JP7285996B1 - Screen control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a searching game with realism while reducing the load of image processing. Kind Code: A1 According to a screen control method in one embodiment, an image including at least one layer object and at least one selectable selection object is displayed on the screen according to a magnification, and based on an input enlargement instruction. magnifying the image, wherein the at least one layer object is hidden when the image is magnified to a first magnification; and the at least one selection object is magnified when the image is magnified to a second magnification. It is hidden either when it is enlarged or when an instruction to select a position corresponding to the selected object is input. [Selection drawing] Fig. 12

Description

The present invention relates to a screen control method and program.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as games played using a plurality of communication devices connected to a network, in addition to puzzle games and battle games, games for searching for objects (treasures) hidden in a game space have been known. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses an example of searching for an object arranged in a three-dimensional virtual space.

JP 2009-064364 A

In existing searching games, simply displaying a two-dimensional image makes it difficult for the user to feel a sense of realism from the game screen. On the other hand, when image processing is performed using a three-dimensional realistic image in order to create a sense of reality, the load on the control device increases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a realistic looking game while reducing the load of image processing.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an image including at least one layer object and at least one selectable selection object is displayed on a screen according to a magnification, and the image is enlarged based on an input enlargement instruction. wherein the at least one layer object is hidden when the image is magnified to a first magnification; and the at least one selection object is hidden when the image is magnified to a second magnification; A screen control method is provided for hiding the object either when an instruction to select a position corresponding to the object is input.

In the above screen control method, the first magnification and the second magnification may be the same.

In the screen control method described above, the at least one layer object and the at least one selection object may be arranged side by side in the depth direction in a virtual space having a reference point.

In the above screen control method, the at least one layer object and the at least one selected object are arranged parallel to a plane perpendicular to the depth direction in a virtual space having a reference point, and the at least one layer object is arranged from the reference point. and the vertical distance from the reference point to the at least one selected object.

In the screen control method described above, the at least one layer object and the at least one selection object may be arranged close to each other in the depth direction.

In the above screen control method, the at least one layer object includes a first layer object and a second layer object preferentially displayed on the screen, and the first layer object and the second layer object are superimposed. and when the first layer object is displayed, the overlapping portion of the second layer object is hidden, and when the first layer object is hidden, The overlapping portion of the second layer object may be displayed.

In the above screen control method, the at least one layer object is preferentially displayed on the screen, the at least one selected object has a portion overlapping the at least one layer object, and the at least one layer object has a portion overlapping the at least one layer object. When the object is displayed, the overlapping portion of the at least one selected object is hidden, and when the at least one layer object is hidden, of the at least one selected object The overlapping portion may be displayed.

In the screen control method described above, the position of the at least one layer object arranged in the image may change based on a predetermined condition, and the overlapping portion may change.

In the screen control method described above, selection of the overlapping portion of the at least one selection object may be disabled.

In the screen control method described above, the at least one layer object and the at least one selection object may be tilted and displayed on the screen when the image is operated to move in parallel on the screen.

In the above screen control method, after hiding the at least one layer object, the at least one layer object is displayed again when the image is reduced to a third magnification lower than the first magnification. You may

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a program may be provided for causing a computer to execute the screen control method.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a realistic looking game while reducing the load of image processing.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication system in one embodiment; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication device according to one embodiment; FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server in one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating game serving functionality in one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating game control functions in one embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the game screen in one embodiment. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the object in one embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the game screen in one embodiment. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the object in one embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the game screen in one embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows game progress processing in one embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows game progress processing in one embodiment. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the object in one embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the game screen in one embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the game screen in one embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the game screen in one embodiment. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the object in one embodiment.

Hereinafter, each embodiment of the invention disclosed in the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the gist thereof, and should not be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments exemplified below.

In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, the same parts or parts having similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals or similar reference numerals (reference numerals followed by A, B, etc.). may be omitted. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings may differ from the actual ratios for the convenience of explanation, and a part of the configuration may be omitted from the drawings.

(First embodiment)
(1-1. Communication system configuration)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication system according to one embodiment. Communication system 1000 in one embodiment is a client-server system having communication device 10 and server 50 . Communication device 10 and server 50 are connected to network NW such as the Internet or a communication line. Although the server 50 is illustrated as a single device in FIG. 1, it may be composed of a plurality of devices that cooperate with each other.

The communication device 10, which is a client, is, for example, a smartphone, and can communicate with the server 50 by connecting to the network NW. The communication device 10 is not limited to a smart phone, but may be a portable device such as a tablet terminal or a portable game machine that a user can hold, or a stationary device such as a desktop computer.

The communication device 10 executes the installed game (game program). The game in this example is provided by a game screen GS including a character area CA and an object area OA (see FIG. 6). A character Ch presenting (giving a theme) an object obs to be searched for in the object-finding game is arranged in the central portion of the character area CA. In this example, the multiple characters Ch include a first character Ch1 and a second character Ch2. The first character Ch1 and the second character Ch2 are only distinguished for the sake of convenience, and may simply be referred to as character Ch when explaining without distinguishing between them.

A plurality of objects ob are arranged in the object area OA by user operation. The object ob includes a layer object oba and a selection object obb that can be selected by user operation. The layer object oba and the selection object obb can be enlarged/reduced by a user operation, and the layer object oba and the selection object obb can be hidden when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Furthermore, the selection object obb is hidden when the selection process is performed by the user. Here, an overview of the object-finding game has been described, but the details will be described later.

