JP2012061177A - Game device, information processor, game control method, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To save data for reproduction of a state during the saving, at an appropriate timing corresponding to a processing state.SOLUTION: The history of the result of a game played by a user is stored in a storage 301 section. Upon the determination of the new result of a game played by the user, a capturing section 302 captures a standby time corresponding to the difference between the best result of all the result histories stored in the storage section 301 and a determined new result. Upon the determination of the new result, a display section 303 displays this new result on a screen. When the new result is displayed on the screen, the standby section 304 is on standby for a user's input of an instruction to start the next play of the game. If the start instruction is not input by the user by the standby time having elapsed from the point of the determination of the new result, an automatic updating section 305 adds the new result to the storage section 301 and stores this.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game apparatus, an information processing apparatus, a game control method, an information processing method suitable for automatically saving data to be saved at an appropriate timing, and a program for realizing these by a computer. .

  In recent years, there are games such as role-playing games and simulation games that require a long time from the start of the game until the game is cleared. Thus, a game that requires a long time to clear the game generally has a save function. In the save function, for example, the game device saves the data indicating the progress of the game in the middle of the game to a recording medium such as a flash memory built in the game device, and further saves the data on the recording medium when the game is resumed This function reads the saved data and resumes the game.

  Saving can be roughly divided into manual saving and automatic saving. In the manual save, the save is started at a timing instructed by the user. On the other hand, in automatic saving, saving is started at a timing other than the timing instructed by the user. In the automatic save, for example, the save is started every time a predetermined time elapses after the game is started. According to automatic saving, it is not necessary for the user to give a trigger to start saving, so that the operation burden on the user can be reduced. A game apparatus capable of automatic saving is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 04-253858

  Here, when the data to be saved increases, in general, the time from the start of saving to the end of saving increases. If the time required for saving increases, the progress of the game may stop or be delayed. In particular, when automatic saving is enabled, saving may be executed even if the user does not wish, and the progress of the game may be significantly delayed.

  For this reason, there is a demand for a game apparatus that can execute automatic save at an appropriate timing based on the progress of the game. Such a request is not limited to the game device. For example, in an information processing apparatus in which document creation software, drawing creation software, and the like operate, it is desired to automatically save data being edited at an appropriate timing.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is a game device, an information processing device, a game control method, an information processing method suitable for automatically saving data to be saved at an appropriate timing, and An object of the present invention is to provide a program for realizing these by a computer.

  In order to achieve the above object, a game device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit, an acquisition unit, a display unit, a standby unit, and an automatic update unit, and is configured as follows.

  First, a history of game play results by the user is stored in the storage unit. The results can include play conditions (difficulty, character used by the user, etc.) and play results (score acquired by the user, play time, etc.).

  And an acquisition part will acquire waiting time, if the new result with respect to the play of the said game by the said user is decided. This waiting time is the time associated with the difference between the best score and the determined new score in the history of results stored in the storage unit.

  How to define the difference is arbitrary. For example, when the score obtained by the user is included in the grade, the difference can be set as a difference between the highest score among the scores stored in the storage unit and the confirmed new score.

  In addition, when the play condition is included in the score, the difference may be obtained in consideration of the play condition, or the difference may be obtained without considering the play condition. When the play conditions are taken into account, out of all the results stored in the storage unit, the results that match the current play and the play conditions are extracted, and the best results and new results ( The difference between this and the results is required. When the play conditions are not taken into consideration, the difference between the best score and the new score among all the scores stored in the storage unit is obtained.

  The standby time may be stored in advance in a storage device or the like in association with the difference, or may be calculated as appropriate based on the difference.

  Here, when the new score is confirmed, the display unit displays the new score on the screen. The display unit may display only the new grade on the screen, or may display past grades stored in the storage unit on the screen in addition to the new grade.

  Further, when the new score is displayed on the screen, the standby unit waits for an input of a start instruction to start playing the next game from the user.

  On the other hand, the user can reflect on the previous play or feel a sense of achievement by confirming the new result displayed on the screen. Then, after confirming the new score displayed on the screen, the user inputs a start instruction to start playing the next game.

  Note that the game device can accept an input of a start instruction from the user via, for example, a controller, joystick, mouse, keyboard, touch panel, or the like.

  Then, the automatic update unit saves the new score when the start instruction is not input from the user between the time when the new score is confirmed and the acquired waiting time elapses. Add to and save.

  Here, when the start instruction is not input from the user for a long time from the time when the new score is confirmed (or when the new score is displayed on the screen), the user receives the new score. You can think that you are paying attention. In such a case, the grade is considered to be a grade that the user is interested in (has an important meaning for the user). Therefore, in such a case, the automatic update unit adds the new result to the storage unit and stores it.

  Note that the time from when the new score is confirmed until the save is started is the above-described standby time. Here, when it is considered that the new grade is a grade that the user is interested in, the standby time can be set to be short. According to such a configuration, it is possible to quickly save results that the user is interested in. In this case, the grade displayed on the screen is the grade that the user is interested in, and the grade that is expected to be confirmed by the user during the time required to save the grade. Therefore, even if it takes time to save the results, it is difficult for the user to have spare time in the time required for the saving.

  On the other hand, when it is considered that the new grade is not the grade that the user is interested in, the standby time can be set longer. According to this configuration, the grade is not saved immediately, and the grade is saved after it is confirmed that the user does not perform any operation for a while. In this case, the grade displayed on the screen is a grade that the user is not interested in, and is a grade that is not expected to be confirmed by the user during the time required to save the grade. Therefore, the results are not immediately saved so that the user does not have time to spare.

  As described above, according to the game device of the present invention, data to be saved can be automatically saved at an appropriate timing.

  The game device of the present invention can further include a manual update unit. That is, when the user inputs a save instruction to save the new grade, the manual update unit sends the new grade to the save unit if the new grade is not saved in the save unit. Add and save.

  Here, the game device can accept an input of a save instruction from the user via, for example, a controller, a joystick, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, and the like.

  The manual update unit stores new results in the storage unit using a storage instruction from the user as a trigger. In addition, when the new result is already stored in the storage unit by the automatic update unit or the like, the new result may not be added to the storage unit.

  In this way, the automatic update unit automatically saves new grades in the save unit without requiring a save instruction from the user, and the manual update unit saves new grades in the save unit according to the save instruction from the user. save.

  According to this configuration, the user can store new results in the game device at a desired timing.

  As described above, according to the game device of the present invention, it is possible to save data to be saved while achieving harmony between respecting the user's intention and reducing the operation burden on the user.

  In the game device of the present invention, the waiting time may be shortened as the difference is larger. For example, when the new grade is better than the past highest grade, the larger the difference between the new grade and the past highest grade, the shorter the waiting time.

  Here, the larger the difference between the new result and the past highest result, the more the record is updated, and the user's attention to the result is expected to be higher. In this way, the higher the user's attention level, the higher the need to save the grade, and the more closely the grade displayed on the screen is observed by the user (the longer the observation, the more detailed observation) Expected). Therefore, the larger the difference is, the faster the automatic saving process is started.

  As described above, according to the game device of the present invention, data to be saved can be saved at a timing at which it is considered important to save.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes a temporary storage unit, a storage unit, a reception unit, an editing unit, a manual update unit, an acquisition unit, and an automatic update unit. Configure.

