JP2022109224A - Game server, game program, and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game server, a game program, and an information processing method that make it possible to search for information on operation in a game.

SOLUTION: A game server has a search function of searching for information on predetermined operation in a game. The game server includes: a search database for storing an operation name and operation information on the operation in association with each other; a search input acceptance part for accepting input of a search key from a player; a search part for retrieving the predetermined operation information from the search database on the basis of the search key; and a search result presentation part for presenting the operation information to the player.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a game server, a game program, and an information processing method.

In games that can be played on smartphones, such as social games, operations such as raising characters and requesting friends are diversifying, especially in out-games. In addition, in many cases, unique operation names are given according to the world view of the game, and players who are not familiar with the game can immediately grasp which button to select to perform the desired operation. may not be possible.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a game system capable of searching for game cards that match predetermined parameter conditions in a game.

Japanese Patent No. 6748340

Although the above-mentioned patent documents describe searching for game cards owned by players, they do not describe searching for information related to predetermined operations in a game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a game server, a game program, and an information processing method that make it possible to search for information relating to a predetermined operation in a game.

According to the present invention, there is provided a game server having a search function for searching information related to a predetermined operation in a game, a search database storing operation names and operation information related to the operation in association with each other; a search input reception unit that receives input of a search key; a search unit that reads predetermined operation information from the search database based on the search key; a search result presentation unit that presents the operation information to the player; A game server is obtained, comprising:

According to the present invention, it is possible to search for information related to predetermined operations in the game, and even an inexperienced player can smoothly proceed with the game.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the system by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the server apparatus 1 by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the player terminal 2 by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the database for search by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the search information storage part by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the player terminal 2 screen by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the player terminal 2 screen by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing flow by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the player terminal 2 screen by embodiment of this invention.

The contents of the embodiments of the present invention are listed and explained. The present invention has the following configurations.
[Item 1]
A game server having a search function for searching for information related to a predetermined operation in a game,
a search database that associates and stores an operation name and operation information related to the operation;
a search input reception unit that receives input of a search key from a player;
a search unit that reads predetermined operation information from the search database based on the search key;
and a search result presentation unit that presents the operation information to the player.
[Item 2]
the search database stores a synonym group including other names indicating the same operation as the operation name in association with each operation name;
The search unit reads the operation information for the operation name associated with the synonym group to which the other name belongs, when the search key and the other name match. , item 1.
[Item 3]
3. The game server according to item 1 or 2, wherein the operation information is information regarding transition to a screen on which the operation can be executed.
[Item 4]
further comprising a search information providing unit that provides information about search histories of other players;
3. Any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the search information providing unit extracts a specific other player based on the play status of the player and provides information on the search history of the extracted other player. the game server described in
[Item 5]
A search information storage unit that associates, with each of the operation names, another name that indicates the same operation as the operation name based on the search history of at least one of the player and other players, and stores the operation name in the search database. 5. The game server according to any one of items 1-4, comprising:
[Item 6]
A game program for executing a search function for searching for information related to a predetermined operation in a game,
a search input reception process for receiving an input of a search key from a player in a computer;
a search process for reading predetermined operation information based on the search key from a search database that stores an operation name and operation information related to the operation in association with each other;
and a search result presentation process for presenting the operation information to the player.
[Item 7]
An information processing method for retrieving information about a predetermined operation in a game, comprising:
a search input receiving step of receiving a search key input from a player;
a searching step of reading predetermined operation information based on the search key from a search database that stores an operation name and operation information related to the operation in association with each other;
and a search result presentation step of presenting the operation information to the player.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Configuration>
As shown in FIG. 1, the game system provides players with various game-related services via a network 3 (for example, the Internet). Consists of

<Configuration of Server Apparatus 1>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server device 1. As shown in FIG. The server device 1 is an information processing device (computer) used when a system administrator or the like operates and manages various services. It may also be logically embodied by computing technology.

The server device 1 has a control section 11 , a storage section 12 , an input section 13 , a display section 14 and a communication section 15 . When receiving various commands (requests) from the player terminal 2 via the communication unit 15, the server device 1 executes processing by the game program in the control unit 11, etc.) is transmitted to the player terminal 2 . A part of the game program is transmitted to the player terminal 2 and played on the player terminal 2.
may be performed on

The control unit 11 exchanges data between units and controls the entire server apparatus 1, and is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program stored in a predetermined memory. . The control unit 11 of the present embodiment includes at least a game execution unit 111, a screen data generation unit 112, a search input reception unit 1
13, a search unit 114, a search result presentation unit 115, and a search information provision unit 116. These various functional units will be described later in detail.

