JP2008279049A - Information providing system, program and information storing medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information providing system and the like smoothly shifting a single-player game to a multi-player game and capable of reproducing a former state of the game when the single-player game is reopened. <P>SOLUTION: The information providing system includes a communication part 110 for conducting communication with a plurality of terminal devices, a determination part 130 for determining whether the number of participation requesters in the multi-player game becomes a predetermined value or not, a game calculation part 150 for conducting game calculations for the single-player game or the multi-player game, a storage part 120 for storing practice management data 124 showing states of the multi-player game in every terminal device conducting the single-player game calculation, a replacing part 160 for replacing the data 124 when the single-player game calculation is conducted and for halting the data 124 from being replaced when the multi-player game calculation starts and an information producing part 170 for producing pieces of game calculation result information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information providing system, a program, and an information storage medium for causing a game device to execute a multiplayer game.

As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-344300, when a multiplayer game in which a plurality of players participate in a client-server system is executed, matching is performed by the server.
JP 2004-344300 A

  However, if the number of players participating in the game does not reach the number required to start the multiplayer game, the server cannot start the multiplayer game. In such a case, in general, a multiplayer game is forcibly started by the participation of a computer player, or a game device that is a client is caused to play a mini game different from the multiplayer game. A method of waiting until the player participates is adopted.

  Also, in the case of the method of waiting until the actual player participates, when the number of players for starting the multiplayer game is reached while the minigame is running, the minigame is forcibly terminated and the multiplayer game is started. The However, in the case of this method, when the multiplayer game ends and the player tries to participate in the multiplayer game again, it is necessary to start the mini game from the beginning.

  In this way, in the case of a multiplayer game, it is preferable to have a real player participate, but in the case of the above-described method of waiting until the real player participates, the player first plays a mini game different from the original game each time. There was a situation that had to be done from.

  The object of the present invention is to smoothly shift from a single-player game to a multiplayer game when a single-player game is played before a multiplayer game in which a plurality of real players participate is performed. An object is to provide an information providing system, a program, and an information storage medium capable of reproducing the original game state when a game for one person is resumed.

In order to solve the above problems, an information providing system according to the present invention includes:
A communication unit that communicates with a plurality of terminal devices having a communication function and a game execution function;
Based on the participation request information from the terminal device, a determination unit that determines whether the number of requesters of participation in the multiplayer game has reached a set value;
Based on the operation information from the terminal device, when the number of requesting participants is less than the set value, one real player and at least one computer player perform a one-player game calculation of the multiplayer game, When the number of requesting participants reaches the set value, the one-player game calculation is stopped, and the multiplayer game of the multiplayer game is performed by a plurality of real players and at least one computer player or a plurality of real players. A game calculation unit for performing calculations;
A storage unit for storing practice management data indicating the state of the multiplayer game for each of the terminal devices on which the one-player game calculation is performed;
An update unit that updates the practice management data when the one-player game calculation is performed, and stops updating the practice management data when the multi-player game calculation is started;
An information generation unit for generating game calculation result information indicating a result of the one-player game calculation or the multi-player game calculation;
Including
The communication unit receives the participation request information and the operation information from the terminal device, transmits the game calculation result information to the terminal device,
The game calculation unit performs the single-player game calculation from the state when the single-player game calculation is stopped based on the practice management data when the game calculation unit resumes after the single-player game calculation is stopped. To do.

In addition, another information providing system according to the present invention is:
In an information providing system including a plurality of terminal devices and an information providing device,
The terminal device
An operation unit;
Based on operation information from the operation unit, a terminal-side information generation unit that generates participation request information indicating a request to participate in the multiplayer game,
A terminal-side communication unit that communicates with the information providing device;
A terminal-side storage unit that stores practice management data indicating the state of the multiplayer game;
Based on the operation information from the operation unit, one real player and at least one computer player perform a single player game calculation of the multiplayer game, and stop the single player game calculation in a predetermined case. A terminal-side game calculation unit for performing a multiplayer game calculation of the multiplayer game with a plurality of real players and at least one computer player or a plurality of real players,
A terminal-side update unit that updates the practice management data based on the result of the one-player game calculation;
Including
The information providing apparatus includes:
A providing communication unit for communicating with the plurality of terminal devices;
Based on participation request information from the terminal device, a determination unit that determines whether or not the number of requesters of participation in the multiplayer game has reached a set value;
When the number of requesters for participation in the multiplayer game reaches the set value, stop control information indicating that the terminal-side game calculation unit stops the single-player game calculation, and the number of requesters for participation is the setting. A provider-side information generation unit that generates notification information indicating that the value has been reached;
Including
The providing side communication unit receives the operation information and the participation request information from the terminal device, and transmits the operation information, the stop control information, and the notification information to the terminal device,
The terminal side communication unit transmits the operation information and the participation request information to the information providing apparatus, and receives the operation information of the other terminal apparatus, the notification information, and the stop control information from the information providing apparatus. And
The terminal side update unit stops updating the practice management data based on the stop control information,
The terminal-side game calculation unit stops the single-player game calculation based on the stop control information, starts the multi-player game calculation based on the notification information, and stops the single-player game calculation. When the single-player game calculation is resumed later, the single-player game calculation is performed from the state when the single-player game calculation is stopped based on the practice management data.