The server 50 is an example of an information processing device that provides application programs and various services to the communication device 10 . Various services include, for example, services such as login processing and synchronization processing when executing an online game on the communication device 10 . In addition, various services may include, for example, SNS (Social Networking Service). Functions for executing various services may be realized in the server 50 by the server 50 executing the game control program.

Application programs include, for example, an application program (game program) for executing the game described below. The application program is recorded on a recording medium readable by the server 50 . The recording medium may be a storage device included in the server 50, a storage device connected to the server 50, or a storage device to which the server 50 is connected via the network NW. good.

(1-2. Configuration of communication device)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication device according to one embodiment. Communication device 10 in one embodiment includes control unit 11 , storage unit 12 , display unit 13 , operation unit 14 , sensor unit 15 , imaging unit 16 , position detection unit 17 , communication unit 18 and sound input/output unit 19 . Communication device 10 is not limited to include all of these configurations. Communication device 10 may also include other components such as a microphone and a speaker.

The control unit 11 is an example of a computer including a processor (arithmetic processing circuit) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage device such as a RAM. The control unit 11 causes the processor to execute a program stored in the storage unit 12 to realize various functions in the communication device 10 . Signals output from each element of the communication device 10 are used by various functions implemented in the communication device 10 . The control unit 11 implements a game providing function used when providing a game to a user by executing a game program.

The storage unit 12 is a storage device such as a nonvolatile memory and a hard disk drive. The storage unit 12 stores programs and various data such as parameters necessary for executing the programs. The game program described above is installed in the communication device 10 by being downloaded from the server 50 or another server via the network NW and stored in the storage unit 12 . The game program may be provided in a state recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. In this case, the communication device 10 may be provided with a device for reading this recording medium. The storage unit 12 is also an example of a recording medium.

The display unit 13 is a display having a display area for displaying various screens (for example, game screens) under the control of the control unit 11 . The display unit 13 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

The operation unit 14 is an operation device that outputs a signal to the control unit 11 according to a user's operation. The operation unit 14 is a touch sensor arranged on the surface of the display unit 13 . The operation unit 14 constitutes a touch panel by being combined with the display unit 13 . A command or information according to the user's operation is input to the communication device 10 by touching the operation unit 14 with a user's finger, a stylus pen, or the like. The operation unit 14 may include a switch arranged on the housing of the communication device 10 .

The sensor unit 15 is a device having a function of collecting information about the movement of the communication device 10, the environment around the communication device 10, and the like, and converting the information into a signal. The sensor unit 15 includes, for example, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and the like. The control unit 11 acquires information about the behavior (for example, tilt, vibration, etc.) of the communication device 10 based on the output signal of the sensor unit 15 . The sensor unit 15 may include an illuminance sensor, a temperature sensor, a magnetic sensor, and other sensors.

The imaging unit 16 is an imaging device that converts an image of an imaging target into a signal. The communication device 10 generates image data based on the imaging signal output from the imaging section 16 . The image data may be still image data or moving image data. In the following description, images refer to both still images and moving images unless otherwise specified. The imaging unit 16 also functions as a scanner that reads identification codes such as one-dimensional codes or two-dimensional codes.

The position detection unit 17 detects the position of the communication device 10 based on the position information. The position detection unit 17 of the present embodiment detects the position of the communication device 10 using GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).

The communication unit 18 is a wireless communication module that connects to the network NW under the control of the control unit 11 to transmit and receive information to and from other devices such as the server 50 connected to the network NW. The communication unit 18 may include a communication module that performs infrared communication, short-range wireless communication, and the like.

The sound input/output unit 19 inputs and outputs sound. For example, sound input is performed by a microphone of the sound input/output unit 19 . Sound output is performed by the speaker of the sound input/output unit 19 . The sound input/output unit 19 can be used not only for communication with other communication devices, but also for collecting external sounds or outputting sounds or sound effects accompanying the progress of the game.

(1-3. Server configuration)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server in one embodiment. Server 50 in one embodiment includes control unit 51 , storage unit 52 and communication unit 53 .

The control unit 51 is an example of a computer including a processor (arithmetic processing circuit) such as a CPU and a storage device such as a RAM. The control unit 51 causes the processor to execute a program stored in the storage unit 52 to realize various functions in the server 50 . Signals output from each element of the server 50 are used by various functions implemented in the server 50 . The control unit 51 implements a game control function for controlling a game provided to the communication device 10 by executing a game control program.

The storage unit 52 is a storage device such as a nonvolatile memory and a hard disk drive. The storage unit 52 stores programs and information such as parameters required for executing the programs. The program also includes a game control program. Various data received from the communication device 10 during provision of the game are also stored in the storage unit 52 . The storage unit 52 may store game programs provided to the communication device 10 .

The game control program may be installed on the server 50 by being downloaded from another server via the network NW and stored in the storage unit 52 . The game control program may be provided in a state recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium, optical recording medium, magneto-optical recording medium, semiconductor memory, or the like. In this case, the server 50 may be provided with a device for reading this recording medium. The storage unit 52 is also an example of a recording medium.

The communication unit 53 is a wireless communication module that connects to the network NW under the control of the control unit 51 and transmits and receives information to and from other devices such as the communication device 10 and other servers connected to the network NW. . Other servers include, for example, game servers, SNS servers, and mail servers.

