Program, game device, and method

Abstract

To continue manipulation of operation of a character without separating an operator from a touch panel in a game including multiple operation systems operated by the touch panel.SOLUTION: A program allows a computer to execute a first game step of operating a character following a first operation system by referring to a touch position detected by a touch panel (13), or a second game step of operating a character following a second operation system, and executes initial setting processing for the second operation system when the touch panel (13) detects start of touching in the second game state (i), and when the touch panel detects start of touching in the first game step, and when shifting to the second game state before the touch panel (13) detects completion of the touching.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for operating a character by a touch panel in a game implemented using a computer.

Background Art

[0002] A game device that controls the movement of a character using a touch panel has been conventionally known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when operating the movement of a character using a touch panel, there are cases where it is desired to continue operating the movement of the character without removing an operating element such as a finger from the touch panel. However, in conventional games, during the operation of the movement of the character, the operation system may switch. In such a case, it is necessary to once remove the operating element from the touch panel and then bring the operating element into contact with the touch panel again.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention aims to realize a technique that can continue to operate the movement of a character in the operation system after switching even when the operation system switches in a game including a plurality of operation systems operated by a touch panel, without removing the operating element from the touch panel.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a program according to one aspect of the present invention causes one or more computers to execute a first game step in which one or more characters are operated according to a first operating system by referring to a touch position detected by a touch panel, or a second game step in which one or more characters are operated according to a second operating system different from the first operating system, and to execute an initial setup process for the second operating system if (i) the touch panel detects the start of a touch in the second game step, and (ii) the touch panel detects the start of a touch in the first game step and the program transitions to the second game step before the touch panel detects the end of the touch.

[0007] Furthermore, a game device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a game execution unit that performs a first game step in which one or more characters are operated according to a first operation system, or a second game step in which one or more characters are operated according to a second operation system different from the first operation system, by referring to a touch position detected by a touch panel, and an initial setup execution unit that performs an initial setup process for the second operation system when (i) the touch panel detects the start of a touch in the second game step, and (ii) the touch panel detects the start of a touch in the first game step and the system transitions to the second game step before the touch panel detects the end of the touch.

[0008] Furthermore, a method according to one aspect of the present invention is a method performed by one or more computers, comprising: a first game step in which one or more characters are operated according to a first operating system by referring to a touch position detected by a touch panel; a second game step in which one or more characters are operated according to a second operating system different from the first operating system; and an initial setup step in which initial setup processing for the second operating system is performed if (i) the touch panel detects the start of a touch in the second game step, and (ii) the touch panel detects the start of a touch in the first game step and the system transitions to the second game step before detecting the end of the touch. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, in a game that includes multiple control systems operated by a touch panel, even when the control system is switched, the player can continue to control the character's movements in the switched control system without removing the controller from the touch panel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the state of the touch sensor in a touch panel. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a game image in a game according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a game image in a first game according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]It is a diagram showing an example of a game image in the second game according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart exemplifying the flow of processing executed by the game progress unit. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart exemplifying the flow of processing executed by the game progress unit. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart exemplifying the flow of processing executed by the game progress unit. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing a specific example of a touch position. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing a specific example of a touch position. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing a specific example of a touch position. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing a specific example of a touch position. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing a specific example of a touch position. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing a specific example of a touch position. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart exemplifying the flow of processing executed by the game progress unit.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] 〔Embodiment〕 <Configuration of Game System 1> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system 1 according to the present embodiment. The game system 1 includes user terminals 10-1 (computers, game devices), user terminals 10-2, ··· user terminals 10-N, and a game server 30. These devices are connected via a network N including the Internet. Since the user terminals 10-1, user terminals 10-2, ··· user terminals 10-N have the same configuration, when not particularly distinguished, the descriptions such as “-1” and “-2” are omitted and described as the user terminal 10.

