JP2008183423A - Game machine using touch panel - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can be easily operated by all players as control buttons are freely set on arbitrary positions on a touch panel screen and improves in elaboration. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine 10 contains an LCD 12, an LCD 14 and has a touch panel 22 in relation to the LCD 14. A player establishes operating buttons corresponding to individual player characters on the touch panel 22 prior to a start of the main story. The operation buttons are established using default button patterns, or are established using button patterns drawn by the player freely. The position, size and function (command) of individual operating buttons are chosen by the player. During a game using the operating buttons established on the touch panel 22, the operating buttons established corresponding to player characters are displayed on the LCD 14, and the size or the function of the control buttons are changed according to the game progress or frequency of using the operating buttons. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game device and a game program using a touch panel, and more particularly to a game device and a game program using a touch panel that execute game processing by operating a touch panel provided in association with a display unit.

  An example of this type of conventional game device is disclosed in Patent Document 1. This prior art electronic multi-purpose game machine can select and execute any of a plurality of types of games, and switches displayed on a display operation board having a touch panel change according to the type of the selected game. . Further, only necessary switches are sequentially generated on the display / operation board in accordance with the progress of the selected game.

Another example of this type of conventional game device is disclosed in Patent Document 2. The other prior art liquid crystal controller includes a touch panel and a liquid crystal monitor in the controller main body, is connected to the game machine main body, and displays operation information sent from the game machine main body on the liquid crystal monitor. This operation information is stored in a game cartridge mounted on the game machine body, and therefore, the operation information can be changed according to the type of game, as in the above-described prior art.
JP-A-6-285257 JP-A-6-285259

  However, all of the above-mentioned prior arts only change the switch (operation information) displayed on the liquid crystal screen according to the type and progress of the game. The switch (operation information) cannot be freely displayed at the position by the player's intention, and it is not easy for all players to operate. For example, in general, since a game controller is made for right-handed use, there is a problem that it is difficult for a left-handed player to operate. Further, the position, size, number, etc. of the switches that the player feels easy to operate are different for each player.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel game device and game program using a touch panel.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a game device and a game program using a touch panel, in which a player can freely set and display an operation button at an arbitrary position of a display unit including the touch panel.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a game device and a game program using a touch panel, which can change an operation button displayed and set at an arbitrary position of a display unit including the touch panel according to the number of operations of the player. That is.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a display unit for displaying at least one or more operation buttons, a touch panel that is mounted in association with the display unit, detects an operation state, and the operation buttons are arbitrarily displayed on the display unit based on instructions from the player. The operation button position setting means for setting to the position of the operation button, the operation effective area setting means for setting the touch panel area corresponding to the operation button display area set by the operation button position setting means as the operation effective area, and detected by the operation of the touch panel Operation coordinate position detecting means for detecting the operation coordinate position based on the operation information obtained, operation coordinate position determining means for determining whether or not the operation coordinate position detected by the operation coordinate position detecting means is within the operation effective area, and the operation coordinates When it is determined by the position determination means that it is within the effective operation area, a game process corresponding to the operation of the operation button is performed. It comprises game processing means for line for a game apparatus using a touch panel.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a game apparatus using a touch panel (10: reference numeral in an embodiment described later. The same applies hereinafter) includes a display unit (14). The display unit (14) displays at least one operation button. A touch panel (22) for detecting an operation state by the player is provided in association with the display unit (14). That is, a touch panel screen is formed by the display unit (14) and the touch panel (22). The operation button position setting means (42, S37, S129) sets the operation button at an arbitrary position on the display unit (14) based on an instruction from the player. The operation effective area setting means (42, S41, S131) sets the area of the touch panel (22) corresponding to the operation button display area set by the operation button position setting means (42, S39, S129) as the operation effective area. To do. The operation coordinate position detection means (42, S153) detects the operation coordinate position based on the operation information detected by operating the touch panel (22). The operation coordinate position determining means (42, S155) determines whether or not the operation coordinate position detected by the operation coordinate position detecting means (42, S153) is within the operation effective area. That is, it is determined whether or not the set operation button has been operated. The game processing means (42, S157) executes a game process corresponding to the operation of the operation button when it is determined by the operation coordinate position determination means (42, S155) that it is within the operation effective area.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the operation buttons can be freely set at arbitrary positions on the touch panel screen, the operation buttons can be set at positions where each player feels easy to operate, thereby improving operability. Can be made.

  The invention of claim 2 is dependent on claim 1 and further comprises operation button symbol selection means for selecting an operation button to be displayed on the display unit from among a plurality of types of symbols, and the operation button position setting means includes button symbol selection The operation button selected by the means is set at an arbitrary position on the display unit.

  In the invention of claim 2, the game apparatus (10) further includes operation button symbol selection means (42, S21, S23). The operation button symbol selection means (42) selects an operation button to be displayed on the display unit (14) from a plurality of types of symbols. The operation button position setting means (42, S37, S129) sets the operation button selected by the button symbol selection means (42, S21, S23) to an arbitrary position on the display unit.

  According to the invention of claim 2, the design of the operation button displayed on the touch panel screen can be selected from various types of designs according to the preference of the player.

  The invention of claim 3 is dependent on claim 1, and the operation button position setting means sets the display area of the graphic drawn on the display unit by the player operating the touch panel as the operation button position.

  In the invention of claim 3, the operation button position setting means (42, S37, S129) sets the display area of the graphic drawn on the display unit (14) by the player operating the touch panel (22) as the operation button position. To do. Specifically, the player can freely draw a button symbol. At this time, the operation button position is set, and its shape and size are also set.

  According to the invention of claim 3, since the player can freely draw the design of the operation button displayed on the touch panel screen, the game preference can be improved.

  The invention of claim 4 is dependent on claim 1 and further comprises button size changing means for changing the size of the operation button displayed on the display unit, and the operation effective area setting means is changed by the button size changing means. The area of the touch panel corresponding to the operation button display area is set as the operation effective area.

  In the invention of claim 4, the button size changing means (42, S39, S73, S95) changes the size of the operation button displayed on the display section (14). The operation effective area setting means (42, S41, S131) sets the area of the touch panel (22) corresponding to the operation button display area changed by the button size changing means (42, S39, S73, S95) as the operation effective area. Set.

  According to the invention of claim 4, since the size of the operation button displayed on the touch panel screen can be freely changed, for example, the operation button with high use frequency is displayed large, and the operation button with low use frequency is made small. It is easy to operate by displaying.

  The invention of claim 5 is dependent on claim 4, and the button size changing means changes the size of the operation button according to the operation time of the touch panel by the player.

  According to the invention of claim 5, the button size changing means (42, S39, S95) changes the size of the operation button according to the operation time of the touch panel (22) by the player. For example, the operation button is enlarged as the operation time becomes longer, or the operation button is enlarged step by step every time unit time elapses.

  According to the invention of claim 5, since the size of the operation button displayed on the touch panel screen is changed according to the operation time of the touch panel, the operation is simple.

  The invention of claim 6 is dependent on claim 1 and includes an operation state detecting means for detecting an operation state of the operation button, and an operation button for changing a display area of the operation button based on the operation state detected by the operation state detecting means. Display area changing means is further provided, and the operation effective area setting means sets the area of the touch panel corresponding to the operation button display area changed by the operation button display area changing means as the operation effective area.

  In the invention of claim 6, the game apparatus (10) further includes operation state detecting means (42, S159, S185, S191) and display area changing means (42, S187, S193). The operation state detecting means (42, S159, S185, S191) detects the operation state of the operation button, and the display area changing means (42, S187, S193) is based on the detected operation state. To change. Then, the operation effective area setting means (42, S89, S195) sets the area of the touch panel (22) corresponding to the changed display area as the operation effective area.

  According to the invention of claim 6, since the display area (size) of the operation button is changed according to the operation state of the operation button displayed on the touch panel screen, the operation button is displayed according to the use frequency of the operation button. Can be changed.

The invention of claim 7 is dependent on claim 1 and is displayed when the game progress state detecting means for detecting the game progress state and the game progress state detecting means detects that the game progress state has become a predetermined state. The operation button display state changing means for changing the display state of the operation button displayed on the screen is further provided, and the operation effective area setting means is a touch panel corresponding to the operation button display area changed by the operation button display state changing means. Is set as the operation effective area.

  In the invention of claim 7, the game progress state detecting means (42, S161, S167, S197) detects the game progress state. When the operation button display state changing means (42, S145, S147, S163, S165, S169) detects that the game progress state has become a predetermined state ("YES" in S161, S167, S197), the display unit The display state of the operation button displayed in (14) is changed. Therefore, the operation effective area setting means (42, S171) sets the area of the touch panel (22) corresponding to the display area of the operation button whose display state has been changed as the operation effective area.

  According to the invention of claim 7, the display state of the operation button can be changed according to the progress state of the game.

  The invention of claim 8 is dependent on claim 7, and is an operation button function setting means for setting the function of the operation button, an operation button function display means for displaying the function set by the operation button function setting means in association with the operation button, And an operation button function changing means for changing the function set by the operation button function setting means when it is detected by the game progress state detecting means that the game progress state has reached a predetermined state. The changing means changes the display of the function displayed by the operation button function display means to the function changed by the operation button function changing means.

  In the invention of claim 8, the operation button function setting means (42, S43, S45, S47) sets the function of the operation button. The operation button function display means (42, S147) displays the function of the set operation button in association with the operation button. The operation button function changing means (42, S163) changes the function set to the operation button when it is detected that the game progress state has become a predetermined state ("YES" in S161). The operation button display state changing means (42, S163, S165) changes the display of the function of the operation button to the changed function.

  According to the invention of claim 8, since the function of the operation button can be changed according to the game progress state, only the operation button having the necessary function in the game state at that time can be displayed.

  The invention of claim 9 is dependent on claim 7, and the operation button display state changing means performs a new operation on the display unit when the game progress state detecting means detects that the game progress state has become a predetermined state. The button is displayed, and the operation effective area setting means sets the area of the touch panel corresponding to the display area of the newly displayed operation button as the operation effective area.

  In the invention of claim 9, when it is detected that the game progress state has become a predetermined state (“YES” in S167), the operation button display state changing means (42, S169) is displayed on the display section (14). A new operation button is displayed. Therefore, the operation effective area setting means (42, S171) sets the area of the touch panel (22) corresponding to the display area of the newly displayed operation button as the operation effective area.