(2-1. Game provision function)
A game is provided to the user by the game providing function and the game control function. First, the game providing function will be described. The game providing function is implemented by the controller 11 of the communication device 10 executing a game control program. A part or all of the configuration for realizing the game providing function described below may be realized by hardware.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram that illustrates game presentation functionality in one embodiment. The game providing function 100 in one embodiment includes a game operation acquisition unit 101, a game data transmission unit 103, a setting data reception unit 105, a game data storage unit 107, a display data generation unit 109, and a game processing execution unit 111.

The game operation acquisition unit 101 acquires information corresponding to the game operation from among the operation information input to the operation unit 14 by the user. Among the operations input to the operation unit 14 by the user, the game operation is an operation related to the game, and includes, for example, enlargement and reduction of an object, selection of an object, designation of parameters, and the like, which will be described later.

The setting data receiving unit 105 receives setting data from the server 50 via the communication unit 18 . The setting data is data generated by the server 50 based on the operation data transmitted from each communication device 10 .

The game data storage unit 107 is an area for storing game data necessary for progressing the game (eg, image data for displaying game screens, progress of searching for objects, etc.).

The game processing executing unit 111 performs processing for controlling the progress of the game (game progress control) based on the information corresponding to the game operation acquired by the game operation acquiring unit 101 and the setting data received by the setting data receiving unit 105 . process). The game progress processing includes processing for hiding the layer object oba, processing for selecting an object to be searched for (selection object obb) presented by the character Ch, and processing for controlling the game screen. include. Details of the game progress processing will be described later.

The display data generation unit 109 generates display data for displaying a game screen on the display unit 13 according to the progress of the game controlled by the game processing execution unit 111 .

The game data transmission unit 103 transmits game data generated by the game processing execution unit 111 to the server 50 via the communication unit 18 . The game data transmission unit 103 can transmit game data at arbitrary timing such as during the game (predetermined remaining time), at the end of the game, or at the occurrence of an event, for example.

(2-2. Game control function)
Next, the game control function will be explained. The game control function is implemented by the controller 51 of the server 50 executing a game control program. A part or all of the configuration for realizing the game control functions described below may be realized by hardware.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the game progress control function in one embodiment of the present invention. The game control function 500 in one embodiment includes a game data receiving section 501 , a game processing executing section 503 , a setting data transmitting section 505 and a game data storing section 507 .

The game data receiving unit 501 receives game data transmitted from the communication device 10 . These game data are associated with the user corresponding to the communication device 10 that is the transmission source. A user corresponding to the communication device 10 is a user who has logged in via the communication device 10 .

The game data storage unit 507 stores game data received by the game data reception unit 501 or stores setting data generated by the game processing execution unit 503 . The game data and setting data are stored in association with the corresponding communication device 10 . For example, the received game data includes search (acquisition) information for the object pointed by the character Ch and remaining time information.

The game processing execution unit 503 executes processing for controlling the progress of the game based on the game data received by the game data reception unit 501 . The game control processing includes processing for transmitting setting data to the communication device 10 . The setting data is generated based on the progress of the game and used in the communication device 10 to control the game screen. Moreover, the game processing execution unit 503 is not limited to this example, and can execute at least part of the above-described game progress processing in addition to the game control processing.

The setting data transmission unit 505 transmits setting data to each of the multiple communication devices 10 via the communication unit 53 . The setting data is data for setting each parameter according to the progress of the game.

Thus, the game is provided to the user by the game providing function 100 and the game control function 500. FIG.

(3. Composition of the game screen)
A game screen GS displayed on the display unit 13 of the communication device 10 in the searching game will be described.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen in one embodiment of the present invention. The game screen GS includes a character area CA and an object area OA. In this example, the character area CA and the object area OA are arranged vertically, but they may be arranged horizontally.

(3-1. Character area)
The character area CA displays a plurality of characters Ch according to setting data. In this example, above each character Ch, an object obs that the user seeks out as indicated by the character is displayed. Specifically, the first character Ch1 instructs to find a "book". The second character Ch2 instructs to find "glasses". In the game program, as another aspect, the plurality of characters Ch may be determined in advance for each stage instead of being displayed according to setting data.

(3-2. Object area)
The object area OA includes multiple layer objects oba and multiple selection objects obb. The layer object oba corresponds to the background image of the game screen. The selection object obb corresponds to the object to be searched indicated by each character Ch. The size of the selection object obb is smaller than the size of the layer object oba.

Also, in the object area OA, a remaining time object GT of the object search game may be displayed. The remaining time is counted down when the game starts. In this game, the game ends when the player searches for an object within the time limit (in the boss battle, the HP of the boss becomes "0") or when the remaining time reaches "0".

(3-3. Structure of layer object oba)
The layer object oba includes a first layer object oba1, a second layer object oba2, and a third layer object oba3. In the object area OA, the first layer object oba1, the second layer object oba2, and the third layer object oba3 are arranged in the order of the first layer object oba1, the second layer object oba2, and the third layer object oba3 in the foreground on the screen. They are displayed in a layered manner while having a anteroposterior relationship (priority relationship). In the following description, when the layer objects oba in the object area OA are shown without distinction, they are displayed as layer objects oba. The details of the arrangement configuration of layer objects will be described later.

In FIG. 6, the layer object oba is displayed as a two-dimensional image on the game screen GS. Each layer object oba has different attributes. Each layer object oba is displayed with different patterns/shapes and colors according to its attributes. Note that the attributes are not limited to shapes, patterns, colors, etc., and may be indicated in a visually distinguishable form.

