JP2023133356A - game system - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable suppression of improper operation when a direction instruction is input.SOLUTION: A determination unit 134 determines the movement in a first direction of a character C that exists on a first route toward the first direction in a game space G if a touch position T of a touch panel 11 is in a first region, or determines the movement in a second direction of the character C that exists on a second route toward the second direction in the game space G if the touch position T is in a second region that partially overlaps the first region. If the touch position T is in a region where the first region and the second region overlap each other and the connection point P of the first route and the second route lies in the movement direction of the character C in the game space G, a selection unit 136 selects the movement direction of the character C at the connection point P from between the first direction and the second direction on the basis of the touch position information. A display control unit 138 displays an image indicating the selection result by the selection unit 136 in the game space G before the character C reaches the connection point P.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a game system.

2. Description of the Related Art Devices that receive directional input from a user using a touch panel or the like have become widespread (see Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, a direction instruction corresponding to a touch position on a touch panel is received from a user.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-1190443

When performing an operation to instruct a direction in a game using a touch panel or the like, the user may erroneously make an input instruction in a direction different from the desired direction.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and one of the problems to be solved is to provide a technique that can suppress erroneous operations when inputting direction instructions.

In order to solve the above problems, a program according to one aspect of the present invention includes a processor, an acquisition unit that acquires touch position information indicating a touch position on a touch panel, and a touch position indicated by the touch position information in a first area. If the object exists on a first path in the first direction in the game space, it is determined to move in the first direction, and the touch position indicated by the touch position information is located in a part of the first area. exists in an overlapping second area, the object functions as a determining unit that determines movement in the second direction of the object that exists on a second path in the second direction in the game space, and The determination unit is configured such that the touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in an overlapping area of the first area and the second area, and that the first route and the second path are located on the moving direction side of the object in the game space. If there is a connection point of a route, a selection section that selects a moving direction of the object at the connection point from the first direction and the second direction based on the touch position information, and a selection result by the selection section is shown. The present invention is characterized in that the image is made to function as a display control unit that displays the image in the game space before the object reaches the connection point.

An information processing device according to another aspect of the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires touch position information indicating a touch position on a touch panel; Determining movement of an object existing on a first path in one direction in the first direction, and determining that a touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in a second area that partially overlaps with the first area. a determining unit that determines movement of the object existing on a second path in the second direction in the game space in the second direction; If the position exists in an overlapping area of the first area and the second area, and there is a connection point between the first route and the second route on the moving direction side of the object in the game space, the touch position a selection section that selects a moving direction of the object at the connection point from the first direction and the second direction based on the information; and an image showing the selection result by the selection section, when the object reaches the connection point. A display control unit for displaying in the game space before the game is played.

In an information processing method according to another aspect of the present invention, a processor acquires touch position information indicating a touch position on a touch panel, and when a touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in a first area, a first touch position in a game space is provided. Determining movement of an object existing on a first path in one direction in the first direction, and determining that a touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in a second area that partially overlaps with the first area. If the object exists on a second path in the game space in the second direction, the movement of the object in the second direction is determined, and the touch position indicated by the touch position information is in the first area and the second area. If there is a connecting point between the first route and the second route on the moving direction side of the object in the game space, based on the touch position information, the object at the connecting point is A moving direction of the object is selected from the first direction and the second direction, and an image indicating the selection result is displayed in the game space before the object reaches the connection point.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an information processing device 10 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device 10 according to a first embodiment. It is a figure showing the relationship between operation field R and movement direction in a 1st embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of a display of touch panel 11 in a 1st embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of a display of touch panel 11 in a 1st embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of a display of touch panel 11 in a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit 130 in the first embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit 130 in the first embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit 130 in the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the movement aspect of the character C in 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing device 20 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the operation region R and the approximate instruction direction in the second embodiment. 3 is a diagram illustrating a method for predicting a route L by a prediction unit 226. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the touch panel 11 in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the touch panel 11 in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the processing of control part 220 in a 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the touch panel 11 in modification A2. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the touch panel 11 in modification A2. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the touch panel 11 in modification A3. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the touch panel 11 in modification A4. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the touch panel 11 in modification A5. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the touch panel 11 in modification A5. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the touch panel 11 in modification A5. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the touch panel 11 in modification A5. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the touch panel 11 in modification B2. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the touch panel 11 in modification B2. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the touch panel 11 in modification B3. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the touch panel 11 in modification B4. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the touch panel 11 in modification B5. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the touch panel 11 in modification B5. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the touch panel 11 in modification B5.

[A: First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an information processing device 10 according to the first embodiment. The information processing device 10 is, for example, a portable information processing device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a portable game device. Information processing device 10 includes a touch panel 11 .
However, the information processing device 10 may be, for example, a business game device installed in a store or an amusement facility, or a stationary information processing terminal such as a desktop personal computer.

The touch panel 11 is a device in which a display device that displays images and an input device (not shown) that receives input instructions are integrated. The touch panel 11 displays various images. The touch panel 11 detects a touch position, which is a position where an object contacts the touch panel 11, using, for example, capacitance specified by the object that contacts the touch panel 11 and the touch panel 11. The touch panel 11 outputs touch position information indicating a touch position on the touch panel 11 . In this embodiment, the touch panel 11 outputs coordinate information on an XY plane defined by an X axis and a Y axis, which will be described later, as touch position information.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the touch position on the touch panel 11 is defined by an X axis and a Y axis that are orthogonal to each other at an origin O set on the touch panel 11. The X-axis and Y-axis are set along the sides of the rectangular touch panel 11. More specifically, the X-axis is set along the long side of the rectangular touch panel 11, and the Y-axis is set along the short side of the touch panel 11. Therefore, in a state where the information processing device 10 is held so that the long sides of the touch panel 11 are in the left-right direction, the X-axis corresponds to the left-right direction of the touch panel 11, and the Y-axis corresponds to the up-down direction of the touch panel 11.
In the following embodiments, unless otherwise specified, up, down, left, right (upward, downward, leftward, rightward) refers to a state in which the information processing device 10 is held such that the origin O is located at the lower left of the touch panel 11. Points to the direction of the game space G displayed on the touch panel 11 as viewed visually.
Note that the X-axis and Y-axis are not limited to settings for the touch panel 11, but may be set for the game space G, for example.

The information processing device 10 displays a game image on the touch panel 11 by executing a game application program.

In FIG. 1, the touch panel 11 displays an image showing a part of the game space G as an image of the game.
Characters C (denoted as C1 to C3 in FIG. 1) are arranged within the game space G. A part of the game space G is, for example, an image extracted from a predetermined range of the game space G based on the position of the character C.
In the present embodiment, the "character C" is an example of an object that is the target of movement instructions using the touch panel 11, for example. Character C is a virtual creature that can advance the game. In addition to the character C, the object may be, for example, a "game-related object" that is a virtual inanimate object that allows the game to progress.
In this embodiment, the character C has a substantially circular shape, and the length in the up-down direction, the length in the left-right direction, and the length in the front-back direction are equal. Hereinafter, the vertical length, the horizontal length, and the front-back length of these equal characters C will be referred to as "character length." It is assumed that character C cannot enter an area narrower than its own width (horizontal length, ie, character length).
In this embodiment, the minimum moving distance of the character C matches the character length.

In this embodiment, the "game space G" is, for example, a virtual space provided in a game, and may be a two-dimensional space or a three-dimensional space. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the game space G is a two-dimensional space defined by the X axis and the Y axis.
In this embodiment, the "game space G" is divided into, for example, a "movable space" in which the character C can move, and a "movement restricted space" in which the movement of the character C is restricted. Among these, the "movement restricted space" is a space where the movement of the character C is restricted, for example, by the environment arranged in the game space G.

Here, the "environment" is, for example, an environment that obstructs the movement of the character C in the game space. The environment that restricts movement may be, for example, an environment in which obstacles such as rocks, mountains, walls, and block B are placed, which the character C cannot enter, or the sea, The environment may have specific topography such as a river or a valley above which the character C cannot pass. The environment may be formed by, for example, a plurality of obstacles arranged continuously or discontinuously, or may be formed by a combination of a plurality of terrains. In this embodiment, since the movement of the character C is hindered by the environment, it can be said that the "shape of the environment" is the shape of the boundary between the movable space and the movement restricted space. Elements that make up the environment, such as the above-mentioned obstacles and specific terrain, are referred to as "environmental components."

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the environmental component is block B. Character C cannot invade the space where block B is placed. In this embodiment, the block B has a square shape, and the length in the vertical direction and the length in the horizontal direction are equal. The length of block B in the vertical direction and the length in the horizontal direction are approximately equal to the character length. Note that the shape and size of the block B and the shape and size of the character C in this embodiment are merely examples, and various aspects can be applied depending on the specifications of the game.
In this embodiment, the block B may disappear due to the use of an item, the action of the character C, or the like, for example. In this case, the space occupied by the disappeared block B becomes part of the route L. That is, the shape of the path L may change as the game progresses.

In this embodiment, the space where the block B is not placed is a path L (L1 to L4 in FIG. 1) along which the character C can move.
The route L is an example of a space in which the character C can move in the game space G, that is, the above-mentioned movable space. Blocks B, which are an example of an environment that restricts the movement of the character C, are arranged on both sides of the path L (in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the path L extends). Therefore, although the character C can move along the direction in which the path L extends, the block B restricts movement not along the direction in which the path L extends.
For example, if the distance between the blocks B on both sides of the route L is longer than the minimum movement distance of the character C, the character C can move between the blocks B, that is, the route L in the width direction. On the other hand, if the distance between the blocks B on both sides of the path L is equal to the minimum moving distance of the character C, the character C cannot move along the path L in the width direction. In this embodiment, the minimum moving distance of the character C is equal to the character length, so unless the distance between the blocks B on both sides of the path L is greater than the character length, the character C cannot move along the path in the width direction.
Note that if the distance between the blocks B on both sides of the route L is shorter than the minimum movement distance of the character C, the character C cannot enter the route L.

Further, the points where the paths L are connected are defined as connection points P (connection points P1, P2, etc. in FIG. 1). In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, points indicating the connection points P are illustrated, but the connection points P do not need to be displayed on the touch panel 11.

For example, in FIG. 1, routes L1 to L4 are displayed on the touch panel 11.
The path L1 extends in the X-axis direction and has a path width in the Y-axis direction. The path width of the path L1 is one block B, that is, approximately the same as the character length.
Therefore, the character C1 located on the path L1 can move in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction), but cannot move in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction) because there is no space for movement. In FIG. 1, the character C1 is moving to the right.
Path L1 connects to path L4 extending in the Y-axis direction at connection point P2. A block B is placed on the left side of the connection point P2, and the character C who has moved leftward along the path L1 cannot move to the left side of the connection point P2. That is, the route L1 terminates at the connection point P2.

The path L2 extends in the Y-axis direction and has a path width in the X-axis direction. The path width of the path L2 is approximately equal to one block B, that is, the character length.
Therefore, the character C2 located on the path L2 can move in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction), but cannot move in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) because there is no movement space. In FIG. 1, character C2 is moving upward.
Path L2 connects to path L1 extending in the X-axis direction at connection point P1. A block B is arranged above the connection point P1, and the character C who has moved upward along the path L2 cannot move above the connection point P1. That is, the route L2 terminates at the connection point P1.

The path L3 extends in the Y-axis direction and has a path width in the X-axis direction. The path width of the path L3 is two blocks B, that is, twice the character length.
Therefore, the character C3 located on the path L3 can not only move in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction) but also move in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) by one character length. In FIG. 1, the character C3 is moving downward along the right end of the path L3, but it is also possible to move, for example, to the left by one character length.

The path L4 extends in the Y-axis direction and has a path width in the X-axis direction. The path width of the path L4 is one block B, that is, approximately the same as the character length.
Therefore, the character C located on the path L4 can move in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction), but cannot move in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) because there is no movement space.
Path L4 connects to path L1 extending in the X-axis direction at connection point P2. A block B is arranged above the connection point P2, and the character C who has moved upward along the path L4 cannot move above the connection point P2. That is, the route L4 terminates at the connection point P2.

In the embodiment below, the moving direction of the character C is indicated by a dotted arrow, but such an arrow does not need to be displayed on the actual display screen.
In addition, in FIG. 1 and other drawings, a plurality of characters C (characters C1 to C3 in FIG. 1) may be illustrated in the game space G for convenience of explanation, but in principle, during actual game play, Only one character C is displayed in the game space G. That is, there is only one character C that is the target of movement instructions using the operation area R, which will be described later.

An operation area R is set on the touch panel 11. The operation area R is an example of an area that accepts operations. The operation area R is also called a virtual pad.
The operation area R is provided in a visible manner on the touch panel 11 for inputting instructions regarding the game. In this embodiment, the operation region R is, for example, a circular region centered on the reference point Q.

Note that the operation area R may be a virtual area provided in a manner that is not visible on the touch panel 11 for inputting instructions regarding the game. In this case, the control unit 130, which will be described later, may display only the reference point Q and detect a touch operation around the reference point Q as an input to the operation region R, for example.

Further, the position of the operation area R on the touch panel 11 may be fixed or variable. When the position of the operation area R is made variable, the control unit 130 described later hides the operation area R when the user's finger leaves the touch panel 11, and when the user's finger touches the touch panel 11 from this state, The operation area R may be redisplayed using that position as the reference point Q.

In this embodiment, the operation area R is used for inputting instructions regarding the moving direction of the character C in the game space G (hereinafter referred to as "moving direction instructions").
In the first embodiment, the movement directions that can be accepted in the operation area R are limited to four directions along the X-axis or the Y-axis, that is, upward, downward, leftward, and rightward. . Therefore, the movement direction instructions include an upward movement instruction to move character C upward, a downward movement instruction to move character C downward, a left movement instruction to move character C to the left, and a movement direction to move character C to the right. There are four types of right movement instructions.
In this embodiment, direction indication displays F1 to F4 (see FIG. 3) are displayed on the operation area R as guides for up, down, left and right directions. The user inputs a movement direction instruction by touching a position on the operation area R corresponding to a desired movement direction using the direction instruction displays F1 to F4 as a guide. As will be described later, a touch on the operation area R is accepted as one of an upward movement instruction, a downward movement instruction, a left movement instruction, and a right movement instruction.
The movement direction instruction is input by, for example, the user's thumb.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the movement direction of the character C is determined by (1) the environment in the game space G (for example, the arrangement of the block B), (2) the movement direction that can be accepted in the operation area R, It is limited by two factors.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the first embodiment.
The information processing device 10 includes a storage device 12 and a control device 13 in addition to the touch panel 11 described above.

The storage device 12 is an example of a recording medium readable by a computer such as a processor (for example, a non-transitivity recording medium readable by a computer). The storage device 12 stores a program executed by the control device 13 (the above-mentioned game application program) and various data used by the control device 13. For example, the storage device 12 is configured using a known recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media.

The control device 13 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control device 13 centrally controls each element of the information processing device 10 . The control device 13 functions as the control unit 130 shown in FIG. 2B by executing a program stored in the storage device 12.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 130 according to the first embodiment.
The control unit 130 includes a game control unit 131, an acquisition unit 132, a determination unit 134, a selection unit 136, and a display control unit 138. Note that part or all of the functions of the control unit 130 may be realized by a dedicated electronic circuit.

The game control unit 131 controls the progress of the game. For example, the game control unit 131 moves the character C on the game space G according to a movement direction determined by a determination unit 134, which will be described later. Further, the game control unit 131 generates game image information indicating an image according to the progress of the game, and causes the touch panel 11 to display the generated game image information.

The acquisition unit 132 acquires touch position information indicating a touch position on the touch panel 11 .
As described above, the touch panel 11 outputs coordinate information on the XY plane as touch position information. Therefore, the acquisition unit 132 acquires the coordinate information of the touch position output by the touch panel 11.

The determining unit 134 determines the moving direction of the character C based on the touch position information acquired by the acquiring unit 132.
As described above, in the first embodiment, the moving directions of the character C are limited to four directions: up, down, left, and right. Therefore, the determining unit 134 determines the moving direction of the character C to be up, down, left, or right based on the touch position on the operation area R.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the operation area R and the movement direction in the first embodiment.
The operation area R has a reference point Q, an upper area RA1, a right area RA2, a lower area RA3, and a left area RA4. Hereinafter, the upper area RA1, the right area RA2, the lower area RA3, and the left area RA4 may be referred to as a "direction area RA."
The reference point Q is a point that serves as a reference for the position of the operation area R. In this embodiment, the reference point Q is illustrated as a circle having a predetermined area from the viewpoint of visibility. The reference point Q is set, for example, at the position of the center of gravity of the operation region R. The reference point Q may be set at a position different from the position of the center of gravity of the operation area R.

The upper area RA1 is set above the reference point Q on the touch panel 11, and the right area RA2, the lower area RA3, and the left area RA4 are set to the right, below, and left of the reference point Q, respectively. be done.
The upper direction area RA1 is associated with the upper direction of the game space G, and the right direction area RA2, the lower direction area RA3, and the left direction area RA4 are associated with the right direction, the lower direction, and the left direction of the game space G, respectively. It is being

Here, each of the directional areas RA1 to RA4 has a fan shape with a central angle around the reference point Q, and the outer edge of the operation area R as an arc. The central angle of this sector is larger than the angle obtained by dividing 360° into four equal parts, that is, 90°. In this embodiment, the central angle of each direction area RA1 to RA4 is 120°.
Therefore, overlapping regions RB (RB1, RB2, RB3, RB4) are formed in which adjacent direction regions RA overlap. Specifically, at the upper right of the reference point Q, an overlapping region RB1 is formed where the upper region RA1 and the right region RA2 overlap. At the lower right of the reference point Q, an overlapping region RB2 is formed where the rightward region RA2 and the downward region RA3 overlap. At the lower left of the reference point Q, an overlapping region RB3 is formed where the lower region RA3 and the left region RA4 overlap. At the upper left of the reference point Q, an overlapping region RB4 is formed where the left direction region RA4 and the upward direction region RA1 overlap.

Each overlapping area RB is associated with the same direction as the two overlapping direction areas RA in the area. That is, each overlapping region RB is associated with two directions. For example, the overlapping region RB1 is associated with the upper direction and the right direction. Similarly, the overlapping region RB2 is associated with the right direction and the downward direction, the overlapping region RB3 is associated with the downward direction and the left direction, and the overlapping region RB4 is associated with the left direction and the upward direction.

Furthermore, among the upper region RA1, right region RA2, lower region RA3, and left region RA4, regions other than the overlapping regions RB1, RB2, RB3, and RB4, that is, regions that do not overlap with other direction regions RA, are as follows: They are respectively called non-overlapping regions RC (RC1, RC2, RC3, RC4). Since the non-overlapping region RC1 is a part of the upper region RA1, the upper direction is associated with the non-overlapping region RC1. Similarly, the right direction is associated with the non-overlapping region RC2, the downward direction is associated with the non-overlapping region RC3, and the left direction is associated with the non-overlapping region RC4.