  According to invention of Claim 9, since a new operation button can be displayed on a touchscreen screen according to a game progress state, an operation button can be increased according to a game progress state.

  The invention of claim 10 is dependent on claim 7, and further comprises character selection means for selecting an arbitrary character from a plurality of types of characters, and the operation button position setting means is provided for each character selected by the character selection means. The operation button is set at an arbitrary position on the display unit, the game progress state detection means detects whether or not the character selected by the character selection means has been changed, and the operation button display state detection means detects the game progress state detection When it is detected that the character has been changed by the means, the position of the operation button is changed to the operation button position set for the changed character, and the operation effective area setting means is changed by the operation button display state changing means. Set the touch panel area corresponding to the displayed operation button area as the operation effective area

  In the invention of claim 10, the character selection means (42, S143) selects an arbitrary character from a plurality of types of characters. The operation button setting means (42, S145, S147) sets the operation button at an arbitrary position of the display unit (14) for each selected character, and the game progress state detection means (42, S197) is a character selection means. It is detected whether or not the character selected by is changed. When the character is changed, the operation button display state detection means (42, S145, S147) changes the position of the operation button to the operation button position set for the changed character. The operation effective area setting means (42, S145) sets the area of the touch panel (22) corresponding to the changed operation button display area as the operation effective area.

  According to the invention of claim 10, the display position of the operation button can be set for each of a plurality of types of characters, and when the character is changed, the operation button is changed to the display position set in the changed character. Therefore, an operation button can be set at a position that can be easily operated for each character.

  The invention according to claim 11 is a first display unit for displaying a game image, a second display unit for displaying at least one or more operation buttons arranged in the vicinity of the first display unit, and a second display unit. Touch panel for detecting operation information, operation button position setting means for setting an operation button at an arbitrary position on the display unit based on an instruction from the player, and an operation button set by the operation button position setting means. Operation effective area setting means for setting a touch panel area corresponding to the display area as an operation effective area, operation coordinate position detection means for detecting an operation coordinate position based on operation information detected by operation of the touch panel, and operation coordinate position detection means The operation coordinate position determining means for determining whether or not the operation coordinate position detected by When it is determined that the operation is valid region comprises a game processing means for changing the game image in response to operation of the operation button is displayed on at least a first display unit, a game apparatus using a touch panel.

  The invention of claim 11 is substantially the same as the invention of claim 1, and displays a game image on the first display section (12), and a second display section (14) with a touch panel (22) mounted in the vicinity thereof. Is provided.

  According to the invention of claim 11, as in the invention of claim 1, since the operation buttons can be freely displayed at arbitrary positions on the touch panel screen, the operation buttons are placed at positions where each player thinks that they are easy to operate. Can be set. That is, operability is improved.

The invention of claim 12 is a display unit for displaying at least one or more operation buttons, a touch panel mounted in association with the display unit, detecting operation information, and an operation for setting the operation buttons at predetermined positions on the display unit. Button position setting means, operation effective area setting means for setting the touch panel area corresponding to the operation button display area set by the operation button position setting means as an operation effective area, based on operation information detected by operation of the touch panel Operation coordinate position detecting means for detecting the operation coordinate position, operation coordinate position determining means for determining whether or not the operation coordinate position detected by the operation coordinate position detecting means is within the operation effective area, and operation effective area by the operation coordinate position determining means Game processing means for executing a game process corresponding to the operation of the operation button when it is determined that An operation state detection means for detecting an operation state of the operation button by the layer, and an operation button display area changing means for changing the display area of the operation button based on the operation state detected by the operation state detection means The means is a game device using a touch panel that sets, as an operation effective area, a touch panel area corresponding to the operation button display area changed by the operation button display area changing means.

  In the twelfth aspect of the invention, similarly to the sixth aspect of the invention, since the operation button display area is changed according to the operation state of the operation button displayed on the touch panel screen, the operation is performed according to the use frequency of the operation button. The button display can be changed.

  The invention of claim 13 is dependent on claim 12, the operation state detecting means detects the number of times the player has operated the operation button as the operation state, and the operation button display area changing means is the operation detected by the operation state detecting means. When the number of times is equal to or less than the predetermined number, the operation button is displayed in a reduced size, and the operation effective area setting unit sets an area of the touch panel corresponding to the display area of the operation button displayed in a reduced size as the operation effective area.

  In the invention of claim 13, the operation state detection means (42, S 159, S 185) detects the number of times the player operates the operation button as the operation state, and the operation button display area change means (42, S 187) When the number of operations is less than or equal to the predetermined number of times (“YES” in S185), the operation buttons are reduced and displayed. The operation effective area setting means (42, S189) sets the area of the touch panel (22) corresponding to the display area of the operation button displayed in a reduced size as the operation effective area.

  According to the invention of claim 13, since the operation buttons that are not used frequently are reduced and displayed, the operation buttons that are not frequently used can be displayed more easily.

  The invention according to a fourteenth aspect is dependent on the twelfth aspect, wherein the operation state detecting means detects the number of times the player has operated the operation button as the operation state, and the operation button display area changing means is the operation detected by the operation state detecting means. When the number of times is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the operation button is displayed in an enlarged manner, and the operation effective area setting means sets the area of the touch panel corresponding to the display area of the enlarged operation button as the operation effective area.

  In the invention of claim 14, the operation state detecting means (42, S159, S191) detects the number of times of operation of the operation button by the player as the operation state. Contrary to the invention of claim 13, the number of times of operation of the operation button is When the number is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times (“YES” in S191), the operation button is enlarged and the area of the touch panel (22) corresponding to the enlarged display area of the operation button is set as the operation effective area.

  According to the invention of claim 14, since the frequently used operation buttons are enlarged and displayed, the frequently used operation buttons can be displayed more easily.

A fifteenth aspect is a game program executed by a game device including a display unit for displaying at least one operation button and a touch panel mounted in association with the display unit and detecting an operation state. This game program is stored in an operation button display area set by an operation button position setting step, an operation button position setting step for setting an operation button at an arbitrary position on the display unit based on an instruction from the player, and a game device processor. Detected by an operation effective area setting step for setting a corresponding touch panel area as an operation effective area, an operation coordinate position detecting step for detecting an operation coordinate position based on operation information detected by operation of the touch panel, and an operation coordinate position detecting step. The operation coordinate position determining step for determining whether or not the operated coordinate position is within the operation effective region, and the game process corresponding to the operation of the operation button when the operation coordinate position determining step determines that the operation coordinate position is within the operation effective region. The game processing step to be executed is executed.

  In the fifteenth aspect, similar to the first aspect, since the operation buttons can be freely displayed at arbitrary positions on the touch panel screen, the operation buttons are set at positions where each player thinks that they are easy to operate. Can do.

  A twentieth aspect is a game program executed by a game device including a display unit for displaying at least one or more operation buttons and a touch panel that is mounted in association with the display unit and detects operation information. In the game program, an operation button position setting step for setting an operation button at a predetermined position on the display unit, and a touch panel area corresponding to the operation button display area set by the operation button position setting step are set in a game device processor. The operation effective area setting step for setting as an operation effective area, the operation coordinate position detecting step for detecting the operation coordinate position based on the operation information detected by the operation of the touch panel, and the operation coordinate position detected by the operation coordinate position detecting step are operated. An operation coordinate position determining step for determining whether or not the effective region is included, a game processing step for executing a game process corresponding to the operation of the operation button when it is determined by the operation coordinate position determining step that the operation is within the effective region; An operation state for detecting the operation state of the operation button by the player Detection step, and a manipulation button display area change step of changing the display area of the operation button based on the operation state detected by the operation state detection step. In the operation effective area setting step, the area of the touch panel corresponding to the operation button display area changed by the operation button display area changing step is set as the operation effective area.

  In the twentieth aspect, as in the twelfth aspect, the operation button display area is changed according to the operation state of the operation button displayed on the touch panel screen. The button display can be changed.

  According to the present invention, since the operation button position is set at a position designated by the player on the touch panel, the player can freely set and display the operation button at an arbitrary position on the display unit including the touch panel. That is, an operation button can be set at a position where each player feels easy to operate, and operability can be improved.

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

Referring to FIG. 1, a game apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as “game apparatus”) 10 using a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first liquid crystal display (LCD) 12 and a second LCD 14. including. The LCD 12 and the LCD 14 are accommodated in the housing 16 so as to be in a predetermined arrangement position. In this embodiment, the housing 16 includes an upper housing 16a and a lower housing 16b. The LCD 12 is stored in the upper housing 16a, and the LCD 14 is stored in the lower housing 16b. Therefore, the LCD 12 and the LCD 14 are arranged close to each other so as to be arranged vertically (up and down).

In this embodiment, an LCD is used as the display, but an EL (Electronic Luminescence) display or a plasma display may be used instead of the LCD.

  As can be seen from FIG. 1, the upper housing 16a has a planar shape slightly larger than the planar shape of the LCD 12, and an opening is formed so as to expose the display surface of the LCD 12 from one main surface. On the other hand, the planar shape of the lower housing 16b is selected to be longer than that of the upper housing 16a, and an opening is formed so as to expose the display surface of the LCD 14 at a substantially central portion in the horizontal direction. Further, the lower housing 16b is provided with a sound release hole 18 and an operation switch 20 (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and 20e, 20L, 20R).

  The upper housing 16a and the lower housing 16b are rotatably connected to the lower side (lower end) of the upper housing 16a and a part of the upper side (upper end) of the lower housing 16b. Therefore, for example, when the game is not played, if the upper housing 16a is rotated and folded so that the display surface of the LCD 12 and the display surface of the LCD 14 face each other, the display surface of the LCD 12 and the display surface of the LCD 14 are displayed. Damage such as scratches can be prevented. However, the upper housing 16a and the lower housing 16b may be formed as a housing 16 in which they are integrally (fixed) provided without being rotatably connected.

  The operation switch 20 includes a direction switch (cross switch) 20a, a start switch 20b, a select switch 20c, an operation switch (A button) 20d, an operation switch (B button) 20e, an operation switch (L button) 20L, and an operation switch (R Button) 20R. The switches 20a, 20b and 20c are arranged on the left side of the LCD 14 on one main surface of the lower housing 16b. The switches 20d and 20e are arranged on the right side of the LCD 14 on one main surface of the lower housing 16b. Further, each of the switch 20L and the switch 20R is a part of the upper end (top surface) of the lower housing 16b, and is disposed on the left and right sides so as to sandwich the connecting portion other than the connecting portion with the upper housing 16a.

