Program and information processing system

Abstract

To prevent an interest decline of a player in a game.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer to function as determination means for executing a specific determination on whether or not a contact with an answer area has been detected in a predetermined order by performing a predetermined operation. The predetermined operation is set to include a first operation for operating so as to detect a contact in the next answer area upon releasing of detection of a contact after the contact is detected in one answer area, and a second operation for operating so as to detect the contact in the next answer area while the detection of the contact is detected after the contact is detected in the one answer area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and an information processing system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a program and an information processing system for providing a game, there is known one that causes a player of the game to perform a predetermined touch operation on a touch panel (touch display) and advances the game based on the result of the touch operation. For example, in a program and an information processing system that provide a quiz game in which a predetermined question is presented and the player is made to input the correct answer to the question, when the screen is traced from a reference area provided on the touch panel to a correct answer area corresponding to the presented question, it is determined as correct, and rewards such as points and items are given (see Patent Document 1). According to this, the actionability when answering a question is increased, and it becomes possible to improve the player's interest.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described program and information processing system, the determination of the correct answer is made only based on whether or not the operation of tracing the screen from the reference area to the correct answer area has been performed. Therefore, the operation itself performed by the player is simple, and there is a risk of causing a decrease in the player's interest in the game.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a program and an information processing system capable of preventing a decrease in the player's interest in a game.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

[0007] The program according to the present invention causes a computer to function as determination means for performing a specific determination as to whether contact with a solution area has been detected in a predetermined order when a predetermined operation is performed. The predetermined operation includes at least a first operation in which, after contact is detected in one solution area, the detection of contact is released and then an operation is performed so that contact is detected in the next solution area, and a second operation in which, after contact is detected in one solution area, the detection of contact is maintained and then an operation is performed so that contact is detected in the next solution area.

[0008] When the second operation is performed, the determination means may determine that contact with the solution area has not been detected in the predetermined order when contact with an incorrect answer area, which is a solution area different from the solution area in the next order determined for one solution area, is detected.

[0009] When the second operation is performed, the determination means may not perform the specific determination when contact is detected in the detection area from one solution area to the incorrect answer area.

[0010] The information processing system according to the present invention includes determination means for performing a specific determination as to whether contact with a solution area has been detected in a predetermined order when a predetermined operation is performed. The predetermined operation includes at least a first operation in which, after contact is detected in one solution area, the detection of contact is released and then an operation is performed so that contact is detected in the next solution area, and a second operation in which, after contact is detected in one solution area, the detection of contact is maintained and then an operation is performed so that contact is detected in the next solution area.

Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the program and information processing system of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a player's interest in the game from declining.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

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Figure 15

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely one aspect for explaining the present invention, and the numerical values and the like shown in the present embodiments are also merely examples and do not limit the present invention. In addition, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiments are essential constituent elements of the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are given the same reference numerals as much as possible, and redundant descriptions are omitted, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0014] (Configuration of Information Processing System S) As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system S according to the present embodiment is a so-called client-server system constructed by connecting a server 100 and a user terminal 200 via a network 300. In the present embodiment, a case where a game is provided by the information processing system S will be described.

[0015] The information processing system S according to the present embodiment functions as an information processing apparatus in which the server 100 and the user terminal 200 cooperate to provide a game. In the server 100 and the user terminal 200, the execution of various functions in the game and the control related to the progress of the game are respectively shared, and by the cooperation of the server 100 and the user terminal 200, the above various functions and the game are executed.

[0016] Server 100 is communicably connected to a plurality of user terminals 200 via network 300. Each user terminal 200 can transmit and receive various information to and from server 100 via network 300. Also, each user terminal 200 can transmit and receive various information to and from other user terminals 200 via network 300 or server 100. Server 100 can store various information (e.g., player information) for each user (hereinafter also referred to as a player) who plays a game on user terminal 200, and can also store various information regarding the game. Further, server 100 can execute processes such as updating the stored information and transmitting (downloading) images and various information to user terminal 200 based on an input operation by user terminal 200. Note that each user terminal 200 may be able to directly transmit and receive various information between user terminals 200 without going through network 300 or server 100 by using its own wireless communication function.

[0017] Network 300 is composed of the Internet, a mobile phone network, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a dedicated line, etc. Server 100 and user terminal 200 are connected wirelessly or by wire via network 300.

[0018] (Hardware Configuration of Server 100) As shown in FIG. 2, server 100 includes a CPU (Central Processhing Unit) 110, a memory 120, a storage unit 130, a communication unit 140, an input unit 150, an output unit 160, an input / output interface 170, etc. Hereinafter, the CPU 110, memory 120, storage unit 130, communication unit 140, input unit 150, output unit 160, and input interface 170 of server 100 will also be referred to as server CPU 110, server memory 120, server storage unit 130, server communication unit 140, server input unit 150, server output unit 160, and server input / output interface 170, respectively.

[0019] The server CPU 110 performs various processes such as executing various functions in the game and advancing the game according to the programs and data stored in the server memory 120.

[0020] The server memory 120 is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and stores various programs and data used for executing various functions in the game and processes such as advancing the game. The server CPU 110 and the server memory 120 are connected to each other via a server internal bus (not shown).

[0021] The server storage unit 130 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc., and stores various programs and data. The programs and data stored in the server storage unit 130 are read out (loaded) into the server memory 120 by the server CPU 110.

[0022] The server communication unit 140 is composed of a communication interface, etc., and transmits and receives information such as various data and programs to and from the user terminal 200 via the network 300. In the server 100, various information is received from the user terminal 200 by the server communication unit 140, and the received various information is stored in the server memory 120 or the server storage unit 130. Also, information regarding the results of various processes executed by the server CPU 110 is transmitted to the user terminal 200 by the server communication unit 140.

[0023] The server input unit 150 is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, etc. Based on the input operation by the server input unit 150, various processes such as storing various programs and data in the server memory 120 and the server storage unit 130, and updating (updating) the stored various programs and data are executed.

[0024] The server output unit 160 is composed of a display capable of displaying characters, images, etc., a speaker capable of outputting sound, and the like. The content of various processes executed based on the input operations by the server input unit 150 is output by the server output unit 160.

[0025] Then, the server storage unit 130, the server communication unit 140, the server input unit 150, and the server output unit 160 are connected to the server input / output interface 170, and the server input / output interface 170 is connected to a server internal bus (not shown).

[0026] (Hardware Configuration of User Terminal 200) Examples of the user terminal 200 include a smartphone, a tablet, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a portable game machine, a stationary game machine installed in a store or at home, and the like. In this embodiment, the case where a smartphone is used as the user terminal 200 will be described.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 200 includes a CPU 210, a memory 220, a storage unit 230, a communication unit 240, an input unit 250, an output unit 260, an input / output interface 270, and the like. Hereinafter, the CPU 210, the memory 220, the storage unit 230, the communication unit 240, the input unit 250, the output unit 260, and the input / output interface 270 of the user terminal 200 will also be referred to as the terminal CPU 210, the terminal memory 220, the terminal storage unit 230, the terminal communication unit 240, the terminal input unit 250, the terminal output unit 260, and the terminal input / output interface 270, respectively.

[0028] Note that the terminal CPU 210, the terminal memory 220, the terminal storage unit 230, the terminal communication unit 240, the terminal input unit 250, the terminal output unit 260, a terminal internal bus (not shown), and the terminal input / output interface 270 have substantially the same configurations and functions as the server CPU 110, the server memory 120, the server storage unit 130, the server communication unit 140, the server input unit 150, the server output unit 160, the server internal bus 170, and the server input / output interface 170, respectively. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted except for some parts.

