JP6656631B2 - Game control device, game system and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game control device, a game system, and a program for controlling a game.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a game device that executes various game programs and allows a user to enjoy a game by operating an operation unit such as a controller has become widespread. For example, in a baseball game, a user can operate a batter character to perform a hit. In a conventional baseball game, there is a game in which a user who performs a hitting operation predicts a pitching course, and if the prediction is successful, the intensity of the hitting is increased. In a touch panel type game device, there has been proposed a configuration in which an expected area can be set by tracing an area on a strike zone with a finger.

JP 2011-092629 A

  In the case of the configuration of the above-mentioned conventional game device, the expected area can be set by an operation of tracing the screen with a finger, and it is desired that the expected area can be set by a simpler operation.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to realize a game in which a prediction area for predicting a moving course of a moving object can be set by a simple operation.

  A game control device according to an aspect of the present invention is a game control device that controls a game that can predict a moving course of a moving object, and sets an operation region in which an action can be applied to the moving object on a display unit. Setting means, when an arbitrary position in the action area on the display unit is indicated by the indicator, an area including the indication position of the indicator, and an expected area smaller than the action area; There is provided an expected area setting means that is set within the action area, and an action control means that controls an action on the moving body in the expected area so as to be larger than outside the expected area.

  A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to operate as the game control device, and for causing the computer to function as each unit included in the game control device.

  A game system according to another aspect of the present invention is a game system that includes a server and a terminal device, and controls a game in which a moving course of a moving object can be predicted. An action area setting means for setting an area on the display unit, and an area including a designated position of the indicator when an arbitrary position in the action area on the display unit is designated by the indicator, wherein Prediction region setting means for setting a prediction region smaller than the region within the operation region; and operation control means for controlling the effect on the moving body in the prediction region to be larger than outside the prediction region. Each of the units is provided in either the server or the terminal device.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the appearance of a game device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the game device. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the game screen in which prediction of a pitching course is not performed. It is an explanatory view showing an example of a game screen for explaining a setting operation of an expected area. It is an explanatory view showing an example of a game screen for explaining a setting operation of an expected area. It is an explanatory view showing an example of a game screen for explaining a movement operation of a prediction area. It is an explanatory view showing an example of a game screen where the position of the expected area has been determined. It is an explanatory view showing an example of a game screen for explaining a release operation of a predicted area. It is an explanatory view showing an example of a game screen immediately after a pitcher character pitches. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a destination object moves with the movement of a ball. It is an explanatory view showing an example of a game screen when a hitting operation is performed. It is a functional block diagram showing an example of a basic functional configuration of a game device. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of information on a fielder character registered in a character database. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of information on a pitcher character registered in a character database. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of the game device. It is an explanatory view showing an example of a game screen which makes a strike zone and its peripheral area an action area. It is an explanatory view showing an example of a game screen for explaining an operation of setting a predicted area using a cursor. It is an explanatory view showing an example of a game screen for explaining a movement operation of a prediction area using a cursor. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the prediction area | region before a position correction. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the prediction area | region after a position correction. It is a functional block diagram showing another example of the main configuration of the game device. It is a functional block diagram showing another example of the main configuration of the game device. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the game device which controls the baseball game which can predict a pitching course. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the game device which controls the baseball game which can predict a pitching course. It is an explanatory view showing an example of a game screen for explaining a movement operation of a prediction area. It is a functional block diagram showing another example of the main configuration of the game device. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example in which the magnitude | size of a prediction area changes according to the position of a prediction area. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which the size of a predicted area changes based on a user operation; It is a flowchart which shows the other example of operation | movement of the game device which controls the baseball game which can predict a pitching course. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the game screen in which the prediction of the pitching course is not performed. It is an explanatory view showing an example of a game screen for explaining a setting operation of an expected area. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a setting of the prediction area | region in a strike zone. FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example (game system) of the game management device.

  Hereinafter, a game device (an example of a game control device), a game system (an example of a game control device), and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Configuration of game device]
A game device as a game control device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a smartphone, a mobile phone terminal, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, and a game. It can be constituted by a dedicated device (stationary or portable type), a personal computer, a multifunctional television receiver (so-called smart TV) and the like. In the present embodiment, an example in which the game device is a smartphone will be described below.

  A smartphone is a mobile terminal that combines a mobile phone terminal and a mobile information terminal. If a game program downloaded from a game server is installed in its storage device, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the smartphone executes the game program. By executing, the user can play various games.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of an external appearance of a game device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the game apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the game device 10 includes a main body unit 12, a touch panel unit 13 (an example of a display unit), a button operation unit 14 (home button 14 a, volume button 14 b, sleep button 14 c), a voice input unit 15 and audio output units 16a and 16b.

  The touch panel unit 13 is a contact input type image display unit provided on one surface of the housing of the main body unit 12. The touch panel unit 13 is configured by combining a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or the like and a position input unit having a touch interface, and touches the screen by using an operator (user) finger or pen as an indicator. Is detected, an intuitive input operation is possible. The touch panel unit 13 of the present embodiment is configured as a projection-type multi-touch screen of a capacitance type, and is capable of detecting multiple points simultaneously. Note that the touch panel unit 13 may employ another method such as a resistance film method, a surface acoustic wave method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a surface-type capacitance method.

  The button operation unit 14 includes a home button 14a, a volume button 14b, a sleep button 14c, and the like, and enables basic operations other than operations on the touch panel unit 13 by button operations. The home button 14 a is provided, for example, below the touch panel 13 in the main body 12, and when the button is pressed, a home screen is displayed on the touch panel 13. The volume button 14b is provided, for example, on the side surface of the main body 12, and when the upper part of the button is pressed, the volume increases, and when the lower part is pressed, the volume decreases. The sleep button 14c is provided, for example, on the upper part of the main body 12, and when the button is pressed, the game apparatus 10 transitions to the sleep state, and when the button is pressed in the sleep state, the game apparatus 10 can return from the sleep state. I can do it.

  The voice input unit 15 is composed of a microphone built in the main body 12, and can collect sound from a microphone opening provided on the lower surface of the main body 12, for example. The voice input unit 15 is used for telephone communication, recording, and the like.

  The audio output unit 16a is provided, for example, above the touch panel unit 13 in the main unit 12, and serves as a receiving speaker during telephone communication. The audio output unit 16b is built in the main unit 12, and outputs, for example, a sound effect at the time of game execution from an output port provided on the lower surface of the main unit 12.

  The main unit 12 of the game apparatus 10 is also provided with a headset jack, a connector for power supply or connection to a personal computer, a lens for a built-in camera, and the like, but a description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game device 10 mainly includes a control unit 17, an auxiliary storage device 18, and a communication control unit 19.

  The control unit 17 includes a CPU 21, a read only memory (ROM) 22 and a random access memory (RAM) 23 as a main storage device, an image processing unit 24, a touch input detection unit 25, and a sound processing unit 26. These are interconnected via a bus line 27 including an address bus, a data bus, a control bus and the like. Although an interface circuit is interposed between the bus line 27 and each component as necessary, illustration of the interface circuit is omitted here.

  The CPU 21 interprets and executes the instructions of the game program, and controls the entire game device 10. The ROM 22 stores programs, data, and the like necessary for basic operation control of the game device 10. The RAM 23 stores various programs and data, and secures a work area for the CPU 21.

  The image processing unit 24 drives the touch panel unit 13 based on an image display command from the CPU 21 to display an image on the screen of the touch panel unit 13. The image processing unit 24 includes a touch input detection unit 25. When an indicator such as a finger or a pen touches the screen of the touch panel unit 13, the touch input detection unit 25 detects a contact position coordinate on the screen and supplies a coordinate signal to the CPU 21. Thereby, the contact position on the screen of the touch panel unit 13 is recognized by the CPU 21. Further, when a finger or the like touches a predetermined detection target area displayed on the screen of the touch panel section 13, the image processing unit 24 supplies a selection signal indicating that the detection target area has been selected to the CPU 21. . Thus, the CPU 21 recognizes that the detection target area on the screen of the touch panel unit 13 has been selected.

  The sound processing unit 26 converts an analog audio signal into a digital audio signal when audio is input from the audio input unit 15, generates an analog audio signal based on a sounding instruction from the CPU 21, and outputs the analog audio signal to the audio output unit 16a or 16b.

  The auxiliary storage device 18 is a storage device for storing a game program, various data, and the like. As the auxiliary storage device 18, for example, a hard disk drive or a flash memory drive can be used.

  The communication control unit 19 includes a communication interface 19a, and has a communication control function for performing data communication when a game is executed, a communication control function for transmitting and receiving voice data as a mobile phone, and the like. Here, the communication control function for data communication includes, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) connection function, an Internet connection function via a wireless LAN or a mobile phone network, a predetermined frequency band (for example, a frequency of 2.4 GHz). And a short-range wireless communication function using a band. The communication control unit 19 transmits a connection signal for connecting the game device 10 to a wireless LAN, the Internet, or the like based on a command from the CPU 21, receives information transmitted from a communication partner, and supplies the information to the CPU 21. I do.

  The game apparatus 10 may further include an imaging device (camera) such as a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor, a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal receiving circuit, a three-axis acceleration sensor, and the like.

  In the game device 10 having the above configuration, various games can be executed by loading the game program stored in the auxiliary storage device 18 into the RAM 23 and executing the loaded game program by the CPU 21. In addition, the game device 10 is connected to another game device 10 by wireless LAN communication, Internet communication, distance wireless communication, wired communication, or the like, and exchanges data while synchronizing between the two to provide a competitive game. It is also possible to execute

[Example of game]
The game managed (controlled) by the game device 10 of the present embodiment includes various games such as sports simulation games such as baseball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, and the like, and battle games based on battle. As an example, here, a baseball game in which a batter character hits a ball thrown by a pitcher character will be described.

  In the baseball game according to the present embodiment, a user performing an operation relating to a hit can predict a pitching course as an example of a moving course of a moving object before the pitcher character pitches. FIG. 3 shows an example of a game screen G10 for a user to perform an operation related to a hit. The game screen G10 includes a main game screen area G10a and a hitting operation area G10b.

  In the main game screen area G10a, a batter character C10 to be operated by the user, a pitcher character C20 of an opponent, and the like are displayed. The CPU 21 automatically controls the pitcher character C20 of the opponent in the computer competition mode, and is operated by the opponent user in the communication competition mode.

  In the main game screen area G10a, a home base HB, a strike zone SZ, a power gauge G12, and the like are displayed. Further, in the main game screen area G10a, game progress information (information on current inning, score, ball count, runner, etc.), information on the batter character C10 currently standing at bat (player name, batting order, ability parameter, batting average) , The number of home runs, etc.), and information on the pitcher character C20 currently climbing the mound (player name, ability parameter, ERA, number of wins, etc.) may be displayed.

  The power gauge G12 visualizes on the screen the magnitude of the striking force (strength) when the ball is hit, and visually approves the magnitude of the acting force (eg, striking force) on the moving object on the screen. 5 is an example of an action force display object displayed on the screen. The higher the position of the upper end of the power gauge G12, the greater the hitting force when hitting the ball, indicating that a stronger hit ball or longer flight distance is obtained. The upper end of the power gauge G12 fluctuates according to parameters (for example, long hitting power) of the batter character C10.

  Further, the power gauge G12 fluctuates not only according to the parameters of the batter character C10, but also fluctuates based on whether or not an expected area is set, as described later. Further, the power gauge G12 is based on parameters relating to the strength or weakness of the batter character C10 with respect to the moving course of the moving object, both parameters of the batter character C10 and the pitcher character C20, information on compatibility of the batter character C10 and the pitcher character C20, and the like. It may be changed. Details of these will be described later.

  In the baseball game according to the present embodiment, an action area in which a ball as an example of a moving object can be hit is a strike zone SZ. Therefore, basically, if the ball comes into the strike zone SZ, the ball can be hit (the ball can hit the bat), but cannot be hit in the ball zone outside the strike zone SZ (even if the bat is swung). Empty swing).

  As a variation, as described later, not only the strike zone SZ but also a part of a ball zone around the strike zone SZ may be an action area where a ball can be hit.

  The strike zone SZ is, for example, translucent (or transparent except for the outer frame) so that the ball pitched by the pitcher character C20 can be visually recognized.

  When the user predicts the pitching course, the following example operation is performed before the pitcher character C20 releases the ball (or before the pitcher character C20 starts the pitching motion). Whether or not the user predicts the pitching course is optional, and the following operation may be performed only when it is desired to predict.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the user brings a finger F (or a pen or the like) as an example of a pointer into an arbitrary position of the strike zone SZ on the game screen G10. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a predicted area G11 smaller than the strike zone SZ is set in the strike zone SZ around the position P (contact position) pointed by the finger F. When such an operation of setting the expected area G11 (operation of touching an arbitrary position in the strike zone SZ with the finger F) is performed, an effect display in which the frame of the strike zone SZ contracts is performed. A predicted area G11 is set in a similar shape to the zone SZ. Here, the outer frame of the strike zone SZ is left on the game screen G10. This allows the user to determine whether the pitching course of the player himself is appropriate or not after the release of the ball by the pitcher character C20, and to confirm whether the actual pitching course has become a strike or a ball. That's why. The three arrows in FIG. 5 are for explaining the effect display in which the outer frame of the strike zone SZ contracts, and are not displayed on the actual game screen G10.

  After the prediction area G11 is set around the pointing position P of the finger F as described above, as long as the user's finger F is in contact with the prediction area G11, the user performs the following operation. Thereby, the prediction area G11 can be moved to an arbitrary place in the strike zone SZ. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the user performs a so-called drag operation in which the user moves (slides) the finger F in contact with the touch panel unit 13. As a result, the predicted area G11 moves in the strike zone SZ in conjunction with the movement of the designated position P (contact position) of the finger F. FIG. 6 shows an example in which the predicted area G11 located at a lower outer angle of the strike zone SZ moves to a higher inner angle. Therefore, the user can easily change the position after setting the predicted area G11. As described above, the moving range of the predicted area G11 is limited to the inside of the strike zone SZ. As a result of the movement, when the outer side of the predicted area G11 contacts the outer side of the strike zone SZ, the outer side of the strike zone SZ is further extended. Can not move in the direction beyond. Note that the three arrows in FIG. 6 are for explaining that the designated position P has moved by sliding the finger F, and the predicted area G11 has also moved in conjunction therewith. It is not displayed on G10.

  After the prediction area G11 illustrated in FIG. 5 is set or after the prediction area G11 illustrated in FIG. 6 is moved, the finger F moves away from or touches the touch panel unit 13 (touch-off), so that the prediction area G11 in the strike zone SZ is changed. The position is determined. FIG. 7 shows an example of a screen in which the position of the predicted area G11 is determined to be higher than the inner angle of the strike zone SZ when the user moves the finger F away from the touch panel 13 in the game screen G10 of FIG. In addition, as described later, when the user touches the touch panel 13 with the finger F to set the predicted area G11, the position of the predicted area G11 may be immediately determined. That is, as a variation, the position of the predicted area G11 may be immediately determined by one touch operation.

  After the position of the predicted area G11 is determined, as shown in FIG. 8, when the finger F or the like is brought into contact with an arbitrary position in the predicted area G11 again, the setting of the predicted area G11 can be released. Thereby, the state returns to the game screen G10 in FIG. 3 where the pitching course is not predicted. Note that, on the game screen G10 of FIG. 8, when the predicted area G11 is touched with the finger F, an effect display in which the predicted area G11 is enlarged is performed until the outer frame of the predicted area G11 overlaps the outer frame of the strike zone SZ. Then, when the outer frame of the predicted area G11 overlaps with the outer frame of the strike zone SZ, the predicted area G11 disappears. The three arrows in FIG. 8 are for explaining the effect display in which the predicted area G11 is enlarged, and are not displayed on the actual game screen G10.

  The operations of setting, moving, and canceling the expected area G11 as described above are limited to until the pitcher character C20 releases the ball (or until the pitcher character C20 starts the pitching motion). Until then, each operation of setting, moving, and canceling the predicted area G11 can be performed at an arbitrary timing. For example, even if the setting of the predicted area G11 is canceled, the predicted area G11 is set again. Good.

  The difference between the case where the user has not predicted the pitching course and the case where the user has predicted (that is, the case where the predicted area G11 is set) is as follows.

  When the user predicts the pitching course and the predicted area G11 is set, only the inside of the predicted area G11 is an area where the hit ball can be hit. Therefore, in an area outside the expected area G11, even in the strike zone SZ, it is impossible to strike (even if the bat is swung). Therefore, when the user does not predict the pitching course, the entire strike zone SZ is a hitting area, but when the user predicts the pitching course, the hitting area is larger than the strike zone SZ. Is also limited to the small expected area G11.

  As will be described later, an area outside the expected area G11 in the strike zone SZ may be an area where the impact can be performed but the impact force is lower than that in a case where the prediction is not performed.

  On the other hand, when the user predicts the pitching course and the predicted area G11 is set, the batter character C10 shakes the bat more strongly than when the prediction is not performed. Therefore, the hitting force on the ball in the predicted area G11 is larger than when the prediction is not performed. Therefore, when the user predicts the pitching course, the hittable area is limited to the expected area G11, which has a disadvantage that it is smaller than the hittable area (the entire strike zone SZ) when no prediction is made. There is also a merit that the hitting power is improved as compared with a case where the pitching course is not predicted, and it is possible to aim for a long hit. The user is required to weigh the merits and demerits when predicting the pitching course and determine whether to make the prediction.

  The power gauge G12 varies depending on whether or not there is a prediction so that the user can recognize on the screen that the hitting force on the ball in the prediction area G11 is greater than when the prediction is not made. For example, the power gauge G12 of the game screen G10 in which the predicted area G11 shown in FIG. 5 is set is higher than that of the game screen G10 in which the pitching course is not predicted as shown in FIG.

  Further, when the pitching course is not predicted by the user (that is, when the entire strike zone SZ is a hittable area), the entire strike zone SZ on the game screen G10 in FIG. Translucent). On the other hand, when the prediction is performed by the user and the prediction area G11 is set, the prediction area G11 on the game screen G10 in FIG. 5 is darker (has a higher density) than the color of the strike zone SZ in FIG. . In this case, an area outside the expected area G11 in the strike zone SZ is transparent or lighter in color than the strike zone SZ in FIG. This means that the impact force on the ball in the predicted area G11 is larger than in the case where no prediction is made, due to the difference (change) in the density between the strike zone SZ as an example of the action area and the predicted area G11. It is shown. The user can intuitively perceive the improvement of the batting power by the prediction due to the density change of the region depending on the presence or absence of the prediction. Note that, as a variation, the color (color) may be changed instead of, or in addition to, the density change.

