JP2012198924A - Item selection device, item selection method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a player to easily select his or her desired item.SOLUTION: An item selection device comprises: a detection section for detecting a position in a screen instructed by a player; a setting section for setting a candidate item as an item of interest, while the detected position enters an area displaying the candidate item selectable by the player from the outside of the area and is still included in the area; a selecting section for selecting the item of interest when the instruction by the player for the position in the screen is not detected while the candidate item is set as the item of interest; and an output section for outputting the selected item of interest as a result of the selection.

Description

  The present invention relates to an item selection device, an item selection method, and a program suitable for making it easier for a player to select a desired item.

  Conventionally, a touch panel has been widely used as one of input devices for receiving an input operation from a user. For example, the touch panel is placed on the front surface of a display unit such as a liquid crystal display device, and a target image (for example, a button image) is displayed on the display unit. Etc.) Then, when an area on the touch panel corresponding to the button image is touched, the input device inputs instruction information assigned to the button image. Recently, touch panels have also been used for small devices such as portable game devices and mobile phones (mobile terminals).

  In an input interface using a touch panel, erroneous determination of input may occur due to chattering. Various attempts have been made to appropriately prevent chattering. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses an input reception device that can appropriately prevent an input error during successive touch operations.

JP 2009-048245 A

  By the way, in a portable game device or a mobile phone (portable terminal), a user generally operates while holding the device by hand. Therefore, when a player performs a touch operation with a finger, a touch pen, or the like, an item different from the target item may be touched due to camera shake or the like, and it may be difficult to select a desired item.

  The present invention solves such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an item selection device, an item selection method, and a program suitable for allowing a player to easily select a desired item.

  In order to achieve the above object, the following invention is disclosed in accordance with the principle of the present invention.

An item selection device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a detection unit, a setting unit, a selection unit, and an output unit.
The detection unit detects a position in the screen instructed by the player.
The setting unit sets the candidate item as the attention item while the detected position is included in the region after entering the region from outside the region where the candidate item that can be selected by the player is displayed.
When the candidate item is set as the attention item and the instruction of the position in the screen by the player is not detected, the selection unit selects the attention item.
The output unit outputs the selected attention item as a selection result.

  The setting unit may further set the candidate item as the attention item until a predetermined grace period after the departure from the region to the outside of the region elapses.

The candidate item states may include an attention state set as an attention candidate, a selection state selected by the selection unit, and an initial state that is neither the attention state nor the selection state.
When the grace period has elapsed and the position in the screen instructed by the player is outside the area where the candidate item is displayed, the setting unit changes the attention candidate from the attention state to the initial state. It may be changed.

  When the position in the screen instructed by the player moves from the area of the attention item to the area where other candidate items that are not the attention item are displayed, the setting section pays attention to the attention item. While changing from the initial state to the initial state, other candidate items may be changed from the initial state to the attention state.

The item selection device may execute a game in the virtual space.
The candidate item may be associated with a character in advance.
The output unit may output a screen in which the character associated with the selected item of interest is set as the player's own character to be operated.

The setting unit may extend the grace time when the route connecting the detected positions is turned to an acute angle in or near the area where the item of interest is displayed.
In addition, when the grace time is not extended, the setting unit sets the different candidate item as the attention item when the detected position is included in the position where the candidate item different from the attention item is displayed. May be.
And while the grace time is extended, even if the detected position is included in the position where the candidate item different from the attention item is displayed, the attention item is kept until the extended grace time elapses. May be maintained.

An item selection method according to another aspect of the present invention is an item selection method executed in an item selection device having a detection unit, a setting unit, a selection unit, and an output unit, and includes a detection step, a setting step, a selection step, and an output. Comprising steps.
In the detection step, the detection unit detects a position in the screen instructed by the player.
In the setting step, while the detected position enters the area from outside the area where the candidate item that can be selected by the player is displayed and is included in the area, the setting unit selects the candidate item as the attention item Set to.
In the selection step, when the position in the screen instructed by the player stops while the candidate item is set as the attention item, the selection unit selects the attention item.
In the output step, the output unit outputs the selected attention item as a selection result.

A program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a detection unit, a setting unit, a selection unit, and an output unit.
The detection unit detects a position in the screen instructed by the player.
The setting unit sets the candidate item as the attention item while the detected position is included in the region after entering the region from outside the region where the candidate item that can be selected by the player is displayed.
When the candidate item is set as the attention item and the instruction of the position in the screen by the player is not detected, the selection unit selects the attention item.
The output unit outputs the selected attention item as a selection result.

An item selection device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a display unit, a detection unit, a setting unit, and an output unit.
The display unit displays candidate items that can be selected by the player on the screen.
The detection unit detects the instructed position while the player indicates the position in the screen.
The setting unit selects the candidate item as a target item while the detected position is included in the area in which the candidate item is displayed and until a predetermined grace period elapses after leaving the area. Set to.
The output unit outputs the attention item as a selection result when the player stops the instruction of the position in the screen while the candidate item is set as the attention item.

  The present invention can be applied to, for example, a game apparatus including a liquid crystal display device on which a touch panel is superimposed. An image representing items that can be selected by the player is displayed on the screen. Each item can be selected by the player, and is hereinafter referred to as a “candidate item”. There may be one candidate item or a plurality of candidate items.

