WO2001025944A1

WO2001025944A1 - Game image creating device, information distributing device, and information storage medium

Info

Publication number: WO2001025944A1
Application number: PCT/JP2000/006768
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masaki Takeda; Seiichi Sato; Hiroyuki Hiraishi
Original assignee: Namco Ltd.
Priority date: 1999-10-07
Filing date: 2000-09-29
Publication date: 2001-04-12
Also published as: HK1036504A1; KR20010080538A; GB0113780D0; GB2359394A; JP2001109714A; JP3449953B2; KR100423628B1; GB2359394B

Abstract

An information distributing device by which the user can define a key operation and a response to the key operation. The device includes a transmitting/receiving section (190) for receiving delivery request information transmitted from a mobile telephone (200) by the definition of the correspondence between an operation and its response through a definition screen by the user, a control section (112) for updating user data (122) stored in a storage unit (120) according to the definition information included in the delivery request information, and an image creating section (111) for creating a game image from the user data (122). The image created by the transmitting/receiving section (190) is sent to the mobile telephone (200).

Description

Description Game image generation device, information distribution device, and information storage medium [Technical field]

The present invention relates to a game image generation device, an information distribution device, and an information storage medium, and in particular, to a game image generation device in which a game is played at the terminal by generating and distributing game information based on a request from the terminal, The present invention relates to a distribution device and an information storage medium.

[Background technology]

A game system has been realized in which a game is played by displaying a game image on a so-called liquid crystal screen of a mobile phone.

In such a game system, game information (for example, a page image of a game image) is transmitted from a predetermined information distribution device to a mobile phone, and the player presses a numeric key or the like of the mobile phone to display the liquid crystal of the mobile phone. The game progresses as the screen image page is updated.

In such a case, if a desired response can be obtained by an arbitrary key operation, the operability of the mobile phone for the player can be improved.

In a game played on a home-use game device, a game in which a player selects an arbitrary pattern from a pattern corresponding to a presented operation and a response on an option screen or the like, and the game proceeds based on the pattern. Proposed.

However, in this method, since the definition information of the corresponding pattern selected by the player is stored in the game device, it is necessary to newly define when the game device or the game software is replaced. In particular, terminal devices, such as mobile phones, that are being released one after another and are likely to be replaced, tend to be redefined.

Also, it is good if the arrangement of keys and buttons on the operation unit is fixed, such as a home game device, but in a terminal device such as a mobile phone, where the shape and arrangement of keys differ depending on the model, It is necessary to make appropriate definitions according to the model, and it is difficult to adopt a method that prepares corresponding patterns in advance.

In the case of a terminal device having a small storage capacity, such as a mobile phone, storing the definition information inside the terminal device puts pressure on a storage area and hinders real-time processing. Furthermore, in the case of a small terminal device such as a mobile phone, the operation is mainly performed with the thumb or the index finger, so the keys that are easy to operate are limited, and it is important that the operation can be performed with the fingers that are easy to operate as much as possible.

[Disclosure of the Invention]

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object to provide a game image generation device, an information distribution device, and a game device that allow a user to define a correspondence between an operation of a key or the like and a response to the operation. An object of the present invention is to provide an information storage medium.

(1) In order to solve the above problem, an information distribution device according to the present invention is configured to display an image on the terminal device based on distribution request information including operation information from the terminal device transmitted via a transmission path. In an information distribution device that generates image information used for the terminal device and transmits the image information to the terminal device,

Distribution-side receiving means for receiving distribution request information from the terminal device;

Control means for storing a definition data based on predetermined definition operation information which is a part of the distribution request information in a predetermined storage area;

Image information generating means for generating image information based on the definition data;

A distribution-side transmission unit that transmits the generated image information to the terminal device;

The definition operation information is generated by a definition operation by a user based on a definition image for defining a correspondence between an operation displayed on the terminal device and a response to the operation.

(2) Further, the information storage medium according to the present invention is used for displaying an image on the terminal device based on distribution request information including operation information transmitted from the terminal device via a transmission path. An information storage medium that can be used by a computer and that stores a program for generating image information to be transmitted to the terminal device and transmitting the image information to the terminal device,

Means for causing distribution-side receiving means to receive distribution request information from the terminal device;

Means for causing the distribution-side transmitting means to transmit the generated image information toward the terminal device, and a program for causing a computer to implement,

According to the present invention, the definition operation information is stored in a predetermined storage area on the information distribution side, and an image is generated such that a defined response is performed. As a result, the user on the information distribution request side can, for example, always press a key that is easy to press to display a desired image, thereby improving usability.

Here, the image information means, for example, data for displaying an image, parameters, a program, an object in which data and a program are integrated, and the like.

(3) Further, the definition image includes an image for defining in order to change a correspondence between an operation and a response assigned in advance,

It is preferable that the image information generating means generates the image information based on a definition data indicating that the correspondence between the operation and the response has been changed.

According to this, the user can obtain a desired response by an operation that is easy for the user to operate. Also, when the present invention is applied to a network to which a plurality of types of terminal devices are connected, it is possible for the user to make settings so that the user can easily use the terminal device according to his / her own model.

(4) Further, the image information generating means may generate image information for displaying an image reflecting the change based on definition data indicating that the correspondence between the operation and the response has been changed. preferable.

According to this, the user confirms that customization has been performed to make it easier for him / her to operate. It is possible to prevent user's erroneous operation.

(5) Further, the image is a game image used in a game in which the game progresses at a predetermined image transition,

The definition image includes an image for responding to display a game image in a state where several images have been changed by an operation,

The image information generating means may generate game information for displaying the game image in the state in which the number image has been changed when an operation of displaying the game image in the state in which the number image has been changed is performed. preferable.

According to this, a so-called link or shortcut function can be realized, and the player can display the target game image with a small number of operations, so that the player can play the game efficiently.

(6) Preferably, the definition data includes data for enabling the response only when the progress of the game is a predetermined progress.