(3-4. Structure of selection object obb)
The selection objects obb include a first selection object obb1, a second selection object obb2, and a third selection object obb3. In the following description, when the selected objects in the object area OA are shown without distinction, they are displayed as the selected object obb. The details of the arrangement configuration of the selection object obb will be described later.

In FIG. 6, the selection object obb is displayed as a two-dimensional image on the game screen GS like the layer object oba. Each selection object obb has different attributes. Each selection object obb is displayed with different patterns/shapes and colors according to its attributes. Note that the attributes are not limited to patterns, and are not limited to shapes, patterns, colors, etc., and may be indicated in a visually distinguishable form. Examples of the selection object obb include a "book" as the first selection object obb1, a "clock" as the second selection object obb2, and a "glasses" as the third selection object obb3.

The selection object obb can be selected by the user on the game screen GS. Specifically, in the game screen GS displayed on the communication device 10 (display unit 13), when a predetermined operation such as tapping is performed on the selection object obb corresponding to the object obs indicated by the character Ch. , the selection object obb is selected. When the selection object obb corresponding to the object obs indicated by the character Ch is selected, it is determined that an object has been found in the course of the game.

In this embodiment, the selection object obb is configured to be smaller than the layer object oba, and all or part of the selection object obb can be hidden by the layer object oba. As shown in FIG. 6, specifically, the second selected object obb2, the “clock”, partially overlaps the first layer object oba1 (the first layer object oba1 is in front of the second selected object obb2 ( (preferentially) displayed), some of them are hidden and hidden. Further, the "glasses" which is the third selection object obb3 is completely hidden by overlapping the first layer object oba1, so that the entirety of the third selection object obb3 is hidden. In this case, the non-display portion of the selection object obb is set so that it cannot be selected (also referred to as selection invalidation setting).

(3-5. Object Arrangement and Display Size Control)
Arrangement configuration and display size control of the layer object oba and selection object obb will be described below. FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the arrangement of layer objects oba and selection objects obb. As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, a virtual camera VC is arranged at a reference point BP in the virtual space VS, and a layered (two-dimensional, planar) layer object oba and selection object obb are arranged. . The virtual space VS is represented by X, Y, Z coordinates. The X coordinate corresponds to the horizontal direction. The Y coordinate corresponds to the vertical direction. The Z coordinate corresponds to the depth direction. The reference point corresponds to (0,0,0) in the initial display state. In the case of the game screen GS, as shown in FIG. 6, it is expressed on the XY coordinate plane, and the reference point corresponds to (0, 0) in the initial display state. The layer object oba and the selection object obb are arranged perpendicular to the Z coordinate in the virtual space and parallel to the XY plane. That is, it can be said that the layer object oba and the selection object obb are arranged side by side in the depth direction in the virtual space.

In the present embodiment, each layer object oba and each corresponding selection object obb may be combined into one layer in the virtual space VS. Specifically, the first layer object oba1 and the first selection object obb1 adjacent to the first layer object are collectively defined as a first layer L1. "The first layer object oba1 and the first selected object obb1 are adjacent to each other" includes that the first selected object obb1 is arranged near the first layer object oba1 (on the back side or the front side on the screen). The second layer object oba2 and the second selection object obb2 are collectively referred to as a second layer L2. The third layer object oba3 and the third selection object obb3 are collectively referred to as a third layer L3. A first layer L1, a second layer L2, and a third layer L3 are arranged in order near the virtual camera VC. Therefore, the first layer object oba1 and the first selection object obb1 on the first layer L1 are preferentially displayed in front. In each layer, a layer object oba and a selection object obb are arranged, but only one of the layer object oba and the selection object obb may be arranged.

In this embodiment, in one layer, the layer object oba and the selection object obb are arranged close to each other in the Z-axis direction (depth direction). For example, the selection object obb may be arranged with a shift of several coordinates (closer to the virtual camera) with respect to the layer object oba. It should be noted that the selection object obb is not limited to the case where it is shifted by several coordinates from the layer object oba, and may be arranged at the same coordinates as the layer object oba. In this case, an object may be selected before or after the display order is set.

In this embodiment, the display magnification of the layer object oba and the selection object obb is determined based on the vertical distance between the virtual camera VC and the layer object oba and the selection object obb. Specifically, the display magnification of the first layer object oba1 is determined according to the vertical distance Da1 between the virtual camera VC and the first layer object oba1. The same applies to the vertical distance Da2 between the virtual camera VC and the second layer object oba2 and the vertical distance Da3 between the virtual camera VC and the third layer object oba3. Also, the display magnification of the first selection object obb1 is controlled according to the vertical distance Db1 between the virtual camera VC and the first selection object obb1. The same applies to the vertical distance Db2 between the virtual camera VC and the second selected object obb2 and the vertical distance Db3 between the virtual camera VC and the second selected object obb3. For example, the display magnification may be determined to be proportional to the reciprocal of the vertical distance. The display magnifications of the layer object oba and the selection object obb are independently controlled. Also, all objects, including each layer object and each selection object, may be independently controlled.

Further, in this embodiment, the vertical distances between the virtual camera VC and the layer object oba and selection object obb can be changed by performing a predetermined operation. In this example, when the communication device 10 is a smartphone, as shown in FIG. The vertical distance between the virtual camera VC and the layer object oba or the selection object obb (in the case of the first layer object oba, the vertical distance Da1) can be reduced. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, when the initial display state is 1x, the layer object oba or the selection object obb is enlarged and displayed according to the display magnification specified on the game screen GS.