The program according to the present invention is
A computer having a communication unit for communicating with a plurality of terminal devices having a communication function and a game execution function;
A communication control unit for controlling the communication unit;
Based on the participation request information from the terminal device, a determination unit that determines whether the number of requesters of participation in the multiplayer game has reached a set value;
Based on the operation information from the terminal device, when the number of requesting participants is less than the set value, one real player and at least one computer player perform a one-player game calculation of the multiplayer game, When the number of requesters for participation reaches the set value, the one-player game calculation is stopped, and the multiplayer game of the multiplayer game is performed by a plurality of real players and at least one computer player or a plurality of real players. A game calculation unit for performing calculations;
When the one-player game calculation is being performed, the practice management data indicating the state of the multiplayer game is updated for each of the terminal devices on which the single-player game calculation is being performed, and An update unit that stops updating the practice management data when game calculation is started;
Function as an information generation unit that generates game calculation result information indicating a result of the one-player game calculation or the multi-player game calculation;
The communication control unit causes the communication unit to receive the participation request information and the operation information from the terminal device, and causes the communication unit to transmit the game calculation result information to the terminal device;
The game calculation unit performs the single-player game calculation from the state when the single-player game calculation is stopped based on the practice management data when the game calculation unit resumes after the single-player game calculation is stopped. To do.

The information storage medium according to the present invention is
A computer-readable information storage medium having a communication unit that performs communication with a plurality of terminal devices having a communication function and a game execution function,
The program is stored.

  According to the present invention, the information providing system or the like updates the practice management data at the time of the one-player game calculation, and stops updating the practice management data when starting the multi-player game calculation. When a single-player game is played before the game is performed, the single-player game can be smoothly shifted to the multiplayer game.

  According to the present invention, when the information providing system or the like restarts the single-player game calculation after the single-player game calculation is stopped, the information providing system or the like is based on the practice management data. By performing the human game calculation, the original game state can be reproduced when the single-player game is resumed.

  In addition, the game calculation unit stops the multi-player game calculation when the communication unit detects disconnection from at least one of the real player terminals when the multi-player game calculation is being performed. In addition, based on the practice management data, the single-player game calculation may be performed from the state when the single-player game calculation is stopped.

  According to this, even if the information providing system or the like is disconnected from the terminal device of the real player, the single-player game can be resumed from the state when the single-player game calculation is stopped.

The information providing system includes a matching unit that determines a combination of the real players based on the participation request information.
The game calculation unit calculates the results of the multiplayer game for each terminal device of the real player,
The storage unit stores user data indicating the results,
The update unit updates the user data based on the score calculated by the game calculation unit,
The matching unit may determine a combination of the real players based on the result data.

  According to this, for example, the information providing system or the like can make a battle or the like between players having similar technical levels.

  Hereinafter, a case where the present invention is applied to an information providing apparatus will be described as an example with reference to the drawings. In addition, the Example shown below does not limit the content of the invention described in the claim at all. In addition, all the configurations shown in the following embodiments are not necessarily essential as means for solving the invention described in the claims.

(First embodiment)
First, as a first embodiment, an embodiment in which the function of the information providing system according to the present invention is implemented in an information providing apparatus will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the entire system in the first embodiment. An information providing apparatus 100 that functions as an information providing system is connected to a plurality of mobile phones (terminal apparatuses) 200-1 to 200-n via a network 300. The information providing apparatus 100 transmits and receives various information to and from the mobile phone 200.

  More specifically, the information providing apparatus 100 generates game calculation result information of a Mahjong game that is a kind of multiplayer game, and transmits the game calculation result information to the mobile phones 200 participating in the Mahjong game. The mobile phone 200 has a communication function (for example, a communication unit) and a game execution function (for example, an image generation unit, a display unit, a sound generation unit, a sound output unit, an operation unit, etc.).

  In this embodiment, a battle-type mahjong game is played with a group of two real players and two computer players. When there is only one real player in the group, a battle-type mahjong game is performed as a practice in a group composed of the real player and three computer players.

  Next, functional blocks of the information providing apparatus 100 having such functions will be described. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the information providing apparatus 100 in the first embodiment. The information providing apparatus 100 is a combination of a communication unit 110 that transmits / receives various information to / from the mobile phone 200, a storage unit 120 that stores various data, a determination unit 130 that performs various determinations, and a player registered in a group ( And a matching unit 140 that performs matching).

  Further, the information providing apparatus 100 includes a game calculation unit 150, an update unit 160 that updates data in the storage unit 120, and an information generation unit 170 that generates information indicating a game calculation result and the like. .

