JP4850859B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing apparatus control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method for the information processing apparatus, and a program.

  There is known an information processing apparatus that executes processing based on a comparison result between a reference symbol string and a symbol string input by a user. Here, the “symbol” means a symbol in a broad sense, and the “symbol” includes, for example, characters, codes (narrow sense symbols), pictorial symbols, and the like. The “symbol string” includes a symbol string composed of one symbol (that is, a single symbol). As the information processing apparatus as described above, for example, a quiz game is executed that proceeds based on a determination result of whether or not a character string (symbol string) input as a reply by the user matches a correct answer (reference symbol string). A game device (information processing device) is known. In the information processing apparatus as described above, a so-called software keyboard technique is used to realize a user interface for a user to input a symbol string. That is, a plurality of areas corresponding to symbols (or symbol groups) are set in the screen. Then, the user inputs a symbol by designating an area corresponding to a desired symbol (or a symbol group to which the desired symbol belongs).

  An information processing apparatus is also known that performs processing based on a comparison result between a reference option and an option selected by a user from a plurality of options. For example, a game device (information processing device) that executes a quiz game that progresses based on a determination result of whether or not an option selected by a user as an answer from a plurality of options matches a correct answer (reference option) is known. ing. In the information processing apparatus as described above, the following technique is used in order to realize a user interface for the user to select an option. That is, a plurality of areas corresponding to options (or option groups) are set in the screen. Then, the user selects an option by designating an area corresponding to the desired option (or option group to which the desired option belongs).

JP 2006-55294 A

  In the information processing apparatus as described above, it may be difficult for the user to input symbols or select options. For example, when it is necessary to set a plurality of areas corresponding to symbols (symbol groups) or options (option groups) within a relatively narrow screen, each area becomes narrow and each area becomes close. . As a result, it becomes difficult for the user to designate an area corresponding to a desired symbol (or a character group to which the desired symbol belongs) or an area corresponding to a desired option (or an option group to which the desired option belongs). End up.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to make it easier for the user to input symbols, such as characters, codes (in a narrow sense), pictograms, etc., and to select options. It is to provide an information processing apparatus, a control method for the information processing apparatus, and a program that can be achieved.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a reference symbol string storage unit that stores a reference symbol string including one or more symbols, and a plurality of symbols or symbol groups. The area setting means for setting the area in the screen, the designated position obtaining means for obtaining the position in the screen designated by the user, and the position obtained by the designated position obtaining means are included in any of the plurality of areas. Obtained by a determination means for determining whether or not to be received, a symbol string acquisition means for acquiring a symbol string input by the user, based on a determination result by the determination means, the reference symbol string, and the symbol string acquisition means And a process execution unit that executes a process based on a comparison result of the symbol string, and the region setting unit includes the region corresponding to the symbol included in the reference symbol string, or the The size of the area corresponding to the symbol group to which the symbol included in the quasi-symbol string belongs does not belong to the area corresponding to the symbol not included in the reference symbol string or the symbol included in the reference symbol string The size is set larger than the size of the area corresponding to the symbol group.

  In addition, the control method of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a step of reading a stored content of a reference symbol string storage unit that stores a reference symbol string including one or more symbols, and a symbol or symbol group An area setting step for setting a plurality of areas corresponding to the screen in the screen, an instruction position acquisition step for acquiring a position in the screen instructed by a user, and the positions acquired in the instruction position acquisition step are the plurality of areas A determination step for determining whether or not the symbol string is included in any of the following: a symbol string acquisition step for acquiring a symbol string input by the user based on a determination result in the determination step; the reference symbol string; and the symbol A process execution step of executing a process based on a comparison result between the symbol string acquired in the column acquisition step and the region setting step The size of the region corresponding to the symbol included in the reference symbol string, or the size of the region corresponding to the symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs is set as a symbol not included in the reference symbol string. The method includes a step of setting a size larger than a size of the corresponding region or a symbol group to which a symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong.

  In addition, the program according to the present invention includes a reference symbol string storage unit that stores a reference symbol string including one or more symbols, and an area setting that sets a plurality of areas corresponding to symbols or symbol groups in the screen. Means for acquiring a position in a screen instructed by a user, a determination means for determining whether the position acquired by the indicated position acquisition means is included in any of the plurality of regions, Based on the result of comparison between the symbol string acquisition means for acquiring the symbol string input by the user and the reference symbol string and the symbol string acquired by the symbol string acquisition means based on the determination result by the determination means As a process execution means for executing the process, a stationary game machine (home game machine), a portable game machine, an arcade game machine, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a A computer such as a sonar computer is made to function, and the region setting means is configured to store the region corresponding to the symbol included in the reference symbol string or the region corresponding to the symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs. The size is set to be larger than the size of the region corresponding to a symbol not included in the reference symbol string, or the region corresponding to a symbol group to which a symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong. It is a program.

  An information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium recording the above program. A program distribution apparatus according to the present invention is a program distribution apparatus that includes an information storage medium that records the program, reads the program from the information storage medium, and distributes the program. The program distribution method according to the present invention is a program distribution method for reading and distributing the program from an information storage medium storing the program.

  In this specification, claims, drawings, and abstracts, “symbol” means a symbol in a broad sense, and “symbol” includes, for example, characters, codes (symbols in a narrow sense), pictorial symbols, and the like. It is. The “symbol” may be, for example, a still image or a moving image. The “symbol string” includes a symbol string composed of one symbol (that is, a single symbol).

  In the present invention, a reference symbol string is stored. Further, a plurality of areas corresponding to the symbols or symbol groups are set in the screen, and it is determined whether or not the position designated by the user is included in any of the plurality of areas. Based on the determination result, the symbol string input by the user is acquired, and the process is executed based on the comparison result between the reference symbol string and the symbol string input by the user. In the present invention, an area corresponding to a symbol not included in the reference symbol string is a size corresponding to a symbol included in the reference symbol string or a size corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs. Or larger than the size of the region corresponding to the symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong. According to the present invention, it is possible to make it easier for a user to input symbols such as characters, codes (in a narrow sense), pictorial symbols, and the like.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the region setting means, when the user inputs an nth (n: integer greater than or equal to 1) th symbol, the region corresponding to the nth symbol in the reference symbol string. Or the size of the region corresponding to the symbol group to which the nth symbol of the reference symbol string belongs is set to the size of the region corresponding to another symbol or the region corresponding to another symbol group. Means for setting a larger value may be included.

  Further, in one aspect of the present invention, it includes a dominant arm storage unit that stores information indicating the user's dominant arm, and the region setting unit corresponds to the symbol included in the reference symbol string based on the user's dominant arm. The size of the region corresponding to the symbol group to which the symbol included in the region or the reference symbol string belongs is included in the region corresponding to the symbol not included in the reference symbol sequence or the reference symbol sequence Means for setting larger than the size of the region corresponding to the symbol group to which the symbol does not belong may be included.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the region setting means includes the region corresponding to a symbol included in the reference symbol string, or the region corresponding to the symbol group to which a symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs, The size of the region corresponding to the symbol included in the reference symbol string or the region corresponding to the symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs based on the relationship with the reference position on the screen May be set larger than the size of the region corresponding to a symbol not included in the reference symbol string or the region corresponding to a symbol group to which a symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the area setting means includes means for updating the positions of the plurality of areas, the area corresponding to a symbol included in the reference symbol string, or a symbol included in the reference symbol string. Based on the past or future position of the area corresponding to the symbol group to which the symbol group belongs, the area corresponding to the symbol included in the reference symbol string, or the symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs The size of the corresponding region is set larger than the size of the region corresponding to a symbol that does not belong to the region corresponding to a symbol that is not included in the reference symbol string or the symbol included in the reference symbol string. And means.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the symbol includes a character, the reference symbol string is a reference character string including one or more characters, and the region setting unit corresponds to a character or a character group. The plurality of areas may be set in the screen, and the symbol string acquisition unit may acquire a character string input by the user based on a determination result by the determination unit.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a reference option storage unit that stores a reference option, an area setting unit that sets a plurality of areas corresponding to an option or an option group in the screen, and a screen instructed by the user. Based on an indication position acquisition means for acquiring a position, a determination means for determining whether the position acquired by the indication position acquisition means is included in any of the plurality of regions, and a determination result by the determination means Option determining means for determining an option selected by the user; and a process execution means for executing a process based on a comparison result of whether or not the reference option and the option selected by the user match. And the area setting means corresponds to the area corresponding to the option that is the reference option or the option group to which the option that is the reference option belongs. The size of the area to be, and setting larger than the size of the reference the area corresponding to an option not an option, or the area corresponding to the choice group choices does not belong is the reference option.