The storage unit 12 includes a ROM (R
memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a rewritable storage area used as a work area for arithmetic processing by the control unit 11
ry), and is implemented by a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 12 in this embodiment includes a game information storage unit 121,
It has various storage units such as a player information storage unit 122, a search database 123, a search information storage unit 124, and the like. These various types of information will be described later in detail.

The input unit 13 is used by the system administrator to input various data (for example, game information) regarding the game service, and is realized by, for example, a keyboard and a mouse.

The display unit 14 is for displaying an operation screen for the system administrator based on a command from the control unit 11. For example, the display unit 14 is a liquid crystal display (LCD).
1 Display) or the like.

The communication unit 15 is for communicating with the player terminal 2 .
It has a function as a receiving section for receiving various data and signals transmitted from and a function as a transmitting section for transmitting various data and signals to the player terminal 2 according to commands from the control section 11 .
The communication unit 15 uses, for example, HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol
ol), HTTPS, WebSocket, P2P (Peer To Peer), or the like.

<Player terminal 2>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the player terminal 2. As shown in FIG. The player terminal 2 is
It is an information processing device (for example, a smart phone, a mobile phone terminal, a tablet terminal) that a player can possess and use. The player terminal 2 outputs the processing result of the game program transmitted from the server device 1 via a game application or a web browser (
For example, game screen display, game sound output, etc.). The player terminal 2 has a control unit 21 that controls the entire player terminal 2, a storage unit 22 that stores various data and programs, an input unit 23 that allows the player to perform operation input, and outputs game screens, operation screens, and the like. and a communication unit 25 for information communication with the server device 1 . The control unit 21 of this embodiment includes at least an operation information reception unit 211 and a game operation unit 212 .
The storage unit 22 also includes at least a game action information storage unit 221 . Each functional unit of the control unit 21 can be realized by the CPU executing a program stored in the memory or the game operation information storage unit 221 .

The operation information receiving unit 211 of the player terminal 2 receives game-related operations from the player. The operation information receiving unit 211 receives a game-related operation using the input unit 23 by the player. Then, the operation information receiving unit 211 transmits the received operation contents to the game operation unit 2.
output to 12.

The game operation unit 212 executes processing for operating the game. Game operation unit 21
2 operates the game based on the game software included in the game operation information stored in the game operation information storage unit 221 and the player's operation details input from the input unit 23 . The game action unit 212 generates a game image from the image data included in the game action information and performs control processing for outputting the generated image to the output unit 24 in accordance with the game action. Similarly, the game operation unit 212 generates game music and sound from the music data and sound data included in the game operation information in accordance with the game operation, and causes the output unit 24 to output the generated music and sound. control processing for It should be noted that, here, the native application partially executes the function of the Web application, that is, the configuration in which the game operation unit 212 of the player terminal 2 partially executes the function of the server device 1 has been described. Alternatively, the server device 1 may be configured to generate all game images and sounds as a processing result, or the game operation unit 212 may be configured to generate all game images and sounds. may be

When the game operation unit 212 is provided, predetermined parameters in the game operated by the game operation unit 212 can be managed by the server device 1 . For example, parameters such as stamina and paid points in the game are managed by the server device 1 . Therefore, the game operation unit 212 updates the parameters managed by the server device 1 by communicating with the server device 1 when a process involving changes in these predetermined parameters occurs in the game. Then, the game operation unit 212 receives the updated parameters from the server device 1 and continues the operation of the game based on the updated parameters.

The game system in this embodiment provides a search function for searching for information regarding specific operations in the game. "Operation" in the present disclosure refers to any operation that can be performed in the game. Further, for example, even in the game, operations in a portion (so-called out-game) other than the portion (so-called in-game) related to actual game play are included. Specifically, this includes character acquisition and training, team formation, item acquisition and use, in-game and out-game settings changes, friend requests, and interaction with friends, etc., and specific functions are performed in-game. Also includes operations for Alternatively, for example, in a game for training a character, a card (picture) on which the character is displayed is used to listen to the voice of the character again.
This includes operations such as enlarging the screen and changing the character (home character) displayed on the home screen in the game. By inputting any search key related to the operation, the player can acquire information about the operation related to the search key. For example, the information about operation is transition information defining transition to a screen for executing the operation. By acquiring the transition information, the player can smoothly reach the execution screen of the operation.

The game information storage unit 121 of the server device 1 stores information about games. The game information is appropriately configured according to the type of game. For example, in the case of a battle game, the stage name, enemy character information, and the like are included in association with the stage ID.