  The storage unit 120 stores user data 122, practice management data 124, battle management data 126, and the like. Next, these data will be described in more detail.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user data 122 in the first embodiment. The user data 122 is data indicating the ranking of each player. The items of the user data 122 include, for example, “ID” which is identification information of each player (mobile phone 200), “handle name” indicating the name of each player in the mahjong game, and points scored by each player in the mahjong game “Total score” indicating a cumulative value, “Rank” indicating the rank of each player in the Mahjong game, “Rank” indicating the rank of each player in the Mahjong game, “Practice management data” indicating whether each player has the practice management data 124 “Presence / absence”, “state” indicating the state of each mobile phone 200 in the game, and the like. Note that “total score”, “rank”, and “rank” are a type of score data indicating the score of each player.

  Next, the practice management data 124 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of practice management data 124 in the first embodiment. The practice management data 124 is data for managing the state of each player in the mahjong game in the practice state. The items of the practice management data 124 include “group ID” that is identification information of each group, and “game” indicating the state of the game of each group (for example, an array of mahjong tiles, mahjong tiles owned by each player, dora, etc.) “Status”, “ID” which is identification information of each player, “score” indicating the score of each player in the game, and the like.

  Next, the battle management data 126 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the battle management data 126 in the first embodiment. The battle management data 126 is data for managing the state of each player in the mahjong game in the battle state. The items of the battle management data 126 are the same as the items of the practice management data 124.

  In addition to these data, the storage unit 120 also stores a game program for playing a competitive mahjong game, data related to a computer player, and the like.

  The Mahjong game of this embodiment is played from the East 1 station to the East 4 station, and the game ends when the East 4 station ends. The information providing apparatus 100 manages the results of one game as practice management data 124 or battle management data 126 and manages the accumulated results as user data 122.

  Moreover, the function of each part of the information provision apparatus 100 may be implemented by the following hardware, for example. For example, the communication unit 110 may be a LAN card, the storage unit 120 may be an HDD, the determination unit 130, the matching unit 140, the game calculation unit 150, the update unit 160, and the information generation unit 170 may be a CPU. .

  In addition, the information providing apparatus 100 may read the program from the information storage medium 400 that stores a program for causing the computer to function as the determination unit 130 or the like, and implement the function of the determination unit 130 or the like. As such an information storage medium 400, for example, a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, ROM, RAM, HDD or the like can be applied, and the reading method of the program can be a contact method or a non-contact method. Good.

  Next, the flow of processing by the information providing apparatus 100 will be described. First, the information generation unit 170 generates image information of the main menu image, the communication unit 110 transmits the image information to the mobile phone 200, and the mobile phone 200 displays the main menu image based on the image information. indicate.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the main menu image 500 in the first embodiment. The main menu image 500 shows a plurality of options. Examples of options include “play” that is an instruction to participate in the game, “results so far” that is an instruction to display the player's results, “ranking” that is an instruction to display the player's ranking, and how to play the game “How to play” that is a display instruction of “,” “various settings” that is an instruction to set a handle name, and the like.

  When the player operates the button of the mobile phone 200 and selects “match”, the communication unit of the mobile phone 200 transmits participation request information indicating a request to participate in the game to the information providing apparatus 100.

  The communication unit 110 receives the participation request information, and the determination unit 130, based on the participation request information and the battle management data 126, the number of participation requesters of the mahjong game becomes a set value (2 in this embodiment). Determine whether or not. Note that the data indicating the set value may be stored in the storage unit 120 or may be included in the determination unit 130.

  When the number of requesting participants is less than the set value, the information generation unit 170 generates image information indicating a standby image, and the communication unit 110 transmits the image information to the mobile phone 200. The mobile phone 200 displays a standby image based on the image information. As a result, the state of the mahjong game transitions from the initial state to the standby state.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the standby image 510 in the first embodiment. The standby image 510 is, for example, an image showing a character string such as “Recruiting players”, an option of “practice” indicating that a mahjong game is being performed in a practice state against three computer players by one person, main An option of “return” indicating returning to the menu image 500 is shown.

  When the player operates the mobile phone 200 and selects “practice”, the state of the mahjong game transitions from the standby state to the practice state. Next, the process flow of the information providing apparatus 100 in the practice state will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the practice state in the first embodiment. Based on the identification information of the mobile phone 200 included in the participation request information and the ID of the practice management data 124, the determination unit 130 determines whether the practice management data 124 includes existing data of the mobile phone 200 (step S1). ).

  When there is existing data, the information generation unit 170 generates selection image information for a practice start image that allows the user to select whether to start the mahjong game from the beginning or the continuation, and the communication unit 110 selects the selected image. Information is transmitted to the mobile phone 200 (step S2).

  The mobile phone 200 displays a practice start image based on the selected image information. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the practice start image 520 in the first embodiment. The practice start image 520 includes, for example, an option “from the beginning” indicating that the Mahjong game is started from the beginning, an option “from the beginning” indicating that the Mahjong game is started from the beginning, and returning to the main menu image 500. An option “return” to be displayed is shown.