  First, information to be processed is temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit. The information to be processed is information that is processed by the information processing apparatus. For example, document information in word processing software, drawing information in drawing creation software, and program code information in software development software are information to be processed. When edited by the user, what is displayed on the screen is processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit.

  Then, the processing target information is stored in the storage unit. Similar to the temporary storage unit, information to be processed is stored in the storage unit. However, the information stored in the storage unit is stored even while the information processing apparatus is turned off. That is, the information to be processed is saved in the storage unit.

  In addition, the reception unit receives a processing instruction for changing the processing target information or a storage instruction for storing the processing target information from the user.

  Note that the information processing apparatus can receive a processing instruction or a storage instruction from a user via, for example, a controller, joystick, mouse, keyboard, touch panel, or the like.

  Here, when the processing instruction is received, the editing unit edits information on the processing target stored in the temporary storage unit based on the processing instruction. For example, when the information processing apparatus is an apparatus that operates document creation software, the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit is information representing a document being edited. The information representing the document being edited includes, for example, page information such as the number of characters, the number of lines, character direction, margin settings, paper size, and character information such as character code, font, and character size.

  In this case, the processing instruction is, for example, an instruction for adding a character, an instruction for a line feed, an instruction for changing margin settings, and the like, and an instruction for changing page information or character information. When such a processing instruction is accepted, the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit is edited.

  Further, when the save instruction is accepted, the manual update unit saves and updates the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit in the save unit. That is, when the save instruction is accepted, the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit is copied to the save unit. Note that the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit is displayed, for example, on a screen observed by the user. Therefore, when the save instruction is accepted, the processing target information displayed on the screen is stored in the save unit.

  Then, the acquisition unit acquires a waiting time associated with the degree of difference between the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit and the processing target information stored in the storage unit. As described above, when the save instruction is received, the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit is copied to the storage unit, and when the processing instruction is received, the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit. Is edited. Therefore, the contents edited based on the processing instructions that have been made since the last storage instruction is made to the present time are the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit and the processing stored in the storage unit This is a difference from the target information.

  Here, the method by which the acquisition unit acquires the standby time associated with the degree of the difference is arbitrary. For example, the acquisition unit may acquire a standby time that is associated with the degree of the difference and stored in advance in a storage device or the like. In this case, the storage device may be included in the information processing device, or may be included in an external device that is communicably connected to the information processing device. Alternatively, the acquisition unit may obtain the standby time by various calculations (for example, four arithmetic operations and comparison operations) based on the degree of the difference.

  Then, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the automatic update unit saves and updates the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit in the storage unit. Here, the predetermined condition is that a new processing instruction is not input from the user after the processing instruction is received and before the acquired waiting time elapses. As described above, the automatic update unit automatically stores information to be processed in the storage unit.

  Here, when it is considered that a processing instruction is not given by the user, it is desirable to store the information to be processed. The reason is that there is a high possibility that the process for accepting the input of the process instruction by the user will not be executed properly while the information to be processed is stored.

  In addition, when the information to be processed is changed significantly without being saved, it is desirable to immediately save the information to be processed. Therefore, for example, the standby time is associated with the degree of the difference so that the standby time is shortened as the difference is large.

  According to such a configuration, the information being edited is automatically saved according to the degree to which the information being edited is desired to be saved.

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, data to be saved can be automatically saved at an appropriate timing.

  Further, the information processing apparatus of the present invention can be configured to satisfy the following (A) to (F).

  That is, (A) information to be processed is a history of game play results by the user. The results can include play conditions (difficulty, character used by the user, etc.) and play results (score acquired by the user, play time, etc.).

  Then, (B) the processing instruction includes a play instruction while playing the game and a start instruction for starting play of the next game. The play instruction is, for example, an instruction given during game play, and is an instruction that affects game results. On the other hand, the start instruction is an instruction for causing the information processing apparatus to execute the next play, for example, and is an instruction that does not affect the game results.

  For example, in the case of a rhythm game, the play instruction is an instruction that is executed when the user presses a button to be pressed in accordance with the presented timing. On the other hand, the start instruction is an instruction that is executed by pressing the button to play again about the same music after the user finishes playing the music of interest.

  Further, (C) when a new score for the game play by the user is confirmed, the editing unit edits information on a processing target stored in the temporary storage unit based on the new score. For example, in the case of a rhythm game, the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit is edited based on the play result (score, successful operation number, unsuccessful operation number, etc.) for the subject music.

  Then, (D) when the new score is confirmed, the new score is displayed on the screen until the next game play is started. The user refers to the displayed result and reflects on the play or selects the next play.

  Furthermore, (E) The degree of the difference is a difference between the best result and the confirmed new result in the history of the results stored in the storage unit. For example, when the score is expressed as a score, the difference between the highest score in the past stored in the storage unit and the new score determined this time is the degree of difference.

  Here, (F) after the play instruction is accepted, the new score is displayed on the screen, and until the acquired waiting time elapses after the new score is displayed on the screen. When the start instruction is not accepted, the automatic update unit updates. That is, when the state where new results are displayed continues for the standby time, the automatic update unit updates. According to such a configuration, updating by the automatic updating unit is realized at an appropriate timing by setting the standby time to an appropriate time.

  For example, the waiting time is set shorter as it is desired that the information to be processed be saved quickly. Typically, the wait time is shortened as the new grade significantly updates the best of the past.

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, data to be saved can be saved at a timing at which saving is considered important.

  In order to achieve the above object, a game control method according to another aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit, an acquisition unit, a display unit, a standby unit, and an automatic update unit in which a history of game play results by a user is stored. A game control method executed by a game device provided with an acquisition process, a display process, a standby process, and an automatic update process, and is configured as follows.

  First, a history of game play results by the user is stored in the storage unit. The results can include play conditions (difficulty, character used by the user, etc.) and play results (score acquired by the user, play time, etc.).

  In the acquisition step, the acquisition unit acquires the standby time when a new score for the game play by the user is confirmed. This waiting time is the time associated with the difference between the best score and the determined new score in the history of results stored in the storage unit.

  How to define the difference is arbitrary. For example, when the score obtained by the user is included in the grade, the difference can be set as a difference between the highest score among the scores stored in the storage unit and the confirmed new score.

  In addition, when the play condition is included in the score, the difference may be obtained in consideration of the play condition, or the difference may be obtained without considering the play condition. When the play conditions are taken into account, out of all the results stored in the storage unit, the results that match the current play and the play conditions are extracted, and the best results and new results ( The difference between this and the results is required. When the play conditions are not taken into consideration, the difference between the best score and the new score among all the scores stored in the storage unit is obtained.

  The standby time may be stored in advance in a storage device or the like in association with the difference, or may be calculated as appropriate based on the difference.

  Here, in the display step, when the new score is confirmed, the display unit displays the new score on the screen. The display unit may display only the new grade on the screen, or may display past grades stored in the storage unit on the screen in addition to the new grade.

  In the standby process, when the new score is displayed on the screen, the standby unit waits for an input of a start instruction to start playing the next game from the user.

  On the other hand, the user can reflect on the previous play or feel a sense of achievement by confirming the new result displayed on the screen. Then, after confirming the new score displayed on the screen, the user inputs a start instruction to start playing the next game.