[0029] In the user terminal 200, a terminal CPU 210 and a terminal memory 220 are connected to each other via a terminal internal bus (not shown), and a terminal storage unit 230, a terminal communication unit 240, a terminal input unit 250, and a terminal output unit 260 are connected to a terminal input / output interface 270, and the terminal input / output interface 270 is connected to a terminal internal bus (not shown). Then, also in the user terminal 200, various processes such as execution of various functions in the game and progress of the game are performed according to programs and data stored in the terminal memory 220. Further, in the user terminal 200, various information is received from the server 100 by the terminal communication unit 240, and the received various information is stored in the terminal memory 220 or the terminal storage unit 230. Also, information regarding the results of various processes executed by the terminal CPU 210 is transmitted to the server 100 by the terminal communication unit 240.

[0030] The terminal input unit 250 is composed of, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, a controller, physical buttons, etc. that can input operations to the user terminal 200. It may be mounted on the user terminal 200 itself or may be provided separately from the user terminal 200 and connected to the user terminal 200 by a connection cable or the like. Further, the terminal input unit 250 may be a microphone capable of voice input or an acceleration sensor capable of detecting the tilt, movement, vibration, etc. of the user terminal 200 and inputting the detected information. In the present embodiment, the user terminal 200 includes a touch panel 262 that also serves as both the terminal input unit 250 and the terminal output unit 260.

[0031] (Functional Configuration of Information Processing System S) The game provided by the information processing system S according to this embodiment is a quiz game in which questions are presented and the player progresses by answering these questions. In this quiz game, on the touch panel 262, together with the question, a predetermined number (4 in this embodiment) of answer components (for example, characters, numbers, etc.) that constitute the answer to the question are displayed. Each answer component is arranged in a predetermined number of answer areas AA set on the touch panel 262. Also, in this quiz game, for each question presented, either a tap operation or a swipe operation is designated as the input operation to be performed by the player when answering, and the type of this input operation is also displayed on the touch panel 262. Then, within a predetermined time limit after the question is presented, when the predetermined number of answer areas AA in which the answer components are arranged are selected in the correct selection order (the selection order determined to be correct) by the designated input operation, it is determined to be correct, and when the predetermined number of answer areas AA in which the answer components are arranged are selected in a selection order different from the above selection order (the selection order determined to be incorrect), it is determined to be incorrect. Also, when an input operation that has not been designated is performed, it is determined as an operation failure. Further, when the answer is not completed within the time limit (when the number of answer areas AA selected within the time limit does not reach the predetermined number), it is determined as running out of time. In this quiz game, as long as it is determined to be correct, questions are continuously output, and when it is determined as incorrect, an operation failure, or running out of time, it is a mistake and the game ends.

[0032] Note that, as described above, instead of allowing only the designated input operation by the tap operation or the swipe operation (not being determined as an operation failure), the input operation may be allowed regardless of whether the tap operation or the swipe operation is performed without designating the input operation. Also, the quiz game as described above may be executed in a battle against an enemy character in a so-called RPG (ROLL PLAYING GAME). If the player answers correctly in the quiz game executed in the battle, various skills that can exert effects such as attacks against the enemy character or assistance (recovery, defense, attack assistance, etc.) for the player's own characters may be activated. Further, in such a case, instead of continuously presenting questions, only one question may be presented, and the activation of skills may be determined based on whether the answer to this question is correct or incorrect.

[0033] Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the information processing system S that provides the above game will be described with reference to FIG. 3. As described above, in the server memory 120, server storage unit 130 of the server 100, terminal memory 220, and terminal storage unit 230 of the user terminal 200, various programs and various data for executing the game (game data for executing the game (for example, quiz game questions, answer components constituting the answers, correct order of the answer components, types of input operations to be performed by the player during answering, various data such as time limits, etc.)), various information related to the game (game execution history (for example, information such as the maximum number of consecutive correct answers, minimum number of consecutive correct answers, number of game executions, date and time of the previous game, etc.)), information related to the player (for example, account name), etc. are stored. The server CPU 110 of the server 100 causes the server 100 to function as a data transmission / reception unit 182, a storage processing unit 184, and a game control unit 186 by executing the stored programs. Also, the terminal CPU 210 of the user terminal 200 causes the user terminal 200 to function as a data transmission / reception unit 280, a storage processing unit 282, an operation control unit 284, a game control unit 286, and a screen control unit 288 by executing the stored programs.

[0034] Note that these are functional units given as examples, and the server 100 and the user terminal 200 may have various other functional units in addition to the above. Also, each functional unit may be provided in either the server 100 or the user terminal, or functional units performing the same role may be provided redundantly in both the server 100 and the user terminal 200.

[0035] Both the data transmission / reception unit 182 of the server 100 and the data transmission / reception unit 280 of the user terminal 200 transmit and receive various types of information and data between the server 100 and the user terminal 200. For example, when the data transmission / reception unit 182 of the server 100 receives login information for logging in to the game from the user terminal 200 at the time of application startup, it transmits information regarding the player corresponding to the login information and information regarding the game to the user terminal 200. Also, when the data transmission / reception unit 182 of the server 100 receives execution request data for executing the game from the user terminal 200 during the execution of the game, it transmits the game data to the user terminal 200.

[0036] The storage processing unit 184 of the server 100 stores various types of information and data received from the user terminal 200 in the server storage unit 130.

[0037] The storage processing unit 282 of the user terminal 200 stores various types of information and data received from the server 100 in the terminal memory 220 and the terminal storage unit 230.

[0038] The operation control unit 284 of the user terminal 200 accepts and controls the operations of the player input by the terminal input unit 250 via the touch panel 262. The operation control unit 284 determines the type of input operation (for example, touch operation, tap operation, swipe operation, flick operation, pinch-in operation, pinch-out operation, etc.) by detecting the presence or absence of contact with the touch panel 262, the contact position (operation position), and the moving direction (operation direction) from the contact position.

[0039] Specifically, for example, after detecting contact at any position on the touch panel 262, when the detection of the contact is released (the contact is no longer detected) and then contact is detected at any position on the touch panel 262, it is determined that a tap operation has been performed. Note that the tap operation includes not only an operation in which contact is detected at one position on the touch panel 262 and then contact is detected at another position, but also an operation in which contact is detected at one position on the touch panel 262 and then contact is detected at another position after leaving the one position. Also, for example, after detecting contact at any position on the touch panel 262, when the touch panel 262 is moved to any position while maintaining the detection of the contact (when contact is detected at any position on the touch panel 262 while the contact is being detected), it is determined that a swipe operation has been performed. Note that the swipe operation includes not only an operation in which contact is detected at one position on the touch panel 262 and then the touch panel 262 is moved from the one position to another position while the contact is being detected, but also an operation in which contact is detected at one position on the touch panel 262, the contact is detected while leaving the one position once, and then the touch panel 262 is moved back to the same position.

[0040] Both the game control unit 186 of the server 100 and the game control unit 286 of the user terminal 200 control the progress of the entire game. Hereinafter, the control performed by the game control unit 286 of the user terminal 200 will be specifically described. Note that the control performed by the game control unit 286 of the user terminal 200 may also be performed by the game control unit 186 of the server 100.

[0041] Based on the game data transmitted from the server 100, the game control unit 286 of the user terminal 200 executes controls such as presenting questions, arranging answer components in the answer area AA, and timing the time limit. At the same time, by executing controls such as determining the elapse of the time limit and determining the correctness of the answer to the presented question based on the input operations (tap operation, swipe operation) of the player detected by the operation control unit 284 of the user terminal 200, the game is advanced.

[0042] The screen control unit 288 of the user terminal 200 controls various screens displayed on the touch panel 262 based on various data stored in the terminal memory 220 and the terminal storage unit 230. For example, the screen control unit 288 generates an image of a game (e.g., an image of a question to be presented, an image of answer components to be arranged in the answer area AA, an image of the type of input operation to be performed by the player when answering, an image of the time limit, etc.) according to an instruction for image generation from the game control unit 286, and executes a process of displaying it on the touch panel 262.