That is, the upper area RA1 includes a non-overlapping area RC1, an overlapping area RB1 that overlaps with the right area RA2, and an overlapping area RB4 that overlaps with the left area RA4. The right area RA2 includes a non-overlapping area RC2, an overlapping area RB1 overlapping with the upper area RA1, and an overlapping area RB2 overlapping with the lower area RA3. The downward area RA3 includes a non-overlapping area RC3, an overlapping area RB2 overlapping with the right area RA2, and an overlapping area RB3 overlapping with the left area RA4. The left region RA4 includes a non-overlapping region RC4, an overlapping region RB3 overlapping with the lower region RA3, and an overlapping region RB4 overlapping with the upper region RA1.

Further, each of the overlapping regions RB1 to RB4 is further divided into two regions.
In this embodiment, for example, the overlapping region RB1 is divided into two parts by dividing its central angle into two parts, such as an overlapping region RB1A, which is a region in contact with the non-overlapping region RC1, and a region in contact with the non-overlapping region RC2. It is divided into a certain overlapping region RB1B. In addition, the overlapping region RB2 is divided into two equal parts at its center angle, so that the overlapping region RB2A is the region in contact with the non-overlapping region RC2, and the overlapping region RB2B is the region in contact with the non-overlapping region RC3. divided into. In addition, the overlapping region RB3 is divided into two by dividing its central angle into two parts, such as an overlapping region RB3A which is a region in contact with the non-overlapping region RC3, and an overlapping region RB3B which is a region in contact with the non-overlapping region RC4. divided into. In addition, the overlapping region RB4 is divided into two parts by dividing its center angle into two, so that the overlapping region RB4A is the region in contact with the non-overlapping region RC4, and the overlapping region RB4B is the region in contact with the non-overlapping region RC1. divided into.

The boundaries of each area (direction area RA, overlapping area RB, non-overlapping area RC) in the operation area R shown in FIG. May be displayed.

Next, details of determining the movement direction based on the touch position will be explained.
The determining unit 134 determines the moving direction of the character C based on the touch position in the operation area R and the shape of the path L on which the character C is located.
Note that the shape of the path L on which the character C is located, that is, the shape of the movable area or non-movable area of the game space G, is obtained by referring to map data of the game space G included in the game application program, for example. Ru. The map data records at least the shape of the route L in the game space G, in other words, the arrangement of the blocks B in the game space G. When the shape of the route L in the game space G changes, such as when block B disappears, the map data is updated accordingly.
For example, the determining unit 134 refers to map data of a predetermined range from the current position of the character C in the game space G, and acquires information on the shape of the route L where the character C is located.

Hereinafter, the case where the touch position is in the non-overlapping area RC (pattern 1) and the case where the touch position is in the overlapping area RB (pattern 2) will be explained separately.

<Pattern 1-1: When the touch position is in the non-overlapping region RC and there is a path extending in the direction corresponding to the touched non-overlapping region RC>
If the touch position is in the non-overlapping region RC and there is a route extending in the direction corresponding to the touched non-overlapping region RC, the determining unit 134 determines that the touch position is in the non-overlapping region RC and if there is a route extending in the direction corresponding to the touched non-overlapping region RC, the touch position is in the non-overlapping region RC. The direction in which character C moves is determined.
For example, when the touch position is in the non-overlapping region RC1 and the character C is located on a path L extending at least upwardly (or vertically), the determining unit 134 determines that the character C Determine the direction of movement upwards. Furthermore, when the touch position is in the non-overlapping region RC2 and the character C is located on the path L extending at least in the right direction (or in the left-right direction), the determination unit 134 determines that the character C Decide the direction of movement to the right.
Note that character C being located on path L extending in a predetermined direction corresponds to, for example, the fact that block B does not exist closer than the minimum movement distance from the position of character C in the predetermined direction.

More specifically, pattern 1-1 corresponds to, for example, a case where the non-overlapping region RC1 is touched while the current position of the character C is on the path L2 in FIG. 1 (excluding the connection point P1). Since the non-overlapping region RC1 is associated with the upward direction and the path L2 extends upward except for the connection point P1, the character C can move upward along the path L1. Therefore, the determining unit 134 determines the moving direction of the character C to be upward.
Further, pattern 1-1 corresponds to, for example, a case where the non-overlapping region RC2 is touched while the current position of the character C is on the path L1 in FIG. Since the non-overlapping region RC2 is associated with the right direction and the path L1 extends rightward, the character C can move rightward along the path L1. Therefore, the determining unit 134 determines the moving direction of the character C to the right.

In this way, in pattern 1-1, when the touch position indicated by the touch position information is in the first area, the determining unit 134 determines whether the character C, who is on the first path in the first direction in the game space G, Determine movement in the first direction. In addition, in pattern 1-1, when the touch position indicated by the touch position information is in a second area that partially overlaps with the first area, the determining unit 134 determines that a second The movement of the character C existing on the route in the second direction is determined.
Applying to the example using FIG. 1 above, the first region is in the upper direction region RA1, the first direction is in the upper direction, the first route is in the route L2, the second region is in the right direction region RA2, and the second direction is in the upper direction. corresponds to the right direction area, and the second route corresponds to the route L1, respectively.

In the example using FIG. 1 above, the first area and the second area are a combination of an upper area RA1 and a right area RA2, but for example, a combination of a right area RA2 and a lower area RA3. , a combination of the lower region RA3 and the left region RA4, or a combination of the left region RA4 and the upper region RA1.

In addition, in the example using FIG. 1, the first area is the upper area RA1, the first direction is the upper direction, the second area is the right area RA2, and the second direction is the right direction. One area may be the right direction area RA2, the first direction may be the right direction, the second area may be the upward direction area RA1, and the second direction may be the upward direction.
That is, one of the two direction areas RA sharing the overlapping area RB is the first area, the other is the second area, and the direction associated with the first area is associated with the first direction and the second area. The direction may be defined as the second direction.

<Pattern 1-2: When the touch position is in the non-overlapping region RC and there is no path extending in the direction corresponding to the touched non-overlapping region RC>
The determining unit 134 determines to stop the movement of the character C when the touch position is in the non-overlapping region RC and there is no path extending in the direction corresponding to the touched non-overlapping region RC.
For example, if the non-overlapping region RC1 is touched while the current position of the character C is on the path L1 in FIG. 1, the direction corresponding to the touch position is upward. However, since the path L1 extends in the left-right direction and the path width is the same as the character length, the character C cannot move in the vertical direction. Therefore, the determining unit 134 determines not to move the character C, that is, to stop the character C from moving. At this time, the game control unit 131 may, for example, generate an error sound or display a display that makes it appear that a part of the character C (for example, the legs) is moving without moving the position of the character C itself. This is to make it easier for the user to understand that the character C does not move because the movement is restricted by the shape of the path L, and the possibility of an erroneous operation.

As described above, in pattern 1-2, when the touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in the first area and the movement of the object in the game space G in the first direction is prevented, the determining unit 134 determines that the object Decide to stop moving.
Applying to the example using FIG. 1 above, the first region corresponds to the upper region RA1, and the first direction corresponds to the upper direction.

<Pattern 2: When the touch position is in the overlapping area RB>
As described above, the overlapping regions RB are associated with each other in two directions.
Therefore, when the touch position is in the overlapping region RB, the determining unit 134 determines the moving direction of the character C to be one of the two directions associated with the touched overlapping region RB.

<Pattern 2-1: Case in which the extending direction of the path L where the character C is located is only one of the two directions associated with the overlapping region RB where the touch position is located>
If the extending direction of the path L where the character C is located is only one of the two directions associated with the overlap region RB where the touch position is located, the determining unit 134 determines that the character C is located in the direction of the path L. Determine the direction of movement.
Specifically, in pattern 2-1, for example, the touch position is in the overlapping region RB1, and the position of the character C is on the route L2 in FIG. 1 (excluding the connection point P1 with the route L1), or This is a case where the location is on either route L1 in FIG. When the position of the character C is on the path L2, the extending direction of the path L2 is only the upward direction among the upward and rightward directions associated with the overlapping region RB1. Determine upward. Furthermore, when the position of the character C is on the path L1, the extending direction of the path L is only the right direction among the upward and right directions associated with the overlapping region RB1. Determines the direction of movement of to the right.
Unlike pattern 2-2, which will be described later, in pattern 2-1, the moving direction is determined regardless of the touch position within the overlapping region RB.

In this way, in pattern 2-1, when the touch position indicated by the touch position information is in the first area, the determining unit 134 determines that the character C, who is on the first path in the first direction in the game space G, Determine movement in the first direction. In addition, in pattern 2-1, if the touch position indicated by the touch position information is in a second area that partially overlaps with the first area, the determining unit 134 determines that a second The movement of the character C existing on the route in the second direction is determined.
Applying to the example using FIG. 1 above, the first region is in the upper direction region RA1, the first direction is in the upper direction, the first route is in the route L2, the second region is in the right direction region RA2, and the second direction is in the upper direction. corresponds to the right direction area, and the second route corresponds to the route L1, respectively.

In the example using FIG. 1 above, the first area and the second area are a combination of an upper area RA1 and a right area RA2, but for example, a combination of a right area RA2 and a lower area RA3. , a combination of the lower region RA3 and the left region RA4, or a combination of the left region RA4 and the upper region RA1.

In addition, in the example using FIG. 1, the first area is the upper area RA1, the first direction is the upper direction, the second area is the right area RA2, and the second direction is the right direction. One area may be the right direction area RA2, the first direction may be the right direction, the second area may be the upward direction area RA1, and the second direction may be the upward direction.
That is, one of the two direction areas RA sharing the overlapping area RB is the first area, the other is the second area, and the direction associated with the first area is associated with the first direction and the second area. The direction may be defined as the second direction.

<Pattern 2-2: Case in which the extending direction of the path L where the character C is located includes both of the two directions associated with the overlapping region RB where the touch position is located>
When the extending direction of the path L on which the character C is located includes both of the two directions associated with the overlap region RB where the touch position is located, the determining unit 134 determines the character C based on the touch position in the overlap region RB. Determine the direction of movement. Specifically, the determining unit 134 determines the moving direction of the character C in the direction associated with the non-overlapping region RC that is closer to the touch position among the non-overlapping regions RC adjacent to the overlapping region RB.

Pattern 2-2 corresponds to, for example, a case where the touch position is in the overlapping region RB2 and the position of the character C is in the connection point P1 between paths L1 and L2 in FIG. At the connection point P1, the character C can move rightward, leftward, and downward. Further, the right direction and the downward direction are associated with the overlapping region RB2. Therefore, the question is whether the direction of movement of the character C should be rightward or downward.

In this case, the determining unit 134 determines the movement direction depending on which of the adjacent non-overlapping regions RC2 or RC3 the touch position in the overlapping region RB2 is closer to. Specifically, when the touch position is in the overlapping region RB2A adjacent to the non-overlapping region RC2, the determining unit 134 determines the moving direction of the character C to be rightward. Furthermore, when the touch position is in the overlapping region RB2B adjacent to the non-overlapping region RC3, the determining unit 134 determines the moving direction of the character C to be downward.
By doing so, it becomes possible to move the character C that accurately reflects the user's intention.

That is, when the touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in an overlapping area between the first area and the second area, the determining unit 134 moves the overlapping area RB to a first area of the first area that does not overlap with the second area. The area is divided into a first overlapping area that is in contact with the non-overlapping area, and a second overlapping area that is in contact with a second non-overlapping area that does not overlap with the first area of the second area. The determining unit 134 selects the moving direction of the character C at the connection point P in the first direction when the touch position exists in the first overlap region, and selects the movement direction of the character C at the connection point P in the case where the touch position exists in the second overlap region. The moving direction of character C is selected as the second direction.
Applying to the example using FIG. 1 above, the first area is in the right area RA2, the second area is in the downward area RA3, the overlapping area RB is in the overlapping area RB2, the first non-overlapping area is in the RC2, and the second area is in the downward area RA3. The first overlapping area is to RB2A, the second non-overlapping area is to RC3, the second overlapping area is to RB2B, the connection point P is to the connection point P1, the first direction is to the right, and the second direction is downward, respectively. handle.

In other words, when the one direction area RA corresponding to the first direction and the other direction area RA corresponding to the second direction overlap in the overlapping area RB, the determining unit 134 determines that the character If the extending direction of the path L along which C can move is two directions, the first direction and the second direction, if the touch position is close to one non-overlapping region RC corresponding to the first direction, the path L along which C can move extends in the first direction. The moving direction is determined, and if the touch position is close to another non-overlapping region RC corresponding to the second direction, the moving direction is determined to be the second direction.

For example, when the overlapping area RB3 (corresponding to the downward and leftward directions) is touched at the position of the character C3 in FIG. The moving direction of the character C may be determined by the following method.

In the example using FIG. 1 above, the first area and the second area are a combination of the right direction area RA2 and the downward direction area RA3, but for example, the first area and the second area are a combination of the upward direction area RA1 and the right direction area RA2. , a combination of the lower region RA3 and the left region RA4, or a combination of the left region RA4 and the upper region RA1.

Further, in the example using FIG. 1, the first area is the right direction area RA2, the first direction is the right direction, the second area is the downward direction area RA3, and the second direction is the downward direction. One area may be a downward area RA3, the first direction may be a downward direction, the second area may be a rightward area RA2, and the second direction may be a rightward direction.
That is, one of the two direction areas RA sharing the overlapping area RB is the first area, the other is the second area, and the direction associated with the first area is associated with the first direction and the second area. The direction may be defined as the second direction.

<Pattern 2-3: Case in which the extending direction of the path L where the character C is located does not include either of the two directions associated with the overlapping region RB where the touch position is located>
The determining unit 134 determines to stop the movement of the character C when the extending direction of the path L where the character C is located does not include either of the two directions associated with the overlapping region RB where the touch position is located. do.
For example, if the overlapping region RB4 is touched while the current position of the character C is at the connection point P2 in FIG. 1, the directions corresponding to the touched position are the left direction and the upward direction. However, at the connection point P2, the route L1 extends only in the right direction, and the route L4 extends only in the downward direction. Therefore, there is no path extending in the direction corresponding to the touch position.
Therefore, the determining unit 134 determines not to move the character C, that is, to stop the character C from moving. At this time, similar to pattern 1-2, the game control unit 131 may, for example, generate an error sound or create a pattern in which a part of character C (for example, a leg) is moving without moving the position of character C itself. It may also be displayed. This is to make it easier for the user to understand that the character C does not move because the movement is restricted by the shape of the path L, and the possibility of an erroneous operation.

Thus, in pattern 2-3, the determining unit 134 determines that the touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in the overlapping area of the first area and the second area, and that the touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in the overlapping area of the first area and the second area, and If movement in two directions is prevented, it is decided to stop the movement of the object.
Applying this to the example using FIG. 1 above, the first area is the upper area RA1, the second area is the left area RA4, and the overlapping area between the first area and the second area is the overlapping area RB4. The first direction corresponds to the upper direction, and the second direction corresponds to the left direction.

In the example using FIG. 1 above, the first area and the second area are a combination of the upper area RA1 and the left area RA4, but for example, the first area and the second area are a combination of the upper area RA1 and the right area RA2. , or a combination of the right direction area RA2 and the downward direction area RA3, or a combination of the downward direction area RA3 and the left direction area RA4.

In addition, in the example using FIG. 1, the first area is the upper area RA1, the first direction is the upper direction, the second area is the left area RA4, and the second direction is the left direction. One area may be the left direction area RA4, the first direction may be the left direction, the second area may be the upward direction area RA1, and the second direction may be the upward direction.
That is, one of the two direction areas RA sharing the overlapping area RB is the first area, the other is the second area, and the direction associated with the first area is associated with the first direction and the second area. The direction may be defined as the second direction.

The determining unit 134 further functions as a selecting unit 136 and a display control unit 138 (see FIG. 2B).
When there is a connection point P with another route L on the moving direction side of the character C, the selection unit 136 selects the moving direction of the character C at the connection point P based on the touch position information.
The selection unit 136 is obtained, for example, by referring to map data of the game space G included in the game application program. For example, the determining unit 134 refers to map data of a predetermined range from the current position of the character C in the game space G, and determines whether there is a connection point P with another route L on the moving direction side of the character C. . Although the predetermined range is arbitrary, for example, it may be the range of the game space G currently displayed on the touch panel 11, it may be within a predetermined distance on the game space G from the current position of the character C, or it may be a range defined by the game. It may be a range that can be reached within a predetermined time when the character C moves along the route L at the moving speed of the character C.

The selection unit 136 selects the moving direction of the character C at the connection point P, assuming that the current touch position continues until the character C reaches the connection point P.
The method of selecting the movement direction by the selection unit 136 is the same as the method of determining the movement direction by the determination unit 134 described above, that is, the patterns 1-1, 1-2, 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3.
Note that if the touch position is changed before the character C reaches the connection point P, the selection unit 136 may reselect the moving direction of the character C at the connection point P based on the changed touch position.

The display control unit 138 displays in the game space G an image indicating the selection result by the selection unit 136 (hereinafter referred to as a “selection result image”).
The selection result image may be, for example, an icon indicating the route selected by the selection unit 136.

4 to 6 are diagrams showing examples of displays on the touch panel 11 in the first embodiment.
The touch panel 11 shown in FIG. 4 has a path L5 extending in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction), a path L6 extending in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction), and a path L5 and a path L6 in the game space G. An area including the connection point P3 is displayed. The path widths of path 5 and path L6 are equal to the character length, and character C cannot move in the path width direction on path 5 and path L6. Further, a block B is arranged on the left side of the connection point P3, and the character C who has moved leftward along the path L6 cannot move to the left side of the connection point P3. That is, the route L6 terminates at the connection point P3.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the character C4 is located below the connection point P3 of the route L5, and that the touch position is located at any position in the overlapping region RB1 shown by hatching.
In this case, the determining unit 134 determines the moving direction of the character C4 upward in accordance with the pattern 2-1. That is, the path L5 where the character C4 is located extends in the vertical direction, and the overlapping region RB1, which is the touch position, is associated with the upward direction and the right direction. Decide upward.

In the moving direction (upward) of the character C4 determined by the determination unit 134, there is a connection point P3 between the route L5 and the route L6.
For example, if the touch position by the user remains in the overlapping region RB1, the connection point P3 will be in the state of pattern 2-2, and the character C4 will move either upward or to the right. However, it is difficult for the user himself to grasp in which direction the character C4 will move at the connection point P3 if the current operating state is continued. If the character C4 does not move in the direction desired by the user at the connection point P3, the operation of instructing the movement direction at the connection point P3 is an erroneous operation for the user. If an erroneous operation occurs, the user may suffer disadvantages in the progress of the game, such as, for example, losing time in order to change the direction of the character C4.

Therefore, when there is a connecting point P with another route L on the moving direction side of the character C4, the determining unit 134 uses the selecting unit 136 to select in advance the moving direction based on the current touch position. Further, the determining unit 134 causes the display control unit 138 to display the selection result image in the game space G before the character C4 reaches the connection point P.
The user can check the displayed selection result image and decide in advance (before the character C4 reaches the connection point P) whether to continue the current touch position or change the touch position. , erroneous operations can be suppressed.

For example, the selection unit 136 selects a connection point based on the touch position information only when the touch position is in the overlapping region RB and there is a connection point P with another route L on the moving direction side of the character C. The moving direction of the character C in P may also be selected.
According to this embodiment, when the touch position is in the overlapping region RB and it is relatively difficult to estimate the movement direction at the connection point P, the user can grasp the movement direction at the connection point P in advance, Misoperation can be suppressed. Further, for example, when there is a connection point P on the moving direction side of the character C, the user can determine whether the touch position is in the overlapping area RB or in the non-overlapping area RC, based on whether the selection result image is displayed. You can figure out if there is.