According to this, even when the player performs the same operation, the response can be made different depending on the progress of the game. Thus, the player can advance the game by the same operation. That is, for example, the player presses the number key 6 while the menu image is displayed to display the game start image, and presses the number key 6 while the game start image is displayed to execute the game. It is possible to restart the game by pressing the number key 6 while the over image is displayed.

In this case, the control means may store, in the storage area, a plurality of sets of operations, responses to the operations, and data indicating a game state in which the responses are valid, based on the plurality of the definition operation information. preferable.

(7) Preferably, the definition image includes an image for validating the response only when the progress of the game is a predetermined progress.

According to this, even when the player performs the same operation, the response can be made different depending on the progress of the game, so that various responses can be obtained by the same operation. The definition image may include an image for defining an operation, a response to the operation, and a game situation in which the response is valid. According to this, even when the player performs the same operation, a different response can be made according to the game situation. For example, in a role playing game, when a player presses the A button on the controller (operation), the character fights only when the life parameter of the character is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (valid game situation). A) It is assumed that the operation, response, and valid game situation are defined as described above. In this case, it is possible to fight if the character's life parameter is over a predetermined value, but escape if the character is less than a predetermined value. This eliminates the need for the player to decide whether or not to fight, so that the game can proceed more quickly.

Further, the definition image includes a plurality of sets of operations, an image for defining a response to the operation, or a plurality of sets of operations, a response to the operation, and an image for defining a game situation in which the response is valid. May be.

According to this, the player can define the correspondence between the operation and the response for each different scene of the game.

(8) Further, the image information generating means generates image information for displaying the definition image,

It is preferable that the distribution-side transmitting means transmits the image information for the definition image to the terminal device.

According to this, since the image for definition can be defined on the distribution side, it is possible to cause the user to make a definition more suitable for the image information to be distributed.

(9) Further, the control means updates the operation history data stored in the storage area based on the operation information,

It is preferable that the image information generating means generates image information for the definition image based on the history data.

According to this, by monitoring the operation history, it is possible to understand what operation the user is performing, and to assist the user in performing an efficient operation according to the actual operation can do.

More specifically, for example, the image information generating means may generate device image information for improving operability for the definition image based on the history data. preferable.

For example, based on a history record, if you are almost pressing the number key 6 but you are pressing the number key 7 somewhere, you will be prompted to use the number key 6 instead of the number key Ί. By generating image information and displaying the image on the terminal device, it is possible to remind the user that the operability of the terminal device can be improved.

(10) In addition, the terminal device includes:

A plurality of input units for inputting user operation information;

Means for transmitting distribution request information including the input operation information to the distribution-side receiving means, and receiving the image information from the distribution-side transmitting means;

Display means for displaying an image based on the received image information;

It is preferable that the mobile terminal device includes a portable terminal device.

According to this, in an information distribution device such as a portable terminal device that has a small storage area and downloads and executes data almost every time, by holding the definition information distributed to the distribution device side, It is possible to display images comfortably without holding the definition information on the side.

Here, the portable terminal device corresponds to, for example, a portable information terminal, a portable telephone, a portable game device, a portable PC (Personal Computer), and the like.

(11) Further, it is preferable that the operation information is input by operating one or more of the input units, and that the definition operation information includes character information specified by an operation of the input unit.

According to this, for example, a Go image can be displayed by inputting the character string “I GO” by operating the input unit.

Normally, if you define the image to be displayed by inputting the number “0” once, the image that cannot be displayed unless you press the “1,” “2,” and “2” keys three times. In this case, the user can achieve the purpose with fewer operations.

Also, when you define a character string, how do you define It is easy to understand for users who have defined such a response.

Here, as the character information, for example, a character, a character string, a numeral, a numeral string, a symbol, a symbol string, and the like correspond.

(12) Further, the portable terminal device is a portable telephone,

The display means,

A display integrally formed with the telephone;

A browser unit for shaping and displaying the image on the display,

It is preferable to include

According to this, various images can be displayed by the browser, and the player can enjoy various games fortune-telling, collecting information, and the like. As a service for providing information that can be displayed using a browser of such a portable telephone, for example, an i-mode service of NTT Mobile Communication Network Corporation has been realized.

Here, as the portable telephone, for example, a so-called portable telephone, PHS (Personal Handyphone System), a satellite communication portable telephone, and the like are applicable.

(13) In the terminal device, operation information including user identification information is generated, the definition data is provided for each user,

It is preferable that the control unit updates the definition data of the user based on the user identification information included in the distribution request information.

According to this, since the definition information is stored for each user, even when a terminal device different from the terminal device for which the user has defined is used, the same operation as a normal terminal device can be performed.

In particular, in the case of mobile phones, etc., the key layout and shape differ depending on the model, and it would be difficult to redefine the keys each time the model was changed. According to this, even when the model is changed, a desired function can be realized by performing the same operation as that of the original model. Here, when the terminal device is a portable telephone, it is preferable that the user identification information is generated based on the telephone number of the telephone.

According to this, the phone number is assigned a unique number on each phone, Users can be easily identified.

(14) Further, in the terminal device, it is preferable that operation information including the user identification information is generated by displaying a user identification information input image and performing an input.

According to this, since definition information is stored for each user, even when one terminal device is shared by a plurality of users, each user can perform an operation in an operation environment that is easy for the user to operate. Further, even when one user uses a plurality of terminal devices, the user can perform the operation in an operation environment that is easy for the user to operate using any of the terminal devices.

(15) The game image generation device according to the present invention is a game image generation device that generates a game image in accordance with an operation of a player,

Game image generating means for generating a definition image for defining a correspondence between an operation and a response to the operation;

Control means for storing, in a predetermined storage area, definition data based on definition information indicating a definition of a player in a state where the definition image is displayed;

Including

The definition data includes data for making the response valid only when the progress of the game is a predetermined progress.