  The pitcher character C20 automatically starts pitching. That is, the CPU 21 of the game device 10 controls the pitching operation of the pitcher character C20 by automatic control based on an AI program (Artificial Intelligence Program) or the like. In the case of a match between users, the pitcher character C20 starts pitching based on the opponent user's pitching operation.

  The user can hit the ball by performing a predetermined hitting operation at a predetermined reference timing (hittable timing) provided after the pitcher character C20 releases the ball (the moving body starts moving). it can. An example of the hitting operation will be described below.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the game screen G10 immediately after the pitcher character C20 has pitched a ball object BL (hereinafter, simply referred to as a ball BL). Immediately after the pitcher character C20 releases the ball BL, or after a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 0.1 second) from the release, as shown in FIG. 9, an upper region of the home base HB (the strike zone SZ exists). (On the plane where the ball BL moves), an arrival point object G13 indicating the expected position of the ball BL is displayed. The reaching point object G13 is also called a landing point or the like. The destination object G13 is translucently displayed so as not to block the display of the moving ball BL.

  As described above, the reaching point object G13 is displayed immediately after the pitcher character C20 releases the ball BL or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the release, but at this timing, the reaching point object G13 is not necessarily home. It does not show the final arrival position of the ball BL above the base HB. That is, when the changing ball is thrown, the reaching point object G13 gradually moves with the change in the trajectory of the ball BL, and reaches the final reaching position at the timing when the ball BL passes above the home base HB. At this time, the ball BL and the reaching point object G13 overlap. As described above, since the reaching point object G13 is translucent, when the pitched ball BL overlaps the reaching point object G13, the ball BL itself does not disappear.

  FIG. 10 shows, as an example, a state in which the reaching point object G13 moves as the ball BL moves when the right-throwing pitcher character C20 throws a slider (or the left-thrower pitcher character C20 shoots). Is shown. In FIG. 10, images other than the ball BL, the reaching point object G13, the strike zone SZ, and the predicted area G11 are omitted to explain the display and behavior of the ball BL and the reaching point object G13.

  The position of the ball BL moving in the game space is projected on a plane where the strike zone SZ above the home base HB exists, and is displayed as a reaching point object G13. In particular, in the case of a changing sphere, the ball BL moves in a horizontal direction (x-axis direction) and / or a vertical direction (y-axis direction) on a plane (xy plane) perpendicular to the traveling direction (z-axis direction) of the ball BL. , The position change of the ball BL is reflected (projected) as the position change of the destination object G13. In the case of a straight sphere, there is no change in the position of the arrival point object G13 due to the movement of the ball BL, or only a change in the position of a slight drop in the vertical direction due to gravity.

  Therefore, after the ball BL is released from the pitcher character C20, the user pays attention to the moving direction and the moving speed of the reaching point object G13 displayed on the game screen G10, so that the ball BL reaches above the home base HB. (Passing) position can be predicted.

  The user performs a batting operation with an eye on the timing when the ball BL finally arrives in the upper area of the home base HB including the destination object G13 (that is, the timing when the ball BL and the destination object G13 overlap). For example, by tapping the tapping operation area G10b provided in the lower part of the game screen G10 in FIG. 9 with a finger F or the like (operation to touch the screen for a moment as if tapping the screen), as illustrated in FIG. The batter character C10 swings a bat object BT (hereinafter, simply referred to as a bat BT).

  The above-mentioned hitting operation (an example of an operation giving operation) is an operation in which the user himself / herself designates a timing at which the batter character C10 performs a hitting (an example of a timing at which an effect is given). The batting operation is not limited to the above-described operation of tapping the predetermined area of the screen, and various operations can be applied as long as the operation can specify the timing at which the batter character C10 performs a batting operation. May be pressed.

  In this game, the following conditions (a) and (b) are required in order for the bat BT to hit (hit) the ball BL.

  (A) At the timing when the ball BL reaches the area above the home base HB (that is, when the ball BL and the arrival point object G13 overlap), the ball BL or the arrival point object G13 exists in an area where the ball can be hit.

  That is, when the prediction of the pitching course is not performed by the user (when the prediction area G11 is not set), the entire strike zone SZ is a hittable area. Existence of G13 in strike zone SZ is one of the impact conditions.

  When the user has predicted the pitching course (when the prediction area G11 is set), the prediction area G11 is an area where the ball can be hit. Is present in the expected area G11, which is one of the batting conditions.

  Note that an area other than the expected area G11 in the strike zone SZ may be an area in which an impact can be performed but the impact force is lower than that in a case where the prediction is not performed. In this case, even when the predicted area G11 is set, the entire strike zone SZ is a hittable area, so that the ball BL or the reaching point object G13 exists in the strike zone SZ at the above timing. Is one of the hitting conditions.

  (B) The user performs a hitting operation at a hittable timing (an example of a reference timing). Here, as an example of the hittable timing, the hittable timing may be a frame in which the ball BL and the arrival point object G13 overlap and a period of a total of seven frames including three frames before and three frames behind the frame. Here, the period of one frame is, for example, 1/60 second. Therefore, the hittable timing can be set to a period of 7/60 seconds in which the time point at which the ball BL and the arrival point object G13 exactly overlap is set as the middle of the period. This is an example, and the possible hit timing is, for example, a frame (3/60 seconds) of a frame in which the ball BL and the arrival point object G13 overlap and one frame before and after the frame, or a total of two frames before and after the frame. A period of 5 frames (5/60 seconds) may be used. Alternatively, only the frame in which the ball BL and the arrival point object G13 overlap (1/60 second) may be set as the hittable timing.

  Regarding the condition (a), when the ball BL is present in an area other than the area where the ball can be hit (the strike zone SZ or the predicted area G11) at the timing when the ball BL reaches the area above the home base HB, the user is hit. Even if you perform the operation, you will miss. Further, regarding the condition (b), as in the case of the actual baseball hit, if the hitting operation timing is too early or too late from the hitting possible timing, the ball is missed. When the conditions (a) and (b) are satisfied, the bat BT hits the ball BL, and the ball BL can be hit.

  When the above conditions (a) and (b) are satisfied, the batting force, the timing of the batting operation, and the ability parameters (such as long batting force) of the batter character C10 change depending on whether or not the pitching course is predicted. The trajectory of the hit ball BL is determined. As described above, when the pitching course is predicted, the hitting power is improved as compared with the case where the prediction is not performed, and a long hit (home run, etc.) is likely to occur. If the timing of the hitting operation is near the middle of the hittable timing, the hitting is in the direction of the center, if it is earlier, it is a so-called pulling hit, and if it is later than that, it is a so-called hitting hit. Thus, the direction of the hit ball can be determined by the timing of the hitting operation.

  In the game of the present embodiment, just before touching an arbitrary position in strike zone SZ with finger F before the pitcher character C20 pitches, expected area G11 can be easily set at the touched position. If the finger F that has been touched is dragged without releasing the finger from the screen, the position of the predicted area G11 can be easily changed. Further, if the finger F is separated from the screen, the position of the predicted area G11 can be determined. Further, by touching the finger F again on the predicted area G11 whose position has been determined, the setting of the predicted area G11 can be easily canceled.

  In addition, when the user does not predict the pitching course, the user does not need to do anything before the pitching of the pitcher character C20.

  After the pitcher character C20 throws the ball BL, it is determined whether or not the ball BL comes into an area where the ball BL can be hit (the strike zone SZ or the expected area G11). Can be.

  As described above, in the game according to the present embodiment, the user can easily perform an operation related to a hit with one finger, and therefore, particularly, a portable game device such as a smartphone or the like that requires simple operability is required. Optimal.

  In the above description, a game example in the game apparatus 10 including the touch panel unit 13 as an example of a touch-operable display unit has been described. However, a game apparatus (stationary type) that displays a game screen on a non-contact operation display unit Game dedicated machine, personal computer, etc.) may have the following game specifications. That is, a cursor or the like (an index indicating a position on the screen at which the user can operate with a controller, a mouse, or the like) is displayed on the screen of the display unit as an example of an indicator. Then, instead of the user directly instructing the position by directly touching the screen with his / her finger, the user operates the controller, mouse, or the like to place the cursor at an arbitrary position, and clicks (a button operation equivalent to a click). Etc.) to indicate the position. The operation of dragging and moving the expected area G11 is a drag operation using a mouse or the like. The hitting operation for specifying the hitting timing is an operation of clicking a mouse or the like, an operation of pressing a physical button, or the like. As described above, the same game as described above can be realized even by an operation using a controller, a mouse, a button, or the like instead of the contact operation.

  Further, as a variation of the above game, an aiming cursor (also referred to as a meat cursor, a bat cursor, or the like) is displayed on a screen, and the user performs an operation of superimposing the aiming cursor on the ball BL (or the reaching point object G13). It may be. In this case, in addition to the above conditions (a) and (b), a condition that “the aiming cursor and the ball BL (or the reaching point object G13) overlap at the timing when the user performs the batting operation” is satisfied. If not, the ball BL cannot be hit.

[Basic functional configuration of game device]
FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a basic configuration of the game device 10. The game device 10 according to the present embodiment includes an input management unit 110, an execution unit 120, an output management unit 130, a character management unit 140, a user information management unit 150, a communication management unit 160, and the like. These units are realized by the CPU 21 of the game device 10 executing the program according to the present embodiment.

  The input management unit 110 outputs information related to an operation via the touch input detection unit 25 or the like to the execution unit 120. The execution unit 120 performs various calculations and data processing based on information related to the operation. In the baseball game, for example, the execution unit 120 executes a setting process of the predicted region G11 based on a predicted region setting operation by the user. Information on the result of the processing executed by the execution unit 120 is stored in a predetermined area of a storage device (the RAM 23, the auxiliary storage device 18, and the like). The output management unit 130 controls various outputs via the image processing unit 24 and the sound processing unit 26. For example, the output management unit 130 controls the image processing unit 24 to display the game screen G10 as shown in FIG. 3 to FIG.

  The character management means 140 has a function of managing all player characters in the game based on a character database (hereinafter, referred to as a character DB). The character DB is stored in the RAM 23 or the auxiliary storage device 18. Alternatively, the character DB may exist in the game server, and the game device 10 may access the game server and download necessary player character information via the game server.

  The character DB in the baseball game stores information such as a player name, a position (defensive position), and an ability parameter in association with identification information (player ID) for uniquely identifying each player character. FIG. 13 illustrates information of one fielder character (player ID = 001) registered in the character DB. In the case of a fielder character, in association with the player ID, the player name, position, ability parameters (such as skillful hitting, long hitting power, running power, defensive power, etc.), information on the strength / unsatisfactory of the pitching course, the image of the character, etc. It is memorized. As the ability parameter, different values are set according to each fielder character. Information on the strength / unsatisfaction of the pitching course will be described later.

  In the present embodiment, the ability parameter is one of eight ranks “S”, “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “F”, and “G”. Is set to rank. The S rank is the highest and the G rank is the lowest. The number (for example, 0 to 100) next to the rank is a parameter value (ability value), and the higher the parameter value, the higher the ability of the pitcher character. The relation between the rank and the parameter value is, for example, “S (90-100)”, “A (80-89)”, “B (70-79)”, “C (60-69)”, “D ( 50-59) "," E (40-49) "," F (30-39) ", and" G (0-29) ".

  FIG. 14 illustrates information of one pitcher character (player ID = 501) registered in the character DB. In the case of a pitcher character, information such as a player name, a position, a ball speed, ball control, a pitchable pitch, compatibility with a batter, and a character image are stored in association with a player ID.

  The ball speed is the maximum ball speed when the pitcher character throws a straight. The ball control power is a parameter serving as an index of good control of the pitcher character. The pitch type that can be pitched is a so-called pitcher's ball. In the example of FIG. 14, the pitcher character with the player ID = 501 has four types of pitches of “straight”, “slider”, “curve”, and “fork” as balls. These parameters are set to different values according to each pitcher character. The information on the compatibility with the batter will be described later.

  The character DB stores parameters of the pitches in association with the pitches that the pitcher character can pitch. In the present embodiment, a power parameter is exemplified as a parameter of the pitch. The ball power parameter is a parameter indicating the power of the thrown ball. In addition, different values are set for the parameters of the pitch type according to each pitcher character. This is because each pitcher has different strengths and weak pitches. In addition, as the parameters of the ball type, a ball control parameter indicating good control, a change parameter indicating the magnitude of a change in the trajectory of the changing ball, or the like may be further applied.

  The user information management unit 150 stores and manages information related to a user's game in a storage device (the RAM 23, the auxiliary storage device 18, and the like). Items managed by the user information management means 150 differ depending on the type and content of the game. For example, in the case of a game in which the user can access the game server and play in the online mode, the user information management unit 150 associates information such as a login ID, a password, and a user name with a user ID that uniquely identifies each user. Store in the storage device. The user information management unit 150 also stores and manages various types of information such as the user's game level, acquired points, information on the user's friends (friends), information during the game, and save data after the game in the storage device. I do.

  The communication management unit 160 has a function of managing information communication with the game server, the game device 10 of another user, and the like via the communication control unit 19.

[Main Functional Configuration of Game Device (First Embodiment)]
The game control device according to the present embodiment controls a game that can predict a moving course of a moving object. Here, the “moving object” is, for example, a character, an item, or an object that moves in a game screen or a game space. An example of the “moving object” is a ball object in a sports simulation game. Another example of the moving object is a character or item such as a fighter or a missile in an action game. In addition, characters such as moving insects, birds, fish, animals, and the like (which may be imaginary characters such as monsters) in a game for catching insects and the like can be cited as moving objects.

  The “moving course” is, for example, a course, a route, or a place where the moving body moves (goes). Examples of the “moving course” include a pitching course of a ball thrown by a pitcher in a baseball game, a kicker shooting course in a soccer game, and a server serving course in a tennis game. In addition, flight routes of fighters and missiles, traveling routes of insects and birds, and the like can be included in the traveling course. Hereinafter, a baseball game will be mainly described as an example, and an application example other than a baseball game will be supplemented as necessary. As described above, in a baseball game, a user who hits in the game can predict a pitching course.

  A main functional configuration of the game device 10 as an example of the game control device according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to a functional block diagram of FIG.

  The game device 10 mainly includes an action area setting means 121, an expected area setting means 122, an action control means 123, and the like. These units are realized by the CPU 21 of the game device 10 executing the program according to the present embodiment. The action area setting means 121, the expected area setting means 122, and the action control means 123 are a part of the functions of the execution means 120 shown in FIG.

  The action area setting means 121 has a function of setting an action area capable of giving an action to the moving body on the display unit. Here, the “action” refers to, for example, exerting a force on a moving body or affecting the moving body by having a relationship with the moving body. Examples of the “action” include hitting (returning), applying rotation, capturing, destroying, and deforming the moving object. The “action area” is, for example, an area in a screen where an action can be given to a moving object. In a baseball game, an area in which a ball as an example of a moving object can be hit is an action area. Further, in the PK game of the soccer game, an area in front of the goal where the keeper can capture or play the ball (for example, an area having the same size as the opening of the soccer goal) can be set as the action area. Further, in a tennis game, an area within a range where a character receiving a serve can reach a racket can be set as an action area. In other games, any area in the screen displayed by the display unit can be set as the action area.

  As a specific example, in a baseball game, the strike zone SZ shown in FIG. That is, the action area setting means 121 sets the strike zone SZ on the screen of the touch panel section 13 as an example of the display section as an action area where the ball can be hit.

  Note that the action area is not limited to the strike zone SZ. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the strike zone SZ and a peripheral area (ball zone) may be set as the action area G14. In this case, it is possible to hit not only the strike zone SZ but also a part of the ball zone. In this case, within the action area G14, the strike zone SZ and the ball zone may have different hitting forces when hit by a ball. That is, the hitting force when the ball is hit in the ball zone within the action area G14 is smaller than the hitting force when the ball is hit in the strike zone SZ. As a result, it is possible to hit even a part of the ball zone, but it is possible to realize in the game a state similar to a baseball hit in the real world, in which the hitting is easier than hitting the ball coming to the strike zone SZ.

  For the user, it is preferable that the action area is visualized in order to clarify which part on the screen is the action area.

  The image information of the action area and the position information (information of global coordinates) of the action area in the game space are stored in a storage device (the RAM 23, the auxiliary storage device 18, and the like). Based on the information stored in the storage device, the action area setting means 121 sets a strike zone SZ (or a hittable area including the strike zone SZ) as an action area in the screen (in the game space).

  The prediction region setting means 122 is a region including a pointing position of the pointer when an arbitrary position in the operation region on the display unit is pointed by the pointer, and is a prediction region smaller than the operation region. Is set in the action area. The setting of the predicted area by the predicted area setting means 122 is performed before the action on the moving object is given. Here, “before the action is applied to the moving body” refers to, for example, a period before the action can be applied to the moving body. Here, the entire period up to immediately before the effect is applied may be the target, or a specific period or time before the effect is applied may be the target. In other words, “before the action is applied to the moving object” is a predictable period in which the prediction area can be set. For example, a period until the moving body starts moving corresponds to an example of “before applying the action to the moving body”. For example, in the baseball game, a period until the pitcher character C20 releases the ball corresponds to an example of “before applying the action to the moving object”. Further, for example, in a PK game of a soccer game, a period until the kicker character kicks the ball object corresponds to an example of “before applying the action to the moving object”. In the tennis game, a period until the server character serves the ball object corresponds to an example of “before applying an action to a moving object”. In a game in which a missile or a fighter is shot down, for example, a period until the missile or the like approaches a predetermined distance corresponds to an example of “before applying an action to a moving object”.

  The “pointer” is used, for example, for an operation to specify a position in the screen of the display unit. When the display unit is configured to be able to perform a touch operation such as a touch panel, a physical object such as a user's finger or a pen corresponds to an example of a pointer. In this case, the position in the action area can be indicated by bringing the indicator such as a finger into contact with the display unit, and the contact position of the indicator corresponds to the indicated position. Note that the contact operation includes a touch operation on the touch panel 13 as well as a touch operation (a so-called rear touch operation) on an operation unit (such as a touch pad) for back input provided on the back of the display unit. . That is, it is also possible to indicate a position in the action area by bringing the indicator into contact with the operation unit corresponding to the display unit, instead of making the indicator directly contact the screen of the display unit. is there. Further, in the case of a display unit that is not a touch operation type, an index indicating a position on the screen, such as a cursor displayed on the screen, which can be operated by a user using an operation unit such as a controller or a mouse, is an example of an indicator. Is equivalent to In this case, as an example in which the pointer indicates an arbitrary position in the action area on the display unit, an operation of clicking with the cursor arranged at an arbitrary position in the action area (a button operation equivalent to a click, etc.) Is applicable.