  Further, the control method of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a step of reading the stored contents of the reference option storage means that stores the reference options, and an area setting for setting a plurality of areas corresponding to the options or option groups in the screen A step of acquiring a position within the screen instructed by the user, and a step of determining whether the position acquired in the indicated position acquisition step is included in any of the plurality of regions And an option determination step of determining an option selected by the user based on a determination result in the determination step, and a comparison result of whether or not the reference option and the option selected by the user match. A process execution step for executing the process, and the region setting step corresponds to an option that is the reference option The area corresponding to the option group to which the option that is the area or the reference option belongs belongs, and the option that does not belong to the area that corresponds to the option that is not the reference option or the option that is the reference option. The method includes a step of setting the size larger than the size of the region corresponding to the group.

  Further, the program according to the present invention acquires reference option storage means for storing reference options, area setting means for setting a plurality of areas corresponding to options or option groups, and a position in the screen instructed by the user. The position selected by the user based on the determination result by the determination position, the determination unit for determining whether or not the position acquired by the instruction position acquisition unit is included in any of the plurality of regions A stationary game machine (option-determining means) that determines an option, and a process execution unit that executes a process based on a comparison result of whether or not the reference option matches the option selected by the user. Home game machines), portable game machines, arcade game machines, mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or personal computers The area setting means determines the size of the area corresponding to the option that is the reference option or the area corresponding to the option group to which the option that is the reference option belongs, as the reference option. The program is set to be larger than the size of the area corresponding to the option that is not, or the area corresponding to the option group to which the option that is the reference option does not belong.

  An information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium recording the above program. A program distribution apparatus according to the present invention is a program distribution apparatus that includes an information storage medium that records the program, reads the program from the information storage medium, and distributes the program. The program distribution method according to the present invention is a program distribution method for reading and distributing the program from an information storage medium storing the program.

  In the present invention, reference options are stored. Also, a plurality of areas corresponding to options or option groups are set in the screen, and it is determined whether or not the position designated by the user is included in any of the plurality of areas. Then, the option selected by the user is determined based on the determination result, and the process is executed based on the comparison result between the reference option and the option selected by the user. In the present invention, an area corresponding to an option that is a reference option, or an area corresponding to an option group to which an option that is a reference option belongs belongs to an area that corresponds to an option that is not a reference option, or an option that is a reference option. It is set larger than the size of the area corresponding to the option group that does not belong. According to the present invention, it is possible to make it easier for a user to select an option.

  Further, in one aspect of the present invention, it includes a dominant arm storage unit that stores information indicating the user's dominant arm, and the region setting unit, based on the user's dominant arm, the region corresponding to the option that is the reference option, Alternatively, the size of the area corresponding to the option group to which the option that is the standard option belongs corresponds to the area corresponding to the option that is not the standard option or the option group to which the option that is the standard option does not belong. Means for setting larger than the size of the area may be included.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the area setting means includes the area corresponding to the option that is the reference option, or the position of the area corresponding to the option group to which the option that is the reference option belongs, and the screen. The size of the area corresponding to the option that is the reference option or the area corresponding to the option group to which the option that is the reference option belongs is not the reference option based on the relationship with the reference position in The area corresponding to the option or the size of the area corresponding to the option group to which the option that is the reference option does not belong may be included.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the region setting unit includes a unit that updates the positions of the plurality of regions, the region corresponding to the option that is the reference option, or the option to which the option that is the reference option belongs. Based on the past or future position of the area corresponding to the group, the area corresponding to the option that is the reference option, or the size of the area corresponding to the option group to which the option that is the reference option belongs And a means for setting larger than the area corresponding to the option that is not the reference option or the area corresponding to the option group to which the option that is the reference option does not belong.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, a case where the present invention is applied to a game device which is an aspect of the information processing device will be described. Here, a case where the game device according to the embodiment of the present invention is realized using a portable game machine will be described. Note that the game device can also be realized by using a stationary game machine (home game machine), an arcade game machine, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal computer, or the like. The present invention can also be applied to information processing devices other than game devices.

[First Embodiment]
1 and 2 show the appearance of game device 10 (portable game machine 12) according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a hardware configuration of the game apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the game apparatus 10 is viewed from the front front. As shown in FIG. 1, the game apparatus 10 includes a first housing 20 and a second housing 30. The first housing 20 and the second housing 30 are coupled via the hinge portion 14. A touch screen 22, a cross button 24c, and buttons 24a, 24b, 24x, and 24y are provided on the surface 20a of the first housing 20. The touch screen 22 includes a first liquid crystal display unit 22a and a touch panel 22b overlaid on the first liquid crystal display unit 22a (see FIG. 3). The cross button 24c is used for a direction instruction operation, for example. The buttons 24a, 24b, 24x, and 24y are used for various operations. A second liquid crystal display unit 32 is provided on the surface 30 a of the second housing 30. A speaker 34 is built in the second housing 30.

  FIG. 2 is a rear view of the game apparatus 10 in a folded state (a state in which the surface 20a of the first housing 20 and the surface 30a of the second housing 30 are combined). As shown in FIG. 2, buttons 24 l and 24 r are provided on the left and right sides of the rear side surface of the first housing 20. In addition, a memory card slot 26 into which a game memory card 40 (see FIG. 3), which is an information storage medium, can be mounted is provided at the center of the back side surface of the first housing 20. Note that other members (not shown) such as a power switch are also attached to the game apparatus 10.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game apparatus 10 includes a touch screen 22 (first liquid crystal display unit 22a and touch panel 22b), operation key unit 24, memory card slot 26, second liquid crystal display unit 32, speaker 34, bus 42, micro A processor 44, a main memory 46, an image processing unit 48, an input / output processing unit 50, an audio processing unit 52, and a communication interface 54 are included. These are housed in a casing together with a battery (not shown), and are driven by the battery.

  The microprocessor 44 controls each unit of the game apparatus 10 based on an operating system stored in a ROM (not shown), a program and data stored in the game memory card 40. The main memory 46 includes a RAM, for example. A program read from the game memory card 40 is written to the main memory 46 as necessary. The main memory 46 is also used as a working memory for the microprocessor 44. The bus 42 is used for exchanging addresses and data among the units of the game apparatus 10. The microprocessor 44, the main memory 46, the image processing unit 48, and the input / output processing unit 50 are connected to each other via a bus 42 so that data communication can be performed.

  The first liquid crystal display unit 22a and the second liquid crystal display unit 32 are known liquid crystal display panels. The image processing unit 48 includes a VRAM. The image processing unit 48 draws an image on the VRAM according to an instruction from the microprocessor 44. The image drawn on the VRAM is displayed on the first liquid crystal display unit 22a and the second liquid crystal display unit 32 at a predetermined timing.

