. Various types of characters are placed in the storage case, and the player's psychological state, personality, etc. are determined from the order of the caught characters. It may be configured to analyze. Moreover, you may comprise so that the fortune which the simple comment is displayed can be made.

  FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of the vibrator 24. As shown in the figure, the vibrator 24 includes a drive motor 91 and an excitation eccentric cone 93 fixed to the drive shaft 92 of the drive motor 91, and the excitation eccentric cone 93 is excited by the drive motor 91. By rotating, the vibration frequency corresponding to the number of rotations can be output. FIG. 16A shows the vibration frequency output from the vibrator 24 when the crane 35 is moved in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction. In this case, it is controlled by the CPU 21 so that the vibration frequency is turned on and off in small increments as the crane 35 moves. FIG. 5B shows the vibration frequency output from the vibrator 24 when the crane 35 catches the character. In this case, since the weight of the character is artificially loaded on the crane 35, the CPU 21 outputs a vibration frequency in which a high frequency vibration accompanying the movement of the crane 35 is superimposed on a low frequency vibration accompanying the vibration of the character. Be controlled.

  As described above, by outputting an appropriate vibration frequency in accordance with the catching of the character, it is possible to experience that the character can be caught in a pseudo manner, so that the fun of the prize acquisition game can be enhanced. Further, the vibration pattern may be changed as appropriate depending on the shape, orientation, size, weight, ease of gripping, and the like of the character. As vibration patterns, 1) vibrate at the moment when the character is caught, 2) vibrate at the moment when the character is dropped at the discharge port, 3) vibrate from the moment when the character is caught to the moment when it is dropped at the discharge port, etc. is there.

  17 and 18 show other examples of the configuration of the prize acquisition game. In the figure, reference numeral 103 denotes a screen (character display screen) for displaying the prize acquisition game device, and displays a state of catching the character. Reference numerals 81, 82, and 83 are rotary disks that are pivotally supported on the rotary disk support shaft 84 and configured to be rotatable. Characters 61 to 66 are placed on the rotary plates 81 to 83. Reference numeral 104 indicates the projection points 71 to 76 of the characters 61 to 66 on the XZ plane when the horizontal direction of the screen is the X-axis direction and the vertical direction of the screen is the Z-axis direction. Provides an operation screen. As shown in the figure, a character 61 and a projection point 71, a character 62 and a projection point 72, a character 63 and a projection point 73, a character 64 and a projection point 74, a character 65 and a projection point 75, and a character 66 and a projection point 76 are paired. It is displayed corresponding to one.

  The rotation speed of the turntables 81 to 83 can be adjusted as appropriate according to the processing capability of the CPU 21 and the difficulty level of the game. As the turntables 81 to 83 rotate, the projection points 71 to 76 simply vibrate in the horizontal direction at a constant angular velocity. However, the game can be played while the rotation operations of the turntables 81 to 83 are stopped. It is also possible to simply play a game with an image in a state in which the rotation of the turntables 81 to 83 is stopped at the start or completion of the movement operation on the arm 37 by the player. The functions of the cursor 41, the vertical line 42, and the horizontal line 43 are the same as described with reference to FIG. The player operates the operation button of the mobile phone 10 to set the center point 44 of the cursor 41 to any one of the projection points 71 to 76 that are the target of catching. The cursor 41 is moved once in each direction in the horizontal and vertical directions. When the positioning of the cursor 41 is completed, the arm 37 projects rightward on the screen. The probability that a character can be caught is the same as that described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a screen display when the character 41 is dropped onto the collection port 85 by the arm 37 with the cursor 41 positioned at the projection point 73.