(16) Further, another information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-usable information storage medium storing a program for generating a game image in accordance with an operation of a player,

Control means for storing in a predetermined storage area a definition data based on definition information indicating a definition of the player in a state where the definition image is displayed;

Including a program for causing a computer to implement

According to the present invention, the definition operation information is stored in the predetermined storage area, and the defined response is performed. An image is generated so that As a result, the player can display a desired image by always pressing a key that is easy to press, for example, thereby improving the usability.

Further, according to the present invention, even when the player performs the same operation, the response can be made different depending on the progress of the game. Thereby, the player can advance the game by the same operation. That is, for example, the player presses the number key 6 while the menu image is displayed to display the game start image, and presses the number key 6 while the game start image is displayed to execute the game. It is possible to restart the game by pressing the number key 6 while the over image is displayed. (17) Further, another game image generation device according to the present invention is configured to display a game image on the terminal device based on distribution request information including operation information from the terminal device transmitted via a transmission path. A game image generation device that generates game image information used for the game device and transmits the game image information to the terminal device,

Control means for storing, in a predetermined storage area, definition data based on definition operation information that is a part of the distribution request information;

Image information generating means for generating game image information based on the definition data, and distribution-side transmitting means for transmitting the generated game image information to the terminal device,

The definition operation information is generated by a definition operation by a player based on a definition image for defining a correspondence between an operation displayed on the terminal device and a response to the operation.

(18) Further, another information storage medium according to the present invention displays a game image on the terminal device based on distribution request information including operation information from the terminal device transmitted via a transmission path. An information storage medium that can be used by a computer and stores a program for generating game image information to be used for transmitting the game image information to the terminal device,

Means for causing distribution-side receiving means to receive distribution request information from the terminal device; Control means for storing the definition data based on the definition operation information indicating the definition content, which is a part of the distribution request information, in a predetermined storage area;

Image information generating means for generating game image information based on the definition data; and transmitting the generated game image information to a distribution-side transmitting means for the terminal device.

Including a program for causing a computer to implement

According to the present invention, the definition operation information is stored in a predetermined storage area on the game information generation side, an image is generated so that a defined response is performed, and transmitted to the terminal device operated by the player. As a result, the player can, for example, always press a key that is easy to press to display a desired image, thereby improving usability.

Further, according to the present invention, even when the player performs the same operation, the response can be made different depending on the progress of the game. Thereby, the player can advance the game by the same operation. That is, for example, the player presses the number key 6 while the menu image is displayed to display the game start image, and presses the number key 6 while the game start image is displayed to execute the game. It is possible to restart the game by pressing the number key 6 while the over image is displayed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a game system according to an example of the present embodiment.

Figure 2 is an external view of a mobile phone.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional image transition of a po-power-one game.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of image transition of a conventional point-and-shoot game.

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of a key assignment change screen according to an example of the present embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating another example of a key assignment change screen according to an example of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of image transition of a poker game according to an example of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the mobile phone and the game information distribution device according to an example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a key allocation table and a key input history table according to an example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an image transition of the short cut definition according to an example of the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing image transition when performing a short cut according to an example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an image transition of a short cut definition according to another example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing image transition when performing a short cut according to another example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of a screen before changing the key assignment according to an example of the present embodiment. FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of a screen after changing the conventional key assignment. FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen after the key assignment is changed according to the present embodiment.

[Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking an example in which the present invention is applied to a game system using a mobile phone.

The game system generates game information based on a mobile phone 200, which is a terminal device, and distribution request information transmitted from the mobile phone 200 via a transmission line, and sends the game information to the mobile phone 200. And a game information distribution device 100 which is an information distribution device for transmitting the game information.

Here, the game information distribution device 100 and the mobile phone 200 are connected via a bucket switching network 300. Further, a transmission path between the game information distribution device 100 and the mobile phone 200 includes a wireless transmission path 320 and a wired transmission path 310.

The base station and the bucket for the mobile phone 200 are stored in the bucket switching network 300. A disassembly device and the like are interposed, and data is transmitted and received between the game information distribution device 100 and the mobile phone 200 in the form of a bucket. Also, actually, a plurality of mobile phones 200 are connected to the game information distribution device 100 via the bucket switching network 300.

First, the player connects to the bucket switching network 300 using the mobile phone 200, and the mobile phone 200 transmits the distribution request data generated based on the operation of the player to the game information distribution device 100. The game information distribution device 100 generates game information according to the distribution request and transmits the generated game information to the mobile phone 200.

Mobile phone 200 receives the game information from the game information distribution apparatus 100, the gate - based on beam information, _c Figure 2 for executing a game by displaying a game image on the screen of the mobile phone 200, mobile phone 200 FIG.

The mobile phone 200 includes a plurality of keys functioning as an operation unit 210, a display unit 220 having a liquid crystal screen on which characters and images are displayed, and an antenna functioning as a transmission / reception unit 290.

The player plays a game by inputting numbers using the numeric keys of the operation unit 210, or by inputting characters or symbols assigned to the numeric keys.

Hereinafter, a case of playing a poker game will be described as an example.

As shown in the image 400, the player presses the numeric keys 1, 2, and 3 to hold three forces and presses the numeric key 6 to perform a Draw. As a result, an image 402 including two new cards replaced with the remaining two cards that are not held is displayed.

As shown in the image 402, as a result of performing D raw, a role called Full House is completed. This results in + $ 15, for a total (Total) of $ 1537.

Pressing the number key 6 with this victory will result in Bet & Draw, and five new cards will be dealt by paying the prescribed cost virtually.

Also, if you press the number key 7 while you are winning, the Do ub 1 e Up game starts to challenge the doubling of the prize money, but here the number 6 is pressed, Not 1 e Up.

The images 410 and 412 are the same as the images 400 and 402 in FIG. 3, but in the image 412, the player has pressed the numeric key 7 and has selected Duub 1 eUp.

As a result, the leftmost card of the five cards is turned up, and the remaining four cards are turned face down.

Here, the player is pressing the number key 3 to turn the second card from the right. Image 414 illustrates this state.