The direction indicating switch 20a functions as a digital joystick, and operates one of the four pressing portions to instruct the moving direction of the player character (or player object) that can be operated by the player, or to change the moving direction of the cursor. It is used to give instructions. The start switch 20b includes a push button, and is used to start (resume) a game, pause (pause), and the like. Select switch 20
c is composed of a push button and is used for selecting a game mode.

  The action switch 20d, that is, the A button is configured by a push button, and allows the player character to perform an arbitrary action such as hitting (punching), throwing, grabbing (obtaining), riding, jumping, and the like other than the direction instruction. it can. For example, in an action game, it is possible to instruct to jump, punch, move a weapon, and the like. In a role playing game (RPG) or a simulation RPG, acquisition of items, selection or determination of weapons or commands, and the like can be instructed. The operation switch 20e, that is, the B button is constituted by a push button, and is used for changing the game mode selected by the select switch 20c, canceling the action determined by the A button 20d, or the like.

  The operation switch 20L (left push button) and the operation switch 20R (right push button) are configured by push buttons, and the left push button (L button) 20L and the right push button (R button) 20R are an A button 20d and a B button. It can be used for the same operation as 20e, and can be used for an auxiliary operation of the A button 20d and the B button 20e.

  A touch panel 22 is attached to the upper surface of the LCD 14. As the touch panel 22, for example, any one of a resistive film type, an optical type (infrared type), and a capacitive coupling type can be used. The touch panel 22 is operated by pressing or stroking (touching) the upper surface thereof with a stick 24 or a pen (stylus pen) or a finger (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “stick 24 etc.”). Then, the coordinate position of the stick 24 or the like is detected and coordinate position data is output.

  In this embodiment, the resolution of the display surface of the LCD 14 (the LCD 12 is the same or substantially the same) is 256 dots × 192 dots, and the detection accuracy of the touch panel 22 is 256 dots × 192 dots corresponding to the display screen. The detection accuracy of 22 may be lower or higher than the resolution of the display screen.

  In this embodiment, a game screen is displayed on the LCD 12, and character information, icons, and the like are displayed on the LCD 14. Therefore, for example, the player operates the touch panel 22 with the stick 24 or the like to select a command based on character information, icons, etc. displayed on the display image of the LCD 14 or to scroll the game screen (map) displayed on the LCD 12. The direction can be indicated (gradual movement display). Further, depending on the type of game, it can also be used for various other input instructions, for example, selection or operation of icons displayed on the LCD 14, coordinate input instructions, and the like.

  As described above, the game apparatus 10 includes the LCD 12 and the LCD 14 serving as a display unit for two screens, and the touch panel 22 is provided on the upper surface of either one (in this embodiment, the LCD 14). 14) and two operation units (20, 22).

  In this embodiment, the stick 24 can be stored in a storage portion (storage hole) 26 provided in the vicinity of the side surface (right side surface) of the upper housing 16a, for example, and taken out as necessary. However, if the stick 24 is not provided, it is not necessary to provide the storage portion 26.

  Furthermore, the game apparatus 10 includes a memory card (or game cartridge) 28. The memory card 28 is detachable and is inserted from an insertion port 30 provided on the back surface or the lower end (bottom surface) of the lower housing 16b. Although not shown in FIG. 1, a connector 46 (see FIG. 2) for joining with a connector (not shown) provided at the front end of the memory card 28 in the insertion direction is provided at the back of the insertion slot 30. Therefore, when the memory card 28 is inserted into the insertion slot 30, the connectors are joined together, and the CPU core 42 (see FIG. 2) of the game apparatus 10 can access the memory card 28.

  Although not expressed in FIG. 1, the position corresponds to the sound release hole 18 of the lower housing 16b, and a speaker 32 (see FIG. 2) is provided inside the lower housing 16b.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, for example, a battery housing box is provided on the back surface side of the lower housing 16b, and a power switch, a volume switch, an external device is provided on the bottom surface side of the lower housing 16b. An expansion connector and an earphone jack are provided.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the game apparatus 10. Referring to FIG. 2, game device 10 includes an electronic circuit board 40 on which circuit components such as CPU core 42 are mounted. The CPU core 42 is connected to the connector 46 via the bus 44, and also includes a RAM 48, a first graphics processing unit (GPU) 50, a second GPU 52, an input / output interface circuit (hereinafter referred to as “I / F circuit”). ) 54 and the LCD controller 60 are connected.

  As described above, the memory card 28 is detachably connected to the connector 46. The memory card 28 includes a ROM 28a and a RAM 28b. Although not shown, the ROM 28a and the RAM 28b are connected to each other via a bus, and are further connected to a connector (not shown) joined to the connector 46. Therefore, as described above, the CPU core 42 can access the ROM 28a and the RAM 28b.

  The ROM 28a stores a game program for a game (virtual game) to be executed on the game apparatus 10, image (character image, background image, item image, icon (button) image, message image, etc.) data, and sound necessary for the game ( Music) data (sound data) and the like are stored in advance. The RAM (backup RAM) 28b stores (saves) mid-game data and game result data.

  The RAM 48 is used as a buffer memory or a working memory. That is, the CPU core 42 loads a game program, image data, sound data, and the like stored in the ROM 28a of the memory card 28 into the RAM 48, and executes the loaded game program. Further, the CPU core 42 executes the game process while storing in the RAM 48 data (game data or flag data) that is temporarily generated in accordance with the progress of the game.

  Note that the game program, image data, sound data, and the like are read from the ROM 28a all at once, or partially and sequentially, and stored (loaded) in the RAM 48.

  Each of the GPU 50 and the GPU 52 forms part of a drawing unit, and is configured by, for example, a single chip ASIC, receives a graphics command (graphics command) from the CPU core 42, and game image data according to the graphics command. Is generated. However, the CPU core 42 gives each of the GPU 50 and the GPU 52 an image generation program (included in the game program) necessary for generating the game image data in addition to the graphics command.

  Note that data (image data: data such as polygons and textures) necessary for the GPU 50 and the GPU 52 to execute the drawing command is acquired by the GPU 50 and the GPU 52 by accessing the RAM 48, respectively.

  The GPU 50 is connected to a first video RAM (hereinafter referred to as “VRAM”) 56, and the GPU 52 is connected to a second VRAM 58. The GPU 50 draws the created game image data in the VRAM 56, and the GPU 52 draws the created game image data in the VRAM 58.

  The VRAM 56 and VRAM 58 are connected to the LCD controller 60. The LCD controller 60 includes a register 62. The register 62 is composed of, for example, 1 bit, and stores a value (data value) of “0” or “1” according to an instruction from the CPU core 42. When the data value of the register 62 is “0”, the LCD controller 60 outputs the game image data drawn in the VRAM 56 to the LCD 12, and outputs the game image data drawn in the VRAM 58 to the LCD 14. When the data value of the register 62 is “1”, the LCD controller 60 outputs the game image data drawn in the VRAM 56 to the LCD 14 and outputs the game image data drawn in the VRAM 58 to the LCD 12.

The operation switch 20, the touch panel 22 and the speaker 32 are connected to the I / F circuit 54. Here, the operation switch 20 includes the switches 20a, 20b, 20c, 20 described above.
d, 20e, 20L, and 20R. When the operation switch 20 is operated, a corresponding operation signal (operation data) is input to the CPU core 42 via the I / F circuit 54. Also, coordinate position data from the touch panel 22 is input to the CPU core 42 via the I / F circuit 54. Further, the CPU core 42 reads out sound data necessary for the game, such as game music (BGM), sound effects or sound of the game character (pseudo-sound), from the RAM 48 and outputs it from the speaker 32 via the I / F circuit 54. .

  For example, in the game apparatus 10, a game can be played using the operation switch 20 provided in the housing 16 (housing 16 b), and a game can be played using the operation buttons (operation panel) displayed on the LCD 14. . In this embodiment, an operation button set on the touch panel 22, that is, an operation button displayed on the LCD 14, can be arbitrarily set by the player. That is, the design, position, size, and function (command) of the buttons for the operation buttons displayed on the LCD 14 can be arbitrarily set.

  In game device 10 (the same applies to general game devices), the arrangement of operation switch 20 is determined in consideration of the operability of a right-handed player, but it is difficult for a left-handed player to operate. There is a problem. Further, even a right-handed player is not always easy to operate, and it cannot be said that operability is good for all players.

  Such operation button settings can be made for each character (operation character) operated by the player, that is, for each player character. The setting contents are stored in the RAM 48, and the setting contents corresponding to the player character are stored in the RAM 48 during the game. The operation buttons are displayed on the LCD 14. Further, the display of the operation button is changed according to the change of the player character. Furthermore, the size of the operation button is changed, the function of the operation button is changed, or a special operation button is displayed / hidden according to the progress of the game.

  FIG. 3 shows a memory map of the RAM 48. As shown in FIG. 3, the RAM 48 includes an operation button storage area 70 and other storage areas 72. Although not shown for convenience of drawing, as described above, game data loaded from the ROM 28a, image data, sound data, etc., and game data (including flags and counters) generated in accordance with the progress of the game. Are stored in the other storage area 72.

  The operation button storage area 70 includes an operation button storage area 80 for the first player character, an operation button storage area 82 for the second player character, and the like. Here, the first player character and the second player character are player characters selected by the player, and are not fixed and determined.

  The operation button storage area 80 of the first player character is further provided with a setting A button storage area 800, a setting B button storage area 802, and the like. Here, “A button”, “B button”, and the like are names given for convenience to distinguish the operation buttons set by the player, and have the same functions as the A button 20d and the B button 20e described above. is not. However, the same function may be provided depending on the player settings.

  The setting A button storage area 800 stores attribute information about the A button set by the player corresponding to the first player character. Specifically, the setting A button storage area 800 stores symbol data 800a, coordinate position data 800b, size data 800c, function data 800d, and operation effective area data 800e as attribute information about the A button.

  For example, the symbol data 800a is a circular image (symbol) data prepared in advance as a default or a label indicating the circular symbol. The coordinate position data 800b is data of the center coordinates (Xa, Ya) of the symbol (circle). The size data 800c is data of the length from the center to the vertex of the circle, that is, the radius (La). The function data 800d is data indicating a command input of “Hanasu (speaking)” or a label indicating the command. Here, for simplicity, one function is set, but two or more functions may be set. For example, in the action RPG, even if the same operation button is used, the command (function) to be input differs depending on whether the player character moves on the map or battles the enemy character in the battle scene. The same applies hereinafter.