  The mobile phone 200 transmits selection information indicating the selection content to the information providing apparatus 100 according to the player's selection. The communication unit 110 receives the selection information, and the determination unit 130 determines whether the player has selected “from the beginning” based on the selection information (step S3).

  When “from the beginning” is selected by the player, the update unit 160 initializes the data of the player remaining in the practice management data 124 (step S4). In this case, the update unit 160 may delete the data and newly add data for the player to the practice management data 124.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that there is no existing data, the updating unit 160 newly creates the player data in the practice management data 124 (step S5).

  In this way, the information providing apparatus 100 starts the mahjong game in the practice state with the data of the player existing in the practice management data 124. Specifically, the determination unit 130 determines whether or not operation information indicating the operation content is received from the mobile phone 200 of the player by the communication unit 110 (step S6).

  When the operation information is received, the game calculation unit 150 performs a one-player game calculation of the mahjong game based on the operation information and the game program (step S7). Here, the game calculation corresponds to, for example, a change in the arrangement of a bag, determination of success / failure of a combination, calculation of a score, and the like. Note that the game calculation unit 150 may perform one-player game calculation using the practice management data 124.

  The update unit 160 updates the practice management data 124 based on the game calculation result by the game calculation unit 150 (step S8). Note that the user data 122 may be updated by the process of step S8 or may be updated at the end of the game.

  The information generation unit 170 is based on information from the game calculation unit 150 and the practice management data 124, and game calculation result information (for example, HTML data or the like; voice data) indicating the result of the single-player game calculation by the game calculation unit 150. The communication unit 110 transmits the game calculation result information to one mobile phone 200 that is playing a single-player game (step S9).

  The determination unit 130 determines whether or not the game has ended (step S10), and the information providing apparatus 100 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S6 to S10 when the game has not ended, and when the game has ended. The process ends. When the game is over, it enters a standby state.

  In the practice state, if there is a battle request from another player, the battle state is entered. Next, the flow of processing in the battle state will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the battle state in the first embodiment. The determination unit 130 determines whether or not there is a battle request by determining whether or not the battle request information (participation request information) from the mobile phone 200 is received by the communication unit 110 in the standby state or the practice state (step S11). ).

  When there is a battle request, the matching unit 140 performs matching (determination of the combination) of the existing players based on the battle request information and the user data 122 (step S12). Note that the matching method is arbitrary. For example, in FIG. 3, a method of matching players whose scores or rankings are within a certain range, a method of matching players of the same rank, or the like may be employed.

  Specifically, for example, in the case of a technique for matching players of the same rank, it is as follows. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 3, when a player whose “ID” is “U00000009” and “Rank” is “Beginner” requests a match, the matching unit 140 determines that “Status” is “Practice” and “Rank” is “Rank”. The player is not the player of “advanced” “U0000003” but the player of “U0000008” whose “state” is “standby” and whose “rank” is “beginning” is matched. Note that the player (mobile phone 200) to be matched is, for example, a player whose “state” of the user data 122 is “practice” or “standby”.

  The determination unit 130 determines whether or not a match is enabled by matching (step S12) (step S13). If the battle is not possible, the mobile phone 200 of the player who has requested the battle shifts to a standby state.

  On the other hand, when the battle is possible, the information providing apparatus 100 shifts the mobile phone 200 of the matched player to the battle state (step S14). Specifically, for example, when the matched mobile phone 200 is in the practice state, the game calculation unit 150 ends the one-player game calculation of the mobile phone 200 in the practice state. In this case, the information generation unit 170 generates image information indicating a character string such as “an opponent has appeared”, and the communication unit 110 directs the image information to the mobile phone 200 of the matched player. You may send it.

  Also, in this case, the update unit 160 generates a new group in the battle management data 126, and adds the matched two real player IDs and the two computer player IDs to the group.

  The information providing apparatus 100 starts the mahjong game in the battle state in a state where the player data matched with the battle management data 126 exists. Specifically, the determination unit 130 determines whether operation information indicating the operation content has been received from the mobile phone 200 of any player matched by the communication unit 110 (step S15).

  When the operation information is received, the game calculation unit 150 performs a multiplayer game calculation of the mahjong game based on the operation information and the game program (step S16). Note that the game calculation unit 150 may perform a multiplayer game calculation using the battle management data 126.

  The update unit 160 updates the battle management data 126 based on the game calculation result by the game calculation unit 150 (step S17). Note that the user data 122 may be updated in the process of step S17 or may be updated at the end of the game.

  The information generation unit 170 generates game calculation result information indicating the result of the multi-player game calculation by the game calculation unit 150 based on the information from the game calculation unit 150 and the battle management data 126, and the communication unit 110 The game calculation result information is transmitted to the two mobile phones 200 playing the multiplayer game (step S18).