  The input / output processing unit 50 is an interface for the microprocessor 44 to exchange data with the touch panel 22b, the operation key unit 24, the memory card slot 26, the voice processing unit 52, and the communication interface 54. The input / output processing unit 50 is connected to the touch panel 22b, the operation key unit 24, the memory card slot 26, the sound processing unit 52, and the communication interface 54.

  The operation key unit 24 is an input means for a user to perform an operation input. The operation key unit 24 includes a cross button 24c and buttons 24a, 24b, 24x, 24y, 24l, and 24r. The input / output processing unit 50 scans the state of each unit of the operation key unit 24 at regular intervals (for example, every 1/60 seconds), and supplies an operation signal representing the scan result to the microprocessor 44 via the bus 42. The microprocessor 44 determines the operation content of the user based on the operation signal. The touch panel 22b is also an input means for the user to perform operation input. The touch panel 22 b supplies pressed position information corresponding to the position pressed by the user to the microprocessor 44 via the input / output processing unit 50. The microprocessor 44 determines the position pressed by the user based on the pressed position information.

  The memory card slot 26 reads out the game program and game data stored in the game memory card 40 in accordance with an instruction from the microprocessor 44. The game memory card 40 includes a ROM that stores game programs and game data, and an EEPROM that stores game data such as saved data. Here, the game memory card 40 is used to supply the game program and game data to the game apparatus 10, but other information storage media such as an optical disk may be used. Or you may make it supply a game program and game data to the game device 10 from a remote place via communication networks, such as the internet. Or you may make it supply a game program and game data to the game device 10 using various data communications, such as infrared communication.

  The audio processing unit 52 includes a sound buffer. The sound processing unit 52 outputs various sound data read from the game memory card 40 to the sound buffer from the speaker 34. The communication interface 54 is an interface for connecting to a communication network.

  A quiz game is executed in the game apparatus 10 having the above-described configuration. The quiz game is realized by executing a program stored in the game memory card 40.

  In this quiz game, a problem screen on which a quiz problem is displayed is displayed on the second liquid crystal display unit 32. An answer screen for the user to input a quiz answer is displayed on the touch screen 22. FIG. 4 shows an example of an answer screen. As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of rectangular key images are displayed on the answer screen 60. That is, a character key 62, a delete key 64, and an OK key 66 are displayed as key images. Each key image is displayed at a predetermined position. The answer screen 60 also includes an answer field 68. Here, the shape of each key image is a rectangle, but the shape of each key image may be a shape other than a rectangle (for example, a circle). The key image (for example, the character key 62) may be a still image or a moving image.

  The character key 62 corresponds to each alphabet character (symbol). Each character key 62 has the same size. The user inputs the character string (quiz answer) by pointing the character key 62 with his / her finger or touch pen. In the answer column 68, a character string input by the user is displayed. The delete key 64 is a key for deleting the last character of the character string displayed in the answer column 68. The OK key 66 is a key for confirming the character string displayed in the answer column 68 as a quiz answer. When the OK key 66 is designated, it is determined whether or not the character string displayed in the answer column 68 is correct.

  A technique for facilitating the user to input a quiz answer will be described below.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing functions related to the present invention among the functions realized by the game apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the game apparatus 10 includes a game data storage unit 70, an area setting unit 72, an instruction position acquisition unit 74, a determination unit 76, a symbol string acquisition unit 78, a process execution unit 80, including. These functional blocks are realized by the game apparatus 10 executing a program.

  The game data storage unit 70 is realized mainly by the game memory card 40 and the main memory 46, for example. The game data storage unit 70 stores various data related to the quiz game. The game data storage unit 70 includes a reference symbol string storage unit 71. The reference symbol string storage unit 71 stores a reference symbol string. In the case of the present embodiment, the reference symbol string storage unit 71 stores a plurality of quiz data. The quiz data includes a character string indicating the quiz problem and a character string indicating the correct answer of the quiz (hereinafter referred to as “correct answer character string”). In this case, the correct character string corresponds to a “reference symbol string”.

  The area setting unit 72 is realized mainly by the microprocessor 44 and the main memory 46, for example. The area setting unit 72 sets a plurality of areas corresponding to the symbols in the screen. In the present embodiment, the area setting unit 72 sets an area corresponding to each key image (hereinafter referred to as “key area”) on the answer screen 60. FIG. 6 shows an example of the key area set on the answer screen 60. As shown in FIG. 6, the answer screen 60 includes a character key area 82 corresponding to each character key 62, a delete key area 84 corresponding to the delete key 64, an OK key area 86 corresponding to the OK key 66, and Is set. The key areas are set so as not to overlap each other. As will be described later, when the position designated by the user is included in any key area, it is determined that the key image corresponding to the key area has been designated. Here, the shape of each key area is a rectangle, but the shape of each key area may be a shape other than a rectangle (for example, a circle).

  In principle, there is an invalid area 88 that is not associated with any key image between the key areas. When the key areas are in contact with each other, there is a possibility that the user erroneously designates a character adjacent to a desired character. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the presence of the invalid area 88 prevents the user from erroneously specifying a character next to a desired character.

  In the state shown in FIG. 6, each character key area 82 is set to a predetermined same size (hereinafter referred to as “basic size”). Hereinafter, the state shown in FIG. 6 is referred to as a “basic state”. In the basic state, for example, each character key area 82 matches the display area of the character key 62 corresponding to the character key area 82. That is, the basic size of the character key area 82 matches the size of the character key 62. The basic size of the character key area 82 may be set larger than the size of the character key 62.

  In particular, the area setting unit 72 in the present embodiment determines the size of the character key area 82 corresponding to the characters included in the correct character string from the size of the character key area 82 corresponding to the characters not included in the correct character string. Also set larger. For example, when the key area is a rectangle, the area setting unit 72 increases the length of the side (for example, the long side or the short side) of the character key area 82 corresponding to the character included in the correct character string. For example, when the key area is circular, the area setting unit 72 increases the radius length of the character key area 82 corresponding to the character included in the correct character string.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the area setting unit 72 determines the size of the character key area 82 corresponding to the first character of the correct character string from the basic size until the user inputs the first character. Also set larger. As a result, the character key area 82 corresponding to the first character of the correct character string is set larger than the character key area 82 corresponding to other characters. Here, it is assumed that the correct answer of the quiz is “SOCCER”. In this case, in the period until the user inputs the first character, the size of the character key area 82 corresponding to the first character (S) of the correct character string is set larger than the basic size. As a result, the character key area 82 of “S” is set larger than the other character key areas 82. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the character key area 82 of “S” in this case. As shown in FIG. 7, in this case, at least a part of the invalid area 88 adjacent to the character key area 82 of “S” is set as a part of the character key area 82 of “S”. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the character key area 82 of “S” is expanded vertically and horizontally by the width of the invalid area 88, and the character key area 82 of “S” and “J” and “J” next to “S” are expanded. The invalid area 88 existing between the character key area 82 of “T” is also set as a part of the character key area 82 of “S”. Note that the size of the character key 62 of “S” does not change and remains the original size.

  Similarly, the area setting unit 72 is a character key area corresponding to the (n + 1) th character in the correct character string during a period from when the user inputs the nth character until the (n + 1) th character is input. The size of 82 is set larger than the basic size. Here, it is assumed that the correct answer of the quiz is “SOCCER”. In this case, the size of the character key area 82 corresponding to the third character (C) of the correct character string is the basic size during the period from when the user inputs the second character until the third character is input. Is set larger than. That is, the character key area 82 of “C” is set larger than the other character key areas 82. Note that the size of the character key 62 of “C” does not change and remains the original size.