  The operation effective area data 800e is a coordinate position data group for determining whether or not the operation of the operation button (A button in this case) is effective. These are coordinate position data indicating the position on the touch panel 22 corresponding to the display area when the operation button is displayed on the LCD 14, and the dot in the display area corresponds. Therefore, during the game process based on the operation of the touch panel 22, when the coordinate position data from the touch panel 22 is acquired, it is determined whether or not the coordinate position data matches the data of the operation effective area, and the operation button is operated. It is possible to easily determine whether or not there is any. The same applies hereinafter.

  However, it is not always necessary to set the operation effective area (data thereof), and whether or not the operation button is operated is determined by determining whether or not the operation button is displayed at the coordinate position indicated by the coordinate position data acquired from the touch panel 22. Can also be determined.

  The setting B button storage area 802 stores attribute information about the B button set by the player corresponding to the first player character. Specifically, like the setting A button storage area 800, the setting B button storage area 802 stores symbol data 802a, coordinate position data 802b, size data 802c, function data 802d, and operation effective area data 802e. . For example, the symbol data 802a is a square image (design) data prepared in advance as a default or a flag indicating the square symbol. The coordinate position data 802b is data of the center coordinates (Xb, Yb) of the symbol (rectangle). The size data 802c is data of the length (Lb) from the center of the quadrangle to the vertex. The function data 802d is data indicating a command input of “swing a sword” or a label indicating the command. The operation effective area data 802e is a coordinate position data group for determining whether the operation of the operation button (here, the B button) is effective.

  A setting A button storage area 820 and the like are provided in the operation button storage area 82 of the second player character. The setting A button storage area 820 stores attribute information about the A button set by the player corresponding to the second player character. Here, the “A button” is a name given for convenience to distinguish the operation button set by the player corresponding to the second player character, and means that it has the same function as the A button 20d and the B button 20e. Not what you want. Also, it does not mean having the same design, position, size, function, and operation effective area as the A button or the like set corresponding to the first player character. However, it is also possible to set to have the same function as the A button 20d and the B button 20e, or to set the same symbol as the A button set corresponding to the first player character.

The setting A button storage area 820 stores symbol data 820a, coordinate position data 820b, function data 820c, and operation effective area data 820d. For example, the symbol data 820a is data indicating that a player has freely drawn a symbol (graphic) (in the drawing, “drawing” is described for convenience). However, the image data of the actually drawn pattern (graphics) may be stored. The coordinate position data 820b includes a plurality of coordinate positions ((Xd, Yd), (Xe, Ye) for specifying (defining) the position, shape (outer shape) and size of a figure (symbol) freely drawn by the player. , ...). The function data 820c is data indicating a command input of “use magic” or a label indicating the command. The operation effective area data 820d is a coordinate position data group for determining whether or not an operation of an operation button (here, A button) freely drawn by the player is effective.

  In addition, when the player freely draws the graphic (graphic) of the button, data of a plurality of coordinates for specifying the position, shape (outer shape) and size of the graphic is stored as coordinate position data. Unlike the case where a (default) symbol prepared in advance is selected, there is no size data.

  Such setting of the operation buttons and the attribute information thereof can be performed prior to the start of the main part of the game. During the game, the operation switch 20 or the set operation button can be used. Furthermore, in the game process based on the operation of the touch panel 22, as described above, the attribute information of the set operation buttons is modified according to the progress of the game, and special operation buttons are displayed (usable) / not displayed. (Cannot be used).

  The specific contents will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIG. 4 and the subsequent drawings and the display examples of the LCD 12 and the LCD 14. The CPU core 42 shown in FIG. 2 performs processing according to the flowcharts shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the overall processing of the CPU core 42. When the main power supply of the game apparatus 10 is turned on, the CPU core 42 starts processing, and executes initial setting in step S1. For example, here, various flags are initialized (off), the VRAMs 56 and 58 are initialized, and the like. In subsequent step S3, a player character is selected, and in step S5, button setting processing (see FIGS. 5, 6, and 17) on the touch panel, which will be described in detail later, is executed.

  In step S3, strictly speaking, the CPU core 42 displays a player character selection screen (not shown) so that the player can select an arbitrary (desired) player character.

  In step S7, it is determined whether to select another player character. That is, a screen (not shown) for determining whether or not to select another player character is displayed, and the player is allowed to determine one. If “YES” in the step S7, that is, if another player character is selected, the process returns to the step S3. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S7, that is, if another player character is not selected, the process proceeds to a step S9.

  As described above, by executing the processing from step S3 to step S7, the player can select one or more player characters, and executes the button arrangement setting (S5) for the selected player characters. be able to.

In step S9, it is determined whether or not to execute a game by a touch panel operation. Here, a screen (not shown) for determining whether or not to execute the game by the touch panel operation is displayed, and the player is allowed to determine either. If “YES” in the step S9, that is, if a game by a touch panel operation is executed, a game process (see FIGS. 23 to 25) based on the touch panel operation, which will be described in detail later, is executed in a step S11. Then, the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S9, that is, if the game by the touch panel operation is not executed, the game process based on the normal button operation (the operation switch 20) is executed, and the process proceeds to the step S15.

  In step S15, a game end process is executed, and the entire process ends. For example, in step S15, game end processing is executed when the game over flag is turned on in the game processing in step S11 or S13.

  5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the button setting process (1) on the touch panel in step S5 shown in FIG. This button setting process is different between when the default button design is used (FIGS. 5 and 6) and when the player freely draws the button design (FIG. 17), and will be described separately. However, the former case is the button setting process (1), and the latter case is the button setting process (2). That is, although omitted in FIG. 4, before the process proceeds to step S5, the player is allowed to select the button setting process (1) or (2).

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the button setting process (1) is started, a button symbol selection screen 100 as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the LCD 14 in step S21. Referring to FIG. 9, button design icon display area 102 is provided at the top of the screen, and message display area 104 is provided at the bottom of the screen. In the button symbol icon display area 102, button symbols (graphics) 102a, 102b, 102c and 102d prepared by default are displayed. However, these button symbols are merely examples, other symbols may be displayed, and a larger number of button symbols may be displayed. In the message display area 104, a message prompting the user to select a button symbol for a button to be set first (A button in this case) is displayed. Therefore, on this button symbol selection screen 100, the button symbol for the A button to be set can be selected, and the selection can be made by touching (pressing) the LCD 14 (touch panel 22) with the stick 24 or the like.

  Returning to FIG. 5, in a succeeding step S23, it is determined whether or not the button symbol is selected. Here, a position (coordinate position) on the LCD 14 corresponding to the coordinate position indicated by the coordinate position data from the touch panel 22 is specified, and is there a button symbol 102a, 102b, 102c or 102d displayed at the specified position? Judgment is made. Further, when there is a button design 102a, 102b, 102c or 102d displayed at the specified position, the button design 102a, 102b, 102c or 102d is specified.

  However, similarly to the operation buttons set by the player, if an operation effective area is set on the touch panel 22 corresponding to each button design 102a to 102d, the button design is based on the coordinate position data from the touch panel 22. If the button design is selected or not, and the button design is selected, the selected button design can be easily determined.

  If “NO” in the step S23, that is, if the button symbol is not selected, it is determined whether or not to cancel in a step S25. That is, it is determined whether or not to stop the setting for the A button. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a cancel button (B button 20e in this embodiment) is turned on. However, a cancel button (icon) may be displayed on the LCD 14 and operated with the stick 24 or the like. The same applies hereinafter. If “NO” in the step S25, that is, if not cancelled, it is determined that no button symbol is selected, and the process returns to the step S21. However, if “YES” in the step S25, that is, if canceling, the process proceeds to a step S49 shown in FIG.

If “YES” in the step S23, that is, if a button symbol is selected, the selected button symbol is set in a step S27. Here, button symbol data is written into the RAM 48 as shown in FIG. 3 corresponding to the player character selected in step S3 of FIG. In the following step S29, the image data of the selected button symbol is read from the RAM 48, and in step S31, a button arrangement position instruction screen 110 as shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 10, on button arrangement position instruction screen 110, message display area 104 is provided at the bottom of the screen. On the button arrangement position instruction screen 110, the selected button symbol (here, the button symbol 102a) is displayed at the center of the screen. In the message display area 104, a message prompting the user to specify the arrangement position for the button to be set (here, the A button) is displayed. Therefore, the player can arbitrarily designate the position of the A button with the stick 24 or the like. When the arrangement position of the A button is designated, the LCD 14 (touch panel 22) is touched (pressed) in order to designate (click) a desired (arbitrary) arrangement position, or the button symbol 102a is arranged in a desired arrangement. The LCD 14 (touch panel 22) can be stroked so as to move (drag) to a position. The designated arrangement position is the center position of the button symbol.

  In a succeeding step S33, it is determined whether or not a button arrangement position is instructed. Here, based on the coordinate position data from the touch panel 22, it is determined whether or not there is an operation for designating the arrangement position as described above. If “NO” in the step S33, that is, if the button arrangement position is not instructed, it is determined whether or not to cancel in a step S35. Here, if it is not cancelled, “NO” is determined, and the process directly returns to step S31. If cancelled, “YES” is determined, and the process directly proceeds to step S49.

  On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S33, that is, if the button arrangement position is instructed, the button symbol arrangement position is set to the instructed coordinate position in a step S37. That is, the coordinate position data is written into the RAM 48 corresponding to the player character. In the next step S39, a button symbol size changing process (see FIG. 7 or FIG. 8) is executed. In this embodiment, there are two types of button symbol size change processing, FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of button symbol size change processing (1), and FIG. 8 shows button symbol size change processing (2). ) Is shown.

  Any one of these processes may be executed, and can be set in advance by a programmer or developer of the game, or can be selected by a player from a menu.

  Referring to FIG. 7, when the button symbol size change process (1) is started, a button symbol size change selection screen 120 as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on LCD 14 in step S61. This screen 120 is a screen for selecting whether or not to change the symbol size of the button. Referring to FIG. 11, message display area 104 is provided at the bottom of the screen in button symbol size change selection screen 120. A button symbol 102a of the A button is displayed on the left side from the center of the screen. That is, the button symbol 102a is displayed at the arrangement position designated on the button arrangement position designation screen 110 shown in FIG.

