Information processing program, information processor and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing program capable of eliminating the loss of amusement of a game that uses location information and in which map data is divided into a plurality of regions.SOLUTION: There is provided an information processing program which, in a location information game where an event associated with each region is performed in a virtual space which is divided into a plurality of regions, makes a computer execute processing for identifying a user location, which is a user's location in the virtual space, from the user's location information, and determining that the identified user location is included in a single region when the identified user location is in another region within a prescribed distance from the boundary of the single region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing program, an information processing device, and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a location information game in which the game progresses based on the location information of the terminal possessed by the player. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that in a location information game, a game character operated by a player acquires experience points by defeating an enemy character, and the game character levels up according to the acquired experience points, thereby progressing the game. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-076018 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional location-based games, a user's location within the game is determined based on the user's location information. However, when accessing an object located in an area divided according to a predetermined rule, an area where the user actually exists may differ from an area determined to exist based on the user's location information due to an error in acquiring location information near the boundary between the areas.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide an information processing program, an information processing device, and an information processing method that can eliminate the loss of playability in a game that uses location information and in which map data is divided into multiple areas. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing program according to a first aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a process of identifying a user position, which is the position of a user in a virtual space divided into a plurality of areas, using position information of the user in a location-based game in which events associated with each of the areas are executed, and determining that the identified user position is included in one area if the identified user position is in another area within a predetermined distance from the boundary of the one area.

[0007] An information processing program according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the information processing program according to the first aspect, causing the computer to execute a process of increasing the predetermined distance as accuracy of the user's position information becomes lower.

[0008] An information processing program according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing program according to the first or second aspect, which causes the computer to execute a process of increasing the predetermined distance when a predetermined object is present at a position in real space corresponding to a position where the boundary is located in the virtual space, compared to when the object is not present.

[0009] An information processing program according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the information processing program according to the third aspect, wherein the objects are roads and rivers, and the computer is caused to execute a process of increasing the predetermined distance when the boundary exists on a river in a real space corresponding to the virtual space, compared to when the boundary exists on a road.

[0010] An information processing program according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing program according to any of the first to fourth aspects, and causes the computer to execute a process of coloring or blinking the boundary and the area within the specified distance when the specified distance is changed.

[0011] An information processing program according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing program according to any of the first to fifth aspects, wherein, when the identified user position is in another area within a predetermined distance from the boundary of one area, the computer accepts selection operations on both a first object that is placed in the one area and has an event related to each of the areas associated with it, and the first object that has an event related to the other area associated with it.

[0012] An information processing program according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the information processing program according to the sixth aspect, wherein at least one of the first objects is placed in each of the areas.

[0013] An information processing device according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure includes a processor, and in a location-information game in which a virtual space is divided into a plurality of areas and an event associated with each of the areas is executed, the processor executes a process of identifying a user position, which is the position of a user in the virtual space, based on location information of the user, and determining that the identified user position is included in one area if the identified user position is in another area within a predetermined distance from the boundary of one area.

[0014] An information processing method according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure includes having a processor execute a process to identify a user position, which is the position of a user in a virtual space divided into a plurality of areas, using position information of the user in a location-based game in which an event associated with each of the areas is executed, and to determine that the identified user position is included in one area if the identified user position is in another area within a predetermined distance from the boundary of one area. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing program, an information processing device, and an information processing method that can eliminate the loss of playability in a game that uses location information and in which map data is divided into multiple areas. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game system 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a mobile terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a game system provided by a game program in an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a game system provided by a game program in an embodiment. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of information processing by the mobile terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating information processing by a mobile terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen displayed on a display unit by a game program. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen displayed on a display unit by a game program. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of information processing by the mobile terminal. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating information processing by a mobile terminal. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating information processing by a mobile terminal. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating information processing by a mobile terminal. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of information processing by the mobile terminal. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen displayed on a display unit by a game program. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating information processing by a mobile terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals. In addition, the dimensional ratios of the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0018] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game system 1 according to the present embodiment. The game system 1 includes a plurality of mobile terminals 10A, 10B, and 10C, which are examples of an information processing device of the present disclosure, and a server 20. The plurality of mobile terminals 10A, 10B, and 10C and the server 20 are communicatively connected via a network 30. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the mobile terminals 10A, 10B, and 10C, they will simply be referred to as mobile terminal 10.