  In the above description, the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 22 is divided into the character display screen and the operation screen and displayed in association with each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. In addition, the state in the virtual space defined by the XYZ coordinate space can be changed by a player's operation or by automatic switching by a game program (ZX plane (FIG. (A)), YZ plane (FIG. (B)), XY. You may comprise so that the image | video seen from the plane (the figure (C)) may be displayed. When switching the image by the player's operation, a screen switching button is assigned to the operation button 23 of the mobile phone 10 so that the screen can be switched freely according to the player's will. Thereby, after moving the prize acquisition part (crane 35, arm 37) in the horizontal direction, when moving in the vertical direction, it is possible to switch to a screen in which the character is easy to see. Also, the image is not limited to the image viewed from the ZX plane (FIG. (A)), the YZ plane (FIG. (B)), and the XY plane (FIG. (C)), and is viewed from any direction (multidirectional). May be displayed.

  In this case, an operation screen for displaying the projected points of the character is not necessary, and the characters 31 to 33 themselves can be caught with the target. Further, when the processing capability of the CPU 21 is improved, as shown in FIG. 20, an image viewed from the virtual viewpoint 105 arranged in the three-dimensional virtual space may be displayed. The virtual viewpoint 105 can freely move in the virtual space.

  In the above description, the game program is downloaded to the mobile phone 10 and played. However, as shown in FIG. 1, the home game device 70 having a communication function is directly connected via the Internet network 50. The game program may be downloaded from the Web server 62. In addition, a general-purpose terminal device such as a personal computer may be connected to the Internet network 50 to download game content from the Web server 62. General-purpose terminal devices such as personal computers use modem circuits or DSU (Digital Service Unit) and TA (Terminal Adopter) to connect to the Internet network 50 via a subscriber line or dedicated line and provided by an information provider Data communication is possible with various server devices.

It is a network block diagram of a game system. It is a flowchart describing the process between a client / server. It is an example of an image display of a prize acquisition game. It is an example of an image display of a prize acquisition game. It is a functional block diagram of a mobile phone. It is a flowchart describing the game processing procedure of the Web server. It is an example of a screen display when playing a game by connecting to a network. It is an example of an image display of a prize acquisition game. It is an example of an image display of a prize acquisition game. It is explanatory drawing of a cursor and a projection point. It is the catching probability of the character. It is the flowchart which described the arrangement pattern adjustment process step of a character. It is explanatory drawing of the arrangement pattern of a character. It is an example of a screen displayed when a prize is won. It is explanatory drawing of a vibrator. It is a graph of the vibration frequency which a vibrator outputs. It is an example of an image display of a prize acquisition game. It is an example of an image display of a prize acquisition game. It is an example of an image display of a prize acquisition game. It is an example of an image display of a prize acquisition game.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Mobile phone, 20 ... Base station, 30 ... Mobile phone network, 40 ... Gateway server, 50 ... Internet network, 60 ... Game system, 61 ... Router, 62 ... Web server, 63 ... Terminal device, 70 ... Game device

Claims (32)