[0012] The user terminal 10 is a computer used by the user. Examples of the user terminal 10 include personal computers (PCs), tablet PCs, mobile phones such as smartphones and feature phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), stationary game machines, and portable game machines.

[0013] The game server 30 is a computer (device) having a server function for providing games to the user terminal 10. The game server 30 provides a game that progresses while communicating with the user terminal 10 to the user terminal 10. The game may be a game pre-installed on the user terminal 10.

[0014] (Hardware Configuration of User Terminal 10) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 10 according to the present embodiment. The user terminal 10 includes, for example, a processor 11, a communication unit 12, a touch panel 13, and a storage unit 14, and communicates with a game server 30 and other devices connected via the network N via the communication unit 12. These components are communicably connected to each other via a bus 17. The processor 11 includes integrated circuits such as a central processing unit (CPU) and a graphics processing unit (GPU), executes various programs stored in the storage unit 14, and controls each part of the user terminal 10.

[0015] The communication unit 12 includes, for example, digital input / output ports such as Ethernet (registered trademark) ports and USBs, and wireless communications such as WiFi (registered trademark). 44

[0016] The storage unit 14 includes, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) (registered trademark), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores various information and images processed by the user terminal 10, as well as programs (including game control programs). The storage unit 14 is not limited to one built into the user terminal 10, but may also be an external storage device connected via a digital input / output port such as USB. Furthermore, the user terminal 10 may be configured to include hardware components such as a speaker, audio output terminal, camera, gyro sensor, and GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver module, which are not shown.

[0017] The touch panel 13 is an electronic component that combines a display device and a position input device. The touch panel 13 is, for example, a capacitive or resistive touch panel. Various instructions are input through user operation on the touch panel 13. The touch panel 13 detects the start of a touch, the position of a touch, and the end of a touch. A touch means that an operator touches the touch panel 13. The operator is something that touches the touch panel, for example, the player's finger or a stylus. The position of the touch means the position on the touch panel 13 where the operator is touching (touch position). The touch position is represented, for example, by a two-dimensional coordinate (x, y). The touch position is acquired, for example, at time intervals determined based on the frame rate. The touch position may be acquired every frame, or it may be acquired after a predetermined number of frames have elapsed. The end of a touch means that the operator touching the touch panel 13 leaves the touch panel 13.

[0018] Figure 3 shows an example of the state of the touch sensor in the touch panel 13. In the example in Figure 3, when an operator touches the touch panel 13, an interrupt process called "Mouse ON" is generated. "Mouse ON" is an example of the "start of touch" detected by the touch panel 13. Subsequently, when the operator is moved, an interrupt process called "Mouse MOVE" is generated each time the operator is moved. "Mouse MOVE" is an example of the "change of touch position" detected by the touch panel 13. When the operator leaves the touch panel 13, an interrupt process called "Mouse OVER (OFF)" is generated. "Mouse OVER (OFF)" is an example of the "end of touch" detected by the touch panel 13. The touch panel 13 detects the touch position when "Mouse ON" and "Mouse MOVE" occur. These interrupt processes are generated, for example, by the operating system (OS).

[0019] The user terminal 10 may include, for example, a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, microphone, and other input devices.

[0020] (Functional configuration of user terminal 10) Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 10 according to this embodiment. In Figure 4, the data stored in the storage unit 14 and the control unit 110, which is a functional configuration realized by the processor 11 executing the game program stored in the storage unit 14, are shown, and other configurations shown in Figure 2 are omitted.

[0021] The control unit 110 includes a game progress unit 111. The storage unit 14 stores the game program, terminal game information, and user information. The terminal game information is data that the control unit 110 refers to in order to execute the game. The user information is data associated with the user.

[0022] <Game Overview> The genre of the game implemented by Game System 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "this game") is not limited to a specific genre and may be any genre of game, but preferably it is a sports game that imitates a real-world competition. Examples of real-world competitions include soccer, baseball, equestrianism, tennis, and skiing. In this embodiment, we will describe the case in which Game System 1 implements a soccer game that imitates a real-world soccer game.