  For example, in the baseball game, as illustrated in FIG. 4, in a state where the expected area is not set, an arbitrary position in the strike zone SZ as an example of the action area is indicated by the indicator such as the finger F. In this case, information on the position indicated by the pointer is input to the game device 10 via the touch input detection unit 25. The information of the designated position (coordinate information) is stored in the RAM 23. Thereby, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the prediction area setting means 122 sets a prediction area G11 having a predetermined size smaller than the strike zone SZ in the strike zone SZ. In this case, the prediction area setting means 122 sets the prediction area G11 so that the pointing position P of the pointer is included in the prediction area G11. For example, the prediction area setting means 122 sets the prediction area G11 in the strike zone SZ with the pointing position P of the pointer as the center.

  The size of the predicted area may be smaller than the action area, and may be, for example, 50% of the area of the action area. The size of the predicted area may be fixed, but may be changed based on parameters such as a batter character and a pitcher character, as described later.

  The action control unit 123 has a function of controlling the action on the moving body to be different between inside and outside of the expected area in the action area. For example, the action control unit 123 has a function of controlling the action on the moving body in the expected area so as to be larger than that outside the expected area. In the example of the baseball game according to the present embodiment, the action control unit 123 makes a stronger hit in the predicted area G11 than in the normal case (when it is not predicted). Even within the strike zone SZ), control is performed such that the batting force cannot be reduced to zero (or the batting force is lower than usual and only a weak ball can be hit) outside of the predicted area G11 to produce a predicted effect. Let it.

  Further, for example, in a soccer game, the action control means 123 can catch or play the ball with a stronger force than usual (in a case where it is not predicted) in the expected area (thus, the probability of stopping the goal is high). However, the force is controlled so that the force is lower than usual in the outside of the prediction region (thus, the probability of accepting the goal becomes higher), thereby producing a prediction effect.

  These are merely examples, and the action on the moving object varies depending on the type and content of the game. However, the action control means 123 only needs to be able to control the action differently inside and outside the expected area in the action area. The details of the operation control means 123 will be described later.

  Further, the predicted area setting means 122 has a function of moving the predicted area in the action area after the setting of the predicted area, with the movement of the designated position of the pointer.

  For example, in the case of the touch panel unit 13 which is an example of a display unit capable of performing a touch operation, as illustrated in FIG. 5, after the finger F contacts the touch panel unit 13 and the predicted area G11 is set in the strike zone SZ, As illustrated in FIG. 6, the user moves the finger F while touching the touch panel unit 13. That is, the finger F is moved (slid) while the contact state between the finger F and the touch panel unit 13 is maintained. As a result, information on the movement of the designated position (contact position) of the finger F is input to the game device 10 via the touch input detection unit 25. For example, every predetermined sampling time (for example, 1/60 second), the coordinates of the designated position where the finger F is in contact with the touch panel unit 13 are input to the game device 10 via the touch input detection unit 25. The information on the designated position may be stored while sequentially overwriting only the latest information in the RAM 23, or the information on the designated position acquired at every sampling time may be stored in the RAM 23 in chronological order. The predicted area setting means 122 moves the predicted area G11 in the strike zone SZ in conjunction with the movement of the designated position (contact position) of the finger F. That is, the predicted area setting unit 122 basically moves the predicted area G11 with the movement of the specified position so as to maintain the relative positional relationship between the specified position and the predicted area G11.

  Therefore, the user can easily change the position after setting the predicted area G11. That is, conventionally, when it is desired to change the position of the expected area during the operation of setting the expected area, the operation of once completing the setting of the current expected area and then canceling the setting of the currently set expected area is performed. Then, it is necessary to set the expected area again at a new position, which is troublesome. On the other hand, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the prediction area G11 is obtained only by touching the indicator such as the finger F on the display unit (the touch panel unit 13 or the like) (just indicating the position in the operation area by the indicator). Can be set, and the position of the predicted area G11 can be easily changed only by moving the pointer that has been brought into contact with the display unit (only by moving the position indicated by the pointer). As a result, it is possible to realize a game in which the prediction area G11 for predicting the moving course of the moving object can be set and changed by a simple operation.

  Further, in the configuration of the present embodiment, when the user wants to make a course prediction, if the user first designates any part of the action area with the indicator (any position is possible within the action area), the user can predict the course. Since a region is generated and the predicted region can be freely moved within the action region, a user can set a predicted region while considering the arrangement of the predicted region, thereby realizing a new method of setting a predicted region, which has not been known before. .

  Then, in the case of the baseball game of the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a baseball game in which the setting and changing of the prediction area G11 for predicting the pitching course of the pitcher character C20 can be performed by a simple operation.

  The case where the user performs an operation using a pointer such as a cursor displayed on the screen without performing the contact operation is as follows. Here, an operation example using a hand-shaped cursor K is illustrated as illustrated in FIG. The shape of the cursor K displayed on the screen can be arbitrarily determined, and may be, for example, an arrow or the like. If the user designates an arbitrary position in the strike zone SZ with the cursor K (designates the position by clicking an operation input unit such as a controller or a mouse (not shown) or the like), as in the case of the contact operation, the strike zone SZ Is set as the expected area G11. Subsequently, the user moves the designated position by a so-called drag operation. That is, the cursor K on the screen is moved while keeping the state of clicking the mouse or the like. Thereby, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the predicted area G11 moves in the strike zone SZ in conjunction with the movement of the designated position (movement of the cursor K). Also in this case, similarly to the case of the contact operation, the setting and changing of the prediction area for predicting the moving course of the moving object can be performed by a simple operation.

  Further, the predicted area setting means 122 determines the position of the predicted area in the action area by releasing the instruction by the indicator after setting the predicted area or moving the predicted area. Has functions.

  Here, the “release of the instruction by the indicator” means, for example, in the case of an operation on a display unit such as the touch panel unit 13 that can be touched, the indicator such as the finger F moves away from (touches off) the display unit. is there. In the case of performing an operation using a pointer such as a cursor displayed on a screen instead of a contact operation, “release of an instruction by a pointer” includes, for example, clicking or dragging an operation input unit such as a controller or a mouse. Is to release the operation state of.

  In the example of the baseball game according to the present embodiment, the predicted area setting unit 122 sets the instruction by the pointer after setting the predicted area G11 (see FIG. 5) or moving the predicted area G11 (see FIG. 6). Is canceled, the position of the expected area G11 in the strike zone SZ as an example of the action area is determined (see FIG. 7).

That is, as illustrated in FIG. 5, when the user performs a contact operation of touching the finger F at an arbitrary position in the strike zone SZ on the screen, the predicted area G11 is first set in the strike zone SZ. Thereafter, if the user separates the finger F from the screen without moving the finger F, the position of the predicted area G11 is fixed to the position set first.
Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 6, after the predicted area G11 is initially set in the strike zone SZ, the user performs a drag operation of moving the finger F while keeping the finger F in contact with the screen, thereby changing the predicted area G11. If the user removes the finger F from the screen after being moved, the position of the predicted area G11 is determined to the position after the movement (the position when the finger F has left the screen).

  The determination that the indicator has moved away from or touched the display unit (touch-off) can be performed as in the following example. As described above, the game device 10 obtains, via the touch input detection unit 25, information on the position where the pointer is in contact with the touch panel unit 13 at every predetermined sampling time (for example, 1/60 second). ing. Therefore, after detecting a state in which the pointer is in contact with the touch panel unit 13, the game apparatus 10 displays the pointer such as the finger F when detecting a state in which the pointer is not in contact with the touch panel unit 13 for a predetermined period or more. It can be determined that the contact has been made.

  According to this configuration, the user can move the predicted area G11 within the action area until the instruction by the indicator is released, and the position of the predicted area G11 in the action area is released by releasing the instruction by the indicator. , Can be determined simply and accurately. That is, the user designates an arbitrary position in the action area with the indicator to set the expected area G11, and then changes and fine-adjusts the position of the expected area G11 while moving the indicated position of the indicator as necessary. Then, by canceling the indication by the indicator, the final positioning of the expected area can be simply and accurately performed.

  In particular, in the configuration including the touch panel unit 13 capable of performing a touch operation, the expected area G11 can be set only by touching the finger F to the touch panel unit 13, and furthermore, by moving the finger F contacted to the touch panel unit 13, The position of the prediction area G11 can be easily changed. Therefore, the user does not need to carefully determine the position from the beginning and touch the finger F to the touch panel unit 13 to set the expected area G11. First, the user only touches the finger F somewhere in the strike zone SZ. The predicted area G11 can be generated (that is, the intention to be predicted can be reflected on the game), and thereafter, the position of the predicted area G11 can be changed while gradually moving the finger F. Then, when the desired position is determined, the position can be finally determined as the position of the expected area G11 by simply moving the finger F away from the touch panel section 13. Such an operation method is particularly useful for a portable contact operation type game device such as a smartphone and a tablet computer. The reason is as follows. That is, in the portable contact operation type game device as described above, when a user plays a game, the user often holds the game device by hand or plays with the game device placed on his lap, Also, it may be used in a swaying vehicle such as a train. Under a use state or environment in which such camera shake or the like is likely to occur, it is difficult to set the expected area G11 to an accurate position by one operation. However, according to this configuration, when setting or changing the predicted area G11, the user moves the predicted area G11 with his / her finger F in a state in which the screen of the game device is lightly pressed. Even if the game device is in an environment in which some vibrations or camera shake are likely to occur, the possibility of causing a large displacement in the moving direction of the predicted area G11 and the position of the moving destination can be greatly reduced. In addition, since the final determination of the expected area G11 is performed by moving the finger F away from the touch panel unit 13, no positional deviation occurs at the moment of this determination. Thus, it is possible to realize a game in which the setting and changing of the prediction area G11 for predicting the moving course of the moving object can be accurately performed by a simple operation.

  Further, the expected area setting means 122 has a function of canceling the setting of the expected area when the position in the expected area is again designated by the indicator after the position of the expected area is determined.

  Here, “instructing the position in the expected area again” means, for example, in the case of an operation on a display unit such as the touch panel unit 13 that can be touched, the pointing object such as the finger F is moved to any position in the expected area on the display unit. Is to make contact with the position. In addition, when performing an operation using a pointer such as a cursor displayed on the screen instead of a contact operation, “indicating a position in the predicted area again” means, for example, that the pointer is located at an arbitrary position in the predicted area. That is, in a state where the expected area and the pointer are overlapped, a predetermined operation such as a click is performed by an operation input unit such as a controller or a mouse.

  In the example of the baseball game according to the present embodiment, after determining the position of the predicted area G11, the predicted area setting unit 122 performs a contact operation on the predicted area G11 with an indicator such as a finger F as illustrated in FIG. When the operation is performed again, the setting of the expected area G11 is cancelled. By canceling the setting of the predicted area G11, the predicted area G11 is deleted from the game screen G10, and returns to the screen state illustrated in FIG.

  According to this configuration, the position of the expected area in the action area is determined by canceling the instruction by the indicator after setting or moving the expected area, but thereafter, the position in the expected area is again designated by the indicator. (For example, by touching a part of the expected area with a finger or clicking with a mouse or the like), the setting of the expected area can be easily canceled.

  In the case of the game according to the present embodiment in which the touch operation is possible, the position of the predicted area G11 in the action area is determined by moving the indicator such as the finger F away from the display unit after setting or moving the predicted area G11. Then, by bringing the indicator into contact with the determined predicted area G11 again, the setting of the predicted area G11 can be easily canceled.

  By the way, the shape of the prediction area set by the prediction area setting means 122 can be set to an arbitrary shape such as a rectangle, a square, a circle, and a triangle. For example, the shape and size of the predicted area are defined in advance in a program, and information on the shape and size of the predicted area is stored in a storage device (the auxiliary storage device 18, the RAM 23, and the like).

  Preferably, the prediction region setting means 122 sets the prediction region in a similar shape to the action region. In the example of the baseball game according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the prediction area setting unit 122 is configured to perform the operation when the pointer such as the finger F contacts an arbitrary position in the strike zone SZ as an example of the action area. , A predicted area G11 is set in a similar shape to the strike zone SZ. Here, when the indicator comes in contact with the strike zone SZ, a predicted area G11 similar in shape to the strike zone SZ is set in the strike zone SZ via an effect display in which the frame of the strike zone SZ contracts. You may.

  According to this configuration, the expected area is set to have a smaller area than the action area while keeping the shape of the action area similar. In other words, although the area of the region differs between the action region in the case of no prediction and the prediction region in the case of the prediction, the same shape (similar shape) is maintained, so that the game specification is easy for the user to understand.

  For example, in a baseball game, when no prediction is made, only the strike zone SZ as an example of the action area is a hittable area, and when the user makes a prediction, only the prediction area G11 is a hittable area. In this case, although the area of the area that can be hit differs depending on whether or not there is an expectation, since the area that can be hit has the same shape (similar shape), the hitting operation (for example, the timing at which the ball reaches the strike zone SZ) Operations, etc.) are easily performed.

  Next, an example of a method of setting a predicted area by the predicted area setting unit 122 will be described. Basically, the predicted area setting means 122 sets the predicted area using the designated position of the pointer as a reference position of the predicted area. Here, the “reference position of the predicted area” is, for example, the position of the predicted area that is used as a reference when setting the predicted area. The center (center of gravity) of the predicted area corresponds to an example of the reference position of the predicted area.

  For example, in the case of an operation on a display unit such as the touch panel unit 13 which can be touched, as shown in FIG. 5, an indication position where an indicator such as a finger F first contacts in a strike zone SZ as an example of an action area. The prediction area G11 is set with P as the reference position of the prediction area G11. The example of FIG. 5 shows an example in which the predicted area G11 is set with the designated position P where the finger F first contacts the strike zone SZ as the center of the predicted area G11.

  Thus, it is preferable that the reference position of the predicted area G11 be the center (center of gravity) of the predicted area G11. This is because the user can easily place the predicted area G11 at a position intended by the user by setting the predicted area G11 around the position where the indicator such as the finger F is brought into contact with the screen. For example, when it is desired to arrange the predicted area G11 at a lower outer angle, the finger F may be touched near the lower outer angle of the strike zone SZ as illustrated in FIG.

  However, the reference position of the predicted area G11 is not limited to the center (center of gravity) of the predicted area G11. For example, when the predicted area G11 is a polygon, any vertex of the polygon corresponds to an example of the reference position of the predicted area.

  In the case of a display unit that is not a contact operation type, as shown in FIG. 17, in a strike zone SZ as an example of an action area, a pointing position P (for example, first pointing with a pointer such as a cursor K). , The first clicked position) is set as the reference position (for example, the center) of the predicted area G11, and the predicted area G11 is set.

  However, as illustrated in FIG. 19, when the user designates the vicinity of the end of the strike zone SZ with a pointer such as the finger F, the prediction area G11 ′ may be temporarily set around the designated position P. For example, the predicted area G11 'may deviate from the strike zone SZ. As described above, when the predicted area is set with the designated position as the reference position, the predicted area may deviate from the operation area (such as the strike zone SZ).

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 21, when the predicted area is set as the reference position and the predicted area is set as the reference area, the predicted area setting There is provided a correction means 122a for correcting the position of the expected area so as to fit.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 20, when the predicted area G11 ′ set around the designated position P is partially out of the strike zone SZ, the predicted area setting unit 122 sets the predicted area G11 ′ to the strike zone SZ. Toward the horizontal direction (x-axis direction) and the distance Ly in the vertical direction (y-axis direction). Here, the distance Lx is a distance in the horizontal direction (first direction) in which the predicted area G11 'is out of the strike zone SZ. The distance Ly is a distance in the vertical direction (a second direction orthogonal to the first direction) in which the predicted area G11 ′ is out of the strike zone SZ. As a result of this position correction, the right end of the predicted area G11 ′ that has deviated from the strike zone SZ moves to a position that matches the right end of the strike zone SZ, and the lower end of the predicted area G11 ′ reaches a position that matches the lower end of the strike zone SZ. Moving.

  As a result, the predicted area G11 after the above-described position correction is just fit in the strike zone SZ.

  As described above, basically, in the action area, the expected position is set as the reference position (for example, the center) of the expected area, which is indicated by the user with the indicator, so that the expected area is set at the position intended by the user. You can set the area. However, when the predicted area is set as the reference position and the predicted area deviates from the action area, the position of the predicted area is automatically corrected to be within the action area. An arbitrary position in the action area can be indicated by the indicator without worrying that the area deviates from the action area.

  In the case of the baseball game according to the present embodiment, when the predicted area is set with the position P indicated by the finger F or the like as the reference position, if the predicted area deviates from the strike zone SZ, the prediction is performed so as to fall within the strike zone SZ. The position of the area is automatically corrected. Therefore, the user can indicate an arbitrary position in the strike zone SZ with the indicator such as the finger F without worrying that the predicted area G11 deviates from the strike zone SZ.

  Next, another example of a method of setting a predicted area by the predicted area setting means 122 will be described. The prediction area setting unit 122 is configured to determine whether the position in the operation area is indicated by the indicator based on the relation information INF101 in which the relation between each position in the operation area and the setting position of the prediction area is determined in advance. May be set to the prediction region.

  The relation information INF101 is, for example, table information in which a one-to-one relation between each position in the action area and a setting position of the prediction area is stored in a storage device (the RAM 23, the auxiliary storage device 18, and the like). A specific example of the relation information INF101 is table information in which the position of each coordinate in the strike zone SZ as an example of the action area is associated with the position of the center (center of gravity) of the prediction area G11. Since the shape of the predicted area G11 is predetermined (for example, a similar shape of the strike zone SZ), if the position of the center of the predicted area G11 is determined, the predicted area G11 can be set with that position as the center.

  Note that the information on the set position of the predicted area G11 is not limited to the information on the position of the center (center of gravity) of the predicted area G11. For example, when the predicted area G11 is a polygon, information on the position of any vertex of the polygon may be used as information on the set position of the predicted area G11.

  As described above, in the configuration in which the predicted area is set based on the relation information INF101, the predicted area is basically set using the designated position of the pointer as the reference position (for example, the center) of the predicted area, as described above. It is preferred that this be done. If the predicted area is set out of the action area by setting the predicted area using the designated position as the reference position, the relation information INF101 that fits within the action area (that is, the information after the position correction of the above-described predicted area is performed). It is preferable that the action area is set based on the table information including the following.

  According to this configuration, since a one-to-one relationship between each position in the action area and the set position of the expected area is predetermined as, for example, table information, which position in the action area is determined by the indicator. Even if instructed, it is possible to quickly set the expected area in the action area without the above-described process of correcting the position of the expected area.

  In the case of the baseball game of the present embodiment, since the relationship between each position in strike zone SZ and the set position of the expected area is stored in advance as relationship information INF101, any position in strike zone SZ can be determined by finger F or the like. , The prediction area G11 can be quickly set in the strike zone SZ.