  The determination unit 130 determines whether or not the game has ended (step S19), and the information providing apparatus 100 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S15 to S19 when the game has not ended, and when the game has ended. The process ends. When the game ends, it will be in the initial state.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the information providing apparatus 100 updates the practice management data 124 at the time of single-player game calculation and updates the practice management data 124 when starting the multi-player game calculation. By stopping, when a single-player game is played before the multiplayer game is played, the single-player game can be smoothly shifted to the multiplayer game.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the information providing apparatus 100 resumes the single-player game calculation after the single-player game calculation is stopped, the information providing apparatus 100 is in a state when the single-player game calculation is stopped based on the practice management data 124 The original game state can be reproduced when the single-player game is resumed by performing the single-player game calculation.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the information providing apparatus 100 can reflect not only the battle management data 126 but also the results of the practice management data 124 in the user data 122. Thereby, the game results in the practice state are also reflected in the ranking and the like, so that the player can enjoy the game more seriously in the practice state.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since the game in the practice state and the game in the battle state are the same game, the player can enjoy the game without a sense of incongruity even when the player enters the battle state.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the information providing apparatus 100 can make a match between players having similar technical levels. Thereby, the player can enjoy a more heated game.

(Second embodiment)
Next, as a second embodiment, an embodiment will be described in which the functions of the information providing system according to the present invention are implemented by being distributed between the information providing device and the terminal device.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the entire system in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the information providing apparatus 101 and mobile phones 201-1 to 201-n, which are a kind of terminal apparatus, function as an information providing system.

  FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of the information providing apparatus 101 and the mobile phone 201 in the second embodiment.

  The information providing apparatus 101 includes the determination unit 130, the matching unit 140, and the update unit 160 described in the first embodiment. In addition, the information providing apparatus 101 uses a communication unit (providing side communication unit) 210 that performs communication with the mobile phone 201 and the mobile phone 201 for one person when the number of requesters of participation in the multiplayer game reaches a set value. An information generation unit (providing side information generation unit) 171 that generates stop control information indicating that the game calculation is to be stopped, and a storage unit 121 are included.

  Note that the practice management data 124 is not stored in the storage unit 121, but user data 123, battle management data 126, and the like are stored. In addition, since the mobile phone 201 has a game calculation function, the information providing apparatus 101 does not include the game calculation unit 150.

  In the second embodiment, the practice management data 222 is stored in the mobile phone 201. Therefore, the user data 123 does not need data indicating “practice management data presence / absence”. The other items of the user data 123 are the same as the user data 122 of the first embodiment.

  In addition, the mobile phone 201 includes an operation unit 230, an information generation unit (terminal-side information generation unit) 270 that generates participation request information indicating a request to participate in the multiplayer game based on operation information from the operation unit 230, A communication unit (terminal-side communication unit) 210 that communicates with the information providing apparatus 101; a storage unit (terminal-side storage unit) 220 that stores practice management data 222, battle management data 224, and the like that indicate the state of the multiplayer game; It is comprised including.

  In addition, the mobile phone 201 is a game calculation unit that performs the above-described single-player game calculation and multi-player game calculation based on the operation information from the operation unit 230, the operation information from the other mobile phone 201, and the practice management data 222. (Terminal-side game calculation unit) 250 and an update unit (terminal side) that updates the practice management data 222 based on the result of the single-player game calculation and updates the battle management data 224 based on the result of the multi-player game calculation Update section) and an update section 160.

  Furthermore, the mobile phone 201 includes a display unit 280 that generates and displays a game image based on the game calculation result, and an audio output unit 290 that generates and outputs game sound based on the game calculation result. ing.

  Note that general hardware used for a mobile phone can be adopted as hardware for implementing the functions of the respective units of the mobile phone 201. For example, the communication unit 210 is a wireless communication unit, the storage unit 220 is a RAM, the operation unit 230 is a button, the game calculation unit 250, the update unit 260, the information generation unit 270 is a CPU, and the display unit 280 is. May be an image generation circuit, a liquid crystal display, or the like. As the sound output unit 290, a sound generation circuit, a speaker, or the like may be employed.

  Next, a processing flow of a multiplayer game using the information providing apparatus 101 and the mobile phone 201 will be described. As in the first embodiment, the communication unit 110 constantly receives participation request information, and the determination unit 130 determines the number of requesters for participation in the Mahjong game based on the participation request information and the battle management data 126. It is determined whether or not the set value (2 in this embodiment) has been reached.

  For example, when the player operates the button of the mobile phone 201 and selects “Compete” while the main menu image 500 is displayed, the information generation unit 270 generates participation request information and the communication unit 210. Transmits the participation request information to the information providing apparatus 101.

  As in the first embodiment, the information providing apparatus 101 determines the number of requesting participants, performs matching, and the like. Here, it is assumed that the number of requesting participants is less than the set value, and standby image 510 is displayed on mobile phone 201.