  The designated position acquisition unit 74 is realized mainly by the microprocessor 44 and the touch panel 22b. The designated position acquisition unit 74 acquires a position designated by the user. For example, the indicated position acquisition unit 74 acquires the position pressed by the user based on the pressed position information output from the touch panel 22b.

  The determination unit 76 is realized mainly by the microprocessor 44. The determination unit 76 determines whether or not the position acquired by the indicated position acquisition unit 74 is included in any of the plurality of key areas set in the answer screen 60.

  The symbol string acquisition unit 78 is realized mainly by the microprocessor 44. The symbol string acquisition unit 78 acquires the symbol string input by the user based on the determination result of the determination unit 76. In the case of the present embodiment, the symbol string acquisition unit 78 acquires a character string (answer) input by the user based on the determination result of the determination unit 76.

  The processing execution unit 80 is realized mainly by the microprocessor 44. The process execution unit 80 compares the correct character string stored in the reference symbol string storage unit 71 with the character string input by the user. And the process execution part 80 performs a process based on the comparison result.

  Next, processing executed by the game device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing processing executed by the game apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. The microprocessor 44 executes the processing shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in accordance with the program stored in the game memory card 40.

  As shown in FIG. 8, first, the microprocessor 44 displays a question screen on the second liquid crystal display unit 32, and displays an answer screen 60 on the touch screen 22 (S101). One of the plurality of quiz data stored in the game memory card 40 is read, and the quiz problem is displayed on the problem screen. Further, the microprocessor 44 initializes the variable n to 0 (S102). The variable n is used to count the number of characters input by the user.

  Further, the microprocessor 44 (area setting unit 72) resets the size of each key area to the basic size (S103). More specifically, the key area data stored in the main memory 46 is initialized. The key area data is data indicating each key area. In the present embodiment, since the key area has a rectangular shape, each key area is specified by the coordinates (X, Y) of its upper left vertex and lower right vertex. For this reason, as key area data, for example, data indicating the coordinates of the upper left vertex and the lower right vertex of each key area is stored. In the XY coordinate system, the top left vertex of the answer screen 60 is the origin, the horizontal direction of the answer screen 60 is the X axis (the right direction is the X axis positive direction), and the vertical direction of the answer screen 60 is the Y axis (the down direction is The coordinate system is the Y axis positive direction). In this step (S103), basic key area data corresponding to the basic state (see FIG. 6) is read from the game memory card 40 and stored in the main memory 46 as key area data. Since each key area is also specified by the coordinates, width, and height of one vertex (for example, the upper left vertex), the key area data includes the coordinates and width of one vertex (for example, the upper left vertex) of each key area. Data indicating the height may be used.

  Thereafter, the microprocessor 44 (area setting unit 72) sets the size of the character key area 82 corresponding to the (n + 1) th character of the quiz correct character string to be larger than the basic size (S104). In this step, the key area data is updated as described below. Here, when the character key area 82 corresponding to the (n + 1) -th character in the correct character string has the basic size, the coordinates of the upper left vertex of the character key area 82 are (X1, Y1), and The coordinates are (X2, Y2). In this step, the coordinates of the upper left vertex of the character key area 82 corresponding to the (n + 1) th character of the correct character string are changed to (X1-W, Y1-W), and the coordinates of the lower right vertex are (X2 + W, Y2 + W). ). Note that W is a predetermined value greater than 0 and less than or equal to the width of the invalid area 88. In the case of the present embodiment, W is set to a value equal to the width of the invalid area 88.

  By executing the processing of this step (S104), when the user inputs the (n + 1) th character, the character key area 82 corresponding to the (n + 1) th character in the correct character string is another character key. It is set larger than the area 82. That is, the user can easily indicate the (n + 1) th character in the correct character string. Here, it is assumed that the user who knows the correct answer of the quiz inputs the first character. In this case, the necessity of setting the character key area 82 corresponding to the second and subsequent characters in the correct character string to be large is low. Rather, if the character key area 82 corresponding to the second and subsequent characters in the correct character string is set to be large, those characters are likely to be designated, so one of the correct character strings. The possibility that the user who intends to input the second character erroneously designates the second and subsequent characters in the correct character string is increased. In this regard, in the game apparatus 10, only the character key area 82 that needs to be set larger is set larger. As a result, the above inconvenience is prevented from occurring.

  After the process of S104 is executed, the microprocessor 44 monitors whether or not the user has pressed the touch panel 22b (S105). When the touch panel 22b is pressed, the microprocessor 44 (instructed position acquisition unit 74) acquires the pressed position as the user's specified position. Note that the coordinates in the XY coordinate system described above are acquired as the user's designated position (pressing position). Then, the microprocessor 44 (determination unit 76) determines whether or not the user's designated position (pressed position) is included in any of the character key areas 82 (S106).

  When the user's designated position is included in any of the character key areas 82, the microprocessor 44 (symbol string acquisition unit 78) additionally stores the characters corresponding to the character key areas 82 in the character string buffer (S107). . The character string buffer stores characters designated by the user in the designated order. That is, the character string input by the user is stored in the character string buffer. Further, the microprocessor 44 adds 1 to the variable n (S108), and updates the answer column 68 of the answer screen 60 (S109). That is, the character string stored in the character string buffer is displayed in the answer column 68. Thereafter, the microprocessor 44 (area setting unit 72) resets the size of each key area to the basic size (S110). That is, the key area data stored in the main memory 46 is overwritten with the basic key area data read from the game memory card 40, as in the process of S103.

  Further, the microprocessor 44 refers to the character string buffer and determines whether or not the character string stored in the character string buffer matches the portion from the first character to the nth character of the correct character string (S111). . When the character string stored in the character string buffer matches the portion from the first character to the nth character of the correct character string, the microprocessor 44 (region setting unit 72) determines (n + 1) of the correct character strings. The size of the character key area 82 corresponding to the second character is set larger than the basic size (S104), and monitoring of whether or not the touch panel 22b is pressed is resumed (S105). On the other hand, if the character string stored in the character string buffer does not match the portion from the first character to the nth character of the correct character string, the microprocessor 44 presses the touch panel 22b without executing the process of S104. Monitoring of whether or not it has been performed is resumed (S105). In this case, since the process of S104 is not executed, all the character key areas 82 remain set to the basic size.

  Only when the character string stored in the character string buffer matches the portion from the first character to the nth character of the correct character string by executing the processing of these steps (S104, S105, S111). Thus, the character key area 82 corresponding to the (n + 1) th character in the correct character string is set larger than the other character key areas 82. The case where the character string stored in the character string buffer does not match the portion from the first character to the nth character of the correct character string is when the user is trying to input a character string different from the correct character string. . In this case, it is less necessary to make it easier for the user to specify the (n + 1) th character in the correct character string. Rather, if the character key area 82 corresponding to the (n + 1) th character in the correct character string is set to be larger than the other character key areas 82, the user who intends to designate another character incorrectly This may cause the (n + 1) th character in the correct character string to be indicated. In this regard, the game apparatus 10 is designed so that such inconvenience does not occur.

  If it is determined that the user's designated position is not included in any character key area 82 (S106: N), the microprocessor 44 determines whether the user's designated position (pressed position) is included in the delete key area 84. It is determined whether or not (S112). When the user's designated position is included in the deletion key area 84, the microprocessor 44 deletes the last stored character from the character string buffer (S113) and subtracts 1 from the variable n (S114). Thereafter, the same processing as when the processing of S108 is executed is executed. That is, the answer column 68 of the answer screen 60 is updated, and the character string stored in the character string buffer is displayed in the answer column 68 (S109). The size of each key area is reset to the basic size (S110). Also, it is determined whether or not the character string stored in the character string buffer matches the portion from the first character to the nth character of the correct character string (S111).

