Information processing apparatus, travel route selection method, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, a movement route selection method, and a movement route selection program that enable a user to more easily select a movement route.SOLUTION: In the frame movement process, a route 43 that satisfies the number of squares to which the frame 41 displayed on the screen 14 can be moved from the starting point is derived. Then, in the frame movement process, the position where the user's finger touches the screen 14 is set as the reference position 46A, and the route 43 according to the movement position 46A of the finger from the reference position 46B, that is, the arrow UI44, is displayed on the screen 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a travel route selection method, and a travel route selection program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, information processing devices equipped with touch panel displays have become widespread, and, for example, games have been developed in which a user selects a movement path for an object such as a character by operating the touch panel display with a finger.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an object movement control device that moves an object displayed on a screen. In the object movement control device described in Patent Document 1, a player draws, corrects, or randomly determines the object's movement path by touching (sliding, clicking) the touch panel with a stick. Once the object's movement path is determined, clicking a point on the movement path causes the object to move along the movement path to the clicked position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-113469 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in a method in which the user draws the movement path of an object, as in the object movement control device disclosed in Patent Document 1, if the user makes a mistake in the movement path, the user must redraw the movement path. Also, if the touch panel display is small, it may be difficult to draw the movement path itself. As such, the object movement control device described in Patent Document 1 lacks convenience in selecting the movement path of an object.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide an information processing device, a travel route selection method, and a travel route selection program that allow a user to select a travel route more easily. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device, the travel route selection method, and the travel route selection program of the present invention employ the following means.

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, an "information processing device" according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a movement path deriving means for deriving a movement path that satisfies predetermined conditions from a starting point displayed on a touch panel display; and a display control means for displaying, on the touch panel display, the movement path according to the movement position of the indicator from the reference position, where the position is a reference position, where the indicator is moved. This allows a user to more easily select a movement path.

[0009] To solve the above problem, a "travel route selection method" according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first step of deriving a travel route that satisfies a predetermined condition from a starting point displayed on a touch panel display, and a second step of displaying, on the touch panel display, the travel route according to the movement position of the indicator from the reference position, where the position is set as a reference position, on the touch panel display. This allows a user to more easily select a travel route.

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, a "travel route selection program" according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a travel route derivation means that derives a travel route that satisfies predetermined conditions from a starting point displayed on a touch panel display, and a display control means that sets a position where an indicator touches the touch panel display as a reference position and displays the travel route on the touch panel display according to the movement position of the indicator from the reference position, thereby enabling a user to more easily select a travel route.

[0011] Various technical limitations may be imposed on the above-mentioned "information processing device," as exemplified below. Furthermore, technical limitations of the same purport may be imposed on the processing steps executed by the "travel route selection method" or the functions of the "travel route selection program."

[0012] The display control means displays, on the touch panel display, a direction indication image based on a line connecting the reference position and the movement position, and displays, on the touch panel display, the movement path according to the orientation of the direction indication image, thereby allowing the user to easily recognize the movement path that he or she has selected.

[0013] The device further includes a movement path determination unit that determines the movement path displayed when the pointer is moved away from the touch panel display as the movement path selected by the user, thereby enabling the user to easily select and determine the movement path with a single continuous operation.

[0014] The information processing device includes an area dividing unit that divides an area including the movement path into a plurality of divided areas for each of the movement paths, and the display control unit causes the touch panel display to display the movement path included in the divided area corresponding to the movement position from the reference position. This allows the information processing device to easily identify the movement path selected by the user.

[0015] a region dividing unit that divides a region including the travel path so that a plurality of branching paths arising from a predetermined branch point on the travel path are each included in a different divided region, a correction unit that corrects a destination point value indicating a position of the destination point when the branching path arising from the predetermined branch point and a destination point via the branching path are included in different divided regions, so that the destination point is included in the divided region including the branching path, and a destination point specifying unit that specifies the destination point indicated by the destination point value according to the movement position of the indicator from the reference position, and the display control unit displays the travel path leading to the destination point specified by the destination point specifying unit on the touch panel display, thereby enabling a user to select a travel path more intuitively.

[0016] The display control means displays on the touch panel display an image of a game board formed of a plurality of squares along which a piece can move, the starting point being the position of the piece, and the predetermined condition being the maximum number of squares that the piece can move to at one time. This allows the information processing device to easily derive a movement path in a game in which a piece moves between squares.

[0017] The game includes a movement amount determination means for determining the movement amount of the piece after determining the movement path of the piece. This creates an element of uncertainty different from conventional games in which the piece moves through the squares, allowing the user to experience a new sense of play.

[0018] The display control means displays an object on the touch panel display, on which a plurality of different numbers are displayed, and the movement amount determination means starts changing the display state of the numbers on the object after determining the movement path of the piece, and determines the movement amount of the piece based on the number that is displayed when the change in the display state of the object stops. This allows the information processing device to easily determine the movement amount of the piece in a game in which the piece moves between squares.

[0019] the display control means displays a plurality of the objects on the touch panel display; The movement amount determination means determines the movement amount of the piece based on the number indicated by the object selected by the user from among the plurality of objects. This reduces uncertainties in a game in which a piece moves between squares, making it easier for the user to develop and execute a strategy to advance the game to an advantage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, an effect is achieved in that a user can more easily select a travel route. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an arrow UI and a Sugoroku game board image according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of an image of a dice object and a Sugoroku game board according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] 1A to 1C are schematic diagrams illustrating route selection using an arrow UI according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1A to 1C are schematic diagrams illustrating route selection using an arrow UI according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a piece moving function according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a frame movement process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating another example of an arrow UI and an image of a Sugoroku game board according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram of a Sugoroku game board image including waypoints on a route according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a route from a starting point to a destination point according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing divided regions according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the destination point via the first branch route and the divided areas according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the angular range of the arrival point according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a piece moving function according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a selected route identification process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a case where the starting point and the first branch point are different according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a case where the present invention is applied to a navigation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] An information processing device, a travel route selection method, and a travel route selection program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the information processing device will be described as a mobile terminal, a so-called smartphone. Note that the mobile terminal is not limited to a smartphone, and may also be a tablet terminal, a laptop computer, or the like. Each program according to this embodiment is stored in the information processing device, but is not limited thereto and may also be stored in a storage medium such as an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) or a portable semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash memory.

[0023] [1. First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0024] [1-1. Mobile device configuration] FIG. 1 is a front view of a mobile terminal 10 according to this embodiment.

[0025] A touch panel display 14, which is an image display means for displaying images, is provided on the front of the housing 12 of the mobile terminal 10. The touch panel display 14 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a touch sensor. The LCD displays various images, and the touch sensor accepts various input operations performed using a pointing device such as a finger, a stylus, or a pen. In the following description, the touch panel display 14 is also referred to as the screen 14.