  For example, when “practice” is selected in the standby image 510, the mobile phone 201 performs a one-player game calculation. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing at the time of single-player game calculation in the second embodiment.

  The game calculation unit 250 performs a one-player game calculation based on the operation information from the operation unit 230, the practice management data 222, and the game program (step S21).

  The update unit 260 updates the practice management data 222 based on the game calculation result by the game calculation unit 250 (step S22). As a result, the latest state of the multiplayer game is reflected in the practice management data 222.

  The display unit 280 generates and displays a game image based on the game calculation result by the game calculation unit 250 and the game image data stored in the storage unit 220, and the audio output unit 290 displays the game calculation result by the game calculation unit 250. And based on the game sound data memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 220, a game sound is produced | generated and output (step S23).

  Further, the information generation unit 270 generates opponent presence / absence inquiry information for inquiring about the presence / absence of the opponent, and the communication unit 210 transmits the opponent presence / absence inquiry information to the information providing apparatus 101 (step S24).

  The communication unit 110 of the information providing apparatus 101 receives the inquiry information. As in the first embodiment, the communication unit 110 always receives participation request information, and the determination unit 130 determines the Mahjong game based on the participation request information, user data 123, and battle management data 126. It is determined whether the number of requesting participants has reached a set value.

  When the number of requesters of participation in the mahjong game becomes a set value, the information generation unit 171 notifies the stop control information indicating that the mobile phone 201 stops the one-player game calculation, and indicates that it is possible to play a battle. The communication unit 110 transmits the stop control information and the notification information to the mobile phone 201 that is the transmission source of the opponent presence / absence inquiry information.

  The game calculation unit 250 determines whether or not a battle is possible by determining whether or not the stop control information and the notification information are received by the communication unit 210 (step S25). When the battle becomes possible, the game calculation unit 250 stops the one-player game calculation based on the stop control information (step S26). Moreover, the update part 260 stops the update of the practice management data 222 based on stop control information (step S27).

  Furthermore, the information generation unit 270 generates game calculation result information indicating the result of the single player game calculation based on the practice management data 222, and the communication unit 210 transmits the game calculation result information to the information providing apparatus 101. (Step S28).

  The information providing apparatus 101 updates the battle management data 126 based on the game calculation result information. As a result, the result of the single player game calculation is reflected in the battle management data 126.

  With the above procedure, the one-player game calculation in the mobile phone 201 is completed. If the match is not possible, the mobile phone 201 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S21 to S25.

  Next, the flow of processing in the battle state in the second embodiment will be described. Similar to the first embodiment, when matching by the matching unit 140 is performed, the plurality of matched mobile phones 201 shift to a battle state. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the battle state in the second embodiment.

  The determination unit 130 determines whether the operation information from the mobile phone 201 is received by the communication unit 110 (step S31). When the operation information is received, the communication unit 110 transmits the operation information to the mobile phone 201 matched with the mobile phone 201 that is the transmission source of the operation information based on the battle management data 126 (step S32). Note that the identification information of the matched mobile phone 201, information indicating the transmission destination, and the like may be stored as a part of the battle management data 126.

  Further, the determination unit 130 determines whether or not the end notification information from the mobile phone 201 has been received by the communication unit 110 (step S33). The determination unit 130 determines that the communication with the matched mobile phone 201 is terminated (for example, when the power of the mobile phone 201 is turned off), and the communication unit 110 The end control information generated by the generation unit 171 (control information for ending the multiplayer game calculation in the mobile phone 201) may be transmitted to the connected mobile phone 201 being connected.

  When the determination unit 130 determines the end, the information generation unit 171 generates game calculation result request information for requesting the result of the multiplayer game calculation, and the communication unit 110 transmits the game calculation result request information to the end. The operation information is transmitted to the cellular phone 201 that has transmitted the operation information (step S34).

  Communication unit 110 receives game calculation result information for game calculation result request information from mobile phone 201 (step S35). The game calculation result information is information indicating the result of the multiplayer game calculation.

  The update unit 160 updates the battle management data 126 based on the game calculation result information (step S36). As a result, the result of the multiplayer game calculation in the mobile phone 201 is reflected in the battle management data 126.

  Next, the flow of processing in the mobile phone 201 in the battle state will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the mobile phone 201 in the battle state in the second embodiment.

  The communication unit 210 determines whether or not there is an operation by the player by determining whether or not the operation information is input from the operation unit 230 (step S41). When there is an operation, the communication unit 210 transmits operation information to the information providing apparatus 101 (step S42). Further, the communication unit 210 determines whether or not operation information of another mobile phone 201 has been received from the information providing apparatus 101 (step S43).

  The game calculation unit 250 performs a multi-player game calculation based on the operation information from the operation unit 230, the operation information of the other mobile phone 201 received by the communication unit 210, and the battle management data 224 (step S44).