[0043] (Overview of the game and control provided by the information processing system S) Next, the game provided by the information processing system S according to the present embodiment and various controls during the game will be described in more detail.

[0044] When a dedicated application installed on the user terminal 200 is launched, the game control unit 286 receives various information (such as the information about the player and the information about the game described above) from the server 100, and instructs the screen control unit 288 to display a start screen (not particularly shown) for starting the game. The screen control unit 288 receives the instruction from the game control unit 286, generates the start screen, and displays it on the touch panel 262. Then, when a start operation for starting the game (e.g., a tap operation on a start icon displayed on the start screen and for starting the game) is performed on this start screen, the game starts.

[0045] When the game starts, the game control unit 286 transmits the above execution request data to the server 100. When the game control unit 286 receives the game data transmitted from the server 100 based on this execution request data, it instructs the screen control unit 288 to generate a game screen GS corresponding to the received game data and display the game screen GS on the touch panel 262. The screen control unit 288 receives the instruction from the game control unit 286 and displays the game screen GS on the touch panel 262.

[0046] The game screen GS is the screen during the game. As shown in FIG. 5 and the like, on the game screen GS, there are provided a problem display section QD for displaying the problems to be presented, an answer display section AD for displaying the answer components constituting the answer to the problem, a time limit display section TD for displaying the time limit, and an input operation display section CD for displaying the types of input operations (tap operation, swipe operation) to be performed by the player when answering. Further, in the answer display section AD, a predetermined number (4 in this embodiment) of answer areas AA are provided, arranged vertically and horizontally. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a first answer area AA1 located on the upper side, a second answer area AA2 located on the left side, a third answer area AA3 located on the lower side, and a fourth answer area AA4 located on the right side are provided, and answer components are respectively displayed in each answer area AA. The game control section 286 instructs the screen control section 288 to display the problem, answer components, time limit, and type of input operation corresponding to the game data received from the server 100 on each display section of the game screen GS. The screen control section 288 receives the instruction from the game control section 286 and, corresponding to the received game data, displays the problem on the problem display section QD, displays each answer component in each answer area AA of the answer display section AD, displays the time limit on the time limit display section TD, and displays the input operation to be performed by the player on the input operation display section CD.

[0047] Here, as shown in FIG. 4, in the server storage section 130 of the server 100 in this embodiment, a problem table QT storing a large number of problem data as the above game data is provided. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, for each piece of problem data, a problem number, the content of the problem, the content of the answer components and the correct order (the order of the answer components that are correct), a time limit, and the input operations to be performed on the player when answering are defined. According to this problem table QT, for example, in the problem data with the problem number "1", the content of the problem is "What is the name of the hand in Mahjong?", and the content of the answer components and the correct order are "1st: "Kokushi", 2nd: "Shishimai", 3rd: "Mu", 4th: "Sōsuji" (that is, the correct order is "Kokushi" → "Shishimai" → "Mu" → "Sōsuji"), the time limit is "5 seconds", and the input operation is defined as "swipe operation". In the problem data with the problem number "2", the content of the problem is "What is the name of the girls' group?", and the content of the answer components and the correct order are "1st: "B", 2nd: "e", 3rd: "S", 4th: "H" (that is, the correct order is "B" → "e" → "S" → "H"), the time limit is "5 seconds", and the input operation is defined as "tap operation". In the problem data with the problem number "3", the content of the problem is "What year is Reiwa 1st in the Gregorian calendar?", and the content of the answer components and the correct order are "1st: "2", 2nd: "0", 3rd: "1", 4th: "9" (that is, the correct order is "2" → "0" → "1" → "9"), the time limit is "5 seconds", and the input operation is defined as "swipe operation". In the problem data with the problem number "4", the content of the problem is "What is the four-character idiom derived from the tea ceremony?", and the content of the answer components and the correct order are "1st: "ichi", 2nd: "go", 3rd: "ichi", 4th: "kai" (that is, the correct order is "ichi" → "go" → "ichi" → "kai"), the time limit is "5 seconds", and the input operation is defined as "tap operation". In the problem data with the problem number "5", the content of the problem is "When arranged in order from north, what is the order? A: Akita, B: Aomori, C: Miyagi, D: Hokkaido", and the content of the answer components and the correct order are "1st: "D", 2nd: "B", 3rd: "A", 4th: "C" (that is, the correct order is "D" → "B" → "A" → "C"), the time limit is "5 seconds", and the input operation is defined as "swipe operation".

[0048] Note that in this embodiment, the types of input operations and the time limits to be specified are determined for each problem data in the problem table QT, and the quiz game is executed as described above based on the types of input operations and the time limits determined for the problem data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, for the types of input operations, they may be set to be specified by a program for each problem format (type of problem), and the input operations may be specified according to the problem format of the problems to be presented. Also, for the time limits, they may be set to be specified by a program for each quiz format (when there are multiple quiz formats such as the quiz format of selecting answer components in the correct order as described above, the quiz format of selecting answer options for the correct answer, the quiz format of actually writing the content of the correct answer, etc.), and the time limits may be specified according to the quiz format of the problems to be presented.

[0049] When the game control unit 186 of the server 100 receives the above execution request data transmitted from the game control unit 286, it determines problem data with a problem number from among the problem data in the problem table QT by performing a predetermined problem determination lottery, and transmits the problem data as game data to the user terminal 200.

[0050] When the game control unit 286 receives the game data, it determines an answer area AA for arranging each answer component included in the game data by performing a predetermined arrangement determination lottery. As a result, the selection order of the answer area AA determined to be the correct answer (the correct order of the answer area AA in which the answer components are arranged, hereinafter also referred to as the correct selection order) is determined. Then, by the game control unit 286 instructing the screen control unit 288 about the content of the answer area AA for arranging each determined answer component, the screen control unit 288 displays each answer component in each answer area AA of the determined answer display unit AD. Also, the storage processing unit 282 of the user terminal 200 stores the answer area AA for arranging each answer component determined by the game control unit 286 and the correct selection order in the terminal memory 220.

[0051] When the game screen GS is displayed, the game control unit 286 starts counting the time limit corresponding to the received game data, and prompts the player to input an answer to the presented question by causing the screen control unit 288 to perform a start-of-answer display (for example, display of a character image saying "Answer start!"), and to perform a countdown display that counts down the time limit displayed on the time limit display unit TD. The screen control unit 288 receives the instruction from the game control unit 286, executes the start-of-answer display on the game screen GS, and starts the countdown display (see FIGS. 5(a) to (b)).

[0052] After that, when an answer input operation is performed by the player, the game control unit 286 determines that it is a correct answer if the answer area AA is selected in the correct answer selection order determined as described above by the input operation corresponding to the received game data within the time limit. On the other hand, the game control unit 286 determines that it is an incorrect answer if the answer area AA is selected by the input operation within the time limit but in an order different from the correct answer selection order. Also, the game control unit 286 determines that the time has run out if the time limit has elapsed without the number of selected answer areas AA reaching a predetermined number (4). Further, while the answer input operation is being performed, the operation control unit 284 detects the presence or absence of contact with the touch panel 262, the contact position, the moving direction, etc., and based on this, determines the input operation. The game control unit 286 determines that the operation has failed if an input operation different from the input operation corresponding to the received game data is performed.

[0053] In this embodiment, when the operation control unit 284 detects contact with the answer area AA, it is assumed that the answer area AA has been selected. Also, in this embodiment, once an answer area AA has been selected, it is set so that it cannot be selected again until it is determined to be a correct answer, an incorrect answer, the time has run out, or the operation has failed. That is, even if the player touches the answer area AA again after contact has been detected once, until it is determined to be a correct answer, an incorrect answer, the time has run out, or the operation has failed, the detection of the contact is set to be invalid.