[0026] The front of the housing 12 of the mobile terminal 10 is provided with a microphone 16 for inputting sound, a speaker 18 for outputting sound, and a camera 20 for capturing an image of a subject. The camera 20 is provided not only on the front of the housing 12 but also on the back of the housing 12. Furthermore, the side of the housing 12 is provided with operation buttons 22 such as a power button for starting or stopping the mobile terminal 10 and a button for adjusting the volume of the sound output by the speaker 18. The housing 12 of the mobile terminal 10 is also provided with a slot for inserting a memory card, a USB terminal, etc.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the mobile terminal 10. As shown in FIG.

[0028] In addition to the above configuration, the mobile terminal 10 includes a main control unit 24, a main memory unit 26, an auxiliary memory unit 28, and a communication unit 30.

[0029] The main control unit 24 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like, and controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 10.

[0030] The main storage unit 26 is configured with, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used as a work area when the main control unit 24 executes processes based on various programs.

[0031] The auxiliary storage unit 28 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, and stores various data such as images and programs used in the processing of the main control unit 24. The programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 28 include, for example, an OS for realizing the basic functions of the mobile terminal 10. These include the operating system, drivers for controlling various hardware, and applications (hereinafter referred to as "apps") for implementing email, web browsing, and other functions.

[0032] The communication unit 30 is, for example, a network interface controller (NIC), and has a function of connecting to a communication network such as a mobile phone network. Note that instead of or together with the NIC, the communication unit 30 may have a function of connecting to a wireless local area network (LAN), a function of connecting to a wireless wide area network (WAN), and a function of enabling short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared communication, etc.

[0033] The main control unit 24, main memory unit 26, auxiliary memory unit 28, communication unit 30, touch panel display 14, microphone 16, speaker 18, camera 20, and operation buttons 22 are electrically connected to one another via a system bus 32. Therefore, the main control unit 24 can access the main memory unit 26 and auxiliary memory unit 28, display images on the touch panel display 14, grasp the operation status of the touch panel display 14 and operation buttons 22 by the user, input sound to the microphone 16, output sound from the speaker 18, control the camera 20, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 30.

[0034] [1-2. Sugoroku Game] In the mobile terminal 10 according to this embodiment, a Sugoroku game application for executing the Sugoroku game is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 28.

[0035] [1-2-1. Overview of Sugoroku Game] 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams of a Sugoroku game board image 40 that is displayed on the screen 14 when a user plays the Sugoroku game.

[0036] The Sugoroku game board image 40 according to the present embodiment is formed of a plurality of squares 42 along which the pieces 41 move. As an example, the squares 42 are arranged two-dimensionally (flatly), but may also be arranged three-dimensionally (stereoscopically). In the three-dimensional Sugoroku game image 40, for example, adjacent squares 42 have vertical steps. Furthermore, an area where squares 42 are arranged may have areas where no squares 42 are arranged. The area where squares 42 are arranged according to the present embodiment is a planar area. The planar area according to the present embodiment is an area that includes the movement path 43 of the pieces 41, and is a plane when the Sugoroku game board image 40 is viewed from above. In other words, even if there are vertical steps among the squares 42 forming the Sugoroku game board image 40, the Sugoroku game board image 40 is treated as a planar area when viewed from above. Note that in the present embodiment, the planar area is an area parallel to the screen 14.

[0037] The movement path 43 is a path along which the piece 41 can move from its current position. Specifically, the movement path 43 is a path that connects a start point (departure point), which is the current position of the piece 41, with an end point (arrival point), which is a position that the piece 41 can reach in one go. In the following explanation, the movement path 43 will be referred to as a route 43.

[0038] 3 and 4 corresponds to the starting point for deriving a route 43, the details of which will be described later.

[0039] The Sugoroku game according to this embodiment derives a route 43 from the current position of the piece 41. When multiple routes 43 along which the piece 41 can move are derived, the route 43 according to the state of contact of the user's finger with the screen 14 (hereinafter also referred to as "touch operation") is displayed on the screen 14, as shown in the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4. Then, after the user determines the route 43 for the piece 41, the Sugoroku game determines the number of movements of the piece 41 and moves the piece 41.

[0040] When a user determines a route 43 for his / her piece 41, the user touches the screen 14 with a finger and moves the finger on the screen 14. An arrow UI (User Interface) 44 corresponding to the user's touch operation is displayed on the screen 14, and a route 43 corresponding to the direction of the arrow UI 44 is also displayed on the screen 14. Note that displaying the route 43 here means highlighting the squares 42 that form the route 43 so that they can be distinguished from the squares 42 that do not form the route 43. In the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4, an arrangement of consecutive squares 42 hatched with diagonal lines is represented as the route 43.

[0041] The user moves his / her finger on the screen 14 to change the direction of the arrow UI 44, thereby switching the routes 43 displayed on the screen 14 and selecting a route 43. Then, when the user removes his / her finger from the screen 14 (hereinafter referred to as "touch-off"), the route 43 displayed on the screen 14 is determined as the route 43 selected by the user.

[0042] In the sugoroku game according to this embodiment, after the user determines a route 43 of the piece 41, a dice object 45, which is an object on which a plurality of different numbers are displayed, is displayed on the screen 14, and the dice object 45 is rotated (see FIG. 4). Then, the piece 41 moves across the squares 42 on the route 43 determined by the user by a number corresponding to the number rolled on the dice object 45.

[0043] The process of deriving the route 43 of the piece 41, the route selection by the user, and the movement of the piece 41 are collectively referred to as piece movement processing.

[0044] Furthermore, the Sugoroku game according to this embodiment is an online game, and multiple mobile terminals 10 are connected to a network, allowing multiple users to play simultaneously (hereinafter referred to as "multiple player play"). In multi-player play, as an example, the same Sugoroku game board image 40 is displayed on the screen 14 of each user's mobile terminal 10. In the example of FIGS. 3 and 4, one piece 41 is displayed, but in multi-player play, a piece 41 is displayed for each user playing.

[0045] In a multiplayer game, the order in which users move their pieces 41 (hereinafter referred to as "turns") is determined in advance. Each user selects a route for the piece 41 and moves the piece 41 during their turn.

[0046] In the sugoroku game according to this embodiment, an event may be set on a square 42. When a piece 41 stops on or passes through a square 42 on which an event is set, the event is executed. Furthermore, depending on the user's game state, squares 42 may be set on which a specific piece 41 cannot stop or pass, or squares 42 on which a specific piece 41 can stop or pass. Furthermore, an enemy character may appear in the sugoroku game, and an event may be performed in which the enemy character is defeated.