  Note that the game device can accept an input of a start instruction from the user via, for example, a controller, joystick, mouse, keyboard, touch panel, or the like.

  Then, in the automatic update process, the automatic update unit, when the start instruction is not input from the user until the acquired standby time elapses after the new score is confirmed, To save the grades in the save section.

  Here, when the start instruction is not input from the user for a long time from the time when the new score is confirmed (or when the new score is displayed on the screen), the user receives the new score. You can think that you are paying attention. In such a case, the grade is considered to be a grade that the user is interested in (has an important meaning for the user). Therefore, in such a case, the automatic update unit adds the new result to the storage unit and stores it.

  Note that the time from when the new score is confirmed until the save is started is the above-described standby time. Here, when it is considered that the new grade is a grade that the user is interested in, the standby time can be set to be short. According to such a configuration, it is possible to quickly save results that the user is interested in. In this case, the grade displayed on the screen is the grade that the user is interested in, and the grade that is expected to be confirmed by the user during the time required to save the grade. Therefore, even if it takes time to save the results, it is difficult for the user to have spare time in the time required for the saving.

  On the other hand, when it is considered that the new grade is not the grade that the user is interested in, the standby time can be set longer. According to this configuration, the grade is not saved immediately, and the grade is saved after it is confirmed that the user does not perform any operation for a while. In this case, the grade displayed on the screen is a grade that the user is not interested in, and is a grade that is not expected to be confirmed by the user during the time required to save the grade. Therefore, the results are not immediately saved so that the user does not have time to spare.

  As described above, according to the game control method of the present invention, data to be saved can be automatically saved at an appropriate timing.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing method according to another aspect of the present invention includes a temporary storage unit that temporarily stores processing target information, a storage unit that stores the processing target information, and a reception unit. An information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus including an editing unit, a manual update unit, an acquisition unit, and an automatic update unit, and includes a reception process, an editing process, a manual update process, an acquisition process, and an automatic update process. Configure as follows.

  First, information to be processed is temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit. The information to be processed is information that is processed by the information processing apparatus. For example, document information in word processing software, drawing information in drawing creation software, and program code information in software development software are information to be processed. When edited by the user, what is displayed on the screen is processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit.

  Then, the processing target information is stored in the storage unit. Similar to the temporary storage unit, information to be processed is stored in the storage unit. However, the information stored in the storage unit is stored even while the information processing apparatus is turned off. That is, the information to be processed is saved in the storage unit.

  In the reception process, the reception unit receives a processing instruction for changing the processing target information or a storage instruction for storing the processing target information from the user.

  Note that the information processing apparatus can receive a processing instruction or a storage instruction from a user via, for example, a controller, joystick, mouse, keyboard, touch panel, or the like.

  Here, in the editing step, when the processing instruction is received, the editing unit edits information on the processing target stored in the temporary storage unit based on the processing instruction. For example, when the information processing apparatus is an apparatus that operates document creation software, the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit is information representing a document being edited. The information representing the document being edited includes, for example, page information such as the number of characters, the number of lines, character direction, margin settings, paper size, and character information such as character code, font, and character size.

  In this case, the processing instruction is, for example, an instruction for adding a character, an instruction for a line feed, an instruction for changing margin settings, and the like, and an instruction for changing page information or character information. When such a processing instruction is accepted, the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit is edited.

  In the manual update step, when the save instruction is accepted, the manual update unit saves and updates the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit. That is, when the save instruction is accepted, the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit is copied to the save unit. Note that the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit is displayed, for example, on a screen observed by the user. Therefore, when the save instruction is accepted, the processing target information displayed on the screen is stored in the save unit.

  In the acquisition step, the acquisition unit acquires a standby time that is associated with the degree of difference between the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit and the processing target information stored in the storage unit. . As described above, when the save instruction is received, the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit is copied to the storage unit, and when the processing instruction is received, the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit. Is edited. Therefore, the contents edited based on the processing instructions that have been made since the last storage instruction is made to the present time are the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit and the processing stored in the storage unit This is a difference from the target information.

  Here, the method by which the acquisition unit acquires the standby time associated with the degree of the difference is arbitrary. For example, the acquisition unit may acquire a standby time that is associated with the degree of the difference and stored in advance in a storage device or the like. In this case, the storage device may be included in the information processing device, or may be included in an external device that is communicably connected to the information processing device. Alternatively, the acquisition unit may obtain the standby time by various calculations (for example, four arithmetic operations and comparison operations) based on the degree of the difference.

  In the automatic update process, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the automatic update unit saves the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit and updates the information. Here, the predetermined condition is that a new processing instruction is not input from the user after the processing instruction is received and before the acquired waiting time elapses. As described above, the automatic update unit automatically stores information to be processed in the storage unit.

  Here, when it is considered that a processing instruction is not given by the user, it is desirable to store the information to be processed. The reason is that there is a high possibility that the process for accepting the input of the process instruction by the user will not be executed properly while the information to be processed is stored.

  In addition, when the information to be processed is changed significantly without being saved, it is desirable to immediately save the information to be processed. Therefore, for example, the standby time is associated with the degree of the difference so that the standby time is shortened as the difference is large.

  According to such a configuration, the information being edited is automatically saved according to the degree to which the information being edited is desired to be saved.

  As described above, according to the information processing method of the present invention, data to be saved can be automatically saved at an appropriate timing.

  A program according to another aspect of the present invention is configured to cause a computer to function as each unit of the game device or to cause the computer to execute each step of the game control method.

  A program according to another aspect of the present invention is configured to cause a computer to function as each unit of the above information processing apparatus or to cause the computer to execute each step of the above information processing method.

  The program of the present invention can be recorded on a computer-readable information recording medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory. The above program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. The information recording medium can be distributed and sold independently of the computer.

  According to the present invention, a game device, an information processing device, a game control method, an information processing method suitable for automatically saving data to be saved at an appropriate timing, and for realizing these by a computer A program can be provided.

It is a mimetic diagram showing the outline composition of the typical information processor with which the game device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention is realized. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of a controller. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the game device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the results display screen which the game device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention displays. It is a figure which shows the log | history of the result memorize | stored in a preservation | save part. It is a figure which shows the waiting time acquisition table which the game device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention refers. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the difference of a score, and waiting time. It is a flowchart which shows the game control process which the game device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the typical information processing apparatus with which the information processing apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is implement | achieved. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the document edit screen which the information processing apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention displays. It is a figure for demonstrating the difference between the information of the process target in a temporary memory part, and the information of the process target in a preservation | save part. It is a figure which shows the waiting time acquisition table which the information processing apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention refers. It is a flowchart which shows the document edit process which the information processing apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a figure which shows the waiting time acquisition table which the game device which concerns on the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention refers.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Hereinafter, in order to facilitate understanding, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an information processing apparatus dedicated to a game will be described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to information processing apparatuses such as various computers, PDA (Personal Data Assistants), and mobile phones. That is, the embodiment described below is for explanation, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Here, those skilled in the art can adopt an embodiment in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones. Therefore, these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

(First embodiment)
(Description of information processing device)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a typical information processing apparatus 100 in which the game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is realized.

  The information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an interface 104, a controller 105, an external memory 106, and an image processing unit 107. A DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) -ROM drive 108, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 109, an audio processing unit 110, an RTC (Real Time Clock) 111, and a monitor 112.