  When it is determined that the user's designated position is not included in the delete key area 84 (S112: N), the microprocessor 44 determines whether or not the user's designated position (pressed position) is included in the OK key area 86. Determination is made (S115). If the user's designated position is included in the OK key area 86, the microprocessor 44 executes correct / incorrect determination processing (S116). That is, the microprocessor 44 refers to the character string buffer and determines whether or not the character string (answer input by the user) stored in the character string buffer matches the correct character string. When the character string stored in the character string buffer matches the correct character string, that is, when the user's answer is correct, for example, the microprocessor 44 (process execution unit 80) adds points to the user's score. In this case, the score given to the user may change based on the time required for the user to answer. On the other hand, if the character string stored in the character string buffer (answer input by the user) does not match the correct character string, that is, if the user's answer is incorrect, the microprocessor 44 does not add points to the user's score. In this case, the user's score may be deducted. Alternatively, the game may be over when the number of times the user's answer is incorrect reaches a predetermined number.

  When it is determined that the user's designated position is not included in the OK key area 86 (S115: N), the user's designated position (pressed position) is not included in any key area. is there. In this case, the microprocessor 44 resumes monitoring whether or not the touch panel 22b is pressed (S105).

  According to the game device 10 according to the first embodiment described above, the character key area 82 corresponding to the character included in the quiz correct character string is set larger than the other character key areas 82. As a result, a user who knows the correct answer of the quiz (a user who wants to input an answer that is correct) can smoothly input the answer. Since only the size of the character key area 82 invisible to the user changes and the size of the character key 62 (key image) visible to the user does not change, the user can easily come up with a correct quiz answer. There is no end. That is, it does not affect the difficulty level of the quiz.

  For example, during the period until the user finishes inputting the answer, the size of the character key area 82 of all the characters included in the correct character string is larger than the basic size regardless of what number of characters the user inputs. You may make it set large. Even in this case, the user who knows the correct answer of the quiz can smoothly input the answer.

  For example, the game data storage unit 70 may store information indicating the user's dominant arm. When the area setting unit 72 sets the character key area 82 corresponding to the character included in the correct character string to be larger than the character key area 82 corresponding to the character not included in the correct character string, the area setting unit 72 is included in the correct character string. You may make it set the character key area | region 82 corresponding to a character based on a user's dominant hand. In other words, the area setting unit 72 uses a method corresponding to the user's dominant hand to make the character key area 82 corresponding to the character included in the correct character string larger than the character key area 82 corresponding to the character not included in the correct character string. You may make it set. For example, it is presumed that a user whose right arm is a dominant arm tends to indicate the right side rather than the left side of the key area. For this reason, when the user's dominant arm is the right arm, the character key area 82 corresponding to the character included in the correct character string may be expanded in the right direction (X-axis positive direction). For example, in S105 of FIG. 8, only the X coordinate of the lower right vertex of the character key area 82 corresponding to the (n + 1) th character of the correct character string may be changed to (X2 + W). Similarly, it is presumed that a user whose left arm is a dominant arm tends to indicate the left side portion rather than the right side portion of the key area. For this reason, when the user's dominant arm is the left arm, the character key area 82 corresponding to the character included in the correct character string may be expanded leftward (X-axis negative direction). For example, in S105 of FIG. 8, only the X coordinate of the upper left vertex of the character key area 82 corresponding to the (n + 1) th character in the correct character string may be changed to (X1-W). As described above, how to expand the character key area 82 corresponding to the character included in the correct character string may be changed based on the user's dominant hand. In this way, the user who knows the correct answer to the quiz can smoothly input the answer in consideration of the user's dominant hand.

  Further, for example, when the area setting unit 72 sets the character key area 82 corresponding to the character included in the correct character string to be larger than the character key area 82 corresponding to the character not included in the correct character string, the area setting unit 72 sets the character key area 82 to the correct character string. The character key area 82 corresponding to the included character may be set based on the relationship between the reference position (for example, the center point) in the screen and the position of the character key area 82. That is, the area setting unit 72 uses the method corresponding to the relationship between the character key area 82 corresponding to the character included in the correct character string and the reference position in the screen, and the character corresponding to the character included in the correct character string. The key area 82 may be set larger than the character key area 82 corresponding to characters not included in the correct character string. That is, the method of expanding the character key area 82 corresponding to the character included in the correct character string is changed based on the relationship between the reference position (center point) in the screen and the position of the character key area 82. Also good.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the actual display area of the key image and the display area visible from the user's eyes P. In the present embodiment, the touch panel 22b is overlaid on the first liquid crystal display unit 22a. If the user does not look at the character key 62 from directly above, it is estimated that the user may recognize an area 92 as shown in FIG. As a result, the user intends to indicate the character key 62 and may indicate an area 92 a outside the actual display area 90 of the character key 62. Here, it is assumed that the user is viewing the answer screen 60 from above the center of the answer screen 60. In this case, the center point of the answer screen 60 corresponds to the above-mentioned “reference position”. In this case, since the user sees the character key 62 (for example, the character key 62 of “J”) displayed on the left side portion of the answer screen 60 from the upper right, the user displays the actual display of those character keys 62. There is a possibility that an area on the right side of the area may be recognized as a display area for the character keys 62. Similarly, the user uses an area left of the actual display area of the character keys 62 (for example, the “R” character key 62) displayed on the right portion of the answer screen 60 as the display area of the character keys 62. There is a risk of recognition. In addition, the user sets the area above the actual display area of the character keys 62 (for example, the “W” character key 62) displayed in the lower part of the answer screen 60 as the display area of the character keys 62. There is a risk of recognition. When the character key 62 is displayed on the upper portion of the answer screen 60, the user may recognize an area below the actual display area of the character key 62 as the display area of the character key 62. There is.

  Therefore, for example, when the character key area 82 of the character included in the correct character string is set in the left part of the answer screen 60, the area setting unit 72 moves the character key area 82 in the right direction (X-axis positive direction). You may make it spread to. For example, if the (n + 1) th character in the correct character string is “S”, only the X coordinate of the lower right vertex of the character key area 82 corresponding to “S” is changed to (X2 + W) in S105 of FIG. You may be made to do. Similarly, when the character key area 82 of the character included in the correct character string is set in the lower part of the answer screen 60, the area setting unit 72 moves the character key area 82 upward (in the negative Y-axis direction). You may make it spread to. For example, if the (n + 1) -th character in the correct character string is “V”, only the Y coordinate of the upper left vertex of the character key area 82 corresponding to “V” is (Y1-W) in S105 of FIG. It may be changed. In this way, the positional relationship between the user's eyes (reference point in the screen) and the character key area 82 (character key 62) is set so that the user who knows the correct answer of the quiz can input the answer smoothly. You may make it implement | achieve in consideration.

  Further, for example, the key image may be moved within the answer screen 60. In this way, the user has to indicate a key image that moves within the answer screen 60 in order to input a quiz answer. As a result, it is possible to improve the interest related to inputting quiz answers.

  In this aspect, the area setting unit 72 updates the position of the key area so that the key area moves according to the movement of the key image. The area setting unit 72 records the past position of each character key area 82 (or character key 62). Then, when setting the character key area 82 corresponding to the character included in the correct character string larger than the reference size, the area setting unit 72 sets the character key area 82 based on the past position of the character key area 82. Set. Here, it is assumed that the character key area 82 of “A” is set larger than the reference size. In this case, for example, the area setting unit 72 sets all areas set as the character key area 82 of “A” in the period from a predetermined time to the present as the character key area 82 of “A”. Further, when setting the character key area 82 corresponding to the character included in the correct character string to be larger than the reference size, the area setting unit 72 predicts the future position of the character key area 82, and based on the predicted position. The character key area 82 may be set. Here, it is assumed that the character key area 82 of “A” is set larger than the reference size. In this case, for example, the area setting unit 72 predicts an area set as the character key area 82 of “A” in the period from the present to a predetermined time, and sets the predicted area as the character key area 82 of “A”. Set. For example, the future position of the character key area 82 is predicted based on the past position of the character key area 82. Alternatively, when the character key area 82 (character key 62) moves according to a predetermined trajectory, the future position of the character key area 82 is predicted based on the trajectory. In this way, even when the key image moves within the answer screen 60, it becomes possible for the user who knows the correct answer of the quiz to smoothly input the answer.