  The update unit 260 updates the battle management data 224 based on the result of the multiplayer game calculation (step S45). The display unit 280 generates and displays a game image based on the game calculation result by the game calculation unit 250 and the game image data stored in the storage unit 220, and the sound output unit 290 displays the game image by the game calculation unit 250. Based on the calculation result and game sound data stored in the storage unit 220, a game sound is generated and output (step S46).

  The mobile phone 201 determines whether or not to end the game (step S47). Note that examples of the case where the game should be ended include a case where a series of game stages are ended, a case where a player gives an instruction to end, a case where the above-described end control information is received, and the like. If the game should not be ended, the mobile phone 201 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S41 to S47.

  On the other hand, when the game is to be ended, the information generation unit 270 generates end notification information indicating that the game has ended, and the communication unit 210 transmits the end notification information to the information providing apparatus 101 (step S48). ).

  In this case, the information generation unit 270 generates game calculation result information indicating a game calculation result (for example, a score for each player) based on the battle management data 224, and the communication unit 210 sets the game calculation result information. Is transmitted to the information providing apparatus 101 (step S49).

  By the above procedure, the multiplayer game calculation is performed on the mobile phone 201, and the result of the multiplayer game calculation is reflected in the battle management data 126 of the information providing apparatus 101.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when the function of the information providing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment is distributed to the information providing apparatus 101 and the mobile phone 201, the same operation as the first embodiment is performed. There is an effect.

  In particular, according to the second embodiment, the amount of communication with the information providing apparatus 101 when a one-player game calculation is performed is reduced, so the communication load on the network 300 is reduced.

(Other examples)
In addition, application of this invention is not limited to the Example mentioned above, A various deformation | transformation is possible. For example, the number of multiplayer games is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the game calculation for one person may be performed as long as one real player and at least one computer player participate. In addition, for example, when the multiplayer game calculation is performed, a state where only a plurality of real players (not limited to two people, but may be three or more) are participating or a plurality of real players is included. The player and at least one computer player may participate.

  Further, the setting value that is determined by the determination unit 130 is not limited to 2, and any numerical value of 2 or more can be adopted according to the type and content of the multiplayer game.

  In addition, when the multiplayer game is being played by two real players, the game calculation unit 150 stops the multiplayer game calculation when there is a disconnection from the mobile phone 200 of one real player, Based on the practice management data 124, the one-player game may be resumed from the state when the other one-player game calculation is stopped. The disconnection of communication can be detected by the determination unit 130 using a general session management method, for example.

  In this case, the game calculation unit 150 stops the multiplayer game calculation, the information generation unit 170 generates information for displaying the main menu image 500, and the communication unit 110 transfers the information to the other You may transmit toward the mobile phone 200 of a real player.

  According to this, the player can smoothly shift from the multi-player game to the single-player game, and can restart the single-player game from the state when the single-player game calculation is stopped.

  In addition to the mahjong game, various games such as a reversi, a quiz game, a card game, a so-called falling game, and the like are applicable as the multiplayer game. Further, the matching by the matching unit 140 may be not only a combination as an opponent but also a combination as a cooperation partner.

  The terminal device is not limited to the mobile phone 200, and various devices having a communication function and a game execution function, such as a portable game device, a home game device, an arcade game device, and a PC (Personal Computer). Can be adopted.

  Further, the embodiment in the case of distributing the functions of the information providing apparatus 100 is not limited to the second example, and various embodiments can be adopted. For example, the mobile phone may perform only single-player game calculations, and the information providing apparatus may perform multi-player game calculations.

It is a figure which shows the whole system in a 1st Example. It is a functional block diagram of the information provision apparatus in a 1st Example. It is a figure which shows an example of the user data in a 1st Example. It is a figure which shows an example of the practice management data in a 1st Example. It is a figure which shows an example of the battle management data in a 1st Example. It is a figure which shows an example of the main menu image in a 1st Example. It is a figure which shows an example of the standby image in a 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process in the practice state in a 1st Example. It is a figure which shows an example of the practice start image in a 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process in the battle | competition state in a 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the whole system in a 2nd Example. It is a functional block diagram of the information provision apparatus in a 2nd Example, and a mobile telephone. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process in the practice state in a 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process in the information provision apparatus in the battle | competition state in a 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process with the mobile telephone in the battle | competition state in a 2nd Example.