The leftmost card was 6, but the card flipped by the player is J (1 1), so it is larger than 6 and the D oub 1 e Up succeeds, doubling the score to $ 30.

The player further selects whether to play a Doub 1 e Up game in which the score is doubled. Press number key 6 to play Yes, and play the Doub 1 e Up game. If you press the number key 7, the score will be fixed without playing the Dube 1 e Up game with No. In this embodiment, the player presses the numeral key 6 to select ⑥, and further plays the Double 1 e Up game.

As a result, the leftmost card of the five cards is turned over again, and the remaining four cards are turned down.

Here, the player is pressing the number key 3 to turn the second card from the right. Image 416 illustrates this condition.

The leftmost card was Q (12), but the card flipped by the player is 5, so it is smaller than Q, so D 1 eUp fails, and the game ends (GameOver).

The game is restarted by pressing the number key 6 while the image 416 indicating the end of the game is displayed.

In this way, the game progresses almost exclusively with the 6 numeric keys. However, in some cases, such as when transitioning from image 412 to image 414, the number key 7 must be pressed. An adventurous player would choose ⑦Doub 1 e Up, but conservative The best player selects Bet & D raw in ①. In such a case, the operability of the terminal device can be improved if each player can change the function assigned to the key according to his / her preference.

Generally, the key of the mobile phone 200 is operated with the thumb. Therefore, the keys that are easy to press are different between the player who operates the mobile phone 200 with the right hand and the player who operates the mobile phone 200 with the left hand. A player who operates the mobile phone 200 with his right hand can easily press the numeric keys 3, 6, and 9 of the mobile phone 200 shown in FIG. On the other hand, a player who operates the mobile phone 200 with his left hand can easily press the numeric keys 1, 4, and 7 of the mobile phone 200.

The present embodiment is configured so that the player can define a key operation for obtaining a desired response.

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of a key assignment change image 420 according to an example of the present embodiment.

When the player selects the display of the key assignment change image 420 on the menu screen or the like, the key assignment change image 420 is displayed.

With the key layout change image 4 2 0 displayed, the player selects the blank box to the right of Bet & D raw and presses the number key 7 to assign the number key 7 and the same. Numeric key 6 is assigned to D oub 1 e Up.

After the assignment, press 1 of the numeric keys to select 0K and the assignment is confirmed, and the display automatically returns to the menu screen, etc. If the number key 2 is pressed while the key assignment change image 4 220 is displayed, the screen returns to the menu screen etc. without the key assignment being determined.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of image transition of a poker game according to an example of the present embodiment. After the key assignment, the player starts the poker game and presses the numeral key 6 to transition from the image 430 to the image 432. As can be seen by comparing image 4 1 2 in FIG. 4 with image 4 3 2 in FIG. 6, in the image where the player has won, in the initial state, pressing 6 of the number key gives Bet & D raw, If you press the number 7, you get Doub 1 e Up, but after assigning it, press number key 6 to use Doub 1 e Up and number key 7. Press it to get Bet & D raw.

Thus, a game image reflecting the definition made in the key assignment image 420 is displayed. In this state, when the player presses the numeral key 6, the DOUBLE UP game starts.

By pressing the numeric key 6 even after the start of the Doub 1 e Up game, a transition is made to the image 4336, and further to a game restart screen.

In this way, by allowing the player to define the correspondence between the operation and the response to the operation and generating a game image reflecting the definition, a game system that is easy for the player to use can be realized.

Furthermore, it is also possible to define a correspondence between an operation and a response to the operation for each scene of the game.

FIG. 5B is a diagram showing another example of the key assignment change image 422 according to an example of the present embodiment.

When defining a correspondence between an operation and a response to the operation for each scene of a game on a menu screen or the like, first, a key assignment change image 422 is displayed on the screen. The player presses the number key 7 to obtain a response of “next” and enters ⑦ in the blank. Next, when the player presses the numeric key 1 and selects “①Next key assignment”, the key assignment change image 420 of FIG. 5A is displayed on the screen. By pressing the numeric key 1 and selecting “① OK” while the one-position change image 4 2 0 is displayed, the key operation definitions such as Bet & D raw that are effective in the victory scene described above, A key operation definition for obtaining a valid “next” response other than in the victory scene is performed. If you select “数字 OK” by pressing the numeric key 2 on the key assignment change image 4 2 2, the next key assignment change image 4 2 0 is not displayed. Only the key operation definition for obtaining the response "is performed.

Also, if the numeric key 2 is pressed in the key assignment change image 4 2 2, the display returns to the menu screen etc. without the key assignment being determined.

By displaying a plurality of definition images in this way, it is possible for the player to make an effective key assignment definition in each game scene. Next, the functional blocks of the mobile phone 200 and the game information distribution device 100 for realizing such a game system will be described.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the mobile phone 200 and the game information distribution device 100 according to an example of the present embodiment.

As described above, the mobile phone 200 generates and transmits the operation unit 210 and distribution request information including the operation information from the operation unit 210, and transmits the game from the game information distribution device 100 A transmission / reception unit 290 for receiving information, a storage unit 230 for temporarily storing received game information, and a game information stored in the storage unit 230 shaped using a browser and displayed on an LCD screen. And a display unit 220.

Here, the game information means, for example, a program for executing a game. The game information may include not only game image information but also game sound information generated by a predetermined game sound generation means.

On the other hand, the game information distribution device 100 includes a transmission / reception unit 190 that integrates distribution side receiving means for receiving distribution request information from the mobile phone 200 and distribution side transmitting means for transmitting game information. The controller 112 updates the user data 122, which is the data for each player stored in the storage 120, and generates the game image information based on the received distribution request information. And an image generating unit 111 serving as image information generating means.

The image generation unit 111 and the control unit 112 are integrated as a processing unit 110, and their functions are realized by, for example, a CPU. More specifically, the image generation unit 111 is configured to dynamically generate a game image page by software using, for example, CGI (CmmonGatEwayayInte rfa ce).