  In the message display area 104, a message for allowing the player to select whether or not to change the size of the button is displayed. As can be seen from FIG. 11, in this embodiment, “Yes” and “No” are displayed in the message and are selected using the stick 24 or the like, but are selected using the operation switch 20. May be. For example, when the A button 20d is turned on (operated), it is determined that the size of the button symbol is changed, and when the B button 20e is turned on, it is determined that the size of the button symbol is not changed.

Returning to FIG. 7, in a succeeding step S63, it is determined whether or not to change the size of the button. That is, it is determined whether or not “Yes” is selected. If “NO” in the step S63, that is, if “No” is selected, it is determined that the size of the button symbol is not changed, and the button symbol size changing process (1) is directly returned. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S63, that is, if “Yes” is selected, it is determined that the size of the button symbol is changed, and the symbol size changing screen as shown in FIG. 12 is determined in a step S65. 130 is displayed on the LCD 14.

  Referring to FIG. 12, on the symbol size change screen 130, a message display area 104 is provided at the bottom of the screen. On the symbol size change screen 130, the button symbol 102a for the A button is displayed on the left side of the center of the screen (dotted line display in FIG. 12), and four guide lines 132 for size change are displayed around it. Is done. In the message display area 104, a message that prompts the user to determine the size of the button symbol 102a is displayed.

  For example, the player strokes the LCD 14 (touch panel 22) so as to move any one of the guide lines 132 so that the size to be changed is obtained. Then, the size of the button symbol 102a is changed accordingly. In this embodiment, since characters (button names and functions) are displayed in the button design, the size of the button design displayed by default is minimized, and the button design 102a is displayed within a range not exceeding the minimum value. The size can be changed (reduced or enlarged). However, as will be described later, the maximum value of the size of the button symbol is also set in advance.

  In this embodiment, the LCD 14 is stroked with the stick 24 or the like so as to move the guide line 132, but the button design is increased depending on the number of times the button design (102a) is designated (touched or pressed). You may make it do. In such a case, the button symbol is enlarged so that the distance from the center of the button symbol to the apex (the radius in the button symbol 102a) is increased by a predetermined value (predetermined length) continuously or every predetermined number of times. can do.

  In step S67, it is determined whether an operation has been started. That is, it is determined whether or not the operation of the stick 24 or the like is started so that the guide line 132 is moved. If “NO” in the step S67, that is, if the operation is not started, it is determined whether or not to cancel in a step S69. Here, if it is not cancelled, “NO” is returned and the process returns to step S65 as it is, but if cancelled, “YES” is determined and the button symbol size changing process (1) is directly returned.

  On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S67, that is, if the operation is started, it is determined whether or not it is the maximum value in a step S71. That is, it is determined whether or not the size of the button symbol (102a) has reached a preset maximum value. The maximum value is arbitrarily set in advance for each button symbol 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d by the programmer or developer of the game based on the size of the LCD 14 or the like.

  If “YES” in the step S71, that is, if it is the maximum value, the button symbol size changing process (1) is returned. In this case, the size of the button symbol 102a is set to the maximum value, and the size data is written in the RAM 48 corresponding to the player character. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S71, that is, if it is not the maximum value, the size of the button pattern is changed in a step S73 based on the operation of the player. Here, the button symbol is enlarged or reduced so that the length from the center to the apex of the button symbol (the radius in the case of the button symbol 102a) is increased by the distance (length) by which the guide line 132 is moved. Is done. However, the button design after the size change is similar to the button design before the change.

  In step S75, it is determined whether the operation is finished. Here, it is determined whether or not the stick 24 or the like has been released from the LCD 14 (touch panel 22), that is, whether or not coordinate position data has been input from the touch panel 22. If “NO” in the step S75, that is, if the operation is not ended, the process returns to the step S71 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S75, that is, if the operation is ended, the button symbol size changing process (1) is returned. In this case, the size of the button symbol 102a is set to the size designated (specified) by the player, and the size data is written in the RAM 48 corresponding to the player character.

  If “NO” in the step S63 or “YES” in the step S69, the size of the button symbol 102a is set to an initial value, and the size data is written in the RAM 48 corresponding to the player character. It is.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the button symbol size changing process (2). Here, the player uses the stick 24 or the like to change the size of the button symbol in accordance with the length of time that the button symbol displayed on the LCD 14 is designated. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given, but the same process and screen as the button symbol size change process (1) shown in FIG. 7 will be briefly described.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the button symbol size change process (2) is started, the button symbol size change selection screen 120 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the LCD 14 in step S81. In the next step S83, it is determined whether or not to change the size of the button. If the button size is not changed, “NO” is returned, and the button symbol size changing process (2) is returned as it is. If the button size is changed, “YES” is set, and step S85 is executed. Then, a button design size change screen 130 ′ as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the LCD 14. Since the button symbol size change screen 130 ′ is the same as the button symbol size change screen 130 except that the guide line 132 is not displayed, a duplicate description is omitted.

  In step S87, it is determined whether an operation has been started. Here, it is determined whether or not the player has started the instruction (designation) of the button symbol 102a using the stick 24 or the like. If “NO” in the step S87, that is, if the operation is not started, it is determined whether or not to cancel in a step S89. Here, if it is not cancelled, “NO” is returned, and the process directly returns to step S85. If cancelled, “YES” is determined, and the button symbol size changing process (2) is directly returned.

  On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S87, that is, if the operation is started, the counting of the operation time is started in a step S91. Although omitted in FIG. 2, counting of the internal timer of the game apparatus 10 is started. However, the internal timer counts a unit time (for example, 3 seconds), and when the time is up, the internal timer repeats reset and start until the button symbol size changing process (2) is completed (returned). In the next step S93, it is determined whether a unit time (here, 3 seconds) has elapsed. If the unit time has not elapsed, “NO” is determined, and the process directly proceeds to step S97. However, if the unit time has elapsed, “YES” is determined, and in step S95, the button symbol is enlarged by a predetermined value, and the process proceeds to step S97. In step S95, the enlargement process is executed so that the length from the center of the button symbol (figure) to the vertex is increased by a preset length. In this way, the button symbol is enlarged step by step. However, it may be continuously enlarged as time passes.

In step S97, it is determined whether the operation is finished. If “YES” in the step S97, that is, if the operation is completed, the button symbol size changing process (2) is directly returned. In this case, the size of the button symbol is set to the size at the time when the player releases the stick 24 or the like from the LCD 14 (touch panel 22), and the size data is written in the RAM 48 corresponding to the player character. It is.

  On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S97, that is, if the operation is not finished, it is determined whether or not the size of the button symbol is the maximum value in a step S99. If “NO” in the step S99, that is, if the size of the button symbol is not the maximum value, the process returns to the step S91 as it is. However, if “YES” in the step S99, that is, if the size of the button symbol is the maximum value, the button symbol size changing process (2) is returned. In this case, the size of the button symbol is set to the maximum value, and the size data is written in the RAM 48 corresponding to the player character.

  If “NO” in the step S83 or “YES” in the step S89, the size of the button symbol is set to an initial value, and the size data is written in the RAM 48 corresponding to the player character. .

  Returning to FIG. 5, when the button symbol size changing process is completed, an area on the touch panel 22 corresponding to the changed button symbol display area (closed area) is set as an operation effective area in step S <b> 41. That is, the position coordinate data group on the touch panel 22 corresponding to the display area of the operation button is written into the RAM 48 corresponding to the player character.

  In the button symbol size changing process, if the button symbol size is not changed, the default button symbol display area is set as the operation effective area.

  Subsequently, in step S43 shown in FIG. 6, a button function selection screen 140 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, on the button function selection screen 140, a function selection menu display area 106 is provided at the top of the screen, and a message display area 104 is provided at the bottom of the screen. In the function selection menu display area 106, functions (commands) prepared by default are displayed in text. However, these functions are merely examples, and other functions may be used. If there are two or more functions, a larger number of functions may be displayed. In the message display area 104, a message that prompts the user to select a function for the operation button to be set (here, the A button) is displayed. On the button function selection screen 140, a button symbol 102a whose arrangement position and size are determined (set) is displayed according to the arrangement position and size. On the button function selection screen 140, a function for an operation button to be set (here, the A button) can be selected, and the selection can be made by touching the LCD 14 (touch panel 22) using the stick 24 or the like ( Just press).

  Returning to FIG. 6, in step S45, it is determined whether or not the button function is selected. The determination process in step S45 is substantially the same as the process shown in step S23 in FIG. 5, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted. However, here, when one operation button needs to have a plurality of functions as in the action RPG, it is determined whether or not a plurality of functions have been selected. If “NO” in the step S45, that is, if the button function is not selected, the process returns to the same step S45 as it is. That is, it waits for the button function to be selected. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S45, that is, if the button function is selected, the button function is set in a step S47. That is, the function data is written in the RAM 48 corresponding to the player character.

In step S49, the next button setting selection screen 150 as shown in FIG. The next button setting selection screen 150 is a screen for selecting whether or not to set a new button, and a message display area 104 is provided at the bottom of the screen. In the message display area 104, a message prompting selection of whether or not to set the next operation button (here, B button) is displayed. On the next button setting selection screen 150, the operation buttons that have been set (here, the A button) are displayed in the set arrangement position and size. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, you may make it display the set function inside the button design 102a or its vicinity. Further, the selection operation on the next button setting selection screen 150 is the same as the selection operation on the button symbol size change selection screen 120 shown in FIG. 11, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  Returning to FIG. 6, in a succeeding step S51, it is determined whether or not a next operation button is set. If “YES” in the step S51, that is, if the next operation button is set, the process returns to the step S21 shown in FIG. In this case, in step S21, a button symbol selection screen 100 ′ as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. The button symbol selection screen 100 ′ is the same as the button symbol selection screen 100 shown in FIG. 9 except that the operation buttons that have already been set (here, the A button) are displayed on the LCD 14. The description will be omitted. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S51, that is, if the next operation button is not set, the button setting process (1) on the touch panel is directly returned.

  In addition, a part of the flowchart for the button setting process (2) on the touch panel is displayed in FIG. Here, the player can freely draw the button symbol. Accordingly, since the size of the button is also determined when the button is drawn, the button symbol size changing process as described above is not executed. Further, since the other part of the flowchart of the button setting process (2) on the touch panel is the same as the flowchart of FIG. 6, the drawings and the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Further, the contents overlapping with the above-described button setting process (1) on the touch panel will be briefly described.