  Further, for example, a key image (hereinafter referred to as “character group key”) corresponding to a character group to which a plurality of characters belong may be displayed on the answer screen 60 instead of the character key 62. Then, after the user selects any character group key, the character keys 62 of characters belonging to the character group corresponding to the character group key may be displayed on the answer screen 60. In this aspect, the area setting unit 72 sets a key area (hereinafter referred to as “character group key area”) corresponding to each character group key. Then, by determining whether or not the user's designated position is included in any of the character group key areas, it is determined whether or not the user has designated the character group key. In addition, based on the determination result, the user input character string (answer) is acquired.

  In this aspect, for example, when the user inputs the nth character, the region setting unit 72 sets the character group key region corresponding to the character group to which the nth character of the correct character string belongs larger than the basic size. . Since the size of the character group key area corresponding to the character group to which the nth character in the correct character string does not belong is set to the basic size, the character group to which the nth character in the correct character string belongs is set. The corresponding character group key area is set to be larger than the character group key area corresponding to the character group to which the nth character of the correct character string does not belong. Note that, in the answer screen 60 after the user indicates the character group key of the character group to which the nth character of the correct character string belongs, the area setting unit 72 displays the nth character of the correct character string. The character key area 82 is set larger than the basic size. In this case, since the size of the character key area 82 for other characters is set to the basic size, the character key area 82 for the nth character in the correct character string is set larger than the other character key areas 82. Will be. Even in this case, it becomes possible for a user who knows the correct answer of the quiz to smoothly input the answer.

  Further, the case where the correct answer of the quiz is a character string represented by one or a plurality of alphabet characters has been described above as an example. That is, the case where the user inputs alphabet characters on the answer screen 60 has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case where the correct answer of the quiz is a character string represented by characters other than the alphabet. The present invention can also be applied to the case where the correct answer of the quiz is a symbol string represented by codes other than characters (narrowly defined symbols), pictorial symbols, and the like. That is, for example, the user inputs characters, codes (in a narrow sense), pictograms, and the like corresponding to a language other than Japanese (Chinese, Korean, etc.) on the answer screen 60, such as numbers, hiragana, katakana, kanji. Even in this case, the present invention can be applied.

[Second Embodiment]
Since the appearance and hardware configuration of the game device according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 3), description thereof is omitted here. Also in game device 10 according to the present embodiment, a quiz game is executed based on a program stored in game memory card 40. Note that the quiz game in the present embodiment is a quiz game in which the user selects an option that the user considers to be correct from among a plurality of options.

  Also in this quiz game, a question screen on which a question of a quiz is displayed is displayed on the second liquid crystal display unit 32, and an answer screen for a user to answer a quiz is displayed on the touch screen 22. FIG. 11 shows an example of an answer screen. As shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of option images 62a are displayed on the answer screen 60a in the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 11, option images 62a corresponding to nine options A to I are displayed. On this answer screen 60a, the user answers the quiz by selecting one of the options (option image 62a). Here, the shape of each option image 62a is rectangular, but the shape of each option image 62a may be a shape other than a rectangle (for example, a circle). Each option image 62a may be a still image or a moving image.

  Hereinafter, a technique for facilitating the user to select an option will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing functions related to the present invention among the functions realized by the game apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment. Note that functional blocks having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted here. As shown in FIG. 12, the game apparatus 10 includes a game data storage unit 70, an area setting unit 72a, an indicated position acquisition unit 74, a determination unit 76a, an option determination unit 78a, and a process execution unit 80a. Including. These functional blocks are realized by the game apparatus 10 executing a program.

  The game data storage unit 70 includes a reference option storage unit 71a. The reference option storage unit 71a stores reference options. In the present embodiment, the reference option storage unit 71a stores a plurality of quiz data. The quiz data includes a character string indicating a quiz problem, a plurality of options presented to the user, and options that are correct answers to the quiz. In this case, the option that is the correct answer of the quiz corresponds to the “reference option”.

  The area setting unit 72a is realized mainly by the microprocessor 44 and the main memory 46, for example. The area setting unit 72a sets a plurality of areas corresponding to the options in the screen. In the present embodiment, the area setting unit 72 sets an area corresponding to each option (hereinafter referred to as “option area”) on the answer screen 60a. FIG. 13 shows an example of the option area 82a set on the answer screen 60a. As will be described later, when a position designated by the user is included in any of the option areas 82a, it is determined that an option corresponding to the option area 82a has been selected. Similar to the key area in the first embodiment, the option area 82a may have a shape other than a rectangle (for example, a circle). As in the first embodiment, an invalid area 88 exists in principle between each option area 82a. In the state shown in FIG. 13, each option area 82a is set to a predetermined same size (hereinafter referred to as “basic size”). Hereinafter, the state shown in FIG. 13 is referred to as a “basic state”. In the basic state, for example, each option area 82a matches the display area of the option image 62a corresponding to the option area 82a.

  In particular, the area setting unit 72a in the present embodiment sets the size of the option area 82a corresponding to the option that is correct to be larger than the size of the option area 82a that corresponds to the option that is not correct. Note that the method of setting the size of the option area 82a corresponding to the option that is correct to be larger than the size of the option area 82a corresponding to the option that is not correct is the same as the method described in the first embodiment. A method similar to the case where the size of the corresponding character key area 82 is set larger than the size of the character key area 82 corresponding to a character not included in the correct character string can be used. For example, the case where the correct answer of a quiz is the choice G is assumed. In this case, the size of the option area 82a corresponding to the option G is set larger than the basic size. As a result, the option area 82a corresponding to the option G is set larger than the other option areas 82a. In this case, as in the character key area 82 of “S” in FIG. 7, at least a part of the invalid area 88 adjacent to the option area 82a of the option G is set as a part of the option area 82a of the option G. It should be noted that the size of the option image 62a of the option G does not change and remains the original size.

  The determination unit 76a, the option determination unit 78a, and the process execution unit 80a are realized mainly by the microprocessor 44. The determination unit 76a determines whether the position acquired by the designated position acquisition unit 74 is included in any of the plurality of option areas 82a set in the answer screen 60a. The option determination unit 78a acquires the option (answer) selected by the user based on the determination result of the determination unit 76a. The process execution unit 80a determines whether the option that is the correct answer of the quiz matches the option selected by the user, and executes the process based on the determination result.

  Next, processing executed by the game device 10 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the game apparatus 10. The microprocessor 44 executes the process shown in FIG. 14 according to the program stored in the game memory card 40.

  As shown in FIG. 14, first, the microprocessor 44 displays a question screen on the second liquid crystal display unit 32, and displays an answer screen 60 on the touch screen 22 (S201). One of the plurality of quiz data stored in the game memory card 40 is read, and the quiz problem is displayed on the problem screen. Further, the microprocessor 44 (area setting unit 72a) resets the size of each option area 82a to the basic size (S202). More specifically, the option area data stored in the main memory 46 is initialized. The option area data is data indicating each option area 82a, and is the same data as the key area data in the first embodiment. In this step (S202), basic option area data corresponding to the basic state (see FIG. 13) is read from the game memory card 40 and stored in the main memory 46 as option area data.