The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a RAM, and the transmission / reception unit 190 is realized by, for example, a communication device having a PAD (packet disassembly and assembly) function.

It should be noted that an information storage medium 180 is connected to the game information distribution apparatus 100, and the function can be realized by reading information (a program or the like) from the information storage medium 180. It is.

Here, as the information, for example, a transmitting / receiving unit 190, an image generating unit 111, a control unit In order to realize 112, means for causing the transmission / reception unit 190 to receive distribution request information from the mobile phone 200, and a pair of an operation displayed on the mobile phone 200 and a response to the operation. The definition data generated by the user's definition operation based on the definition image for defining the response and transmitted as part of the distribution request information and based on the definition operation information indicating the definition content is stored in a predetermined storage area. Game information distribution, comprising: control means for storing; image generating means for generating image information based on the definition data; and means for transmitting the generated image information to the transmission / reception unit 190 to the terminal device. It is possible to apply a program for realizing the device 100.

Further, the information stored in the information recording medium 180 may be one embodied in a carrier wave (embodied). That is, the game information distribution apparatus 100 can realize the above-described various functions by reading information from a predetermined host terminal or the like via a network instead of from the information storage medium 180. is there.

As the information storage medium 180, for example, a storage medium using a laser, magnetism, or the like, such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, an IC card, a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk can be used.

Next, a description will be given of user data 122.

Since the storage unit 230 of the mobile phone 200 has a small capacity, storing the definition information when defining key assignments or the like imposes a pressure on the storage area and hinders the execution of the game. May occur.

Further, the shape and the arrangement of keys of the operation unit 210 of the mobile phone 200 differ depending on the model, and if the setting according to the mobile phone 200 can be performed, the same operational feeling can be obtained regardless of the model. .

In addition, a relatively low-priced model such as the mobile phone 200 that is sold one after another is frequently replaced. For this reason, even if the user of the mobile phone 200 changes the model, if the desired response can be obtained by the same operation as the model used before the replacement, even if the player changes the model, Operation feeling can be maintained.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, each program is stored in storage section 120 of game information distribution apparatus 100. lo Each user is provided with a user ID 1 2 2 for each layer, and a key assignment table 1 2 4 for storing the above-mentioned key assignment information inside the user ID 1 2 2 A key input history template 1 26 for storing the key input history is provided.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a key assignment table 124 and a key input history table 126 according to an example of the present embodiment.

The key assignment table 124 stores a “key” for performing an operation, a “function” indicating a response to the key operation, and a “valid game situation” indicating a game situation in which the operation is valid.

For example, the key allocation change image 420 shown in FIG. 5A is displayed on the display unit 220 of the mobile phone 200 as follows.

If the progress of the game corresponds to a predetermined definable point such as an optional image display scene, the image generation unit 111 based on the distribution request information from the mobile phone 200 sends a key corresponding to the progress. Generate allocation change image information.

The mobile phone 200 displays the key assignment change image 420 on the display unit 220 based on the key assignment change image information.

Although it is possible to generate the key assignment change image information on the terminal device side, by generating the key assignment change image information on the distribution device side, it is possible to generate the optimal key assignment change image information according to the game. In addition to this, it is also possible to generate image information that prompts the player to change the key assignment described later.

When the player makes a definition while the key assignment change image 420 is displayed, the definition information is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 290 to the transmission / reception unit 190 as distribution request information, and the control unit 111 2 is written as the definition data in the key assignment table 1 2 4. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, the control unit 1 1 2 assigns “key” to “6”, “function” to “double-up”, and “valid game situation” to “successful scene”. Stored in 1 2 4.

When displaying the key allocation changed image 4 22 in FIG. 5B and the key allocation changed image 4 220 in FIG. 5A, the image generation unit 111 generates these definition images in order. Then, the data is transmitted to the mobile phone 200 by the transmitting / receiving unit 190 in order. And mobile phones By performing the definition operation at 200, the definition data is stored in the key assignment table 124.

In this case, based on the operation information defined in the key assignment change image 4 22 by the key assignment table 1 24 by the control unit 112, the key is set to “7” and the function is set to “ "Display page" and "valid game situation" are stored as "other than successful scene". Also, the key assignment table 1 24 is displayed in the key assignment table 1 24 by the control unit 112 based on the definition operation information in the key assignment change image 420, and the key is set to 6, the function is double-up, and “Effective game situation” is stored as “Successful scene”.

In this way, a plurality of definition images are displayed, and a plurality of definitions are made by the player, so that the player can perform effective key assignment for each scene of the game.

If the definition is made in the state where the key assignment change image 420 of FIG. 5A is displayed, the image generation unit 111 refers to the key assignment table 124, and based on the distribution request information, for example, If it is determined that the number key 6 is pressed in the image 432, image information for displaying an image for double-up, for example, image 434, is generated in order to respond to double-up. The transmission / reception unit 190 transmits the image information to the mobile phone 200. The information contained in the distribution request information can identify the mobile phone 200 that has made the distribution request even when a plurality of mobile phones are connected to the bucket switching network 300.

As this identification method, for example, a method in which a player intentionally inputs a user ID by himself / herself can be adopted. In this case, based on the game image information sent from the game information distribution device 100, the user-ID input image as the user-identification information is displayed on the display unit 220 of the mobile phone 200. The user inputs his / her user ID, and the transmission request information including the user identification information is transmitted to the game information distribution device 100 by the transmission / reception unit 290.

Based on the user identification information received by the transmitting / receiving section 190, the control section 112 can identify the player and update the user data 122 for the player.

In this way, by adopting a method in which players enter their user IDs, In the case where a plurality of players share one mobile phone 200, specifically, for example, even when a family shares one mobile phone 200, each player Is stored in the game information distribution device 100. This allows each player to play the game with settings that are easy to operate.