[0019] In the example of Fig. 1, mobile terminals 10A and 10B connect to network 30 by wirelessly communicating with wireless base station 40A based on a mobile communication system standard such as 4G or 5G. Mobile terminal 10C connects to network 30 by wirelessly communicating with wireless base station 40B based on a mobile communication system standard such as 4G or 5G. Note that mobile terminal 10 may connect to network 30 by wirelessly communicating with a wireless router installed in a facility such as a house, a store, or a public facility. Mobile terminal 10 is a terminal equipped with a touch panel, and may be, for example, a smartphone, a phablet, or a tablet.

[0020] The mobile terminal 10 executes the recorded game program. The mobile terminal 10 downloads and installs the game program from, for example, a platform (app store) that distributes apps and the like. The mobile terminal 10 provides the user with an environment for playing the game in response to the execution of the game program. The mobile terminal 10 executes a game program installed in the mobile terminal 10 by the user's operation or a game program pre-installed at the time of shipment, thereby enabling the user to play the game. The mobile terminal 10 communicates with the server 20 by reading and executing the game program. As the user plays the game, data related to the game is transmitted and received between the mobile terminal 10 and the server 20 in response to the progress of the game on the mobile terminal 10. A game is a collection of activities and rules for playing or competing. For example, a game is played by a player making full use of strategies and techniques to achieve a specific objective. A game is played to achieve various objectives, for example, a competitive objective such as winning, a combat objective such as defeating an enemy, an educational objective such as learning, and a narrative objective such as completing the progress of a scenario. Games may be competitive or non-competitive.

[0021] The server 20 transmits data necessary for playing the game on the mobile terminal 10 to the mobile terminal 10 as appropriate. The data necessary for playing the game on the mobile terminal 10 is transmitted from the server 20, thereby progressing the game play on the mobile terminal 10. The server 20 manages various data related to the game of each user who plays the game on the mobile terminal 10. The server 20 communicates with the mobile terminal 10, and transmits images, audio, text data, and other data to the mobile terminal 10 according to the progress of the game of each user. Note that, although the server 20 is included as a configuration of the game system 1, the server is not a required configuration for the game system in the present disclosure. In other words, the present disclosure is also applicable to a game program that does not communicate with a server.

[0022] The game program executed on the mobile terminal 10 supports single play, in which one user plays, and multiplay, in which multiple users play together. In the game system 1, the server 20 identifies users participating in multiplay and communicates with each mobile terminal 10 of each user, thereby providing each user with an environment for playing a game in multiplay.

[0023] The following describes the hardware configuration of the server 20. The server 20 includes a processor 21, a memory 22, a storage 23, a communication interface (I / F) 24, and an input / output interface (I / F). Each component is connected to each other via a bus 29 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0024] The processor 21 is a central processing unit, and executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the processor 21 reads a program from the memory 22 or the storage 23, and executes the program using the memory 22 as a working area. The processor 21 controls each of the above components and performs various arithmetic processing according to the program recorded in the memory 22 or the storage 23. The processor 21 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and the like.

[0025] The memory 22 is a storage device for storing data and the like used for various processes in the server 20. For example, the memory 22 provides the processor 21 with a working area for temporary use when the processor 21 performs processing. The memory 22 is configured to include storage devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0026] The storage 23 is configured with a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory, and stores various programs including an operating system, and various data. Information stored in the storage 23 includes game programs, information related to game programs, information on users who play game programs, and other information.

[0027] The communication I / F 24 is compatible with various communication standards such as LAN (Local Area Network) standards, and functions as an interface for transmitting and receiving data via the network 30 to and from an external communication device such as the mobile terminal 10.

[0028] The input / output I / F 25 functions as an interface for accepting input of information to the server 20 and outputting information to the outside of the server 20. The input / output I / F 25 includes an input unit that accepts connection of input devices such as a mouse and a keyboard, and an output unit that accepts connection of output devices such as a display for displaying characters, images, and the like.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 10. As shown in FIG.