  The player can touch the touch panel with a finger, a touch pen, or the like to specify an arbitrary position in the screen. This operation by the player is called a touch operation. The position indicated by the player's touch operation is repeatedly detected at regular timing. When an image representing a candidate item is placed at a position specified by a touch operation, the candidate item is set as a target item. The item of interest is a candidate item in a stage before being selected. If a predetermined condition is satisfied after the item is set as the item of interest, the item of interest is selected. When there are a plurality of candidate items, only one of the plurality of items can be the attention item, and the plurality of candidate items are not set as the attention item at the same time.

  Specifically, the predetermined condition is that “the player stops indicating the position on the screen while the candidate item is set as the item of interest”. That is, if the player releases the touch pen or the like from the touch panel while the attention item is set, the candidate item set as the attention item at that time is selected. When a candidate item is selected, a process associated with the selected candidate item in advance is executed. For example, the candidate item is associated with a character that the player can select as the character to be directed (your character). When the candidate item is selected, the character associated with the selected candidate item is displayed. The game set for your character starts.

  When the player wants to select a candidate item, instead of touching the portion corresponding to the desired candidate item with a touch pen or the like, the player first touches an arbitrary place on the touch panel and then releases the touch pen. Instead, the touch pen can be slid to the part corresponding to the desired candidate item, and then the touch pen can be released. For example, when selecting one of the presented candidate items in an environment where the hand is not stable, the player does not have to touch the part corresponding to the desired candidate item suddenly, but once touches somewhere. Then move the touch pen gradually to the desired position. According to the present invention, the player can easily select a desired item.

There may be a plurality of candidate items that can be selected by the player.
And a display part may display a some candidate item in a mutually different position in a screen.

  That is, only one candidate item is selected by a single touch operation of placing a touch pen or the like on the touch panel, sliding it, and releasing it at an arbitrary location. Therefore, even if there are a plurality of selectable candidate items, the player can easily select a desired item.

  While the candidate item is set as the attention item, the output unit changes the direction of the detected position when the direction changes to an acute angle in or near the area where the attention item is displayed. An item may be output as a selection result.

  In general, in the real world, it is customary to add a “check mark” when checking a document or selecting a desired option from options. Therefore, in the present invention, when it is presumed that the player is going to write this “R”, it is determined that the player is trying to select with a stronger will, and even before the touch pen is released from the touch panel, I try to select it immediately. According to the present invention, the player can input in a more natural manner, and the effect that the player can easily select a desired item is increased.

The setting unit may extend the grace time when the route connecting the detected positions is turned to an acute angle in or near the area where the item of interest is displayed.
Then, when the grace time is not extended, the setting unit sets the different candidate item as the attention item when the detected position is included in the position where the candidate item different from the attention item is displayed. May be.
In addition, the setting unit determines that the extended grace time elapses even if the detected position is included in the position where the candidate item different from the item of interest is displayed while the grace time is extended. The setting of the attention item may be maintained.

  Candidates that the player is trying to select the starting position (the position of the starting point that started touching) or the end position (the position where the touch pen is away from the touch panel) It may be different from the place where the item is displayed. For example, at the time of the last “spring” input operation for writing “R”, a line may be applied to another candidate item that is not intended. However, according to the present invention, it is possible to avoid input by such an unintended operation as much as possible, and the effect that the player can easily select a desired item is increased.

An item selection method according to another aspect of the present invention is an item selection method executed by an item selection device having a display unit, a detection unit, a setting unit, and an output unit, and includes a display step, a detection step, and a setting step. An output step.
In the display step, the display unit displays candidate items that can be selected by the player on the screen.
In the detection step, the detection unit detects the instructed position while the player indicates the position in the screen.
In the setting step, while the detected position is included in the area where the candidate item is displayed, and until the predetermined grace time elapses after leaving the area, the setting unit Set the item as the item of interest.
In the output step, when the player stops the instruction of the position in the screen while the candidate item is set as the attention item, the output unit outputs the attention item as a selection result.

  According to the present invention, the player can easily select a desired item.

A program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a display unit, a detection unit, a setting unit, and an output unit.
The display unit displays candidate items that can be selected by the player on the screen.
The detection unit detects the instructed position while the player indicates the position in the screen.
The setting unit selects the candidate item as a target item while the detected position is included in the area in which the candidate item is displayed and until a predetermined grace period elapses after leaving the area. Set to.
The output unit outputs the attention item as a selection result when the player stops the instruction of the position in the screen while the candidate item is set as the attention item.

According to the present invention, it is possible to cause a computer to function as an item selection device that operates as described above.
The program of the present invention can be recorded on a computer-readable information storage 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 storage medium can be distributed and sold independently from the computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an item selection device, an item selection method, and a program suitable for making it easier for a player to select a desired item.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the typical information processing apparatus with which the item selection apparatus of this invention is implement | achieved. It is a figure for demonstrating the functional structure of an item selection apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen for selecting an item. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which sets a candidate item to an attention item. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which sets a candidate item to an attention item. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which sets a candidate item to an attention item. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which sets a candidate item to an attention item. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which selects an attention item. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an item selection process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an item selection process. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of the screen for selecting an item. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen for receiving a selection result and an instruction | indication. In Embodiment 2, it is a figure for demonstrating the process which sets a candidate item to an attention item. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which sets a candidate item to an attention item. It is the figure which expanded and showed the attention item vicinity. It is the figure which expanded and showed the attention item vicinity. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which sets a candidate item to an attention item. In Embodiment 3, it is a figure for demonstrating the process which sets a candidate item to an attention item.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, for ease of understanding, an embodiment in which the present invention is realized using an information processing apparatus for games will be described. However, the following embodiment is for explanation, and the scope of the present invention There is no limit. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a typical portable game machine 1 that performs the function of the item selection device of the present invention by executing a program. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The portable game machine 1 includes a processing control unit 10, a connector 11, a cartridge 12, a wireless communication unit 13, a communication controller 14, a sound amplifier 15, a speaker 16, an operation key 17, and a first display. A unit 18, a second display unit 19, and a touch panel 20 are provided.