Also, when playing a game on a PC and playing on the mobile phone 200 when going out, enter the same user ID on the PC and the mobile phone 200 so that the PC keyboard and mobile phone can be used. The same response can be obtained by almost the same operation using the key of the telephone 200. Thereby, even when one player uses a plurality of terminal devices, the operability of the terminal devices can be improved.

Actually, since a unique telephone number is allocated to the mobile phone 200 according to each user, the mobile phone 200 automatically generates user identification information and generates a game information distribution device. It is also possible to adopt a method of transmitting to 100.

This saves the user from having to enter the user ID by himself.

The key input history table 1 26 stores a history of “keys” used by the player on the operation unit 210 of the mobile phone 200. Specifically, since the operation information includes information indicating which key the player used, the control unit 112 stores the player's information in the key input history table 126 based on the operation information. Write the history of the key used by. As shown in FIG. 8, the image generation unit 1 11 1 refers to the key input history table 1 26, and when it is determined that the numeral key 6 is almost used but the numeral key 7 is used in some places, the numeral generation unit 11 1 It generates image information for an advisor that prompts the use of the numeric key 6 in place of the key 7, and transmits the image information to the mobile phone 200 by the transmitting / receiving unit 190. As a result, the same image as the key assignment change image 420 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the mobile phone 200, and the key assignment is performed by the player, so that the key assignment table 124 is described above. The definition information is written.

In this way, it is possible to support not only the player but also the system so that the player can operate efficiently. This allows the player to notice that the operability of the mobile phone 200 can be improved.

The example of changing the existing key assignment has been described above. ショート Short cuts can also be made. Note that, in the present embodiment, the shortcut means that when the game progresses with a predetermined image transition, a state in which several images have been transitioned by one operation.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an image transition of the short cut definition according to an example of the present embodiment. For example, if the player selects “①Game Republic” in the menu image 440, the game transits to the game selection image 442. If the player selects “②Go Village” in the game selection image 4 4 2, the game transitions to the game start image 4 4 4.

In the game start image 4 4 4, “③ Shortcut registration” is displayed as an option in addition to “①New②continue”. If the player selects “③ Shortcut registration” while the game start image 4 4 4 is displayed, the process moves to the shortcut assignment image 4 4 6.

Shortcut layout image 4 4 6 displays "Please decide a shortcut for the village of Go.-① Decision ② Return".

Here, the player inputs “0” by pressing the numeric key “0” in “— (underlined part)”. As a result, the definition information is transmitted to the game information distribution device 100, and is written by the control unit 112 in the key assignment table 124 as the definition data.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the key of the key assignment table 124 is “0”, the “function” is “display game start image”, and the “effective game status” is “menu scene”. Become.

After that, by pressing the number key 1 and selecting “① OK”, the game transitions to the game start image 4 4 4. By pressing the number key 2 and selecting “② continuation”, the game is restarted.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing image transition when performing a short cut according to an example of the present embodiment.

When the player once disconnects from the bucket switching network 300 and connects to the bucket switching network 300 again, the menu image 450 is displayed on the display unit 220 again.

While the menu image 450 is displayed, there are four “通常 Shogi Town①Go Go Village③Majan Island④Information” that can be normally selected, but a short cut was defined. Therefore, the option of pressing the numeric key 0 is also enabled.

When the player presses the numeric key 0 in the menu image 450, the game transits to the game start image 452. That is, the game can be started without displaying the game selection image.

In this way, by enabling shortcuts, a game can be efficiently played for one player. By reducing the number of data transmissions and the amount of transmission, the amount of data occupied by the communication band can be reduced, and the efficiency can be reduced. Data transmission can be performed.

In this example, the shortcut is specified by one number, but a number string such as "1 2 3", a character such as "A", a character string such as "Ai", and a character string such as "Ten" It is also possible to specify a symbol such as a symbol such as "ten".

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an image transition of a shortcut definition according to another example of the present embodiment.

The transition from the menu image 460, the game selection image 462, the game start image 466, the short cut assignment image 466 to the above-described embodiment is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, but the menu image 460 The difference is that a short cut input area “short cut input” is provided.

The player inputs the character string “I G O” with the short cut layout image 466 displayed. Generally, the operation unit 210 of the mobile phone 200 has a function of converting a selected character into a predetermined character according to the selected numeric key or the number of times the numeric key is pressed. That is, the player can enter characters by pressing numeric keys.

When the player inputs “IGO” and selects “① decision” while the short cut layout image 4 6 6 is displayed, the definition information is transmitted to the game information distribution device 100, and the control unit By 1 1 2, it is written as the definition data in the key assignment table 1 2 4.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the key of the key assignment table 124 is “IGO (or a numeric key representing this character string)”, the “function” is “display game start image”, “ “Effective game situation” becomes “menu scene”.

FIG. 12 shows an image transition when performing a shortcut according to another example of the present embodiment. FIG.

With the menu image 470 displayed, the player inputs “I G O” in the short cut input area. As a result, the operation information indicating the character string is transmitted to the game information distribution device 100.

The image generation unit 1 1 1 refers to the key assignment table 1 2 4, determines that “IGO” has been input on the “menu screen”, and responds with “display game start image” c. The game start image 472 is displayed on the display unit 220 of the mobile phone 200, and the same operational effects as in the case where the shortcut is realized by pressing 0 described above are exerted. Also, when specifying a shortcut by entering a character string, a shortcut that is easy for the player to understand can be specified. For example, specify “IGO” to play the “Go Village” game, and “SHOGI” to play the “Shogi Town” game. It can be performed.

The preferred embodiment to which the present invention is applied has been described above, but the application of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a game system including the mobile phone 200 and the game information distribution device 100 has been described. However, a single game image generation device, a single information distribution device It is possible to apply the present invention to the above.

For example, when a game device for business use or home use is applied as a single game image generation device, the game device includes the above-described operation unit 210, display unit 220, processing unit 110, storage It is configured to include means for realizing the function of the unit 120.