[0023] Here, the soccer game implemented by game system 1 may proceed as a single-player game or as a multiplayer game. In the case of a single-player game, game system 1 pits a user team, which can be controlled by the user of user terminal 10, against an opposing team whose actions are determined by game system 1 without user control. In the case of a multiplayer game, game system 1 pits a user team, which can be controlled by the user of the device, against an opposing team controlled by another user. The opposing user may be a user operating the same user terminal 10 as the user, or a user operating a different user terminal 10. In the latter case, user terminal 10 and the other user terminal 10 are connected in a communicative manner, for example, via a game server 30.

[0024] (character) In this game, the player controls one or more characters using the touch panel 13. Characters are the subjects of various actions in the game. Characters may be, for example, monsters, animals, spirits, people, plants, robots, or avatars, but are not limited to these, and may be characters that project any concept.

[0025] (Player character) Player characters are characters used in games, particularly in games that simulate sports. Player characters represent athletes competing in sports in games that simulate sports. Player characters are not limited to people; they may also be animal characters (for example, horses used in equestrian sports). Player characters may be modeled after real athletes who are active in actual sports, or they may be original players created for the game (i.e., fictional players).

[0026] In this game, the game progression unit 111 executes the process of a match between the user team, which consists of one or more player characters, and the opposing team.

[0027] Figure 5 shows an example of a game image G2 in this game. The game progress unit 111 displays the game image G2 on the touch panel 13. The game image G2 includes an object O20 representing the field during a match, and an object O21 that is the target of user operation. Object O20 shows an object O21 representing the player characters of the user team, an object O22 representing the player characters of the opposing team, and an object O23 representing the ball. The game progress unit 111 moves objects O21, O22, and O23 by referring to the character information representing the player characters of the user team and the character information representing the player characters of the opposing team, thereby simulating a soccer game. In addition, if the game progress unit 111 detects that an operation has been performed on object O24 displayed on the touch panel 13, it may perform a process to change the user team's tactics or a player substitution process according to the touch position on object O24.

[0028] In Figure 5, object O20 represents the soccer field in two dimensions, but object O20 may also represent the soccer field in three dimensions.

[0029] When the match ends, the game progress unit 111 notifies the game server 30 that the match has ended and displays the match results on the touch panel 13.

[0030] This game includes a first game step and a second game step. A game step refers to a part of the game and is sometimes called a game mode. If this game is a soccer game, the first game step is, for example, a game step in which set plays are executed. Set plays include, for example, corner kicks, goal kicks, and throw-ins. The second game step is, for example, a game step in which plays other than set plays in a soccer game match are executed. The first and second game steps do not proceed simultaneously, but transitions between them.

[0031] In the first game step, the game progress unit 111 controls one or more characters according to a first control system by referring to the touch position detected by the touch panel 13. On the other hand, in the second game step, the game progress unit 111 controls one or more characters according to a second control system different from the first control system.

[0032] In this embodiment, the control system defines the actions of one or more characters based on user operations on the touch panel 13. This game includes multiple control systems. Even with similar user operations, the character actions may differ depending on the control system. The multiple control systems include a first control system and a second control system. The control system is associated with a game step. In this embodiment, the first control system is used in the first game step. The second control system is used in the second game step.

[0033] User operations on the touch panel 13 include, for example, touch initiation, sliding, and touch termination operations. A sliding operation refers to an operation in which the touch position is moved while the operator remains in contact with the touch panel 13.

[0034] In this embodiment, the operation system specifically defines the actions of one or more characters based on the touch position detected by the touch panel 13. For example, each operation system specifies which axis coordinates (both x and y coordinates, or x coordinate only, etc.) of the coordinates indicating the touch position (e.g., (x, y) coordinates) are used to move the character.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first operation system defines the actions of one or more characters based on the first axial component (x-axis component) of the touch position detected by the touch panel 13. In this case, the game progress unit 111 uses the x-axis component of the touch position to move the player characters in the first operation system. For example, the first operation system associates the x-axis component of the touch position with the direction in which the player character kicks the ball.