  The processing control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) core 10a, an image processing unit 10b, a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 10c, a WRAM (Work RAM) 10d, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) controller 10e, A touch panel controller 10f.

  The CPU core 10a executes an OS (Operating System) and an IPL (Initial Program Loader) to control the operation of the entire portable game machine 1, and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data. Specifically, a program and data stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12a in the cartridge 12 are read out with the cartridge 12 mounted in the connector 11, and predetermined processing is executed.

  The image processing unit 10b processes the data read from the ROM 12a in the cartridge 12 and the data processed by the CPU core 10a, and stores the processed data in the VRAM 10c.

The VRAM 10c is a memory for storing display information, and stores image information processed by the image processing unit 10b and the like.
The WRAM 10d stores work data and the like necessary for the CPU core 10a to execute various processes according to the program.

  The LCD controller 10e controls the first display unit 18 and the second display unit 19 to display a predetermined display image. For example, the LCD controller 10 e converts the image information stored in the VRAM 10 c into a display signal at a predetermined synchronization timing and outputs the display signal to the first display unit 18. In addition, the LCD controller 10 e displays a predetermined instruction icon or the like on the second display unit 19.

  The touch panel controller 10f detects a touch (touch) on the touch panel 20 by a touch pen or a player's finger. For example, in the state where a predetermined instruction icon or the like is displayed on the second display unit 19, a contact on the touch panel 20 and its position are detected.

  The connector 11 is a terminal that can be detachably connected to the cartridge 12, and transmits / receives predetermined data to / from the cartridge 12 when the cartridge 12 is connected.

The cartridge 12 includes a ROM 12a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12b.
The ROM 12a stores a program for realizing the game and image data, sound data, and the like accompanying the game.
The RAM 12b stores various data indicating the progress of the game.

The wireless communication unit 13 is a unit that performs wireless communication with the wireless communication unit 13 of another portable game machine 1, and transmits and receives predetermined data via an antenna (not shown) (such as a built-in antenna).
The wireless communication unit 13 can also perform wireless LAN communication with a predetermined access point. The wireless communication unit 13 is assigned a unique MAC (Media Access Control) address.

  The communication controller 14 controls the wireless communication unit 13 and mediates communication performed between the process control unit 10 and the process control unit 10 of another portable game machine 1 according to a predetermined protocol.

The sound amplifier 15 amplifies the audio signal generated by the processing control unit 10 and supplies it to the speaker 16.
The speaker 16 is composed of, for example, a stereo speaker, and outputs predetermined music sound, sound effect, and the like according to the audio signal amplified by the sound amplifier 15.

  The operation key 17 includes a plurality of key switches and the like appropriately arranged on the portable game machine 1, and receives a predetermined instruction input according to the player's operation.

The 1st display part 18 and the 2nd display part 19 consist of LCD etc., are controlled by LCD controller 10e, and display a game image etc. suitably.
Note that the second display unit 19 displays an instruction icon or the like for causing the player to input an operation instruction by touching the touch panel 20.

The touch panel 20 is disposed so as to be superimposed on the front surface of the second display unit 19 and receives an input by touch of a touch pen or a player's finger.
The touch panel 20 includes, for example, a pressure-sensitive touch sensor panel and the like, detects the pressure of the player's finger and the like, and detects the contact state and the transition from the contact state to the non-contact state. In addition, the touch panel 20 may detect contact with a player's finger or the like from a change in capacitance or the like.

  Next, a functional configuration and the like of the item selection device 200 of the present embodiment realized by the portable game machine 1 having the above configuration will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the item selection device 200. The item selection device 200 includes a display unit 201, a detection unit 202, a setting unit 203, and an output unit 204.

  The display unit 201 displays candidate items that can be selected by the player on the screen. The processing control unit 10 and the second display unit 19 function as the display unit 201.

  3 to 7 are diagrams illustrating configuration examples of screens displayed on the LCD included in the second display unit 19. This screen is a screen for the player to select a character to be operated by the player (hereinafter referred to as “own character”) in the game in the virtual space. At least one candidate item (9 candidate items 310A to 310I in this figure) is displayed on the screen. Candidate items are items that are presented to the player by the item selection device 200 and may be selected by the player. In FIG. 3, the candidate items are animal characters that the player can select as their own characters.

  The number of candidate items (number of characters) displayed on the screen and the position of the candidate items in the screen are not limited by the present invention. When there are a plurality of candidate items, the process control unit 10 displays each of the candidate items at different positions on the screen.

  The player can select a desired candidate item from the displayed candidate items. For example, the player brings a touch pen or the like into contact with a portion corresponding to an image indicating a candidate item to be selected from all the areas where the touch panel 20 can detect contact (hereinafter referred to as “touch”). An instruction to select a desired candidate item can be given.

  Here, when the player uses the item selection device 200 while moving it by holding it in his / her hand, an operation for accurately selecting a desired candidate item by touching the touch pen so as to stick only once due to hand shake or the like ( Pinpoint selection operation) may be difficult. In this embodiment, the player can select a desired candidate not only by an operation of touching the touch pen for a moment (an operation of sticking with the touch pen) but also by an operation of moving the touch pen while touching (an operation of drawing a line with the touch pen). You can select an item.