[0047] Furthermore, in the Sugoroku game according to this embodiment, a condition for clearing the game is, for example, to complete a specific mission. The condition for clearing the game is not limited, and the condition for clearing the game may be set as reaching a goal, which is the final destination of the piece 41, or obtaining a predetermined score. Furthermore, in the Sugoroku game, although the user performs specific events or missions, there may not be a clear concept of clearing the game.

[0048] [1-2-2. Route derivation] The piece movement process derives a route 43 that satisfies a predetermined condition from the starting point of the piece 41 displayed on the screen 14. The starting point is the current position of the piece 41 for which the route 43 is to be derived. The predetermined condition is the maximum number of squares that the piece 41 can move in one turn (hereinafter referred to as the "number of movable squares"). This makes it possible to derive a movement path through simple processing in a sugoroku game in which pieces move.

[0049] The number of movable squares according to this embodiment is, for example, 6. Furthermore, as the predetermined condition, predetermined waypoints 48 through which the piece 41 passes may be set, as shown in FIG. 10, which will be described in detail later. Furthermore, as the predetermined condition, a predetermined route (part of the route 43) through which the piece 41 passes may be set.

[0050] The piece movement process according to this embodiment derives all routes 43 that can be moved from the current position of the piece 41 within the number of movable spaces. Note that the method of deriving the routes 43 is not limited to this and may involve deriving the routes 43 by a brute force approach, for example.

[0051] Furthermore, the derivation of the route 43 may be performed when it is the turn of the piece 41 (user) to be derived, or may be performed after the turn of the piece 41 (user) to be derived has ended and before the next turn, for example, while another user is taking their turn.

[0052] [1-2-3. Route selection using arrow UI] In the piece movement process, after the route 43 is derived, the position where the user's finger touches the screen 14 is set as a reference position 46A (see FIG. 3), and the route 43 according to the position 46B to which the finger moves from the reference position 46A is displayed on the screen 14. That is, in the piece movement process according to this embodiment, the route 43 according to the direction of the arrow UI 44 is displayed on the screen 14 as described above. Note that the reference position 46A according to this embodiment is, as an example, a position that serves as a starting point for a slide operation, which will be described later. Furthermore, without being limited to this, the reference position 46A may be the first position where multiple consecutive touch operations (for example, two touch operations) have been performed.

[0053] The arrow UI44 is a direction indication image based on a straight line (hereinafter referred to as a "two-point line") 46C connecting the reference position 46A and the movement position 46B. As an example, the arrow UI44, which is a direction indication image, is an image of a straight line with one end in the shape of an arrow, and allows the user to recognize the movement of the finger performing the sliding operation from the reference position 46A. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the arrow UI44 according to this embodiment has its tip at the reference position 46A and extends from the reference position 46A in the direction (pulling direction) toward the movement position 46B. In other words, the tip direction of the arrow UI44 is the direction opposite to the movement direction of the finger relative to the reference position 46A.

[0054] The reference position 46A does not change until the user touches off the screen 14 during one route selection. On the other hand, the moving position 46B changes in response to a slide operation in which the user moves their finger on the screen 14. That is, in the arrow UI 44 according to this embodiment, the position of the tip of the arrow does not change, and the position of the rear end of the arrow changes in response to the user's slide operation. Note that although the reference position 46A, the moving position 46B, and the point-to-point line 46C are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, these are not displayed on the screen 14 in an actual Sugoroku game.

[0055] Then, in the piece movement process according to the present embodiment, the route 43 derived from the plurality of routes 43 that corresponds to the direction of the arrow UI 44 is displayed on the screen 14 as the route 43 currently selected by the user. Therefore, even if a plurality of routes 43 are derived, the route 43 displayed on the screen 14 is the one route 43 currently selected by the user. When the user selects another route 43, the user moves the finger touching the screen 14 to change the direction of the arrow UI 44. As a result, the other route 43 is displayed on the screen 14.

[0056] In this way, the user can easily select the route 43 of the piece 41 by moving the finger based on the position where the finger first touched the screen 14. Furthermore, the piece movement process displays an arrow UI44 on the screen 14 based on a two-point line 46C connecting the reference position 46A and the movement position 46B, and displays the route 43 according to the direction of the arrow UI44 on the screen 14. Therefore, the user can easily recognize the route 43 that he or she is selecting, and the user can more easily select the route 43 of the piece 41.

[0057] Then, in the piece movement process according to this embodiment, the route 43 displayed when the user's finger touches off the screen 14 is determined as the route 43 selected by the user. That is, the user can select the route 43 by sliding the finger that touched the screen 14, and confirm the selection by touching off the finger from the screen 14. Therefore, the user can easily select and confirm the route 43 with a single continuous operation.

[0058] Here, the processing performed by the piece movement processing in the user's route selection will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

[0059] The piece movement process divides a planar area including the starting point of the piece 41 into a plurality of divided areas 47 for each route 43. That is, the divided areas 47 are obtained by dividing the planar area into a plurality of areas corresponding to each route 43. As an example, the divided areas 47 are determined by a central angle centered on the current position of the piece 41. In this manner, the central angle indicates the range of the divided area 47. For example, the central angle of an undivided planar area is 360°, and the divided areas 47 are fan-shaped and determined by a central angle less than 360° (for example, 180° if the planar area is divided into two). Then, the piece movement process displays on the screen 14 the moving position 46B from the reference position 46A, i.e., the route 43 included in the divided area 47 corresponding to the direction of the arrow UI 44.

[0060] 5, route 43A is included in divided area 47A, and route 43B is included in divided area 47B. When the user sets the direction of arrow UI44 to be like arrow UI44A, arrow UI44A points in the direction of divided area 47B, which means that the user has selected route 43B. On the other hand, when the user sets the direction of arrow UI44 to be like arrow UI44B, arrow UI44B points in the direction of divided area 47A, which means that the user has selected route 43A.

[0061] Here, a method for determining a divided area 47 including the route 43 by the piece moving process will be described. First, the piece moving process divides the planar area into two equal-sized divided areas 47. If the derived route 43 is included in one of the divided areas 47, the piece moving process sets the divided area 47 as the divided area 47 corresponding to the route 43. If the divided area 47 further includes multiple routes 43, the piece moving process further divides the divided area 47 and determines the divided area 47 corresponding to the route 43. In this way, the piece moving process divides the planar area in stages, and associates one divided area 47 with one route 43.

[0062] Therefore, if there are three derived routes 43, the divided area 47 is divided into three according to the routes 43 as shown in Figure 6(A), and if there are four derived routes 43, the divided area 47 is divided into four according to the routes as shown in Figure 6(B).