Note that the input operation is not limited to pinch out. For example, when a pinch-in motion is performed as an input operation, the vertical distances between the virtual camera VC and the layer object oba and selection object obb increase. As a result, the layer object oba and the selection object obb are reduced and displayed according to the designated display magnification on the game screen GS. That is, by switching the input operation, the layer object oba and the selection object obb can be easily scaled and displayed.

(3-6. Non-display control of layer object oba)
As described above, when the vertical distance between the virtual camera VC and the layer object oba becomes smaller than the initial value due to the enlarging operation (pinch-out operation), the display magnification of the layer object oba increases accordingly. Then, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the vertical distance between the virtual camera VC and the layer object oba is equal to or less than a predetermined value, that is, the display magnification is equal to or greater than a threshold (also referred to as a first magnification) with respect to the initial display magnification. When this happens, the layer object oba can be hidden. At this time, the second layer object oba2, which is arranged on the back side (lower layer) of the first layer object oba1, is arranged in the foreground among the layers.

(3-7. Non-display control of selected object obb)
Similarly to the layer object oba, for the selected object obb, as the vertical distance between the virtual camera VC and the selected object obb is decreased, the display magnification of the selected object obb increases compared to the initial display magnification, and the selected object obb is enlarged and displayed. Then, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the vertical distance between the virtual camera VC and the selected object obb is equal to or less than a predetermined value, that is, when the display magnification is equal to or greater than a threshold (also referred to as a second magnification) with respect to the initial display magnification, When this happens, the selection object obb can be hidden. Further, in the case of the selection object obb, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the instruction information is input by an operation (tap operation) of selecting a position (part of the selection object obb on the screen) corresponding to the selection object obb. and can be hidden.

In this embodiment, the display resolution on the game screen is finer than the control system for enlargement. Therefore, when the layer object oba and the selected object obb are close to each other in one layer (for example, the layer object oba and the selected object obb are arranged with a displacement of several coordinates), the selected object obb is displayed on the layer Although it is displayed in front of the object oba, the enlargement ratio (first magnification) for setting the layer object oba to non-display is the same as the enlargement ratio (second magnification) for setting the selected object obb to non-display. Normally, the selection object obb and the layer object oba are hidden in this order, but they are hidden substantially at the same time. Note that when the selected object obb and the layer object oba are arranged at the same coordinates, the selected object obb and the layer object oba are automatically hidden at the same time.

(4-1. Game progress flow. Layer object oba)
Next, game progression processing will be described. The game progress processing shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is executed when the game is started. The condition for starting the game may be that the user inputs game start instruction information (specifically, the start button is pressed).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart S100 showing the game progress processing, particularly the display processing of the layer object oba, in one embodiment. The control unit 11 displays the game screen GS including the character area CA and the object area OA on the display unit 13 . At this time, the layer object oba is displayed at a predetermined position (step S101). The control unit 11 checks the remaining time of the game (step S111), the search status of the object to be searched for (step S113), the reception of the end instruction from the server (step S115), and the acquisition status of the input operation (step S117). judge. The control unit 11 determines whether the remaining time of the game has reached "0" or whether the user has found an object to be searched for (step S113) (whether the boss's HP is "0" in the boss battle). It waits until an end instruction is received from 50 (step S115) or an input operation is accepted (step S111; No, step S113; No, step S115; No, step S117; No). This state is called a standby state. When the remaining time of the game becomes "0" (step S111; Yes), when all the objects to be searched for are found (step S113; Yes), or when an end instruction is received (step S115; Yes) , the control unit 11 controls to end the game.

If the input operation has been accepted (step S117; Yes), the control unit 11 determines whether the input operation corresponds to setting the display magnification of the layer object oba (step S119). In this case, the specific input operation is a pinch-out operation. If the input operation does not correspond to the setting of the display magnification of the layer object oba (step S119; No), the process loops to the standby state again.

When the input operation corresponds to setting the display magnification of the layer object oba (step S119; Yes), the control unit 11 further determines whether the set display magnification is equal to or greater than a predetermined magnification (first magnification). is determined (step S121). When the set magnification is less than the first magnification (step S121; No), the layer object oba is enlarged and displayed according to the set magnification. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, when the user performs a pinch-out operation on the touch panel of the communication device 10, the vertical distance Da1 between the virtual camera VC and the first layer object oba1 becomes smaller. , the first layer object oba1 is enlarged and displayed according to the vertical distance Da1.

On the other hand, when the display magnification set for the layer object oba is equal to or greater than the first magnification (step S121; Yes), the layer object oba is hidden (erased) from the screen. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the first layer object oba1 placed on the near side is hidden, and is placed on the back side (second layer L2) of the first layer object oba1. The second layer object oba2 is displayed in front. As a result, the display of the layer object oba is switched.

Subsequently, the control unit 11 generates and transmits the game data of the object area OA (step S127), and returns to the standby state again.

(4-2. Game progress flow. Selected object obb)
FIG. 12 is a flowchart S200 showing the game progress processing, particularly the display processing of the selection object obb, in one embodiment. The display processing of the selection object obb is performed in synchronization with the display processing of the layer object oba. First, the selection object obb is displayed in the object area OA of the game screen GS (step S201). Steps 211 to 217 in each display process for the selection object obb to be performed subsequently correspond to steps 111 to 117 in the display process for the layer object oba, respectively, so the above description is used.

Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the input operation is an operation corresponding to setting the display magnification of the selection object obb (step S219). When the input operation corresponds to setting the display magnification of the selection object obb (step S219; Yes), the control unit 11 further determines whether the set magnification is equal to or greater than a predetermined magnification (also referred to as a second magnification). It is determined whether or not (step S221). When the set display magnification is less than the second magnification (step S221; No), the selected object obb is enlarged and displayed according to the set display magnification (step S223). Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, when the user performs a pinch-out operation, the vertical distance Db1 between the virtual camera VC and the first selected object obb1 is reduced, and the first selected object obb1 is enlarged. is displayed.

Subsequently, when the display magnification set for the selection object obb is equal to or greater than the second magnification (step S221; Yes), the selection object obb is hidden (erased) from the screen. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the first selection object obb1 is hidden from the game screen.

On the other hand, if the input operation is not an operation corresponding to setting the display magnification of the selection object obb (step S219; Yes), the control unit 11 further determines whether the input operation is an operation for selecting the selection object obb ( step S222). The operation of selecting the selection object obb is specifically a tap operation. If the input operation is not an operation to instruct selection of the selection object obb (step S222; No), the process loops to the standby state again.

When the input operation is an operation for instructing selection of the selection object obb (step S222; Yes), specifically, as shown in FIG. When a tap operation is performed on the first selection object obb1 corresponding to a certain "book", the selection object obb (first selection object obb1) is hidden (erased) from the screen as shown in FIG. ).

Subsequently, the control unit 11 generates and transmits game data for the object area OA (step S227), and returns to the standby state again.

(5. Effects of this embodiment)
In the game of this embodiment, a layer object oba and a selection object obb, which are two-dimensional images, are arranged as layers (predetermined positions in the depth direction of the virtual space VS) on the display and in the virtual space VS, and an input operation (pinch You can dynamically change the magnification rate according to the out, pinch in). Also, the layer object oba is hidden when it is enlarged to a predetermined magnification with respect to the reference magnification, and the layer object arranged in the back layer is displayed. As a result, the user can experience a sense of depth and realism while using a two-dimensional image on display.

In addition, in the game of this embodiment, the layer object oba and the selection object obb are arranged at predetermined positions in the depth direction in the virtual space, and the selection object is smaller than the layer object. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, a layer object oba (for example, a first layer object oba1) corresponding to the front layer (first layer L1) and a selection corresponding to the back layer (second layer L2) The object obb (second selected object obb2) and the selected object (third selected object obb3) corresponding to the further back layer (third layer L3) are superimposed, and the first layer object oba1 overlaps the second selected object obb can be partially hidden, and the third selection object obb3 can be completely hidden (hidden). Also, when the first layer object oba1 is hidden, the second selection object obb2 or the third selection object obb3 can be easily displayed. Also, each selection object obb is hidden when it is enlarged to a predetermined magnification (second magnification) or when the selection object obb is selected. As a result, objects to be searched for can be hidden in various forms, and the user can enjoy the object search game with various difficulty levels.

In addition, in the game of this embodiment, the display resolution on the game screen is finer than the control system of enlargement. For this reason, when the layer object oba and the selected object obb are close to each other in one layer, for example, when the layer object oba and the selected object obb are displaced by several coordinates, the selected object obb is displayed as the layer object. Although it is displayed in front of oba, the enlargement magnification (first magnification) for setting the layer object oba to be hidden is the same as the enlargement magnification (second magnification) for setting the selected object obb to be hidden. However, normally the selection object obb and the layer object oba are hidden in that order, but they can be hidden substantially simultaneously. Therefore, by using the present embodiment, the non-display control of the layer object oba and the selection selection object obb is facilitated, and the load in the display control process can be reduced. Also, during the progress of the game, the user desires that the selection object obb and the layer object oba are displayed or hidden at the same time (the user does not play on a screen where only layer objects are displayed). . For this reason, controlling the selection object obb and the layer object oba to be hidden at the same time leads to an improvement in the game.

As described above, by using the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a realistic searching game while reducing the load of image processing.

(Second embodiment)
In this embodiment, a screen control method different from that of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Specifically, an example in which the position of the layer object oba is changed will be described.

In this embodiment, the control unit 51 of the server 50 may generate setting data associated with movement of the layer object oba or the selection object obb based on the received game data, and transmit the setting data to the communication device 10 . The control unit 11 of the communication device 10 may control the action of the layer object oba or the selection object obb based on the setting data. As a result, the layer object oba or the selection object obb moves up, down, left and right, rotates, and performs other actions during the game progress. Further, as a game effect, control may be performed to move a layer object oba (blindfold) such as smoke or fog, or control may be performed to move a selection object obb. At this time, the portion of the selected object obb that is placed on the back side (lower layer) of the layer object oba that performs the above action changes in the portion that overlaps with the layer object oba. That is, the display state of the selection object obb can be changed. The difficulty level of the game can be adjusted by changing the display state of the selection object obb.

Further, in the present embodiment, the layer object oba or the selection object obb may be controlled to move from the start of the game regardless of the setting data.

(Third embodiment)
In this embodiment, a screen control method different from that of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Specifically, a screen control method when the user performs an operation other than enlargement/reduction on the game screen will be described.