[0036] Figure 6 is an example of a game image in the first game step. The game image in Figure 6 represents the state as seen from a rear viewpoint (virtual camera) of player character O31. The game image in Figure 6 is divided into two regions, region A11 and region B11, approximately in the center. The touch position in region A11 determines the position of player character O31 and the direction in which the ball is kicked. The touch position in region B11 determines the force with which player character O31 kicks the ball and the trajectory (curve, etc.). At this time, the game progress unit 111 determines the position of player character O31 and the direction in which the ball is kicked based on the first axial component (x-axis component) of the touch position in region A11. The game progress unit 111 also determines the force with which the ball is kicked and the trajectory based on the first axial component (x-axis component) and the second axial component (y-axis component) of the touch position in region B11.

[0037] The second control system defines the actions of one or more characters based on the first axial component (x-axis component) and the second axial component (y-axis component) of the touch position detected by the touch panel 13. In this case, the game progress unit 111 uses the x-axis and y-axis components of the touch position to control the player characters in the second control system.

[0038] Figure 7 illustrates a game image in the second game step. The game image in Figure 7 represents the view from a virtual camera (overhead view) positioned above the pitch. In the second game step, player characters can move in both the x-axis and y-axis directions. In the figure, a slide operation in area A21 causes the player character marked with M21 to move. Specifically, when a touch is initiated in area A21, a virtual pad O41 is displayed, whose origin is determined based on the touch position at the start of the touch. The amount and direction of movement of the player character marked with M21 are changed according to the change in the touch position on the virtual pad O41. In other words, in one embodiment, the second operation system defines the movement direction of one or more characters based on the change in the touch position detected by the touch panel 13. Furthermore, operations in area B21 can perform actions such as kicking the ball, tackling, or changing characters.

[0039] <Game mechanics> Next, I will explain one of the game's mechanisms designed to engage users.

[0040] The user terminal 10 includes a game execution unit that executes a first game step in which one or more characters are operated according to a first operation system, or a second game step in which one or more characters are operated according to a second operation system different from the first operation system, by referring to the touch position detected by the touch panel 13; and an initial setup execution unit that executes initial setup processing for the second operation system when (i) the touch panel 13 detects the start of a touch in the second game step, and (ii) the touch panel 13 detects the start of a touch in the first game step and the system transitions to the second game step before the touch panel 13 detects the end of the touch. In this embodiment, the game execution unit and the initial setup execution unit are implemented by the game progress unit 111.

[0041] In this embodiment, the game progress unit 111 is software that runs on the operating system (OS). The game progress unit 111 executes various processes in response to handlers generated by the OS. Handlers generated by the OS are, for example, hardware interrupt handlers or software interrupt handlers. In other words, the game progress unit 111 runs on an event-driven framework. In this embodiment, the game progress unit 111 executes processes in response to handlers generated by the OS that correspond to the start of a touch, the location of a touch, and the end of a touch.

[0042] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the process (method) executed by the game progress unit 111. Note that some steps may be executed in parallel or in a different order. In step S100, the game progress unit 111 acquires the data generated by the interrupt processing (processing in Figure 9 or Figure 10) described later via the storage unit 14. If the interrupt processing is executed in a separate thread, it is preferable for the game progress unit 111 to acquire the data via the thread-safe area in the storage unit 14.

[0043] If the game progress unit 111 is executing the first game step, the game progress unit 111 acquires, for example, parameters indicating changes in the position or direction of the player character, and parameters indicating whether or not to perform an action.

[0044] If the game progress unit 111 is executing the first game step, the game progress unit 111 obtains, for example, a parameter indicating the amount of movement of the player character, a parameter indicating the direction of the player character, and a parameter indicating whether or not to perform an action.