[0063] Note that, as an example, the range of the divided area 47 according to the present embodiment is determined by a central angle centered on the current position of the frame 41, as described above. A predetermined lower limit value is set for the central angle of each divided area 47. The lower limit value of the divided area 47 is set in advance, for example, taking into consideration the difficulty of a user selecting a route using the arrow UI 44. That is, if many routes 43 are derived and the lower limit value is small, the route 43 displayed on the screen 14 may change even if the user changes the direction of the arrow UI 44 slightly, making it difficult for the user to select the desired route 43. Therefore, by setting a lower limit value for the central angle of the divided area 47, it is possible to prevent a route 43 from being identified within a narrow central angle range, making it easier to select the route 43.

[0064] Furthermore, by setting a lower limit value for the divided area 47, there is a possibility that one divided area 47 may include multiple routes 43. For this reason, when multiple routes 43 are included in the divided area 47 whose central angle has reached the lower limit value, as one example, a route 43 with a predetermined high priority is displayed on the screen 14 so that the user can select it. For example, a route 43 that includes a square 42 in which a predetermined object (item) exists or a route 43 that includes a square 42 in which a predetermined object (enemy character, obstacle) does not exist is set as a route 43 with a high priority.

[0065] As described above, by dividing the planar area into a plurality of divided areas 47 for each route 43 and displaying on the screen 14 the routes 43 included in the divided areas 47 according to the direction of the arrow UI 44, the piece movement process can easily identify the route 43 selected by the user's touch operation.

[0066] 5 and 6, the planar area is circular, but the planar area may be rectangular or have other shapes as long as it is centered on the current position of the piece 41. The size (diameter) of the planar area is not particularly limited as long as it is large enough to include the entire derived route 43.

[0067] Also, the selectable routes 43 may change depending on the distance from the reference position 46A of the finger, which is the indicator, to the movement position 46B (hereinafter referred to as "movement distance"). For example, the greater the movement distance, the more selectable routes 43 may be, and the smaller the movement distance, the fewer selectable routes 43 may be. Also, if there is an obstacle on the route 43 and the movement distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a route 43 that goes beyond the obstacle may be selectable. Also, if multiple routes 43 are included in a divided area 47 whose central angle has reached a lower limit value, the selectable routes 43 may change by changing the movement distance.

[0068] [1-2-4. Movement of pieces according to the result of the dice object] In the piece movement process according to this embodiment, the amount of movement of the piece 41 is determined after the user has determined the route 43 of the piece 41. In other words, the user selects the route 43 while the amount of movement of the piece 41 is uncertain, and then determines the amount of movement of the piece 41. This creates an element of uncertainty that is different from conventional Sugoroku games, and the user will find the gameplay to be new.

[0069] The dice object 45 according to this embodiment is, for example, a regular hexahedron, and numbers 1 to 6 are displayed on each face. The dice object 45 may be a polyhedron other than a regular hexahedron. In addition, in the sugoroku game according to this embodiment, three dice objects 45 are displayed as an example, as shown in FIG. 4, but the number of dice objects 45 is not limited to this, and may be one or more.

[0070] The piece movement process according to this embodiment starts changing the display state of the numbers on the dice object 45 after the route 43 of the piece 41 is determined. That is, after the route 43 of the piece 41 is determined, the dice object 45 rotates without any other operation by the user. Then, the piece movement process determines the movement amount of the piece 41 based on the number that is displayed when the change in the display state of the dice object 45 stops, that is, when the rotation of the dice object 45 stops. This allows the piece movement process to easily determine the movement amount of the piece 41.

[0071] According to the present embodiment, the result of rolling the dice object 45, i.e., the numerical value indicating the movement amount of the piece 41, is determined randomly. For this reason, the process of determining the movement amount of the piece 41 based on the result of rolling the dice object 45 involves a large element of uncertainty. Therefore, the sugoroku game according to the present embodiment determines the movement amount of the piece 41 based on the number indicated by a dice object 45 selected by the user from among the plurality of dice objects 45. Note that in the sugoroku game according to the present embodiment, the number of dice objects 45 that the user can select is one, but this is not limiting and a plurality of dice objects 45 may be selectable. When the user selects a plurality of dice objects 45, the sum of the numbers indicated by the selected dice objects 45 may be determined as the movement amount, or the sum of the numbers indicated by all of the dice objects 45 may be determined as the movement amount.

[0072] In this way, in the sugoroku game of this embodiment, the user selects the result of one of the multiple dice objects 45 as the amount of movement of the piece 41, which reduces the uncertainties in the sugoroku game and makes it easier for the user to develop and execute a strategy to advance the game to their advantage.

[0073] Furthermore, the numerical value of the dice object 45 that the user has not selected as the amount of movement of the piece 41 may be used for other purposes. For example, the numerical value of the dice object 45 that the user has not selected as the amount of movement may be added to the score of the Sugoroku game, or may be added to points for purchasing items in the Sugoroku game, or may be added to points that can be used for other services.

[0074] Furthermore, the rotation state (change in display state) of the dice object 45 may change depending on the state when the finger as the pointing object is released from the screen 14.

[0075] For example, the tendency of the roll may change depending on the moving distance, which is the distance from the reference position 46A to the moving position 46B of the finger. Specifically, the greater the moving distance, the more likely the roll is to be a large number, or the smaller the moving distance, the more likely the roll is to be a small number. Also, the greater the moving distance, the more the number of dice objects 45 may increase, the greater the maximum number of rolls of the dice objects 45 may become, or the greater the moving distance, the more the number of faces of the dice objects 45 may increase.

[0076] Furthermore, the rotation state of the dice object 45, for example, the number of rotations, may be changed according to the movement (gesture) of the finger on the screen 14 when the finger is touched off the screen 14.

[0077] For example, when the screen 14 is touched off while making a gesture such as flicking a finger, the greater the movement of the gesture, the greater the rotation speed of the dice object 45. Also, the rotation speed of the dice object 45 may change depending on the time elapsed from when the finger touches the screen 14 until when the finger is released from the screen 14. Also, a gauge image may be displayed on the screen 14, the value of the gauge changes over time, and the rotation speed of the dice object 45 may change depending on the value of the gauge at the time when the finger is released from the screen 14.

[0078] Furthermore, the Sugoroku game may allow the player to control the number rolled on the dice object 45 along with the growth of the character, which is the piece 41. For example, the character may be given the ability to increase or decrease the number rolled on the piece 41, or the character may be given the ability to display a desired number rolled.

[0079] As described above, in this embodiment, the dice object 45 rotates without the user performing any other operation after the route 43 of the piece 41 is determined, but this is not limited to this. The dice object 45 may also rotate after the user performs another operation, such as touching a specified image displayed on the screen 14, after the route 43 of the piece 41 is determined.