In this embodiment, while the game is in progress, the user can input information by an operation other than the pinch-out operation and the pinch-in operation described above. In this example, the game screen can be moved in parallel by performing a swipe operation. At this time, the reference point on which the virtual camera is arranged moves from coordinates (0, 0) on the XY plane of the virtual space VS. Note that the input operation is not limited to the swipe operation, and may be another input operation.

FIG. 17 is a schematic side view of the arrangement of the layer object oba and the selection object obb when translated. As shown in FIG. 17, in this case, the virtual camera VC is translated upward with respect to the XY plane. At this time, the orientation of the virtual camera VC may be changed as appropriate. Note that when the virtual camera is slightly shifted, only the selected object is hidden, and only the layer object is not displayed, and the layer object oba and the selected object obb are hidden at the same time.

In this example, the orientation of the virtual camera VC is changed from front to downward. At this time, the layer object oba and the selection object obb are tilted and displayed on the game screen GS. As a result, even if the selected object placed in the lower layer overlaps (hides) the layer object placed in the upper layer before the game screen is translated, the game screen is translated. As a result, the display angle of the display image of the object area OA of the game screen GS changes, and all or part of the selected object can be displayed. Specifically, when the second selection object obb2 placed on the second layer L2 is not displayed (hidden) by the first layer object oba1 placed on the first layer L1, the swipe operation causes the game screen to move horizontally. By moving, a part of the second selection object obb2 can be displayed on the game screen GS.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, based on each embodiment (including modifications), those skilled in the art appropriately add, delete, or change the design of components, as long as they are within the scope of the present invention. included. Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be appropriately combined as long as there is no contradiction, and technical matters common to each embodiment are included in each embodiment without explicit description.

(Modification)
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes various other modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the described configurations. Other configurations may be added/deleted/replaced for part of the configuration of the embodiment and part of the modifications described below. Modifications will be described below.

(Modification 1)
In one embodiment of the present invention, an example performed via the server 50 was shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. When the game control program is installed in the communication device 10 and the game is not played via the server 50, the communication device 10 may be used alone. As a result, the game control program can be implemented without being affected by communication delay.

(Modification 2)
In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example was given in which the layer object oba is composed of a two-dimensional image, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, part of the layer object oba may be a three-dimensional image. In this case, the enlargement ratio may be controlled according to the distance between the frontmost position of the layer object oba and the virtual camera VC.

(Modification 3)
In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example of changing the size of layer object oba or selection object obb by pinch-in operation or pinch-out operation has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the size of the layer object oba or the selected object obb may be changed by inputting a display magnification value, or in the case of a stationary personal computer, a mouse operation and a keyboard operation may be combined. good.

(Modification 4)
In one embodiment of the present invention, the number of selection objects obb is not limited to three, and may be arranged according to the number of layer objects oba, or a plurality of selection objects obb may be arranged in one layer object oba. may be

(Modification 5)
In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the layer object oba and the selection object obb are arranged on each layer has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Either a layer object or a selection object may be placed on each layer.

(Modification 6)
In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example was shown in which the layer object oba and the selection object obb were hidden when the magnification increased to a predetermined display magnification with respect to the reference magnification. Not limited. For example, when the display magnification of the image is set smaller than a predetermined display magnification, the hidden layer object oba and selection object obb may be displayed again. In this case, the display magnification when the layer object oba and the selected object obb are redisplayed may be the same, or a predetermined magnification lower than the display magnification when they are hidden (also referred to as a third magnification). ) may be set.

(Modification 7)
Although the layer object oba and the selection object obb in one layer are separately controlled for display in the first embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, selection object obb may be associated with layer object oba. In this case, the selection object obb can be hidden in conjunction with the layer object oba being hidden. Further, when the selected object included in the front layer is hidden, the layer object included in the back layer may be hidden.

(Modification 8)
In the first embodiment of the present invention, as an example of inputting an instruction to select a position corresponding to the selection object obb, an example of inputting instruction information by an operation of selecting the selection object obb was shown. Not limited. For example, it may be an operation to select the entire selection object obb (enclose an area), a range narrower than the selection object (specified range in the selection object) may be selected, or a selection object A wider range may be selected.

(Modification 9)
Further, in the first embodiment of the present invention, an example of setting the display magnification based on the vertical distance between the reference point in the virtual space and the layer object oba and the selected object obb by the user's operation was shown. is not limited to this. For example, the layer object oba that is preferentially displayed on the game screen may be controlled by increasing the degree of scaling compared to other layer objects.

(Modification 10)
In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the selection object obb is hidden by the selection operation has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The selection object obb does not have to be hidden. For example, the configuration may be such that the theme changes after selection.

(Modification 11)
Of the layer objects oba, the innermost layer (bottom layer) layer object oba may be set not to be hidden.

(Modification 12)
Also, in one embodiment of the present invention, layer objects and selection objects may change over time. For example, a tree image layer object may have an image change or additional element such as an object having the shape of a bird flying and stopping. In addition, when the hidden layer object and the hidden selection object placed near the hidden layer object change over time, the user may not notice the change. Therefore, various information may be notified so that the user can notice. For example, a pop-up display, an icon display, an exclamation mark (!) near the head of the character Ch, a balloon (speech), or the like may be displayed for notification. Moreover, you may notify by vibrating sound information or a communication terminal.