[0045] In step S102, the game progress unit 111 executes game processing according to the handler. The game processing executed by the game progress unit 111 may include, for example, the actions of the player character in the first game step, the transition from the first game step to the second game step, the actions of the player character in the second game step, or the transition from the second game to the first game.

[0046] The actions of the player characters in the first game step include, for example, changes in the position or direction of the player characters during set plays, or actions such as kicks and throw-ins performed by the player characters. The game progress unit 111 performs processing to change the position or direction of the player characters, or to execute actions of the player characters, according to the parameters obtained in step S101.

[0047] The actions of the player characters in the second game step include, for example, the movement and change of direction of the player characters during the match (excluding set plays), or actions performed by the player characters such as passing, shooting, sliding, catching (if the player character is a goalkeeper). The game progress unit 111 changes the amount and direction of the player characters' movement according to the parameters obtained in step S101, and performs processes to move the player characters or to execute actions for the player characters.

[0048] Transitions between game steps occur when certain conditions are met. For example, the transition from the first game step to the second game step occurs when a player character completes an action that completes a set play (e.g., a kick in a corner kick, a throw-in in a throw-in, etc.). The transition from the second game step to the first game step occurs, for example, when the ball goes out of bounds during the match.

[0049] In step S104, the game progress unit 111 performs rendering processing of game images according to the progress of the game. The rendering processing is, for example, rendering of a 3D model. For example, if an object is moved in step S102, the game progress unit 111 generates rendering data of the game image after the object has moved, and supplies the generated rendering data to the touch panel 13. The touch panel 13 displays a game image corresponding to the rendering data supplied by the game progress unit 111.

[0050] In step S106, the game progress unit 111 determines whether a unit of time (for example, 32 ms) has elapsed. If the unit of time has not elapsed (step S106; NO), the game progress unit 111 waits until the unit of time has elapsed. On the other hand, if the unit of time has elapsed (step S107; YES), the game progress unit 111 returns to the process in step S100.

[0051] Furthermore, the game progress unit 111 executes the process shown in Figure 9 or Figure 10 when an interrupt related to the touch panel 13 occurs. The processes shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10 are each executed in parallel, for example, by the multithreading function provided by the OS.

[0052] (Start of touch) When an interrupt process for the start of a touch occurs, the game progress unit 111 determines which area the touch position detected by the touch panel 13 is located in.

[0053] If the touch position detected by the touch panel 13 in the first game step is in area A11, or if the touch position detected by the touch panel 13 in the second game step is in area A21, the game progress unit 111 performs the initial setup process described later. If the touch position detected by the touch panel 13 in the first game step is in area B11, or if the touch position detected by the touch panel 13 in the second game step is in area B21, the game progress unit 111 determines whether or not to perform an action based on the touch position, generates a parameter indicating whether or not to perform an action, and stores it in the storage unit 14.

[0054] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the initial setup process performed by the game progress unit 111. In step S200, the game progress unit 111 performs initial setup processing for the operation system corresponding to the ongoing game step. If the second game step is in progress, the game progress unit 111 performs initial setup processing for the second operation system. On the other hand, if the first game step is in progress, the game progress unit 111 performs initial setup processing for the first operation system.

[0055] The initial setup process includes, for example, the process of changing the setting information necessary for the operation system used by the game progress unit 111, and the process of resetting the initial position. The setting information is, for example, information indicating which axis coordinates (both x and y coordinates, or x coordinate, etc.) of the touch position coordinates will be used (hereinafter referred to as "axis information"). For example, in the first operation system, the game progress unit 111 operates the player character using the x coordinate of the touch position, as described above. On the other hand, in the second operation system, the game progress unit 111 operates the player character using both the x and y coordinates of the touch position.