[0054] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when contact with the answer area AA is detected (when the answer area AA is selected), an incorrect answer determination and an operation failure determination are made. Even if contact with an area other than the answer area AA in the entire area of the touch panel 262 is detected, no incorrect answer determination or operation failure determination is made.

[0055] For example, assume that the input operation corresponding to the received game data is a tap operation, and the correct answer selection order of the answer area AA is determined as the first answer area AA1 → the second answer area AA2 → the third answer area AA3 → the fourth answer area AA4. In this case, when contact with the first answer area AA1 is first detected, and after contact with the touch panel 262 is no longer detected, contact with an area other than the answer area AA on the touch panel 262 (hereinafter also referred to as out-of-answer-area contact) is detected, and then after contact with the touch panel 262 is no longer detected, when contact with the third answer area AA3 is detected, no determination of incorrect answer or operation failure is made when out-of-answer-area contact is detected. At the time when contact with the third answer area AA3 is detected, although a tap operation has been performed, if the answer area AA is not selected in the determined correct answer selection order, it is determined as an incorrect answer. Also, in the above case, when contact with the first answer area AA1 is first detected, and while contact with the touch panel 262 is detected, out-of-answer-area contact is detected, and then while contact with the touch panel 262 is detected, when contact with the second answer area AA2 is detected, no determination of incorrect answer or operation failure is made when out-of-answer-area contact is detected. At the time when contact with the second answer area AA2 is detected, if a tap operation has not been performed, it is determined as an operation failure.

[0056] Also, for example, assume that the input operation corresponding to the received game data is a swipe operation, and the correct answer selection order of the answer area AA is determined as the first answer area AA1 → the second answer area AA2 → the third answer area AA3 → the fourth answer area AA4. In this case, first, contact with the first answer area AA1 is detected. While contact with the touch panel 262 is detected, out-of-answer-area contact is detected. Then, while contact with the touch panel 262 is still detected, when contact with the third answer area AA3 is detected, no determination of incorrect answer or operation failure is made when the out-of-answer-area contact is detected. When contact with the third answer area AA3 is detected, although a swipe operation has been performed, if the answer area AA is not selected in the determined correct answer selection order, it is determined as an incorrect answer. Also, in the above case, first, contact with the first answer area AA1 is detected. After contact with the touch panel 262 is no longer detected, out-of-answer-area contact is detected. Then, after contact with the touch panel 262 is no longer detected, when contact with the second answer area AA2 is detected, no determination of incorrect answer or operation failure is made when the out-of-answer-area contact is detected. When contact with the second answer area AA2 is detected, if no swipe operation has been performed, it is determined as an operation failure.

[0057] When the game control unit 286 determines that it is a correct answer, it instructs the screen control unit 288 to perform a correct answer display (for example, display a correct answer image including characters "Correct!" and the symbol "〇") indicating that the player's answer in the question display unit QD is correct, and a correct answer content display (for example, when a question of question number 1 is presented, display a character image of "Kokushi Musou") indicating the content of the correct answer to the question. The screen control unit 288 receives the instruction from the game control unit 286 and executes the correct answer display and the correct answer content display in the question display unit QD of the game screen GS (see FIGS. 6 to 7, FIGS. 11 to 12, etc.). Then, the game control unit 286 transmits the above execution request data to the server 100 in order to present the next question.

[0058] On the other hand, when the game control unit 286 determines an incorrect answer, it instructs the screen control unit 288 to perform an incorrect answer display (for example, display of an incorrect answer image including characters "Incorrect!" and the symbol "×") indicating that the player's answer in the question display unit QD is incorrect in the question display unit QD. The screen control unit 288 receives the instruction from the game control unit 286 and executes the incorrect answer display in the question display unit QD of the game screen GS (see FIGS. 8, 13, etc.). Also, when the game control unit 286 determines an operation failure, it instructs the screen control unit 288 to perform an operation failure display (for example, display of an operation failure image including characters "Operation failure!") indicating that the input operation corresponding to the game data has not been performed in the question display unit QD in the question display unit QD. The screen control unit 288 receives the instruction from the game control unit 286 and executes the operation failure display in the question display unit QD of the game screen GS (see FIG. 9, etc.). Also, when the game control unit 286 determines time expiration, it instructs the screen control unit 288 to perform a time expiration display (for example, display of a time expiration image including characters "Time's up!") indicating that the answer has not been completed within the time limit in the question display unit QD in the question display unit QD. The screen control unit 288 receives the instruction from the game control unit 286 and executes the time expiration display in the question display unit QD of the game screen GS (see FIG. 10(a)).

[0059] In the present embodiment, when an input operation different from the specified type is performed, it has been determined as an operation failure, but it is not limited thereto, and it may not be determined as an operation failure even in such a case. That is, if the answer area AA is selected in the correct selection order, even if an input operation different from the specified type is performed, it may not be determined as an operation failure and may be determined as a correct answer. Also, in the present embodiment, when it is determined as a correct answer, a correct answer content display is performed together with the correct answer display, but it is not limited thereto, and for a predetermined question, a correct answer content display may be performed together with the correct answer display, and for questions other than the predetermined question, only the correct answer display may be performed (the correct answer content display is not performed). Also, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the time has expired, a time - out display was to be performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When such a determination is made, instead of performing a time - out display, an incorrect - answer display similar to that when it is determined as an incorrect answer may be performed.

[0060] Then, after executing an incorrect - answer display, an operation - failure display, or a time - out display, the game control unit 286 instructs the screen control unit 288 to generate a game - over screen OS and display the game - over screen OS on the touch panel 262. The screen control unit 288 receives the instruction from the game control unit 286 and displays the game - over screen OS on the touch panel 262.

[0061] The game - over screen OS is a screen indicating that the game has ended. As shown in FIG. 10(b), on the game - over screen OS, there are provided a game - over display unit OD that displays a game - over image indicating that the game has ended, a result - display unit RD that displays game results such as the number of consecutive correct answers and the reasons for mistakes (incorrect answer, operation failure, time - out) in the current game, an icon I1 for starting the game again, and an icon I2 for returning to the start screen (not particularly shown). And on this game - over screen OS, when a tap operation is performed on the icon I1, a new game is started, and when a tap operation is performed on the icon I2, the screen returns to the start screen.

[0062] Note that in this embodiment, when an incorrect answer display is performed based on the determination of an incorrect answer as described above, a game over display is subsequently performed. However, it is not limited to this. For example, as described above, when a quiz game is executed during a battle with an RPG enemy character, when a determination of an incorrect answer is made in this quiz game, a game over display is not performed, and a game over display may be performed when a game over condition in the RPG (for example, the defeat of a friendly character, etc.) is satisfied. That is, when the quiz game is executed alone, a game over display is performed when the game over condition set for the quiz game is satisfied, and when the quiz game is executed in a sub-game position during a predetermined game, a game over display may be performed when the game over condition set for the predetermined game is satisfied. Also, in this embodiment, when the game is over, game results such as the number of consecutive correct answers and the reasons for mistakes in this game are displayed. However, it is not limited to this, and the above game results may not be displayed even when the game is over.

[0063] Next, the control during the above game will be described with specific examples. (Specific Example 1) For example, assume that the received game data is problem data with problem number "2" (the correct order of the answer components is "B" → "e" → "S" → "H", the input operation to be performed by the player is a tap operation, and the time limit is 5 seconds), and the answer area AA where the first "B" is placed is the first answer area AA1, the answer area AA where the second "e" is placed is the third answer area AA3, the answer area AA where the third "S" is placed is the second answer area AA2, and the answer area AA where the fourth "H" is placed is determined to be the fourth answer area AA4 (the correct selection order of the answer area AA is determined to be the first answer area AA1 → the third answer area AA3 → the second answer area AA2 → the fourth answer area AA4).