  Next, a control example of the operation control unit 123 will be described. The action control unit 123 has a function of controlling an area outside the expected area in the action area as an area where no action can be given to the moving body. That is, the action control unit 123 controls the predicted area as an area where the action can be applied to the moving body, and controls an area outside the expected area in the action area as an area where the action cannot be applied to the moving body. I do. That is, when an expected area is set, only the expected area is set as an operable area. Alternatively, the action control unit 123 controls the area outside the expected area in the action area as an area where the action force on the moving body is lower than the action area when the expected area is not set. Is also good. These are controls that cause disadvantages when the prediction area is set (the user makes a prediction of the moving course) and the prediction is incorrect. In this way, by setting a penalty when a prediction is disappointed, the user can be nervous, and the game characteristics are enhanced. On the other hand, the action control unit 123 makes the action force on the moving body in the expected area larger than the action force on the moving body in the action area when the expected area is not set. This is a control that produces a merit when the prediction is correct when the prediction area is set (the user makes a prediction of the moving course).

  First, the action control means 123 controls the predicted area as an area that can act on the moving body, and controls an area outside the predicted area in the action area as an area where the action cannot be applied to the moving body. An example will be described. For example, in a baseball game, the action control unit 123 allows the ball BL coming to the predicted area G11 to be hit (see FIG. 11), but is not able to hit the ball BL coming to an area outside the predicted area G11 (for example, (Even if the user performs a batting operation, the user misses the ball.) Here, “the ball BL that has come to the expected area G11 can be hit” means that, for example, if one of the hitting conditions is to perform a hitting operation at a timing at which the ball BL can hit, the hitting condition is satisfied. That is, the ball BL can be hit. Further, “the ball BL that has come to an area outside the expected area G11 cannot be hit” means that, for example, even if a hitting operation is performed at a timing at which the ball can be hit, the ball BL cannot be hit.

  Note that a game in which performing a batting operation at a timing at which a batting is possible is not one of the batting conditions is also possible. In this case, as long as the user performs a predetermined hitting operation after the ball is released from the pitcher character C20, the ball BL coming to the expected area G11 is hit, regardless of the timing of the hitting operation. Can be. In addition, it is assumed that the ball BL that has come to an area outside the expected area G11 cannot be hit even by the hitting operation.

  Further, taking a PK game of a soccer game as an example, the action control unit 123 determines that the ball that has come to the expected area can be captured or played by the keeper character, while the ball that has come to the area outside the expected area can be kept by the keeper. Prevents the character from being captured or played.

  Next, the action control unit 123 controls an area of the action area outside the expected area as an area in which the action force on the moving body is lower than the action area when the expected area is not set. An example will be described. For example, in a baseball game, the action control unit 123 causes the area outside the predicted area G11 in the strike zone SZ to have a lower impact force than the strike zone SZ when the predicted area G11 is not set (for example, 1). / 2). Therefore, the user sets the prediction area G11 by predicting the pitching course, but when the prediction is incorrect and the ball BL comes out of the prediction area G11, even if the ball can be hit, the hit ball is not expected. Is also weakened, and it becomes easier to hit.

  In addition, taking a PK game of a soccer game as an example, the action control unit 123 enables the keeper character to capture or play a ball that has come to an area outside the expected area if it is within the action area. The control is performed so that the force for capturing or playing the ball is reduced (for example, reduced to も) as compared with the action region when the expected region is not set.

  Next, an example will be described in which the action control unit 123 makes the action force on the moving body in the prediction area larger than the action force on the moving body in the action area when the prediction area is not set. . Here, “making the acting force on the moving body in the predicted area larger than that in the case where the moving body was not predicted” is, for example, stronger when the moving body is hit back than when it was not predicted. It is to strike back with force or to strike back further. Further, in the case of capturing a moving body (in a soccer game, the goal keeper catches a ball, etc.), it is necessary to ensure that the mobile body can be captured with a stronger force than in a case where it is not expected. In the case of crushing a moving object (such as destroying a missile in a battle game), it is necessary to surely crush the moving object with a stronger force.

  For example, in a baseball game, the action control unit 123 improves the hitting force in the predicted area G11 (for example, 1.5 times) in the strike zone SZ when the predicted area G11 is not set. . Therefore, when the user makes a prediction of the pitching course and sets the prediction area G11, and the prediction hits and the ball BL comes to the prediction area G11, the hitting ball when hitting is better than when not predicting. It becomes stronger (that is, the speed of the hit ball or the flight distance increases), and it becomes easier to hit or home hit.

  Further, taking the PK game of a soccer game as an example, the action control means 123 determines the force of the keeper character capturing or playing the ball in the expected area, and the force such as capturing in the action area when the expected area is not set. (For example, 1.5 times). Therefore, when the user makes a prediction of the shot course and sets a prediction area, and the prediction hits and the shot ball comes into the prediction area, the force for capturing the ball and the like is stronger than when the prediction is not made. It becomes stronger and easier to save.

  According to this configuration, when the user makes a prediction of a moving course and sets a prediction area, a disadvantage when the prediction is incorrect and a merit when the prediction is correct become clear. The user is required to determine whether or not to make a prediction in consideration of the merits and demerits in the case of making a prediction of the moving course, and the game characteristics are enhanced.

  Here, a preferred configuration of the game control device capable of performing a contact operation is shown. The game device 10 as an example of the game control device controls a game in which a moving course (for example, a pitching course) of a moving object (for example, a ball BL) can be predicted by a touch operation on a display unit (for example, a touch panel unit 13). The game device 10 includes an action area setting means 121, an expected area setting means 122, and an action control means 123. The action area setting means 121 sets an action area (for example, strike zone SZ) on the display unit where an action can be given to the moving body. The predicted area setting means 122 is an area including a contact position (pointed position) P of the pointer when the pointer (for example, the finger F) contacts an arbitrary position in the action area on the display unit. , A prediction area G11 smaller than the action area is set in the action area. Then, after setting the prediction area, the prediction area setting unit 122 moves the contact position P by moving the indicator in a state in contact with the display unit, and sets the prediction area in the action area. G11 is moved. In addition, after the setting of the expected area G11 or after the movement of the expected area G11, the expected area setting unit 122 moves the indicator away from the display unit to thereby determine the position of the expected area G11 in the action area. Confirm. The action control unit 123 controls the action on the moving body to be different between the inside and the outside of the predicted area G11 in the action area.

  The game control device having this configuration controls a game that can predict a moving course of a moving object, and is not limited to a baseball game, and is applicable to various games such as the above-described soccer game, tennis game, insect catching game, and the like. it can.

  In this configuration, the user can set the expected area G11 in the action area by estimating the moving course of the moving body. If the prediction area G11 is set, the effect on the moving body is controlled to be different between the inside and outside of the prediction area G11 in the action area, and the effect of the prediction is generated. The user can set the prediction area G11 only by touching the indicator such as the finger F in the action area on the display unit, and then move the indicator while keeping the indicator in contact with the display unit, thereby moving the indicator in the action area. The position of the prediction area G11 can be easily changed.

  Therefore, the user does not need to carefully check the position from the beginning and touch the indicator to the display unit for setting the expected area G11. First, the user only needs to touch the indicator anywhere in the action area on the display unit. Then, the predicted area G11 can be generated (that is, the intention to be predicted can be reflected on the game), and thereafter, the position of the predicted area G11 can be changed while gradually moving the pointer. Then, when the desired position is determined, the position can be finally determined as the position of the predicted area G11 by simply moving the indicator away from the display unit.

  As described above, such an operation method is particularly suitable for a portable contact operation type game device such as a smartphone or a tablet computer. That is, in a portable contact operation type game device, when a user plays a game, the user often holds the game device by hand or plays with the game device placed on his lap. Sometimes used in rocking vehicles. Under a use state or environment in which such camera shake or the like is likely to occur, it is difficult to set the expected area G11 to an accurate position by one operation. However, according to this configuration, when setting or changing the predicted area G11, the user moves the predicted area G11 in a state in which the screen is lightly pressed with a pointer such as his / her finger F. Even in an environment where a certain degree of vibrations or camera shake is likely to occur in the game device, it is possible to greatly reduce the possibility of causing a large deviation in the moving direction of the predicted area G11 and the position of the moving destination. In addition, since the final determination of the expected area G11 is performed by moving the finger F away from the display unit, there is no displacement at the moment of this determination. Thus, it is possible to realize a game in which the setting and changing of the prediction area G11 for predicting the moving course of the moving object can be accurately performed by a simple operation.

  Here, a preferred configuration in which the game control device of the present embodiment is applied to a baseball game will be described. The game device 10 as an example of the game control device controls a baseball game in which a ball throwing course can be predicted by a touch operation on a display unit (for example, the touch panel unit 13). The game device 10 includes a predicted area setting unit 122 and an operation control unit 123. As illustrated in FIG. 5, when the indicator (for example, the finger F) contacts an arbitrary position in the strike zone SZ on the display unit, the predicted area setting unit 122 A predicted region G11 that is a region including (position) P and smaller than the strike zone SZ is set in the strike zone SZ. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 6, after setting the prediction area G <b> 11, the prediction area setting unit 122 moves along with the movement of the contact position P due to the pointer moving in contact with the display unit. Then, the prediction area G11 is moved in the strike zone SZ. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the predicted area setting unit 122 may set the strike zone by moving the indicator away from the display unit after setting the predicted area G11 or moving the predicted area G11. The position of the prediction area G11 in the SZ is determined. As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the position of the expected area G11 is determined and the touch operation is performed on the expected area G11 on the display unit after the position of the expected area G11 is determined, as illustrated in FIG. Cancel the setting of. The action control means 123 controls the action on the ball to be different between the inside and the outside of the predicted area G11 in the strike zone SZ.

  According to this configuration, the user can set the expected area G11 in the strike zone SZ by anticipating the pitching course of the ball. If the expected area G11 is set, the effect on the ball is controlled so that the action on the ball is different between the inside and the outside of the expected area G11 in the strike zone SZ, and the expected effect is produced. The user can set the predicted area G11 only by touching the indicator such as the finger F in the strike zone SZ on the display unit, and then move the indicator while keeping the indicator in contact with the strike zone SZ. The position of the prediction area G11 within the area can be changed. When the indicator is moved away from the display unit, the position of the predicted area G11 in the strike zone SZ is determined. However, if the touch operation on the predicted area G11 on the display unit is performed again, the position of the predicted area G11 is changed. The setting is canceled. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to realize a baseball game in which the setting, changing, and canceling of the prediction area G11 for predicting the pitching course can be performed by a simple contact operation.

  Further, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the user does not need to carefully check the position from the beginning and touch the indicator with the display unit to set the expected area G11. By simply touching the indicator, the expected area G11 can be generated (that is, the intention to be expected can be reflected on the game), and then the indicator is moved gradually while moving in the strike zone SZ. The position of the prediction area G11 can be changed. Then, when the desired position is determined, simply by moving the pointer away from the display unit, the position can be accurately determined as the final position of the predicted area G11 as described above. Such an operation method is particularly suitable for a portable contact operation type game device such as a smartphone and a tablet computer. With this configuration, it is possible to realize a baseball game in which the setting and changing of the prediction area G11 for predicting the pitching course can be accurately performed by a simple operation.

[Operation example of game device]
Next, an example of the operation of the game device 10 of the present embodiment will be described below. FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the game device 10 for controlling a baseball game capable of predicting a pitching course. Here, an operation example of the game apparatus 10 including the display unit capable of performing a touch operation will be described. The indicator used in the contact operation will be described as a finger F of the user.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the CPU 21 of the game device 10 sets a strike zone SZ as an example of an action area on a screen displayed on the display unit (S100). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 21 of the game device 10 causes the touch panel unit 13 as a display unit to display a game screen G10 having the strike zone SZ as an action area. Here, the strike zone SZ in the game screen G10 is displayed so as to be visible to the user.

  Whether or not to predict the pitching course can be arbitrarily determined by the user. If the user does not anticipate the pitching course, the user does not need to perform any operation until the pitcher character C20 releases the ball. The operation of the pitcher character C20 is automatically controlled by the CPU 21 of the game device 10 by an AI program or the like, and the pitcher character C20 automatically starts pitching. For example, if a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) elapses after the execution of the step S100, the pitcher character C20 automatically starts the pitching motion and releases the ball.

  On the other hand, when the user predicts the pitching course, an operation of setting a predicted area is performed until the pitcher character C20 releases the ball. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the user indicates an arbitrary position in the strike zone SZ with the finger F (contacts the finger F with the screen). If the CPU 21 of the game device 10 determines that the position in the strike zone SZ has been instructed via the touch input detection unit 25 (YES in S102), the strike zone SZ has an area smaller than the strike zone SZ. The prediction area G11 is set (S104). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the CPU 21 of the game apparatus 10 sets a predicted area G11 similar to the strike zone SZ with the designated position P of the finger F as a center.

  In this case, an effect display in which the strike zone SZ contracts may be performed. That is, the predicted area G11 may be generated such that the strike zone SZ is reduced. In this case, the strike zone SZ as an area serving as a strike determination criterion is reduced, and the original strike course is not determined to be a ball. The contraction of the above-mentioned strike zone SZ is smaller than the strike zone SZ, and is a display effect for causing the user to recognize on the screen that the predicted area G11 similar to the strike zone SZ is set. is there. That is, the outer frame of the strike zone SZ (the boundary between the strike and the ball) does not change before and after the setting of the predicted area G11, and the strike or ball determination standard remains unchanged.

  The size of the predicted area G11 can be fixed, for example, 50% of the area of the strike zone SZ. In addition, as described later, the size of the prediction area G11 can be changed.

  In addition, the CPU 21 of the game device 10 stores information (coordinate information) of the designated position P that first contacts the strike zone SZ in the RAM 23.

  Thereafter, the CPU 21 of the game device 10 determines whether or not the designated position P of the finger F that has touched the touch panel unit 13 has moved (S106). The coordinates of the designated position P at which the finger F is in contact with the touch panel unit 13 are input to the game apparatus 10 via the touch input detection unit 25 every predetermined sampling time (for example, 1/60 second). Then, the CPU 21 of the game device 10 stores the information of the current designated position P (the latest coordinate information of the designated position P) in the RAM 23. That is, the CPU 21 of the game device 10 monitors, for each sampling time, whether or not the contact state with the touch panel unit 13 is continued and whether or not the designated position P is moving. When determining that the designated position P has moved (YES in S106), the CPU 21 of the game device 10 moves the predicted area G11 in the strike zone SZ with the movement of the designated position P (S108). Thereby, as illustrated in FIG. 6, with the movement of the designated position P due to the movement of the finger F in a state of touching the touch panel unit 13 (that is, a state of touching the prediction area G11), the prediction area G11 also changes. Moving.

  If the contact position (pointed position P) of the finger F touching the touch panel unit 13 does not move (NO in S106), the movement processing of the predicted area G11 in step S106 is not executed.

  After the setting of the predicted area G11 in the step S104 or after the movement of the predicted area G11 in the step S108, the instruction by the pointer is released, that is, as illustrated in FIG. When the contact is made (YES in S110), CPU 21 of game device 10 determines the position of predicted area G11 in strike zone SZ (S112). Then, the CPU 21 stores the information on the determined position of the predicted area G11 in a storage device (such as the RAM 23).

  Incidentally, the movable range of the predicted area G11 is within the strike zone SZ. For this reason, after the predicted area G11 moves to the end of the strike zone SZ with the movement of the designated position P, even if the designated position P further moves to the outside of the strike zone SZ, the predicted area G11 is The predicted area G11 does not protrude from the strike zone SZ, and remains at the end of the strike zone SZ. For example, as shown in FIG. 25, when the finger F in contact with the touch panel unit 13 is moved to the outside of the strike zone SZ, the designated position P moves away from the expected area G11 remaining in the strike zone SZ. Would. As described above, when the designated position P is separated from the expected area G11, it may be regarded that the designation by the pointer has been released at that time. Alternatively, when the user once returns the finger F to the expected area G11 without separating the finger F from the touch panel unit 13 after the indicated position P separates from the expected area G11 (the indicated position P returns to the expected area G11). In this case, the instruction by the indicator may not be canceled.

  After determining the position of the predicted area G11 in step S112, the CPU 21 of the game device 10 cancels the setting of the predicted area G11 when determining that the position in the predicted area G11 has been designated (YES in S114) (S116). For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the predicted area G11 is touched with the finger F, an effect display in which the predicted area G11 is enlarged is performed until the outer frame of the predicted area G11 overlaps the outer frame of the strike zone SZ. Then, when the outer frame of the predicted area G11 overlaps with the outer frame of the strike zone SZ, the predicted area G11 disappears, and the state returns to the state where the predicted area G11 does not exist in the strike zone SZ as illustrated in FIG.

  After the setting of the predicted area G11 is canceled in step S116, the process returns to step S102, and the predicted area G11 can be set again until the pitcher character C20 releases the ball.

  As described above, for example, after a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed after the execution of step S100, the pitcher character C20 automatically starts the pitching motion and releases the ball. Each operation of setting, changing (moving), and canceling the predicted area G11 by the user is restricted until the pitcher character C20 releases the ball. In the meantime, each operation of setting, changing (moving), and canceling the predicted area G11 can be arbitrarily performed.

  For example, during the operation of changing the position (moving) of the predicted area G11 (ie, during the drag operation with the finger F), the predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) elapses, and the pitcher character C20 performs the pitching operation. If it starts automatically and releases the ball, you can: That is, the CPU 21 of the game device 10 can determine the position of the predicted area G11 at the timing of the ball release.

  As a variation, during the operation of changing the position (movement) of the predicted area G11 (that is, during the drag operation with the finger F), even if the predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) elapses, the game device 10 The CPU 21 controls the pitcher character C20 not to start the pitching motion. That is, after the setting of the predicted area G11 or after the movement of the predicted area G11, the position of the predicted area G11 is determined by canceling the instruction by the indicator, but during the operation by the user before the determination, The movement start of the moving object may be prohibited, and a time until the operation by the user is completed may be secured. In this configuration, when the position of the expected area G11 is determined, if the predetermined time has elapsed, the pitcher character C20 immediately starts the pitching operation and releases the ball.

  When the pitcher character C20 releases the ball without setting the expected area G11 (YES in S118), or when the pitcher character C20 releases the ball after setting the expected area G11 (YES in S120), the game is started. The CPU 21 of the device 10 moves the ball toward the strike zone SZ (S122).