[0030] 2, the mobile terminal 10 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a storage 14, an input unit 15, a display unit 16, a communication interface (I / F) 17, and a positioning unit 18. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 19 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0031] The CPU 11 is a central processing unit, and executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 11 reads a program from the ROM 12 or the storage 14, and executes the program using the RAM 13 as a working area. The CPU 11 controls each of the above-mentioned components and performs various arithmetic processing according to the program recorded in the ROM 12 or the storage 14. In this embodiment, the storage 14 stores a game program 14A as an information processing program of the present disclosure. The game program 14A is installed in the mobile terminal 10 by being downloaded from a platform (app store) that distributes apps and the like. When the CPU 11 executes the game program 14A, the mobile terminal 10 communicates with the server 20 as appropriate, and data required for the game provided by the game program 14A is transmitted and received between the mobile terminal 10 and the server 20.

[0032] The ROM 12 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 13 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 14 is configured with a storage device such as an SSD or a flash memory, and stores various programs including an operating system, and various data.

[0033] The input unit 15 includes a pointing device such as a mouse, and a keyboard, and is used to perform various input operations.

[0034] The display unit 16 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information. The display unit 16 may function as the input unit 15 by adopting a touch panel system.

[0035] The communication interface 17 is an interface for communicating with other devices such as the server 20. For this communication, for example, a mobile communication system standard such as 4G or 5G, or a wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) is used.

[0036] The positioning unit 18 includes a positioning module that uses a satellite positioning system such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) module or a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) module, and measures the position information of the mobile terminal 10 based on a satellite positioning signal.

[0037] When executing the above game program 14A, the mobile terminal 10 realizes various functions using the above hardware resources. The functions realized by the mobile terminal 10 will be described below. The functions described below are realized by the CPU 11 reading and executing the game program 14A stored in the storage 14.

[0038] First, a game system provided by the game program 14A in this embodiment will be described. The game provided by the game program 14A is a location information game using location information of the mobile terminal 10, in which map data of a virtual space in the game is divided into a plurality of areas according to a predetermined rule, and at least one object is placed in each divided area. The virtual space in the game corresponds to the real space, and the map data of the virtual space corresponds to the map data of the real space. The predetermined rule may be, for example, division based on administrative divisions in the map data of the real space, and the unit of division may be a city, town, village, ward, block, or the like.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a game system provided by the game program 14A in this embodiment, and is a diagram showing an example in which map data of a virtual space in a game is divided into a plurality of regions according to a predetermined rule. FIG. 3 shows an example in which map data 100 of a virtual space is divided into a plurality of regions based on administrative districts in map data of a real space. Reference numeral 101 in the map data 100 indicates a current position of a user in a game (hereinafter also referred to as a "user position"). The user position is specified by the CPU 11 from position information of the mobile terminal 10 obtained by the mobile terminal 10 measuring its position using the positioning unit 18. When a user who owns the mobile terminal 10 moves in a real space, the user position also moves on the map data 100 in the virtual space in response to the user's movement.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a system of a game provided by the game program 14A in this embodiment, and is a diagram showing an example in which a base 102, which is an example of a first object of the present disclosure, is arranged in each area of ​​the virtual space. The location of the base 102 is fixed, and for example, the base 102 is arranged within a predetermined range from a position where the user can enter. Also, for example, the location of the base 102 may be determined to be the center of each area 101. However, the base 102 is arranged to avoid a place where the user has difficulty entering even if it is within a predetermined range from a position where the user can enter. An event in the game is associated with the base 102. When the user moves in the real space and approaches the base 102 in the virtual space and performs a selection operation on the base 102 displayed on the display unit 16, an enemy character associated with the base 102 appears, and a battle event with the enemy character occurs. The selection operation on the base 102 may be, for example, a touch operation on the display unit 16 by the user. When the user wins against the enemy character, the area 101 including the base 102 becomes the user's property.

[0041] The game provided by game program 14A is a game in which the user moves through real space, performs selection operations on bases, wins combat events against enemy characters, and takes possession of the territory, thereby expanding the territory owned by the user.

[0042] In such games, a range in which a selection operation can be performed may be provided around the user. By providing a range in which a selection operation can be performed, the user can perform a selection operation on a base even if the user does not completely reach the location of the base. However, when one base is placed in an area as in the game of this embodiment, the distance to the base in the area may be long depending on the direction of movement of the user. Therefore, the user is forced to move unnecessarily until the base is included in the range in which a selection operation can be performed, which may impair the playability of the game.

[0043] Furthermore, even if a base exists within the range where a selection operation is possible, if that base is in an area other than the area in which the user is currently located, then if selection operations for that base are not accepted, this could similarly force the user to make unnecessary travel to the area in which the base is located, which could detract from the playability of the game.