[0056] The initial position reset process is a process that sets the initial position by referring to the touch position at the time the initial setup process is executed. That is, in this embodiment, the initial setup process includes a process that sets the initial position by referring to the touch position detected by the touch panel 13. The initial position to be set is, for example, the touch position immediately before the transition of a game step, or the touch position immediately after the transition of a game step. Furthermore, the initial position to be set is not limited to these, and may be another touch position, for example, the touch position a predetermined time before the transition of a game step. Also, the initial position to be set is not limited to a touch position, but may be a position identified by referring to a touch position.

[0057] In other words, in this game, when the touch panel 13 detects the start of a touch in the second game step, the game progress unit 111 updates the setting information necessary for the operation system used in the game and also executes a process to set a new initial position.

[0058] The initial setup process may include a process to display an image of a virtual pad, such as a joystick, on the touch panel 13 based on the initial position. The game progress unit 111 may also store a flag indicating the type of game step currently in progress in the memory unit 14.

[0059] (Change in touch position) When an interrupt processing for a change in touch position occurs, the game progress unit 111 determines which area the touch position detected by the touch panel 13 is located in.

[0060] If the touch position detected by the touch panel 13 in the first game step is in area A11, or if the touch position detected by the touch panel 13 in the second game step is in area A21, the game progress unit 111 performs the movement-related processing described later. If the touch position detected by the touch panel 13 in the first game step is in area B11, or if the touch position detected by the touch panel 13 in the second game step is in area B21, the game progress unit 111 determines whether or not to perform an action based on the touch position, generates a parameter indicating whether or not to perform an action, and stores it in the storage unit 14.

[0061] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of movement-related processing performed by the game progress unit 111. First, in step S300, the game progress unit 111 determines whether a transition between game steps has occurred since the touch was initiated. In one embodiment, the game progress unit 111 may determine whether a transition between game steps has occurred by comparing a flag indicating the type of game step stored in the memory unit 14 in step S200 with the type of game step currently in progress. If a transition between game steps has occurred (step S300; YES), the game progress unit 111 proceeds to the processing in step S302. On the other hand, if a transition between game steps has not occurred (step S300; NO), the game progress unit 111 skips the processing in step S302 and proceeds to the processing in step S304.

[0062] In step S302, the game progress unit 111 performs an initial setup process. This process is the same as the process in step S200 in Figure 9. That is, when transitioning from the first game step to the second game step, the game progress unit 111 performs an initial setup process for the second operation system. Also, when transitioning from the second game step to the first game step, the game progress unit 111 performs an initial setup process for the first operation system.

[0063] In other words, in this embodiment, the game progress unit 111 performs initial setup processing for the second operation system when (i) the touch panel 13 detects the start of a touch in the second game step (Figure 9), and (ii) the touch panel 13 detects the start of a touch in the first game step and the system transitions to the second game step before the touch panel 13 detects the end of the touch (step S300 in Figure 10; YES). Step S200 in Figure 9 and step S302 in Figure 10 are examples of initial setup steps according to the present invention.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the game progress unit 111 may perform initial setup processing for the first operation system if the touch panel 13 detects the start of a touch in the first game step (Figure 9), and if the touch panel 13 detects the start of a touch in the second game step and the system transitions to the first game step before the touch panel 13 detects the end of the touch (step S300 in Figure 10; YES).

[0065] In step S304, the game progress unit 111 refers to the touch position detected by the touch panel 13 and generates parameters to identify the actions of one or more player characters according to the operation system corresponding to the ongoing game step, and stores them in the memory unit 14.

[0066] In one embodiment, when the first game step is in progress, the game progress unit 111 generates parameters indicating the change in the position or direction of one or more player characters by referring to data that defines the correspondence between changes in touch positions detected by the touch panel 13 and changes in the position or direction of the player characters. For example, the game progress unit 111 may (i) generate parameters to change the position or direction of the player characters so that they rotate counterclockwise around the ball if the touch position changes to the right, or (ii) generate parameters to change the position or direction of the player characters so that they rotate clockwise around the ball if the touch position changes to the left, or generate parameters to move the player characters in other ways.