  Candidate item states are classified into an initial state, an attention state, and a selection state. As soon as the screen shown in FIG. 3 starts to be displayed, when no instruction from the player has been input, all candidate items are in an initial state.

  Assume that when all candidate items are in the initial state, the player starts touching the touch pen from the starting point 410 as shown in FIG. 4 and slides the touch pen so as to draw a line in the arrow Y1 direction. The starting point 410 may be in the image area indicating the candidate item or outside the image area indicating the candidate item. The touch pen is touched on the indication point 420. At this time, if the trajectory (path) 430 to which the pointing point 420 has moved is included in the image area indicating the candidate item, the candidate item changes from the initial state to the attention state. A candidate item in the attention state is referred to as “attention item”. In FIG. 4, only the candidate item 310A (dolphins) is in the focused state.

  Only one processing item among all the processing items can be the attention item.

  Then, when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the candidate item is set to the attention state, the candidate item is changed from the attention state to the selection state. When the selected state is reached, a process associated with the candidate item in advance is executed. For example, the character indicated by the candidate item in the selected state is set as the player's own character, and the game proceeds. This predetermined condition will be described later.

  4 and the like, the starting point 410, the indication point 420, and the locus 430 are clearly shown. However, the processing control unit 10 may display a part or all of the starting point 410, the indication point 420, and the locus 430 on the screen. It does not have to be displayed.

  The detection unit 202 detects the indicated position (the position of the indication point 420) while the player indicates the position in the screen. The processing control unit 10 and the touch panel 20 cooperate to function as the detection unit 202.

  That is, the process control unit 10 sequentially detects the coordinate value of the place where the touch panel 20 is touched, and acquires the locus 430 drawn by the touch operation by the player. Note that a two-dimensional coordinate system is defined in advance on the touch panel 20, and the position of each point in an area where the touch panel 20 can detect contact uses coordinate values using the defined two-dimensional coordinate system. It is expressed as

  When the position of the detected indication point 420 satisfies a predetermined setting condition, the setting unit 203 sets a candidate item including the position of the detected indication point 420 as an attention state. The processing control unit 10 functions as the setting unit 203.

The setting conditions are specifically as follows.
(Setting condition 1) The position of the indication point 420 is included in the area where the candidate items are displayed.
(Setting condition 2) The position of the indication point 420 is after leaving the area where the candidate item is displayed and before a predetermined grace period elapses.

  The length of the grace time is arbitrary. For example, 3 seconds, 300 times of vertical synchronization interrupt (VSYNC), and the like are defined in advance.

  The process control unit 10 determines whether or not each condition is satisfied at regular timing such as VSYNC. Then, when any one of these conditions is satisfied, the process control unit 10 sets a candidate item including the position of the designated point 420 as an attention state. For example, in FIG. 4, since the position of the indication point 420 is within the image area where the candidate item 310A is displayed, the candidate item 310A (dolphin) is set as the item of interest.

  When the player moves the touch panel 20 while continuously touching the touch pen, the trajectory 430 in the screen is extended. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the position of the indication point 420 may leave outside the image area where the item of interest is displayed. The processing control unit 10 temporarily stores the time when the position of the instruction point 420 leaves the image area where the attention item is displayed, and measures the elapsed time since the departure.

  When the position of the instruction point 420 moves out of the image area in which the item of interest is displayed and moves into the image area in which other candidate items are displayed, the process control unit 10 proceeds. At the same time, the time measurement is completed and initialized, the candidate item 310A (dolphin) currently set to the attention state is returned to the initial state, and the candidate item that newly includes the position of the indication point 420 is noticed. Set to state.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the position of the indication point 420 has moved out of the image area where the item of interest is displayed, but has moved into the image area where other candidate items are displayed. If there is not, if the measured elapsed time is within a predetermined grace time, the attention state is maintained as it is. In FIG. 5, the instruction point 420 appears outside the image area where the candidate item 310 </ b> A (dolphin) in the attention state is displayed, but if it is within the grace period, the candidate item 310 </ b> A (dolphin) remains the attention item. It is. If the measured elapsed time passes the grace period without moving the position of the instruction point 420 within the image area where other candidate items are displayed, the candidate item 310A (dolphins) returns to the initial state. That is, all candidate items are in the initial state.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, when the position of the indication point 420 moves and moves into an image area in which other candidate items are displayed, the process control unit 10 sets the candidate items currently set to the attention state. 310A (the dolphin) is returned to the initial state, and the candidate item 310E (bird) whose position of the designated point 420 is newly included is set to the attention state. That is, the player can change the attention item as appropriate while touching with the touch pen. For example, a player who has not yet decided his character may move the touch pen to draw on the screen while considering which character to use.

  However, as shown in FIG. 7, when the position of the designated point 420 is moved into the image area in which another candidate item is displayed, the candidate item 310 </ b> E that newly includes the position of the designated point 420. The candidate item 310A (the dolphin) may be continuously set to the attention state as long as it is within the grace period instead of setting (tri) as the attention item. In this way, after the player touches to select candidate item 310A (dolphin), other candidate items that are not intended for camera shake (for example, adjacent candidate item 310D (dog) or 310B (koala)) are present. Even if it falls within the displayed image area, the item of interest will not be changed immediately, but the selection will be postponed for the grace period, so the player can easily re-instruct the instruction. .

  Note that the process control unit 10 may display the item of interest with a higher emphasis than other candidate items. The method of emphasis is free, but for example, the item of interest may be surrounded or blinked by a thicker frame. Alternatively, the processing control unit 10 may display the candidate item in the initial state in monotone and display the candidate item in the attention state in color so that the player can easily grasp the state of the candidate item.