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the CPU 21 of the game apparatus 10 starts the home base HB immediately after the pitcher character C20 releases the ball BL or after a predetermined time (for example, 0.1 second) has elapsed from the release. The destination object G13 is displayed in the area above (S124). As described above, the reaching point object G13 indicates the expected position where the ball BL will reach, and when the changing ball is thrown, the reaching point object G13 gradually moves with the change in the trajectory of the ball BL. (See FIG. 10).

  The user performs a striking operation with an eye on the timing at which the ball BL and the arrival point object G13 overlap. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, an operation of tapping a hitting operation area G10b provided in a lower portion of the game screen G10 with a finger F is a hitting operation, and the batter character C10 shakes the BT by the hitting operation. Of course, the user can also see off the ball BL without performing the hitting operation.

  When a hitting operation has been performed (YES in S126), CPU 21 of game device 10 determines whether or not a hitting operation has been performed at a hittable timing (S128). Here, an example of the hittable timing is a period (7/60 seconds) of a total of seven frames including a frame in which the ball BL and the arrival point object G13 overlap and three frames before and after the frame. If it is determined that the batting operation has been performed at the possible batting timing (YES in S128), it means that one of the batting conditions has been satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S130 and subsequent steps.

  In step S130, the subsequent processing branches depending on whether or not there is a prediction (that is, whether or not the prediction area G11 has been set). Here, if the user does not anticipate the pitching course, the entire strike zone SZ becomes a hittable area. On the other hand, if the user predicts the pitching course and the prediction area G11 is set, the prediction area G11 is set. An example is shown in which only G11 is a hittable area and cannot be hit outside the expected area G11.

  When the predicted area G11 is set (YES in S130), the CPU 21 of the game device 10 determines whether or not the ball BL exists in the predicted area G11 at the timing when the ball BL and the arrival point object G13 overlap. A determination is made (S132). Here, when the ball BL exists in the expected area G11 (YES in S132), the CPU 21 of the game device 10 determines that the ball has been hit by strong vibration (S134). When the predicted area G11 is set, the batter character C10 makes a strong vibration, and the hitting force is improved as compared with the case where the predicted area G11 is not set. Therefore, the CPU 21 of the game device 10 improves the parameter of the impact force that affects the speed of the hit ball, the flight distance, and the like, for example, by 1.5 times as compared with the case where the predicted area G11 is not set. Accordingly, the hit ball in this case is stronger than when the predicted area G11 is not set (that is, the speed or the flight distance of the hit ball becomes larger). As a result, hits and home runs are more likely to occur than when the predicted area G11 is not set.

  As a variation for improving the hitting force, the parameter of the hitting force itself is not changed, and the CPU 21 of the game device 10 increases the flight distance of the hit ball after hitting, increases the probability of hitting, and increases the probability of hitting long. May be controlled, or the result of the action (the result of the impact) may be controlled so as to increase the probability of catching mistake on the defending side.

  On the other hand, in step S132, when the ball BL is outside the expected area G11 (NO in S132), the CPU 21 of the game device 10 determines that the ball BL is missed (S136). In this case, the CPU 21 of the game device 10 controls the operation of the batter character C10 so as to miss.

  If there is no prediction in step S130, that is, if the predicted area G11 is not set (NO in S130), the CPU 21 of the game device 10 determines whether the ball BL It is determined whether or not it exists in the strike zone SZ (S138). Here, when the ball BL exists in the strike zone SZ (YES in S138), the CPU 21 of the game device 10 determines that the ball has been hit with a normal swing (S140). In this case, the CPU 21 of the game device 10 sets the parameters of the batting force that affect the speed of the hit ball, the flight distance, and the like, based on the parameters of the batter character C10 (for example, the parameter value of the long hitting force). On the other hand, when the ball BL exists outside the strike zone SZ (NO in S138), the CPU 21 of the game device 10 determines that the ball BL is missed (S136).

  In S128, even when it is determined that the batting operation has not been performed at the possible timing of batting (NO in S128), the CPU 21 of the game apparatus 10 determines that the ball has missed (S136).

  Thereafter, the CPU 21 of the game device 10 displays the result of the hit determined in step S134 or S136 on the screen (S144).

  On the other hand, when the user has seen off the ball without performing the hitting operation (YES in S142), CPU 21 of game device 10 displays a result of the batter character C10 looking off ball BL on the screen (S144). In the screen of FIG. 11 and the like, the display of the ball count, the out count, and the like is omitted. For example, when the ball BL passes through the strike zone SZ, “strike”, and when the ball BL leaves the strike zone SZ, “strike” is displayed. "Ball" and update the display of the ball count.

  In the above description, the operation example of the game apparatus 10 including the display unit capable of performing a touch operation has been described. However, instead of the touch operation, a click or drag operation using a mouse or the like is performed, thereby performing the same operation as the touch operation. Operation is possible.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a variation for changing the size of the predicted area will be described. The game of the present embodiment is a game in which a first character operated by a user acts on the moving object.

  Here, the “user” is, for example, a person who operates a game control device (for example, a game device or a terminal device), and can be said to be a game player.

  The “first character” is, for example, a character to be operated by the user and is a character that acts on a moving object in the game. Examples of the first character include a batter character in a baseball game, a goalkeeper character in a soccer game, and a receiver character returning a ball hit by an opponent in a tennis game. These are examples, and the first character according to the type and content of the game can be applied.

  As illustrated in FIG. 26, the game device 10 as an example of the game control device according to the present embodiment includes, in addition to the above-described action area setting means 121, expected area setting means 122, and action control means 123, There is further provided a storage control means 124 for storing information about the character in a storage device (for example, the RAM 23, the auxiliary storage device 18). Then, the predicted area setting means 122 of the present embodiment sets the size of the predicted area based on the parameters of the first character. Hereinafter, an example in which the first character is a batter character in a baseball game will be described.

  In the baseball game, the information on the first character includes information on various parameters of the batter character (fielder character) illustrated in FIG. The information on the various parameters of the batter character is included in the character DB 101 described above, and the storage control unit 124 controls reading and writing of information from and to the character DB 101 stored in the storage device.

  In the case of a baseball game, the predicted area setting means 122 can set the size of the predicted area based on the ability parameter of the batter character. For example, as the level or value of the skill parameter of the batter's skillful hitting force increases, the area, the outer circumference, and the like of the predicted area increase.

Specific examples are shown below. The action area is a strike zone, and the area of the strike zone is S0. The area of the predicted area is S1, and the parameter value of the skillful hitting power of the batter character is V1. Then, the area S1 of the predicted area is varied in the range of 50% to 75% of the area S0 of the strike zone based on the parameter value V1 of the skillful hitting force. The skillful hitting parameter value V1 is assumed to take any value in the range of “0 to 100”. In this case, for example, the area S2 of the predicted area can be calculated by the following equation (1).
S1 = {0.5+ (0.75-0.5) × V1 / 100} × S0 (1)

  For example, when the parameter value of the skillful hitting force is V1 = 80, S1 = 0.700 × S0, and the area S1 of the predicted area is 70% of the area S0 of the strike zone. When the parameter value V1 of the successful hitting force is 50, S1 = 0.625 × S0, and the area S1 of the predicted area is 62.5% of the area S0 of the strike zone. Also, when the parameter value V1 of the skillful hitting force is 10, S1 = 0.525 × S0, and the area S1 of the predicted area is 52.5% of the area S0 of the strike zone.

  The above equation (1) is an example, and the size of the predicted area may be calculated based on another equation. Equations (functions) such as the above equation (1) are stored in the storage device in advance. Alternatively, a table defining the correspondence between the value of the ability parameter of the batter character and the size of the predicted area may be stored in the storage device in advance, and the size of the predicted area may be obtained based on the table. .

  As described above, when the expected area is increased as the level or value of the parameter of the batter character is increased, the size of the expected area fluctuates in accordance with the parameter of the batter character. The striking force (an example of the acting force) does not change depending on the size of the expected area. Therefore, it is advantageous that the level or the value of the parameter of the batter character is larger, since a wider range can be covered by the predicted area where the batting force is improved.

  By reflecting the parameter of the first character as the size of the predicted area as in the present configuration, the size of the predicted area fluctuates depending on, for example, the parameter of the batter character standing at the turn at bat. realizable.

  Further, the parameter of the first character may be a parameter relating to the strength or weakness of the moving body with respect to a moving course. In this case, the expected area setting means 122 sets the position of the expected area in the action area based on the parameter relating to the strength or weakness when the expected area is moved in accordance with the movement of the designated position. The size of the expected area is changed accordingly.

  In a baseball game, when the first character is a batter character, the parameter relating to the strength or weakness of the moving body with respect to the moving course corresponds to the parameter of the strength course or the weakness course of the batter character. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, in the case of the character with the player ID = 001, the special course is “high outer angle” and the poor course is “low internal angle”. As an example, if the size of the predicted area in the course that is neither good nor bad for the batter character is “1”, the size of the predicted area in the good course is “1.2”, and the prediction in the poor course is The size of the area is set to “0.8”.

  FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which the size of the predicted area G11 varies according to the position of the predicted area G11. (A) in FIG. 27 shows a state before the prediction area G11 is set in the strike zone SZ. For example, the strike zone SZ is divided into nine (3 × 3) squares, and the respective squares are defined as divided areas SZ1 to SZ9. The divided area SZ1 corresponds to “increased inner angle”, the divided area SZ3 corresponds to “increased outer angle”, the divided area SZ7 corresponds to “decreased inner angle”, and the divided area SZ9 corresponds to “decreased outer angle”. In the case of the character with the player ID = 001 illustrated in FIG. 13, the “higher outer angle” of the divided area SZ3 is a good course, and the “lower inner angle” of the divided area SZ7 is a poor course.

  (B) in FIG. 27 illustrates a state in which the predicted area G11 is set to “lower outside angle” when the pointing position P of “lower outer angle” in the strike zone SZ is indicated by the finger F. "Lower outer angle" is neither the best nor the weakest for the batter character, so the default size of the predicted area G11 is set. Here, the default size may be a fixed size, or may be a size determined based on the parameter value of the battering ability of the batter character as described above.

  (C) in FIG. 27 shows a state where the designated area P has moved from “lower outside angle” to “higher outside angle”, and the expected area G11 has also moved to “higher outside angle”. Since the “higher outer angle” is a course that the batter character is good at, the predicted area setting unit 122 makes the size of the predicted area G11 larger than the default size.

  (D) in FIG. 27 shows a state in which the predicted area G11 has also moved to “lower inner angle” with the movement of the designated position P from “higher outer angle” to “lower inner angle”. Since the “lower inner angle” is a poor course for the batter character, the predicted area setting means 122 makes the size of the predicted area G11 smaller than the default size.

  In this way, as illustrated in (B), (C), and (D) of FIG. 27, the size of the predicted area G11 varies depending on the parameters of the batter character's good course or poor course. The hitting force (an example of an acting force) when hitting the ball that has arrived at the predicted area G11 does not vary depending on the size of the predicted area G11. Therefore, arranging the predicted area G11 on the batter character's specialty course is advantageous because a wider range can be covered by the predicted area G11 with improved batting power. Conversely, if the predicted area G11 is arranged on the course that the batter character is not good at, the predicted area G11 is disadvantageously smaller than other courses.

  However, the pitcher character often avoids the course that the batter character is good at and throws the ball aiming at an unsatisfactory course. For example, in the case of a computer battle (CPU battle) in which the user plays against the CPU 21 of the game apparatus 10, the operation of the pitcher character is automatically controlled by the CPU 21 of the game apparatus 10, and the parameters of the batter character's special course and the poor course are provided. Automatically assembling a pitch (such as a pitching course) with reference to FIG. In addition, when the batter-side user battles with the pitcher-side other user, it is conceivable that the other user will actively aim at a course that the batter character is not good at and throw the ball. Therefore, the user needs to consider a strategy such as arranging the expected area G11 on a course that the batter character is not good at while predicting the pitching of the pitcher character.

  With the configuration of the present embodiment, when the pointing position P of the pointer is moved (for example, the pointer is moved in a state where the pointer is in contact with the predicted area G11 of the display unit), the action area (for example, the strike zone) The size of the predicted area G11 changes in accordance with a change in the position of the predicted area G11 in SZ), so that a more interesting game can be realized.

  In addition, as a variation, not only the size of the expected area G11 but also the impact force in the expected area G11 may be changed according to the parameters of the batter character's good course or poor course. For example, in the specialty course, not only the area of the predicted area G11 may be larger than the non-specialty course, but also the hitting force may be larger than the non-specialty course (or the course that is neither specialty nor specialty). As an example, on the basis of the striking force in the case of a course that is neither good nor bad, in a good course, the striking force is larger than the above-mentioned standard (for example, 1.2 times the standard), and in a poor course, The impact force is made smaller than the reference (for example, 0.8 times the reference). As described above, when the batting force fluctuates according to the parameters of the batter character's good course or bad course, the level (upper end position) of the power gauge G12 changes. That is, as the impact force increases, the level of the power gauge G12 also increases (the upper end position increases). In this case, the position of the upper end of the power gauge G12 sequentially changes in accordance with the batter character's special course or weak course according to the movement of the predicted area G11 by the user operation. Intuitively and clearly understand the information on what position to place and how much impact force will be obtained. Thereby, the game characteristics are further improved.

  As another variation, in the specialty course, the impact force may be made smaller than that in the less-than-good course because of the larger area of the predicted area G11 than in the less-than-good course, and the balance may be taken.

  Further, as a variation, the storage control unit 124 stores information on the second character that sends out the moving object in a storage device (for example, the RAM 23, the auxiliary storage device 18), and the predicted area setting unit 122 The size of the expected area may be set based on parameters of two characters.

  Here, the “second character” is, for example, a character that sends out a moving object on which the first character acts. Examples of the second character include a pitcher character in a baseball game, a kicker character kicking in a PK game in a soccer game, and a server character in a tennis game. These are examples, and the second character according to the type and content of the game can be applied.

  In the baseball game, the information on the second character includes information on various parameters of the pitcher character illustrated in FIG. The information of the various parameters of the pitcher character is included in the character DB 101 described above, and the storage control unit 124 controls reading and writing of information from and to the character DB 101 stored in the storage device.

  In the case of a baseball game, the predicted area setting means 122 can set the size of the predicted area based on the ability parameter of the pitcher character. For example, as the level or value of the ability parameter of the pitcher character's ball control power increases, the area, outer periphery, and the like of the predicted area are reduced.

Specific examples are shown below. The action area is a strike zone, and the area of the strike zone is S0. The area of the predicted area is S1, and the parameter value of the pitching character's ball control power is V2. Then, the area S1 of the predicted area is varied in the range of 50% to 75% of the area S0 of the strike zone based on the parameter value V2 of the ball control force. Further, the parameter value V2 of the ball control force takes any value in the range of “0 to 100”. In this case, for example, the area S2 of the predicted area can be calculated by the following equation (2).
S1 = {0.5+ (0.75-0.5) × (100−V2) / 100} × S0 (2)

  The above equation (2) is an example, and the size of the expected area may be calculated based on another equation. Equations (functions) such as the above equation (2) are stored in the storage device in advance. Alternatively, a table defining the correspondence between the value of the ability parameter of the pitcher character and the size of the expected area may be stored in the storage device in advance, and the size of the expected area may be acquired based on the table. .

  As described above, when the expected area is increased as the level or value of the parameter of the pitcher character is smaller, the size of the expected area fluctuates in accordance with the parameter of the pitcher character. The striking force (an example of the acting force) at the time of performing does not vary depending on the size of the expected area. Therefore, for the batter character, it is advantageous that the level or the value of the parameter of the opponent's pitcher character is smaller, because a wider range can be covered by the predicted area where the batting power is improved.

  As a variation, according to the parameters of the pitcher character, not only the size of the expected area may be changed, but also the hitting force in the expected area may be changed. For example, as the level or value of the parameter of the pitcher character is smaller (that is, the performance of the pitcher character is lower), not only the predicted area is increased, but also the hitting force in the predicted area is increased. In addition, even when the expected area is not set, the hitting force (hitting force for the entire strike zone SZ) of the batter character may be improved as the level or value of the parameter of the pitcher character is smaller. As described above, when the striking force fluctuates according to the parameters of the pitcher character, as the striking force increases, the level of the power gauge G12 also increases (the upper end position increases).

  Alternatively, the predicted area setting means 122 may set the size of the predicted area based on both parameters of the first character and the second character. As described above, the parameter values of the abilities of the batter character as an example of the first character and the pitcher character as an example of the second character take any one of “0 to 100” and are compared in the same unit system. It is possible. Therefore, it is possible to set the size of the expected area based on the ability difference between the batter character and the pitcher character. Further, the parameters of the batter character and the pitcher character can be compared using the parameter level instead of the parameter value. As described above, since the parameters of the abilities of the batter (fielder) character and the pitcher character are indicated by eight ranks (S, A to G), they can be compared in the same unit system. For example, eight ranks “S”, “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “F”, and “G” are respectively assigned “8”, “7”, “6”. , "5", "4", "3", "2", and "1", and the level difference of the parameter between the batter character and the pitcher character can be treated as a numerical value.

For example, the predicted area setting unit 122 sets the area S1 of the predicted area and the area S0 of the strike zone to 40% to 80 based on the parameter value V1 of the skillful hitting power of the batter character and the parameter value V2 of the ball control power of the pitcher character. Vary in the range of%. For example, the area S1 of the predicted area can be calculated by the following equation (3).
S1 = {0.6 + 0.2 × (V1-V2) / 100} × S0 (3)

  The above equation (3) is an example, and the size of the expected area may be calculated based on another equation. Equations (functions) such as the above equation (3) are stored in the storage device in advance. Alternatively, a table that defines the correspondence between the difference between the ability parameters of the batter character and the pitcher character and the size of the expected area is stored in the storage device in advance, and the size of the expected area is obtained based on the table. May be.

  According to the configuration of the present embodiment, not only the first character but also the parameters of the second character are reflected as the size of the predicted area, so that, for example, the ability of the batter character standing at bat and the pitcher character standing at mound can be determined. Depending on the relationship, the size of the expected area varies, and a more interesting game can be realized.

  As a variation, according to both parameters of the first character and the second character, not only the size of the expected area may be changed, but also the hitting force in the expected area may be changed. For example, when the ability parameter of the batter character is larger than the ability parameter of the pitcher character, as the difference between the two ability parameters increases, not only the expected area but also the hitting force in the expected area increases. In this case, even when the expected area is not set, the greater the difference between the two ability parameters, the greater the impact strength of the batter character (the impact strength on the entire strike zone SZ). Conversely, when the ability parameter of the batter character is smaller than the ability parameter of the pitcher character, as the difference between the two ability parameters increases, not only the expected area but also the hitting force in the expected area decreases. In this case, even when the expected area is not set, the hitting power of the batter character (the hitting power for the entire strike zone SZ) may decrease as the difference between the two ability parameters increases. As described above, when the striking force fluctuates according to both parameters of the first character and the second character, as the striking force increases, the level of the power gauge G12 also increases (the upper end position increases).