In this embodiment, the description will be made assuming that the moving direction at the connection point P is selected even when the touch position is in the non-overlapping region RC.

Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the touch position T is in the overlapping region RB1A, the selection unit 136 selects the upward movement direction of the character C4 at the connection point P3. This is an application of the above pattern 2-2 in the determination unit 134.
The display control unit 138 displays a mark M1 in the game space G indicating that the moving direction of the character C4 at the connection point P3 is upward before the character C4 reaches the connection point P3.
Mark M1 is an example of a selection result image.
In the example of FIG. 5, the mark M1 has three triangular shapes whose bases extend along the width direction of the path L5 and whose diagonal apex angles are located upwards with respect to the base along the extending direction of the path L5. It has a connected shape. Such a mark M1 reminds the user of upward movement.
Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 5, the display position of the mark M1 is near the connection point P3 on the route L5. By displaying the mark M1 near the connection point P3, the user can easily understand that the moving direction of the character C4 indicated by the mark M1 is the moving direction at the connection point P3.
By looking at the mark M1, the user can understand that the character C4 moves upward at the connection point P3. When allowing upward movement of the character C4 at the connection point P3, the user only has to maintain the touch position T as it is. On the other hand, when the user wants to move the character C4 to the right at the connection point P3, the user moves the touch position T to the non-overlapping area RC2 side (see FIG. 3) so that the touch position T becomes the overlapping area RB1B. Just do it.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the touch position T is in the overlapping region RB1B, the selection unit 136 selects the moving direction of the character C at the connection point P3 to the right. This is an application of the above pattern 2-2 in the determination unit 134.
The display control unit 138 displays a mark M2 in the game space G indicating that the moving direction of the character C4 at the connection point P3 is to the right before the character C4 reaches the connection point P3.
The mark M2 is also an example of the selection result image.
In the example of FIG. 6, the mark M2 has three triangles whose bases extend along the width direction of the path L6 and whose diagonal apex angles are located on the right side with respect to the base, along the extending direction of the path L6. It has a connected shape. Such a mark M2 reminds the user to move to the right.
Further, in the example of FIG. 6, the display position of the mark M2 is a location near the connection point P3 on the route L6. By displaying the mark M2 near the connection point P3, the user can easily understand that the moving direction of the character C4 indicated by the mark M2 is the moving direction at the connection point P3.
By looking at the mark M2, the user can understand that the character C4 moves to the right at the connection point P3. When allowing the character C4 to move to the right at the connection point P3, the user only has to maintain the touch position as it is. On the other hand, if the user wants to move the character C4 upward at the connection point P3, the user can move the touch position to the non-overlapping area RC1 side (see FIG. 3) so that the touch position is in the overlapping area RB1A. Bye.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the touch position T is in the overlapping region RB1A and the mark M1 indicating upward movement is displayed near the connection point P3 on the path L5. Assume that the touch position T is moved to the overlapping region RB1B before reaching the connection point P3. In this case, the selection unit 136 changes the movement direction at the connection point P3 to the right, and the display control unit 138 causes the image displayed near the connection point P3 to indicate movement to the right as shown in FIG. Change to mark M2.

In this way, the selection unit 136 determines that the touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in the overlapping area RB of the first area and the second area, and that the touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in the overlapping area RB of the first area and the second area, and that the first route and the When there are two connecting points P, the moving direction of the character C at the connecting point P is selected from the first direction and the second direction based on the touch position information.
The display control unit 138 displays the selection result image in the game space before the character C reaches the connection point.
Applying this to the example using FIGS. 4 to 6 above, the first area is the upper area RA1, the second area is the right area RA2, and the overlapping area between the first area and the second area is the overlapping area. In RB1, the moving direction of character C is upward, the connection point between the first route and the second route is in P3, the first direction is upward, the second direction is rightward, and the image showing the selection result is They correspond to mark M1 and mark M2, respectively.

In addition, the selection unit 136 selects the overlapping region as a first overlapping region that is in contact with a first non-overlapping region that does not overlap with the second region of the first region, and a second non-overlapping region that does not overlap with the first region of the second region. The area is divided into a second overlapping area that is in contact with the area, and if the touch position exists in the first overlapping area, the movement direction of the character C at the connection point is selected in the first direction, and the touch position exists in the second overlapping area. In this case, the moving direction of the character C at the connection point is selected as the second direction.
Applying this to the example using FIGS. 4 to 6 above, the overlapping area is the overlapping area RB1, the first area is the upper area RA1, the second area is the right area RA2, and the first non-overlapping area is the overlapping area RB1. The first overlap region is in the non-overlapping region RC1, the first overlap region is in the overlap region RB1A, the second non-overlapping region is in the non-overlapping region RC2, the second overlap region is in RB1B, the connection point is in the connection point P3, and the first direction is upward. , the second direction corresponds to the right direction, respectively.

Furthermore, the display control unit 138 displays the selection result image at a position based on the connection point P in the game space.
The position based on the connection point P may be, for example, a position that has a predetermined positional relationship with the connection point P, a position that is within a predetermined distance from the connection point P, or , may be a position in a predetermined direction with respect to the connection point P. Specifically, the position based on the connection point P may be, for example, the position of the connection point in the game space G, or a position advanced in the movement direction selected by the selection unit 136 with the connection point P as a reference. It may be a position between the connection point P and the object. Further, the position based on the connection point P may be, for example, a movement restricted space (for example, on a block) around the connection point P.
Applying the example using FIGS. 4 to 6 above, the selection result image corresponds to the marks M1 and M2, and the position based on the connection point P corresponds to the path L that is a predetermined distance or less from the connection point P3, respectively.

Note that the selection unit 136 selects, for example, two directions associated with the overlapping region RB where the touch position exists, and an extending direction of the plurality of paths L connected to the connection point P on the moving direction side of the character C. If at least one of them does not match (for example, when the touch position is in the overlapping region RB1 and there is a connection point P between the path L extending upward and the path L extending leftward), or If the above two directions are not included in the extending direction of the plurality of routes L connected to the connection point P (for example, when the touch position is in the overlapping area RB1, the route L extending to the right and the route L extending to the left Even if there is a connection point P with the route L extending to the path L), the moving direction of the character C at the connection point P may be selected.

Next, an example of the operation of the control unit 130 of the information processing device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. The operation shown in FIG. 7 is started when a predetermined start operation is performed.

The acquisition unit 132 acquires touch position information indicating the touch position on the touch panel 11 (step S100).
If the touch position indicated by the touch position information is not located within the operation area R (step S102: NO), the control unit 130 returns to step S100.
If the touch position is located within the operation area R (step S102: YES), the determining unit 134 executes a subroutine of current movement direction determination processing to determine the movement direction of the character C from the current position (step S104).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the current moving direction determination process.
The determining unit 134 determines whether the touch position indicated by the touch position information is located in any non-overlapping area RC of the operation area R (step S200). When the touch position is located in the non-overlapping region RC (step S200: YES), the determining unit 134 determines that there is a path L extending from the position of the character C in a direction associated with the touched non-overlapping region RC. It is determined whether or not (step S202).
If there is a route L (step S202: YES), the determining unit 134 determines the moving direction of the character C in the direction associated with the touched non-overlapping region RC (step S204), and ends the process of this flowchart. do.
On the other hand, if there is no route L (step S202: NO), the determining unit 134 determines to stop the movement of the character C from the current position (step S208), and ends the process of this flowchart.

If the touch position is not located in the non-overlapping region RC (step S200: NO), it means that the touch position is located in the overlapping region RB.
The determining unit 134 determines whether there is a path L extending from the position of the character C in at least one of the two directions associated with the touched overlap region RB (step S206).
If there is no route L (step S206: NO), the determining unit 134 determines to stop the movement of the character C from the current position (step S208), and ends the process of this flowchart.

If there is a route L (step S206: YES), the determining unit 134 determines whether there is only one route L, that is, the route L extending in one of the two directions associated with the touched overlap region RB. It is determined whether there are only two routes L going in two directions (step S210).
If there is one route L (step S210: YES), the determining unit 134 determines the moving direction of the character C in the extending direction of the route L (step S212), and ends the process of this flowchart.
Further, if there is not one route L (step S210: NO), that is, if there are two routes L, the determining unit 134 determines the moving direction of the character C based on the touch position in the overlap region RB (step S214), the process of this flowchart ends. More specifically, the determining unit 134 moves the character C in the direction associated with the non-overlapping region RC that is closer to the touch position among the two non-overlapping regions RC adjacent to the touched overlapping region RB. Determine direction.

When the current movement direction determination process in step S104 is completed, if the movement direction of the character C from the current position is determined by the current movement direction determination process (steps S204, S212, S214), the game control unit 131 determines the movement direction from the current position of the character C. The character C in the game space G is moved in the specified movement direction. Further, if the current movement direction determination process determines to stop the movement of the character C (step S208), the game control unit 131 stops the movement of the character C in the game space G.

Further, when the current movement direction determination process in step S104 is completed, the selection unit 136 determines whether the movement direction of the character C from the current position has been determined by the current movement direction determination process (step S106). If the moving direction from the current position has not been determined (step S106: NO), that is, if there is no path L along which the character C can move and the character C stops moving at the current position, the control unit 130 returns to step S100.

On the other hand, if the moving direction from the current position has been determined (step S106: YES), the selection unit 136 determines whether there is a connection point P to which another route L connects to the route L on the moving direction side. (Step S108).
If there is no connection point P (step S108: NO), the control unit 130 returns to step S100.
On the other hand, if there is a connection point P (step S108: YES), the selection unit 136 executes a subroutine of connection point movement direction selection processing for selecting the movement direction of the character C at the connection point P (step S110).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of connection point movement direction selection processing.
The selection unit 136 determines whether the touch position indicated by the touch position information is located in any non-overlapping area RC in the operation area R (step S300). When the touch position is located in the non-overlapping region RC (step S300: YES), the selection unit 136 determines whether there is a path L extending from the connection point P in the direction associated with the touched non-overlapping region RC. It is determined whether or not (step S302).
If there is a route L (step S302: YES), the selection unit 136 selects the moving direction of the character C from the connection point P in the direction associated with the touched non-overlapping region RC (step S304), and End the flowchart processing.
On the other hand, if there is no route L (step S302: NO), the selection unit 136 selects to stop the movement of the character C at the connection point P (step S308), and ends the process of this flowchart.

If the touch position is not located in the non-overlapping region RC (step S300: NO), it means that the touch position is located in the overlapping region RB.
The selection unit 136 determines whether there is a route L extending from the connection point P in at least one of the two directions associated with the touched overlap region RB (step S306).
If there is no route L (step S306: NO), the selection unit 136 selects to stop the movement of the character C at the connection point P (step S308), and ends the process of this flowchart.

If there is a route L (step S306: YES), the selection unit 136 determines whether there is one route L or not, that is, the route L extending in one of the two directions associated with the touched overlap region RB. It is determined whether there is only one path or two paths L going in two directions (step S310).
If there is one route L (step S310: YES), the selection unit 136 selects the moving direction of the character C from the connecting point P to the extending direction of the route L (step S312), and ends the process of this flowchart. .
Further, if there is not one route L (step S310: NO), that is, if there are two routes L, the selection unit 136 selects the moving direction of the character C based on the touch position in the overlap region RB (step S314), the process of this flowchart ends. More specifically, the selection unit 136 moves the character C in the direction associated with the non-overlapping region RC that is closer to the touch position among the two non-overlapping regions RC adjacent to the touched overlapping region RB. Choose a direction.

When the connection point movement direction selection process in step S110 ends, the display control unit 138 determines whether the movement direction of the character C from the connection point P has been selected in the connection point movement direction selection process (step S112). If the direction of movement from the connection point P is not selected (step S112: NO), that is, if there is no path L along which the character C can move at the connection point P and the character C stops moving at the connection point P, the control unit 130 , the process returns to step S100.

On the other hand, if the moving direction from the connecting point P is selected (step S112: YES), the display control unit 138 displays a selection result image, that is, an image showing the moving direction of the character C at the connecting point P in the game space G. is displayed (step S114), and the control unit 130 returns to step S100.
For example, if the character C passes through the connection point P after the selection result image is displayed in step S114, the determination as to whether there is a connection point P on the movement direction side in step S108 is NO, so the process is continued. Step S114 is not reached and the selection result image is no longer displayed.
Further, for example, if the character C changes the movement direction after the selection result image is displayed in step S114, and the connection point P is no longer located on the movement direction side, the connection point P is no longer located on the movement direction side in step S108. Since the determination as to whether P exists is NO, the process does not reach step S114 and the selection result image is no longer displayed.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, if there is a connecting point between the paths L on the side in the moving direction of the character C in the game space G, the selection unit 136 selects the moving direction of the character C at the connecting point. However, the display control unit 138 displays the selection result image before the character C reaches the connection point P.
Thereby, the user can grasp in advance the moving direction of the character C at the connection point P, and it is possible to suppress erroneous operations such as instructing the character C to move in an unintended direction.

In the first embodiment, for example, the configuration illustrated below may be adopted.

[Modification A1]
In the first embodiment described above, the display control unit 138 displayed the selection result image at a position based on the connection point P in the game space G. The present invention is not limited to this, and the display control unit 138 may display the selection result image at a position based on the character C in the game space G.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, for example, a mark M5 representing the selection result may be displayed in front of and near the character C8.
The "position based on the character C" may be, for example, a position that has a predetermined positional relationship with the character C, a position that is within a predetermined distance from the character C, or, The position may be in a predetermined direction with respect to the character C. Specifically, the "position based on the character C" may be, for example, the current position of the character C in the game space G, or a position on the forward or backward path of the character C in the direction of movement. Good too. Further, the "position based on character C" may be, for example, a movement-restricted space around character C (for example, on block B).
Generally, a user often looks at the character C while playing a game. By displaying the selection result image at a position based on the character C, the user can check the selection result image without significantly moving his or her line of sight from the character C.

[Modification A2]
In the first embodiment described above, the selection result image is an image showing the selection result at the connection point P located within the display range of the touch panel 11. The present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a selection result image corresponding to a connection point P located outside the display range of the touch panel 11 may be displayed.
That is, the display control unit 138 causes the touch panel 11 to display an image representing a part of the game space G, and displays the selection result image in a range of the game space G that is displayed on the touch panel 11 (hereinafter referred to as "display range"). ) and the connection point P may be displayed at a position based on the positional relationship between the connection point P and the connection point P.
The "image representing a part of the game space" is, for example, an image that is extracted from a part of the game space G, and is an image that does not display the entire area of the game space G. The image representing a part of the game space G is, for example, an image obtained by extracting a predetermined range from the game space G based on the position of the character C.
Further, the "position based on the positional relationship between the display range and the connection point" may be a position that is selectively changed depending on whether or not the connection point P is included in the display range, for example. For example, if the connection point P is located within the display range, the connection point P is displayed, and if the connection point P is located outside the display range, it is displayed on the character C (or between the character C and the connection point within the display range). The position in between) may be set as "the position based on the positional relationship between the display range and the connection point".

17 and 18 are diagrams illustrating an example of a display mode of a display selection result image on the touch panel 11 in modification A2.
17 and 18 illustrate a game space G that is wider than the display range 11A of the touch panel 11. In FIGS. 17 and 18, the display range 11A of the touch panel 11 is a predetermined range based on the position of the character C8. Therefore, as the character C8 moves, the display range 11A of the touch panel 11 also moves.
The character C8 is moving rightward along a path L12 extending in the X-axis direction. Outside the display range 11A on the moving direction side of the character C8, the route L12 connects with a route L13 extending in the Y-axis direction. The connection point between route L12 and route L13 is assumed to be P5.
For example, if the area to be processed by the selection unit 136 (for example, the map data acquisition range) is wider than the display range 11A at least in the moving direction of the character C8 (for example, the area 136A shown in FIG. 17), the connection point The moving direction at the connection point P5 is selected before P5 is displayed on the touch panel 11. In the example of FIG. 17, it is assumed that the character C8 moves upward at the connection point P5, for example.

The display control unit 138 displays this selection result before the connection point P5 is displayed on the touch panel 11.
Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, a mark M5, which is a selection result image, may be displayed near the character C8. The display position of the mark M5 is changed in conjunction with the movement of the character C. That is, the mark M5 is displayed such that its display position and the position of the character C8 are constant.
The mark M5 has a base extending along the X direction, which is the width direction of the route L13, and a triangle whose diagonal apex angle is located upwards with respect to the base, extends along the Y direction, which is the extending direction of the route L13. It has the shape of three connected parts. Such a mark M5 reminds the user of upward movement.
By looking at the mark M5, the user can know in advance (before the connecting point P5 enters the display range) that the connecting point P5 is in the moving direction of the character C8. Furthermore, by looking at the mark M5, the user can know in advance (before reaching the connection point P5) that the moving direction of the character C8 at the connection point P5 is upward.
Furthermore, in general, a user who is playing a game often looks at the character C. By displaying the mark M5 near the character C8, the user can check the mark M5 without significantly moving his or her line of sight from the character C8.

Although the mark M5 is displayed in front of and near the character C8 in FIG. 17, it may be displayed in various "positions based on the character C" as shown in modification A1.
It can be said that FIG. 17 shows the display mode of modification A1.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, a mark M5 may be displayed at an end of the display range 11A of the touch panel 11 near the connection point P5. By displaying the mark M5 at the end of the touch panel 11, the user can intuitively grasp the direction in which the connection point P5 is located.

In addition, in the display mode of FIG. 17, when the character C8 moves and the connection point P5 enters the display range of the touch panel 11, the display position of the mark M5 may be changed to the position of the connection point P5, for example. , the display position of the mark M5 may remain in the vicinity of the character C8. Further, for example, the mark M5 may be displayed at two locations: the connection point P5 and the vicinity of the character C8.
In addition, in the display mode of FIG. 18, when the character C8 moves and the connection point P5 enters the display range of the touch panel 11, for example, when the display position of the mark M5 overlaps with the connection point P5, the game of the mark M5 The movement with respect to the space G may be stopped and the display position of the mark M5 may be set to the position of the connection point P5.

Further, for example, the display mode of the selection result image may be changed based on the position of the display range 11A and the connection point P5, in other words, based on the positional relationship between the character C and the connection point P5. Specifically, for example, the closer the position of the character C and the connection point P5 is, the darker the display color of the selection result image, the larger the size of the selection result image, or the faster the blinking speed of the selection result image. You may also
Thereby, the user can intuitively grasp the positional relationship between the character C and the connection point P that is not within the display range of the touch panel 11.

[Modification A3]
In the first embodiment described above, the selection unit 136 selects the movement direction at the connection point P closest to the character C on the path L along which the character C moves, and the display control unit 138 displays the selection result image. . The selection unit 136 is not limited to this, for example, the selection unit 136 selects each of the movement directions at a plurality of connection points P on the path L along which the character C moves, and the display control unit 138 displays each selection result image. You can also do this.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the touch panel 11 in modification A3.
The touch panel 11 shown in FIG. 19 has the same game space G as in FIGS. 4 to 6, that is, a path L5 extending in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction) and a path L6 extending in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction). An area including the connection point P3 between the route L5 and the route L6 is displayed.
Here, the route L5 is connected to the route L14 at a connection point P6 located above the connection point P3. The path L14 extends in the X-axis direction (left-right direction), and the path width is equal to the character length. A block B is arranged above the connection point P6, and the character C4, which has moved upward along the path L5, cannot move above the connection point P6. That is, the route L5 terminates at the connection point P6.