[0064] In this case, although not particularly shown in the figures, if contact with a response area AA other than the first response area AA1 (the second response area AA2, the third response area AA3, or the fourth response area AA4) is detected within the time limit, even though a tap operation corresponding to the received game data has been performed, if the response area AA has not been selected in the determined correct selection order, the game control unit 286 determines that it is an incorrect answer at this point, and an incorrect answer is displayed in the question display section QD on the game screen GS. Also, within the time limit, if contact with the first response area AA1 is first detected, and after contact with the touch panel 262 is no longer detected, if contact with a response area AA other than the third response area AA3 (the second response area AA2 or the fourth response area AA4) is then detected, even though a tap operation corresponding to the received game data has been performed, if the response area AA has not been selected in the determined correct selection order, the game control unit 286 determines that it is an incorrect answer at this point, and an incorrect answer is displayed in the question display section QD on the game screen GS (see Fig. 8). Also, although not particularly shown in the figures, within the time limit, if contact with the first response area AA1 is first detected, and after contact with the touch panel 262 is no longer detected, if contact with the third response area AA3 is then detected, and after contact with the touch panel 262 is no longer detected again, if contact with the fourth response area AA4 is then detected, even though a tap operation corresponding to the received game data has been performed, if the response area AA has not been selected in the determined correct selection order, the game control unit 286 determines that it is an incorrect answer at this point, and an incorrect answer is displayed in the question display section QD on the game screen GS.

[0065] On the other hand, within the time limit, if contact with the first answer area AA1 is first detected and then contact with the touch panel 262 is no longer detected, and then contact with the third answer area AA3 is detected and contact with the touch panel 262 is no longer detected again, and then contact with the second answer area AA2 is detected and contact with the touch panel 262 is no longer detected again, and then contact with the fourth answer area AA4 is detected, the tap operation corresponding to the received game data is performed, and it is assumed that the answer areas AA are selected in the determined correct selection order. The game control unit 286 determines that this is the correct answer at this point, and on the game screen GS, correct answer display and correct answer content display are performed in the problem display unit QD (see FIGS. 6 to 7).

[0066] Also, within the time limit, if contact with the first answer area AA1 is first detected and contact with the touch panel 262 remains detected, and then contact with another answer area AA is detected, it is assumed that a swipe operation not corresponding to the received game data is performed. The game control unit 286 determines that the operation has failed at this point, and on the game screen GS, an operation failure display is performed in the problem display unit QD (see FIG. 9). Also, although not particularly shown, within the time limit, if contact with the first answer area AA1 is first detected and then contact is no longer detected, and then contact with the third answer area AA3 is detected and contact with the touch panel 262 remains detected, and then contact with another answer area AA is detected, it is also assumed that a swipe operation not corresponding to the received game data is performed. The game control unit 286 determines that the operation has failed at this point, and on the game screen GS, an operation failure display is performed in the problem display unit QD. Also, although not particularly illustrated, within the time limit, first, contact with the first answer area AA1 is detected. After the contact is no longer detected, next, contact with the third answer area AA3 is detected. After the contact is no longer detected again, next, contact with the second answer area AA2 is detected. Even when contact with the touch panel 262 remains and then contact with the fourth answer area AA4 is detected, it is assumed that a swipe operation not corresponding to the received game data has been performed. The game control unit 286 determines that the operation has failed at this point, and on the game screen GS, a failure display is performed in the problem display unit QD.

[0067] Also, when the time limit has elapsed without the number of selected (contact-detected) answer areas AA reaching the predetermined number (4), the game control unit 286 determines that time has run out at this point, and on the game screen GS, a time-out display is performed in the problem display unit QD (see FIG. 10).

[0068] (Specific Example 2) For example, assume that the received game data is problem data with problem number "1" (the correct order of the answer components is "country" → "soldier" → "none" → "double", the input operation to be performed by the player is a swipe operation, and the time limit is 5 seconds), and the answer area AA where the first "country" is placed is the third answer area AA3, the answer area AA where the second "soldier" is placed is the fourth answer area AA4, the answer area AA where the third "none" is placed is the first answer area AA1, and the answer area AA where the fourth "double" is placed is the second answer area AA2 (the correct selection order of the answer areas AA is determined to be the third answer area AA3 → the fourth answer area AA4 → the first answer area AA1 → the second answer area AA2).

[0069] In this case, although not particularly shown in the figures, if contact with a response area AA other than the third response area AA3 (the first response area AA1, the second response area AA2, or the fourth response area AA4) is detected first within the time limit, it is considered that a swipe operation corresponding to the received game data has been performed, but the response area AA has not been selected in the determined correct selection order. The game control unit 286 determines that this is an incorrect answer at this point, and an incorrect answer display is performed in the question display unit QD on the game screen GS. Also, within the time limit, if contact with the third response area AA3 is detected first, and while contact with the touch panel 262 is detected, and then contact with a response area AA other than the fourth response area AA4 (the first response area AA1 or the second response area AA2) is detected, it is considered that a swipe operation corresponding to the received game data has been performed, but the response area AA has not been selected in the determined correct selection order. The game control unit 286 determines that this is an incorrect answer at this point, and an incorrect answer display is performed in the question display unit QD on the game screen GS (see Fig. 13). Also, within the time limit, if contact with the third response area AA3 is detected first, and while contact with the touch panel 262 is detected, and then contact with the fourth response area AA4 is detected, and while contact with the touch panel 262 is still detected, and then contact with the second response area AA2 is detected, it is considered that a swipe operation corresponding to the received game data has been performed, but the response area AA has not been selected in the determined correct selection order. The game control unit 286 determines that this is an incorrect answer at this point, and an incorrect answer display is performed in the question display unit QD on the game screen GS.

[0070] On the other hand, within the limited time, if contact with the third answer area AA3 is first detected, and while contact with the touch panel 262 is still detected, then contact with the fourth answer area AA4 is detected, and while contact with the touch panel 262 is still detected, then contact with the first answer area AA1 is detected, and while contact with the touch panel 262 is still detected, and then contact with the second answer area AA2 is detected, a swipe operation corresponding to the received game data is performed, and it is considered that the answer areas AA are selected in the determined correct selection order. The game control unit 286 determines that this is the correct answer at this point, and on the game screen GS, correct answer display and correct answer content display are performed in the question display unit QD (see FIG. 12).

[0071] Also, although not particularly shown, within the limited time, if contact with the third answer area AA3 is first detected and then contact with another answer area AA is detected after contact with the touch panel 262 is no longer detected, it is considered that a tap operation not corresponding to the received game data has been performed. The game control unit 286 determines that the operation has failed at this point, and on the game screen GS, an operation failure display is performed in the question display unit QD. Also, although not particularly shown, within the limited time, if contact with the third answer area AA3 is first detected, and while contact with the touch panel 262 is still detected, then contact with the fourth answer area AA4 is detected, and after contact with the touch panel 262 is no longer detected, and then contact with another answer area AA is detected, it is also considered that a tap operation not corresponding to the received game data has been performed. The game control unit 286 determines that the operation has failed at this point, and on the game screen GS, an operation failure display is performed in the question display unit QD. Also, although not particularly illustrated, within the limited time, if contact with the third answer area AA3 is first detected, and while contact with the touch panel 262 is being detected, then contact with the fourth answer area AA4 is detected, and while contact with the touch panel 262 is still being detected, then contact with the first answer area AA1 is detected, and after contact with the touch panel 262 is no longer detected, if contact with the second answer area AA2 is then detected, it is also considered that a tap operation not corresponding to the received game data has been performed. At this point, the game control unit 286 determines that the operation has failed, and on the game screen GS, a failure display is performed in the problem display unit QD.