  Referring to FIG. 17, when the button setting process (2) on the touch panel is started, a button drawing instruction screen 160 as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed on LCD 14 in step S111. In the button drawing instruction screen 160, a message display area 104 is provided at the bottom of the screen. At the beginning when the button drawing instruction image 160 is displayed, nothing is displayed on the screen except for the message display area 104. In the message display area 104, a message that prompts the user to draw a button symbol for the operation button to be set (here, the A button) is displayed. Therefore, the player can draw the button symbol as described later by stroking the LCD 14 (touch panel 22) with the stick 24 or the like. However, when drawing with a finger, the surface contacting the LCD 14 (touch panel 22) is larger than the stick 24, and an accurate locus (button symbol) may not be drawn. It is considered better to draw. Therefore, in the button arrangement setting process (2) on the touch panel, a case where operation is performed using the stick 24 will be described.

  In the next step S113, it is determined whether or not drawing of the button symbol has started. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the stick 24 touches (presses) the LCD 14 (touch panel 22), that is, whether or not coordinate position data is input from the touch panel 22. If “NO” in the step S113, that is, if the drawing of the button symbol is not started, it is determined whether or not to cancel in a step S115. Here, if it is not cancelled, “NO” is determined, and the process directly returns to step S111. If cancelled, “YES” is determined, and the process proceeds to step S49 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S113, that is, if the drawing of the button symbol is started, the coordinate position data of the pressing point or the contact point is sequentially read in a step S117. At this time, the read coordinate position data is not the operation button storage area 70 but the other area 72.
Is written once. Here, the reason why the coordinate position data is sequentially read is that it is necessary for the player to display a button pattern to be freely drawn and to set an operation effective area.

  Note that the time interval for reading the coordinate position data, that is, the scan time (the time required to go around the closed loop formed by S117, S119, and S121) can be set below the coordinate position data reading speed on the touch panel 22, If the scan time is set short, the amount of coordinate position data (coordinate position data to be set) to be read becomes enormous, and if the scan time is set long, a rough image is displayed when the button symbol is displayed. Therefore, the scan time should be set to an appropriate value by testing or the like.

  In step S119, a pressing point or a contact point is drawn and displayed. Here, the display on the LCD 14 is controlled so that a point is plotted (drawn) at the coordinate position indicated by the coordinate position data acquired from the touch panel 22. In the next step S121, it is determined whether or not the drawing of the button symbol has been stopped (finished). That is, the player releases the stick 24 from the LCD 14 (touch panel 22), and determines whether or not the coordinate position data has been input from the touch panel 22.

  If “NO” in the step S121, that is, if the drawing of the button symbol is not stopped, the process returns to the step S117 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S121, that is, if the drawing of the button symbol is stopped, it is determined whether or not the coordinates of the stop point are a start point or an end point in a step S123. That is, it is determined whether or not the drawn button symbol is a closed region. This is to set the closed area (display area) of the drawn button symbol as the operation effective area. When the button symbol is drawn inside the display area of the LCD 14, the start point and the stop point must be matched. When drawing starts from an end point that defines the range of the display area of the LCD 14 (which forms the outer periphery of the display area), the stop point must coincide with the start point or be another end point. When the start point is an end point (referred to as “first end point” for convenience of explanation) and the stop point is another end point (referred to as “second end point” for convenience of explanation), the start point is formed by drawing by the player. The button symbol closed region is formed by the line connecting the first end point and the second end point and the line connecting the first end point and the second end point on the outer periphery of the display area of the LCD 14 (see FIG. 22). .

  If “NO” in the step S123, that is, if the coordinates of the stop point are not the start point or the end point, it is determined that an appropriate button design is not drawn, and the drawing failure screen as shown in FIG. 170 is displayed. On the drawing failure screen 170, a message display area 104 is provided at the bottom of the screen. The message display area 104 includes a message that the drawing of the operation button (here, A button) has failed, a message that prompts the user to decide (select) whether or not to redraw the button symbol for the operation button, and Is displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 17, in a succeeding step S127, it is determined whether or not to redraw the button symbol of the button. That is, it is determined whether or not “Yes” is selected on the drawing failure screen 170. If “YES” here, that is, if redrawing is performed, the process directly returns to the step S111. However, if “NO”, that is, if redrawing is not performed, the process proceeds to step S49 shown in FIG.

If “YES” in the step S123, that is, if the coordinates of the stop point are the start point or the end point and the drawn button pattern is a closed region, the drawn figure (button is displayed) in the step S129. The display area (closed area) of the symbol is set as the operation button position, that is, the coordinate position data written in the other area 72 is coordinate position data corresponding to the player character selected in step S3. Is written in the RAM 48. In step S131, an area on the touch panel 22 corresponding to the set operation button display area is set as an operation effective area. This setting is the same as the button setting process (1) on the touch panel described above. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S43 shown in FIG. 6 to set the function of the operation button, and to set the next operation button.

  It should be noted that the button function selection screen and the next button setting selection screen displayed in the button setting process (2) on the touch panel are displayed on the touch panel except that the button pattern freely drawn by the player is displayed on the LCD 14. This is the same as each screen (140, 150) shown in the button setting process (1). Briefly, as shown in FIG. 20, on the button function selection screen 180, a function selection menu display area 106 is provided at the top of the screen, and a message display area 104 is provided at the bottom of the screen. In addition, a button symbol 108 drawn by the player is displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 21, in the next button drawing selection screen 190, a message display area 104 is provided at the bottom of the screen, and the button symbol 108 drawn by the player is displayed. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 22, in the button drawing instruction screen 160 ′ for drawing the button design of the next operation button, a message display area 104 is provided at the bottom of the screen, and the button design 108 already drawn by the player is displayed. Is displayed. In this button drawing instruction screen 160 ′, a state in which a button design for the next operation button (here, B button) is drawn is shown. At the beginning of the screen 160 ′ being displayed, The button design and message of the already drawn operation button (here, button A) are only displayed.

  23 to 25 are flowcharts showing a game process based on the touch panel operation in step S11 shown in FIG. When the game process is started, a game image (game screen) 200 as shown in FIG. 26 is displayed on the LCD 12 in step S141 as shown in FIG. On the game screen 200, a player character 202 and a non-player character 204 are displayed, and a background image is displayed. For example, the player character 202 is a warrior character, and the non-player character 204 is an enemy or a character like a villager. Objects such as the ground, trees, and buildings are displayed as the background image.

  Here, as the player character 202, the character that the player first selected is displayed on the screen.

  In the next step S143, an operation character selection process is executed. Although illustration is omitted, for example, a selection screen for allowing the player to select an arbitrary player character from among a plurality of types of player characters is displayed on the LCD 12 (or the LCD 14), and the player is allowed to select it. Here, when another player character is selected, the display is changed to the selected player character (see FIG. 31). However, when another player character is not selected and canceled, the player character displayed first is displayed as it is.

In the subsequent step S145, the button layout corresponding to the selected operation character (player character) 202 is read from the RAM 48, and the display on the LCD 14 is set. Here, under the instruction of the CPU core 42, the GPU 52 reads out the button symbol data stored corresponding to the player character 202 from the RAM 48 and draws the button symbol data in the VRAM 58. When a plurality of operation buttons are set, button design data corresponding to all the operation buttons is drawn. At this time, the coordinate position data and size data stored corresponding to the button symbol data are also read, and therefore the button symbol data is drawn at the coordinate position and size indicated by the coordinate position data and size data. Is done. The RAM 48 also stores operation effective area data corresponding to the button design data, so that the area on the touch panel 22 corresponding to the display area on which the button design (operation button) is displayed is effective. It will be set to the area.

  Subsequently, in step S147, the function of each button is set. That is, under the instruction of the CPU core 42, the GPU 52 reads out the function data stored corresponding to the button symbol data, and the text data about the function data is displayed within the closed region of the button symbol. Write (overwrite) to the VRAM 58.

  In step S149, an operation panel image (screen) 210 as shown in FIG. Here, the operation panel screen 210 developed in the VRAM 58, that is, the button design data describing the names and functions of the operation buttons, is displayed on the LCD 14 by the LCD controller 60 under the instruction of the CPU core 42. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 26, in the game apparatus 10, the game screen 200 is displayed on the LCD 12, and the operation panel screen 210 corresponding to the player character 202 displayed on the game screen 202 is displayed on the LCD 14. Here, corresponding to the player character 202, operation buttons 212a, 212b and 212c are displayed on the operation panel image 210.

  Returning to FIG. 23, next, in step S151, a game time counting process is executed. When the process of step S151 is first executed, a timer for counting the game time (an internal timer of the game apparatus 10 (not shown)) is started, and when the process of step S151 is subsequently executed, the timer is counted. To continue. In a succeeding step S153, it is determined whether or not there is an operation using the touch panel 22. If “NO” in the step S153, that is, if there is no operation using the touch panel 22, the process proceeds to a step S161 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S153, that is, if there is an operation using the touch panel 22, the operation coordinate position is detected based on the operation information detected by the touch panel 22, and the coordinates from the touch panel 22 are detected in the step S155. It is determined whether the coordinate position indicated by the position data is an operation effective area. That is, it is determined whether or not the operation position of the player is within the closed region of the button symbol displayed on the LCD 14.

  If “NO” in the step S155, that is, if the operation position of the player is not within the closed region of the button symbol, it is determined that the operation is not effective, and the process proceeds to a step S161 as it is. However, if “YES” in the step S155, that is, if the operation position of the player is within the closed region of the button symbol, it is determined that the operation is valid, and processing corresponding to the function of the operated operation button is performed. Execute.

  For example, when the operation button 212c is operated on the operation panel screen 210 shown in FIG. 26, the player character 202 examines a step, a cave, a tree, a desk drawer, and the like. FIG. 27 shows a game screen 200 and an operation panel screen 210 when the operation button 212c is operated and the player character 202 examines the foot. Here, a message notifying the player that nothing was found is displayed at the top left of the game screen 200 when examining the foot. Although illustration is omitted, when any item or the like is found, a message indicating that the item or the like has been found is displayed.

  Although illustration is omitted, when the operation button 212a is operated, the player character 202 talks to a non-player character 204 such as a villager. When the operation button 212b is operated, the player character 202 uses a predetermined item (weapon, medicine, etc.).