As described above, even when applied to a single game device, the player can display a desired image by an arbitrary operation, so that the operability of the game device can be improved. The present invention is also applicable to an information distribution device that distributes information other than game information. For example, an information distribution device including means for realizing the functions of the operation unit 210, the display unit 220, the processing unit 110, and the storage unit 120 described above distributes image information to a terminal device. Thus, an image processing system that can improve the operability of each terminal device can be realized.

Also, the above-mentioned user data 1 2 2 is provided for each user. It can be provided for each device, or can be provided for each game after being provided for each user or terminal device.

Further, the “key” in the key assignment table 124 shown in FIG. 8 may be a combination of a plurality of keys such as “1 2 3” or “# 1 2 3 #”. In general, mobile phone 200 has 10 numeric keys, and if a key is defined by only one numeric key, only 10 “keys” can be defined. By defining “keys” by combining multiple keys, more types of definitions can be made.

Further, the key assignment change image as the definition image described above may include, in addition to the operation and the response to the operation, an image for defining a game situation in which the response is valid. FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating an example of an image before key allocation change according to an example of the present embodiment, FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating an example of a conventional image after key allocation change, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image after key assignment change according to the embodiment.

The portion that can be changed while the image 480 before key assignment change shown in FIG. 13A is displayed is the portion within the changeable frame 490 shown in FIG. 13B. As can be seen by comparing Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B, one set of "check, check, attack" originally assigned to the A key is assigned to the B key, and originally assigned to the B key. The "break, speak, defend" pair was assigned to the A key. As described above, in the conventional method, the key assignment can be changed only integrally regardless of the game scene such as “outdoor, town, battle”.

In this embodiment, a changeable frame 4 9 2— :! shown in FIG. 13C for each game scene so that it can be changed for each game scene. ~ 4 9 2-3 are provided. In other words, for example, if the cursor is in the changeable frame 492-2 of the scene “outdoor”, pressing a predetermined button or key switches “examine, rest, unused” in order.

In the example shown in Fig. 13C, the changeable frame 492-2_1 of the scene is moved to the changeable frame 492-2-2 where the scene is "town", while the changeable frame 4922_1 of "outdoor" is left as it is, and the change button is pressed. Press once to move “Enter store” to the top, move “Examine” to the center, and move “Talk” to the bottom. Each is lowered by one step. Next, move the cursor to the changeable frame 4 9 2—3 where the scene is “battle” and press the change button twice to move “defense” to the top And move "Escape" to the middle and "Attack" to the bottom.

In this case, in the key assignment table 124 shown in FIG. 8, one record is "key" for "A", "function" is "check", "valid game status" is "outdoor", and the next record is “Key” is “B”, “Function” is “Break”, “Valid game status” is “Outdoor”, and is stored as a set of “Key”, “Function” and “Valid game status”. Is done.

Since the definition can be made for each game scene in this way, the player can freely assign keys according to his / her preference, and can reduce operational stress. In addition, since the definition can be made for each game scene in this way, even when the player performs the same operation, different responses can be made according to the game situation. For example, in a role playing game, when a player presses the A button of the controller, the character fights, and the character fights only when the life parameter of the character is more than a predetermined value. Assume that you have defined a response and a valid game situation. In this case, it is possible to fight if the life parameter of the character is equal to or more than a predetermined value, but escape if the character is less than the predetermined value.

Also, in the case of the above-mentioned poker game, the initial setting is to perform Bet & D raw by pressing the number key 6, and when the player presses the number key 6 of the mobile phone 200, D It is assumed that an operation, a response, and a valid game situation are defined so that the player does an ouble up and performs a doub 1 e up only when the current money in the game is equal to or more than a predetermined value. . In this case, if the current money in the game is equal to or more than the defined predetermined value, it is possible to perform DoubleUp, and if it is less than the predetermined value, it is possible to perform Bet & Draw.

In this way, by defining the operations, responses, and valid game situations, the player does not have to judge whether to fight or not to fight, so that the game can be improved. It can proceed quickly. In particular, for a player who wants to proceed with the game without making too many decisions, the game can be advanced with the same operation in many cases, so that operability can be further improved.

In particular, by generating image information for displaying a definition image capable of performing a plurality of types of such definitions in the image generation unit 111 and displaying the definition image on the mobile phone 200, The player can define the correspondence between operations and responses for different scenes of the game.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the mobile phone 200 is applied as the terminal device has been described. However, in addition to the mobile phone 200, a mobile phone such as a PHS or a satellite communication phone may be applied. It is possible. In addition to a portable telephone, for example, a PC, a portable information terminal, a home game device having a communication function, a portable game device having a communication function, an arcade game device having a communication function, and the like are applied. It is also possible to do so.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a bucket switching network is applied as a network mode has been described. For example, the present invention is applied to various network modes such as a line communication network such as an ISDN, a broadband communication network such as an ATM network, and the like. It is possible to apply Actually, the game information distribution device 100 and the mobile phone 200 are connected not only to a packet switching network but also to the Internet and a public telephone network (PSTN).

Claims

The scope of the claims

1.Based on distribution request information including operation information from a terminal device transmitted via a transmission path, image information used for displaying an image on the terminal device is generated, and the image information is transmitted to the terminal device. In the information distribution device that transmits to

Control means for storing, in a predetermined storage area, definition data based on predetermined definition operation information that is a part of the distribution request information;

The information distribution device, wherein the definition operation information is generated by a definition operation by a user based on a definition image for defining a correspondence between an operation displayed on the terminal device and a response to the operation.

2. In Claim 1,

The definition image includes an image for defining in order to change a correspondence between a pre-assigned operation and a response,

The information distribution device, wherein the image information generating means generates image information based on a definition data indicating that the correspondence between the operation and the response has been changed.

3. In Claim 2,

The image information generating means generates image information for displaying an image reflecting the changed content based on a definition data indicating that the correspondence between the operation and the response has been changed. Information distribution device.