  When the information processing apparatus 100 is turned on while the DVD-ROM storing the game control program and data is loaded in the DVD-ROM drive 108, the game control program is executed. Thereby, the game device according to the present embodiment is realized.

  The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 100. The CPU 101 is connected to each component and exchanges control signals and data. The CPU 101 acquires various data from each component. The CPU 101 processes the various data by various operations. The CPU 101 supplies data indicating a processing result and a control signal to each component. The CPU 101 includes a cache and a register inside. Various data acquired by the CPU 101 is temporarily stored in a cache. Thereafter, the various types of data are extracted into a register and subjected to various operations.

  The ROM 102 records an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that is executed immediately after the power is turned on. By executing the IPL, the program recorded on the DVD-ROM is read to the RAM 103, and the CPU 101 starts executing the program. The ROM 102 stores operating system programs and data necessary for operation control of the entire information processing apparatus 100.

  The RAM 103 temporarily stores data and programs. The RAM 103 holds programs and data read from the DVD-ROM. In addition, the RAM 103 temporarily stores information transmitted to the external device and information transmitted from the external device.

  The controller 105 connected via the interface 104 receives an input operation executed by the user while playing the game. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the controller 105. Hereinafter, the controller 105 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the left side of the controller 105, an ↑ button 201, a ↓ button 202, a ← button 203, and a → button 204 (hereinafter, these buttons are used to perform input operations indicating up, down, left and right) Collectively, they are appropriately referred to as “direction buttons”).

  On the right side of the controller 105, a ○ button 205 used to give a decision instruction, a × button 206 used to give a cancel instruction, a Δ button 207 used to give a menu display instruction, etc. A □ button 208 used for other instructions is arranged.

  At the lower center of the controller 105, joysticks 213 and 214 for inputting instructions for designating the vertical and horizontal directions and other directions and the size in the directions are arranged. The joysticks 213 and 214 are provided with strain gauges, and can detect how much they are bent in which direction.

In addition, at the center of the controller 105, there are a SELECT button 209, a START button 210, an ANALOG button 211 for instructing start / stop of analog input, and an indicator 212 for displaying whether the analog input is valid or invalid. Has been placed.
Further, an L1 button 215, an L2 button 216, an R1 button 217, and an R2 button 218 that can be used for inputting various instructions are disposed above the controller 105.

  Each button 201-208, 215-218 of the controller 105 is provided with a pressure sensor. When analog input is enabled for these buttons, the CPU 101 can detect which button is being pressed, and can set the pressure level of the user's pressing operation to 0 to 255. Can be obtained in 256 stages.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The external memory 106 is detachably connected to the information processing apparatus 100 via the interface 104. In the external memory 106, data indicating the progress of the game is stored in a rewritable manner. The user can appropriately record these data in the external memory 106 by inputting an instruction via the controller 105, for example.

  The image processing unit 107 processes the data read from the DVD-ROM. The image processing unit 107 includes an image arithmetic processor (not shown) and a frame memory (not shown). The processing is executed by an image arithmetic processor. The processed data (image information) is recorded in a frame memory (not shown). Image information recorded in the frame memory is converted into a video signal at a predetermined synchronization timing, and is output to the monitor 112 connected to the image processing unit 107. Thereby, various image displays are possible.

  The image calculation processor executes a two-dimensional image overlay calculation, a transmission calculation such as α blending, and various saturation calculations at high speed. In addition, the image arithmetic processor can also execute a calculation for obtaining a rendered image at high speed. The rendering image is an image representing a state where a polygon placed in the three-dimensional virtual space is looked down from a predetermined viewpoint position. The rendered image is generated by rendering polygon information by the Z buffer method. The polygon information is information representing a polygon arranged in a three-dimensional virtual space and to which various textures are added. The image arithmetic processor has a function of calculating the degree to which a polygon is illuminated by a typical (positive) light source such as a point light source, a parallel light source, or a cone light source. These functions are made into a library or hardware. Thereby, speeding up of these calculations is realized.

  Further, the image arithmetic processor draws the character string as a two-dimensional image on the frame memory or draws it on the surface of each polygon in accordance with the font information defining the character shape. The image arithmetic processor may use general font information recorded in the ROM 102 or may use dedicated font information recorded in the DVD-ROM. Note that the image arithmetic processor appropriately performs the various processes described above in cooperation with the CPU 101.

  A DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 108 stores a program for controlling the game and image data and audio data associated with the game. The DVD-ROM drive 108 reads out a necessary program or data by performing a reading process on the DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 108 under the control of the CPU 101. The read program and data are temporarily stored in the RAM 103 or the like.

  The NIC 109 is for connecting the information processing apparatus 100 to a computer communication network (not shown) such as the Internet. The NIC 109 is configured by, for example, an interface (not shown) that conforms to the 10BASE-T / 100BASE-T standard used when configuring a LAN (Local Area Network). Alternatively, the NIC 109 uses an analog modem to connect to the Internet using a telephone line, an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) modem, an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Modem) modem, or a cable television line to connect to the Internet. For example, and an interface (not shown) that mediates between the CPU 101 and the like.

  The information processing apparatus 100 can obtain current date and time information by connecting to an SNTP server in the Internet via the NIC 109 and acquiring information from the SNTP server. In addition, various network game server devices may be configured and configured to perform the same functions as the SNTP server.

  The audio processing unit 110 converts audio data read from the DVD-ROM into an analog audio signal. The audio processing unit 110 supplies an analog audio signal to a speaker (not shown) connected to the audio processing unit 110 and causes the speaker to output audio based on the analog audio signal. In addition, the sound processing unit 110 generates sound effects and music data to be generated during the progress of the game under the control of the CPU 101, and outputs sound corresponding to the sound effects from the speaker. The audio processing unit 110 processes, for example, the sound of music reproduced as BGM or karaoke, the sound effect reproduced in accordance with the button operation of the player, and the like.

  When the audio data recorded on the DVD-ROM is MIDI data, the audio processing unit 110 refers to the sound source data included in the audio data and converts the MIDI data into PCM data. In addition, when the audio data recorded on the DVD-ROM is compressed audio data in the ADPCM format, the Ogg Vorbis format, or the like, the audio processing unit 110 expands and converts it into PCM data. The PCM data is D / A (Digital / Analog) converted at a timing corresponding to the sampling frequency and output to the speaker 112 or the like, thereby realizing voice output.

  The RTC 111 is a time measuring device including a crystal resonator and an oscillation circuit. The RTC 111 is supplied with power from the built-in battery and continues to operate even when the information processing apparatus 100 is powered off.

  The monitor 112 displays an image according to the video signal supplied from the image processing unit 107. The monitor 112 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, a CRT, or the like.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 100 uses a large-capacity external storage device such as a hard disk so as to perform the same function as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the external memory 106, the DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 108, and the like. You may comprise. The information processing apparatus 100 can also be used as a general-purpose personal computer.

(Description of game device)
Next, functions of the game device 300 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. First, with reference to FIG. 3, the structure of the game device 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that when the DVD-ROM drive 108 of the information processing apparatus 100 is loaded with a DVD-ROM in which a game control program is stored, the information processing apparatus 100 is turned on. Such a game device 300 is configured. Note that the game apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment will be described as a game apparatus that executes a rhythm game.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game apparatus 300 includes a storage unit 301, an acquisition unit 302, a display unit 303, a standby unit 304, an automatic update unit 305, and a manual update unit 306.