Here, as shown in FIG. 19, it is assumed that the character C4 is located below the connection point P3 of the path L5, and that the touch position is in the overlap region RB1A.
In this case, as described using FIGS. 4 and 5, the determining unit 134 determines the moving direction of the character C4 on the path L5 to be upward. Further, the selection unit 136 selects the moving direction of the character C4 at the connection point P3 to be upward. Before the character C4 reaches the connection point P3, the display control unit 138 displays a mark M1 near the connection point P3 in the game space G, indicating that the moving direction of the character C4 at the connection point P3 is upward. .

As a result of moving upward through the connection point P3, the character C4 reaches the connection point P6. That is, on the moving direction side of the character C4, there is a connection point P6 with the route L14. Therefore, the selection unit 136 selects the moving direction of the character C4 at the connection point P6 based on the touch position. In the example of FIG. 19, the touch position is in the overlap region RB1A. Although the overlapping region RB1A (overlapping region RB1) is associated with the upward direction and the rightward direction, the direction in which the connection point P6 can be moved is the rightward direction or the leftward direction. That is, as in pattern 2-1 above, the route L extending in one direction (the route L14 extending in the right direction) out of the two directions (upward and rightward) associated with the overlapping region RB1 ) exists. Therefore, the selection unit 136 selects the moving direction of the character C4 at the connection point P6 to the right, and the display control unit 138 selects the selection result image of the moving direction of the character C4 at the connection point P6 in the connection point P6 of the game space G. Display near.

That is, the selection unit 136 selects the first direction as the moving direction of the character C at the first connection point, the touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in the overlap region RB, and the connection point P If there is a second connection point where the third route heading in the third direction and the first route connect on the moving direction side of the character C who has passed through the The moving direction is selected from the first direction and the third direction. The display control unit 138 displays, in the game space G, a selection result image corresponding to the first connection location and a selection result image corresponding to the second connection location.
The "third direction" is a direction in the game space G. The third direction is a direction different from at least the first direction. Further, the third direction may be different from the first direction and the second direction. Further, the third direction may be the same direction as the second direction.
Applying to the example using FIG. 19 above, the first direction is upward, the first connection point is to connection point P3, the overlap region RB is to overlap region RB1A, the third direction is to the right, and the third route is The first route is the route L5, the second connection point is the connection point P6, the selection result image corresponding to the first connection point is the mark M1, and the selection result image corresponding to the second connection point is the mark M6. correspond to each.

By doing this, the user can check the movement direction at the plurality of connection points P in advance (before the character C reaches the connection point P) and judge whether or not to change the touch position. It is possible to prevent erroneous operations. In particular, when the distance between adjacent connection points P is short, in a mode in which only the selection result of the connection point P in front of the character C is displayed, the movement direction instruction operation for the next connection point P cannot be done in time. there is a possibility. By displaying the movement directions at the plurality of connection points P in advance, the user can easily perform the movement direction instruction operation.

[Modification A4]
In the first embodiment, a selection result image is displayed when the movement direction at the connection point P is determined, and when the movement of the character C is stopped at the connection point P (step S112 in FIG. 7: NO) was not displayed.
The display control unit 138 is not limited to this, and even when the movement of the character C is stopped at the connection point P, the display control unit 138 may display an image indicating that.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on the touch panel 11 in modification A4.
The touch panel 11 shown in FIG. 20 includes a path L15 extending in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction), a path L16 extending in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction), and a connection point P7 between the path L15 and the path L16. The area containing is displayed.
Block B is arranged above the connection point P7, and the character C9, which has moved upward along the path L15, cannot move above the connection point P7. That is, the route L15 terminates at the connection point P7. Further, a block B is also arranged on the right side of the connection point P7, and the character C9, which has moved rightward along the path L16, cannot move to the right side of the connection point P7. That is, the route L16 also terminates at the connection point P7.

It is assumed that the character C9 is located below the connection point P7 of the path L15, and that the touch position is in the overlapping region RB1.
In this case, the determining unit 134 determines the moving direction of the character C9 on the path L15 to be upward. A connection point P7 is located on the moving direction side of the route L15. The selection unit 136 selects the moving direction of the character C9 at the connection point P7 by referring to the map data ahead of the moving direction of the character C.
For example, in FIG. 20, the movement of the character C9 is blocked by the block B above the connection point P7. If a path extending to the right is connected to the connection point P7, the character C9 will move to the right because the touch position is at RB1, and stopping can be avoided. However, a path L16 extending only to the left is connected to the connection point P7, making it impossible to avoid stopping.
Therefore, the selection unit 136 selects that the character C9 should stop at the connection point P7.

The display control unit 138 displays an image indicating that the character C9 stops at the connection point P7 in the game space G as a selection result image.
In the example of FIG. 20, the display control unit 138 displays an "x" mark M7 at the position of the connection point P7. Although the display position of the mark M7 is arbitrary, it is preferable that the user be able to grasp at which position the character C9 will stop, so it is preferable that the position is based on the position where the movement of the character C9 is blocked, for example. .

Further, for example, when the determination unit 134 determines that the movement of the character C is to be stopped at a place other than the connection point P (for example, the end of the route L), this also indicates that the movement of the character C is stopped. Images may also be displayed.
For example, if the character C is moving toward a block B that is farther away than the minimum movement distance of the character C and the character C stops moving at the position of the block B, the determining unit 134 determines in advance ( It may be determined to stop the movement of the character C (before the distance between the character C and the block B becomes equal to or less than the minimum movement distance of the character C).
In this case as well, the display control unit 138 may display, in the game space G, an image showing the result of the decision to stop by the decision unit 134.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the selection unit 136 is part of the determination unit 134. Therefore, for example, even when the selection unit 136 selects to stop the character C at the connection point P as illustrated in FIG. I can say that.

That is, the determining unit 134 determines that the touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in the first area or the second area, and movement in the first direction and the second direction is prevented on the movement direction side of the character C in the game space G. If there is a location where the character C is blocked, it is determined that the movement of the character C is stopped at the location where the movement is blocked. The display control unit 138 displays, in the game space G, an image showing the determination result by the determination unit 134.
Applying the example using FIG. 20, the first area is upward, the second area is rightward, the first direction is upward, the second direction is rightward, and the portion where movement is blocked is connected. The image showing the determination result at the location P7 corresponds to the mark M7.

The "location where movement is blocked" is, for example, a location where an obstacle (environmental component) such as a block B that restricts the movement of the character C is placed.
Further, the "image indicating the determination result" is, for example, an image suggesting that the movement of the character C is stopped. The "image showing the decision result" may be an image that is easily distinguishable from the "image showing the selection result" such as the mark M1 in FIG. 4, for example, the mark M1 in FIG. It may also be an image imitating a sign.

By doing this, the user can know in advance that the character C will stop on the route L, and can perform operations to avoid the stop (for example, change the touch position) as necessary. can.

[Modification A5]
In the first embodiment, the display control unit 138 may display an image indicating the touch position in the operation region R, particularly in the overlapping region RB. Further, this image may also serve as the selection result image.

21 to 23 are diagrams showing examples of displays on the touch panel 11 in modification A5.
The touch panel 11 shown in FIGS. 21 to 23 has a path L5 extending in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction) and a path L5 extending in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) in the game space G, as in FIG. 4 etc. An area including route L6 and connection point P3 between route L5 and route L6 is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 21, for example, if the character C4 is located below the connection point P3 of the path L5 and the touch position is in the non-overlapping region RC1, the determining unit 134 Then, the moving direction of the character C4 is determined to be upward.
The selection unit 136 selects the upward movement direction of the character C4 at the connection point P3 in accordance with the pattern 1-1. In other words, movement to route L5 is selected.
The display control unit 138 displays the mark M8 as the selection result image. The mark M8 is a mark indicating the route L5 selected by the selection unit 136 among the two routes L5 and L6 connected at the connection point P3. Specifically, the mark M8 is formed by connecting three triangles whose bases extend along the width direction of the route L5 and whose opposite apex angles are located upwardly with respect to the base along the extending direction of the route L5. It takes on the shape of an object. The three triangles forming mark M8 are displayed in the same color tone. Further, the mark M8 is on the path L5 near the connection point P3. Such a mark M8 reminds the user to move to the route L5.

Assume that the touch position T moves from the state shown in FIG. 21 to the overlapping region RB1A, for example, as shown in FIG. 22. The touch position T in FIG. 22 is an area close to the non-overlapping area RC1 in the overlapping area RB1A.
The selection unit 136 selects the moving direction of the character C4 at the connection point P3 in accordance with the pattern 2-2. Since the touch position T is in the overlap region RB1A adjacent to the non-overlap region RC1 in the overlap region RB1, the selection unit 136 selects the moving direction of the character C4 upward, that is, the route L5.
The display control unit 138 continuously displays the mark M8 on the route L5 and displays the mark M9 on the route L6 as the selection result image. The mark M9 is a triangle whose base extends along the width direction of the path L6 and whose diagonal apex angle is located on the right side with respect to the base. The color of the mark M9 is displayed in a lighter tone (for example, lower in brightness or saturation) than the three triangles forming the mark M8. Further, among the three triangles forming the mark M8, the one farthest from the connection point P3 is displayed in a lighter tone than the mark M8 in FIG.
The mark M8 indicates that the route L5 has been selected as the moving direction of the character C4, as described above. Further, the mark M9 has changed in touch position T compared to FIG. 21, so that the path L6 can also be selected as the moving direction of the character C4, that is, the touch position T has entered the overlap region RB1. It shows.

Furthermore, assume that the touch position T changes from the state of FIG. 22 to a region of the overlapping region RB1A that is close to the overlapping region RB1B, as shown in FIG. 23, for example.
In FIG. 23, as in the case of FIG. 22, the selection result by the selection unit 136 is route L5.
On the other hand, the display control unit 138 changes the display mode of the mark M8 and the mark M9. Specifically, for example, in the mark M9, two triangles whose bases extend along the width direction of the route L6 and whose opposite apex angles are located on the right side with respect to the base are connected along the route L6. . That is, the mark M9 in FIG. 23 has one additional triangle compared to the mark M9 in FIG. 22. The color of the two triangles forming the mark M9 is darker on the side closer to the connection point P3, and lighter on the side farther from the connection point P3. Further, the color tone of the three triangles forming the mark M8 also becomes lighter as the distance from the connection point P3 increases.
Such a display indicates that the route L5 has been selected as the moving direction of the character C4, and allows the user to recognize that the touch position T is approaching the area where the route L6 is selected (overlapping area RB1B). Can be done. For example, the user can grasp the touch position in the operation area R without looking at the operation area R, which is advantageous in improving the operability.

Note that, for example, when the touch position T enters the overlap region RB1B from the state shown in FIG. 23, the movement direction at the connection point P3 becomes rightward. In this case, the display control unit 138 adds one triangle to mark M9 to display a shape in which three triangles are connected, and deletes one triangle from mark M8 to display a shape in which two triangles are connected. Display in . As a result, the display area of the mark M9 becomes larger than the display area of the mark M8, and the user can recognize that the route L6 corresponding to the mark M9 is the route L selected as the moving direction at the connection point P3. Become.
Furthermore, when the touch position T moves to a position close to the non-overlapping region RC2 in the overlapping region RB1B, the display control unit 138 adds one more triangle from the mark M8 while keeping the mark M9 in the shape of three connected triangles. Delete it to make one triangle.
Further, when the touch position T moves to the non-overlapping region RC2, the display control unit 138 ends displaying the mark M8 and displays only the mark M9.

That is, when the touch position T is located in the overlapping area RB of the first area and the second area, the display control unit 138 displays an image showing the positional relationship between the touch position and at least either the first area or the second area. indicate.
In this case, the display control unit 138 displays a first image indicating the direction selected by the selection unit 136 from among the first direction and the second direction, and a first image indicating the direction selected by the selection unit 136 from among the first direction and the second direction. and a second image showing the direction in which the touch screen is displayed, and the visual effects of the first image and the second image are changed based on the touch position in the overlapping region RB.
Applying to the examples of FIGS. 21 to 23, the first area is in the upper area RA1, the second area is in the right area RA2, the overlapping area RB is in the overlapping area RB1, and the images showing the positional relationship are the mark M8 and the mark Each corresponds to M9. Further, the first direction corresponds to the upper direction, the second direction corresponds to the right direction, the first image corresponds to the mark M8, and the second image corresponds to the mark M9. Further, changing the visual effect corresponds to increasing or decreasing the number of triangles in mark M8 and mark M9 and changing the display color of the triangles.
Note that "changing the visual effect" may also mean, for example, changing the number, saturation, display area, etc. of the first image or the second image. If it is desired to enhance the visual effect, for example, the number of first images or second images may be increased, the saturation may be increased, the display area may be increased, and more than one of these may be performed. If it is desired to weaken the visual effect, for example, the number of first images or second images may be reduced, the saturation may be reduced, the display area may be reduced, and more than one of these may be performed.

Images showing the positional relationships are not limited to those illustrated in FIGS. 21 to 23, and various forms can be applied.
For example, the image showing the positional relationship may be displayed as marks M10 and M11 shown in FIG. 24.
In FIG. 24, the touch position T is located in an area of the overlapping area RB1A that is close to the non-overlapping area RC1. That is, the state is similar to that shown in FIG.
The selection unit 136 selects the moving direction of the character C4 at the connection point P3 in the upward direction, that is, the path L5.

The display control unit 138 displays a mark M10 on the route L5 and a mark M11 on the route L6. The mark M10 is a triangle whose base extends in the width direction of the path L5 and whose diagonal apex angle is located above the base. The mark M11 is a triangle whose base extends in the width direction of the path L6 and whose diagonal apex angle is located to the right with respect to the base. The height of the mark M10 is longer than that of the mark M11, and the area of the mark M10 is also displayed larger than that of the mark M11. Further, the mark M10 is displayed in a darker tone (eg, higher in brightness or saturation) than the mark M11.
Since the mark M10 is displayed larger and darker than the mark M11, the user can recognize that the route L5 is the moving direction of the character C4.

When the touch position T moves to a region of the overlapping region RB1A that is close to the overlapping region RB1B, the display control unit 138 lowers the height of the mark M10 and increases the height of the mark M11 while keeping the display color unchanged. As a result, the area of the mark M10 is relatively small, and the area of the mark M11 is relatively large. Therefore, the user recognizes that the area where route L6 corresponding to mark M11 is selected is approaching.
When the touch position T reaches the boundary between the overlapping region RB1A and the overlapping region RB1B, the display control unit 138 makes the height of the mark M10 equal to the height of the mark M11.
When the touch position T enters the overlap region RB1B, the selection unit 136 sets the moving direction of the character C4 to the route L6. The display control unit 138 makes the height of the mark M11 higher than the height of the mark M10, and displays the mark M11 in a darker tone than the mark M10. As a result, the area of the mark M11 is larger than that of the mark M10, and the mark M11 becomes more conspicuous than the mark M10. Therefore, the user recognizes that the route L6 corresponding to the mark M11 is the route L selected as the moving direction at the connection point P3.

The image indicating the positional relationship is not limited to the form described above, and may be, for example, a direction indication display indicating the same direction as the vector from the reference point Q of the operation area R toward the touch position.

Such a display allows the user to recognize the selection result made by the selection unit 136 and the touch position T, which is advantageous in improving operability.

[Modification A6]
As described above, block B may disappear due to the use of an item, the action of character C, or the like, for example. In this case, the space occupied by the disappeared block B becomes part of the route L. That is, the shape of the path L may change as the game progresses. Further, depending on the specifications of the game, for example, during the progress of the game, a block B may be placed at a location that was the route L, and the character C may not be able to move through that location.
When the shape of the path L in the game space G changes, the selection unit 136 determines whether there is a change in the moving direction of the character C, and if a change occurs (or regardless of whether there is a change), the selection unit 136 determines whether the character C reselects the route to travel. For example, the selection unit 136 re-acquires the map data of the game space G every time the block B disappears in the game space G or at a predetermined period, and determines whether the shape of the route L has changed. When the prediction result by the selection unit 136 is changed, the display control unit 138 displays the changed selection result image in the game space G.
That is, when the arrangement of the blocks B changes, the selection unit 136 may reselect the route L along which the character C moves based on the changed arrangement of the blocks B. Further, when the selection result by the selection unit 136 changes due to a change in the arrangement of the block B, the display control unit 228 may display the changed selection result image in the game space G.
A "change in the shape of the environment" may be, for example, a change in the surface shape of an environment component such as block B, an increase or decrease in the number of environment components, a change in the size of the environment component, or the like.
Thereby, even if the shape of the route changes, the user can accurately grasp the moving direction of the character C, and it is possible to improve the usability in the game.

[Modification A7]
In the first embodiment, images indicating the movement direction selected by the selection unit 136, such as marks M1 (see FIG. 5) and M2 (see FIG. 6), are displayed as selection result images.
However, the selection result image is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a symbol that does not indicate a specific direction. Specifically, the image may be an icon that does not evoke a specific direction, such as a circle on the route L toward the selected direction.
Further, the selection result image may be, for example, an image showing a movement direction not selected by the selection unit 136, such as an object or symbol that prevents movement in a direction not selected by the selection unit 136. It may be an image showing.
Further, the selection result image may be a visual effect that does not have a specific shape, for example. The visual effect may be, for example, the route L in the selected direction is displayed in a darker shade or shines, or it may be foggy in the non-selected direction.

[B: Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In each of the following examples, for elements whose functions are similar to those in the first embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be used, and detailed description of each will be omitted as appropriate.
In the first embodiment, the movement directions that can be accepted in the operation area R are limited to four directions: upward, downward, leftward, and rightward. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the operation area R can accept a movement instruction in any direction. The instruction to move in an arbitrary direction is not limited to being able to specify the direction steplessly, but may also be specifying the direction in stages according to the directional resolution of the game application program, for example. In this embodiment, the number of movement directions that can be accepted in the operation area R is greater than at least the four directions in which the path L in the game space G extends: up, down, left, and right.

On the other hand, also in the second embodiment, a block B is arranged in the game space G, and the movement of the character C may be obstructed by the block B. That is, in the second embodiment, the movement direction of the character C is , (1) Only restrictions are imposed by the environment in the game space G (for example, the arrangement of block B).

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how the character C moves in the second embodiment.
In FIG. 10, the touch panel 11 includes a path L7 extending in the X-axis direction and having a path width of the character length, and a movable area extending in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction for a distance longer than the minimum movement distance of the character C. A game space G including S1 (referred to as a "plaza" for convenience) is displayed.
Route L7 is connected to route L8 at connection point P4. The path L8 extends in the Y-axis direction and has a path width equal to the character length. A route L9 extending in the X-axis direction is connected to the left side of the square S1, and routes L10 and L11 are connected to the right side of the square S1. The paths L9, L10, and L11 all have a path width equal to the character length.