  Next, the output unit 204 outputs the attention item as a selection result when the player stops the instruction of the position in the screen while the candidate item is set to the attention state. The processing control unit 10 and the second display unit 20 (or the first display unit 10) cooperate to function as the output unit 204.

  More specifically, when any candidate item is set to the attention state and the position of the pointing point 420 is not detected, the processing control unit 10 selects the candidate item set to the attention state. Set to state. That is, when the player releases the touch pen from the touch panel 20, the candidate item set as the item of interest when the touch pen is released is selected. Note that the position of the indication point 420 when the touch pen is released becomes the end point of the locus 430.

  For example, in FIG. 6, the candidate item 310E (bird) is set to the attention state, but when the player releases the touch pen in this state, the processing control unit 10 sets the candidate item 310E (bird) to the selected state. To do. Then, the candidate item 310E (bird) set in the selected state is set as the player character.

  Furthermore, the process control unit 10 displays on the screen that the selected state has been set. FIG. 8 is a configuration example of a screen that presents to the player that the candidate item 310E has been set to the selected state. The process control unit 10 displays an image showing the candidate item 310E set to the selected state with a higher emphasis than other candidate items. The method of image enhancement is free.

  For example, the processing control unit 10 displays each of the images representing the candidate items 310A to 310I as buttons that can be pressed by the player. And the process control part 10 adds and produces the effect as if the button was pushed back to the image showing the candidate item set to the selection state.

  Next, item selection processing performed by each of the above-described units of the item selection device 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 and 10. Here, it is assumed that a screen for selecting the player character as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed and the player selects one desired candidate item (that is, the player character) from the candidate items 310A to 310I. explain.

  First, the process control unit 10 sets all candidate items 310A to 310I to an initial state (step S901), and displays images representing the candidate items 310A to 310I on the screen (step S902).

  The process control unit 10 detects the position of the instruction point 420 that is instructed when the player touches the touch panel 20 with a touch pen or the like (step S903). The detection of the position of the indication point 420 by the touch panel 20 is preferably executed by an interrupt function separate from this item selection process.

  The process control unit 10 determines whether or not the item of interest is currently set (step S904). Note that immediately after this item selection process is started, since all candidate items are set to the initial state in step S901, no item of interest is set, and NO is determined in step S904. There are cases where YES is obtained in step S904 due to repeated execution.

  When the attention item is not set (step S904; NO), the processing control unit 10 determines whether or not the instruction point 420 is within the image area where any candidate item is displayed (step S905). ).

  When the instruction point 420 is not in the image area where any candidate item is displayed (step S905; NO), the process control unit 10 returns to the process of step S902. On the other hand, when the instruction point 420 is in the image area where the candidate item is displayed (step S905; YES), the processing control unit 10 sets the candidate item including the instruction point 420 to the attention state. In other words, the process control unit 10 sets a candidate item including the instruction point 420 as the attention item (step S906). For example, in FIG. 4, since the indication point 420 is in the candidate item 310A (dolphin), the candidate item 310A (dolphin) is the item of interest.

  The process control unit 10 determines whether or not the indication point 420 is still detected (step S907). That is, it is determined whether or not the player continues to touch the touch panel 20.

  When the instruction point 420 is detected (step S907; YES), the process control unit 10 returns to the process of step S902. That is, when the player continues to touch the touch panel 20, the process of setting any candidate item as the attention item (steps S902 to S911) is repeated.

  When the instruction point 420 is not detected (step S907; NO), the process control unit 10 sets the candidate item currently set to the attention state to the selection state. That is, the process control unit 10 selects the current item of interest (step S912). For example, the process control unit 10 sets the character corresponding to the selected candidate item as the player's own character, and proceeds with the game.

  And the process control part 10 outputs the selection result in step S912 (step S913). For example, the processing control unit 10 presents the selection result to the player by displaying on the screen that the character corresponding to the selected candidate item is set as the player's own character.

  In step S904, when the attention item is set (step S904; YES), the processing control unit 10 determines whether or not the indication point 420 has moved out of the attention item (step S908). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the candidate item 310A (the dolphin) is the attention item, as a result of the player sliding the touch pen, the position of the pointing point 420 is the candidate item 310A (the dolphin) as shown in FIG. ) May move outside. Therefore, in step S908, it is determined whether or not the indication point 420 has moved out of the item of interest.

  When the instruction point 420 goes out of the attention item (step S908; YES), the processing control unit 10 measures the elapsed time from the point when the instruction point 420 comes out of the attention item (step S909).

  The process control unit 10 determines whether or not a grace time has elapsed since the start of timing (step S910).

  When the grace time has elapsed (step S910; YES), the process control unit 10 sets the candidate item currently set to the attention state to the selected state (step S912) and outputs the selection result (step S913).

  When the grace time has not elapsed (step S910; NO), the process control unit 10 returns to the process of step S902. That is, the selection of the candidate item by the player is delayed, and the process of setting any candidate item as the attention item (steps S902 to S911) is repeated.

  In step S908, when the instruction point 420 is within the attention item (step S908; NO), the process control unit 10 determines whether or not the instruction point 420 is still detected (step S911). That is, it is determined whether or not the player continues to touch the touch panel 20.