  The storage unit 301 stores a history of game play results by the user. The storage unit 301 is configured by the external memory 106, for example.

  The acquisition unit 302 acquires the standby time when a new score for the play of the game by the user is confirmed. The waiting time is a time associated with the difference between the best score and the confirmed new score in the history of results stored in the storage unit. The acquisition unit is configured by the CPU 101, for example.

  When the new grade is confirmed, the display unit 303 displays the new grade on the screen. The display unit 303 includes, for example, a CPU 101, an image processing unit 107, and a monitor 112.

  When the new score is displayed on the screen, standby unit 304 waits for an input from the user to start the next game. The standby unit 304 includes, for example, a CPU 101 and a controller 105.

  The automatic update unit 305 saves the new score when the start instruction is not input from the user between the time when the new score is confirmed and the acquired waiting time elapses. Add to and save. The automatic update unit 305 includes, for example, a CPU 101 and an RTC 111.

  When an instruction to save the new grade is input from the user, the manual update unit 306 stores the new grade in the saving unit 301 if the new grade is not saved in the saving unit 301. Add to and save. The manual update unit 306 includes, for example, the CPU 101 and the controller 105.

  Next, the results display screen displayed by the game apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment will be described. For example, after the power is turned on, the game apparatus 300 displays a music selection screen (not shown), and allows the user to select a music to be played (a music to be solved). And the game device 300 will start game control with respect to the said music, if a music is selected by the user. When the user's play on the music is completed, the game apparatus 300 displays a results display screen 400 as shown in FIG.

  The grade display screen 400 includes a latest grade display area 410 and a ranking display area 420.

  In the latest results display area 410, the results of the game played immediately before the results display screen 400 is displayed are displayed. In the present embodiment, the grade is composed of a GREAT determination count, an OK determination count, an NG determination count, a maximum combo count, and a score.

  The number of GTEAT determinations is the number of times GREAT is determined among the operation inputs made by the user during one play (during performance of a piece of music for one task). When the time difference between the ideal timing at which the user should perform the operation input and the actual timing at which the user performed the operation input is extremely small, it is determined as GREAT. If it is determined as GREAT, the highest score is obtained.

  The number of times of OK determination is the number of times determined to be OK among the operation inputs made by the user during one play. When the time difference between the ideal timing at which the user should perform the operation input and the actual timing at which the user performed the operation input is small to some extent, it is determined as OK. If it is determined to be OK, a lower score is obtained than if it is determined to be GREAT.

  The number of NG determinations is the number of NG determinations among the operation inputs made by the user during one play. If the time difference between the ideal timing at which the user should perform the operation input and the actual timing at which the user performed the operation input is extremely large, it is determined as NG. If it is determined as NG, no score is obtained.

  The maximum number of combos is the maximum number of combos out of the number of combos determined continuously as GREAT or OK during one play. The higher the maximum number of combos, the higher the score.

  The score is a score given to an operation input made by the user during one play. The score is determined by the GTEAT determination count, the OK determination count, the NG determination count, the maximum combo count, and the like.

  The ranking display area 420 displays the ranking of past results. In the present embodiment, the ranking is based on the score. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the top five of the past results are displayed in the ranking display area 420. When the latest grade (current grade) is included in the ranking, the latest grade may be displayed in an identifiable manner. The ranking includes, for example, a ranking, a score, and a name. The ranking of the grade displayed in the ranking display area 420 is determined based on the grade history stored in the storage unit 301.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the history of results stored in the storage unit 301 will be described.

  The history of grades is a collection of grades stored in the storage unit 301 among past grades. Each of the records that make up the history of results includes, for example, a name, date, score, GTEAT determination count, OK determination count, NG determination count, maximum combo count, and the like. As shown in FIG. 5, the records constituting the history of results may be sorted with respect to predetermined items (date and time in the example of FIG. 5).

  When displaying the ranking, the game apparatus 300 reads the record of the results stored in the storage unit 301 into the RAM 103, adds a record representing the newly determined score to the record of results, and stores a predetermined record on the RAM 103. Sort history of items, and extract and display records with good grades.

  Next, the standby time acquisition table will be described with reference to FIG. 6A. The standby time acquisition table is a table for obtaining the standby time, and is stored in advance in a DVD-ROM or the like.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the difference in scores (score difference range) and the standby time (sec) are associated with each other by the standby time acquisition table.

  The difference in scores is a score obtained by subtracting the highest past score stored in the storage unit 301 from the newly acquired score. Therefore, a positive score difference means that the newly acquired score exceeds the highest score.

  When the start instruction for starting the next game is not input from the user, the waiting time is from when the new score is confirmed until the new score is added to the storage unit 301 and stored. It's time.

  Here, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the standby time acquisition table is set so that the standby time becomes shorter as the difference in the scores is larger. That is, in the present embodiment, generally speaking, as the newly determined score is relatively better than the past score, it is easier to be automatically saved.

  FIG. 6B shows the relationship between the difference in score and the standby time when the standby time acquisition table shown in FIG. 6A is adopted. As shown in FIG. 6B, the waiting time is 1 sec when the score difference is 10000 or more, the waiting time is 5 sec when the difference is 1000 or more and less than 10000, the waiting time is 10 sec when the difference is 0 or less and less than 1000, and the difference in scores Is -1000 or more and less than 0, the waiting time is 30 seconds, the difference in scores is -10000 or more and less than -1000, the waiting time is 60 seconds, the difference in scores is less than -10000, and the waiting time is ∞. Thus, the larger the difference in scores (the better the grade), the shorter the waiting time from when the grade is confirmed until the grade is automatically saved.

  Next, the operation of the game apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a game control process executed by the game device 300 according to the present embodiment. Note that the game control process shown in FIG. 7 is executed, for example, after the user has selected a song to be processed. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the subject music is not switched during the game control process.

  First, the CPU 101 executes an initialization process (step S101). In the initialization process, the data of the selected music is read from the DVD-ROM into the RAM 103, and various variables are initialized. In the initialization process, an initial screen for accepting a start instruction (to be described later) from the user may be displayed.

  When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S101, the CPU 101 determines whether or not there is a start instruction to start playing the next game (step S102). Specifically, for example, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the START button 210 disposed on the controller 105 has been pressed.

  When determining that there is no start instruction (step S102: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S102. On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that there is a start instruction (step S102: YES), the CPU 101 executes game control for one play for the selected music piece (step S103).

  Here, the CPU 101 presents the user with an ideal timing at which an operation input should be received from the user for the selected music, and receives an operation input from the user. Then, the CPU 101 executes a determination process or the like based on a time difference between an ideal timing at which an operation input should be received and a timing at which the operation input is actually received from the user. The CPU 101 executes the game control until the music performance ends. Note that operation input from the user is received by various buttons arranged on the controller 105. In addition, the determination result for one play is stored in the RAM 103 or the like as appropriate.