[0072] Also, similar to Specific Example 1, when the limited time elapses before the number of selected (contact-detected) answer areas AA reaches the predetermined number (4), the game control unit 286 determines that time has run out at this point, and on the game screen GS, a time-out display is performed in the problem display unit QD.

[0073] Note that the problem data of this embodiment includes those in which, like the problem number "4" (the correct order of the answer components is "one" → "period" → "one" → "meeting"), there are a plurality of answer components ( "one") with the same content among the predetermined number of answer components. When a problem is presented based on such problem data, for the answer area AA (hereinafter also referred to as the same-content answer area) in which the answer components with the same content are arranged, it is set such that any selection in the order in which the same-content answer area should be selected is determined to be correct. For example, assume that the game control unit 286 receives the problem data with the problem number "4" as game data, and determines the answer area AA where the first "one" is placed as the first answer area AA1, the answer area AA where the second "period" is placed as the second answer area AA2, the answer area AA where the third "one" is placed as the third answer area AA3, and the answer area AA where the fourth "meeting" is placed as the fourth answer area AA4. In this case, in the present embodiment, as the correct selection order of the answer area AA, two patterns of the first answer area AA1 → the second answer area AA2 → the third answer area AA3 → the fourth answer area AA4, and the third answer area AA3 → the second answer area AA2 → the first answer area AA1 → the fourth answer area AA4 are determined, and the game control unit 286 determines that it is correct regardless of which correct selection order the answer area AA is selected in. That is, when the contact with the first answer area AA1 is detected first, then the contact with the second answer area AA2 is detected, then the contact with the third answer area AA3 is detected, and finally the contact with the fourth answer area AA4 is detected, and when the contact with the third answer area AA3 is detected first, then the contact with the second answer area AA2 is detected, then the contact with the first answer area AA1 is detected, and finally the contact with the fourth answer area AA4 is detected, it is determined to be correct in either case.

[0074] (Processing of the information processing system S) Next, an example of the processing of the information processing system S will be described. Here, among the processes executed in the user terminal 200, the processes performed at the start of the game and the processes related to various determinations during the game will be mainly described, and the description of other processes will be omitted.

[0075] First, regarding the game start processing executed when a start operation for starting the game is performed on the start screen (not particularly shown) and the game is started, it will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14.

[0076] When the memory processing unit 282 of the user terminal 200 receives game data (problem data) transmitted from the server 100 based on the execution request data transmitted by the game control unit 286, it stores the game data in the terminal memory 220 or the terminal storage unit 230 (step 100). The game control unit 286 determines an answer area AA (correct selection order of the answer area AA) for arranging each answer component included in the received game data by performing a predetermined arrangement determination lottery (step 101), and instructs the screen control unit 288 to display the game screen GS and various displays on the game screen GS (display of the problem on the problem display unit QD, display of the answer components in each answer area AA on the answer display unit AD, display of the time limit on the time limit display unit TD, display of the input operation on the input operation display unit CD) (step 102). Thereby, the game screen GS is displayed on the touch panel 262, and various displays are performed on the game screen GS.

[0077] Then, the game control unit 286 starts counting the time limit with a predetermined timer (software timer), and instructs the screen control unit 288 to execute the answer start display and the countdown display (step 103). Thereby, the answer start display is performed on the game screen GS, and the countdown display of the time limit is started.

[0078] Also, the game control unit 286 inputs 1 to a variable N used to determine whether the answer area AA has been selected in the correct selection order (step 104), and the game start-time process ends.

[0079] Note that the type of timer used for timing the time limit is not particularly limited, and a countdown timer or an up-count timer may be used.

[0080] Also, the processing when the quiz game is started is not limited to the above content, and it may be as follows. For example, when for each piece of problem data, a quiz format, the genre of the problem (e.g., the genre of sports, the genre of music and entertainment, the genre of general education, etc.), the difficulty level, etc. are determined, when logging in, the user terminal 200 requests the server 100 for the problem data to be used in the quiz game. Based on the request from the user terminal 200, the server 100 calculates the required number of problem data to be sent to the user terminal 200, and determines the quiz format, the genre of the problem, and the difficulty level of the problem data to be sent by a predetermined lottery. Then, the server 100 extracts problem data corresponding to the determined quiz format, the genre of the problem, and the difficulty level in an amount equal to or more than the required number of problems, and selects the required number of problems from the extracted problem data by a predetermined lottery, and sends them to the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 stores (pools) the required number of problem data received from the server 100 in the terminal memory 220 and the terminal storage unit 230. When the quiz game is started, the user terminal 200 selects the stored problem data and executes various displays corresponding to the problem data on the game screen GS.

[0081] Next, the in-game processing that is executed during the game after the start-of-game processing is completed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15.

[0082] The game control unit 286 determines whether the limited time measured by a predetermined timer has elapsed (step 200). If the limited time has elapsed (Y in step 200), it is determined that time is up, and the screen control unit 288 is instructed to display on the game screen GS based on the determination (a time-up display in the problem display unit QD) (step 206). As a result, a time-up display is performed in the problem display unit QD of the game screen GS.

[0083] Also, when the time limit has not elapsed (N in step 200), the game control unit 286 determines whether contact with any of the answer areas AA has been detected by the operation control unit 284 (step 201). If contact with the answer area AA has not been detected (N in step 201), the process returns to the determination of whether the time limit has elapsed (returns to step 200).

[0084] On the other hand, when contact with the answer area AA has been detected (Y in step 201), the game control unit 286 further determines whether an input operation not corresponding to the received game data has been performed (step 202). If an input operation not corresponding to the received game data has been performed (Y in step 202), it is determined that the operation has failed, and the screen control unit 288 is instructed to display on the game screen GS based on the determination (display of operation failure in the problem display unit QD) (step 207). As a result, an operation failure display is performed in the problem display unit QD of the game screen GS.

[0085] Also, when an input operation not corresponding to the received game data has not been performed (N in step 202), the game control unit 286 determines whether the answer area AA where contact has been detected corresponds to the Nth answer area AA in the determined correct selection order (step 203). If it does not correspond to the Nth answer area AA (N in step 203), it is determined that the answer is incorrect, and the screen control unit 288 is instructed to display on the game screen GS based on the determination (display of incorrect answer in the problem display unit QD) (step 208). As a result, an incorrect answer display is performed in the problem display unit QD of the game screen GS.

[0086] On the other hand, when it is the Nth corresponding answer area AA (Y in step 203), the game control unit 286 determines whether the value of the variable N matches a predetermined number of values (whether the value of the variable N has reached the predetermined number of values) (step 204). If the value of the variable N does not match the predetermined number of values (N in step 204), after incrementing the value of the variable N by 1 (step 205), the process returns to the determination of whether the time limit has elapsed (returns to step 200).

[0087] Also, when the value of the variable N matches a predetermined number of values (Y in step 204), the game control unit 286 determines whether it is a correct answer, and instructs the screen control unit 288 to perform a display on the game screen GS based on the determination (correct answer display and correct answer content display in the question display unit QD) (step 209). As a result, the correct answer display and the correct answer content display are performed in the question display unit QD of the game screen GS. Then, the in-game processing ends.

[0088] Also, after the game control unit 286 determines time over (step 206), determines operation failure (step 207), or determines incorrect answer (step 208), it instructs the screen control unit 288 to display the game over screen OS and perform various displays on the game over screen OS (display of the game over image on the game over display unit OD, display of the game result on the result display unit RD, display of the icons I1 and I2) (step 210). As a result, the game over screen OS is displayed on the touch panel 262, and various displays are performed on the game over screen OS. Then, the in-game processing ends.