The player information storage unit 122 stores information about players. Player information is
A player name, player rank, possessed character information, play stage information, possessed item information, total play time, play frequency, etc. can be included in association with the player ID. The player rank is the rank or level of the player in the game, and is determined according to the playing time, progress of the game, acquired items, and the like. The possessed character information is associated with the ID of the possessed character, and includes levels, various ability values (attack power, defense power, physical strength, etc. in the case of a battle game).
In the case of a music game, current values of various parameters such as singing ability, dancing ability, performance ability, etc. can be included. Play stage information, among the multiple stages that have been set,
Information about the stages that the player has played so far, such as the number of times played,
It can contain clear information and the like. Possessed item information includes information about the holding status of one or more paid items and free items, and can include information such as the number of owned items in association with the ID of each owned item. In addition, information about the player and game play status can be included.

The search database 123 includes at least operation names and corresponding operation information. FIG. 4 is a configuration example of the search database 123. As shown in FIG. Description will be made along the example of FIG. 4 below.
The operation name is a name used in the game for each operation that can be executed in the game. For example, in a certain game, when an operation of setting a team consisting of a plurality of characters in a battle is called "organization", the operation name of the operation is "organization". Further, when the operation of selecting a character displayed on the home screen is called "favorite", the operation name of the function is "favorite". The operation information is useful information for executing the operation, and is information relating to transition to a screen on which the operation can be executed, for example. The operation information may also be a description of an operation method, or the like. The transition information includes information indicating how the screens on which these operations can be performed are arranged with respect to a predetermined screen (for example, the home screen). For example, it may be information that defines a screen transition from the home screen. In the example of FIG. 4, transition information "home>sortie>organization" indicating that the "organization" operation can be reached from the home screen via the "sortie" screen is shown. Also, the "favorite" operation
Transition information “Home>System>My Profile>Favorites” is shown to indicate that it can be reached from the Home screen via the “System” screen and then the “My Profile” screen. The format of the screen transition information is not limited to this, and may be address information or the like that allows transition to a screen on which the predetermined operation can be performed.

Also, the search database 123 can include synonym groups corresponding to operation names. A synonym group consists of one or more different analogous names that refer to the same operation. For example, the operation of setting a team consisting of a plurality of characters in a battle is called "organization" in this game, but in other games it is generally referred to as "party", "team", "
If there is a possibility of using names different from "organization" such as "member's dormitory", "deck", etc., these different names can be registered as similar names. Similarly, if there is a possibility that the operation that allows you to select a character displayed on the home screen may be called differently, such as "my character", "preferred character", or "home character", in addition to "favorite", similar names You can register these words as If the player inputs a keyword that matches a word registered in a similar word group at the time of search, the operation information is selected as indicating an operation associated with the similar word group. In other words, even if the player enters any of the words "organization", "party", "team", and "members'dormitory","
Provides operational information for the Organize function. A game administrator can arbitrarily register similar names.

The search information storage unit 124 stores information about the content searched by the player.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the search information stored in the search information storage unit 124 can include search content information about search content and searcher information that is information about the searched player. The search content information may include an input search key, a corresponding operation name, and the like, and may further include operation information. In addition, the searcher information can include information about the player's game play status together with information that can identify the player (player ID, etc.). The game play status includes the player's level, total play time, play frequency, events in which he/she is participating, stages being executed, information on characters used (character names, character attributes, etc.), information on owned items, etc. you can The search information does not need to include all of the items described here, nor is it limited to these items, and can include other information such as search date and time as appropriate.

The game execution unit 111 of the server device 1 has a function of executing processing for progressing the game according to the game program. The game by the game system in this embodiment is
Any type of game may be used, for example, a competitive game, a puzzle game, an action game, a baseball game, a soccer game, other sports games, a quiz game, a pinball game, a card game, a rhythm game, and an RPG (role-playing game). , location information games, board games, adventure games, casino games, simulation games, strategy games, racing games, and the like.

The screen data generation unit 112 has a function of executing processing for generating screen data for displaying a game screen on the player terminal 2 . The screen data generation unit 112 generates screen data regarding any game described above. The generated screen data is transmitted to the player terminal 2 and output by the output unit 24 .

The search input reception unit 113 receives input of a search key by the player. A search key is a character string used for searching, such as words, symbols, and numbers. FIG. 6 is a screen display example of the player terminal 2 when inputting a search key. As an example, a search window 31 in which a search key can be entered
Then, the player enters an arbitrary search key 32 ("
organization") is input. The search input reception unit 113 receives search key information input by the player, and notifies it to the search unit 114 . The method of inputting the search key is not limited to this form, and may be a form in which the player selects from options. Moreover, the server device 1 may have a predictive conversion function. In that case, the server device 1 predicts and presents one or more search key 32 candidates based on one or more characters input in the search window 31, and the player selects the search key 32 from among the candidates. can be selected. At this time, the search unit 114 searches the search database 123 for a word that matches the first character or the first characters of the operation name or similar name, and as a result of the search, one or more operation names are found. Or output candidates of similar names.