(Modification 12)
Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, when a layer object and a selection object placed on the back side of a virtual camera in a virtual space change over time, various information may be notified so that the user can notice it. good. For example, even if a selected object that has changed over time in the virtual space is hidden by another selected object or layer object placed closer to the virtual camera than the selected object, the selection that has changed over time A change over time may be notified to the user by illuminating the outline of the object and giving priority to displaying the light of the outline over other selected objects or layer objects. Alternatively, notification may be made by displaying a pop-up display, an icon display, an exclamation mark (!) near the head of the character Ch, or a balloon (speech). Moreover, you may notify by vibrating sound information or a communication terminal.

(Modification 13)
Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, when special settings are made by acquiring a hint item or skill, the position corresponding to the selection object obb to be searched is controlled to shine based on the settings. may For example, when there is a selection object obb arranged (hidden) behind the layer object oba in the virtual space, it may be difficult for the user to distinguish. In this case, the notification information may be notified so that the user notices it. For example, a pop-up display, an icon display, an exclamation mark (!) near the head of the character Ch, and a speech bubble (speech) may be displayed for notification. Moreover, you may notify by vibrating sound information or a communication terminal.

(Modification 14)
Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, when displaying a screen, several layer objects exist in the virtual space, and the current layer object oba among them is displayed closest to the virtual camera. The user may be notified if the For example, as shown in FIG. 13, when the layer object oba2 is the layer object oba closest to the virtual camera among the layer objects oba displayed in the virtual camera, a numerical value such as 2/3 is displayed on the screen. You may The game processing execution unit 111 or the game processing execution unit 503 can grasp which layer object oba is displayed closest to the virtual camera from the position information of the virtual camera in the virtual space. This allows the user to recognize how many layer objects oba exist in total. For example, when the user performs a large pinch-in operation and the display disappears immediately after that, that is, even if the screen changes from the layer object oba1 to the layer object oba3 in a short time, the above numerical value is Since it changes from 1/3 to 3/3, the user can notice that he/she has skipped and displayed the second layer object.

(Modification 15)
Further, in the first embodiment of the present invention, when the layer object oba and the selection object obb are arranged side by side in the depth direction in the virtual space, they are perpendicular to the Z-axis direction of the virtual space and parallel to the XY plane. , but the present invention is not limited to this. The layer object oba and selection object obb may be placed on a plane intersecting the XY plane. In this case, the layer object may be enlarged (reduced) and displayed based on the minimum distance from the XY plane including the reference point to the layer object oba (or selected object obb).

In addition, even if there are other effects that are different from the effects brought about by the aspects of the above-described embodiments, those that are obvious from the description of this specification or those that can be easily predicted by those skilled in the art, Naturally, it is understood that it is brought about by the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Communication apparatus, 11... Control part, 12... Storage part, 13... Display part, 14... Operation part, 15... Sensor part, 16... Imaging part, 17 ... position detection section, 18 ... communication section, 19 ... sound input/output section, 50 ... server, 51 ... control section, 52 ... storage section, 53 ... communication section, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100... Game provision function, 101... Game operation acquisition part, 103... Game data transmission part, 105... Setting data reception part, 107... Game data storage part, 109... Display data Generation unit 111 Game processing execution unit 500 Game control function 501 Game data reception unit 503 Game processing execution unit 505 Setting data transmission unit 507・Game data storage unit 1000...Communication system

Claims (13)

displaying an image including at least one layer object and at least one selectable selection object on a screen according to the magnification;
enlarging the image based on an input enlargement instruction;
including
the at least one layer object is hidden when the image is enlarged to a first magnification;
The screen control method, wherein the at least one selection object is hidden either when the image is enlarged to a second magnification or when an instruction to select a position corresponding to the selection object is input. the at least one layer object is preferentially displayed on the screen;
the at least one selection object has a portion that overlaps with the at least one layer object;
The screen control method according to claim 1. The first magnification and the second magnification are the same.
The screen control method according to claim 1. The at least one layer object and the at least one selection object are arranged side by side in the depth direction in a virtual space having a reference point.
The screen control method according to claim 1. The at least one layer object and the at least one selection object are arranged parallel to a plane perpendicular to the depth direction in a virtual space having a reference point,
displaying the image based on a vertical distance from the reference point to the at least one layer object and a vertical distance from the reference point to the at least one selected object;
The screen control method according to claim 3 . the at least one layer object and the at least one selection object are arranged close to each other in the depth direction;
The screen control method according to claim 4 . the at least one layer object includes a first layer object and a second layer object preferentially displayed on the screen;
The first layer object and the second layer object have overlapping portions,
When the first layer object is displayed, the overlapping portion of the second layer object is hidden;
the overlapping portion of the second layer object is displayed when the first layer object is hidden;
The screen control method according to claim 1. the overlapping portion of the at least one selected object is hidden when the at least one layer object is displayed;
displaying the overlapping portion of the at least one selected object when the at least one layer object is hidden;
The screen control method according to claim 2 . the at least one layer object changes its position in the image based on a predetermined condition;
the overlapping portion changes;
The screen control method according to claim 8 . selection of the overlapping portion of the at least one selected object is disabled;
The screen control method according to claim 8 . The at least one layer object and the at least one selected object are tilted and displayed on the screen when the image is manipulated to move in parallel on the screen.
The screen control method according to claim 1. After hiding the at least one layer object, displaying the at least one layer object again when the image is reduced to a third magnification lower than the first magnification;
The screen control method according to claim 1. A program for causing a computer to execute the screen control method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 .

Images