  In response to a distribution request from the information processing terminal, a game content is distributed to the information processing terminal via the communication network, and the game score is acquired from the information processing terminal via the communication network. A server device comprising selection means for selecting a prize winner based on the prize.   The server device according to claim 1, wherein the game content is content of a premium acquisition game, and the premium is a premium of the same character as the character that the player has caught on the game screen.   3. The server device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each point is assigned to each character, and the selection means is configured such that when the points acquired by the player are higher in the game participants' points. A server device that is selected as a prize winner.   The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the character has position information defined by two-dimensional coordinates, and coordinates input by a player are predetermined coordinates. A server device comprising means for transmitting image data for displaying an image for catching the character on the information processing terminal to the information processing terminal via the communication network when the character matches.   The server apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information processing terminal device stores the pre-ordered one-frame image data for displaying a moving image via a communication network. A server device comprising means for continuously transmitting to a terminal.   The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising means for notifying a player in advance of the contents of game content by electronic mail.   The server apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising means for notifying the player of the contents of a game event in which a plurality of players compete for game results in advance by e-mail. .   The server apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the information processing terminal is a mobile communication terminal.   In response to a distribution request from the information processing terminal, game content is distributed to the information processing terminal via the communication network, game results are obtained from the information processing terminal via the communication network, and the game results are obtained based on the game results. A content distribution method for selecting prize winners.   10. The content distribution method according to claim 9, wherein the game content is content of a premium acquisition game, and the premium is a premium of the same character as the character that the player has caught on the game screen.   Claim 9 is the content distribution method according to claim 10, wherein each character is assigned a point, and when the player has the highest point among the points of the game participants, the prize is won. Content delivery method to select as a user.   The content delivery method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the character has position information defined by two-dimensional coordinates, and coordinates input by a player are predetermined. A content distribution method for transmitting image data for displaying an image for catching the character on the information processing terminal to the information processing terminal via a communication network when the coordinates match.   The content distribution method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the information is transmitted through a communication network as a pre-ordered image data for displaying a moving image on an information processing terminal device. A content distribution method that continuously transmits to a processing terminal.   The content distribution method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the game content is notified to a player in advance by e-mail.   The content distribution method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein a game event in which a plurality of players compete for game results is notified in advance to the player by e-mail.   16. The content distribution method according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the information processing terminal is a mobile communication terminal.   A program for causing a computer system to execute the method according to any one of claims 9 to 16.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program of Claim 17.   A program operable on the information processing apparatus, wherein the image table area of the information processing apparatus includes a first area for displaying a character, and a representative display body indicating the position of the character on a two-dimensional plane. The second display area is displayed in association with the second area, the operation display body that moves in response to the player's operation is displayed in the second area, and the representative display body and the operation display body A game program for displaying, in a first area, a state in which the character is caught by a positional relationship.   The game program according to claim 19, wherein the representative display body is a projection point of a character on the two-dimensional plane.   The game program according to claim 19 or 20, wherein two straight lines that are orthogonal to each other with the operation display body as an intersection and move following the movement of the operation display body are displayed on the second screen.   The game program according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein a probability that the character can be caught is set according to a distance between the operation display body and the representative display body.   A program that is operable on an information processing apparatus, and displays a character placed in a virtual space defined by an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system as a projected image on an XY plane, a YZ plane, or a ZX plane. A game program for displaying a state in which the character is caught by a user's operation.   A program operable on an information processing apparatus, which displays a state of a character placed in a virtual three-dimensional space as an image viewed from an arbitrary viewpoint position, and the character is caught by a player's operation A game program that displays the situation.   In a program for a prize acquisition game in which a prize acquisition unit on the screen is moved by a player's operation to acquire a prize on the screen, the prize position obtained by viewing the prize from at least two directions on the display screen of the information processing terminal A game program shown to players.   In a program for a prize acquisition game in which a prize acquisition unit on the screen is moved by a player's operation to acquire a prize on the screen, the game program includes an area showing the player the position of the prize viewed from multiple directions on the game screen .   27. The game program according to claim 19, wherein the information processing apparatus is a mobile communication terminal.   28. The game program according to claim 27, wherein when the character is caught, the vibration generator built in the mobile communication terminal is vibrated.   29. A server apparatus that distributes the game program according to any one of claims 19 to 28 to an information processing terminal via a communication network, comprising a means for adjusting a probability that the character can be caught. .   29. A server device that distributes the game program according to any one of claims 19 to 28 to an information processing terminal via a communication network, wherein a character arrangement pattern is set corresponding to a time at which a player plays a game. A server device comprising means for adjusting.   29. A server device that distributes the game program according to any one of claims 19 to 28 to an information processing terminal via a communication network, wherein voice data related to a character caught by a player is transmitted to the information processing terminal. The server apparatus provided with the means to deliver to. A server device that distributes the game program according to any one of claims 19 to 28 to an information processing terminal via a communication network, and is necessary for character display when the mobile communication terminal executes a game. A server device comprising means for distributing image data to a mobile communication terminal device via a communication network.

Images