In the second embodiment, the character C5 located in the square S1 can move in any direction specified by the user. For convenience, FIG. 8 shows eight arrows indicating the moving directions of the character C5, but there are actually as many directions in which the character C5 can move as the number corresponds to the directional resolution of the game application program.
On the other hand, also in the second embodiment, the moving direction of the character C6 located on the route L is limited to the direction in which the route L extends. That is, for example, the moving direction of the character C6 located on the route L7 is limited to the left-right direction, which is the extending direction of the route L7.

FIG. 11A is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 20 according to the second embodiment.
The information processing device 20 according to the second embodiment includes a touch panel 11, a storage device 12, and a control device 22.
The configurations of the touch panel 11 and the storage device 12 are similar to those in the first embodiment.

The control device 22 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) like the control device 13 of the first embodiment. The control device 22 centrally controls each element of the information processing device 20 .
The control device 22 functions as the control unit 220 shown in FIG. 11B by executing a program stored in the storage device 12.

FIG. 11B is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 220 according to the second embodiment.
The control unit 220 functions as a game control unit 221 , an acquisition unit 222 , a designation unit 224 , a prediction unit 226 , and a display control unit 228 . Note that part or all of the functions of the control unit 220 may be realized by a dedicated electronic circuit.

The game control unit 221 controls the progress of the game similarly to the game control unit 131 of the first embodiment.
The acquisition unit 222 acquires touch position information indicating the touch position on the touch panel 11, similarly to the acquisition unit 132 of the first embodiment.

The designation unit 224 designates the moving direction of the character C in the game space based on the touch position information. The moving direction specified by the specifying unit 224 is the moving direction of the character C from the current position.
Specifically, the specifying unit 224 first specifies the movement direction instructed by the user (hereinafter referred to as "user instruction direction") based on the touch position in the operation area R. The designation unit 224 determines, for example, the direction from the reference point Q of the operation area R toward the touch position T as the user instruction direction.
Next, the specifying unit 224 refers to the map data of the game space G and determines whether the character C can move from the current position in the direction specified by the user. More specifically, the specifying unit 224 determines whether or not a movable area extends from the current position of the character C toward the direction indicated by the user by at least the minimum movement distance.
If the character C is movable in the direction specified by the user, the specifying unit 224 specifies the direction specified by the user as the moving direction of the character C.

On the other hand, if movement is not possible in the direction specified by the user, the specifying unit 224 specifies an approximate direction of instruction based on the touch position in the operation area R.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the operation region R and the approximate instruction direction in the second embodiment.
The operation area R has a reference point Q, an upward area RD1, a right area RD2, a downward area RD3, and a left area RD4. Hereinafter, the upper region RD1, the right region RD2, the lower region RD3, and the left region RD4 may be referred to as a "direction region RD."
The upper region RD1 is set above the reference point Q on the touch panel 11, and the right region RD2, the lower region RD3, and the left region RD4 are set to the right, below, and left of the reference point Q, respectively. be done.
The upper direction area RD1 is associated with the upper direction of the game space G, and the right direction area RD2, the lower direction area RD3, and the left direction area RD4 are associated with the right direction, the lower direction, and the left direction of the game space G, respectively. It is being

The upper region RD1, the right region RD2, the lower region RD3, and the left region RD4 each have a fan shape with a central angle around the reference point Q and the outer edge of the operation region R as an arc. In the second embodiment, the central angle of this fan shape is an angle obtained by dividing 360° into four equal parts, that is, 90°.
Therefore, in the second embodiment, an overlapping region where adjacent direction regions RD overlap is not formed.

Note that in this embodiment, no overlapping area is formed in the operation area R, but the direction area RD may be set so that an overlapping area is formed as in the first embodiment. In this case, the moving direction of the character C is specified along the patterns 1-1, 1-2, 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 shown in the first embodiment.

The designation unit 224 determines in which direction region RD the touch position in the operation region R is located, and determines the direction associated with the direction region RD in which the touch position is located as the approximate instruction direction.
The specifying unit 224 refers to the map of the game space G and determines whether or not the character C can move from its current position in the approximate designated direction. More specifically, the specifying unit 224 refers to the map data and determines whether a movable area extends from the current position of the character C toward the approximate instruction direction by at least the minimum movement distance.
If the character C can move in the approximate indicated direction, the designation unit 224 specifies the approximate indicated direction as the moving direction of the character C.

On the other hand, if the character C is not movable in the roughly indicated direction, the designation unit 224 designates stopping the movement of the character C.
That is, the designation unit 224 specifies that if there is a location on the side of the movement direction of the character C in the game space G where movement in the movement direction is blocked, the movement of the character C is to be stopped at the location where the movement is blocked. .

To explain specifically using FIG. 10, for example, when the character C is located at the center of the square S1 (the position of the character C5), the user When touching the touch position T (near the boundary with the right direction area RD2), the specifying unit 224 specifies the moving direction of the character C to the upper right. This is because the block B that prevents movement is not placed in the upper right direction when viewed from the character C located in the center of the square S1.

On the other hand, for example, if the user touches the touch position T while the character C is located on the path L7 (the position of the character C6), the designation unit 224 designates the movement direction based on the approximate designated direction. This is because the block B that prevents movement is placed in the upper right direction when viewed from the character C located on the path L7.
When the touch position T is located in the upper region RD1, the designation unit 224 designates that the movement of the character C is to be stopped. This is because the block B that prevents the character from moving is placed above the character C located on the path L7.
When the touch position T is located in the right direction region RD2, the designation unit 224 designates the moving direction of the character C to the right. This is because the block B that prevents movement is not placed in the right direction when viewed from the character C located on the path L7, and the area is a movable area.

When there are a plurality of routes L along which the character C can move in the game space G, the prediction unit 226 determines the route along which the character C will move from among the plurality of routes L, based on the movement direction specified by the designation unit 224, and The prediction is made based on the shape of the environment that restricts the movement of the character C in the game space G.

The path L along which the character C can move may be, for example, a path L located on the side of the movement direction of the character C and located on an extension line of the current movement direction, or a path L located on the extension line of the current movement direction. However, if the direction of movement is changed depending on the shape of route L (for example, when moving from an area where movement is possible along the direction indicated by the user to an area where movement is possible along the approximate direction indicated by the user), the route can be reached. Alternatively, it may be a route that is not on an extension of the current movement direction but that can be reached when the touch position on the operation area R is changed by the user.
Further, the plurality of routes L along which the character C can move may be, for example, the route L that the character C is currently moving on and other routes L connected to that route L, or the character C can move in any direction. There may be a plurality of routes connected to the plaza S that can be moved to.

For example, in FIG. 10, when the character C is located in the square S1, the routes L9, L10, and L11 that connect to the square S1 are the plurality of routes L along which the character C can move. Further, for example, when the character C is located on the route L7, the route L7 and the lower route L8 from the connection point P4 are the plurality of routes L along which the character C can move.

The prediction unit 226 obtains information on a route L along which the character C can move by referring to map data of the game space G, which is included in the game application program, for example. For example, the prediction unit 226 refers to map data of a predetermined range from the current position of the character C in the game space G, and determines whether there are multiple routes L along which the character C can move.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a method for predicting the route L by the prediction unit 226.
In FIG. 13, the same range of game space G as in FIG. 10 is displayed on the touch panel 11.
If the character C does not pass through a freely movable area (square S, etc.) by the time the character C reaches the plurality of movable paths L, the prediction unit 226 determines the moving direction from the current position specified by the specifying unit 224. It is predicted that the vehicle will move along route L, which is an extension of .
For example, when the character C6 is moving to the left on the path L7, the user's touch position is on a straight line extending from the reference point Q to the left along the position T1) or other left direction area RD4 (when moving in the approximate indicated direction; for example, touch position T2). In either case, unless the touch position changes, the character C6 also moves to the left at the connection point P4. Therefore, the prediction unit 226 predicts that the character C6 will continue to move along the route L7 after the connection point P4.

On the other hand, when the character C moves through an area where the character C can freely move, such as the square S, before reaching the plurality of routes L, the character C selects a route L that is not on the extension of the movement direction from the current position designated by the designation unit 224. may move to.
For example, when the character C7 moves to the right on the path L9, the user's touch position is on a straight line extending from the reference point Q to the right along the ) or within the other right direction area RD2 (when moving in the approximate indicated direction; for example, touch position T4).
If the character C7 is moving in the direction specified by the user (in the case of touch position T3), the character C7 continues to move to the right even after entering the plaza S1, as shown by the dotted line arrow, and continues moving to the right along the path L10. It is predicted that the country will move to
On the other hand, when the character C7 is moving in the roughly indicated direction (in the case of touch position T4), the character C7 changes the direction of movement toward the lower right after entering the plaza S1, as shown by the double-dashed arrow ( It is predicted that the designation of the moving direction by the designation unit 224 changes from the approximate designated direction to the user designated direction), and the robot moves to the route L11.

In this way, when there are a plurality of paths L along which the character C can move in the game space G, the prediction section 226 selects a path for the character C to move from among the plurality of paths in the movement direction specified by the specifying section 224. , and the shape of the environment that restricts the movement of the character C in the game space G.

Note that since the moving direction specified by the specifying unit 224 is based on the touch position on the operation region R, it can be said that the prediction unit 226 predicts the path that the character C will move based on the touch position. That is, when there are a plurality of routes L along which the character C can move in the game space G, the prediction unit 226 determines the route along which the character C moves from among the plurality of routes L based on the touch position of the touch panel 11 and the game The prediction may be made based on the shape of the environment that restricts the movement of the character C in the space G.

The display control unit 228 displays, in the game space G, an image indicating the prediction result by the prediction unit 226 (hereinafter referred to as a “prediction result image”).
It is preferable that the display control unit 228 displays the prediction result image, for example, before the character C reaches the route L that the character C is predicted to travel. Alternatively, the display control unit 228 may display the prediction result image before the character C reaches any one of the plurality of routes L along which the character C can move. Reaching the route L may mean, for example, reaching a connection point P between the route L and another route L. Further, reaching the route L may mean, for example, regarding the route L connected to the plaza S, reaching the entrance to the route L.

By displaying the prediction result image, the user can decide in advance whether to continue the current touch position or change the touch position (for example, if the character C has reached at least one of the multiple paths L). This allows you to make judgments (before you do so) and prevents erroneous operations.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are diagrams showing an example of a display on the touch panel 11 in the second embodiment.
14 and 15, the same range of game space G as in FIG. 13 is displayed on the touch panel 11.
For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the character C7 moves to the right along the path L9, and the user's touch position is located at the touch position T3 on the straight line N1 extending from the reference point Q to the right along the X-axis. , the prediction unit 226 predicts that the character C7 will move to the path L10 as described above.
The display control unit 228 displays a mark M3 in the game space G indicating that among the plurality of routes L10 and L11, the character C7 moves on the route L10. In the example of FIG. 14, the display control unit 228 displays the mark M3 before the character C7 reaches the route L10, more specifically, before the character C7 enters the square S1.

Mark M3 is an example of a prediction result image.
In the example of FIG. 14, the mark M3 has three triangles whose bases extend along the width direction of the route L10 and whose diagonal apex angles are located on the right side with respect to the base along the extending direction of the route L10. It has a connected shape. Such a mark M3 reminds the user of moving along the route L10.
Further, in the example of FIG. 14, the display position of the mark M3 is near the entry point from the plaza S1 to the route L10. By displaying the mark M3 near the entry point from the plaza S1 to the route L10, the user can easily understand that the moving direction of the character C7 indicated by the mark M3 is the moving direction from the plaza S1.
By looking at the mark M3, the user can understand that the character C7 will enter the route L10 after passing through the plaza S1. When allowing entry into route L10, the user only has to maintain the touch position as it is. On the other hand, if the user wants to move the character C7 to a path other than the path L10, the user can change the moving direction by moving the touch position.

For example, as shown in FIG. 15, when the character C7 moves to the right on the path L9 and the touch position is below the straight line N1 in the right direction area RD2 (for example, touch position T4), the prediction unit 226 , it is predicted that the character C7 will move to the path L11 as described above.
The display control unit 228 displays a mark M4 in the game space G indicating that among the plurality of routes L10 and L11, the character C7 moves on the route L11. In the example of FIG. 15 as well, the display control unit 228 displays the mark M4 before the character C7 reaches the route L11, more specifically, before the character C7 enters the square S1.

Mark M4 is an example of a prediction result image.
In the example of FIG. 15, the mark M4 has three triangles whose bases extend along the width direction of the route L11 and whose diagonal apex angles are located on the right side with respect to the base along the extending direction of the route L11. It has a connected shape. Such a mark M4 reminds the user of moving along the route L11.
Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 15, the display position of the mark M4 is near the entry point from the plaza S1 to the route L11. By displaying the mark M4 near the entry point from the plaza S1 to the route L11, the user can easily understand that the moving direction of the character C7 indicated by the mark M4 is the moving direction from the plaza S1.
By looking at the mark M4, the user can understand that the character C7 will enter the route L11 after passing through the plaza S1. When allowing the user to enter the route L11, the user only has to maintain the touch position as it is. On the other hand, if the user wants to move the character C7 to a path other than the path L11, the user can change the moving direction by moving the touch position.

Next, an example of the operation of the control unit 220 of the information processing device 20 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 16. The operation shown in FIG. 16 is started when a predetermined start operation is performed.

The acquisition unit 222 acquires touch position information indicating the touch position on the touch panel 11 (step S800).
If the touch position indicated by the touch position information is not located within the operation area R (step S801: NO), the control unit 220 returns to step S800.
When the touch position is located within the operation area R (step S801: YES), the designation unit 224 determines the direction in which the movement instruction is received from the user based on the positional relationship between the reference point Q of the operation area R and the touch position. The direction indicated by the user is specified (step S802).
The designation unit 224 determines whether the character C can move in the direction specified by the user based on the map data around the current position of the character C (step S804). If movement in the direction specified by the user is possible (step S804: YES), the specifying unit 224 specifies the moving direction of the character C in the direction specified by the user (step S806).

On the other hand, if movement in the direction indicated by the user is not possible (step S804: NO), the specifying unit 224 specifies the approximate indicated direction based on which direction region RD of the operation region R the touch position is located ( Step S808). That is, the designation unit 224 sets the direction associated with the direction region RD where the touch position is located as the approximate designated direction.
The designation unit 224 determines whether movement in the approximate designated direction is possible based on map data around the current position of the character C (step S810). If movement in the approximate instruction direction is possible (step S810: YES), the specifying unit 224 specifies the moving direction of the character C in the approximate instruction direction (step S812).
On the other hand, if movement in the roughly indicated direction is not possible (step S810: NO), the specifying unit 224 specifies to stop the movement of the character C (step S814), and returns to step S800.

When the movement direction is specified by the specification unit 224 (steps S806, S812), the game control unit 221 moves the character C in the game space G in the specified movement direction. Furthermore, when the specifying unit 224 specifies that the movement of the character C be stopped (step S814), the game control unit 221 stops the movement of the character C in the game space G.

Furthermore, when the movement direction is specified in step S808 or S812, the prediction unit 226 determines whether there are multiple routes L along which the character C can move (step S816). If there is not a plurality of paths L along which the character C can move (step S816: NO), the control unit 220 returns to step S800.
On the other hand, if there are a plurality of paths L along which the character C can move (step S816: YES), the prediction unit 226 determines the direction of the movement of the character C and the arrangement of the blocks B around the character C. The path L along which the character C will move is predicted (step S818).
The display control unit 228 displays the prediction result image in the game space G (step S820), and returns to step S800.

For example, if the character C enters the predicted route L after the prediction result is displayed in step S820, the determination in step S816 as to whether there are multiple routes L that the character C can move will be NO. Therefore, the process does not reach step S820 and the prediction result image is no longer displayed.
Furthermore, for example, after the prediction result image is displayed in step S816, as a result of the character C changing the movement direction, there are no longer multiple movable routes (including the case where there is no movable route L). Since the determination in step S816 as to whether there are a plurality of paths L along which the character C can move is NO, the process does not reach step S820 and the prediction result image is no longer displayed.

As explained above, according to the second embodiment, when there are a plurality of paths L in the game space G in the movement direction of the character C, the prediction unit 226 predicts the path L that the character C will move, and displays the predicted path L. The control unit 228 displays the prediction result image in the game space G.
Thereby, the user can know in advance which of the plurality of routes L the character C will move to, and can suppress erroneous operations such as instructing the character C to move in an unintended direction.

In the second embodiment, for example, a configuration illustrated below may be adopted.

[Modification B1]
In the second embodiment described above, the display control unit 228 displayed the prediction result image at a position based on the route L where the character C was predicted to move. The present invention is not limited to this, and the display control unit 228 may display the prediction result image at a position based on the character C in the game space G.
Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 25, a mark M12, which is a prediction result image, may be displayed in front of and near the character C10.
The "position based on the character C" may be, for example, a position that has a predetermined positional relationship with the character C, a position that is within a predetermined distance from the character C, or, The position may be in a predetermined direction with respect to the character C. Specifically, the "position based on the character C" may be, for example, the current position of the character C in the game space G, or a position on the forward or backward path of the character C in the direction of movement. Good too. Further, the "position based on character C" may be, for example, a movement-restricted space around character C (for example, on block B).
Generally, a user often looks at the character C while playing a game. By displaying the prediction result image at a position based on the character C, the user can check the prediction result image without significantly moving his or her line of sight from the character C.

[Modification B2]
In the second embodiment described above, the prediction result image is an image showing prediction results for a plurality of routes L located within the display range of the touch panel 11. The present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a prediction result image in a case where at least one of the plurality of routes L is located outside the display range of the touch panel 11 may be displayed.
That is, the display control unit 228 causes the touch panel 11 to display an image representing a part of the game space G, and displays the prediction result image between the display range of the touch panel 11 and the predicted route that the character C will move in the game space G. It may be displayed at a position based on the positional relationship with L.
The "image representing a part of the game space" is, for example, an image that is extracted from a part of the game space G, and is an image that does not display the entire area of the game space G. The image representing a part of the game space G is, for example, an image obtained by extracting a predetermined range from the game space G based on the position of the character C.
In addition, the "position based on the positional relationship between the display range and the predicted route L that the character C will move (hereinafter referred to as the "predicted route")" means, for example, whether the predicted route L is included in the display range or not. It may also be a position that is selectively changed by. For example, if the predicted route L is located within the display range, the route will be on the predicted route L, and if the predicted route L is located outside the display range, the character C will be on the character C (or character C and the predicted route within the display range). L) may be set as "a position based on the positional relationship between the display range and the predicted route L".

25 and 26 are diagrams showing an example of a display on the touch panel 11 in modification B2.
25 and 26 illustrate a game space G that is wider than the display range 11B of the touch panel 11. In FIGS. 25 and 26, the display range 11B of the touch panel 11 is a predetermined range based on the position of the character C10. Therefore, as the character C10 moves, the display range 11B of the touch panel 11 also moves.
The character C10 is moving rightward along a path L18 extending in the X-axis direction. The right side of route L18 is connected to plaza S2. A route L20 is connected to the upper right side of the square S2, and a route L19 is connected to the lower right side.
It is assumed that the touch position by the user is a position very close to the lower region RD3 in the right region RD2 (see FIG. 12). Therefore, the character C10 moves to the right according to the approximate instruction direction on the route L18, but upon entering the plaza S2, it is predicted that the character C10 will proceed in the user instruction direction as shown by the dashed line and move to the route L19.