The search unit 114 searches for operation information based on the received search key. The search unit 114 searches the search database 123 for an operation name that matches the search key. When an operation name matching the search key is hit, operation information corresponding to the operation name is read. If there is no matching operation name, search is made to see if a word matching the search key is registered in the registered similar word group. When a similar name matching the search key is hit, operation information corresponding to the operation name associated with the similar name is read. The read operation information is transmitted to the search result presentation unit 115 . If no similar name is hit, information to that effect is sent to the search result presentation unit 115 . Further, the search unit 114 may store information regarding searches in the search information storage unit 124 . The search information stored in the search information storage unit 124 can include search date and time, searcher information, information about search content, and the like. In addition, the search unit 114 appropriately executes a fuzzy search so that even if the received search key does not completely match the operation name and the similar name, the search unit 114 performs a fuzzy search so that hits can be found. Even if there is, it may be made searchable. A fuzzy search can use a method known to those skilled in the art.

The search result presentation unit 115 presents the search results to the player terminal 2 . The search result can include transition information to the searched operation screen. FIG. 6B is a configuration example of a search result presentation screen. A case is shown in which the transition method 33 (“Home>Sortie>Preparation for Battle>Formation”) to the formation screen is displayed as a search result for the “Organization” operation. Also, a button 34 requesting movement to the searched operation screen may be displayed. When the player performs an input operation on the transition request button 34, the screen is transitioned to the corresponding operation screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another search example. FIG. 7(a) is a screen when the player inputs a search key of "home character" to search, and FIG. 7(b) is a display screen of the search result. When the search key "home character" is entered, the search unit 114 searches the search database 123 for a word that matches the operation name or similar name. In the example of FIG. 4, although there is no matching operation name, "home character" is hit as a similar name corresponding to the operation name "favorite". As shown in FIG. 7B, the search result presentation unit 115 displays, as the search results, information indicating that no operation with the same name as "home character" was found, and "favorite character" associated with "home character". ” can be displayed. Note that if there is no word that matches the operation name or similar name, not only one candidate (screen transition information) but a plurality of candidates may be presented. The screen displays in FIGS. 6 and 7 are examples, and the search result information presented by the search result presentation unit 115 is not limited to this. The search result presentation unit 115 can display information about transition to a screen that allows a desired operation that matches or corresponds to the word input by the player, or a button that enables transition to the screen.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of basic operation of the system according to this embodiment.

The player inputs an arbitrary search key by operating the player terminal 2,
The search input reception unit 113 of the server 1 receives a search key (S101). Search unit 114
searches the search database 123 for an operation name that matches the search key (S10
3). If a matching operation name is hit (S103=Yes), step S107 and subsequent steps are executed. On the other hand, if no matching operation name is hit (S103=No), then
A search key is searched for in the synonym group of the search database 123 (S104).
If there is no hit that matches the search key even in the similar word group (S105 = No
), the search result presentation unit 115 displays on the player terminal a result indicating that there is no operation corresponding to the search key searched by the player (S106). Note that the search for the operation name and the similar name may be executed at the same time.

On the other hand, when the search key is hit in the synonym group, the search unit 114 reads operation information for the corresponding operation name. The search result presentation unit 115 presents the read operation information to the player terminal 2 (S107). Also, the search unit 114 registers information about the search in the search information storage unit 124 .

In the embodiments and modifications described above, with respect to the processing of the software function units provided in the server device 1 and the player terminals 2, a part or all of the functions of the server device 1 are replaced with the player terminals 2 as long as the gist of the present invention can be realized. may be provided.

Further, the processing in FIG. 8 shows an example of processing by the information processing system of this embodiment, and is not intended to limit the present invention. Each process included in the process of FIG. 8 may be executed in an order different from that shown in the figure, part of the process may be executed in parallel, or part of the process may be executed in parallel. may be omitted, or other steps may be added.

According to the present invention, when a player wishes to operate a desired function, it is possible to easily reach the screen on which the operation can be executed. In addition, even if a unique expression is used as the operation name in accordance with the world view of the game, by registering the expected search key in the synonym group in advance, the player does not have to know the operation name. can also be made searchable.