[0044] Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to prevent the user from making unnecessary movements, the CPU 11 accepts a selection operation for a base located in an area including the user position identified from the position information of the mobile terminal 10, regardless of the range in which the selection operation is possible. This prevents the game program 14A executed by the CPU 11 from making the user make unnecessary movements, such as moving the base until it is included in the range in which the selection operation is possible.

[0045] In this embodiment, the CPU 11 may accept a selection operation for a base that is displayed in an area that does not include the user's position identified from the position information of the mobile terminal 10 and exists within a range where a selection operation can be performed from the user's position. This allows the game program 14A executed by the CPU 11 to avoid having the user move to an area where the base exists, which is an unnecessary movement. Note that the CPU 11 may not accept a selection operation for a base that is displayed in an area that does not include the user's position and exists outside a range where a selection operation can be performed from the user's position.

[0046] Next, the operation of the mobile terminal 10 will be described.

[0047] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of information processing by the mobile terminal 10. The CPU 11 reads the game program 14A from the storage 14, expands it in the RAM 13, and executes it to perform information processing. The flowchart shown in Fig. 5 is carried out while the CPU 11 is executing the game program 14A.

[0048] In step S101, the CPU 11 places a user character on the game screen displayed by the display unit 16 in accordance with the user position identified from the position information of the mobile terminal 10.

[0049] Following step S101, in step S102, the CPU 11 determines an area in which the user character located according to the user position identified from the position information of the mobile terminal 10 exists.

[0050] Following step S102, in step S103, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the display unit 16.

[0051] In step S103, when the CPU 11 determines that no touch operation has been performed on the display unit 16 (step S103; No), the CPU 11 returns to step S101 and performs placement of the user character according to the identified user position.

[0052] On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines in step S103 that a touch operation has been performed on the display unit 16 (step S103; Yes), then in step S104, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on a base.

[0053] If the CPU 11 determines in step S104 that a touch operation has been performed on a location (step S104; Yes), then in step S105, the CPU 11 determines whether the location touched by the user is a location in the same area as the area including the user position.

[0054] In step S105, if the CPU 11 determines that the location touched by the user is a location in the same area as the area including the user position (step S105; Yes), then in step S106, the CPU 11 accepts the touch operation.

[0055] On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines in step S104 that there has been no touch operation on a location (step S104; No), then in step S107, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the touch operation is within a defined touchable range. Also, if the CPU 11 determines in step S105 that the location touched by the user is not a location in the same area as the area including the user position (step S105; No), then in step S107, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the touch operation is within a defined touchable range.

[0056] In step S107, if the CPU 11 determines that the touch operation is within the defined touchable range (step S107; Yes), then in step S106, the CPU 11 accepts the touch operation.

[0057] On the other hand, if CPU 11 determines in step S107 that the touch operation is not within the defined touchable range (step S107; No), then in step S108, CPU 11 does not accept the touch operation.

[0058] 6 is a diagram for explaining information processing by the mobile terminal 10, and is a diagram for explaining processing by the game program 14A executed by the mobile terminal 10 when a touch operation is performed by the user. The game program 14A displays a user character 120 at a user position identified from the position information of the mobile terminal 10, and defines a touchable range 121, which is a circle of a predetermined radius centered on the user position, around the user character 120. Note that the touchable range 121 may be a shape other than a circle, such as a rectangle, a polygon, or the like.

[0059] 6, the user character 120 is located in area A1. In this case, the game program 14A accepts a touch operation on a base 122 in area A1 that is not included in the touchable range 121. In this case, the game program 14A also accepts a touch operation on a base 122 in area A2 that is included in the touchable range 121.

[0060] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen displayed on the display unit 16 by the game program 14A. Fig. 7 shows an example in which the user character 120 and the base 122 exist in the same area, and the base 122 does not exist in the touchable range 121. Note that the game program 14A may display a touchable range 123 of the base around the base 122. In this case, when the user performs a touch operation on the base 122, the game program 14A accepts the touch operation on the base 122, even though the base 122 does not exist in the touchable range 121.

[0061] In FIG. 7, an item 124, which is a second object of the present disclosure, is also displayed by the game program 14A. The item 124 is an object that brings about a predetermined effect on the user character 120. The predetermined effect includes an increase in money used in the game, recovery of physical strength set in the game, and the like. The item 124 is an object that is placed regardless of each area, that is, an object that is not associated with an event related to each area. In other words, the item 124 is an object that is not associated with an event for the user to acquire an area. The game program 14A accepts a touch operation by the user for the item 124 only when it is inside the touchable range 121.