[0067] Furthermore, in one embodiment, when the second game step is in progress, the game progress unit 111 generates parameters indicating the amount of movement of one or more player characters and parameters indicating the direction of the player characters, by referring to the initial position set in the initial setup process for the second operation system and the touch position detected by the touch panel 13. For example, the game progress unit 111 may generate parameters indicating the direction from the initial position toward the touch position as the direction of the character, and parameters indicating the amount of movement of the character according to the length from the initial position toward the touch position.

[0068] (An example of game operation flow) Here, we will explain an example of the flow of game operations in the first and second game steps, referring to Figures 11 to 16.

[0069] Figure 11 shows a specific example of a touch position in the first game step. When the player slides on the touch panel 13 in the direction of arrow A111, the game progress unit 111 determines, for example, the direction in which the player character kicks the ball based on the x-axis component of the touch position.

[0070] Figures 12 to 16 illustrate specific examples of touch positions in the second game step. Figure 12 illustrates a case where the player starts touching the ball in the first game step and transitions from the first game step to the second game step before the touch is finished.

[0071] If the game step transitions from the first game step to the second game step before the touch panel 13 detects the end of the touch, the game progress unit 111 executes a process to update the initial position. In the example in Figure 12, position p121 is set as the initial position based on the touch position when the game transitions from the first game step to the second game step. In other words, in this embodiment, if the game transitions to the second game step while the operator is still touching the touch panel 13, the initial position reset process is performed without the operator having to remove it from the touch panel 13.

[0072] In the example in Figure 12, the initial position of the virtual pad O121 is set to position p121.

[0073] Subsequently, as illustrated in Figure 13, when the player moves the touch position from position p121 to position p131 while the operator is still touching the touch panel 13, the game progress unit 111 moves the player character (not shown) based on the positional relationship between the initial position (position p121) and the touch position (position p131).

[0074] Thus, if the game step transitions before the touch is completed, the game progress unit 111 updates the initial position based on the touch position and moves the player character by referring to the updated initial position. For example, if the game progress unit 111 transitions from the first game step to the second game step before the end of the touch is detected, in the second game step (step S304 in Figure 10), it moves one or more characters by further referring to the initial position set in step S302.

[0075] Subsequently, when the player removes the control from the touch panel 13 (Figure 14) and then touches the touch panel 13 again (Figure 15), the game progress unit 111 sets the initial position of the virtual pad O151 to position p151 based on the touch position.

[0076] Subsequently, as illustrated in Figure 16, when the player moves the touch position from position p151 to position p161 while the operator is still touching the touch panel 13, the game progress unit 111 moves the player character (not shown) based on the positional relationship between the initial position (position p151) and the touch position (position p161).

[0077] Incidentally, with conventional devices, for example, if the player transitioned from the set play screen to the match screen while the operator was still touching the touch panel 13, the settings information in the control system for the subsequent game step would not switch, which sometimes resulted in the player character not performing the action intended by the player. In order for the player character to perform the action intended by the player, it was necessary to perform the cumbersome operation of lifting the operator from the touch panel 13 and then touching it again when the game step transitioned.

[0078] In contrast, in this embodiment, if the touch panel 13 detects the start of a touch in the first game step and transitions to the second game step before detecting the end of the touch, the game progress unit 111 performs initial setup processing for the second operation system. As a result, even if the game step transitions before the end of the touch is detected, the player can continue to control the player character's movements without removing the operator from the touch panel 13.

[0079] [Variation] In the above-described embodiment, a case was explained in which the game progression unit 111 progresses a game including a first game step and a second game step. The game progressed by the game progression unit 111 may include three or more types of game steps. In this case, the operation system may differ for each game.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the game progress unit 111 executed the processes shown in Figures 9 and 10, triggered by the occurrence of an interrupt related to the touch panel 13. Instead of these processes being executed by an interrupt, the game progress unit 111 may determine the touch state on the touch panel 13 by performing a polling process.

[0081] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow when the game progress unit 111 determines the touch state by polling. Note that some steps may be executed in parallel or in a different order.