  When the instruction point 420 is detected (step S911; YES), the process control unit 10 returns to the process of step S902. That is, when the player continues to touch the touch panel 20, the process of setting any candidate item as the item of interest (steps S902 to S911) is repeated. For example, in FIG. 5, when the position of the indication point 420 is out of the candidate item 310A (dolphin) in the attention state but the player still keeps the touch pen in contact with the touch panel 20, the last attention item (candidate Item 310A (Dolphin)) is maintained.

  If the instruction point 420 is not detected (step S911; NO), the process control unit 10 selects the current item of interest (step S912) and outputs the selection result (step S913). That is, in FIG. 5, when the position of the indication point 420 is out of the candidate item 310A (dolphin) in the attention state and the player releases the touch pen from the touch panel 20, the last attention item (candidate item 310A (dolphin 310A )) Is selected.

  According to the present embodiment, when the player selects one of the presented items, the player can easily select a desired item. In addition, it is possible to provide an interface in which input correction can be easily performed. For example, the player desires even in an environment where the input is not stable because the item selection device 200 is used while being carried around, or the item selection device 200 is used on a desk that is not stable. Candidate items can be easily selected. When a player wants to select an item by touch operation with a touch pen, even if he touches a different item with a camera shake, he / she intended it by sliding it to the desired item without releasing the touch pen. You can select street items.

  In the above flowchart, when the grace period has elapsed in step S910, the current item of interest is selected (step S912), and the selection result is output (step S913). If the position 420 is not found in any candidate item, all candidate items may be returned to the initial state and input may be performed again from the beginning. For example, if the player wants to re-think from the beginning after making the candidate item 310A (dolphin) a notable item as shown in FIG. 4 and rethinking from the beginning, it does not belong to any candidate item as shown in FIG. It is only necessary to move the indication point 420 to the “gap” and wait until the grace time elapses. As a result, an interface that is easier to use can be realized.

  In the configuration example of the screen illustrated in FIG. 3 and the like, there is a “gap” that cannot be associated with any candidate item between the candidate items. However, as shown in FIG. 11, the candidate items may be arranged adjacent to each other without a gap. In this way, it is possible to reduce the number of situations where no candidate item is set to the attention state as much as possible. When it is desired to design such that once an instruction is started, it cannot be canceled, it is desirable to reduce the gap as much as possible to reduce the area that does not belong to any candidate item.

  There may be only one candidate item displayed on the screen instead of a plurality. For example, FIG. 12 is a configuration example of a screen for displaying a selection result and receiving a game start instruction. In FIG. 12, only one candidate item 1210 is arranged. When the player wants to start the game, the player only has to move the instruction point 420 so that the trajectory 430 passes through the candidate item 1210 having a role of a button for receiving an instruction to start the game.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the above embodiment, when the player releases the touch pen from the touch panel 20, the item of interest at that time is selected. In the present embodiment, if the shape of the trajectory 430 has a certain characteristic, the attention item at that time is selected without being separated from the touch panel 20 such as a touch pen.

  In the present embodiment, the output unit 204 has a locus (route) 430 connecting the positions of the indication points 420 detected by the detection unit 202 while a certain candidate item is the attention item. When the direction is changed to an acute angle in or near the current item, the current attention item is output as a selection result.

  FIG. 13 shows a configuration example of a screen on which candidate items are displayed. In this figure, after the touch pen is first touched on the starting point 1410, the indication point 1420 is moved along a locus 1430 in the direction of the arrow Y1. The indication point 1420 lastly passes through the candidate item 310D among the candidate items 310A to 310I. The process control unit 10 sets the candidate item 310D (dog) to which the indication point 1420 has passed last as an attention state.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 14, when the indication point 1420 turns back at the turn-back point 1440 and passes through the last candidate item 310D, the process control unit 10 determines that the candidate is selected if a predetermined selection condition is satisfied. Item 310D is set to the selected state. Specifically, the selection conditions are as follows.

(Selection conditions) The direction of the partial trajectory in the attention item in the trajectory 1430 when the indication point 1420 passes the first time, and the partial trajectory in the attention item in the trajectory 1430 when the indication point 1420 passes the second time. The angle θ formed by the direction is within a predetermined range.

  This selection condition will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of candidate item 310D in the screen shown in FIG. Candidate item 310D is the item of interest.

  The processing control unit 10 determines a partial trajectory of a section from a point 1511 that starts to enter the attention item in the trajectory 1430 when the designated point 1420 passes for the first time to a point 1512 that has gone out of the attention item. The straight line 1513 is approximated using a method of least squares or the like.

  Further, the process control unit 10 uses a least square method to calculate a partial trajectory of a section from the point 1521 starting to enter the attention item to the designated point 1420 in the locus 1430 when the designated point 1420 passes for the second time. Or the like to approximate the straight line 1523.

  Then, the processing control unit 10 calculates an angle θ formed by the two straight lines 1513 and 1523 obtained.

  Further, the process control unit 10 determines whether or not the calculated angle θ is within a predetermined range representing an acute angle. For example, the predetermined range is defined in advance as [Equation 1].

      0 ≦ θ <θmax (Equation 1)

  It is desirable that θmax be a size when a human writes a “check point”, and is typically about several tens of degrees or less.

  When the obtained angle θ is within a predetermined range, the processing control unit 10 selects the current attention item. That is, the process control unit 10 sets a candidate item currently set to the attention state to a selected state, and executes a process associated with the selected candidate item in advance. For example, in FIG. 14, the process control unit 10 selects a candidate item 310D (dog) that is an attention item, sets the selected candidate item 310D (dog) as a self-character, and proceeds with the game.

  When the obtained angle θ is not within the predetermined range, the processing control unit 10 maintains the current attention item as it is and does not select the attention item. Then, the process control unit 10 continues the above item selection process.