[0062] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen displayed on the display unit 16 by the game program 14A. FIG. 8 shows an example in which the user character 120 exists in the area A1 and the base 122 exists in the area A2. That is, this is an example in which the user character 120 and the base 122 do not exist in the same area, but the base 122 exists in the touchable range 121. In FIG. 8, a boundary line 130 indicating the boundary between the areas is displayed on the display unit 16 by the game program 14A. In this case, when the user performs a touch operation on the base 122, the game program 14A accepts the touch operation on the base 122 even though the base 122 does not exist in the touchable range 121.

[0063] In this way, the game program 14A executed by the CPU 11 can enhance the user's enjoyment by preventing the user from making unnecessary movements such as moving the base until it is included in the range where the selection operation is possible. Also, the game program 14A executed by the CPU 11 can enhance the user's enjoyment by preventing the user from making unnecessary movements such as moving the base to the area where the base is located.

[0064] The game program 14A accepts touch operations by the user for bases in an area including the user position regardless of the touchable range, but the bases are not drawn on the game screen depending on the distance from the user position to the base. For example, if the drawable range is 1 kilometer from the user position, the base is not drawn on the game screen if the distance from the user position to the base exceeds 1 kilometer. If the base is not drawn on the game screen, the user cannot perform a touch operation on the base even if the user position and the base are in the same area.

[0065] Therefore, the game program 14A according to the present embodiment compares the distance from the user's position to the base with the drawing range when the user enters the area, and if the distance from the user's position to the base exceeds the drawing range, moves the drawing position of the base into the drawing range and draws it. This allows the game program 14A to improve the user's playability by preventing the user from having to move the drawing position of the base to a place where the base is visible, which is an unnecessary movement.

[0066] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of information processing by the mobile terminal 10. The CPU 11 reads the game program 14A from the storage 14, expands it in the RAM 13, and executes it to perform information processing. The flowchart shown in Fig. 9 is performed while the CPU 11 is executing the game program 14A. In the flowchart shown in Fig. 9, the same processes as those in the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Therefore, a description of the same processes as those in the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 will be omitted.

[0067] Following step S102, in step S111, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a base that exists in the same area as the area in which the user character is included is included in the drawable range.

[0068] If the CPU 11 determines in step S111 that a base that exists in the same area as the area including the user character is included in the drawable range (step S111; Yes), then in step S112, the CPU 11 draws the base in the drawable range. On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines in step S111 that a base that exists in the same area as the area including the user character is not included in the drawable range (step S111; No), then in step S113, the CPU 11 moves the drawing position of the base within the drawable range and draws it on the game screen.

[0069] 10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining information processing by the mobile terminal 10, and are diagrams for explaining processing by the game program 14A executed by the mobile terminal 10 in a case where the user character 120 and the base 122 exist in the same area and the base 122 is outside the drawable range 140. When the base 122 is outside the drawable range 140 as in FIG. 10, the game program 14A draws an image corresponding to the base 122 by moving it on a straight line connecting the position of the user character 120 and the original position of the base 122, on the circumference of the drawable range 140, as shown in FIG. 11. Note that the game program 14A may draw the image corresponding to the base 122 anywhere within the drawable range 140.

[0070] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen displayed on the display unit 16 by the game program 14A. Fig. 12 shows an example in which a user character 120 and a base 122 exist in the same area, and when the base 122 is outside the drawable range, an image corresponding to the base 122 is drawn on the outer edge of the drawable range.

[0071] It should be noted that the game program 14A only moves the drawing position of the image corresponding to the base 122, and does not move the position of the base 122 itself.

[0072] In this way, by moving the drawing position of the base 122, the game program 14A can improve the user's enjoyment by eliminating the need for the user to make unnecessary movements such as moving the drawing position of the base to a location where the base is visible.

[0073] The game program 14A according to the present embodiment specifies the user's position in the virtual space from the position information of the mobile terminal 10. However, an error may occur in the position information of the mobile terminal 10 measured by the positioning unit 18, and particularly near the border of an area, the error in the position information may cause the area in which the mobile terminal 10 exists in the real space to differ from the area including the user's position in the virtual space specified from the position information of the mobile terminal 10.