Explanation of symbols

  100, 101 Information providing device (information providing system), 110 communication unit, 120, 121 storage unit, 122, 123 user data, 124, 222 practice management data, 126, 224 battle management data, 130 determination unit, 140 matching unit, 150, 250 Game calculation unit, 160, 260 Update unit, 170, 270 Information generation unit, 200, 201 Mobile phone (terminal device), 300 network, 400 information storage medium, 500 main menu image, 510 standby image, 520 Practice start image

Claims (6)

A communication unit that communicates with a plurality of terminal devices having a communication function and a game execution function;
Based on the participation request information from the terminal device, a determination unit that determines whether the number of requesters of participation in the multiplayer game has reached a set value;
Based on the operation information from the terminal device, when the number of requesting participants is less than the set value, one real player and at least one computer player perform a one-player game calculation of the multiplayer game, When the number of requesting participants reaches the set value, the one-player game calculation is stopped, and the multiplayer game of the multiplayer game is performed by a plurality of real players and at least one computer player or a plurality of real players. A game calculation unit for performing calculations;
A storage unit for storing practice management data indicating the state of the multiplayer game for each of the terminal devices on which the one-player game calculation is performed;
An update unit that updates the practice management data when the one-player game calculation is performed, and stops updating the practice management data when the multi-player game calculation is started;
An information generation unit for generating game calculation result information indicating a result of the one-player game calculation or the multi-player game calculation;
Including
The communication unit receives the participation request information and the operation information from the terminal device, transmits the game calculation result information to the terminal device,
The game calculation unit performs the single-player game calculation from the state when the single-player game calculation is stopped based on the practice management data when the game calculation unit resumes after the single-player game calculation is stopped. To provide information. In claim 1,
The game calculation unit stops the multi-player game calculation when the communication unit detects disconnection from at least one of the real player terminal devices when the multi-player game calculation is being performed. An information providing system for performing the one-player game calculation from a state when the single-player game calculation is stopped based on the practice management data. In any one of Claims 1, 2.
Based on the participation request information, including a matching unit that determines the combination of the real players,
The game calculation unit calculates the results of the multiplayer game for each terminal device of the real player,
The storage unit stores user data indicating the results,
The update unit updates the user data based on the score calculated by the game calculation unit,
The information providing system, wherein the matching unit determines a combination of the real players based on the result data. In an information providing system including a plurality of terminal devices and an information providing device,
The terminal device
An operation unit;
Based on operation information from the operation unit, a terminal-side information generation unit that generates participation request information indicating a request to participate in the multiplayer game,
A terminal-side communication unit that communicates with the information providing device;
A terminal-side storage unit that stores practice management data indicating the state of the multiplayer game;
Based on the operation information from the operation unit, one real player and at least one computer player perform a single player game calculation of the multiplayer game, and stop the single player game calculation in a predetermined case. A terminal-side game calculation unit for performing a multiplayer game calculation of the multiplayer game with a plurality of real players and at least one computer player or a plurality of real players,
A terminal-side update unit that updates the practice management data based on the result of the one-player game calculation;
Including
The information providing apparatus includes:
A providing communication unit for communicating with the plurality of terminal devices;
Based on participation request information from the terminal device, a determination unit that determines whether or not the number of requesters of participation in the multiplayer game has reached a set value;
When the number of requesters for participation in the multiplayer game reaches the set value, stop control information indicating that the terminal-side game calculation unit stops the single-player game calculation, and the number of requesters for participation is the setting. A provider-side information generation unit that generates notification information indicating that the value has been reached;
Including
The providing side communication unit receives the operation information and the participation request information from the terminal device, and transmits the operation information, the stop control information, and the notification information to the terminal device,
The terminal side communication unit transmits the operation information and the participation request information to the information providing apparatus, and receives the operation information of the other terminal apparatus, the notification information, and the stop control information from the information providing apparatus. And
The terminal side update unit stops updating the practice management data based on the stop control information,
The terminal-side game calculation unit stops the single-player game calculation based on the stop control information, starts the multi-player game calculation based on the notification information, and stops the single-player game calculation. When the single-player game calculation is resumed later, based on the practice management data, the single-player game calculation is performed from the state when the single-player game calculation is stopped. A computer having a communication unit for communicating with a plurality of terminal devices having a communication function and a game execution function;
A communication control unit for controlling the communication unit;
Based on the participation request information from the terminal device, a determination unit that determines whether the number of requesters of participation in the multiplayer game has reached a set value;
Based on the operation information from the terminal device, when the number of requesting participants is less than the set value, one real player and at least one computer player perform a one-player game calculation of the multiplayer game, When the number of requesting participants reaches the set value, the one-player game calculation is stopped, and the multiplayer game of the multiplayer game is performed by a plurality of real players and at least one computer player or a plurality of real players. A game calculation unit for performing calculations;
When the one-player game calculation is being performed, the practice management data indicating the state of the multiplayer game is updated for each of the terminal devices on which the single-player game calculation is being performed, and An update unit that stops updating the practice management data when game calculation is started;
Function as an information generation unit that generates game calculation result information indicating a result of the one-player game calculation or the multi-player game calculation;
The communication control unit causes the communication unit to receive the participation request information and the operation information from the terminal device, and causes the communication unit to transmit the game calculation result information to the terminal device;
The game calculation unit performs the single-player game calculation from the state when the single-player game calculation is stopped based on the practice management data when the game calculation unit resumes after the single-player game calculation is stopped. Program to do. A computer-readable information storage medium having a communication unit that performs communication with a plurality of terminal devices having a communication function and a game execution function,
An information storage medium storing the program according to claim 5.

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