  The determination as to whether or not the obtained angle θ is within a predetermined range is performed when the indication point 1420 is no longer detected (that is, when the player releases the touch pen).

  Alternatively, the determination as to whether or not the obtained angle θ is within a predetermined range may be performed when the indication point 1420 reaches the edge of the image representing the target item. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the edge of the image means four sides 1601 to 1604 when the shape of the candidate item is a rectangle. When the shape of the image representing the candidate item is a circle, a polygon, or a figure surrounded by an arbitrary curve, the outermost contour line of the image representing the candidate item corresponds to the edge.

  For example, in the real world, when selecting one or more of multiple options, or when checking precautions, etc. on a written document or a personal computer screen, select the corresponding item with a check mark. There is. Therefore, in the present embodiment, following the general custom, when the trajectory 1430 has a shape presumed to have drawn “a point”, a specific candidate item near the folded portion of the “a point” is selected by the player. It is determined that the user wants to select the item and immediately selects the candidate item.

  The turning point 1440 may be outside the item of interest, or may be inside the item of interest as shown in FIG. In this case, the processing control unit 10 may obtain an approximate line 1513 by approximating a partial trajectory of a section from the point 1521 starting to enter the attention item to the turning point 1440 to a straight line. Similarly, the process control unit 10 may obtain an approximate line 1523 by approximating a partial trajectory of a section from the turning point 1440 to the designated point 1420 (or a point outside the target item) to a straight line. .

(Embodiment 3)
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. The above-described second embodiment can be implemented in combination with the first embodiment. However, if an attempt is made to combine these precisely, when the player tries to draw a “score”, the pointing point 1420 moves excessively into the other candidate items, and as a result, the desired candidate item is not selected. There is a fear. Therefore, in this embodiment, further consideration is given to the item selection process in consideration of such a problem.

  When the trajectory (path) 1430 connecting the positions of the indication points 1420 detected by the detection unit 202 changes its direction to an acute angle in or near the area in which the item of interest is displayed, the setting unit 203 has a grace period. Is extended.

  For example, in FIG. 14, the locus 1430 changes its direction at an acute angle at a turnaround point 1440 in the vicinity of the candidate item 310 </ b> D that is the attention item. Further, for example, in FIG. 17, the locus 1430 is turned at an acute angle at a turning point 1440 in the candidate item 310 </ b> D that is the item of interest. In such a case, the process control unit 10 estimates that the player is trying to draw a “leg”.

  The neighborhood is a region within a predetermined distance from the edge of the image representing the candidate item and no image representing another candidate item is arranged.

  As described above, the process control unit 10 determines whether or not the trajectory 1430 has turned to an acute angle by determining whether or not the calculated angle θ is within a predetermined range.

  When the trajectory 1430 changes its direction to an acute angle in or near the area where the attention item is displayed, the processing control unit 10 extends the above-described grace time. That is, after the indication point 1420 leaves from the image representing the candidate item, the selection is delayed for a longer time. Even if the trajectory 1430 is changed to an acute angle, the grace time is not extended when the indication point 1420 is not located in or near the image representing the target item.

  When the grace time is not extended, the process control unit 10 sets the different candidate item as the attention item when the position of the instruction point 1420 is included in the position where the candidate item different from the attention item is displayed. . That is, if the locus 1430 is not bent at an acute angle, or if the locus 1430 is bent at an acute angle but the position of the indication point 1420 is not in or near the image representing the item of interest, the indication point 1420 If the candidate item is entered, the candidate item that newly includes the designated point 1420 becomes a new attention item.

  On the other hand, when the grace time is extended, the process control unit 10 includes the position of the instruction point 1420 in the position where the candidate item different from the attention item is displayed while the grace time is extended. Also, the attention item setting is maintained until the extended grace time elapses.

  In other words, when it is estimated that the player is trying to select one of the candidate items by drawing a “check point” (check mark), it is simply determined whether or not the shape of the trajectory 1430 is similar to the “check point”. In addition, the speed at which the player draws, that is, the process of drawing the trajectory 1430 is also taken into consideration. Accordingly, the item of interest can be set with higher accuracy as intended by the player. Hereinafter, the item selection processing of this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a configuration example of a screen for the player to select any candidate item from the candidate items. The indication point 1820 moves from a starting point 1810 at a turning point 1840 to draw a locus 1830. Processing performed by the processing control unit 10 in accordance with the movement of the instruction point 1820 will be described in order.

  (1) When the designated point 1820 is at the starting point 1810, the processing control unit 10 sets the candidate item 310E (bird) as a target item.

  (2) When the indication point 1820 leaves the edge of the candidate item 310E (bird), the attention item is set to the candidate item 310E (bird) if it leaves the edge of the candidate item 310E (bird) and is within the grace period. There is.

  (3) If the pointing point 1820 enters the adjacent candidate item 310H (turtle) within the grace time after leaving the edge of the candidate item 310E (bird), the processing control unit 10 does not extend the grace time, Candidate item 310H (turtle) is set as a new item of interest.

  (4) When the indication point 1820 is turned back at the turn-back point 1840, if the turn-back angle (that is, the above-mentioned angle θ) is within a predetermined range, the processing control unit 10 is about to input the “check point” by the player. Estimated. Then, the process control unit 10 extends the grace time. If the turning angle is not within the predetermined range, the processing control unit 10 does not extend the grace time. The extension of the grace time is arbitrary.