[0074] In a system in which bases are located in areas, such as the game program 14A according to the present embodiment, which base the user position is in is an important factor for the progress of the game. However, if the area determination is strict, and an error in the position information causes the area in which the mobile terminal 10 exists in the real space to differ from the area in which the user position in the virtual space specified from the position information of the mobile terminal 10 is included, the touch operation to the base cannot be accepted even though the user is supposed to be in the same area, and this impairs the playability of the user.

[0075] Therefore, the game program 14A according to the present embodiment determines that the specified user position is included in one area when the user position in the virtual space specified from the position information of the mobile terminal 10 is in another area within a predetermined distance from the boundary of one area. In other words, the game program 14A according to the present embodiment determines that the user position is included in both areas when the user position in the virtual space specified from the position information of the mobile terminal 10 is within a predetermined distance from the boundary of two areas. Then, the game program 14A may accept operations on both bases located in each of the two areas when the user position is within a predetermined distance from the boundary of the two areas.

[0076] The game program 14A according to the present embodiment can avoid impairing the user's playability due to positioning errors by determining that the identified user position is included in the one area when the user position in the virtual space identified from the position information of the mobile terminal 10 is in another area within a predetermined distance from the boundary of the one area. Also, the game program 14A according to the present embodiment can accept operations on both bases located in the two areas by determining that the identified user position is included in the one area when the user position in the virtual space identified from the position information of the mobile terminal 10 is in another area within a predetermined distance from the boundary of the one area.

[0077] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of information processing by the mobile terminal 10. The CPU 11 reads the game program 14A from the storage 14, expands it in the RAM 13, and executes it to perform information processing. The flowchart shown in Fig. 13 is carried out while the CPU 11 is executing the game program 14A.

[0078] In step S201, the CPU 11 places a user character on the game screen displayed by the display unit 16 in accordance with the user position identified from the position information of the mobile terminal 10.

[0079] Following step S201, in step S202, the CPU 11 determines the area in which the placed user character exists.

[0080] Following step S202, in step S203, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the position of the user character is within a predetermined distance from the boundary of the area, in particular, whether or not the position is close to the boundary and within a predetermined distance from the boundary.

[0081] If it is determined in step S203 that the position of the user character is within a predetermined distance from the boundary of the area (step S203; Yes), then in step S204, the CPU 11 determines that the user character is in the current area or an adjacent area across the boundary.

[0082] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S203 that the position of the user character is not within the predetermined distance from the boundary of the area (step S203; No), then in step S205, the CPU 11 determines that the user character is only in the current area.

[0083] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen displayed on the display unit 16 by the game program 14A. Fig. 14 shows an example in which the user character 120 in the area A1 is close to the boundary line 130 indicating the boundary between the areas A1 and A2 and is within a predetermined distance from the boundary. The boundary between the areas A1 and A2 exists on a road 131. In this case, the game program 14A determines that the user character 120 is in the area A1, which is the current area, and the area A2, which is the adjacent area across the boundary line 130. The game program 14A then accepts the user's touch operation not only on the current area A1 but also on the base 122 in the area A2.

[0084] 15 is a diagram for explaining information processing by the mobile terminal 10, and shows a case where the user character 120 is close to the boundary line 130 indicating the boundary between the areas A1 and A2, and is in a buffer area 132 that is within a predetermined distance from the boundary. When the user character 120 is in the buffer area 132 in this way, the game program 14A determines that the user character 120 is in both areas A1 and A2, and proceeds with the game.

[0085] The game program 14A may execute a process of increasing the predetermined distance, that is, increasing the width of the buffer area 132, as the accuracy of the position information of the mobile terminal 10 decreases. If the accuracy of the position information of the mobile terminal 10 is low, the user position identified from the position information of the mobile terminal 10 may differ significantly from the actual position of the mobile terminal 10, and the mobile terminal 10 may be erroneously determined to be not in the current area. Therefore, the game program 14A increases the width of the buffer area 132 as the accuracy of the position information of the mobile terminal 10 decreases, thereby reducing the possibility of the above-mentioned erroneous determination and preventing the user's enjoyment from being impaired.