Returning to FIG. 23, in the following step S159, the operation frequency of the operation button is incremented by 1, and the process proceeds to step S161. Although omitted in FIG. 3, the counter for counting the number of operations may be constituted by a register and provided in the RAM 48 corresponding to each operation button.

  As shown in FIG. 24, in step S161, it is determined whether or not there is a change in the state of the operation character, that is, the player character 202a. For example, it is determined whether or not the player character 202 encounters an enemy character and enters the battle mode. However, it is not limited to the case of changing to the battle mode, and it may be determined whether the player character 202 has been leveled up, transformed or evolved.

  If “NO” in the step S161, that is, if there is no change in the state of the player character 202, the process proceeds to a step S167 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S161, that is, if there is a change in the state of the player character 202, the function of each operation button is changed in accordance with the state change in a step S163. Specifically, the text data indicating the function of each operation button when the mode is changed to the battle mode is rewritten on the VRAM 58. In step S165, the changed function is displayed on each button, and the process proceeds to step S167.

  However, once the mode is changed to the battle mode, when the state changes to the mode other than the battle, “YES” is determined in step S161, and in step S163, the function of each operation button is changed in accordance with the state change. Become.

  For example, when it is determined as “YES” in step S161, when the mode is shifted to the battle mode, as shown in FIG. 28, the battle screen 220 is displayed on the LCD 12, and accordingly, in step S165, the function is changed to the function in the battle mode. The operation panel screen 210 including the operated buttons 212a, 212b, and 212c is displayed on the LCD 14. As can be seen from FIG. 28, on the battle screen 220, a message for notifying the player that the mode has been changed to the battle mode is displayed at the upper left of the screen.

  Returning to FIG. 24, in a succeeding step S167, it is determined whether or not it is the display timing of the special button. Here, the special button means an operation button that is not normally displayed on the LCD 14, and is displayed on the LCD 14 according to a predetermined timing (event). For example, the special button is an operation button that can instruct a command input of a special technique, and therefore, when executing a game process using the operation switch 20, a special technique that requires operation of a plurality of operation switches 20. (Function) is selected, and an attack operation can be easily instructed.

  The special button 214 may be set by the player in the same manner as the other operation buttons 212a to 212c, and is displayed in advance by the programmer or developer together with the display timing (game progress state or predetermined event). You may make it set.

  If “NO” in the step S167, that is, if the display timing of the special button is not reached, the process directly proceeds to a step S183 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S167, that is, if the display timing of the special button is reached, the special button 214 is displayed on the LCD 14 in a step S169 as shown in FIG. 29, and the special button 214 is displayed in a step S171. An area on the touch panel 22 corresponding to the button symbol display area (closed area) is set as an operation effective area. As can be seen from FIG. 29, when the special button 214 overlaps with the other operation buttons 212a, 212b and 212c, the operation of the special button 214 is given priority. That is, when the coordinate position data of the overlapping area is input from the touch panel 22, the CPU core 42 determines that the special button 214 has been operated.

In a succeeding step S173, it is determined whether or not the special button 214 is operated. If “NO” in the step S173, that is, if the special button 214 is not operated, it is determined whether or not the display end timing of the special button 214 is determined in a step S175. If it is not the display end timing of the special button 214, “NO” is determined in the step S175, and the process returns to the step S173 as it is. However, if it is the display end timing of the special button 214, “YES” is determined in the step S175, and the process proceeds to the step S179.

  If “YES” in the step S173, that is, if the special button 214 is operated, processing corresponding to the function set in the special button 214 is executed in a step S177. For example, when a special technique is set, the enemy character 204 is attacked by the special technique, the effect or production is reflected on the battle screen 220, and the vitality (life) of the enemy character 204 is greatly reduced. The enemy character 204 is defeated with a single blow.

  In step S179, the special button 214 is deleted from the LCD 14, and in step S181, the setting of the operation effective area of the special button 214 is canceled, and the process proceeds to step S183. As shown in FIG. 25, in step S183, it is determined whether a unit time (in this embodiment, 10 minutes) has elapsed. If “NO” in the step S183, that is, if the unit time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to a step S197 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S183, that is, if the unit time has elapsed, in a step S185, it is determined whether or not there is an operation button having a predetermined number of operations (for example, 20 times) or less.

  If “NO” in the step S185, that is, if there is no operation button having a predetermined number of operations or less, the process proceeds to a step S191 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S185, that is, if there are operation buttons whose number of operations is a predetermined number or less, the button design of the corresponding operation button is reduced and displayed by a predetermined value in a step S187, and changed in a step S189. An area on the touch panel 22 corresponding to the (reduced) button symbol display area is set as an operation effective area, and the process proceeds to step S191.

Although illustration is omitted, when the display is reduced, the size data for the corresponding operation button is changed. That is, the changed size data is written (set) in the RAM 48.
In step S191, it is determined whether or not there are operation buttons whose number of operations is a predetermined number (for example, 50 times) or more. If “NO” in the step S191, that is, if there is no operation button having a predetermined number of operations or more, the process proceeds to a step S197 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S191, that is, if there are operation buttons having a predetermined number of operations or more, the button design of the corresponding operation button is enlarged and displayed in a predetermined value in a step S193, and changed in a step S195. An area on the touch panel 22 corresponding to the button symbol display area of the operated button is set as an operation effective area, and the process proceeds to step S197.

Although illustration is omitted, when the enlarged display is performed, the size data for the corresponding operation button is changed. That is, the changed size data is written (set) in the RAM 48.
As described above, when the processes of steps S183 to S195 are executed, for example, as shown in FIG. 30, an operation panel screen 210 in which the size of the operation button is changed is displayed on the LCD 14. Here, a case where the operation button 212a is reduced and the operation button 212b is enlarged is shown. In addition, the display area enclosed with a dotted line is the button design before a change.

  Therefore, the operability can be improved by enlarging the display area (operation effective area) of the operation buttons with high use frequency and reducing the display area of the operation buttons with low use frequency.

However, it is possible to make the operation difficult by reducing the display area of an operation button having a high use frequency and enlarging the display area of an operation button having a low use frequency. In this way, even a skilled player can be considered to be able to prevent a decrease in interest in the game.

  Although not shown in the figure, if the number of operations is reset after the operation button reduction and enlargement processing is completed, the operation button once reduced or enlarged can be enlarged or reduced. As the game progresses, the size of the operation button display area can be changed.

  In addition, if there is an operation button whose number of operations is 0 within a unit time, the corresponding operation button may be deleted.

  Furthermore, the “predetermined number” in step S185 or step S191 may be set to a different value for each operation button.

  Returning to FIG. 25, in step S197, it is determined whether or not the player character has been changed. If “YES” in the step S197, that is, if the player character is changed, the process returns to the step S145. For example, when the player character is changed and a magician player character 202 ′ as shown in FIG. 31 is selected, an operation indicating the set button design and function at the set position and size is set accordingly. Operation panel screen 230 including buttons 232a, 232b, and 232c is displayed (the operation button display state changes). On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S197, that is, if the player character is not changed, it is determined whether or not the game is ended in a step S199. That is, it is determined whether the game end is instructed by the player's operation or the game is over.

  If “NO” in the step S199, that is, if the game is not ended, the process returns to the step S151 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S199, that is, if the game is ended, although not illustrated, the game over flag is turned on, and the game process based on the touch panel operation is returned.

  According to this embodiment, the player can freely set the operation buttons on the touch panel, and the game can be executed using the set operation buttons, so that it is easy for all players to operate. In addition, game preference can be improved.

  In addition, since the operation buttons on the touch panel are changed in display according to the game progress state and frequency of use, the operability can be further improved.

  In this embodiment, a touch panel is provided corresponding to the second LCD, but a touch panel may be provided corresponding to the first LCD, and a touch panel corresponding to both LCDs. May be provided. In the former case, the operation buttons set by the player are displayed on the first LCD, and the game screen is displayed on the second LCD. In the latter case, the operation buttons set by the player can be displayed selectively on one LCD, and the game screen can be displayed selectively on the other LCD.

  In this embodiment, the first LCD and the second LCD are arranged vertically. However, in some cases, they may be arranged side by side.

  Further, in this embodiment, the first LCD and the second LCD are provided separately and independently, but the display surface of one LCD is divided into two, and at least one display surface is provided. A touch panel may be provided in association with it.

  In this embodiment, the selected button graphic is arranged at the designated coordinate position. However, the position (area) designated by a plurality of fingers or the like is detected and used as the operation button display area. Good. In this way, an operation button that matches the shape of the finger of the player can be set.

  In this embodiment, the display area of the operation button is changed based on the number of operations. However, as another operation state, for example, the operation time of the operated operation button is counted, and the accumulated operation time is predetermined. You may make it change the display area of an operation button based on whether it is more than time (or less than predetermined time).

  Furthermore, as another example of changing the display state of the operation button based on the operation state, each time the operation button is operated, the operation position coordinates are detected and stored, and a plurality of operations obtained by a plurality of operations are obtained. An average value of the position coordinates may be calculated, and the arrangement position of the operation buttons may be changed so that the average coordinate position obtained by the calculation becomes the center position of the button symbol. In this way, since the display state of the operation button is changed according to the player's operating position, the operability can be improved.