The display control unit 228 displays the prediction results before the plurality of routes L19 and L20 are displayed on the touch panel 11.
The display control unit 228 may display a mark M12, which is a prediction result image, near the character C10, as shown in FIG. 25, for example. The display position of the mark M12 is changed in conjunction with the movement of the character C10. That is, the mark M12 is displayed such that its display position and the position of the character C10 are constant.
The mark M12 has a base extending along the X direction, which is the width direction of the route L19, and a triangle whose diagonal apex angle is located on the lower side with respect to the base, extends along the Y direction, which is the extending direction of the route L19. It has the shape of three connected parts. Such a mark M12 reminds the user of downward movement.
By looking at the mark M12, the user can know in advance (before the route L19 or L20 enters the display range) that there are multiple routes L in the moving direction of the character C10. Further, by looking at the mark M12, the user can know in advance (before reaching the route L19) that the moving direction of the character C10 at the destination is downward.
Additionally, in general, a user who is playing a game often looks at the character C10. By displaying the mark M5 near the character C10, the user can check the mark M5 without significantly moving his or her line of sight from the character C10.

In FIG. 25, the mark M12 is displayed in front of and near the character C10, but the mark M12 may be displayed in various "positions based on the character C" as shown in modification B1.
It can be said that FIG. 25 shows the display mode of modification B1.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 26, the mark M12 may be displayed at an end of the display range 11B of the touch panel 11 near the plurality of routes L19 and L20. By displaying the mark M5 at the end of the touch panel 11, the user can intuitively grasp the direction in which the plurality of routes L19 and L20 are located.

In addition, in the display mode of FIG. 25, when the character C10 moves and the route L19 enters the display range of the touch panel 11, the display position of the mark M12 may be changed to the vicinity of the route L19, for example, or the mark The display position of M12 may remain near the character C10. Further, for example, the mark M12 may be displayed both near the route L19 and near the character C10.
In addition, in the display mode of FIG. 26, when the character C10 moves and the route L19 enters the display range of the touch panel 11, for example, when the display position of the mark M12 overlaps with the route L19, the game space G of the mark M12 The movement of the mark M12 may be stopped and the display position of the mark M12 may be set to the position of the route L19.

Further, for example, the display mode of the prediction result image may be changed based on the positional relationship between the display range 11B and the route L19, in other words, the positional relationship between the character C10 and the route L20. Specifically, for example, the closer the position of the character C10 and the route L19 is, the darker the display color of the prediction result image, the larger the size of the prediction result image, or the faster the blinking speed of the prediction result image. You may.
Thereby, the user can intuitively grasp the positional relationship between the connection point P that is not within the display range of the touch panel 11 and the character C10.

[Modification B3]
In the second embodiment described above, the prediction unit 226 predicts the movement direction at the branches of the plurality of routes L closest to the character C on the route L along which the character C moves, and the display control unit 228 displays the prediction result image. was displayed. The prediction unit 226 is not limited to this, for example, the prediction unit 226 selects each of the movement directions at a plurality of branches on the path L along which the character C moves, and the display control unit 228 displays each prediction result image. Good too.

Note that the branch may be, for example, a connection point where a plurality of routes L connect to each other, or may be a plaza S where a plurality of routes L are connected to the plaza S, for example. Further, for example, when a plurality of routes L are connected in a specific direction in the plaza S, the branch may be a part of the area of the plaza S that includes an end in the specific direction.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the touch panel 11 in modification B3.
The touch panel 11 shown in FIG. 27 includes a path L21 that extends in the X-axis direction and has a character-length path, a path L22 that connects to the path L21 and extends in the Y-axis direction, and a plaza that connects to the right side of the path L21. S3, a route L23 that connects to the upper right side of the plaza S3, and a route L24 that connects to the lower right side of the plaza S3 are displayed.
It is assumed that the character C11 is moving to the right along the path L21. It is assumed that the user's touch position T is below the straight line N1 extending in the X direction from the reference point Q in the right direction region RD2.

The specifying unit 224 specifies that the character C11 should move to the right, which is the approximate instruction direction, on the route L21 (up to the plaza S3). Therefore, the prediction unit 226 predicts that at the branching point from the route L22 on the route L21, the character C11 will continue to move rightward along the route L21. The display control unit 228 displays the mark M13 as a prediction result image corresponding to this prediction result.

Further, when the character C11 enters the square S3, the designation unit 224 designates the character C11 to move to the lower right in the direction specified by the user. A path L24 is connected to the lower right of the square S3, which is the moving direction of the character C11. Therefore, the prediction unit 226 predicts that at the branch between the route L23 and the route L24 in the plaza S3, the character C11 will move to the route L24. The display control unit 228 displays the mark M14 as a prediction result image corresponding to this prediction result.

That is, when there is a connection point (branch) with another path L on the path L that the character C is predicted to move, the prediction unit 226 determines the moving direction of the character C at the connection point (branch) with the other path L. is predicted based on touch location information. The display control unit 228 displays prediction result images corresponding to connection points (branches) of the plurality of routes L and prediction result images corresponding to connection points (branches) with other routes L in the game space. .
Applying to the example using FIG. 27 above, the path L on which the character C11 is predicted to move is the path L21, the other paths L are the paths L23 and L24, and the connection point (branch) with the other path L is the plaza S3. A prediction result image corresponding to a connection point (branch) of a plurality of routes L corresponds to a mark M13, and a prediction result image corresponding to a connection point (branch) to another route L corresponds to a mark M14.

By doing this, the user can check the movement direction at multiple connection points (branches) in advance (before character C reaches plaza S3) and determine whether to change the touch position. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous operations. In particular, when the distance between adjacent connection points (branches) is short, in a mode in which only the prediction result at the connection point (branch) in front of character C is displayed, the direction of movement at the next connection point (branch) is displayed. There is a possibility that the instructions may not be completed in time. By displaying the movement directions at a plurality of connection points (branches) in advance, the user can easily perform the movement direction instruction operation.

[Modification B4]
In the second embodiment, the display control unit 228 displays the prediction result image when the route L along which the character C moves is selected from among the multiple routes L, but there is no route L along which the character C can move. No display was made when the movement of character C was stopped.
The display control unit 228 is not limited to this, and even when the movement of the character C is stopped, the display control unit 228 may display an image indicating that.

For example, even when the specifying unit 224 specifies that the movement of the character C is to be stopped at a location that is not a connection point of a plurality of routes L (for example, at the end of the route L), the display control unit 228 An image indicating that the movement of the object has stopped may be displayed.
For example, if the character C is moving toward a block B that is farther away than the minimum movement distance of the character C, and the character C stops moving at the position of the block B, the specifying unit 224 specifies ( You may specify that the movement of character C be stopped at that position (before the distance between character C and block B becomes equal to or less than the minimum movement distance of character C).
In this case as well, the display control unit 228 may display in the game space G an image indicating the result of the stop designation by the designation unit 224.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the touch panel 11 in modification B4.
The touch panel 11 shown in FIG. 28 displays a path L25 extending in the X-axis direction and having a path width of a character length, a square S4 connected to the right side of the path L25, and a path L26 connected to the upper right side of the square S4. has been done.
It is assumed that the character C12 is moving to the right along the path L25. Further, it is assumed that the user's touch position T is below the straight line N1 extending in the X direction from the reference point Q in the right direction region RD2.

The specifying unit 224 specifies that the character C12 should move to the right, which is the approximate instruction direction, on the route L25 (up to the plaza S4). Further, when the character C12 enters the square S4, the designation unit 224 designates the character C12 to move to the lower right in the direction specified by the user. Blocks B are arranged to the right (other than the entrance to route L26) and downward of square S4, which is the moving direction of character C12, and the character C12 cannot move any further. Therefore, the specifying unit 224 specifies that the character C12 should stop at the lower right point P8 of the square S4.
The display control unit 228 displays in the game space G an image indicating the designation by the designation unit 224 to stop the character C12. In the example of FIG. 28, the display control unit 228 displays an "x" mark M15 at the position of point P8. Although the display position of the mark M15 is arbitrary, it is preferable that the user be able to grasp at which position the character C12 will stop, so it is preferable that the position is based on the position where the movement of the character C12 is blocked, for example. .

That is, if there is a location on the side of the movement direction of the character C in the game space G where movement in the movement direction is blocked, the designation unit 224 specifies that the movement of the character is to be stopped at the location where the movement is blocked. The display control unit 228 displays an image indicating that the character C has stopped in the game space G.
Applying the example using FIG. 28, the moving direction side of the character C12 corresponds to the lower right side of the square S4, the place where movement is blocked corresponds to the point P8, and the image showing the stop of the character C12 corresponds to the mark M15. do.

The "location where movement is prevented" is, for example, a location where an obstacle (environmental component) such as a block B that restricts the movement of the character C is placed.
Further, the "image indicating that the character C has stopped" may be, for example, an image that suggests that the character C has stopped moving. The "image showing the stop of the character C" may be an image that can be easily distinguished from the "image showing the prediction result", such as the mark M3 in FIG. It may also be an image.

By doing this, the user can know in advance that the character C will stop on the route L, and can perform an operation (for example, change the touch position) to avoid the stop if necessary. I can do it.

[Modification B5]
In the second embodiment, the display control unit 228 may display an image showing the positional relationship between at least one extending direction of a plurality of paths L along which the character C can move and the moving direction of the character C. Further, this display may also serve as the prediction result image.

29 to 31 are diagrams showing examples of displays on the touch panel 11 in modification B5.
The touch panel 11 shown in FIGS. 29 to 31 has a path L9 extending in the X-axis direction in the game space G, a square S1 connected to the right side of the path L9, and an upper right corner of the square S1, as in FIG. 10 and the like. An area including a route L10 that connects to the square S1 and a route L11 that connects to the lower right of the plaza S1 is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 29, for example, assume that the character C7 is moving to the right along a path L9. It is assumed that the touch position T is a position (in the upper right direction) of the right direction region RD2 that is very close to the boundary with the upper direction region RD1. In this case, the designation unit 224 designates the movement of the character C7 to the right, which is the approximate designated direction. The prediction unit 226 predicts that even if the character C7 enters the freely movable square S1, since the block B is placed above the character C7, the character C7 will not move in the upper right direction, which is the direction specified by the user. It is predicted that the robot will not be able to do so, and will continue to move to the right, which is the approximate direction indicated. That is, the prediction unit 226 predicts that the character C7 will move to the path L10 among the plurality of paths L10 and L11.
The display control unit 228 displays the mark M16 as the prediction result image. The mark M16 is a mark indicating the route L10 predicted by the prediction unit 226 among the two routes L10 and L11. Specifically, the mark M16 is formed by connecting three triangles whose bases extend along the width direction of the route L10 and whose diagonal apex angles are located on the right side with respect to the base along the extending direction of the route L10. It takes on the shape of an object. The three triangles forming the mark M16 are displayed in the same color tone. Further, the mark M16 is displayed near the entrance from the plaza S1 to the route L10. Such a mark M16 reminds the user to move to the route L10.

Assume that the touch position T has moved from the state shown in FIG. 29 to near the center position of the rightward region RD2 (on the straight line N1 extending from the reference point Q along the X-axis), as shown in FIG. 30, for example. In this case, the designation unit 224 designates the movement of the character C7 to the right, which is the direction designated by the user. The prediction unit 226 predicts that the character C7 will also move to the right, which is the user-specified direction, when the character C7 enters the square S1. That is, the prediction unit 226 predicts that the character C7 will move to the path L10 among the plurality of paths L10 and L11.
The display control unit 228 continuously displays the mark M16 on the route L10 and displays the mark M17 on the route L11 as the prediction result image. The mark M17 is one triangle whose base extends along the width direction of the path L11 and whose diagonal apex angle is located on the right side with respect to the base. The color tone of the mark M17 is displayed lighter (eg, lower in brightness or saturation) than the three triangles forming the mark M16. Further, among the three triangles forming the mark M16, the one farthest from the entrance from the plaza S1 is displayed in a lighter tone than the mark M16 in FIG. 29.
The mark M16 indicates that the route L10 has been selected as the moving direction of the character C7, as described above. Further, the mark M17 indicates that, due to a change in the touch position T compared to FIG. 29, there is a possibility that the route L11 will also be selected as the moving direction of the character C7.

Furthermore, assume that the touch position T changes from the state shown in FIG. 30 to a position close to the lower region RD3, as shown in FIG. 31, for example.
In FIG. 31, as in the case of FIG. 30, the prediction result by the prediction unit 226 is the route L10.
On the other hand, the display control unit 228 changes the display mode of the mark M16 and the mark M17. Specifically, for example, in the mark M17, two triangles whose bases extend along the width direction of the route L11 and whose diagonal apex angles are located on the right side with respect to the base are connected along the route L11. . That is, the mark M17 in FIG. 31 has one triangle added compared to the mark M17 in FIG. 30. The color tone of the two triangles constituting the mark M17 is darker on the side closer to the entrance from square S1, and lighter on the side farther from the entrance. Furthermore, the color tone of the three triangles forming the mark M16 also becomes lighter as the distance from the entrance from the route L10 increases.
Such a display allows the user to recognize that the touch position T is approaching the area where the route L11 is selected, while indicating that the route L10 has been selected as the moving direction of the character C7. For example, the user can grasp the touch position in the operation area R without looking at the operation area R, which is advantageous in improving the operability.

Note that, for example, from the state shown in FIG. 31, if it is predicted that the touch position T further approaches the downward region RD3 and that the moving destination of the character C7 is the route L11, the display control unit 228 adds one triangle to the mark M17. In addition, one triangle is deleted from the mark M16 to create a shape in which two triangles are connected. As a result, the display area of the mark M17 becomes larger than the display area of the mark M16, and the user can recognize that the route L11 corresponding to the mark M17 is the route L selected as the movement direction from the plaza S1. Become.

That is, the display control unit 228 displays an image showing the positional relationship between at least one extending direction of the plurality of routes L and the movement direction designated by the designation unit 224.
For example, the plurality of routes includes a first route and a second route that connect (branch) at a connection point (branch), and the display control unit 228 determines whether a character is selected by the prediction unit 226 among the first route or the second route. A first image showing a predicted path for character C to move, and a second image showing a path predicted by prediction unit 226 that character C will not move among the first and second paths are displayed, and character C is moved. A visual effect of the first image and the second image is changed based on the orientation.
Applying the examples of FIGS. 29 to 31, the plurality of routes L correspond to routes L10 and L11, and the images indicating the positional relationship correspond to marks M16 and M17, respectively. Further, the first route corresponds to the route L10, the second route corresponds to the route L11, the first image corresponds to the mark M16, and the second image corresponds to the mark M17. Further, changing the visual effect corresponds to increasing or decreasing the number of triangles in the mark M16 and mark M17 and changing the display color of the triangles.
Note that "changing the visual effect" may also mean, for example, changing the number, saturation, display area, etc. of the first image or the second image. If it is desired to enhance the visual effect, for example, the number of first images or second images may be increased, the saturation may be increased, the display area may be increased, or more than one of these may be performed. If it is desired to weaken the visual effect, for example, the number of first images or second images may be reduced, the saturation may be reduced, the display area may be reduced, or more than one of these may be performed.

Note that the designation of the movement direction by the designation unit 224 is determined based on the touch position in the operation area R. Therefore, "an image showing the positional relationship between at least one extending direction of the plurality of routes L and the movement direction specified by the specifying unit 224" is an "image showing the positional relationship between at least one extending direction of the plurality of routes L and the touch position". It can also be said to be an image that shows the positional relationship between

Images showing the positional relationships are not limited to those illustrated in FIGS. 29 to 31, and various forms can be applied.
For example, the image showing the positional relationship may be a display that changes the area of one triangle, such as the marks M10 and M11 shown in FIG. 24, for example.

Such a display allows the user to recognize the prediction result by the prediction unit 226 and the touch position T, which is advantageous in improving operability.

[Modification B6]
As described above, block B may disappear due to the use of an item, the action of character C, or the like, for example. In this case, the space occupied by the disappeared block B becomes part of the route L. That is, the shape of the path L may change as the game progresses. Further, depending on the specifications of the game, for example, during the progress of the game, a block B may be placed at a location that was the route L, and the character C may not be able to move through that location.
When the shape of the path L in the game space G changes, the prediction unit 226 determines whether the path L on which the character C can move has changed, and if a change has occurred (or regardless of the presence or absence of the change) ), re-predicts the path that character C will move. For example, the prediction unit 226 re-acquires the map data of the game space G every time the block B disappears in the game space G or at a predetermined period, and determines whether the shape of the route L has changed. When the prediction result by the prediction unit 226 is changed, the display control unit 228 displays the changed prediction result image in the game space G.
That is, when the arrangement of the blocks B changes, the prediction unit 226 may predict the path L that the character C will move based on the changed arrangement of the blocks B. Further, when the prediction result by the prediction unit 226 changes due to a change in the arrangement of the block B, the display control unit 228 may display the changed prediction result image in the game space G.
A "change in the shape of the environment" may be, for example, a change in the surface shape of an environment component such as block B, an increase or decrease in the number of environment components, a change in the size of the environment component, or the like.
Thereby, even if the shape of the route changes, the user can accurately grasp the moving direction of the character C, and it is possible to improve the usability in the game.

[Modification B7]
In the second embodiment, images indicating the route L predicted by the prediction unit 226, such as marks M3 (see FIG. 14) and M4 (see FIG. 15), are displayed as prediction result images.
However, the prediction result image is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a symbol that does not indicate a specific direction. Specifically, for example, an icon that does not evoke a specific direction such as a circle on the selected route L may be used as the prediction result image.
Further, the prediction result image may be, for example, an image showing a path L where the character is not predicted to move by the prediction unit 226. For example, the prediction result image may be an image showing a path L where the character is not predicted to move by the prediction unit 226. It may be an image showing an object or symbol such as
Furthermore, the prediction result image may be a visual effect that does not have a specific shape, for example. The visual effect may be, for example, the path L that the character is predicted to move on is displayed in a darker shade or shines, or it may be foggy on the side where the character is not predicted to move. Good too.

[Modification B8]
In the second embodiment, when there are a plurality of routes L along which the character C can move, the prediction unit 226 predicts the route L that the character C will move from among the plurality of routes L. The prediction unit 226 is not limited to this, and when there is at least one route L along which the character C can move, the prediction unit 226 may predict whether or not the character C will move along that route.
Specifically, for example, in FIG. 28, if block B is placed at the entrance from plaza S4 to route L26, the only route that character C12 located in plaza S4 can move is route L25. . In such a case, the prediction unit 226 predicts whether or not the character C12 will move to the path L25 based on the movement direction of the character C12 specified by the specification unit 224 and the arrangement of the blocks B around the square S4. .
The display control unit 228 displays the predicted result image in the game space G. For example, if it is predicted that the character C12 will move to the route L25, the display control unit 228 displays images such as the mark M13 and the mark M14 in FIG. 24 at the entrance from the plaza S4 to the route L25. Further, for example, if it is predicted that the character C12 will not move along the route L25, the display control unit 228 may not display the prediction result image, or may display an image such as the mark M15 in FIG. 25 from the square S4. It may be displayed at the entrance to route L25.
That is, in modification B8, the acquisition unit 222 acquires touch position information indicating the touch position on the touch panel 11. The designation unit 224 designates the moving direction of the character C in the game space G based on the touch position information. When there is a path L along which the character C can move in the game space G, the prediction unit 226 predicts the movement direction based on the movement direction specified by the specification unit 224 and the shape of the environment that restricts the movement of the character C in the game space G. , predict whether character C will move along a movable path or not. The display control unit 228 displays an image showing the prediction result by the prediction unit 226 in the game space G. According to modification B8, the user can accurately grasp the path that the character C will move, and can give direction instructions. Misoperation during operation can be suppressed. For example, if the prediction result image is displayed in advance (for example, before the character C reaches the movable route L), the user can, for example, see that the character C makes an unintended movement (for example, It is possible to take measures such as changing the touch position before entering a route L that is not allowed (such as entering a route L that is not allowed), and it is possible to more reliably prevent erroneous operations.