  Alternatively, the predicted area setting means 122 may set the size of the predicted area according to information on the compatibility of the batter character (an example of the first character) and the pitcher character (an example of the second character). Here, the information on compatibility may be, for example, information such that a right batter has a good compatibility with a left pitcher and a bad compatibility with a right pitcher, or an individual pitcher character and a batter character. It may be compatible with. For example, the information may be that pitcher A is good at batter B but poor at batter C. Information on the compatibility is stored in the RAM 23 or the like.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13, information on compatibility with the pitcher character is stored in association with the player ID of the batter character. In the example of FIG. 13, player information of the pitcher character = 515, 568,... Is stored as pitcher information that is good for the batter character with the player ID = 001. Further, as the information of the poor pitcher, the player ID of the pitcher character = 527, 542,... Is stored. Note that information on compatibility with the batter character may be stored in association with the player ID of the pitcher character.

  For example, the anticipation area setting means 122 sets the size of the anticipation area to a default when fighting with a pitcher character who is neither good nor bad at the batter character (or based on at least one parameter of the batter character and the pitcher character). The determined size of the expected area is applied as it is). In addition, the anticipation area setting means 122 sets the size of the anticipation area to be larger than the default case at the time of a match with the strong pitcher who is compatible with the batter character (or at least one of the parameters of the batter character and the pitcher character). Larger than the area of the expected region determined based on the above). For example, the size of the expected area is set to 1.2 times the default case. This reflects the advantage of the batter character in terms of hitting and hitting in the game by increasing the area of the expected area. The anticipation area setting means 122 reduces the size of the anticipation area to a value smaller than the default when fighting against a poor pitcher who is incompatible with the batter character (or based on at least one parameter of the batter character and the pitcher character). (To be smaller than the determined area of the predicted region). For example, the size of the predicted area is reduced to 0.8 times the default case. This is to reflect the disadvantageous situation of the batter character with respect to the hitting and hitting in the game by reducing the size of the expected area.

  As described above, the size of the expected area fluctuates in accordance with the information on the compatibility of the batter character and the pitcher character, but the hitting force (an example of the acting force) when hitting the ball that has come to the expected area is different from the compatibility. It can be prevented from fluctuating depending on the size of the corresponding predicted area. In this case, it is advantageous for the batter character to play against a pitcher having good compatibility, as compared with a case of playing against a pitcher having no compatibility, because the expected area becomes larger although the batting force does not change.

  In addition, as a variation, not only the size of the expected area may be changed according to the information on the compatibility of the batter character and the pitcher character, but also the hitting force in the expected area may be changed. For example, in the case of fighting with a pitcher that is compatible with the batter character, the area of the expected area is not only larger than in the case of fighting with a pitcher that is not compatible (or a pitcher that is not well or badly compatible). Alternatively, the hitting force may be increased as compared with a case where the player plays a pitcher with which the player has no further compatibility. As an example, based on the batting force for a pitcher that is not good or bad for the batter character, the batting force is set to be larger than that for a good pitcher (for example, 1.2 times the standard). For hitters with good compatibility, the hitting force is made smaller than the reference (for example, 0.8 times the reference). As described above, when the batting force fluctuates according to the compatibility of the batter character and the pitcher character, the level of the power gauge G12 increases (the upper end position increases) as the batting force increases.

  As described above, the level of the power gauge G12 (the position at the upper end) is changed in addition to the change in the size of the expected area in accordance with the information on the parameter difference between the batter character and the pitcher character and the compatibility between the two. By looking at the power gauge G12 on the screen, the user can intuitively and clearly grasp the information on the impact. If the batter character standing at the bat changes, the difference between the parameters of the batter character and the pitcher character and the compatibility between the two change, and this is reflected on the power gauge G12 serving as an index of the magnitude of the batting force. With reference to the level of the power gauge G12, the user can formulate a strategy such as whether or not to predict a pitching course for each turn at bat. For example, when the user determines that the pitcher character has a larger parameter (ability) than the batter character, or that the batter character has poor compatibility with the pitcher character, and that the upper end of the power gauge G12 is low (that is, the batting force is small). In, normal batting is performed without predicting the pitching course. Conversely, if the user determines that the batter character has larger parameters than the pitcher character, or that the batter character has good compatibility with the pitcher character, and that the upper end of the power gauge G12 is high (that is, the batting force is large). And a strategy of predicting a pitching course.

  Further, as described above, the size of the expected area and the batting power vary depending on the batter character's special course or weak course, but especially when the batter character has considerably larger parameters than the pitcher character, the power gauge G12 is used. Greatly increases, so that the user can take a strategy of setting an expected area regardless of the batter character's special course or poor course. On the other hand, when the level of the power gauge G12 does not rise so much, the user can take a strategy of setting an expected area on or near the batter character's special course. In addition, some or all of the various configurations described in the above embodiment can be applied to the game device 10 of the present embodiment.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a description will be given of a variation in which the size of the predicted area is provided in a plurality of levels and the size of the predicted area is changed based on the operation of the user.

  The prediction region setting means 122 of the present embodiment, after setting the prediction region, cancels the instruction by the indicator within a predetermined time after the instruction by the indicator is released, and performs the instruction operation again by the indicator. Change the size of the expected area.

  For example, in the case of an operation on the touch panel unit 13 that can perform a touch operation, an expected region is set when an indicator such as a finger contacts an operation region (the strike zone SZ or the like) of the touch panel unit 13. Thereafter, the size of the expected area is changed every time an operation of touching the touch panel unit 13 is performed again within a predetermined time (for example, within 0.3 seconds) after the pointer is separated from or connected to the touch panel unit 13. You. This allows the user to change the size of the predicted area in a plurality of stages by a continuous tap operation on the touch panel unit 13 by the user.

  For example, the size of the predicted region is the maximum of the first level, the second level (for example, 70% of the area of the first level), the minimum of the third level (for example, 50% of the area of the first level) and 3 It can be changed in stages.

  FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which the size of the predicted area G11 fluctuates based on a user operation. (A) in FIG. 28 shows a state before the predicted area G11 is set in the strike zone SZ. (B) in FIG. 28 shows a state in which the “lower outside angle” of the strike zone SZ is designated by the indicator, so that the predicted area G11-1 having the first level size is set to “lower outside angle”. Show.

  (C) in FIG. 28 shows the state of (B) in which the tap operation of re-contacting within a predetermined time is performed once after the pointer is separated from or touched to the touch panel unit 13, and thus the second level is displayed. This shows a state in which a size prediction area G11-2 has been set. In this case, for example, an effect display in which the predicted area G11-1 having the first level size is contracted is performed, and the predicted area G11-2 similar to the predicted area G11-1 (also the similar to the strike zone SZ) is displayed. May be set. Thereafter, when the indicator is released from the touch panel unit 13 and a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds) elapses, the setting of the predicted area G11-2 is determined at that position.

  Further, after the predicted area G11-2 is contracted from (B) to (C) in FIG. 28 by the tap operation, the indicator is moved while being in contact with the predicted area G11-2 of the touch panel unit 13. As described above, the predicted area G11-2 after contraction can be moved to an arbitrary position in the strike zone SZ. After the movement, the indicator is released from the touch panel unit 13 and when a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds) elapses, the position after the movement is determined as the set position of the predicted area G11-2. Also. After the predicted area G11-2 is moved to an arbitrary position in the strike zone SZ as described above, if the tap operation is performed again, the predicted area G11-2 of the second level size becomes It contracts to the prediction area G11-3 of the size of the third level.

  (D) in FIG. 28 shows a state in which, in the state of (C), the tap operation has been performed one more time, so that a predicted area G11-3 having a third-level size has been set. . In this case, for example, an effect display in which the predicted area G11-2 of the second-level size is contracted is performed, and the predicted area G11-3 similar to the predicted area G11-2 (also the similar to the strike zone SZ) is displayed. May be set. Thereafter, when the indicator is released from the touch panel unit 13 and a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds) elapses, the setting of the expected area G11-3 is determined at that position.

  Further, after the predicted area G11-3 is contracted from (C) to (D) in FIG. 28 by the tap operation, the indicator is moved while being in contact with the predicted area G11-3 of the touch panel unit 13. As described above, the contracted predicted area G11-3 can be moved to an arbitrary position in the strike zone SZ. Then, after the movement, the pointer is separated from the touch panel unit 13 and, after a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds), the position after the movement is determined as the set position of the expected area G11-3.

  Further, in the state of (D) in FIG. 28, when the tap operation is performed one more time, the predicted area G11-3 of the third-level size becomes the first area shown in (B) of FIG. You may make it return to the estimation area | region G11-1 of the magnitude | size of a level. In this case, for example, an effect display in which the predicted area G11-3 of the third level size is enlarged may be performed, and the display may transit to the predicted area G11-1 of the first level size.

  In other words, the size of the predicted area is changed from the first level to the second level to the third level to the first level by repeating a tap operation of re-contacting the indicator within a predetermined time after the indicator is moved away from the touch panel unit 13. It can be made to fluctuate cyclically with the second level.

  In addition, as described above, in a state where the predicted area is any one of the first level, the second level, and the third level, the indicator is separated from the touch panel unit 13 for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds). After the elapse of (second), the setting of the prediction area is determined by the size and position of the prediction area at that time. After this determination, if the pointer touches a position in the expected area of the touch panel unit 13 again, the setting of the expected area is canceled, and the state returns to (A) in FIG.

  Alternatively, in the state of FIG. 28D in which the predicted area G11-3 of the third level is set, if the tap operation is performed once more, the setting of the predicted area G11-3 is canceled. Then, the state of FIG. 28A may be returned. In other words, the size of the expected area is changed from the first level, the second level, the third level, and (the setting is released) by repeatedly performing a tap operation of re-contacting the indicator within a predetermined time after the indicator is separated from or touched from the touch panel unit 13. → the first level → the second level, and so on.

  When an operation is performed using a pointer such as a cursor displayed on a screen instead of a contact operation, the pointing operation to indicate a position by touching the pointer on the display unit is performed by a pointer such as a cursor on the display unit. It merely replaces the instruction operation of designating the position by clicking the mouse or the like at the position where exists. In this case, for example, the size of the predicted area can be changed each time the click is performed again within a predetermined time (for example, within 0.3 seconds) after the cancellation of the click.

  Then, the action control means 123 of the present embodiment controls the action on the moving body to be different depending on the size of the expected area. For example, in the case of a baseball game, the smaller the size of the predicted area is, the greater the hitting force is. For example, as described above, when the size of the predicted area fluctuates in three stages of the first level (maximum), the second level (medium), and the third level (minimum), the impact force increases in this order.

  With this, the user can set the prediction area to a relatively large size so that the prediction can be relatively easily hit, and if the user sets the prediction area to a small size, the prediction is difficult to hit. It can be set to a state in which a stronger blow is possible. In this way, by making the size of the predicted area variable by the user's own operation, a more interesting game can be realized.

  By the way, as illustrated in FIG. 28, as the size of the predicted area becomes smaller, the color density of the predicted area may be changed. For example, the smaller the size of the predicted area, the higher the color density of the predicted area. Thus, the user can intuitively perceive that the impact force becomes larger as the size of the predicted area becomes smaller, by changing the density of the predicted area. Note that, as a variation, the color (color) may be changed instead of, or in addition to, the density change. For example, as the size of the predicted area decreases, the color of the predicted area is changed from a cool color system to a warm color system.

  As described above, after setting the expected area (after determining the set position), the expected area setting unit 122 determines the setting of the expected area when it is determined that the position in the expected area is again designated by the indicator. It may have a release function of releasing. Here, the predicted area setting means 122 determines that the instruction operation by the pointer is performed again within a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds) after the instruction by the pointer is released after setting the predicted area. That is, when the period from the release of the instruction to the instruction is performed again is a short period of less than the predetermined time, the operation for changing the size of the expected area is performed instead of the operation for canceling the expected area. Judge that On the other hand, when the period from the cancellation of the instruction to the instruction is performed again exceeds the predetermined time, the expected area setting unit 122 determines that an operation for canceling the expected area has been performed. As described above, the prediction area setting unit 122 determines whether the operation for changing the size of the prediction area or the operation for releasing the prediction area based on the period from the release of the instruction until the instruction is performed again. It is possible to identify and appropriately execute processing according to the operation performed by the user.

  In addition, some or all of the various configurations described in the above embodiments can be applied to the game device 10 of the present embodiment.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In each of the above-described embodiments, after the indicator such as the finger F touches the display unit and the expected area G11 is set, the user moves the indicator in a state of touching the display unit, thereby moving the indicator. The configuration in which the predicted area G11 moves in the action area (for example, the strike zone SZ) in conjunction with the movement of the designated position P (the contact position) has been described. That is, in each of the above-described embodiments, the prediction area setting unit 122 has a function of moving the prediction area G11 within the action area with the movement of the pointing position P of the pointer after setting the prediction area G11. ing. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the indicator touches the display unit to set the expected area G11, the expected area setting unit 122 immediately determines the position of the expected area G11, and The movement of the prediction area G11 accompanying the movement of P may not be allowed. That is, the position of the predicted area G11 may be immediately determined by one touch operation, and the function of moving the predicted area G11 may be omitted. In this embodiment, this will be described below.

  An example of the operation of the game device 10 of the present embodiment is shown in the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 29 is a modification of the flowchart of FIG. 23, and the same steps as those in FIG. 23 are denoted by the same step numbers.

  As shown in FIG. 29, when the batter character C10 stands at bat, the CPU 21 of the game apparatus 10 sets a strike zone SZ as an example of an action area on the screen before the pitcher character C20 pitches (S100). ). When the user predicts a pitching course, an operation of setting a predicted area is performed until the pitcher character C20 releases the ball. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the user indicates an arbitrary position in the strike zone SZ with the finger F. When determining that the position in the strike zone SZ has been instructed (YES in S102), the CPU 21 of the game device 10 has an area within the strike zone SZ smaller than the strike zone SZ (for example, 50% of the area of the strike zone SZ). The prediction area G11 having a value of (７０70%) is set (S104). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the CPU 21 of the game apparatus 10 sets a predicted area G11 similar to the strike zone SZ with the designated position P of the finger F as a center.

  In the present embodiment, when the predicted area G11 is set as described above, the CPU 21 determines the position of the predicted area G11, and stores information on the determined position of the predicted area G11 in a storage device (such as the RAM 23). To memorize.

  As described above, the position of the predicted area G11 is immediately determined by one touch operation, and thereafter, the predicted area G11 cannot be moved by the above-described drag operation. When the user wants to change the position of the predicted area G11 after setting the predicted area G11 (after confirmation), the user again touches the position of the predicted area G11 on the screen with the finger F to set the predicted area G11. An operation of once canceling is performed, and thereafter, the expected area G11 is set again.

  When the CPU 21 of the game apparatus 10 determines that the position in the predicted area G11 has been instructed again by the time the pitcher character C20 releases the ball after setting the predicted area G11 in step S104 (NO in S120). (YES in S114), the setting of the predicted area G11 is canceled (S116). Note that, for example, after the finger F is brought into contact with the screen to set the expected area G11, in a state where the finger F is kept in contact without being separated from the screen, the CPU 21 determines that the position in the expected area G11 is It is preferable not to determine again that the instruction has been made. In this case, in order to determine that the position in the predicted area G11 has been instructed again, after the predicted area G11 is set by touching the finger F to the screen, once the finger F is released from the screen, and again, It is necessary to bring the finger F into contact with a position in the prediction area G11. After the setting of the predicted area G11 is canceled in step S116, the process returns to step S102, and the predicted area G11 can be set again until the pitcher character C20 releases the ball.

  For example, the CPU 21 automatically starts the pitching operation of the pitcher character C20 when a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) elapses after the execution of the step S100. In the case of a communication battle between users, the user on the pitcher side starts the pitching operation of the pitcher character C20 based on the pitching operation.

  After the setting of the strike zone SZ, if the pitcher character C20 releases the ball (YES in S118) without instructing the position in the strike zone SZ even once (NO in S102), the expected area G11 is set. Then, the process proceeds to step S122 in FIG. Alternatively, the setting of the predicted area G11 once set is canceled (S116), and thereafter, the pitcher character C20 releases the ball without specifying a position in the strike zone SZ (NO in S102) (S118). YES), the flow shifts to step S122 in FIG. 24 without setting the expected area G11. On the other hand, the prediction area G11 is set (S104), and thereafter, when the pitcher character C20 releases the ball (YES in S120), the process proceeds to step S122 in FIG. 24 with the prediction area G11 set. The processing after step S122 is as described above.

  Although the example of the contact operation has been described here, as described above, instead of the contact operation, an operation (for example, a click operation with a mouse) using an indicator such as a cursor displayed on the screen may be used. Good.

  As described above, the prediction area setting means 122 may have a function of moving the prediction area G11 within the action area with the movement of the pointing position of the pointer after setting the prediction area G11, The function of moving may be omitted. That is, the game apparatus 10 as an example of a game control apparatus that controls a game that can predict a moving course of a moving object regardless of the presence or absence of the moving function displays an action area in which an action can be applied to the moving object. An action area setting means 121 to be set in a portion, an area including an indication position of the indicator when an arbitrary position in the action area on the display unit is indicated by an indicator, and Prediction area setting means 122 for setting a smaller prediction area G11 within the action area, action control means 123 for controlling the action on the moving body in the prediction area to be larger than outside the prediction area, Can be provided. With this configuration, the expected area can be set only by touching the indicator with the display unit (or performing a click operation or the like with a mouse). That is, it is possible to realize a game in which a prediction area for predicting a moving course of a moving object can be set by a simple operation.

  In addition, after setting the predicted area, the predicted area setting unit 122 cancels the setting of the predicted area when the position in the predicted area is again specified by the indicator. Thus, the setting of the predicted area can be canceled by a simple operation.

  In addition, some or all of the various configurations described in the above embodiments can be applied to the game device 10 of the present embodiment.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a predicted area G11 smaller than the strike zone SZ is mainly set in the strike zone SZ (an example of an action area) around the position indicated by the indicator such as the finger F or the like. explained. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the strike zone SZ is divided into a plurality of divided areas in advance, and when the user touches the finger F in the strike zone SZ, the finger F An example will be described in which a segmented area where the contact position (pointed by the pointer) exists is set as the predicted area G11.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 30, the strike zone SZ set on the screen includes three vertical divided sections (a first divided area DR1 of an in-course, a second divided area DR2 of an out-course, and a third It is divided into section areas DR3). Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 31, in a predictable period until the pitcher character C20 releases the ball, the user touches the finger F somewhere in a region of one line in the right end (out-course) of the strike zone SZ. In this case, the out-course second sectioned area DR2 (right-end vertical line) in which the finger F indicates the point P (contact position) is set as the predicted area G11. In the drawing, the set prediction area G11 is indicated by hatching. Here, as described above, if the pointing position P by the finger F exists at any position in the second divided region DR2 regardless of the height thereof, the entire second divided region DR2 is predicted. This is set as an area G11.