[0089] Note that if the determination of operation failure is not performed, the processes of step 202, step 207, etc. may not be executed, or if the game over display is not performed, the process of step 210 may not be executed.

[0090] (Summary) As described above, in this embodiment, a predetermined number of answer areas AA are provided on the touch panel 262, where answer components that constitute an answer to a question are arranged. When the answer area AA in which these answer components are arranged is selected in the correct selection order (when contact with the answer area AA is detected in the correct selection order), it is determined as the correct answer. As types of input operations for selecting the answer area AA, a tap operation and a swipe operation are provided. This can complicate the input operations that the player should perform to answer the presented question and increase the variations of the input operations, thereby preventing a situation where the player's interest in the game decreases.

[0091] Also, in this embodiment, either a tap operation or a swipe operation is specified as the input operation to be performed when answering. When an input operation different from the specified input operation is performed, it is determined as an operation failure. Thereby, the player must answer while being conscious of the type of input operation, and since the gameplay is improved, it becomes possible to more effectively prevent a situation where the player's interest in the game decreases.

[0092] Also, in the present embodiment, regardless of whether the input operation is performed by a tap operation or a swipe operation, when an answer area AA different from the correct selection order is selected (when contact with the answer area AA different from the correct selection order is detected), it is determined as incorrect at the time when the answer area AA is selected. Also, until the answer area AA different from the correct selection order is selected, if contact with an area other than the answer area AA is detected in the entire area of the touch panel 262, a determination as incorrect is not made. As a result, the determination of correct or incorrect is made by focusing only on whether the answer area AA is selected in the correct selection order, which is the original purpose of this game. Thus, an appropriate game progression in line with the above purpose becomes possible, and ultimately, it becomes possible to prevent a situation where the player's interest in the game decreases. In particular, when performing an answer by a swipe operation, contact with an area other than the answer area AA is always detected. If a determination as incorrect is made based on the detection of such contact, the game will not be established. However, by setting as described above, such a situation can be prevented.

[0093] (Modification example) As described above, one aspect of the embodiment according to the present invention has been explained. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist thereof.

[0094] (1) In the above-described embodiment, the number of answer components constituting the answer to any problem was fixed at a predetermined number (four). However, the number of answer components is not limited to this as long as there are a plurality or more, and the number of answer components may vary according to the problem. For example, problems where the number of answer components is less than the predetermined number (two or three), or problems where the number of answer components is more than the predetermined number (five or more) may be provided. Also, in such a case, the number of answer areas AA arranged (displayed) in the answer display section AD may be changed according to the number of answer components. For example, when a problem with three answer components is presented, three answer areas AA may be arranged in the answer display section AD, and when a problem with five answer components is presented, six answer areas AA may be arranged in the answer display section AD. Even in the case described above, the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment are achieved.

[0095] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the number of answer components constituting the answer to the problem and the number of answer areas AA provided in the answer display section AD were the same, and only the answer components were arranged in the answer areas AA. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the answer display section AD may be provided with more answer areas AA than the number of answer components, and non-answer components that do not constitute the answer to the problem may be arranged in the answer areas AA in addition to the answer components. And when a non-answer component is selected during the answer, it may be determined as incorrect. Specifically, for example, problem data where the content of the problem is "What is the name of the hand in mahjong?", the content and correct order of the answer components are "First: 'Ta', Second: 'San', Third: 'Gen'" (that is, the order of 'Ta' → 'San' → 'Gen' is the correct order) is provided. When this problem is presented, four answer areas AA are provided in the answer display section AD, and in the answer areas AA, three answer components of 'Ta', 'San', and 'Gen', and a non-answer component of 'Chu' that does not constitute the answer to the problem are arranged. And when the non-answer component 'Chu' is selected during the answer, it may be determined as incorrect. Even in the case of the above, the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment are achieved, and by increasing the difficulty level of the game, the game playability is improved and the player's interest can be enhanced.

[0096] (3) In the above-described embodiment, only one correct answer could be derived by selecting the answer area AA, but it is not limited thereto. For example, two or more correct answers may be derivable by selecting the answer area AA, and any of them may be determined as the correct answer when derived. Specifically, for example, problem data is provided such that the content of the question is "What is the name of the hand in Mahjong?", and the content of the answer components and the correct order are "First: 'Big' or 'Small', Second: 'Three', Third: 'Original'" (that is, the correct order is 'Big' → 'Three' → 'Original' or 'Small' → 'Three' → 'Original'). When this question is presented, four answer areas AA are provided in the answer display section AD, and three answer components of 'Big', 'Small', 'Three', and 'Original' are arranged in the answer area AA. Then, either when the answer area AA is selected in the order of 'Big' → 'Three' → 'Original' or when the answer area AA is selected in the order of 'Small' → 'Three' → 'Original', it may be determined as the correct answer. Even in the case of the above, the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment are achieved, and by increasing the selection patterns of the answer area AA that is the correct answer, the game playability is improved and the player's interest can be enhanced.

[0097] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the position and size of the answer area AA are always the same, and the unselected answer area AA is always selectable (detection of contact is effective) within the time limit, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the position of the answer area AA may be changed (e.g., each answer area AA is randomly arranged within the answer display section AD, or each answer area AA moves within the time limit), or the size of the answer area AA may be changed (e.g., it is reduced to be extremely difficult to touch, or it is enlarged to be extremely easy to touch). Also, the interval between the answer areas AA may be shortened, or the interval between the answer areas AA may be lengthened. Further, within the time limit, the detection of contact with the answer area AA may be switched between valid and invalid at predetermined time intervals (i.e., within the time limit, there are timings when the answer area AA can be selected and timings when it cannot be selected). In the above embodiment, the selected answer area AA could not be selected again (the detection of contact became invalid) during answering, but it is not limited to this, and the selected answer area AA may also be selectable again. Even in the case as described above, it has the same operational effects as the above embodiment, and since the difficulty level of selecting the answer area A changes, the actionability increases and the game playability improves, so it is possible to enhance the player's interest.

[0098] (5) In the above embodiment, the correct answer was determined when the last answer area AA in the correct answer selection order was selected (when contact with the last answer area AA was detected), but it is not limited to this, and the correct answer may be determined when the answer area AA one before the last is selected. For example, among the four answer areas AA, if the answer areas AA up to the third in the correct answer selection order are selected, the correct answer may be determined when the third answer area AA is selected. Even in the case as described above, it has the same operational effects as the above embodiment, and since the timing of determining the correct answer is advanced and the progress of the game becomes speedy, it is possible to enhance the player's interest.

[0099] (6) In the above embodiment, depending on the problem, a tap operation or a swipe operation is specified as the input operation to be performed by the player when answering. If the specified input operation (the input operation corresponding to the received game data) is not performed, it is determined as an operation failure. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, for any problem, either a tap operation or a swipe operation may be used when answering (so that any input operation is not determined as an operation failure). Also, input operations other than tap operations and swipe operations (for example, touch operations, flick operations, etc.) may be used when answering. Even in the case as described above, the same operational effects as those of the above embodiment are achieved.

[0100] (7) In the above embodiment, if an input operation not corresponding to the received game data is performed, when the answer area AA is selected thereafter, it is determined as an operation failure. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be determined as an operation failure at the time when an input operation not corresponding to the received game data is performed. Even in the case as described above, the same operational effects as those of the above embodiment are achieved.

[0101] (8) In the above embodiment, if an input operation not corresponding to the received game data is performed and the answer area AA is selected in an order different from the correct selection order (that is, when the conditions for determining an incorrect answer and the conditions for determining an operation failure overlap and are satisfied), it is determined as an operation failure with priority given to the incorrect answer (without being determined as an incorrect answer). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be determined as an incorrect answer with priority given to the operation failure (without being determined as an operation failure), or it may be determined as both an operation failure and an incorrect answer. Even in the case as described above, the same operational effects as those of the above embodiment are achieved.