  When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S103, the CPU 101 finalizes the current grade based on the determination result obtained in step S103 (step S104). That is, the CPU 101 determines the results of the user for one play (one piece of music) played by the user in step S103. This score is composed of, for example, GTEAT determination count, OK determination count, NG determination count, maximum combo count, score, and the like. These results are temporarily stored in the RAM 103, for example.

  When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S104, the CPU 101 acquires a standby time (step S105). Specifically, the CPU 101 first refers to the history of results stored in the external memory 106 or the like to obtain the difference between the highest score in the past and the score acquired this time, and further, the DVD 101 -By referring to a standby time acquisition table stored in a ROM or the like, the standby time associated with the difference in the scores is acquired. The acquired waiting time is temporarily stored in the RAM 103, for example.

  When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S105, it displays the current grade on the screen (step S106). Specifically, the CPU 101 controls the image processing unit 107 and the like, and displays a screen representing the current result temporarily stored in the RAM 103 or the like in step S104. As shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 101 may display a ranking or the like in the screen in addition to the current result.

  When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S106, the CPU 101 activates a counter that represents an elapsed time from the time when the current grade is confirmed (step S107). The counter resets the count value at startup, and then increments the count value every time a predetermined time elapses. The counter is composed of a RAM 103 and an RTC 111, for example.

  When the CPU 101 ends the process of step S107, it determines whether or not the current grade has been added to the history (step S108). Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether or not there is a result history stored in the external memory 106 or the like that matches the current result stored in the RAM 103 or the like.

  If the CPU 101 determines that the current grade has not been added to the history (step S108: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the standby time has elapsed from the time when the latest grade is confirmed (step S109). Note that the elapsed time from the time when the grade is confirmed is indicated by the count value of the counter activated in step S107. That is, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the elapsed time indicated by the count value exceeds the standby time stored in the RAM 103 or the like.

  When the CPU 101 determines that the standby time has elapsed from the time when the grade is confirmed (step S109: YES), the CPU 101 automatically saves the current grade (step S110). Specifically, the CPU 101 adds the current grade stored in the RAM 103 or the like to the history of grades stored in the external memory 106 or the like.

  When the CPU 101 determines that the standby time has not elapsed since the time when the grade was confirmed (step S109: NO), or when the process of step S110 is completed, the CPU 101 determines whether there is a save instruction (step S109: NO). Step S111). For example, when any button arranged on the controller 105 is set as a trigger button for storing instructions, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the trigger button for storing instructions is pressed. Alternatively, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the ○ button 205 (decision button) arranged on the controller 105 is pressed in a state where the cursor is on the save instruction button in the screen.

  If the CPU 101 determines that there is an instruction to save (step S111: YES), it manually saves the current grade (step S112). Specifically, the CPU 101 adds the current grade stored in the RAM 103 or the like to the history of grades stored in the external memory 106 or the like.

  The CPU 101 determines that the current grade has been added to the history (step S108: YES), determines that there is no save instruction (step S111: NO), or ends the process of step S112. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a start instruction (step S113). Specifically, for example, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the START button 210 disposed on the controller 105 has been pressed.

  If the CPU 101 determines that there is no start instruction (step S113: NO), it returns the process to step S108. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that there is a start instruction (step S113: YES), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S103.

  According to the game device 300 according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that it is appropriate to save based on an operation input received from the user, a newly determined result, a history of past results, or the like, The newly determined grade is automatically saved. Thereby, it can be expected that the operation burden on the user for data storage is reduced.

(Second Embodiment)
In 1st Embodiment, the example which applies this invention to a game device was shown. However, the present invention can also be applied to an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer.

(Description of information processing device)
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a typical information processing apparatus 150 in which the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is realized.

  The information processing apparatus 150 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an interface 104, an external memory 106, an image processing unit 107, an NIC ( A network interface card (Network Interface Card) 109, an audio processing unit 110, an RTC (Real Time Clock) 111, a monitor 112, a keyboard 113, a mouse 114, and a hard disk 115 are provided.

  The difference between the information processing apparatus 150 and the information processing apparatus 100 is mainly that a keyboard 113 and a mouse 114 are provided instead of the controller 105 and a hard disk 115 is provided instead of the DVD-ROM drive 108. When the information processing apparatus 150 is turned on in a state where programs and data for causing the information processing apparatus 150 to function as a personal computer are stored in the hard disk 115, the information processing apparatus 900 (personal computer) of this embodiment is turned on. Is realized.

  A keyboard 113 and a mouse 114 connected via the interface 104 accept input operations by the user.

  The hard disk 115 stores programs and data for causing the information processing apparatus 150 to function as a personal computer. Necessary programs and data are read from the hard disk 115 under the control of the CPU 101. Programs and data read from the hard disk 115 are temporarily stored in the RAM 103 or the like.

(Description of information processing device)
Next, functions of the information processing apparatus 900 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the information processing apparatus 900 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. When the information processing apparatus 150 is turned on in a state where a DVD-ROM storing a program for document editing processing is loaded in the DVD-ROM drive 108 of the information processing apparatus 100, this embodiment An information processing apparatus 900 according to FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, the information processing apparatus 900 includes a temporary storage unit 901, a storage unit 902, a reception unit 903, an editing unit 904, a manual update unit 905, an acquisition unit 906, and an automatic update unit 907. .

  The temporary storage unit 901 temporarily stores information to be processed. The temporary storage unit 901 includes, for example, a RAM 103.

  The storage unit 902 stores information on the processing target. The storage unit 902 is configured by the external memory 106 or the hard disk 115, for example.

  The accepting unit 903 accepts, from the user, a processing instruction for changing the processing target information or a storage instruction for storing the processing target information. The accepting unit 903 is configured by a keyboard 113 and a mouse 114, for example.

  When the processing instruction is accepted, the editing unit 904 edits information on the processing target stored in the temporary storage unit 901 based on the processing instruction. The editing unit 904 is configured by the CPU 101, for example.

  When the save instruction is received, the manual update unit 905 saves and updates the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit 901 in the save unit 902. The manual update unit 905 is configured by the CPU 101, for example.

  The acquisition unit 906 acquires the waiting time associated with the degree of difference between the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit 901 and the processing target information stored in the storage unit 902. The acquisition unit 906 is configured by the CPU 101, for example.

  The automatic update unit 907 stores the new processing instruction in the temporary storage unit 901 when no new processing instruction is input from the user between the time when the processing instruction is received and the acquired waiting time elapses. Information to be processed is stored in the storage unit 902 and updated. The automatic update unit 907 is configured by the CPU 101, for example.

(Description of screen)
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a document editing screen 1000 displayed by the information processing apparatus 900 during editing of a document by a word processor will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the document editing screen 1000 includes a character string display area 1010. In addition, a pointer 1020 and a cursor 1030 are displayed on the document editing screen 1000.

  The character string display area 1010 includes n (n is a natural number of N or less) columns × m (m is a natural number of M or less) of N (N is a natural number) columns × M (M is a natural number) rows of characters. The minute character (character string) is displayed. The range of the character string displayed in the character string display area 1010 can be switched by a scroll bar or the like.

  The pointer 1020 is an image that specifies the position of a character designated by a click operation of the mouse 114 or the like. The position of the pointer 1020 displayed on the screen is changed by moving the mouse 114 or the like.