[0080] In addition, in this embodiment, the object for determining the amount of movement of the piece 41 is the dice object 45, but this is not limited to this, and the object may have any other shape as long as it displays multiple different numbers, such as a roulette object that imitates a roulette wheel.

[0081] [1-3. Function blocks related to frame movement processing] 7 is a functional block diagram related to the piece movement processing according to this embodiment. The main control unit 24 provided in the mobile terminal 10 includes a display control unit 50, a route derivation unit 51, a touch position identification unit 52, an area division unit 53A, a route selection unit 54A, a route determination unit 55, and a movement amount determination unit 56. The processing executed by each function provided in the mobile terminal 10 is realized by a program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 28.

[0082] The display control unit 50 controls the display state of the screen 14. More specifically, the display control unit 50 displays on the screen 14 images necessary for the user to play the Sugoroku game, such as a Sugoroku game board image 40, pieces 41, an arrow UI 44, a route 43 selected by the user, and a dice object 45.

[0083] The route deriving unit 51 derives a route 43 that satisfies the number of spaces that can be moved from the starting point of the piece 41 displayed on the screen 14.

[0084] The touch position identification unit 52 identifies the reference position 46A and the movement position 46B caused by the user touching the screen 14. The identified reference position 46A and the movement position 46B are used by the display control unit 50 in a process of displaying the arrow UI 44 on the screen 14.

[0085] The area dividing unit 53A divides the planar area in which the cells 42 are arranged into a plurality of divided areas 47 for each of the routes 43 derived by the route deriving unit 51.

[0086] The route selection unit 54A identifies the route 43 included in the divided area 47 corresponding to the direction of the arrow UI44 displayed on the screen 14 as the route 43 selected by the user. The route 43 identified by the route selection unit 54A is displayed on the screen 14.

[0087] The route determination unit 55 determines the route 43 displayed on the screen 14 when the user's finger touches off the screen 14 as the route 43 selected by the user.

[0088] The movement amount determination unit 56 starts the rotation of the dice object 45 after determining the route 43, and determines the number shown when the rotation of the dice object 45 stops as the movement amount of the piece 41.

[0089] [1-4. Flowchart of frame movement processing] 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the piece movement process executed by the main control unit 24 of the mobile terminal 10, and is executed while the user is playing the Sugoroku game. A program for executing the piece movement process according to this embodiment is stored in advance in a predetermined area of ​​the auxiliary storage unit 28.

[0090] First, in step S100, the route deriving unit 51 determines whether it is the user's turn to operate the mobile terminal 10, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S102, and if the determination is negative, the process enters a waiting state.

[0091] In step S102, the route derivation unit 51 derives a route 43 along which the top 41 can move. After the route 43 is derived, the area division unit 53A divides the planar area into a plurality of divided areas 47 for each route 43.

[0092] In the next step S104, the touch position specifying unit 52 determines whether or not the user has touched the screen 14. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S106, and if the determination is negative, the process enters a waiting state.

[0093] In step S106, the touch position identifying unit 52 identifies the reference position 46A.

[0094] In the next step S108, the touch position specifying unit 52 specifies the movement position 46B, and the display control unit 50 displays the arrow UI 44 on the screen 14.

[0095] In the next step S110, the route selection unit 54A identifies the route 43 included in the divided area 47 corresponding to the direction of the arrow UI44 as the route 43 selected by the user.

[0096] In the next step S112, the display control unit 50 displays on the screen 14 the route 43 identified by the route selection unit 54A.

[0097] In the next step S114, the route determination unit 55 determines whether or not the user's finger has touched off the screen 14. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S116, and if the determination is negative, the process returns to step S108. Note that if the process returns to step S108, the route 43 displayed on the screen 14 is switched in accordance with the change in the direction of the arrow UI 44 until the user touches off the screen 14 with their finger.

[0098] In step S116, the route determination unit 55 determines the route 43 displayed on the screen 14 when the user's finger touches off the screen 14 as the route 43 selected by the user.

[0099] In the next step S118, the movement amount determination unit 56 rotates the dice object 45 and determines the number indicated when the dice object 45 stops as the movement amount of the piece 41.

[0100] In the next step S120, the display control unit 50 controls the display on the screen 14 so that the piece 41 moves on the route 43 by the movement amount determined in step S118, and the process returns to step S100.

[0101] As described above, the piece movement process according to this embodiment derives a route 43 that satisfies the number of movable squares from the starting point of the piece 41 displayed on the screen 14. The piece movement process then sets the position where the user's finger touches the screen 14 as a reference position 46A, and displays on the screen 14 the route 43 corresponding to the position 46B to which the finger has moved from the reference position 46A, i.e., the arrow UI 44. This allows the user to easily select the route 43 for the piece 41.

[0102] In the present embodiment, the arrow UI 44 has been described as having a tip at the reference position 46A and extending from the reference position 46A in the direction (pulling direction) to the movement position 46B, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the movement position 46B may be the tip of the arrow UI 44. That is, in the example of FIG. 9, the arrow UI 44 is displayed by moving the finger in the opposite direction to the example of FIG. 3. Therefore, the position of the tip of the arrow and the length of the arrow UI 44 shown in FIG. 9 change in response to a slide operation by the user.

[0103] 10, in selecting a route for the piece 41, waypoints 48 may be set from the starting point of the piece 41. Specifically, after the user's turn, the square 42 that the user first touches on the screen 14 is set as the waypoint 48, and then a route 43 is derived with the waypoint 48 as the starting point. The user then selects the route 43 using the arrow UI 44. That is, the movement of the piece 41 from the starting point to the set waypoint 48 is confirmed, and the route 43 from the waypoint 48 onwards is selected by the user using the arrow UI 44. Note that the waypoint 48 may be set automatically as part of an event or the like, without being set by the user.

[0104] In addition, in this embodiment, a form has been described in which the movement amount of piece 41 is determined after the user selects route 43, but this is not limited to this, and route 43 may be selected by the user after the movement amount of piece 41 has been determined.

[0105] [2. Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0106] The configuration of the mobile terminal 10 according to this embodiment is the same as the configuration of the mobile terminal 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0107] [2-1. Overview of route selection using arrow UI] Route selection according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. The piece movement process according to this embodiment corrects a destination value indicating the position of a destination point 62 on a route in accordance with a branch route 63 leading to the destination point 62. The destination point 62 is a position that the piece 41 can reach in one turn, and more specifically, a position that can be reached from the starting point 60 of the piece 41 by the number of movable squares. The destination point value is a value indicating the destination point 62. As will be described in detail later, the destination point value according to this embodiment is represented by an angle between a line connecting the starting point 60 and the destination point 62 of the piece 41 and a predetermined reference line 65. However, the destination point value is not limited to this, and may be represented by XY coordinates, where the horizontal direction of the screen 14 is the X coordinate and the vertical direction of the screen 14 is the Y coordinate.