4. In any one of claims 1 to 3,

The image is a game image used in a game in which the game progresses at a predetermined image transition,

The definition image includes an image for responding to display a game image in a state where several images have been changed by an operation, The image information generating means may be configured to generate game information for displaying the game image in the state where the number image has been changed, when an operation of displaying the game image in the state where the number image has been changed is performed. Characteristic information distribution device.

5. In Claim 4,

The information distribution device, wherein the definition data includes a data for enabling the response only when the progress of the game is a predetermined progress.

6. In Claim 4,

The information distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the definition image includes an image for validating the response only when the progress of the game is a predetermined progress.

7. In Claim 4,

The image information generating unit generates image information for displaying the definition image, and the distribution-side transmitting unit transmits the image information for the definition image to the terminal device. Information distribution device.

8. In Claim 7,

The control means updates the operation history data stored in the storage area based on the operation information,

The information distribution device, wherein the image information generating means generates image information for the definition image based on the history data.

9. In Claim 4,

The terminal device,

A plurality of input units for inputting user operation information;

Display means for displaying an image based on the received image information;

An information distribution device, which is a portable terminal device including:

10. In claim 9,

The operation information is input by operating one or more of the input units, and

The definition operation information may include character information specified by an operation of the input unit. Characteristic information distribution device.

1 1. In claim 9,

The portable terminal device is a portable telephone,

The display means,

A display integrally formed with the telephone;

A browser unit for shaping and displaying the image on the display,

An information distribution device comprising:

1 2. In Claim 4,

In the terminal device, operation information including user identification information is generated,

The definition data is provided for each user,

The information distribution device, wherein the control unit updates the definition data of the user based on the user identification information included in the distribution request information.

1 3. In claim 12,

The information distribution device according to the terminal device, wherein the terminal device displays an image for inputting user identification information, and when the input is performed, operation information including the user identification information is generated.

1 4. In a game image generation device that generates a game image in response to an operation of a player, a game that generates a definition image for defining a correspondence between an operation and a response to the operation.

—Image generating means;

Including

The game image generation device according to claim 1, wherein the definition data includes data for validating the response only when the progress of the game is a predetermined progress.

15. Generating game image information used for displaying a game image on the terminal device based on distribution request information including operation information from the terminal device transmitted through the transmission path, In a game image generation device that transmits information to the terminal device, a distribution-side receiving unit that receives distribution request information from the terminal device, Control means for storing a definition data based on predetermined definition operation information which is a part of the distribution request information in a predetermined storage area;

The game image generation device, wherein the definition operation information is generated by a definition operation by a player based on a definition image for defining a correspondence between an operation displayed on the terminal device and a response to the operation.

16. Based on distribution request information including operation information from the terminal device transmitted via the transmission path, image information used to display an image on the terminal device is generated, and the image information is generated. An information storage medium that stores a program for transmission to the terminal device and is usable by a computer,

Means for causing distribution-side receiving means to receive distribution request information from the terminal device; control means for storing definition data based on predetermined definition operation information that is part of the distribution request information in a predetermined storage area;

The information storage medium, wherein the definition operation information is generated by a definition operation by a user based on a definition image for defining a correspondence between an operation displayed on the terminal device and a response to the operation.

1 7. In claim 16,

The definition image includes an image for defining in order to change a correspondence between an operation and a response assigned in advance,

The information storage medium, wherein the image information generating means generates image information based on a definition data indicating that the correspondence between the operation and the response has been changed.

18. In claim 17,

The image information generating means includes a definition data indicating that the correspondence between the operation and the response has been changed. An information storage medium for generating image information for displaying an image in which the changed content is reflected, based on an evening.

1 9. In any one of claims 16 to 18,

The image information generating means may be configured to generate game information for displaying the game image in the state where the number image has been changed, when an operation of displaying the game image in the state where the number image has been changed is performed. Characteristic information storage medium.

20. In claim 19,

The information storage medium, wherein the definition data includes data for validating the response only when the progress of the game is a predetermined progress.

2 1. In claim 19,

The information storage medium, wherein the definition image includes an image for validating the response only when the progress of the game is a predetermined progress.

2 2. In claim 19,

The image information generating unit generates image information for displaying the definition image, and the distribution-side transmitting unit transmits the image information for the definition image to the terminal device. Information storage medium.

2 3. In claim 22,

The control unit updates the operation history data stored in the storage area based on the operation information,

The information storage medium, wherein the image information generating means generates image information for the definition image based on the history data.

24. In claim 19,

The terminal device,

A plurality of input units for inputting user operation information; Means for transmitting distribution request information including the input operation information to the distribution-side receiving means, and receiving the image information from the distribution-side transmitting means;

Display means for displaying an image based on the received image information;

An information storage medium characterized by being a portable terminal device including:

25. In claim 24,

The information storage medium, wherein the definition operation information includes character information specified by an operation of the input unit.

26. In claim 24,

The portable terminal device is a portable telephone,

The display means,

A display integrally formed with the telephone;

A browser unit for shaping and displaying the image on the display,

An information storage medium comprising:

27. In claim 19,

The definition data is provided for each user,

The information storage medium, wherein the control means updates the definition data of the user based on the user identification information included in the distribution request information.

2 8. In claim 27,

In the terminal device, an image for inputting user identification information is displayed, and by performing the input, operation information including the user identification information is generated,

The definition data is provided for each user,

The information storage medium, wherein the control unit updates the definition data of the user based on the user identification information included in the distribution request information.

2 9. An information storage medium which stores a program for generating a game image in accordance with an operation of a player and which can be used by a combination,

A game for generating a definition image for defining a correspondence between an operation and a response to the operation. —Image generating means;

Including a program for causing a computer to implement

30. Based on the distribution request information including the operation information from the terminal device transmitted via the transmission path, the game device generates game image information used for displaying a game image on the terminal device, An information storage medium that stores a program for transmitting information to the terminal device and is usable by a computer,

Including a program for causing a computer to implement

The information storage medium, wherein the definition operation information is generated by a definition operation by a player based on a definition image for defining a correspondence between an operation displayed on the terminal device and a response to the operation.