It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the game device of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the game device shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing a memory map of a RAM (working memory) of the game apparatus shown in FIG. 2. It is a flowchart which shows the whole process of the CPU core shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a part of button setting process (1) on the touch panel of the CPU core shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a part of button setting process (1) on the touch panel of the CPU core shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the button symbol size change process (1) of the CPU core shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the size change process (2) of the button design of the CPU core shown in FIG. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the button symbol selection screen displayed on 2nd LCD of the game device shown in FIG. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the button arrangement position instruction | indication screen displayed on 2nd LCD of the game device shown in FIG. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the symbol size change selection screen of the button displayed on 2nd LCD of the game device shown in FIG. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the size change screen of the button design displayed on 2nd LCD of the game device shown in FIG. It is an illustration figure which shows the other example of the size change screen of the button design displayed on 2nd LCD of the game device shown in FIG. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the button function selection screen displayed on 2nd LCD of the game device shown in FIG. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the setting selection screen of the next button displayed on 2nd LCD of the game device shown in FIG. It is an illustration figure which shows the other example of the button symbol selection screen displayed on 2nd LCD of the game device shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a part of process of the button setting process (2) on the touch panel of the CPU core shown in FIG. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the button drawing instruction | indication screen displayed on 2nd LCD shown in FIG. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the drawing failure screen displayed on 2nd LCD shown in FIG. It is an illustration figure which shows the other example of the button function selection screen displayed on 2nd LCD shown in FIG. It is an illustration figure which shows the other example of the following button drawing selection screen displayed on 2nd LCD shown in FIG. It is an illustration figure which shows the other example of the button drawing instruction | indication screen displayed on 2nd LCD shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a part of game process based on the touch panel of the CPU core shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a part of other game process based on the touch panel of the CPU core shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the other part of the game process based on the touch panel of the CPU core shown in FIG. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the game screen displayed on the 1st LCD of FIG. 1, and the operation panel screen displayed on the 2nd LCD. It is an illustration figure which shows the other example of the game screen displayed on the 1st LCD of FIG. 1, and the operation panel screen displayed on the 2nd LCD. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the battle screen displayed on the 1st LCD of FIG. 1, and the operation panel screen displayed on the 2nd LCD. It is an illustration figure which shows the other example of the battle screen displayed on the 1st LCD of FIG. 1, and the operation panel screen displayed on the 2nd LCD. FIG. 10 is an illustrative view showing another example of a game screen displayed on the first LCD of FIG. 1 and an operation panel screen displayed on the second LCD. It is an illustration figure which shows the other example of the game screen displayed on the 1st LCD of FIG. 1, and the operation panel screen displayed on the 2nd LCD.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... Game device 12, 14 ... LCD
16, 16a, 16b ... housing 20 ... operation switch 22 ... touch panel 24 ... stick 28 ... memory card 28a ... ROM
28b, 48 ... RAM
40 ... Electronic circuit board 42 CPU core 50, 52 ... GPU
54 ... I / F circuit 56, 58 ... VRAM
60 ... LCD controller

Claims (20)

A display unit for displaying at least one operation button;
A touch panel that is mounted in association with the display unit and detects an operation state;
Operation button position setting means for setting the operation button at an arbitrary position on the display unit based on an instruction from the player;
Operation effective area setting means for setting an area of the touch panel corresponding to the display area of the operation button set by the operation button position setting means as an operation effective area;
Operation coordinate position detecting means for detecting an operation coordinate position based on operation information detected by operation of the touch panel;
The operation coordinate position determining means for determining whether or not the operation coordinate position detected by the operation coordinate position detecting means is within the effective operation area, and the operation coordinate position determining means is determined to be within the effective operation area A game device using a touch panel, comprising game processing means for executing a game process corresponding to the operation of the operation button. An operation button design selection means for selecting an operation button to be displayed on the display unit from a plurality of types of design;
The game device using a touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the operation button position setting unit sets the operation button selected by the button symbol selection unit to an arbitrary position on the display unit.   The game device using a touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the operation button position setting means sets a display area of a graphic drawn on the display unit as the operation button position by the player operating the touch panel. A button size changing unit for changing the size of the operation button displayed on the display unit;
The game apparatus using a touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the operation effective area setting unit sets an area of the touch panel corresponding to a display area of the operation button changed by the button size changing unit as an operation effective area.   The game apparatus using a touch panel according to claim 4, wherein the button size changing means changes the size of the operation button in accordance with an operation time of the touch panel by the player. An operation state detection means for detecting an operation state of the operation button; and an operation button display area changing means for changing a display area of the operation button based on the operation state detected by the operation state detection means,
The game apparatus using a touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the operation effective area setting means sets the area of the touch panel corresponding to the operation button display area changed by the operation button display area changing means as an operation effective area. . Game progress state detecting means for detecting a game progress state, and display of an operation button displayed on the display unit when the game progress state detecting means detects that the game progress state has reached a predetermined state It further comprises operation button display state changing means for changing the state,
The game apparatus using a touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the operation effective area setting means sets the area of the touch panel corresponding to the operation button display area changed by the operation button display state changing means as an operation effective area. . Operation button function setting means for setting the function of the operation button,
The operation button function display means for displaying the function set by the operation button function setting means in association with the operation button, and the game progress state detection means detects that the game progress state has become a predetermined state. Operation button function changing means for changing the function set by the operation button function setting means,
8. The game apparatus using a touch panel according to claim 7, wherein the operation button display state changing means changes the display of the function displayed by the operation button function display means to the function changed by the operation button function changing means. The operation button display state changing means displays a new operation button on the display unit when the game progress state detecting means detects that the game progress state has reached a predetermined state,
8. The game apparatus using a touch panel according to claim 7, wherein the operation effective area setting unit sets an area of the touch panel corresponding to a newly displayed operation button display area as an operation effective area. A character selection means for selecting an arbitrary character from a plurality of types of characters;
The operation button position setting means sets the operation button at any position on the display unit for each character selected by the character selection means,
The game progress state detecting means detects whether or not the character selected by the character selecting means has been changed,
The operation button display state detection means changes the position of the operation button to the operation button position set for the changed character when it is detected that the character has been changed by the game progress state detection means,
The game apparatus using a touch panel according to claim 7, wherein the operation effective area setting means sets the area of the touch panel corresponding to the operation button display area changed by the operation button display state changing means as an operation effective area. . A first display for displaying a game image;
A second display unit arranged in the vicinity of the first display unit for displaying at least one operation button;
A touch panel mounted in association with the second display unit for detecting operation information;
Operation button position setting means for setting the operation button at an arbitrary position on the display unit based on an instruction from the player;
Operation effective area setting means for setting an area of the touch panel corresponding to the display area of the operation button set by the operation button position setting means as an operation effective area;
Operation coordinate position detecting means for detecting an operation coordinate position based on operation information detected by operation of the touch panel;
The operation coordinate position determining means for determining whether or not the operation coordinate position detected by the operation coordinate position detecting means is within the effective operation area, and the operation coordinate position determining means is determined to be within the effective operation area A game device using a touch panel, comprising game processing means for changing at least a game image displayed on the first display unit in response to an operation of the operation button. A display unit for displaying at least one operation button;
A touch panel that is mounted in association with the display unit and detects operation information;
Operation button position setting means for setting the operation button to a predetermined position of the display unit;
Operation effective area setting means for setting an area of the touch panel corresponding to the display area of the operation button set by the operation button position setting means as an operation effective area;
Operation coordinate position detecting means for detecting an operation coordinate position based on operation information detected by operation of the touch panel;
Operation coordinate position determination means for determining whether or not the operation coordinate position detected by the operation coordinate position detection means is within the operation effective region;
Game processing means for executing a game process corresponding to the operation of the operation button when it is determined by the operation coordinate position determination means to be within the operation effective area;
Operation state detection means for detecting an operation state of the operation button by the player, and operation button display area changing means for changing the display area of the operation button based on the operation state detected by the operation state detection means,
The game apparatus using a touch panel, wherein the operation effective area setting means sets the area of the touch panel corresponding to the operation button display area changed by the operation button display area changing means as an operation effective area. The operation state detection means detects the number of operations of the operation button by the player as the operation state,
The operation button display area changing unit displays the operation button in a reduced size when the number of operations detected by the operation state detection unit is a predetermined number or less,
The game apparatus using a touch panel according to claim 12, wherein the operation effective area setting means sets an area of the touch panel corresponding to a display area of the operation buttons displayed in a reduced size as an operation effective area. The operation state detection means detects the number of operations of the operation button by the player as the operation state,
The operation button display area changing unit enlarges and displays the operation button when the number of operations detected by the operation state detection unit is a predetermined number or more.
The game apparatus using a touch panel according to claim 12, wherein the operation effective area setting unit sets an area of the touch panel corresponding to a display area of the operation button displayed in an enlarged manner as an operation effective area. A game program that is executed by a game device including a display unit for displaying at least one operation button, and a touch panel that is mounted in association with the display unit and detects an operation state,
In the processor of the game device,
An operation button position setting step for setting the operation button at an arbitrary position on the display unit based on an instruction from the player;
An operation effective area setting step for setting the area of the touch panel corresponding to the display area of the operation button set by the operation button position setting step as an operation effective area;
An operation coordinate position detection step for detecting an operation coordinate position based on operation information detected by operation of the touch panel;
The operation coordinate position determination step for determining whether or not the operation coordinate position detected by the operation coordinate position detection step is within the operation effective region, and the operation coordinate position determination step determined that the operation coordinate position is within the operation effective region A game program for executing a game process step for executing a game process corresponding to the operation of the operation button. An operation button design selection step for selecting an operation button to be displayed on the display unit from a plurality of types of designs is further executed,
The game program according to claim 15, wherein the operation button position setting step sets the operation button selected by the button symbol selection step at an arbitrary position on the display unit.   The game program according to claim 15, wherein the operation button position setting step sets a display area of a graphic drawn on the display unit by operating the touch panel by the player as an operation button position. Further executing a button size changing step for changing the size of the operation button displayed on the display unit;
The game program according to claim 15, wherein the operation effective area setting step sets an area of the touch panel corresponding to a display area of the operation button changed by the button size changing step as an operation effective area. A game progress state detecting step for detecting a game progress state; and display of an operation button displayed on the display unit when the game progress state detecting step detects that the game progress state has reached a predetermined state. The operation button display state changing step for changing the state is further executed,
The game program according to claim 15, wherein in the operation effective area setting step, an area of the touch panel corresponding to the operation button display area changed by the operation button display state changing step is set as an operation effective area. A game program executed by a game device including a display unit for displaying at least one operation button, and a touch panel mounted in association with the display unit and detecting operation information,
In the processor of the game device,
An operation button position setting step for setting the operation button at a predetermined position of the display unit;
An operation effective area setting step for setting the area of the touch panel corresponding to the display area of the operation button set by the operation button position setting step as an operation effective area;
An operation coordinate position detection step for detecting an operation coordinate position based on operation information detected by operation of the touch panel;
An operation coordinate position determination step of determining whether or not the operation coordinate position detected by the operation coordinate position detection step is within the operation effective region;
A game process step of executing a game process corresponding to an operation of the operation button when it is determined in the operation coordinate position determination step that it is within the operation effective area;
An operation state detection step of detecting an operation state of the operation button by the player, and an operation button display area changing step of changing the display area of the operation button based on the operation state detected by the operation state detection step;
The operation effective area setting step sets the area of the touch panel corresponding to the operation button display area changed by the operation button display area changing step as an operation effective area.

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