[0108] 11 to 13, the dashed line indicates the route 43, the diamond indicates the starting point 60 of the piece 41, the white dot indicates the branching point 61 of the route 43, and the black dot indicates the destination point 62 of the route 43. In the examples of FIGS. 11 to 13, the first branching point 61f and the starting point 60 are the same, and the number of spaces that can be moved is six.

[0109] When selecting a route for piece 41, the user tends to check the destination 62 of piece 41, but also check a destination that is closer to the starting point 60 of piece 41, i.e., a branch route 63 that is closer to the starting point 60, before selecting the destination for piece 41. For this reason, when the branch route 63 that is closer to the starting point 60 is far from the destination 62, more specifically when selecting a route 43 that has a route that goes around the starting point 60, the direction of the branch route 63 and the destination point 62 is different from that of the starting point 60, and the user may feel uncomfortable because the route selection operation is not intuitive.

[0110] Therefore, in route selection in the piece movement process according to this embodiment, the planar area is divided so that multiple branch routes 63 arising from a predetermined branch point 61 on the route 43 each become a different divided area 64. Then, in the piece movement process, if a branch route 63 arising from the predetermined branch point 61 and a destination point 62 passing through this branch route 63 are included in different divided areas 64, the destination point value indicating the position of the destination point 62 is corrected so that the destination point 62 is included in the divided area 64 that includes this branch route 63. Then, the piece movement process identifies the destination point 62 based on the state of contact of the user's finger with the screen 14 and the corrected destination point value 62.

[0111] In addition, when selecting a route, the user tends to be more aware of branch points 61 that are closer to the starting point 60. For this reason, in the piece movement process according to this embodiment, the predetermined branch point 61 that serves as the basis for dividing the planar area is set to the first branch point 61f from the starting point 60, thereby enabling the user to select a route more intuitively.

[0112] [2-2. Details of correction of arrival point value] 11 to 13, the angle written in the box 42 indicates a destination point value that indicates the position of the destination point 62. The destination point value according to this embodiment is the angle between a predetermined reference line 65 and a straight line connecting the starting point 60 and the destination point 62 of the piece 41. The piece movement process according to this embodiment corrects the angle that indicates the destination point value so that the destination point 62 is included in the divided area 64 that includes the branch route 63, and identifies the destination point 62 based on the state of contact of the user's finger with the screen 14 and the corrected angle. In this way, by expressing the destination point value as an angle, the position of the destination point 62 relative to the starting point 60 can be simply and accurately represented, and the movement path can be easily identified.

[0113] As an example, the reference line 65 according to this embodiment is a straight line that passes through the starting point 60 and has an angle of 0° above the starting point 60 and an angle of 180° below the starting point 60. By expressing the position of the destination point 62 as an angle, the position of the destination point 62 relative to the starting point 60 can be expressed simply and accurately, and the route 43 can also be easily specified using the arrow UI 44, as will be described in detail later.

[0114] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a route 43 from a starting point 60 to a destination point 62. In the example of FIG. 11, a branch route 63A leading to a branch point 61A and a branch route 63B leading to a branch point 61B originate from a first branch point 61f (starting point 60). Therefore, the piece movement process according to this embodiment divides the planar area so that the branch routes 63A and 63B (branch points 61A and 61B) originating from the first branch point 61f become different divided areas 64A and 64B, respectively, as shown in FIG. In the following description, the branch route 63 originating from the first branch point 61f is also referred to as the first branch route 63.

[0115] The dividing line 66 that divides the planar area is, for example, a straight line that passes through the first branch point 61f and is positioned equidistant from the first branch routes 63A and 63B (or branch points 61A and 61B).

[0116] 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the divided region 64. In the example of FIG. 12, a branch route 63A (branch point 61A) is positioned at 90° with respect to the first branch point 61f, and a branch route 63B Since the branch point 61B is located at 180°, the division line 66 is a straight line passing through 135° and 315°. That is, the divided area 64A in Fig. 12 is in the range of 315°≦0°≦135°, and the divided area 64B is in the range of 135°≦180°≦315°. All of the branch routes 63, branch points 61, and destination points 62 are included in either the divided area 64A or 64B.

[0117] Furthermore, as an example, destination point 62 on dividing line 66 is included in divided area 64 that includes first branch route 63 leading to destination point 62. In the example of Fig. 11, destination point 62A having a destination value of 315° via first branch route 63A is included in divided area 64A, and destination point 62L having a destination value of 315° via first branch route 63B is included in divided area 64B.

[0118] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between a destination point 62 via initial branch routes 63A and 63B (branch points 61A and 61B) and divided areas 64A and 64B.

[0119] 13(A), destination points 62A to 62D that pass through branch route 63A are included in divided area 64A. On the other hand, destination points 62E and 62F pass through branch route 63A but are not included in divided area 64A, but are included in divided area 64B. Similarly, destination points 62I to 62L that pass through branch route 63B are included in divided area 64B. On the other hand, destination points 62G and 62H pass through branch route 63B but are not included in divided area 64B, but are included in divided area 64A. This means that when the user selects route 43 that reaches destination points 62E and 62F via branch route 63A or route 43 that reaches destination points 62G and 62H via branch route 63B, the user may feel uncomfortable with the touch operation for route selection, making it difficult for the user to make an intuitive selection.

[0120] Therefore, in the piece movement processing of this embodiment, when the first branch route 63 and the destination point 62 passing through it are included in different divided areas 64, the destination point value is corrected so that the destination point 62 is included in the divided area 64 that includes the first branch route 63.

[0121] 13(B) shows an example in which the arrival point values ​​of arrival points 62E to 62H have been corrected. To be included in divided area 64A, the arrival point value of arrival point 62E is corrected from 161° to 125°, and the arrival point value of arrival point 62F is corrected from 180° to 130°. To be included in divided area 64B, the arrival point value of arrival point 62G is corrected from 90° to 140°, and the arrival point value of arrival point 62H is corrected from 108° to 145°.

[0122] Furthermore, in the correction process according to this embodiment, the destination point value of the destination point 62 to be corrected is corrected so that it is between the destination point 62 not to be corrected and the dividing line 66 .

[0123] 13(B), the destination points 62E and 62F to be corrected are corrected to be between the destination point 62D not to be corrected and the dividing line 66, that is, within a range of 116° to 135° (hereinafter referred to as the "correction range"). Therefore, in the example of FIG. 13(B), the destination point values ​​of the destination points 62E and 62F are corrected to 125° and 130° at 5° intervals (hereinafter referred to as the "correction intervals") with the dividing line 66 as the base.