  Thereafter, the microprocessor 44 (region setting unit 72a) sets the size of the option region 82a corresponding to the option that is the correct answer of the quiz to be larger than the basic size (S203). The processing in this step is processing in the first embodiment when the size of the character key area 82 corresponding to the (n + 1) th character of the quiz correct character string is set larger than the basic size (S104 in FIG. 8). ).

  Thereafter, the microprocessor 44 monitors whether or not the user has pressed the touch panel 22b (S204). When the touch panel 22b is pressed, the microprocessor 44 (instructed position acquisition unit 74) acquires the pressed position as the user's specified position. Then, the microprocessor 44 (determination unit 76a) determines whether or not the user's designated position (pressed position) is included in any of the option areas 82a (S205). If the user's designated position is not included in any of the option areas 82a, the microprocessor 44 resumes monitoring whether or not the touch panel 22b is pressed (S204). On the other hand, when the user's designated position is also included in any of the option areas 82a, the microprocessor 44 (option determination unit 78a) determines that the option corresponding to the option area 82a has been selected by the user. Then, the microprocessor 44 executes correct / incorrect determination processing (S206). That is, the microprocessor 44 determines whether or not the option selected by the user matches the correct option. If the option selected by the user matches the correct answer, the microprocessor 44 (process execution unit 80) adds points to the user's score. On the other hand, if the option selected by the user does not match the correct answer, the microprocessor 44 does not add to the user's score.

  According to the game device 10 according to the second embodiment described above, the option area 82a corresponding to the option that is the correct answer of the quiz is set larger than the other option areas 82a. As a result, the user who knows the correct answer of the quiz (the user who tries to select the correct answer option) can smoothly select the answer. Note that only the size of the option area 82a that is not visible to the user changes, and the size of the option image 62a that is visible to the user does not change, so that the user does not easily come up with a correct quiz answer. . That is, it does not affect the difficulty level of the quiz.

  Similar to the key area in the first embodiment, the area setting unit 72a may set the option area 82a corresponding to the correct answer option to be larger than the other option areas 82a based on the user's dominant hand. Good. In this way, it becomes possible to realize that the user who knows the correct answer of the quiz can smoothly input the answer in consideration of the user's dominant hand.

  Similarly to the key area in the first embodiment, the area setting unit 72a determines the correct answer based on the relationship between the option area 82a corresponding to the correct answer option and the reference position (for example, the center point) in the screen. The option area 82a corresponding to the option may be set larger than the other option areas 82a. In this way, the positional relationship between the user's eyes (the reference point in the screen) and the option area 82a (the option image 62a) is such that the user who knows the correct answer of the quiz can input the answer smoothly. It can be realized with consideration.

  Further, like the key image in the first embodiment, the option image 62a may be moved within the answer screen 60a. In this case, similarly to the key area in the first embodiment, the area setting unit 72a updates the position of the option area 82a so that the option area 82a moves according to the movement of the option image 62a. Also, the area setting unit 72a sets the option area 82a corresponding to the correct option larger than the other option areas 82a based on the past or future position of the option area 82a corresponding to the correct option. Also good. In this way, even when the option image 62a moves within the answer screen 60a, it becomes possible for the user who knows the correct answer of the quiz to smoothly input the answer.

  Further, like the characters and character groups in the first embodiment, an image corresponding to an option group to which a plurality of options belong may be displayed on the answer screen 60a instead of the option image 62a. Then, after the user selects any option group, the option images 62a of options belonging to the option group may be displayed on the answer screen 60a. In this aspect, the region setting unit 72a sets a region corresponding to each option group. Then, it is determined whether or not the user has selected an option group by determining whether or not the user's designated position is included in an area corresponding to any option group. Further, based on the determination result, the option (answer) selected by the user is determined. Further, in this aspect, the region setting unit 72a sets a region corresponding to the option group to which the correct option belongs belongs larger than the basic size. As a result, the area corresponding to the option group to which the correct answer option belongs is set larger than the area corresponding to the option group to which the correct answer option does not belong. Even in this case, it becomes possible for a user who knows the correct answer of the quiz to smoothly input the answer.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.

  Further, for example, the operation means for the user to specify the position in the screen is not limited to the touch panel 22b, and may be, for example, a game controller or a mouse. For example, a cursor that moves in accordance with the operation of the cross button 24c may be displayed on the answer screens 60 and 60a so that the user can specify a key image (key area) using the cross button 24c.

  Further, for example, the present invention can be applied to the game apparatus 10 that executes a game other than the quiz game. The present invention can also be applied to information processing apparatuses other than the game apparatus 10. The present invention can be applied to an information processing apparatus that executes processing based on a comparison result between a symbol string (for example, a character string) input by a user and a reference symbol string (for example, a reference character string). According to the present invention, it is possible to make it easier for a user who wants to input a reference symbol string to input the reference symbol string. The present invention can also be applied to an information processing apparatus that executes processing based on a comparison result between an option selected by a user and a reference option. According to the present invention, it is possible to make it easier for a user who wants to select an option that is a reference option to select the option.

  In the above description, the program is supplied to the game apparatus 10 via the game memory card 40 as an information storage medium. However, the program may be distributed to the game apparatus 10 via a communication network. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a program distribution system using a communication network. A program distribution method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the program distribution system 100 includes a program distribution device 108, a communication network 106, and a game device 10. The program distribution device 108 includes a database 102 and a server 104. The communication network 106 includes, for example, the Internet and a cable television network. In this system, a database (information storage medium) 102 stores a program similar to the storage content of the game memory card 40. Then, when a consumer makes a program distribution request using the game apparatus 10, this is transmitted to the server 104 via the communication network 106. Then, the server 104 reads the program from the database 102 in response to the program distribution request and transmits it to the game apparatus 10. Here, the program is transmitted in response to the program distribution request, but the program may be transmitted unilaterally from the server 104. Thus, if the program is distributed via the communication network 106, the consumer can easily obtain the program.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the game device which concerns on 1st, 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the game device which concerns on 1st, 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the game device which concerns on 1st, 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the reply screen in 1st Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the game device concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a character key area | region. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting method in the case of setting a character key area larger than basic size. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the game device which concerns on 1st Embodiment performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the game device which concerns on 1st Embodiment performs. It is a figure for demonstrating the actual display area of a key image, and the display area visible to a user's eyes. It is a figure which shows an example of the reply screen in 2nd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the game device concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of an option area | region. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the game device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment performs. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the program delivery system which concerns on this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 game device, 12 portable game machine, 14 hinge part, 20 1st housing | casing, 20a surface of 1st housing | casing, 22 touch screen, 22a 1st liquid crystal display part, 22b touch panel, 24 operation key part, 24a, 24b, 24x, 24y, 24l, 24r buttons, 24c cross button, 26 memory card slot, 30 second housing, 30a surface of second housing, 32 second liquid crystal display, 34 speaker, 40 game memory card, 42 bus, 44 microprocessor, 46 main memory, 48 image processing unit, 50 input / output processing unit, 52 voice processing unit, 54 communication interface, 60, 60a answer screen, 62 character key, 62a option image, 64 delete key, 66 OK key, 68 answer column, 70 game data storage unit, 71 reference symbol string storage unit, 71a Semi-option storage section, 72, 72a area setting section, 74 pointing position acquisition section, 76, 76a determination section, 78 symbol string acquisition section, 78a option determination section, 80, 80a processing execution section, 82 character key area, 82a option area 84 Delete key area, 86 OK key area, 88 Invalid area, 100 program distribution system, 102 database, 104 server, 106 communication network, 108 program distribution apparatus.