[0102] (9) In the above-described embodiment, the same time limit was set for any problem, but it is not limited thereto, and different time limits may be set for each problem. Also, the time limit to be measured may be determined on the user terminal 200. Even in the case as described above, the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment are achieved.

[0103] (10) The displays performed on the game screen GS and the game over screen OS are not limited to the content of the above-described embodiment, and various other displays may be performed. For example, in a predetermined location (e.g., the problem display section QD, etc.) of the game screen GS, every time the answer area AA is selected, the content of the answer components arranged in the selected answer area AA may be displayed in order. Also, every time the answer area AA is selected in the correct selection order, the display color of the selected answer area AA may be changed. Also, for the answer area AA selected in an order different from the correct selection order, it may be changed to a display color different from that when selected in the correct selection order (a display color that can suggest that it is incorrect). Also, in the answer display section AD, a display (e.g., a display that suggests the order of taps when a tap operation is performed, a display that suggests the movement trajectory when a swipe operation is performed) that enables the order in which the answer area AA was selected to be grasped may be performed. Also, when a determination of incorrect answer, operation failure, or time expiration is made, not only a display indicating that the determination has been made may be performed in the problem display section QD, but also an indication that the determination has been made may be provided in the answer display section AD. Even in the case as described above, the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment are achieved.

[0104] (11) In the above-described embodiment, the question presentation continued to be executed as long as it was continuously determined to be correct, and the game ended when it was determined to be an incorrect answer, operation failure, or time expiration. However, the progress of the game is not limited thereto. For example, instead of ending the game when an incorrect answer, operation failure, or time limit is reached, the game may end when a predetermined number (e.g., 10 questions) of questions have been presented. That is, even if a determination of an incorrect answer, operation failure, or time limit is made, the game may not end until a predetermined number of questions have been presented. Also, for example, when a predetermined change condition (e.g., the number of consecutive correct answers reaches a predetermined number, the cumulative answer time from when a question is presented until a correct answer is input reaches a predetermined time, etc.) is satisfied, the difficulty level of the questions to be presented may be changed. Specifically, a plurality of question tables QT may be provided, and for each question table QT, the difficulty level of the questions stored may be set to be different. Then, when the above change condition is satisfied, the question table QT used when determining the questions to be presented may be switched. Also, for example, when a predetermined privilege granting condition (e.g., the number of consecutive correct answers reaches a predetermined number, the answer time from when a question is presented until a correct answer is input is less than or equal to a predetermined time, the cumulative points obtained by satisfying a predetermined condition reach a predetermined value, the number of times the game is played reaches a predetermined number, the cumulative number of questions answered in past plays reaches a predetermined number, etc.) is satisfied, a predetermined privilege may be granted. Examples of the predetermined privilege include items that can advantageously advance the game (e.g., an item that extends the time limit when used, an item that reduces the difficulty level of the questions to be presented when used, an item that suggests the answer area AA to be selected first when used, an item that invalidates the determination of an incorrect answer, operation failure, or time limit only once when used, etc.), points, items, virtual passes, etc. that can be used within a predetermined game. Even in the case of the above, the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment are achieved.

[0105] (12) The quiz game in the above embodiment may be executed during other genre games. For example, the quiz game of the above-described embodiment may be performed in a battle with an enemy character in a so-called RPG (ROLL PLAYING GAME). Specifically, a question may be posed by the enemy character, and if the answer is correct, damage can be inflicted on the enemy character, and if the answer is incorrect, damage may be inflicted on the player character, and a battle may be executed. Also, for example, depending on the number of consecutive correct answers or the answer time from the question being posed until the correct answer is input, the amount of damage that can be inflicted on the enemy character may change (for example, the more consecutive correct answers there are (the shorter the answer time), the greater the amount of damage increases, etc.), or control such that the degree of advantage of the reward obtained when winning the battle changes (for example, the more consecutive correct answers there are (the shorter the answer time), the easier it is to obtain a favorable reward, etc.) may be executed. Even in the case as described above, the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment are achieved.

[0106] (13) In the above-described embodiment, in the server 100, any problem data is determined from among the problem tables QT by performing a predetermined problem determination lottery, and the problem data determined as game data is transmitted to the user terminal 200. In the user terminal 200, the answer area AA for arranging the answer components included in the received game data is determined. However, the division of processing performed by the server 100 and the user terminal 200 is not limited to this. For example, in server 100, not only may problem data be determined, but also answer area AA for arranging answer components may be determined. Also, all the problem data stored in problem table QT in server 100 may be transmitted to user terminal 200, and in user terminal 200, problem data may be determined and answer area AA for arranging answer components may be determined. That is, each process in the above embodiment may be executed by at least either server 100 or user terminal 200, and the execution timing and the device for execution are not particularly limited. Also, the functions of server 100 may be provided in one server 100 in its entirety, or may be distributed and provided in multiple servers 100. Even when configured as above, the same operational effects as in the above embodiment are achieved.

[0107] (14) In the above embodiment, a smartphone is used as user terminal 200, and a game can be executed by a dedicated application installed in user terminal 200. However, the type of user terminal 200 and the tool for executing the game are not limited to this. For example, a personal computer may be used as user terminal 200, or a game may be made executable by a general web browser. Also, in this case, answers may be input by drag operations or click operations using a mouse. Even when configured as above, the same operational effects as in the above embodiment are achieved.

[0108] (15) The program for executing the processes in the above embodiment may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium and provided as the storage medium. Also, the above embodiment may be not a client-server type information processing system S, but an information processing device that stores the above program and can execute the same processes as information processing system S alone, or may be an information processing method for realizing each function and the steps shown in the flowchart.

[0109] Note that the entire area of the touch panel 262 in the above embodiment corresponds to an example of the detection area of the present invention. The tap operation and the swipe operation in the above embodiment correspond to examples of a predetermined operation of the present invention. The game control means 286 for making a determination with the correct answer in the above embodiment corresponds to an example of the determination means of the present invention. The tap operation in the above embodiment corresponds to an example of the first operation of the present invention. The swipe operation in the above embodiment corresponds to an example of the second operation of the present invention. The answer area AA in an order different from the correct answer selection order in the above embodiment corresponds to an example of the incorrect answer area of the present invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0110] S Information processing system GS Game screen QD Question display section AD Answer display section CD Input operation display section TD Time limit display section OS Game over screen 100 Server 200 User terminal 262 Touch panel 284 Operation control section 286 Game control section 288 Screen control section

Claims

1. A determination means that functions a computer to execute a specific determination as to whether contact with an answer area is detected in a predetermined order when a predetermined operation is performed, The predetermined operation includes a first operation in which, after contact is detected in one answer area, the detection of contact is released and then the operation is performed so that contact is detected in the next answer area, a second operation in which, after contact is detected in one answer area, the detection of contact is maintained and then the operation is performed so that contact is detected in the next answer area, and a program that includes at least these.

2. The determination means When the second operation is performed and contact with an incorrect answer area that is an answer area different from the answer area in the next order determined for one answer area is detected, determines that contact with the answer area has not been detected in the predetermined order. The program according to claim 1.

3. The determination means When the second operation is performed and contact is detected in the detection area from one answer area to the incorrect answer area, does not execute the specific determination. The program according to claim 2.

4. An information processing system comprising a determination means that executes a specific determination as to whether contact with an answer area is detected in a predetermined order when a predetermined operation is performed, The predetermined operation includes a first operation in which, after contact is detected in one answer area, the detection of contact is released and then the operation is performed so that contact is detected in the next answer area, a second operation in which, after contact is detected in one answer area, the detection of contact is maintained and then the operation is performed so that contact is detected in the next answer area, and at least includes these.

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