  Similarly, for example, if the position P indicated by the finger F exists in the first sectioned area DR1 (one vertical line at the left end) of the in-course, the entire first sectioned area DR1 is expected regardless of its height or the like. This is set as the area G11. Further, for example, if the position P pointed by the finger F exists in the central third partitioned area DR3 (one vertical line in the center), the entirety of the third partitioned area DR3 is assumed to be the expected area G11 regardless of the height or the like. Will be set as As described above, according to the present embodiment, by simply designating any one of the positions in each of the divided areas, the entire designated divided area can be set as the predicted area, so that the setting operation is easy.

  In the examples of FIGS. 30 and 31, the strike zone SZ is divided into three vertical columns, and the specification is such that the in-course, out-course, or middle pitching course can be predicted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 32, the strike zone SZ is divided into three laterally divided three divided regions (a lower first divided region DR1, a higher second divided region DR2, and a central third divided region DR3). In addition, the specification area in which the segmented area where the finger F indicates the position P exists may be set as the prediction area G11, that is, the specification that can perform the height prediction. Alternatively, the strike zone SZ may be divided into finer divided areas, such as 12 divisions or 16 divisions, so that the course prediction can be performed in a smaller range.

  The action area setting means 121 of the present embodiment for realizing this sets an action area divided into a plurality of divided areas (in other words, composed of a plurality of divided areas) on the display unit (screen). Information of each divided area obtained by dividing the action area into a plurality of divided areas, for example, position information of each divided area obtained by dividing the strike zone SZ into three vertical rows and three horizontal rows is stored in the storage device in advance. In addition, when an arbitrary position in the action area on the display unit is designated by the indicator, the prediction area setting unit 122 of the present embodiment determines that the designated position of the indicator is a plurality of points constituting the action area. It has a function of determining which of the divided areas exists, and setting the divided area where the designated position exists as the predicted area.

  Alternatively, the above-described setting of the predicted area G11 in units of the divided areas is performed by the aforementioned “predicted area setting unit 122 based on the relation information in which the relation between each position in the action area and the set position of the predicted area is predetermined. And setting the expected area when the position in the action area is indicated by the indicator. " That is, the operation area is divided into a plurality of divided areas, and relation information (for example, table information) in which a position in each of the divided areas and a divided area where the position exists is previously stored in a storage device. . Then, when the position in the action area is indicated by the pointer, the expected area setting means 122 obtains the divided area associated with the indicated position of the pointer based on the relation information, and The region is set as the predicted region G11.

  In the configuration of the present embodiment, since the predicted area is set in units of the predetermined divided area, it is easy for the user to understand which area becomes the predicted area, and when setting the predicted area, By simply designating any one of the positions in each of the divided areas, the entire designated divided area can be set as the predicted area, so that there is an effect that the setting operation is easy.

  In addition, some or all of the various configurations described in the above embodiments can be applied to the game device 10 of the present embodiment.

[Another Configuration Example of Game Control Device (Sixth Embodiment)]
In each of the above-described embodiments, an example has been described in which the game control device is realized by the game device 10 operated by the user (stand-alone or game device 10 that communicates with a server or the like), but is not limited thereto. Instead, the game control device can be configured by a computer such as a server that can communicate with the terminal device of each user. Alternatively, the game control device may be configured by a plurality of computers (servers, terminal devices, and the like) that communicate with each other.

  An example in which the game control device is configured as a server will be described. FIG. 33 shows a configuration example of a game system in which a server as a game control device is incorporated. As shown in FIG. 1, a game system 1 includes a server 30 installed on a network N such as the Internet, and a terminal device 50 (50-1, 50-1; 50-1) of each user who can communicably connect to the server 30 via the network N. .. 50-n).

  In the example of the game system 1, the server 30 receives access from the terminal device 50 of each user who receives the game service via the network N, accumulates and manages the game information of each user in a storage device, A game service is provided to the user via the network N.

  As a mode of providing the game service by the server 30, a game program (application software) is mounted on the server 30, and instead of executing the game on the terminal device 50, a game operation input on the terminal device 50 is performed. There is a form in which the server 30 executes a game in response thereto and transmits the execution result to the terminal device 50 of each user. For example, the server 30 provides a so-called browser game in which a game can be played by a web browser mounted on the terminal device 50 of each user. Alternatively, the server 30 provides a so-called cloud gaming service of transmitting a game video as a result of executing the game on the server 30 to the terminal device 50 in, for example, a streaming format.

  Note that a part of the game program may be installed in the terminal device 50, and the terminal device 50 may partially execute the game execution process.

  The hardware configuration of the server 30 and the terminal device 50 can be a general computer configuration including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an auxiliary storage device, a communication interface, and the like. Examples of the terminal device 50 include a smartphone, a mobile phone terminal, a PHS terminal, a PDA, a PC, a tablet computer, a game device having a communication function (stationary or portable game device), or a multifunctional device having a two-way communication function. Various terminals, such as a portable television receiver (so-called smart television), which can be connected to the server 30 via the network N and receive the provision of the game service, can be applied.

  In the above-described cloud gaming and the like, the user terminal device 50 basically operates as an input / output device having an operation input function and a game screen or sound output function, and the substantial function is on the server 30 side. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 33, the server 30 can be configured to include the operation area setting unit 121, the expected area setting unit 122, the operation control unit 123, and the like described in the above embodiment. Although FIG. 33 shows an example in which only the action area setting means 121, the expected area setting means 122, and the action control means 123 are provided, the storage control means 124 and the like may be included as components of the server 30. . With this configuration, the same operation and effect as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained.

  The server 30 and the terminal device 50 can communicate with each other to transmit and receive various data, and are both information processing devices (computers) including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an auxiliary storage device, a communication control unit, and the like. , Have the same hardware configuration. Therefore, in the game system 1 including the server 30 and the terminal device 50, all or a part of each unit included in the game device 10 described in each of the above embodiments is provided in one of the server and the terminal device. It should just be. With this system configuration, the same operation and effect as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained. That is, the game system 1 of the present embodiment can have the following configuration, for example.

  That is, the game system 1 includes the server 30 and the terminal device 50 that communicates with the server 30, and controls a game that can predict a moving course of the moving object. In this game system 1, an action area setting means 121 for setting an action area capable of giving an action to the moving object on a display unit, and an arbitrary position in the action area on the display unit is indicated by an indicator. In this case, a region including the pointing position of the indicator, a prediction region smaller than the operation region, a prediction region setting unit 122 that sets the prediction region in the operation region, and a region inside the prediction region in the operation region. Action control means 123 for controlling the action on the moving body to be different between the outside and the outside (for example, controlling the action on the moving body in the expected area to be larger than outside the expected area). Of the server 30 or the terminal device 50. The prediction area setting means 122 may be configured to cancel the setting of the prediction area when the position in the prediction area is again designated by the pointer after the setting of the prediction area. After the setting, the expected area may be moved in the action area with the movement of the pointing position of the pointer.

  With the configuration of the game system 1, the same functions and effects as those of the above-described game device 10 are obtained. That is, it is possible to realize a game in which a prediction area for predicting a moving course of a moving object can be set by a simple operation. Alternatively, it is possible to realize a game in which a prediction area for predicting a moving course of a moving object can be set and changed by a simple operation.

  By the way, regarding a configuration having a storage control function of storing various types of information in a storage device, the storage device itself is not included in the configuration, so that the storage device can be installed anywhere inside or outside the game apparatus 10 or the game system 1. Good. For example, the storage device may be a RAM or an auxiliary storage device of the game device 10, the server 30, or the terminal device 50, or a file server (on-line storage) having a configuration different from the game device 10, the server 30, or the terminal device 50. Good.

  The components described in the above embodiments can be combined as appropriate and applied.

  Further, the computer-readable program according to the present embodiment is recorded on various computer-readable recording media such as a hard disk, an optical disk (eg, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM), a flexible disk, and a semiconductor memory. And executed by the CPU of the computer constituting the game control device or the game system. Further, the means for providing the program to the computer is not limited to the above-described recording medium, and can be performed via a communication network such as the Internet.

  That is, the program according to the present embodiment is a program for causing a computer to operate as the above-described game control device (or game system), and the computer includes the game control device (or game system). This is a program for functioning as

  By executing the program of the present embodiment by a computer, it is possible to realize a game in which a predicted area for predicting a moving course of a moving object can be set and changed by a simple operation as described above. Further, the same operation and effect as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained.

(Appendix)
From the above description, the present invention can be grasped, for example, as follows. In order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are added in parentheses for convenience, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.
1) A game control device (1, 10, 30, 50) according to one embodiment of the present invention controls a game (for example, a baseball game) that can predict a moving course (for example, a pitching course) of a moving body (for example, a ball BL). In the control device (1, 10, 30, 50), an action area (for example, a strike zone SZ) in which an action can be given to the moving body is set on a display unit (for example, the touch panel unit 13) (for example, the process of S100). When an arbitrary position within the operation area on the display unit (13) is instructed by a pointer (for example, a finger F) (for example, the processing of YES in S102), the instruction is issued. A region including the designated position (P) of the body (F) and smaller than the expected region (G11) is set in the active region (SZ) (for example, S104). The predicted area setting means (122) to perform the processing) and the action on the moving body (BL) in the predicted area (G11) are controlled so as to be larger than those outside the predicted area (G11) (for example, S132, S134, S136). Operation control means (123).

  The game control device having this configuration can be constituted by, for example, a computer as a game device (smartphone, mobile phone terminal, PHS, tablet computer, dedicated game machine, personal computer, multifunctional television receiver, etc.). . Alternatively, the game control device can be configured by a computer such as a server that can communicate with a terminal device of each user. Alternatively, the game control device may be configured by a plurality of computers (servers, terminal devices, and the like) that communicate with each other.

  The game control device having this configuration controls a game that can predict a moving course of a moving object. Here, the “moving object” is, for example, a character, an item, or an object that moves in a game screen or a game space. An example of the “moving object” is a ball in a sports simulation game. Another example of the moving object is a character or item such as a fighter or a missile in an action game. In addition, characters such as moving insects, birds, fish, animals, and the like (which may be imaginary characters such as monsters) in a game for catching insects and the like can be cited as moving objects. The “moving course” is, for example, a course, a route, or a place where the moving body moves (goes). Examples of the “moving course” include a pitching course of a ball thrown by a pitcher in a baseball game, a kicker shooting course in a soccer game, and a server serving course in a tennis game. In addition, flight routes of fighters and missiles, traveling routes of insects and birds, and the like can be included in the traveling course. Hereinafter, a baseball game, a soccer game, and a tennis game will be mainly described as examples. In a baseball game, for example, a user who hits in the game can predict a pitching course. In a soccer game, for example, a user operating a keeper character in a PK game can predict a shooting course. In a tennis game, for example, a user who operates a character that receives a serve can predict a serving course.

  The action area setting means sets an action area capable of giving an action to the moving body on the display unit. Here, the “action” refers to, for example, exerting a force on a moving body or affecting the moving body by having a relationship with the moving body. Examples of the “action” include hitting (returning), applying rotation, capturing, destroying, and deforming the moving object. The “action area” is, for example, an area in a screen where an action can be given to a moving object. For example, in a baseball game, a hittable area or a strike zone including a strike zone can be set as an action area. Further, in the PK game of the soccer game, an area in front of the goal where the keeper can capture or play the ball (for example, an area having the same size as the opening of the soccer goal) can be set as the action area. Further, in a tennis game, an area within a range where a character receiving a serve can reach a racket can be set as an action area. In other games, any area in the screen displayed by the display unit can be set as the action area.

  The expected area setting means of the game control device is an area including an indicated position of the indicator when an arbitrary position in the action area on the display unit is indicated by an indicator (finger, cursor, or the like), An expected area smaller than the action area is set in the action area. Here, the “pointer” is used, for example, for an operation of pointing a position in the screen of the display unit. When the display unit is configured to be able to perform a touch operation such as a touch panel, a physical object such as a user's finger or a pen corresponds to an example of a pointer. Further, in the case of a display unit that is not a touch operation type, an index indicating a position on the screen, such as a cursor displayed on the screen, which can be operated by a user using an operation unit such as a controller or a mouse, is an example of an indicator. Is equivalent to In this case, as an example in which the pointer indicates an arbitrary position in the action area on the display unit, an operation of clicking with the cursor arranged at an arbitrary position in the action area (a button operation equivalent to a click, etc.) Is applicable.

  For example, in a baseball game, when a user designates (contacts, etc.) an arbitrary position in a strike zone as an example of an action area with a pointer such as a finger, a predetermined position smaller than the strike zone is centered on the pointed position of the pointer. Is set in the strike zone. Also, in a PK game of a soccer game, when the user designates (contacts, etc.) an arbitrary position in the area in front of the goal as an example of the action area with a pointer such as a finger, the goal is centered on the pointed position of the pointer. A prediction area of a predetermined size smaller than the previous area is set in the area before the goal.

  Note that the shape of the predicted area can be set to any shape such as a rectangle, a square, a circle, and a triangle. Further, as in the configuration of 6) described later, the shape of the predicted area may be similar to the action area.

  The action control means of the present game control device controls the action on the moving body to be different between inside and outside the expected area in the action area. That is, the action control unit controls the action on the moving body in the expected area to be larger than that in the outside of the expected area. For example, in a baseball game, the player hits harder than usual (when not anticipated) within the expected area, but cannot hit (or can only hit a weaker ball than normal) outside the expected area, and Create an effect. Further, for example, in a soccer game, the ball can be caught or played with a stronger force than normal time (when not predicted) in the expected area (thus, the probability of stopping the goal increases). Outside, the power is lower than usual (and the probability of accepting the goal is higher), and the expected effect is produced.

  According to this configuration, for example, in the case of a display unit capable of performing a touch operation, the user simply touches (instructs) an arbitrary position in the action area on the display unit with a pointer such as a finger, that is, one touch operation Just by simply setting the expected area. In addition, even when an operation is performed using an indicator such as a cursor displayed on a screen without performing a contact operation, an arbitrary position in the operation area is designated by the cursor or the like as described above (for example, by clicking a controller or a mouse). And specifying the position), it is possible to easily set the expected area. In some conventional game devices, an expected area can be set by an operation of tracing the screen with a finger. In this configuration, the expected area can be set by a simpler operation than in the past. As described above, according to this configuration, it is possible to realize a game in which a prediction area for predicting a moving course of a moving object can be set by a simple operation.

  2) In the configuration of the above 1), after setting the prediction area (G11), the prediction area setting means (122) instructs the position in the prediction area (G11) again by the indicator (for example, in S114). When the processing of YES is performed, it is preferable to cancel the setting of the expected area (G11) (for example, the processing of S116).

  According to this configuration, after the prediction area is set, the position (arbitrary position) in the prediction area is pointed again by the indicator, for example, by touching a part of the prediction area with a finger or clicking with a mouse, etc. The setting of the prediction area can be canceled.

  When the present configuration is applied to the configuration of 8) described later, the position of the predicted area in the action area is determined by canceling the instruction by the indicator after setting or moving the predicted area. If the position in the expected area is indicated again by the body, the setting of the expected area can be easily canceled.

  3) In the above configuration 1) or 2), the predicted area setting means (122) sets the predicted area (G11) using the designated position (P) as a reference position of the predicted area (G11). In the case where the predicted area (G11) is set with the designated position (P) as the reference position and the predicted area (G11) deviates from the operation area (SZ), the predicted area (G11) falls within the operation area (SZ). It is preferable to correct the position of the prediction area (G11) so as to fit.

  For example, in the case of an operation on a display unit that can be touched, the position where the pointer first contacts in the action area is the designated position, and the designated area is set as the reference position of the designated area. The reference position of the prediction area is preferably the center (center of gravity) of the prediction area, but is not limited to this. For example, when the prediction area is a polygon, any vertex of the polygon may be set as the reference position.

  In this configuration, basically, in the action area, the prediction area is set as the reference position (for example, the center) of the prediction area at the position indicated by the user with the pointer, so that the prediction area is set at the position intended by the user. Can be set. However, for example, when the user designates the vicinity of the end of the action area with the indicator, if the user attempts to set the expected area centering on the designated position, the expected area will deviate from the action area. In such a case, the position of the predicted area is automatically corrected so as to fall within the active area, so that the user does not care that the predicted area deviates from the active area, Any position can be indicated by the indicator.

  4) In the configuration of the above 1 or 2), the predicted area setting means (122) is a relation in which the relation between each position in the action area (SZ) and the set position of the predicted area (G11) is predetermined. It is preferable to set the expected area (G11) based on the information (INF101) when the position in the action area (SZ) is indicated by the indicator (F).

  According to this configuration, since a one-to-one relationship between each position in the action area and the set position of the expected area is predetermined as, for example, table information, which position in the action area is determined by the indicator. Even if instructed, it is possible to quickly set the expected area in the action area without the need for the processing of correcting the position of the expected area as in the configuration of 4).

  5) In any one of the above configurations 1) to 4), the action control means (123) may set an area outside the expected area (G11) in the action area (SZ) to the moving body (BL). It is preferable to control as a region where no action can be given to the moving body (BL) or an area where the action force on the moving body (BL) is lower than the action area (SZ) when the expected area (G11) is not set.

  In this configuration, when the user predicts a moving course and a predicted area is set, only the predicted area becomes an area that can act on the moving object, and cannot operate outside the expected area (for example, a baseball game). Then, it becomes empty swing). Therefore, when the user predicts the moving course, there is a demerit that a region that can act on the moving object (predicted region) is smaller than a region that can be acted on when the prediction is not made (action region). Alternatively, an area of the action area other than the expected area is an area in which the action force on the moving object is lower than the action area in the case where the expected area is not set (for example, the batting force is lower than in the case where it is not expected in a baseball game) Area). In this way, by setting a penalty when a prediction is disappointed, the user can be nervous, and the game characteristics are enhanced.

  On the other hand, it is preferable that the action control unit makes the action force on the moving body in the prediction area larger than the action force on the moving body in the action area when the prediction area is not set. For example, in a baseball game, by predicting a pitching course, the area that can be hit (predicted area) is smaller than the area that can be hit when no prediction is made (action area such as a strike zone). Hitting becomes possible, and it becomes possible to aim for a long hit. The user is required to weigh the merits and demerits when estimating the traveling course and judge whether or not to make a prediction, thereby enhancing the game characteristics.