  The cursor 1030 is an image that presents the user with the position of a character that can be immediately edited by the user in the document displayed in the character string display area 1010. The position of the cursor 1030 displayed on the screen is changed by a click operation of the mouse 114, a press operation of keys (character keys, direction keys, etc.) arranged on the keyboard 113, and the like.

  Here, a method of acquiring the standby time will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 900 first obtains the difference between the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit 901 and the processing target information stored in the storage unit 902, and then calculates the difference. The waiting time is obtained from the difference in the information to be processed. In the present embodiment, the processing target information is character string information.

  First, referring to FIG. 11, a method for obtaining a difference in information to be processed will be described.

  The information processing apparatus 900 first obtains a difference between the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit 901 and the processing target information stored in the storage unit 902. Here, the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit 901 is character string information displayed on the document editing screen 1000. On the other hand, the processing target information stored in the storage unit 902 is character string information displayed on the document editing screen 1000 when it was last saved.

  For example, when the difference is obtained when the document editing screen 1000 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed, the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit 901 is “This line is line 1” on the first line. It is “This line is line 2” on the second line. On the other hand, when only the character string in the first line is displayed on the document editing screen 1000 when it was last saved, the processing target information stored in the storage unit 902 is “This line is” in the first line. line1 "only. In this case, the difference in the information to be processed is “This line is line 2” on the second line.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a method for obtaining the standby time from the difference in information to be processed using the standby time acquisition table will be described.

  First, the standby time acquisition table will be described. As shown in FIG. 12, in the standby time acquisition table, differences in information to be processed (ranges of differences in information to be processed) are associated with standby times. In the example shown in FIG. 12, when there is a difference of 1000 characters or more, the waiting time is 1 sec. When there is a difference of 100 characters or more and less than 1000 characters, the waiting time is 5 seconds, and a difference of 10 characters or more and less than 100 characters. If there is a difference, the waiting time is 10 sec. If there is a difference of 1 to 10 characters, the waiting time is 30 sec. If there is no difference, the waiting time is ∞. Thus, in this embodiment, the difference in information to be processed is represented by the number of characters.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 11, if the difference in information to be processed is “This line is line 2”, the number of characters representing the difference is 19 (however, a space is counted as one character, and a line feed code is It counts as one character). In this case, since the number of characters representing the difference is 10 characters or more and less than 100 characters, the standby time is 10 seconds. As will be described later, the information processing apparatus 900 automatically saves information to be processed based on the obtained waiting time.

  Next, the operation of the information processing apparatus 900 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing document editing processing executed by the information processing apparatus 900 according to this embodiment. Note that the document editing process shown in FIG. 13 is executed, for example, after the user selects a file to be edited.

  First, the CPU 101 executes an initialization process (step S201). In the initialization process, data indicating the contents of the selected file is read from the hard disk 115 or the like into the RAM 103, or various variables are initialized. In the initialization process, a screen representing the contents of the file is displayed based on the data read into the RAM 103.

  When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S201, the CPU 101 determines whether or not there has been a processing instruction for changing information to be processed (step S202). Specifically, for example, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a character key or the like arranged on the keyboard 113 is pressed.

  If the CPU 101 determines that there is a processing instruction (step S202: YES), it edits information to be processed in the temporary storage unit 901 according to the contents of the processing instruction (step S203). For example, when the processing instruction is an instruction to add a character by pressing a character key, a character corresponding to the character key is added to the end of the character string stored in the temporary storage unit 901.

  When completing the process in step S203, the CPU 101 updates the document editing screen 1000 according to the content edited in step S203 (step S204). That is, in step S204, a screen showing the edited character string stored in temporary storage unit 901 is displayed.

  When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S204, the CPU 101 starts a counter that represents an elapsed time from the time when the processing instruction was last received (step S205). The counter resets the count value at startup, and then increments the count value every time a predetermined time elapses. The counter is composed of a RAM 103 and an RTC 111, for example.

  When it is determined that there is no processing instruction (step S202: NO), or when step S205 is completed, the CPU 101 determines whether there is a storage instruction for storing information to be processed (step S206). . For example, when any key arranged on the keyboard 113 is set as a trigger key for storing instructions, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the trigger key for storing instructions is pressed. Alternatively, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the mouse 114 has been clicked in a state where the cursor 1020 is positioned on the save instruction button in the screen.

  If the CPU 101 determines that there is an instruction to save (step S206: YES), it manually saves the information to be processed (step S207). Specifically, the CPU 101 overwrites the processing target information stored in the storage unit 902 with the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit 901, thereby processing the processing target in the storage unit 902. Update the information. That is, the content displayed on the document editing screen 1000 is stored in the storage unit 902.

  When the CPU 101 determines that there is no save instruction (step S206: NO), or when the process of step S207 is completed, the CPU 101 acquires the standby time (step S208). Specifically, the CPU 101 first obtains a difference between the processing target information stored in the hard disk 115 or the like and the processing target information stored in the RAM 103 or the like, and further, a DVD-ROM or the like. Referring to the waiting time acquisition table stored in the table, the waiting time associated with the difference is acquired. The acquired waiting time is temporarily stored in the RAM 103, for example.

  When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S208, it determines whether or not the standby time has elapsed since the last accepted processing instruction (step S209). Note that the CPU 101 can obtain the elapsed time from the time when the processing instruction was last received from the count value of the counter activated in step S205. Then, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the elapsed time exceeds the standby time.

  When the CPU 101 determines that the standby time has elapsed since the time when the processing instruction was last received (step S209: YES), the CPU 101 automatically saves information to be processed (step S210). Specifically, the CPU 101 stores the information to be processed stored in the temporary storage unit 901, that is, the content displayed on the document editing screen 1000 in the storage unit 902, thereby allowing the storage unit 902 to store the information. Update the information to be processed.

  If the CPU 101 determines that the waiting time has not elapsed since the last accepted processing instruction (step S209: NO), or if the processing of step S210 is completed, whether or not there has been an instruction to end document editing Is determined (step S211). For example, when any of the keys arranged on the keyboard 113 is set as a trigger key for instructing to end document editing, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the trigger key for instructing end of the document has been pressed. Alternatively, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the mouse 114 has been clicked in a state where the cursor 1020 is positioned on the end instruction button in the screen.

  If the CPU 101 determines that there is no instruction to end document editing (step S211: NO), it returns the process to step S202. On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that there is an instruction to end document editing (step S211: YES), the CPU 101 ends the document editing process.

  According to the information processing apparatus 900 according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that storing the processing target information is appropriate, the processing target information is automatically stored. For this reason, according to the information processing apparatus 900 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce a user's operation burden for storing information to be processed.

(Modification)
The present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible.

  In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the standby time is associated with the difference between the highest score in the past and the score determined this time. This is because the relationship between the highest score in the past and the score determined this time has an important meaning in determining whether to save data. For example, if the score determined this time greatly exceeds the highest score in the past, it is considered that it is often desirable to save the data. On the other hand, if the score determined this time is far below the highest score in the past, it is rare that it is desired to save the data.

  However, the waiting time may be associated with various values based on past results and results determined this time. For example, the waiting time may be associated with the rank among the results determined this time. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14 shows an example in which the current play rank (the current play rank range) and the standby time are associated with each other by the standby time acquisition table. In this example, a shorter standby time is associated with a higher ranking of the current play. In this way, it is possible to quickly and automatically save the current grade as the grade is relatively better than the past grade. According to this configuration, it is possible to save at an appropriate timing while reducing the burden on the user for saving.