  (5) When the grace time is extended, that is, when it is estimated that the player is going to input “score”, the processing control unit 10 points to the other candidate item 310E (bird) that is not the target item 1820 Even if is entered, the candidate item 310H (turtle) is maintained as the attention item until the extended grace time elapses. If it is within the extended grace period, the candidate item 310E (bird) is not the item of interest.

  In other words, the processing control unit 10 may have reached the instruction point 1820 to the candidate item 310E (bird) with a momentum, although the player inputs the “letter point” in an attempt to select the candidate item 310H (turtle). Estimate that there is, gracefully change the attention item.

  If the indication point 1820 is not detected while the grace period is extended (that is, the touch pen is released from the touch panel 20), the processing control unit 10 selects an item of interest at the time when the grace period has elapsed. .

  However, if the instruction point 1820 is still in the candidate item 310E (bird) after the extended grace period, the process control unit 10 returns the candidate item 310H (turtle) to the initial state, Instead, the candidate item 310E (bird) is set as the item of interest. In other words, the player has tried to select the candidate item 310H (Turtle) once to input the “letter point”, but has left the touch pen at the candidate item 310E (Tori), and the final decision cannot be made yet. It is estimated that The process control unit 10 changes the attention item to the candidate item 310E (bird) and continuously accepts input with the touch pen.

  According to the present embodiment, when the player selects one of the presented items, the effect that the player can easily select a desired item is increased. Further, it is possible to provide a more flexible interface that can absorb the “inadvertent” operation by the player.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. Moreover, it is also possible to freely combine the constituent elements of the above-described embodiments.

  A program for operating a computer as all or part of the item selection device 200 is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory card, CD-ROM, DVD, or MO (Magneto Optical disk) and distributed. May be installed in another computer and operated as the above-described means, or the above-described steps may be executed.

  Furthermore, the program may be stored in a disk device or the like included in a server device on the Internet, and may be downloaded onto a computer by being superimposed on a carrier wave, for example.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an item selection device, an item selection method, and a program suitable for making it easier for a player to select a desired item.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Portable game machine 10 Processing control part 10a CPU core 10b Image processing part 10c VRAM
10d WRAM
10e LCD controller 10f Touch panel controller 11 Connector 12 Cartridge 12a ROM
12b RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Wireless communication part 14 Communication controller 15 Sound amplifier 16 Speaker 17 Operation key 18 1st display part 19 2nd display part 20 Touch panel 200 Item selection apparatus 201 Display part 202 Detection part 203 Setting part 204 Output part 310A-310I, 1210 Candidate items 410, 1410, 1810 Starting points 420, 1420, 1820 Indicating points 430, 1430, 1830 Trajectories (routes)
1440, 1840 Folding points 1511, 1521 points (points that have begun to enter into the item of interest)
1512 points (points outside the attention item)
1513, 1523 straight line (approximate straight line)

Claims (8)

A detection unit for detecting the position in the screen instructed by the player;
The candidate item is set as an attention item while the detected position is included in the region after entering the region from outside the region where the candidate item that can be selected by the player is displayed. A setting section;
While the candidate item is set as the attention item, if the instruction of the position in the screen by the player is not detected, a selection unit that selects the attention item;
An output unit for outputting the selected attention item as a selection result;
An item selection device comprising: The item selection device according to claim 1,
The setting unit further sets the candidate item as the attention item until a predetermined grace time after the outside of the region leaves the region.
An item selection device. The item selection device according to claim 2,
The candidate item states include an attention state set as the attention candidate, a selection state selected by the selection unit, and an initial state that is neither the attention state nor the selection state.
If the position in the screen indicated by the player is outside the area where the candidate item is displayed when the grace period has elapsed, the setting unit selects the attention candidate as the attention candidate. Changing from the state to the initial state,
An item selection device. The item selection device according to claim 3,
The setting unit, when the position in the screen instructed by the player moves from the area of the attention item to the area where other candidate items that are not the attention item are displayed, Changing the attention item from the attention state to the initial state, and changing the other candidate items from the initial state to the attention state;
An item selection device. The item selection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The item selection device executes a game in a virtual space,
Characters are associated with the candidate items in advance,
The output unit outputs a screen in which a character associated with the selected item of interest is set as a subject character to be operated by the player.
An item selection device. The item selection device according to claim 2,
The setting unit extends the window time when the route connecting the detected positions is turned to an acute angle in or near the area where the attention item is displayed,
When the grace time is not extended, if the detected position is included in a position where a candidate item different from the attention item is displayed, the different candidate item is set as the attention item,
While the grace time is extended, even if the detected position is included in a position where a candidate item different from the attention item is displayed, the attention is kept until the extended grace time elapses. Maintain item settings,
An item selection device. An item selection method executed in an item selection device having a detection unit, a setting unit, a selection unit, and an output unit,
A detection step in which the detection unit detects a position in the screen instructed by the player;
While the detected position is included in the area after the candidate item that can be selected by the player is displayed from outside the area, the setting unit displays the candidate item. A setting step to set the item of interest;
A selection step in which the selection unit selects the attention item when an instruction of the position in the screen by the player is not detected while the candidate item is set as the attention item;
The output unit outputs the selected attention item as a selection result; and
An item selection method comprising: Computer
A detector that detects the position in the screen indicated by the player,
The candidate item is set as an attention item while the detected position is included in the region after entering the region from outside the region where the candidate item that can be selected by the player is displayed. Setting section,
When the candidate item is set as the attention item, if the instruction of the position in the screen by the player is not detected, a selection unit that selects the attention item,
An output unit for outputting the selected attention item as a selection result;
A program characterized by functioning as

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