Claims (14)

Reference symbol string storage means for storing a reference symbol string including one or more symbols;
Area setting means for setting a plurality of areas corresponding to a symbol or a symbol group in the screen;
Designated position obtaining means for obtaining a position in the screen designated by the user;
Determination means for determining whether or not the position acquired by the indicated position acquisition means is included in any of the plurality of regions;
Based on a determination result by the determination unit, a symbol string acquisition unit that acquires a symbol string input by the user;
Processing execution means for executing processing based on a comparison result between the reference symbol string and the symbol string acquired by the symbol string acquisition means;
Including
The area setting means sets the size of the area corresponding to the symbol included in the reference symbol string or the area corresponding to the symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs to the reference symbol string. Set larger than the size of the region corresponding to a symbol not included, or the region corresponding to a symbol group to which a symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong,
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The region setting means, when the user inputs an nth (n: integer greater than or equal to 1) symbol, the region corresponding to the nth symbol in the reference symbol string, or the reference symbol string Means for setting the size of the region corresponding to the symbol group to which the n-th symbol belongs to be larger than the size of the region corresponding to another symbol or the region corresponding to another symbol group. An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
A dominant arm storage means for storing information indicating the user's dominant arm;
The area setting means, based on the user's dominant arm, the area corresponding to the symbol included in the reference symbol string or the size of the area corresponding to the symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs. Means for setting the area larger than the area corresponding to a symbol not included in the reference symbol string, or the area corresponding to a symbol group to which a symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong,
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The region setting means includes: the region corresponding to a symbol included in the reference symbol string or the region corresponding to the symbol group to which a symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs; and a reference position on the screen. Based on the relationship, the reference symbol string includes the area corresponding to the symbol included in the reference symbol string, or the size of the area corresponding to the symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs. An information processing apparatus comprising: means for setting larger than a size of the region corresponding to a symbol that does not belong or a symbol group to which a symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The area setting means includes
Means for updating the positions of the plurality of regions;
Included in the reference symbol string based on the past or future position of the region corresponding to the symbol included in the reference symbol string, or the region corresponding to the symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs The area corresponding to the symbol that is not included in the reference symbol string, or the size of the area corresponding to the symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs, Means for setting larger than the size of the region corresponding to the symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong,
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The symbol includes a letter;
The reference symbol string is a reference character string configured to include one or more characters,
The area setting means sets the plurality of areas corresponding to characters or character groups in the screen,
The symbol string acquisition unit acquires a character string input by the user based on a determination result by the determination unit.
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. Reading the stored contents of a reference symbol string storage means for storing a reference symbol string including one or a plurality of symbols;
An area setting step for setting a plurality of areas corresponding to symbols or symbol groups in the screen;
An instruction position acquisition step of acquiring a position in the screen instructed by the user;
A determination step of determining whether the position acquired in the indicated position acquisition step is included in any of the plurality of regions;
Based on a determination result in the determination step, a symbol string acquisition step of acquiring a symbol string input by the user;
A process execution step for executing a process based on a comparison result between the reference symbol string and the symbol string acquired in the symbol string acquisition step;
Including
The region setting step sets the size of the region corresponding to the symbol included in the reference symbol string or the region corresponding to the symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol sequence belongs to the reference symbol string. Including setting the area corresponding to a symbol not included, or a size larger than the area corresponding to a symbol group to which a symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong,
A method for controlling an information processing apparatus. Reference symbol string storage means for storing a reference symbol string configured to include one or more symbols;
Area setting means for setting a plurality of areas corresponding to symbols or symbol groups in the screen,
Designated position obtaining means for obtaining the position in the screen designated by the user;
Determining means for determining whether or not the position acquired by the indicated position acquiring means is included in any of the plurality of regions;
Based on a determination result by the determination unit, a symbol string acquisition unit that acquires a symbol string input by the user; and
Processing execution means for executing processing based on a comparison result between the reference symbol string and the symbol string acquired by the symbol string acquisition means;
Function as a computer
The area setting means sets the size of the area corresponding to the symbol included in the reference symbol string or the area corresponding to the symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs to the reference symbol string. Set larger than the size of the region corresponding to a symbol not included, or the region corresponding to a symbol group to which a symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong,
A program characterized by that. Reference option storage means for storing reference options;
Area setting means for setting a plurality of areas corresponding to options or option groups in the screen;
Designated position obtaining means for obtaining a position in the screen designated by the user;
Determination means for determining whether or not the position acquired by the indicated position acquisition means is included in any of the plurality of regions;
An option determining means for determining an option selected by the user based on a determination result by the determining means;
Processing execution means for executing processing based on a comparison result of whether or not the reference option matches the option selected by the user;
Including
The region setting means sets the size of the region corresponding to the option corresponding to the option that is the reference option or the option group to which the option that is the reference option belongs to the option that corresponds to the option that is not the reference option. Set larger than the size of the region or the region corresponding to the option group to which the option that is the reference option does not belong,
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9,
A dominant arm storage means for storing information indicating the user's dominant arm;
The area setting means, based on the user's dominant hand, the area corresponding to the option that is the standard option, or the size of the area corresponding to the option group to which the option that is the standard option belongs, Means for setting the area corresponding to an option that is not a reference option, or a size larger than the area corresponding to the option group to which the option that is the reference option does not belong,
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9 or 10,
The region setting means is configured to determine whether the region corresponding to the option that is the reference option or the position of the region corresponding to the option group to which the option that is the reference option belongs, and the reference position on the screen. Based on the area corresponding to the option that is the standard option, or the area corresponding to the option group to which the option that is the standard option belongs, the area corresponding to the option that is not the standard option, or An information processing apparatus comprising: means for setting a size larger than the size of the area corresponding to the option group to which the option that is the reference option does not belong. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11,
The area setting means includes
Means for updating the positions of the plurality of regions;
The area corresponding to the option that is the reference option, or the option corresponding to the option that is the reference option, based on the past or future position of the area corresponding to the option group to which the option that is the reference option belongs. The size of the area corresponding to the option group to which the option that is the area or the standard option belongs belongs to the option group that does not belong to the area that corresponds to the option that is not the standard option or the option that is the standard option. Means for setting larger than the size of the corresponding region,
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. Reading the stored contents of the reference option storage means for storing the reference options;
An area setting step for setting a plurality of areas corresponding to options or option groups in the screen;
An instruction position acquisition step of acquiring a position in the screen instructed by the user;
A determination step of determining whether the position acquired in the indicated position acquisition step is included in any of the plurality of regions;
An option determination step of determining an option selected by the user based on a determination result in the determination step;
A process execution step for executing a process based on a comparison result of whether or not the reference option matches the option selected by the user;
Including
In the region setting step, the region corresponding to the option that is the reference option, or the size of the region corresponding to the option group to which the option that is the reference option belongs, corresponds to the option that is not the reference option. Including setting an area or a size larger than the area corresponding to the option group to which the option that is the reference option does not belong,
A method for controlling an information processing apparatus. Reference option storage means for storing reference options;
Area setting means for setting a plurality of areas corresponding to options or option groups in the screen,
Designated position obtaining means for obtaining the position in the screen designated by the user;
Determining means for determining whether or not the position acquired by the indicated position acquiring means is included in any of the plurality of regions;
Option determination means for determining an option selected by the user based on a determination result by the determination means, and
A process execution means for executing a process based on a comparison result of whether or not the reference option matches the option selected by the user;
Function as a computer
The region setting means sets the size of the region corresponding to the option corresponding to the option that is the reference option or the option group to which the option that is the reference option belongs to the option that corresponds to the option that is not the reference option. Set larger than the size of the region or the region corresponding to the option group to which the option that is the reference option does not belong,
A program characterized by that.

Images