[0124] The correction interval is determined by the number of destination points 62 to be corrected that are included between destination point 62 not to be corrected and division line 66. In the example of Fig. 13(B), two destination points 62E and 62F to be corrected are included between destination point 62D not to be corrected and division line 66, which is the range of 116° to 135° (correction range). Therefore, as an example, the destination points 62E and 62F are spaced apart by 5° so that the destination point values ​​after correction do not exceed the correction range.

[0125] The correction of the arrival point values ​​of the arrival points 62G and 62H is also similar, with the correction range being 135° to 153° between the arrival point 62I, which is not the target of correction, and the dividing line 66. The arrival point values ​​of the arrival points 62G and 62H, which are the target of correction, are corrected to 140° and 145° at 5° intervals from the dividing line 66 so as to be included in the correction range.

[0126] Note that the correction interval may not be set, and the target point values ​​to be corrected may be corrected at equal intervals within the correction range. For example, if the correction range is from 116° to 135° and there are two target points 62 to be corrected, the target point values ​​of these two target points 62 are corrected to 122.3° and 128.6°.

[0127] The piece movement process according to this embodiment then identifies the arrival point 62 indicated by the arrival point value corresponding to the angle (hereinafter referred to as the "pull angle") formed between the reference line 65 and the point-to-point line 46C connecting the reference position 46A where the user touched the screen 14 and the movement position 46B, i.e., the pull angle of the arrow UI 44, which is the angle at which the arrow UI 44 points, and displays the route 43 leading to the arrival point 62 on the screen 14. More specifically, the piece movement process derives the arrival point value corresponding to an angle range including the pull angle of the arrow UI 44, and displays the route 43 leading to the arrival point 62 indicated by this arrival point value on the screen 14.

[0128] In this way, the piece movement process according to this embodiment sets an angle range for each route 43 based on the corrected angle indicating the arrival point value, and identifies the arrival point based on the angle range and the contact state of the user's finger on the screen 14. This allows the piece movement process to easily identify the route 43 selected by the user.

[0129] The angular range is a range that defines the boundary between each arrival point 62 and other adjacent arrival points 62. The angular range of the arrival point 62 according to this embodiment is determined by the intermediate value between the arrival point value of the arrival point 62 itself and the arrival point value of the other adjacent arrival points 62, with the arrival point value of the arrival point 62 as the center value.

[0130] 14, the destination point value of destination point 62B is 63°, and the destination point values ​​of adjacent destination points 62A and 62C are 315° and 90°, respectively. Therefore, the angle range of destination point 62B is centered at 63° and ranges from 354°, which is the midpoint between 315° and 63°, to 76.5°, which is the midpoint between 63° and 90°. Therefore, when the direction of arrow UI44 is between 354° and 76.5°, a route leading to destination point 62B is displayed on screen 14.

[0131] Similarly, the angular ranges of the other arrival points 62 are determined. Note that the angular range of each arrival point 62 does not overlap with the angular ranges of other arrival points 62.

[0132] Furthermore, the angular range of the arrival point 62 is not determined to exceed the angle of the division line 66 that defines the divided region 64. Therefore, the angular range of the arrival point 62 that is adjacent to or overlaps with the division line 66 is determined by the other adjacent arrival point values ​​and the angle of the division line 66. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the arrival point value of the arrival point 62A is 315°, which is the same as the angle of the division line 66. Therefore, the angular range of the arrival point 62A is from 315° to 354°.

[0133] Furthermore, the angle range of the destination points 62 is set to be equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit. Setting a lower limit for the angle range of the destination points 62 prevents the route 43 from being identified within a narrow angle range, making it easier for the user to select a route 43. If multiple routes 43 are included in the angle range that falls within the lower limit, a route 43 with a high priority that has been determined in advance may be displayed on the screen 14, as in the first embodiment, so that the user can select one. Furthermore, the angle ranges of all or some of the destination points 62 may be adjusted so that the angle ranges of all destination points 62 are equal to or greater than the lower limit; in other words, the destination point values ​​may be corrected.

[0134] In this way, the piece movement process according to this embodiment sets the angle between the line connecting the starting point 60 and the destination point 62 and the predetermined reference line 65 as a destination point value that indicates the position of the destination point 62. The piece movement process then identifies the destination point 62 indicated by the destination point value that corresponds to the angle at which the arrow UI 44 points, and displays the route 43 leading to this destination point 62 on the screen 14. Therefore, the piece movement process can display the route 43 corresponding to the arrow UI 44 on the screen 14 through simple processing.

[0135] The display position of the corrected destination point 62 on the screen 14 does not change even if the destination point value is corrected. In other words, the corrected destination point value is used to identify the route 43 selected by the user, but is not used to change the display state of the screen 14. As a result, correcting the destination point value does not affect the progress of the Sugoroku game.

[0136] [2-3. Function blocks related to frame movement processing] 15 is a functional block diagram related to the piece movement processing according to this embodiment. The main control unit 24 included in the mobile terminal 10 includes a display control unit 50, a route derivation unit 51, a touch position identification unit 52, a route determination unit 55, and a movement amount determination unit 56, as well as an area division unit 53B, an arrival point value correction unit 70, an angle range setting unit 71, an arrival point identification unit 72, and a route selection unit 54B. The processing executed by each function included in the mobile terminal 10 is realized by a program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 28. Note that the display control unit 50, the route derivation unit 51, the touch position identification unit 52, the route determination unit 55, and the movement amount determination unit 56 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0137] The area dividing unit 53B divides the planar area so that a plurality of first branch routes 63 arising from the first branch point 61f on the derived route 43 are each a different divided area 64.

[0138] When the first branch route 63 and the destination point 62 via this first branch route 63 are included in different divided areas 64, the destination point value correction unit 70 sets this destination point 62 as a correction target. Then, the destination point value correction unit 70 corrects the destination point value indicating the destination point 62 to be corrected so that it is included in the divided area 64 that includes the first branch route 63 that leads to this destination point 62.

[0139] The angle range setting unit 71 sets an angle range for each arrival point 62 .

[0140] The arrival point specifying unit 72 specifies the arrival point indicated by the arrival point value according to the pulling angle of the arrow UI44.

[0141] The route selection unit 54B identifies the route 43 leading to the destination point 62 identified by the destination point identification unit 72 as the route 43 selected by the user.

[0142] [2-4. Flowchart of the selected route identification process] 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the selected route identification process according to this embodiment, which is executed by the main control unit 24 of the mobile terminal 10. Note that the piece movement process according to this embodiment is executed by replacing step S108 of the piece movement process according to the first embodiment with the selected route identification process.

[0143] First, in step S200, the area dividing unit 53B identifies the first branch point 61f on the derived route 43.

[0144] In the next step S202, the area dividing unit 53B sets divided areas 64 so that the plurality of branch routes 63 arising from the first branch point 61f are each in a different area.