[C: Other variations]
In each embodiment of the present invention, for example, the configuration illustrated below may be adopted.

[Modification C1]
In the configuration of the control unit 130 shown in FIG. 2B, a selection unit 136 and a display control unit 138 may be provided separately from the determination unit 134.
In the configurations of the control unit 130 and the control unit 220 shown in FIGS. 2B and 11B, the designation unit 224 may perform the processing executed by the determination unit 134.
In the configurations of the control unit 130 and the control unit 220 shown in FIGS. 2B and 11B, the prediction unit 226 may perform the processing performed by the selection unit 136.

[Modification C2]
In the embodiment described above, the interface through which direction instructions are input by the user is the touch panel 11 . However, the interface through which the user inputs the direction instruction is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a physical controller provided in the information processing device or connected to the information processing device. In this case, the physical controller is not one in which buttons and keys are provided one-to-one with the direction indicated by the user (such as a cross key), but instead, for example, a joystick that moves steplessly around a reference point, or The direction may be specified in multiple steps such as 64 steps or 256 steps. In addition, in this case, the physical controller has a range of input angles when specifying one direction, for example, in an operation mode such as a joystick where a direction is input by tilting an operating member at an arbitrary angle around a reference point. It may be in a certain form.

[Modification C3]
In the embodiment described above, it is assumed that the information processing device 10 is provided with the storage device 12 that stores the game application program and the control device 13 that executes the game application.
The present invention is not limited to this, and a storage device that stores a game application program and a control device that executes a game application may be provided in an external device that can communicate with the information processing device 10.
More specifically, for example, a storage device that stores a game application program and a control device that executes a game application are provided in a cloud server that can communicate with the information processing device 10 via a communication line such as the Internet. Good too.

[Modification C4]
In the embodiment described above, the moving direction of the character C is determined or designated based on which area of the areas set within the operation area R the touch position on the touch panel 11 is located (see FIGS. 3 and 3). 12). However, the moving direction of the character C may be determined or specified, for example, based on a vector (hereinafter referred to as a "touch position vector") from the reference point Q of the operation area R toward the touch position.
Specifically, for example, in the first embodiment, when the determining unit 134 determines the moving direction of the character C on the route L, the touch position vector is calculated by combining the extension direction component of the route L and the width direction of the route L. component (component in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction), and the extending direction component of the route L is greater than or equal to the width direction component of the route L, or the extending direction component of the route L is the width direction component of the route L. It may be determined that the character C moves along the extending direction of the path L when the path L exceeds the path L.
Further, for example, the moving direction of the character C may be determined or predicted based on the direction from the reference point Q of the operation area R toward the touch position and the extending direction of the path L.
Specifically, for example, in the first embodiment, the determining unit 134 determines that the angle θt between the direction from the reference point Q of the operation area R toward the touch position and the extending direction of the path L is equal to or less than the predetermined angle θx. In this case, it may be determined to move along route L.
Note that determining or specifying the movement direction using the touch position vector and direction as in modification C4 also effectively determines which area the touch position vector and direction fall in with respect to the extending direction of the path L. This is equivalent to determining or specifying the moving direction of the character C based on which area within the operation area R the touch position is located, as in this embodiment. .
In this way, the operation region R may be set using a vector.

[D: Addendum]
From the above description, the present invention can be understood as follows, for example. Note that, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, reference numerals in the drawings will be added in parentheses for convenience in the following, but this is not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated aspects.

[Appendix 1-1]
A program according to one aspect of the present invention includes a processor (e.g., control device 13), an acquisition unit (e.g., acquisition unit 132) that acquires touch position information indicating a touch position on a touch panel (e.g., touch panel 11); When the touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in the first area, the first direction of an object (e.g., character C) existing on a first path heading in the first direction in the game space (e.g., game space G) If the touch position indicated by the touch position information is located in a second area that partially overlaps with the first area, the touch position is located on a second path in the second direction in the game space. a determining unit that determines movement of the object in the second direction, and the determining unit is configured to determine whether the touch position indicated by the touch position information is an overlapping area between the first area and the second area. and there is a connection point between the first route and the second route on the side in the movement direction of the object in the game space, the movement direction of the object at the connection point is determined based on the touch position information. A selection unit (for example, selection unit 136) that selects from the first direction and the second direction and an image showing the selection result by the selection unit are provided in the game space before the object reaches the connection point. It functions as a display control unit (for example, display control unit 138) for displaying images.

According to this aspect, the touch position is located in an overlapping area of the first area associated with the first direction and the second area associated with the second direction, and the touch position is located in the overlapping area of the first area associated with the first direction and the second area associated with the second direction, and If there is a connection point between a first path going in one direction and a second path going in a second direction, the moving direction of the object at the connection point is selected from the first direction and the second direction, and an image showing the selection result is displayed. be done. As a result, when the user instructs the moving direction of an object by touching an area set on the touch panel, the user can accurately grasp the moving direction of the object at the connection point, and when performing direction instruction operations. erroneous operations can be suppressed. In addition, even if the touch position is in an overlapping area and it is difficult to grasp the moving direction of the object, the user can accurately grasp the moving direction of the object at the connection point, and can prevent erroneous operations when operating in the overlapping area. can be suppressed.
Furthermore, the selection result of the movement direction is displayed in the game space before the object reaches the connection point. Therefore, the user can know the moving direction of the object at the connection point before the object reaches the connection point. For example, if the object moves in an unintended direction, the user can change the touch position, etc. You can take appropriate action and prevent erroneous operations more reliably.

In the above aspect, the "object" may be, for example, an object for which a movement instruction is given using a touch panel. The object may be, for example, a character related to the game or an object related to the game. Here, the "game-related character" may be, for example, a virtual creature that can advance the game. Moreover, the "object related to the game" may be, for example, a virtual inanimate object that allows the game to proceed.
In the above aspect, the "game space" is, for example, a virtual space provided in a game, and may be a two-dimensional space or a three-dimensional space.
In the above aspect, the "game space" may be divided into, for example, a "movable space" in which objects can move, and a "movement restricted space" in which movement of objects is restricted.
Among these, the "movement restricted space" may be, for example, a space where the movement of an object is restricted by the environment arranged in the game space.
Here, the "environment" may be, for example, obstacles such as rocks, mountains, walls, blocks, etc., into which objects cannot enter, or the sea, rivers, valleys, etc. , it may be a specific terrain over which objects cannot pass.
In the above aspect, the "first direction" and the "second direction" may be directions in the game space. In the above embodiment, the first direction and the second direction are not the same direction.
In the above aspect, the "first area" and the "second area" may be areas provided in a manner that is visible on the touch panel for inputting direction instructions related to the game, for example, It may be a virtual area provided in a manner that is not visible on the touch panel for inputting direction instructions related to the game. In the touch panel, the positions of the first area and the second area may be fixed or variable.
In the above aspect, the "first route" and the "second route" are, for example, a space in which an object can move in the game space, that is, an example of the above-mentioned movable space. In the above aspect, an environment that restricts movement of the object is arranged on both sides of the first route and the second route (in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the route). Therefore, although the object can move along the direction in which the path extends, movement outside the direction of the path is prevented by the environment that restricts the movement of the object.
In the above embodiment, the "connection point between the first route and the second route" may be, for example, a location where the first route and the second route diverge in the game space. At the connection point, the first route and the second route may intersect, for example, at a crossroads, or may not intersect at a T-junction.
In the above aspect, the "image showing the selection result" may be, for example, an image showing a movement direction selected by the selection section or a movement direction not selected by the selection section. The "image indicating the selection result" may be, for example, an instruction display indicating a specific direction such as a selected moving direction, or a symbol or the like that does not indicate a specific direction. Further, the "image showing the selection result" may be, for example, a display showing an object or symbol that prevents movement in a direction not selected by the selection section. Further, the "image showing the selection result" may be a visual effect that does not have a specific shape, for example.

[Appendix 1-2]
In the program according to another aspect of the present invention, in the program described in Appendix 1-1, the selection unit selects a first non-overlapping area that does not overlap with the second area out of the first area. divided into a first overlapping area that is in contact with the second overlapping area and a second overlapping area that is in contact with a second non-overlapping area that does not overlap with the first area of the second area, and when the touch position is present in the first overlapping area, If the moving direction of the object at the connection point is selected as the first direction, and the touch position is in the second overlapping area, the moving direction of the object at the connection point is selected as the second direction.

According to this aspect, the overlapping area is divided into the first overlapping area and the second overlapping area, and the overlapping area is moved in the direction associated with the non-overlapping area adjacent to the area where the touch position is located in the overlapping area after the division. A direction is selected. Thereby, the user's intention can be more accurately reflected in the selection result of the moving direction of the character.

[Appendix 1-3]
In the program according to another aspect of the present invention, in the program described in Appendix 1-1 or 1-2, the display control section displays an image indicating a selection result by the selection section based on the connection location in the game space. Display in position.

According to this aspect, an image indicating the selection result by the selection unit is displayed at a position based on the connection location in the game space. This allows the user to intuitively know at which position in the game space G the image showing the selection result indicates the moving direction of the object, compared to when the image showing the selection result is displayed elsewhere. can be understood in terms of

In the above aspect, the "position based on the connection point" may be, for example, a position that has a predetermined positional relationship with the connection point, or a position that is within a predetermined distance from the connection point. Alternatively, it may be a position in a predetermined direction with respect to the connection point. Specifically, the "position based on the connection point" may be, for example, the position of the connection point in the game space, or a position advanced in the movement direction selected by the selection unit based on the connection point. It may also be a position between the connection point and the object. Further, the "position based on the connection point" may be, for example, an environmental arrangement space (for example, on a block) around the connection point.

[Appendix 1-4]
In the program according to another aspect of the present invention, in the program described in Appendix 1-1 or 1-2, the display control section displays an image indicating a selection result by the selection section at a position based on the object in the game space. to be displayed.

According to this aspect, an image indicating the selection result by the selection unit is displayed at a position based on the object in the game space. Generally, a user who is playing a game often focuses on the vicinity of the character C. Therefore, the amount of movement of the user's line of sight when viewing the image showing the selection result is reduced, and the burden on the user can be reduced compared to the case where the image showing the selection result is displayed in another location.

In the above aspect, the "position based on the object" may be, for example, a position that has a predetermined positional relationship with the object, a position that is within a predetermined distance from the object, or , or a position in a predetermined direction with respect to the object. Specifically, the "position based on the object" may be, for example, the current position of the object in the game space, or the position on the forward or backward path of the object in the direction of movement. Furthermore, the "position based on the object" may be, for example, a movement-restricted space (for example, on a block) around the object.

[Appendix 1-5]
In the program according to another aspect of the present invention, in the program described in Appendix 1-1 or 1-2, the display control section displays an image representing a part of the game space on the touch panel, and An image indicating the selection result is displayed in the game space at a position based on a positional relationship between the range displayed on the touch panel and the connection location.

According to this aspect, an image indicating the selection result is displayed at a position in the game space based on the positional relationship between the display range of the touch panel and the connection location. Therefore, for example, when the connection point is outside the display range of the touch panel, an image showing the selection result can be displayed, and the usability in the game can be improved.

In the above embodiment, the "image representing part of the game space" is an image extracted from part of the game space, and is an image that does not display the entire area of the game space. The image representing a part of the game space may be, for example, an image obtained by extracting a predetermined range from the game space based on the position of the object.
In the above embodiment, the "position based on the positional relationship between the display range and the connection location" may be, for example, a position that is selectively changed depending on whether or not the display range includes the connection location. For example, if the connection point is located within the display range, the connection point is displayed, and if the connection point is located outside the display range, the connection point is displayed on the object (or the position between the object and the connection point within the display range). , or "a position based on the positional relationship between the display range and the connection point".

[Appendix 1-6]
A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1-1 to 1-5, in which the selection unit selects the first direction as the moving direction of the object at the connection location. In the selected case, the touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in the overlapping area, and a third route heading in a third direction and a third route heading in a third direction are located on the traveling direction side of the object that has passed through the connection point. If there is another connection point to which the first route connects, the movement direction of the object at the other connection point is selected from the first direction and the third direction based on the touch position information, and the display The control section displays, in the game space, an image showing a selection result by the selection section corresponding to the connection point and an image showing a selection result by the selection section corresponding to the other connection point.

According to this aspect, when there is another connection point beyond the connection point, an image showing the selection result of the moving direction at the plurality of connection points is displayed. As a result, the user can grasp the object's moving direction over a long period of time, compared to, for example, only displaying the selection result of the moving direction at the connection point closest to the object's position. It is possible to improve the convenience of

In the above aspect, the "third direction" may be a direction in the game space. The third direction may be different from the first direction, or may be different from the first direction and the second direction. Further, the third direction may be the same direction as the second direction.

[Appendix 1-7]
The program according to another aspect of the present invention is the program according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1-1 to 1-6, in which the determining unit determines that the touch position indicated by the touch position information is in the first area or the first area. 2 areas, and if there is a location on the side of the game space in which movement of the object in the first direction and the second direction is blocked, the movement of the object is blocked at the location where the movement is blocked. It is determined to stop the movement, and the display control section displays an image indicating the determination result by the determination section in the game space.

According to this aspect, when there is a location where the movement of the object stops, a message to the effect that the movement of the object stops is displayed. This allows the user to know that the object will stop moving, and allows them to take action such as changing the direction of movement by changing the touch position, which can improve the usability of the game. can. Further, for example, when the object stops as a result of the user performing an erroneous operation, the user can easily notice the erroneous operation, thereby improving the usability of the game.

In the above embodiment, the "location where movement is prevented" may be, for example, a location where an environment that restricts the movement of objects such as blocks is placed.
In the above embodiment, the "image showing the determination result" may be, for example, an image suggesting that the movement of the object is stopped. The "image showing the decision result" may be, for example, an image that can be easily identified as the "image showing the selection result", and may be, for example, an image imitating an X mark or a stop sign.

[Appendix 1-8]
In the program according to another aspect of the present invention, in the program according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1-1 to 1-7, when the touch position is located in the overlapping area, the display control unit An image showing a positional relationship between at least one of the region or the second region and the touch position is displayed.

According to this aspect, when the overlapping area is touched, an image showing the positional relationship between at least either the first area or the second area and the touch position is displayed. This allows the user to understand the positional relationship between the first area or the second area and the touch position without directly viewing the first area or the second area or the touch position, improving the operability of the game. can be done.

In the above embodiment, the "image showing the positional relationship" may be an image showing at least one of the direction and distance of the touch position with respect to a reference point set in at least one of the first area and the second area, for example. good.

[Appendix 1-9]
The program according to another aspect of the present invention is the program according to appendix 1-8, in which the display control unit displays a first image indicating the direction selected by the selection unit from among the first direction and the second direction. and a second image showing a direction that is not selected by the selection unit among the first direction and the second direction, and displays the first image and the second image based on the touch position in the overlapping area. It is characterized by changing the visual effect of an image.

According to this aspect, the visual effects of the first image showing the selected route and the second image showing the unselected route are changed based on the touch position. Thereby, the user can understand the relationship between the touch position and the route selection result without directly viewing the touch position, and the operability of the game can be improved. Further, the user can grasp the relationship between the touch position and the first area, and the touch position and the second area without directly viewing the touch position, and can improve the operability of the game.

In the above embodiment, the "first image" and the "second image" may be, for example, an instruction display indicating a first direction or a second direction, or may be a symbol or the like that does not indicate a specific direction.
In the above embodiment, "based on the touch position" may be, for example, whether the touch position is closer to the first area or the second area. Further, as a specific example of changing the visual effect based on the touch position, for example, when the direction selected by the selection unit is the first direction, the closer the touch position is to the first non-overlapping area, the more the visual effect of the first image It may be displayed such that the second image becomes higher, and the visual effect of the second image becomes higher as the distance from the first non-overlapping area increases.
In the above embodiment, "changing the visual effect" may mean, for example, changing the number, saturation, display area, etc. of the first image or the second image. If it is desired to enhance the visual effect, for example, the number of first images or second images may be increased, the saturation may be increased, the display area may be increased, or more than one of these may be performed. If it is desired to weaken the visual effect, for example, the number of first images or second images may be reduced, the saturation may be reduced, the display area may be reduced, or more than one of these may be performed.

[Appendix 1-10]
An information processing device according to another aspect of the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires touch position information indicating a touch position on a touch panel; Determining movement of an object existing on a first path in one direction in the first direction, and determining that a touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in a second area that partially overlaps with the first area. a determining unit that determines movement of the object existing on a second path in the second direction in the game space in the second direction; If the position exists in an overlapping area of the first area and the second area, and there is a connection point between the first route and the second route on the moving direction side of the object in the game space, the touch position a selection section that selects a moving direction of the object at the connection point from the first direction and the second direction based on the information; and an image showing the selection result by the selection section, when the object reaches the connection point. and a display control unit for displaying in the game space before the game.

According to this aspect, the touch position is located in an overlapping area of the first area associated with the first direction and the second area associated with the second direction, and the touch position is located in the overlapping area of the first area associated with the first direction and the second area associated with the second direction, and If there is a connection point between a first path going in one direction and a second path going in a second direction, the moving direction of the object at the connection point is selected from the first direction and the second direction, and an image showing the selection result is displayed. be done. As a result, when the user instructs the moving direction of an object by touching an area set on the touch panel, the user can accurately grasp the moving direction of the object at the connection point, and when performing direction instruction operations. erroneous operations can be suppressed. In addition, even if the touch position is in an overlapping area and it is difficult to grasp the moving direction of the object, the user can accurately grasp the moving direction of the object at the connection point, and can prevent erroneous operations when operating in the overlapping area. can be suppressed.
Furthermore, the selection result of the movement direction is displayed in the game space before the object reaches the connection point. Therefore, the user can know the moving direction of the object at the connection point before the object reaches the connection point. For example, if the object moves in an unintended direction, the user can change the touch position, etc. You can take appropriate action and prevent erroneous operations more reliably.

[Appendix 1-11]
In an information processing method according to another aspect of the present invention, a processor acquires touch position information indicating a touch position on a touch panel, and when a touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in a first area, a first touch position in a game space is provided. Determining movement of an object existing on a first path in one direction in the first direction, and determining that a touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in a second area that partially overlaps with the first area. If the object exists on a second path in the game space in the second direction, the movement of the object in the second direction is determined, and the touch position indicated by the touch position information is in the first area and the second area. If there is a connecting point between the first route and the second route on the moving direction side of the object in the game space, based on the touch position information, the object at the connecting point is A moving direction of the object is selected from the first direction and the second direction, and an image indicating the selection result is displayed in the game space before the object reaches the connection point.