  Further, the waiting time may be associated with a difference between the number of continuous combos, the number of GREAT determinations, the number of OK determinations, the number of NG determinations, and the like by the standby time acquisition table.

  In the second embodiment, an example is shown in which the standby time is associated with the number of characters that differ between the character string that was last saved and the current character string. However, the waiting time may be associated with various values based on the difference between the information to be processed when it was last saved and the information to be processed. Typically, the waiting time can be associated with the edit distance (or Levenstein distance). Note that the edit distance is a numerical value indicating how different two character strings are, and is the minimum number of steps required to transform one character string into another by inserting, deleting, or replacing characters. Given as a count. Alternatively, the waiting time may be associated with the number of lines, the number of pages, and the like that are different in content between the information to be processed when it was last saved and the information to be processed.

  In the second embodiment, an example in which the information to be processed is a document that is edited by a word processor or the like has been described. However, the information to be processed may be any information as long as it can be saved. For example, processing target information includes drawing data edited with drawing creation software, table data edited with spreadsheet software, source code used in software design or hardware design, intermediate code, netlist, It may be.

  In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the standby time is acquired from the standby time acquisition table has been described. However, the waiting time may be acquired by any method. Typically, the waiting time is obtained by calculation. For example, the waiting time may be set to a value of a function whose variable is a score difference between the highest score in the past and the score determined this time. In this case, it is possible to employ a function that reduces the waiting time as the score difference increases.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a game device, an information processing device, a game control method, an information processing method, and these suitable for automatically saving data to be saved at an appropriate timing, A program to be realized by a computer can be provided.

100, 150 Information processing apparatus 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Interface 105 Controller 106 External Memory 107 Image Processing Unit 108 DVD-ROM Drive 109 NIC
110 Audio processing unit 111 RTC
112 Monitor 113 Keyboard 114 Mouse 115 Hard disk 201 ↑ button 202 ↓ button 203 ← button 204 → button 205 ○ button 206 × button 207 Δ button 208 □ button 209 SELECT button 210 START button 211 ANALOG button 212 Indicators 213 and 214 Joystick 215 L1 button 216 L2 button 217 R1 button 218 R2 button 300 Game device 301 Storage unit 302 Acquisition unit 303 Display unit 304 Standby unit 305 Automatic update unit 306 Manual update unit 400 Results display screen 410 Latest results display region 420 Ranking display region 900 Information processing device 901 Temporary storage unit 902 Storage unit 903 Reception unit 904 Editing unit 905 Manual update unit 906 Acquisition unit 907 Automatic update unit 1000 EDIT screen 1010 character string display area 1020 pointer 1030 cursor

Claims (8)

A storage unit that stores the history of game play results by the user,
When a new score for the game play by the user is confirmed, a waiting time associated with a difference between the best score and the confirmed new score among the history of the scores stored in the storage unit An acquisition unit to acquire,
When the new grade is confirmed, a display unit that displays the new grade on the screen,
When the new score is displayed on the screen, a waiting unit that waits for an input of a start instruction to start playing the next game from the user;
If the start instruction is not input from the user between the time when the new score is confirmed and the acquired waiting time elapses, the new score is added to the storage unit and stored. A game device comprising an automatic update unit. The game device according to claim 1,
When a save instruction for saving the new grade is input from the user, if the new grade is not saved in the saving unit, the new grade is manually added to the saving unit and saved. A game device, further comprising an update unit. The game device according to claim 1 or 2,
The waiting time is shorter as the difference is larger. A temporary storage unit for temporarily storing information to be processed;
A storage unit for storing the information to be processed;
A receiving unit that receives a processing instruction for changing the processing target information or a storage instruction for storing the processing target information from a user;
When the processing instruction is accepted, based on the processing instruction, an editing unit that edits information of a processing target stored in the temporary storage unit,
When the save instruction is accepted, a manual update unit that saves and updates the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit in the save unit,
An acquisition unit for acquiring a waiting time associated with a degree of difference between the information on the processing target stored in the temporary storage unit and the information on the processing target stored in the storage unit;
If a new processing instruction is not input from the user between the time when the processing instruction is received and the acquired waiting time elapses, the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit is An information processing apparatus comprising: an automatic update unit that saves and updates a storage unit. A game control method executed by a game device including a storage unit, an acquisition unit, a display unit, a standby unit, and an automatic update unit in which a history of game play results by a user is stored,
When the acquisition unit determines a new score for the game play by the user, the difference between the best score and the new score determined in the history of the score stored in the storage unit. An acquisition step of acquiring the associated waiting time;
When the display unit confirms the new grade, a display step of displaying the new grade on the screen;
When the standby unit displays the new score on the screen, the standby unit waits for a start instruction to start playing the next game from the user;
If the start instruction is not input from the user between the time when the automatic update unit determines the new grade and the acquired waiting time elapses, the new grade is stored in the storage unit. A game control method comprising: an automatic update step for adding to and storing the game. Executed by an information processing apparatus including a temporary storage unit that temporarily stores information to be processed, a storage unit that stores the information to be processed, a reception unit, an editing unit, a manual update unit, an acquisition unit, and an automatic update unit An information processing method for
A receiving step in which the receiving unit receives a processing instruction for changing the processing target information or a storage instruction for storing the processing target information from a user;
When the editing unit receives the processing instruction, an editing step of editing processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit based on the processing instruction;
When the manual update unit receives the storage instruction, a manual update step of storing and updating the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit in the storage unit,
An acquisition step in which the acquisition unit acquires a standby time associated with the degree of difference between the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit and the processing target information stored in the storage unit;
If no new processing instruction is input from the user between the time when the processing instruction is received and the acquired waiting time elapses, the automatic update unit is stored in the temporary storage unit. An information processing method comprising: an automatic update step of storing and updating information to be processed in the storage unit. A computer including a storage unit in which a history of game play results by a user is stored,
When a new score for the game play by the user is confirmed, a waiting time associated with a difference between the best score and the confirmed new score among the history of the scores stored in the storage unit An acquisition unit to acquire,
When the new grade is confirmed, a display unit that displays the new grade on the screen,
When the new score is displayed on the screen, a standby unit that waits for a start instruction to start playing the next game from the user;
If the start instruction is not input from the user between the time when the new score is confirmed and the acquired waiting time elapses, the new score is added to the storage unit and stored. A program characterized by functioning as an automatic update unit. A computer comprising a temporary storage unit that temporarily stores information to be processed, and a storage unit that stores the information to be processed.
A receiving unit that receives a processing instruction for changing the processing target information or a storage instruction for storing the processing target information from a user;
When the processing instruction is accepted, based on the processing instruction, an editing unit that edits information of a processing target stored in the temporary storage unit,
When the save instruction is accepted, a manual update unit that saves and updates the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit in the save unit,
An acquisition unit for acquiring a waiting time associated with a degree of difference between the information on the processing target stored in the temporary storage unit and the information on the processing target stored in the storage unit;
If a new processing instruction is not input from the user between the time when the processing instruction is received and the acquired waiting time elapses, the processing target information stored in the temporary storage unit is A program that functions as an automatic update unit that saves and updates a storage unit.

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