  In addition, to make the acting force on the moving object in the expected area larger than when not anticipating, for example, when hitting the moving object, it is possible to hit back with a stronger force than when not anticipating, or more. Or to strike back far away. Further, in the case of capturing a moving body (in a soccer game, the goal keeper catches a ball, etc.), it is necessary to ensure that the mobile body can be captured with a stronger force than in a case where it is not expected. In the case of crushing a moving object (such as destroying a missile in a battle game), it is necessary to surely crush the moving object with a stronger force.

  6) In any one of the above configurations 1) to 5), it is preferable that the expected area setting means (122) sets the expected area (G11) to a shape similar to the action area (SZ).

  According to this configuration, the expected area is set to have a smaller area than the action area while keeping the shape of the action area similar. In other words, although the area of the region differs between the action region in the case of no prediction and the prediction region in the case of the prediction, the same shape (similar shape) is maintained, so that the game specification is easy for the user to understand.

  For example, in a baseball game, when no prediction is made, only the action area (for example, strike zone) is a hittable area, and when a user makes a prediction, only the prediction area is a hittable area. Although the area of the area that can be hit differs depending on whether or not there is an expectation, since the area that can be hit has the same shape (similar shape), the hitting operation (for example, performed in accordance with the timing at which the ball reaches the strike zone) Operations). In the case of such a baseball game, when an operation for setting an expected area (for example, an operation of touching an arbitrary position in the strike zone with a finger) is performed, the effect display in which the frame of the strike zone contracts is provided. The predicted area may be set in a similar shape to the strike zone.

  7) In any one of the above configurations 1) to 6), after setting the predicted area (G11), the predicted area setting means (122) may set the specified position (P) of the pointer (F). It is preferable that the expected area (G11) is moved (for example, the processing of S108) in the action area (SZ) in accordance with the movement (for example, the processing of YES in S106).

  For example, in the case of a display unit that can be touched, after the indicator such as a finger touches the display unit to set an expected area as described above, the user moves the indicator while touching the display unit. Accordingly, the predicted area moves within the action area in conjunction with the movement of the pointing position (contact position) of the pointer. Therefore, the user can easily change the position after setting the expected area.

  That is, conventionally, when it is desired to change the position of the expected area during the operation of setting the expected area, the operation of once completing the setting of the current expected area and then canceling the setting of the currently set expected area is performed. Then, it is necessary to set the expected area again at a new position, which is troublesome. On the other hand, in the present configuration, the expected area can be set only by touching the indicator with the display unit, and furthermore, the position of the expected area can be easily changed only by moving the indicator touching the display unit. It can be carried out. Thus, it is possible to realize a game in which a predicted area for predicting a moving course of a moving object can be set and changed by a simple operation.

  In the case where an operation is performed using an indicator such as a cursor displayed on a screen without performing a contact operation, the following is performed. That is, as described above, after specifying an arbitrary position in the action area with the cursor or the like (designating the position by clicking a controller or a mouse, etc.), the designated area is moved by a so-called drag operation or the like after the expected area is set. By doing so, the expected area moves within the action area in conjunction with the movement of the designated position. Also in this case, similarly to the case of the contact operation, the setting and changing of the prediction area for predicting the moving course of the moving object can be performed by a simple operation.

  8) In the configuration of the above item 7), after the setting of the prediction area (G11) or after the movement of the prediction area (G11), the prediction area setting means (122) receives an instruction from the pointer (F). It is preferable that the position of the expected area (G11) in the action area (SZ) is determined (for example, the processing of S112) by being released (for example, the processing of YES in S110).

  Here, “cancellation of an instruction by the indicator” means that, for example, in the case of an operation on a display unit that can be touched, the indicator moves away from (touches off) the display unit. Further, in the case of performing an operation using an indicator such as a cursor displayed on a screen instead of a contact operation, canceling an instruction by the indicator means canceling an operation state such as clicking or dragging a controller or a mouse. .

  According to this configuration, the user can move the expected area in the action area until the indication by the indicator is canceled, and the cancellation of the indication by the indicator allows the position of the expected area in the action area to be easily changed. And it can be determined accurately. That is, the user designates an arbitrary position in the action region with the indicator to set the expected region, and then changes and fine-tunes the position of the expected region while moving the indicated position of the indicator as necessary, By canceling the indication by the indicator, the final positioning of the expected area can be simply and accurately performed.

  9) In any one of the above configurations 1) to 8), the game is a game in which a first character (for example, a batter character C10) operated by a user acts on the moving body (BL). And a storage control unit (124) for storing information on the first character (C10) in a storage device (for example, the auxiliary storage device 18 or the RAM 23). It is preferable to set the size of the prediction area (G11) based on the parameter (C10).

  Here, the “user” is, for example, a person who operates a game control device (for example, a game device or a terminal device), and can be said to be a game player. The “first character” is, for example, a character to be operated by the user and is a character that acts on a moving object in the game. Examples of the first character include a batter character in a baseball game, a goalkeeper character in a soccer game, and a receiver character returning a ball hit by an opponent in a tennis game. These are examples, and the first character according to the type and content of the game can be applied.

  In this configuration, the expected area setting means sets the size of the expected area based on the parameters of the first character. For example, in the case of a baseball game, the expected area setting means sets the size of the expected area based on the hitting ability parameter of the batter character (the higher the level or value of the hitting ability parameter, the larger the area of the expected area, Enlarge the outer circumference etc.). In this way, by reflecting the parameter of the first character as the size of the predicted area, the size of the predicted area varies depending on, for example, the parameter of the batter character who is at bat, and a more interesting game can be realized. .

  10) In the configuration of the above 9), the parameter of the first character (C10) is a parameter relating to a strength or a weakness of the moving body (BL) with respect to a moving course, and the expected area setting means (122) When the predicted area (G11) is moved with the movement of the designated position (P), the predicted area (G11) in the action area (SZ) is determined based on the parameters related to the specialty or the weakness. It is preferable to change the size of the prediction area (G11) according to the position.

  For example, in a baseball game, when the first character is a batter character, the parameter relating to the strength or weakness of the moving body with respect to the moving course corresponds to the parameter of the strength course or the weakness course of the batter character. For example, assuming that the batter character's special course has a lower inner angle and the weaker course has a higher outer angle, the size of the predicted area at a lower inner angle is set to be larger than that at the higher outer angle. Therefore, when the pointing position of the pointer is moved (for example, the pointer is moved while the pointer is in contact with the predicted area of the display unit), the position of the predicted area in the action area (such as the strike zone) changes. , The size of the predicted area varies, and a more interesting game can be realized.

  11) In the configuration of the above 9) or 10), the storage control means (124) stores information on a second character (for example, a pitcher character C20) sending out the moving object in the storage device (18, 23). Preferably, the expected area setting means (122) sets the size of the expected area (G11) based on the parameters of the second character (C20).

  Here, the “second character” is, for example, a character that sends out a moving object on which the first character acts. Examples of the second character include a pitcher character in a baseball game, a kicker character kicking in a PK game in a soccer game, and a server character in a tennis game. These are examples, and the second character according to the type and content of the game can be applied. For example, in the case of a baseball game, the size of the predicted area is set based on the parameter of the ball control power of the pitcher character (for example, the area and the outer periphery of the predicted area are reduced as the ball control power is higher).

  In this way, by reflecting not only the first character but also the parameters of the second character as the size of the predicted area, for example, the prediction is made based on the relationship between the abilities of the batter character standing at bat and the pitcher character standing at the mound. The size of the area varies, and a more interesting game can be realized.

  12) In any one of the above constitutions 1) to 11), after the prediction area (G11) is set, the prediction area setting means (122) may cancel the instruction by the pointer (F). Every time the pointing operation is performed again by the pointer (F) within a predetermined time, the size of the predicted area (G11) is changed, and the operation control means (123) changes the predicted area (G11). It is preferable to control so that the action on the moving body (BL) is different depending on the size of the moving object (BL).

  For example, in the case of an operation on the display unit that can be touched, an expected area is set when the indicator touches the action area of the display unit. Thereafter, the size of the predicted area is changed each time the operation of touching the display unit is performed again within a predetermined time (for example, within 0.3 seconds) after the pointer is separated from and connected to the display unit. This allows the user to change the size of the expected area in a plurality of stages by a continuous tap operation on the display unit by the user. For example, the size of the predicted region can be changed in three levels, a first level, a second level (for example, 70% of the area of the first level), and a third level (for example, 50% of the area of the first level). And Then, by repeating the tap operation of re-contacting the indicator within a predetermined time after the indicator is moved away from the display unit, the size of the expected area is changed from the first level to the second level to the third level to the first level to the first level. It can be made to fluctuate cyclically with two levels.

  When an operation is performed using a pointer such as a cursor displayed on a screen instead of a contact operation, the pointing operation to indicate a position by touching the pointer on the display unit is performed by a pointer such as a cursor on the display unit. It merely replaces the instruction operation of designating the position by clicking the mouse or the like at the position where exists. In this case, for example, the size of the predicted area can be changed each time the click is performed again within a predetermined time (for example, within 0.3 seconds) after the cancellation of the click.

  Here, according to the size (level) of the predicted area, the action on the moving body is controlled so as to be different. For example, in the case of a baseball game, as the size of the predicted area becomes smaller, the striking force (strength) is increased. With this, the user can set the prediction area to a relatively large size so that the prediction can be relatively easily hit, and if the user sets the prediction area to a small size, the prediction is difficult to hit. It can be set to a state in which a stronger blow is possible. In this way, by making the size of the predicted area variable by the user's own operation, a more interesting game can be realized.

  13) A game control device (1, 10, 30, 50) according to another aspect of the present invention provides a moving course (for example, pitching) of a moving object (for example, a ball BL) by a touch operation on a display unit (for example, a touch panel unit 13). A game (for example, a baseball game) that can predict a course), and an action area (for example, a strike zone SZ) in which an action can be given to the moving body (BL) is set on the display unit (13). When a pointer (for example, a finger F) comes in contact with an area setting means (121) and an arbitrary position in the action area (SZ) on the display section (13), a contact position of the pointer (F) ( P), a prediction area setting means (122) for setting a prediction area (G11) smaller than the action area (SZ) within the action area (SZ), (G11) an action control means (123) for controlling an action on the moving body (BL) so as to be larger than the outside of the expected area (G11), wherein the expected area setting means (122) comprises: After the setting of the predicted area (G11), when the position within the predicted area (G11) is touched again by the pointer (F), the setting of the predicted area (G11) is released.

  The game control device having this configuration controls a game that can predict a moving course of a moving object, and can be applied to various games such as the above-described baseball game, soccer game, tennis game, insect catching game, and the like. With this configuration, the user can set the expected area in the action area by estimating the movement course of the mobile object. If the prediction area is set, the action on the moving body is controlled to be different between the inside and outside of the prediction area in the action area, that is, the action on the moving body in the prediction area is larger than outside the prediction area. Control to produce the expected effect. The user can easily set the expected area only by touching the indicator such as the finger F in the action area on the display unit, that is, only by one touch operation. After the setting of the predicted area, the setting of the predicted area can be easily canceled only by touching the position in the predicted area again with the pointer. In addition, after canceling the setting of the predicted area, if the position in the action area is newly contacted with the indicator, the predicted area can be reset. With this configuration, it is possible to realize a game in which a predicted area for predicting a moving course of a moving object can be set and released by a simple operation.

  Further, in the above configuration, the predicted area setting means (122) may be configured such that, after setting the predicted area (G11), the indicator (F) moves in a state of being in contact with the display unit (13). With the movement of the contact position (P), the predicted area (G11) is moved within the action area (SZ), and after the setting of the predicted area (G11) or after the movement of the predicted area (G11), The position of the expected area (G11) in the action area (SZ) may be determined by the indicator (F) moving away from or coming into contact with the display section (13). This makes it possible to easily change the position of the prediction area set in the action area. Therefore, the user does not need to carefully determine the position from the beginning and touch the indicator to the display unit for the setting of the expected area. First, the user only touches the indicator anywhere in the operation area on the display unit. A predicted area can be generated (that is, the intention to be predicted can be reflected on the game), and thereafter, the position of the predicted area can be changed while gradually moving the pointer. Then, when the desired position is determined, the position can be determined as the position of the final expected area simply by moving the indicator away from the display unit. Such an operation method is particularly suitable for a portable contact operation type game device such as a smartphone and a tablet computer. That is, in a portable contact operation type game device, when a user plays a game, the user often holds the game device by hand or plays with the game device placed on his lap. Sometimes used in rocking vehicles. Under use conditions or environments where such camera shake or the like is likely to occur, it is difficult to set the expected area to an accurate position by a single operation. However, according to the present configuration, when setting or changing the predicted area, the user moves the predicted area in such a state that the screen is lightly pressed with an indicator such as his / her finger. Even in an environment in which a certain degree of vibration or camera shake is likely to occur, it is possible to greatly reduce the possibility of causing a large shift in the moving direction of the predicted area and the position of the moving destination. In addition, since the final determination of the expected area is performed by moving the pointer away from the display unit, there is no displacement at the moment of this determination. Thus, it is possible to realize a game in which a predicted area for predicting a moving course of a moving object can be set and changed accurately with a simple operation.

  14) A game control device (1, 10, 30, 50) according to another aspect of the present invention provides a baseball game in which a ball (BL) pitching course can be predicted by a touch operation on a display unit (for example, a touch panel unit 13). An area including the contact position (P) of the pointer when the pointer (for example, the finger F) contacts an arbitrary position in the strike zone (SZ) in the display unit (13). A prediction region setting means (122) for setting a prediction region (G11) smaller than the strike zone (SZ) in the strike zone (SZ); and the ball (BL) in the prediction region (G11). And a control means (123) for controlling the action to the outside of the expected area (G11) so as to be larger than the outside of the expected area (G11). After setting of the prediction area (G11), when the position within the prediction area (G11) is contacted again by the indicator (F), it releases the setting of the prediction area (G11).

  According to this configuration, the user can predict the pitching course of the ball and set the predicted area in the strike zone. If the expected area is set, the action on the ball is controlled to be different between the inside and the outside of the expected area in the strike zone, that is, the action on the ball in the expected area is controlled to be larger than that outside the expected area. , The expected effect occurs. The user can set the expected area only by touching the indicator such as a finger in the strike zone on the display unit, that is, the user can easily set the expected area with only one touch operation. After the setting of the predicted area, the setting of the predicted area can be easily canceled only by touching the position in the predicted area again with the pointer. In addition, after the setting of the predicted area is canceled, if the position in the strike zone is newly contacted with the indicator, the predicted area can be reset. With this configuration, it is possible to realize a game in which the setting and release of the prediction area for predicting the pitching course can be performed by a simple operation.

  Further, in the above configuration, the predicted area setting means (122) may be configured such that, after setting the predicted area (G11), the indicator (F) moves in a state of being in contact with the display unit (13). Following the movement of the contact position (P), the predicted area (G11) is moved in the strike zone (SZ), and after the setting of the predicted area (G11) or after the movement of the predicted area (G11), The indicator (F) may be configured to determine the position of the predicted area (G11) in the strike zone (SZ) by moving away from and away from the display unit. This makes it possible to easily change the position of the predicted area set in the strike zone. Therefore, the user does not need to carefully determine the position from the beginning and touch a finger or the like with the display unit to set the expected area. First, the user only needs to touch the indicator somewhere in the strike zone on the display unit. Then, a predicted area can be generated (that is, an intention to be predicted can be reflected on the game), and then the position of the predicted area in the strike zone can be changed while gradually moving the pointer. Then, when the desired position is determined, simply by moving the indicator away from the display unit, the position can be accurately determined as the position of the final expected area as described above. Such an operation method is particularly suitable for a portable contact operation type game device such as a smartphone and a tablet computer. With this configuration, it is possible to realize a baseball game in which setting and changing of a prediction area for predicting a pitching course can be accurately performed by a simple operation.

  15) A game system (1) according to another aspect of the present invention includes a server (30) and a terminal device (50), and controls a game capable of predicting a moving course of a moving object (BL). 1) an action area setting means (121) for setting an action area (SZ) capable of giving an action to the moving body (BL) on a display section (13); When an arbitrary position in the action area (SZ) is indicated by the indicator (F), the area includes the indication position (P) of the indicator (F), and is higher than the action area (SZ). A prediction area setting means (122) for setting a small prediction area (G11) within the action area (SZ); and an operation on the moving body (BL) in the prediction area (G11) by the prediction area (G11). Bigger than outside Either one of the control acting control means (123), each means of said server (30) or said terminal device (50) as is provided.

  16) A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program for operating a computer as the game control device (1, 10, 30, 50) according to any one of the above 1) to 13). A program for causing the computer to function as each unit included in the game control device (1, 10, 30, 50).

1 game system (example of game control device)
10. Game device (an example of a game control device)
13 Touch panel unit (example of display unit)
30 server (an example of a game control device)
50 Terminal device (an example of a game control device)
121 Action area setting means 122 Prediction area setting means 123 Action control means 124 Storage control means BL Ball object (an example of a moving object)
SZ strike zone (one example of action area)
G11 Expected area C10 Batter character (an example of a first character)
C20 Pitcher character (an example of the second character)
INF101 related information

Claims (6)

A game control device for controlling a game capable of predicting a moving course of a moving object,
A prediction area setting unit configured to set a prediction area provided in the movement course predicted by a user before the start of movement of the moving body , based on a contact operation of the indicator on the display unit;
A moving means for moving the prediction area before the moving body starts moving , with the indicator moving in a state of being in contact with the display unit after the prediction area is set by the contact operation. ,
Determining means for determining the position of the expected area by moving the indicator remaining in contact with the display unit from the display unit before starting the movement of the mobile unit ,
The determining means may be configured such that the indicator does not move away from the display unit at a stage before the movement of the moving object starts, and if the position of the expected area is not determined, the indicator does not move away from the display unit. A game control device for determining the position of the expected area at the time when the moving object starts moving . The game is a game including a first character operated by a user,
The game control device according to claim 1, wherein the expected area setting means determines the size of the expected area based on the position of the expected area and the ability of the first character.   The game control device according to claim 2, wherein the ability of the first character is an ability related to a strength or a weakness in the moving course.   4. The game control device according to claim 1, further comprising an operation control unit configured to make an operation on the moving object different between the inside of the expected area and the outside of the expected area. 5. A game system including a server and a terminal device capable of communicating with the server,
A game system in which each of the means of the game control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is provided in one of the server and the terminal device.   A program for causing a computer to operate as the game control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the program causes the computer to function as each unit included in the game control device.

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