[0086] The game program 14A may execute a process to increase the predetermined distance, i.e., increase the width of the buffer area 132, when the boundary exists on a predetermined object, for example, a road, as shown in FIG. 14, compared to when the boundary does not exist on the road. In this case, it is preferable that the width of the buffer area 132 is wider than the width of the road on which the boundary exists. The game program 14A may also execute a process to increase the predetermined distance, i.e., increase the width of the buffer area 132, when the boundary exists on a predetermined object, for example, a river, compared to when the boundary does not exist on the river. In this case, it is preferable that the width of the buffer area 132 is wider than the width of the river on which the boundary exists. The game program 14A may also execute a process to increase the predetermined distance, i.e., increase the width of the buffer area 132, when the boundary exists on the river, compared to when the boundary exists on the road.

[0087] When the game program 14A is changing the width of the buffer area 132, it may provide visual effects such as coloring or blinking the boundary line or the ground near the boundary line.

[0088] As described above, when the user's position in the virtual space is a predetermined distance from the boundary between two areas, the game program 14A determines that the user's position is included in both areas and accepts operations on both bases located in each of the two areas, thereby avoiding impairing the user's playability.

[0089] Depending on the boundary settings, the game program 14A may determine that the user position identified from the position information of the mobile terminal 10 is present in three or more regions instead of two.

[0090] In the above embodiment, a user character was placed on the game screen displayed by the game program 14A on the display unit 16, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example and is also applicable to games in which a user character is not placed on the game screen displayed by the game program 14A on the display unit 16.

[0091] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present disclosure can conceive of various modified examples or examples of modifications within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these modified examples or examples of modifications also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0092] In addition, the effects described in the above embodiments are explanatory or exemplary, and are not limited to those described in the above embodiments. In other words, the technology according to the present disclosure may achieve other effects that are obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the technical field of the present disclosure from the description in the above embodiments, in addition to or in place of the effects described in the above embodiments.

[0093] In addition, the information processing executed by the CPU by reading the software (program) in each of the above embodiments may be executed by various processors other than the CPU. In this case, examples of the processor include a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, and a dedicated electric circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed exclusively for executing a specific process. In addition, the information processing may be executed by one of these various processors, or may be executed by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a plurality of FPGAs, a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, etc.). In addition, the hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0094] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the information processing program is pre-stored (installed) in the storage, but the present invention is not limited to this. The program may be provided in a form recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The program may also be downloaded from an external device via a network. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1. Game System 10 Mobile devices 20 Servers 30 Network 40A, 40B communication base station

Claims

1. On the computer, In a position information game in which an event associated with each of a plurality of areas in a virtual space divided into the plurality of areas is executed, a user position that is a position of a user in the virtual space is specified by position information of the user; If the identified user position is in another area that is within a predetermined distance from the boundary of one area, the identified user position is determined to be included in the one area. An information processing program that executes processing.

2. The information processing program according to claim 1 , further comprising a step of causing the computer to execute a process of increasing the predetermined distance as the accuracy of the user's position information decreases.

3. 2. The information processing program according to claim 1, further comprising: causing the computer to execute a process of increasing the predetermined distance when a predetermined object is present at a position in real space corresponding to a position where the boundary exists in the virtual space, compared to when the object is not present.

4. the object is a road and a river, The information processing program according to claim 3 , further comprising: causing the computer to execute a process of increasing the predetermined distance when the boundary exists on a river in a real space corresponding to the virtual space, compared to when the boundary exists on a road.

5. The information processing program according to claim 1 , further comprising a process for displaying the boundary and the area within the predetermined distance in color or blinking when the predetermined distance is changed.

6. The computer includes: When the specified user position is in another area that is within a predetermined distance from a boundary of one area, a selection operation is accepted for both a first object that is arranged in the one area and associated with an event related to each of the areas, and a first object that is associated with an event related to the other area. The information processing program according to claim 1 , which causes a process to be executed.

7. The information processing program according to claim 6 , wherein at least one of the first objects is arranged in each of the areas.

8. A processor is provided. The processor, In a position information game in which an event associated with each of a plurality of areas in a virtual space divided into the plurality of areas is executed, a user position that is a position of a user in the virtual space is specified by position information of the user; If the identified user position is in another area that is within a predetermined distance from the boundary of one area, the identified user position is determined to be included in the one area. An information processing device that executes processing.

9. The processor: In a position information game in which an event associated with each of a plurality of areas in a virtual space divided into the plurality of areas is executed, a user position that is a position of a user in the virtual space is specified by position information of the user; If the identified user position is in another area that is within a predetermined distance from the boundary of one area, the identified user position is determined to be included in the one area. An information processing method for executing a process.

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