The above-described embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit and interpret the present invention. It goes without saying that the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and that equivalents thereof are included in the present invention.

(Modification 1)
In Modification 1, the server 1 further includes, as a software function section, a search information providing section 116 that provides information based on search histories of other players. Search information providing unit 11
Based on the search history stored in the search information storage unit 124, 6 can provide the player terminal 2 with information such as search keys input by other players and hit operation names. FIG. 9 is a screen display example of the player terminal 2. As shown in FIG. As an example, on the search screen, the operation names 35 that have been searched many times and frequently by other players are displayed.

The search information providing unit 116 may present information based on the search history of all players stored in the search information storage unit 124, or may provide information based on the search history of a specific player. good. For a specific player, for example, information may be provided based on search histories of other players (so-called friend players) who have a predetermined relationship with the player. again,
Information may be provided based on search histories of other players whose game play situations are similar to those of the player. The play status includes, for example, the player's level, total play time, play frequency, events in which the player is participating, stages in progress, information on the characters used (character names, character attributes, etc.), information on owned items, etc. There may be, and specific other players may be extracted based on predetermined parameters regarding these play situations. For example, it is possible to extract the search histories of other players of the same level as the player. By providing information based on the search histories of other players whose playing situations are close to each other, more useful search information can be given to the player.

(Modification 2)
In Modified Example 2, as the software function unit of the server 1, another name indicating the same operation as the operation name is associated with each operation name based on the search history of at least one of the player and other players. A search information accumulation unit 117 for storing (accumulating) in the search database 123 is further provided (see FIG. 2). Specifically, when the search key input by the player does not match the operation name or similar name, the search information storage unit 117 of the server 1 associates the search key (the other name above) with the predetermined operation name to create a new search key. may be stored in the search database 123. For example, when "party" shown in FIG. 4 is not set as a synonym for "organization", the player searches with the search key "party" as action 1 ("party" is used as the operation name or similar name). (because they do not match), and as a result of searching with the search key "team" as action 2, "organization" is hit as an operation name associated with the similar name "team". In this case, since it is presumed that the search key "party" used in action 1 led to the search result "organization" in action 2, "party" is added (set) as a synonym for "organization". be. In this way, by accumulating in the search database 123 search keys that are not hit by similarity search, the accuracy of the search function can be improved. In the above example, similar word information is accumulated based on the search history consisting of two consecutive search operations (action 1 and action 2) executed by the player, but the invention is not limited to this. Instead, information may be accumulated based on the search history of once or three times or more. Further, the server device 1 may automatically accumulate information on similar words, or information on similar words may be accumulated by inputting or selecting search keys (similar words) to be accumulated by the player. can be Further, in this system, a predetermined condition may be set when the search information is accumulated by the search information accumulation unit 117 of the server device 1 . For example, among all the players using this system, a common action (for example, a common search key input action: either or both of actions 1 and 2) is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 10
times, etc.), the search database 123 may be updated to accumulate search keys (for example, "party" may be added as a synonym for the above "organization").

1 server device (game server)
2 player terminal 3 network

Claims (7)

A game server having a search function for searching for information related to a predetermined operation in a game,
a search database that associates and stores an operation name and operation information related to the operation;
a search input reception unit that receives input of a search key from a player;
a search unit that reads predetermined operation information from the search database based on the search key;
and a search result presentation unit that presents the operation information to the player. the search database stores a synonym group including other names indicating the same operation as the operation name in association with each operation name;
The search unit reads the operation information for the operation name associated with the synonym group to which the other name belongs, when the search key and the other name match. A game server according to claim 1. 3. The game server according to claim 1, wherein said operation information is information relating to transition to a screen on which said operation can be executed. further comprising a search information providing unit that provides information about search histories of other players;
The search information providing unit extracts a specific other player based on the play status of the player, and provides information on the search history of the extracted other player. A game server according to any one of the preceding paragraphs. A search information storage unit that associates, with each of the operation names, another name that indicates the same operation as the operation name based on the search history of at least one of the player and other players, and stores the operation name in the search database. A game server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: A game program for executing a search function for searching for information related to a predetermined operation in a game,
a search input reception process for receiving an input of a search key from a player in a computer;
a search process for reading predetermined operation information based on the search key from a search database that stores an operation name and operation information related to the operation in association with each other;
and a search result presentation process for presenting the operation information to the player. An information processing method for retrieving information about a predetermined operation in a game, comprising:
a search input receiving step of receiving a search key input from a player;
a searching step of reading predetermined operation information based on the search key from a search database that stores an operation name and operation information related to the operation in association with each other;
and a search result presentation step of presenting the operation information to the player.

Images