According to this aspect, the touch position is located in an overlapping area of the first area associated with the first direction and the second area associated with the second direction, and the touch position is located in the overlapping area of the first area associated with the first direction and the second area associated with the second direction, and If there is a connection point between a first path going in one direction and a second path going in a second direction, the moving direction of the object at the connection point is selected from the first direction and the second direction, and an image showing the selection result is displayed. be done. As a result, when the user instructs the moving direction of an object by touching an area set on the touch panel, the user can accurately grasp the moving direction of the object at the connection point, and when performing direction instruction operations. erroneous operations can be suppressed. In addition, even if the touch position is in an overlapping area and it is difficult to grasp the moving direction of the object, the user can accurately grasp the moving direction of the object at the connection point, and can prevent erroneous operations when operating in the overlapping area. can be suppressed.
Furthermore, the selection result of the movement direction is displayed in the game space before the object reaches the connection point. Therefore, the user can know the moving direction of the object at the connection point before the object reaches the connection point. For example, if the object moves in an unintended direction, the user can change the touch position, etc. You can take appropriate action and prevent erroneous operations more reliably.

[Appendix 2-1]
A program according to another aspect of the present invention includes a processor (e.g., control device 22), an acquisition unit (e.g., acquisition unit 222) that acquires touch position information indicating a touch position on a touch panel (e.g., touch panel 11); a designation unit (for example, designation unit 224) that designates a moving direction of an object (for example, character C) in a game space (for example, game space G) based on the touch position information; When there are a plurality of movable paths, the path along which the object moves from among the plurality of paths is selected according to the movement direction specified by the designation unit and the environment that restricts the movement of the object in the game space. Functions as a prediction unit (e.g., prediction unit 226) that makes predictions based on shape, and a display control unit (e.g., display control unit 228) that displays an image showing the prediction result by the prediction unit in the game space. It is characterized by causing

According to this aspect, when there are a plurality of paths along which the object can move, the path along which the object will move is predicted from among the plurality of paths, and an image showing the prediction result is displayed. As a result, when a user instructs the moving direction of an object by touching an area set on the touch panel, the user can accurately grasp the moving direction of the object when the object can move along multiple routes. , it is possible to suppress erroneous operations during direction instruction operations. Also, for example, if an image showing the prediction result is displayed before the object reaches one of the multiple routes, you can tell which of the multiple routes the object will move to. You can know before you get to either. Therefore, for example, if the object moves in an unintended direction, the user can take measures such as changing the touch position, thereby more reliably preventing erroneous operations.

In the above embodiment, the "environment that restricts movement" is, for example, an environment that prevents movement of objects in the game space. The environment that restricts movement may be, for example, an environment in which obstacles such as rocks, mountains, walls, and blocks are arranged such that objects cannot enter, or an environment in which objects cannot enter, such as an ocean, a river, etc. It may also be an environment with a specific topography, such as a valley, over which objects cannot pass. The environment may be formed by, for example, a plurality of obstacles arranged continuously or discontinuously, or may be formed by a combination of a plurality of terrains. In the above embodiment, since the movement of the object is hindered by the environment, the "shape of the environment" can also be said to be the shape of the boundary between the movable space and the movement restricted space. Elements that make up the environment, such as the above-mentioned obstacles and specific terrain, are referred to as "environmental components."
In the above aspect, the "route" is, for example, a space in which an object can move in the game space, that is, an example of the above-mentioned movable space. In the above aspect, environments that restrict the movement of objects are arranged on both sides of the route (in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the route extends). Therefore, although the object can move along the direction in which the path extends, movement outside the direction of the path is restricted by the environment that restricts movement of the object. For example, if the distance between the environments on both sides of the route is longer than the unit movement distance of the object, the object can move between the environments, that is, in the path width direction, but the distance between the environments on both sides of the route is the unit movement distance of the object. In the following cases, the object cannot move in the path width direction.
In the above aspect, the "image showing the prediction result" may be, for example, an image showing the route predicted by the prediction unit (hereinafter referred to as "predicted route"). Further, the "image indicating the prediction result" may be, for example, an instruction display indicating the direction of the predicted route, or may be a symbol etc. that does not indicate a specific direction. Further, the "image showing the prediction result" may be, for example, an image showing an object or symbol that prevents movement to a route other than the predicted route. Further, the "image showing the prediction result" may be a visual effect that does not have a specific shape, for example.

[Appendix 2-2]
In the program according to another aspect of the present invention, in the program described in Supplementary Note 2-1, the specifying section may include a portion on the side of the movement direction of the object in the game space where movement in the movement direction is blocked. , specifying that the movement of the object is to be stopped at a location where the movement is blocked, and the display control unit displays an image indicating that the object has stopped in the game space.

According to this aspect, when there is a location where the movement of the object stops, a message to the effect that the movement of the object stops is displayed. This allows the user to know that the object will stop moving, and allows them to take action such as changing the direction of movement by changing the touch position, which can improve the usability of the game. can. Further, for example, when the object stops as a result of the user performing an erroneous operation, the user can easily notice the erroneous operation, thereby improving the usability of the game.

In the above embodiment, the "location where movement is prevented" may be, for example, a location where an environment that restricts the movement of objects such as blocks is placed.
In the above embodiment, the "image indicating that the object has stopped" may be, for example, an image that suggests that the object has stopped moving. The "image showing the stoppage of the object" may be, for example, an image that can be easily identified as the "image showing the prediction result", and may be, for example, an image imitating an X mark or a stop sign.

[Appendix 2-3]
In the program according to another aspect of the present invention, in the program described in Supplementary Note 2-1 or 2-2, the display control unit is configured to display at least one extension direction of the plurality of routes and the direction specified by the designation unit. Displays an image showing the positional relationship with the moving direction.

According to this aspect, an image is displayed that shows the positional relationship between at least one extending direction of the plurality of routes and the moving direction specified by the specifying section. As a result, the user can grasp the positional relationship between at least one extending direction of the plurality of routes and the moving direction specified by the specifying section without directly visualizing it, which can improve the operability of the game. can.

In the above embodiment, the "display indicating positional relationship" may be, for example, a display indicating the size of the angle between at least one extending direction of a plurality of routes and the moving direction specified by the specifying section. good.

[Appendix 2-4]
The program according to another aspect of the present invention is the program described in Appendix 2-3, in which the plurality of routes include a first route and a second route that connect at a connection point, and the display control unit a first image showing a route predicted by the prediction unit as a path on which the object will move among the first route and the second route; A second image showing a predicted route as a route not to be taken is displayed as a second image, and visual effects of the first image and the second image are changed based on the movement direction.

According to this aspect, the visual effects of the first image showing the path on which the object was predicted to move and the second image showing the path on which the object was not predicted to move are changed based on the moving direction of the object. This allows the user to grasp the relationship between the moving direction of the object and the route selection result without directly viewing the touch position, and improves the operability of the game. In addition, the user can grasp the relationship between the object's moving direction and the first path, and the object's moving direction and the second path without directly visualizing the touch position, improving the operability of the game. be able to.

In the above embodiment, the "connection location" may be, for example, a location where the first route and the second route diverge in the game space. At the connection point, the first route and the second route may intersect, for example, at a crossroads, or may not intersect at a T-junction.
In the above form, "based on the moving direction" means, for example, the moving direction specified by the specifying section, that is, the moving direction of the object indicated by the touch position, and the direction in which the first path exists with the object as a reference. Based on the relationship between θ1 and θ2 (size relationship, ratio, etc.) , change visual effects.
In the above embodiment, "changing the visual effect" may mean, for example, changing the number, saturation, display area, etc. of the first image or the second image. If it is desired to enhance the visual effect, for example, the number of first images or second images may be increased, the saturation may be increased, the display area may be increased, or more than one of these may be performed. If it is desired to weaken the visual effect, for example, the number of first images or second images may be reduced, the saturation may be reduced, the display area may be reduced, or more than one of these may be performed.

[Appendix 2-5]
A program according to another aspect of the present invention is the program according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2-1 to 2-4, in which the display control unit displays an image indicating a prediction result by the prediction unit, in which the object moves. It will then be displayed at a location based on the predicted route.

According to this aspect, an image indicating a prediction result by the prediction unit is displayed at a position based on a predicted path along which an object in the game space will move. This allows the user to intuitively know at which position in the game space G the image showing the prediction result indicates the moving direction of the object, compared to when the image showing the selection result is displayed elsewhere. can be understood in terms of

In the above aspect, the "position based on the predicted route" may be, for example, a position that has a predetermined positional relationship with the predicted route, or a position that is within a predetermined distance from the predicted route. Alternatively, it may be a position in a predetermined direction based on the predicted route. Specifically, the "position based on the predicted route" may be, for example, the position of the predicted route in the game space, or the position advanced toward the predicted route based on the connection point between the routes. It may also be a position between the predicted route and the object. Further, the "position based on the predicted route" may be, for example, a movement restricted space (for example, on a block) around the predicted route.

[Appendix 2-6]
A program according to another aspect of the present invention is the program according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2-1 to 2-4, in which the display control unit displays an image indicating a prediction result by the prediction unit in the game space. Display at a position based on the object.

According to this aspect, an image showing the prediction result by the prediction unit is displayed at a position based on the object in the game space. Generally, a user who is playing a game often focuses on the vicinity of an object. Therefore, the amount of movement of the line of sight when viewing the image showing the prediction result is reduced, and the burden on the user can be reduced compared to the case where the image showing the prediction result is displayed in another location.

In the above aspect, the "position based on the object" may be, for example, a position that has a predetermined positional relationship with the object, a position that is within a predetermined distance from the object, or , or a position in a predetermined direction with respect to the object. Specifically, the "position based on the object" may be, for example, the current position of the object in the game space, or the position on the forward or backward path of the object in the direction of movement. Furthermore, the "position based on the object" may be, for example, a movement-restricted space (for example, on a block) around the object.

[Appendix 2-7]
A program according to another aspect of the present invention is the program according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2-1 to 2-4, wherein the display control unit displays an image representing a part of the game space on the touch panel. and displays an image showing the prediction result by the prediction unit at a position in the game space based on a positional relationship between a range displayed by the touch panel and a path along which the object is predicted to move.

According to this aspect, an image showing the prediction result is displayed at a position in the game space based on the positional relationship between the display range of the touch panel and the path along which the object is predicted to move. Therefore, for example, even if the predicted route for the object to move is outside the display range of the touch panel, an image showing the prediction result can be displayed, and the usability of the game can be improved.

In the above embodiment, the "image representing part of the game space" is an image extracted from part of the game space, and is an image that does not display the entire area of the game space. The image representing a part of the game space may be, for example, an image obtained by extracting a predetermined range from the game space based on the position of the object.
In the above embodiment, the "position based on the positional relationship between the display range and the predicted path that the object will travel" is, for example, a position that is selectively changed depending on whether or not the predicted path is included in the display range. It's okay. For example, if the predicted route is located within the display range, on the predicted route, and if the predicted route is located outside the display range, on the object (or on the position between the object and the route within the display range) may be "a position based on the positional relationship between the display range and the predicted route".

[Appendix 2-8]
A program according to another aspect of the present invention is the program according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2-1 to 2-7, in which the prediction unit connects a route predicted that the object will move with another route. If there is a location, the movement direction of the object at the connection location with the other route is predicted based on the touch position information, and the display control unit predicts the movement direction of the object at the connection location of the plurality of routes in the game space. An image showing a prediction result by the corresponding prediction unit and an image showing a prediction result by the prediction unit corresponding to a connection point with the other route are displayed.

According to this aspect, when there are other connection points on the route predicted for the object to move, images each showing the prediction result of the movement direction at the plurality of connection points are displayed. This allows the user to understand the object's moving direction over a long period of time, compared to, for example, only displaying the prediction result of the moving direction at the connection point closest to the object's position. It is possible to improve the convenience of

[Appendix 2-9]
A program according to another aspect of the present invention is the program according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2-1 to 2-8, in which, when the shape of the environment changes, the prediction unit predicts the shape of the environment after the change. If the prediction result by the prediction unit changes due to a change in the shape of the environment, the display control unit predicts the path that the object will move based on the prediction result after the change in the game space. Display an image showing the results.

According to this aspect, when the predicted result of the path that the object moves changes due to a change in the shape of the environment in the game space in which the object moves, an image showing the predicted result after the change is displayed. Ru. Thereby, even if the shape of the route changes, the user can accurately grasp the moving direction of the object, and it is possible to improve the usability of the game.

In the above embodiment, the "change in the shape of the environment" may be, for example, a change in the surface shape of the environmental component, an increase or decrease in the number of the environmental component, a change in the size of the environmental component, or the like.

[Appendix 2-10]
An information processing device according to another aspect of the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires touch position information indicating a touch position on a touch panel; and a designation unit that specifies a moving direction of an object in a game space based on the touch position information. , when there are a plurality of paths along which the object can move in the game space, the path along which the object moves from among the plurality of paths is determined by the movement direction specified by the designation unit and in the game space. A prediction unit that makes a prediction based on the shape of an environment that restricts movement of the object, and a display control unit that displays an image showing a prediction result by the prediction unit in the game space.

According to this aspect, when there are a plurality of paths along which the object can move, the path along which the object will move is predicted from among the plurality of paths, and an image showing the prediction result is displayed. As a result, when a user instructs the moving direction of an object by touching an area set on the touch panel, it is possible to accurately grasp the moving direction of the object when the object can be moved along multiple routes. This makes it possible to suppress erroneous operations during direction instruction operations. Also, for example, if an image showing the prediction result is displayed before the object reaches one of the multiple routes, you can tell which of the multiple routes the object will move to. You can know before you get to either. Therefore, for example, if the object moves in an unintended direction, the user can take measures such as changing the touch position, thereby more reliably preventing erroneous operations.

[Appendix 2-11]
In an information processing method according to another aspect of the present invention, a processor acquires touch position information indicating a touch position on a touch panel, specifies a moving direction of an object in a game space based on the touch position information, and If there are a plurality of paths in which the object can move in space, the path along which the object moves among the plurality of paths is restricted in the specified movement direction, and the movement of the object in the game space is restricted. A prediction is made based on the shape of the environment to be played, and an image showing the prediction result is displayed in the game space.

According to this aspect, when there are a plurality of paths along which the object can move, the path along which the object will move is predicted from among the plurality of paths, and an image showing the prediction result is displayed. As a result, when a user instructs the moving direction of an object by touching an area set on the touch panel, it is possible to accurately grasp the moving direction of the object when the object can be moved along multiple routes. This makes it possible to suppress erroneous operations during direction instruction operations. Also, for example, if an image showing the prediction result is displayed before the object reaches one of the multiple routes, you can tell which of the multiple routes the object will move to. You can know before you get to either. Therefore, for example, if the object moves in an unintended direction, the user can take measures such as changing the touch position, thereby more reliably preventing erroneous operations.

[Appendix 2-12]
A program according to another aspect of the present invention includes a processor that includes an acquisition unit that acquires touch position information indicating a touch position on a touch panel, and a designation unit that specifies a moving direction of an object in a game space based on the touch position information. If there is a path along which the object can move in the game space, the object is moved based on the movement direction specified by the designation unit and the shape of the environment that restricts the movement of the object in the game space. The display controller functions as a prediction unit that predicts whether or not the person will move along the movable route, and a display control unit that displays an image showing the prediction result by the prediction unit in the game space. .

According to this aspect, if there is a path along which the object can move, it is predicted whether or not the object will move along the possible path based on the movement direction specified based on the touch position, and the prediction result is The image shown will be displayed. As a result, when a user instructs the direction of movement of an object by touching an area set on the touch panel, the user can accurately grasp the path that the object will move, and it is possible to avoid errors caused by erroneous operations during direction instruction operations. can be suppressed. In addition, for example, if an image showing the prediction result is displayed in advance (e.g., before the object reaches a possible path), the user can predict whether the object will move in an unintended manner (in an unintended path). It is possible to take measures such as changing the touch position before entering a computer (such as entering a computer), thereby making it possible to more reliably prevent erroneous operations.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 20... Information processing device, 11... Touch panel, 12... Storage device, 13, 22... Control device, 130, 220... Control part, 131, 221... Game control part, 132, 222... Acquisition part, 134... Determination part , 136... Selection section, 138, 228... Display control section, 224... Specification section, 226... Prediction section.

Claims (9)

A game system in which a game is played by a server and an information processing device that communicates with the server,
an acquisition unit that acquires touch position information indicating a touch position on the touch panel;
When the touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in the first area,
determining the movement of an object existing on a first path in the first direction in the game space in the first direction;
When the touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in a second area that partially overlaps the first area,
a determining unit that determines movement of the object that exists on a second path in the second direction in the game space in the second direction;
and make it work,
The determining unit is
A touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in an overlapping area of the first area and the second area, and a connection point between the first route and the second route is located on the moving direction side of the object in the game space. If there is
a selection unit that selects a moving direction of the object at the connection point from the first direction and the second direction based on the touch position information;
a display control unit that displays an image indicating a selection result by the selection unit in the game space before the object reaches the connection point;
A game system equipped with. The selection section is
The overlapping region is defined as a first overlapping region of the first region that is in contact with a first non-overlapping region that does not overlap with the second region, and a second non-overlapping region of the second region that does not overlap with the first region. and a second overlapping area that is in contact with each other,
when the touch position exists in the first overlapping area,
selecting the moving direction of the object at the connection point as the first direction;
when the touch position exists in the second overlapping area,
selecting the moving direction of the object at the connection point to be the second direction;
The game system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display control unit displays an image indicating the selection result by the selection unit at a position based on the connection location in the game space.
The game system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The display control unit displays an image indicating a selection result by the selection unit at a position based on the object in the game space.
The game system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The display control section includes:
displaying an image representing a part of the game space on the touch panel;
displaying an image indicating a selection result by the selection unit in a position in the game space based on a positional relationship between a range displayed on the touch panel and the connection location;
The game system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The selection section is
The first direction is selected as the moving direction of the object at the connection point,
A touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in the overlapping area, and a third route heading in a third direction and the first route are connected to the traveling direction side of the object that has passed through the connection point. If there is a connection point,
selecting a moving direction of the object at the other connection location from the first direction and the third direction based on the touch position information;
The display control section includes:
In the game space,
an image showing a selection result by the selection unit corresponding to the connection location;
displaying an image showing a selection result by the selection unit corresponding to the other connection location;
The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The determining unit is
The touch position indicated by the touch position information exists in the first area or the second area, and movement in the first direction and the second direction is prevented on the side of the movement direction of the object in the game space. If there is a part,
determining to stop movement of the object at a location where the movement is blocked;
The display control section includes:
displaying an image showing the determination result by the determination unit in the game space;
The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The display control section includes:
When the touch position is located in the overlapping area,
displaying an image showing a positional relationship between at least either the first area or the second area and the touch position;
The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The display control section includes:
A first image showing a direction selected by the selection unit among the first direction and the second direction, and a second image showing a direction not selected by the selection unit among the first direction and the second direction. Display the image and
changing visual effects of the first image and the second image based on the touch position in the overlapping area;
9. The game system according to claim 8.

Images