[0145] In the next step S204, the destination point value correction unit 70 determines whether or not there is a destination point 62 to be corrected that is included in a divided area 64 different from the first branch route 63, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S208.

[0146] In step S206, the destination point value correcting unit 70 corrects the destination point value of the destination point 62 to be corrected so that the destination point value of the destination point 62 to be corrected is included in the same divided area 64 as the first branch route 63.

[0147] In step S208, the angle range setting unit 71 sets the angle range for each arrival point 62.

[0148] In the next step S210, the arrival point specifying unit 72 specifies the arrival point 62 in the angle range according to the pulling angle of the arrow UI44.

[0149] In the next step 212, the route selection unit 54B identifies the route 43 leading to the destination point 62 identified by the destination point identification unit 72 as the route 43 selected by the user, and the selected route identification process ends.

[0150] As described above, the piece movement process according to this embodiment divides the planar area so that the first branch route 63 resulting from a predetermined branch point 61 on each route 43 is located in a different divided area 64. If the first branch route 63 and the destination point 62 passing through this first branch route 63 are included in different divided areas 64, the piece movement process corrects the destination point value indicating the destination point 62 so that the first branch route 63 and the destination point 62 are included in the same divided area 64. The corrected destination point value is then used when the user selects a route. Therefore, when the user selects a route using the arrow UI 44, the first branch route 63 and the destination point value indicating the destination point 62 passing through this first branch route 63 are located in the same direction relative to the starting point 60. This allows the piece movement process to intuitively select a route, i.e., allows the user to select a route more easily.

[0151] In the route 43 according to the present embodiment, the first branch point 61f and the starting point 60 are the same, but this is just an example. For example, as shown in Fig. 17, the starting point 60 and the first branch point 61f may be at different positions.

[0152] In the piece movement process according to the present embodiment, the predetermined branch point 61, which is the reference for dividing the planar area, is the first branch point 61f, but this is not limited to this. The predetermined branch point 61 may be, for example, the second branch point 61 from the starting point 60, or may be changeable by the operator or user of the Sugoroku game.

[0153] 3. Other Embodiments Although the present invention has been described above using the above-mentioned embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above-mentioned embodiments. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the gist of the invention, and such modifications or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0154] For example, in the above embodiment, the present invention is described as being applied to a Sugoroku game, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to a navigation system, etc. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a case in which the present invention is applied to a navigation system, in which a map is displayed on a screen 14, and a user selects a route 43 from a starting point (starting point 80) on the map to an arrival point (destination point 81) using an arrow UI 44. In this case, a route derivation unit 51 derives a route from the starting point 80 that satisfies predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions are conditions set for getting from the starting point 80 to the destination 81 on the map, such as whether or not to select a stopover or a toll road, whether or not to select a train, etc.

[0155] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a form in which the user uses the arrow UI 44 to select the route 43 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other forms may be used as long as the route 43 is displayed on the screen 14 according to the contact state of the pointer on the screen 14, such as selecting the route 43 by touching two or more fingers to the screen 14.

[0156] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the mobile terminal 10 executes the piece movement process. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a server connected to the mobile terminal 10 via a network may execute part or all of the piece movement process. In this embodiment, for example, the server derives the route 43. The mobile terminal 10 then transmits to the server the reference position 46A and the destination position 46B where the user touched the screen 14. The server transmits a control signal to the mobile terminal 10 so that the arrow UI 44 and the route 43 corresponding to the received reference position 46A and destination position 46B are displayed on the screen 14 of the mobile terminal 10. The mobile terminal 10 displays the arrow UI 44 and the route 43 on the screen 14 based on the control signal.

[0157] Furthermore, the flow of each process described in the above embodiment is also an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the order of processes may be changed within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 10 Mobile terminals (information processing devices) 14 screens (touch panel display) 40 Sugoroku game board image (game board image) 41 frames 42 squares 43 Route (travel route) 44 Arrow UI (directional image) 45 Dice Object (Object) 47 Split area 50 Display control unit (display control means) 51 Route derivation unit (travel route derivation means) 53A Area dividing section (area dividing means) 55 Route determination unit (travel route determination means) 56 Movement amount determination unit (movement amount determination means)

Claims

1. a travel route deriving means for deriving a travel route that satisfies predetermined conditions from a starting point displayed on the touch panel display; and a display control means for setting a position where an indicator touches the touch panel display as a reference position, and for displaying on the touch panel display the movement path according to the movement position of the indicator from the reference position.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the display control means displays a direction indication image based on a straight line connecting the reference position and the movement position on the touch panel display, and displays the movement path according to the orientation of the direction indication image on the touch panel display.

3. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a movement path determination means for determining the movement path displayed when the indicator is moved away from the touch panel display as the movement path selected by the user.

4. an area dividing means for dividing an area including the movement path into a plurality of divided areas for each of the movement paths; 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means causes the touch panel display to display the movement path included in the divided area corresponding to the movement position from the reference position.

5. an area dividing means for dividing an area including the moving path so that a plurality of branching paths arising from a predetermined branch point on the moving path are each divided into different divided areas; a correction means for correcting a destination value indicating a position of the destination point so that the destination point is included in the divided area including the branched route, when the branched route resulting from the predetermined branch point and the destination point via the branched route are included in different divided areas; a destination point specifying means for specifying the destination point indicated by the destination point value according to the movement position of the indicator from the reference position, 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means causes the touch panel display to display the travel route leading to the destination point identified by the destination point identification means.

6. the display control means displays, on the touch panel display, a game board image formed of a plurality of squares along which the piece can move; the starting point is the position of the piece, 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a maximum number of squares that the piece can move to at one time.

7. 7. An information processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a movement amount determining means for determining a movement amount of said piece after determining said movement path of said piece.

8. the display control means displays an object on the touch panel display that displays a plurality of different numbers; 8. An information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the movement amount determination means starts changing the display state of the number of the object after determining the movement path of the piece, and determines the movement amount of the piece based on the number displayed when the change in the display state of the object stops.

9. the display control means displays a plurality of the objects on the touch panel display; 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the movement amount determining means determines the movement amount of the piece based on the number indicated by the object selected by the user from among the plurality of objects.

10. a first step of deriving a travel route that satisfies predetermined conditions from a starting point displayed on a touch panel display; a second step of setting the position where the indicator touches the touch panel display as a reference position, and displaying the movement path on the touch panel display according to the movement position of the indicator from the reference position.

11. Computer, a travel route deriving means for deriving a travel route that satisfies predetermined conditions from a starting point displayed on the touch panel display; A movement path selection program for functioning as a display control means for displaying on the touch panel display the movement path according to the movement position of the indicator from the reference position, with the position where the indicator touches the touch panel display as a reference position.

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