[0082] In step S400, the game progress unit 111 determines whether the touch panel 13 has detected the start of a touch. This determination is made, for example, by the game progress unit 111 referring to information stored in a predetermined memory area. If the start of a touch is detected (step S400; YES), the game progress unit 111 proceeds to step S402. On the other hand, if the start of a touch is not detected (step S400; NO), the game progress unit 111 skips step S402 and proceeds to step S404.

[0083] In step S402, the game progress unit 111 executes a process (touch start process) when it detects the start of a touch. The touch start process is the process shown in Figure 9.

[0084] In step S404, the game progress unit 111 determines whether the touch panel 13 has detected a touch position. This determination is made, for example, by the game progress unit 111 referring to a flag stored in a predetermined memory area. If a touch position is detected (step S404; YES), the game progress unit 111 proceeds to step S406. On the other hand, if a touch position is not detected (step S404; NO), the game progress unit 111 skips step S406 and returns to step S400.

[0085] In step S406, the game progress unit 111 executes a process (touch position processing) when a touch position is detected. The touch position processing is the process shown in Figure 10.

[0086] In the embodiments described above, the hardware configuration of the user terminal 10 is not limited to that shown in Figure 2. The functions implemented by the user terminal 10 according to the embodiments described above may be implemented by a single device, as shown in the embodiments described above, or by multiple computers working together.

[0087] In the embodiments described above, an example was given in which a game is implemented by a game system 1 including a user terminal 10 and a game server 30. However, the game in the embodiments described above may also be implemented by the user terminal 10.

[0088] 〔summary〕 From the embodiments illustrated above, for example, the following configuration can be understood. For the sake of easier understanding of each embodiment, reference numerals in the drawings are conveniently added in parentheses below, but this does not mean that the present invention is limited to the illustrated embodiments.

[0089] A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes one or more computers to execute a first game step in which one or more characters are operated according to a first operating system, or a second game step in which one or more characters are operated according to a second operating system different from the first operating system, and to execute an initial setup process for the second operating system if (i) the touch panel detects the start of a touch in the second game step, and (ii) the touch panel detects the start of a touch in the first game step and the program transitions to the second game step before the touch panel detects the end of the touch.

[0090] According to the above configuration, if the touch panel detects the start of a touch in the first game step and transitions to the second game step before detecting the end of the touch, the computer performs the initial setup process for the second control system. As a result, even if the transition from the first game step to the second game step occurs while the control is still touching the touch panel, it is not necessary to remove the control from the touch panel and then re-touch it in order to execute the initial setup process for the second control system in the second game step. This allows players to continue controlling the character's movements in the switched control system without removing the control from the touch panel, even when the control system is switched in a game that includes multiple control systems operated via a touch panel.

[0091] In the program described above, the initial setup process includes a process to set an initial position by referring to the touch position detected by the touch panel, and in the second game step, the one or more characters may be operated by further referring to the initial position.

[0092] According to the above configuration, if the start of a touch is detected on the touch panel and the game transitions to the second game step before the end of the touch is detected, the initial position is set based on the touch position at the time of the transition, and the character moves based on the initial position and the touch position. This allows the player to continue controlling the character's movements in the new control system without removing the controller from the touch panel, even when switching control systems in a game that includes multiple control systems operated via a touch panel.

[0093] In the program described above, in the second game step, the one or more characters may be operated based on the positional relationship between the touch position detected by the touch panel and the initial position.

[0094] According to the above configuration, in the second game step, the character moves based on the positional relationship between the initial position set in the initial setup process and the touch position. Therefore, in the second game step, the initial setup process is essential to control the character's movement. Even with this configuration, if the start of a touch is detected in the first game step and the game transitions to the second game step before the end of that touch is detected, the initial setup process for the second control system is performed, allowing the user to continue controlling the character's movement in the switched control system without removing the touch controller from the touch panel.

[0095] In the program described above, the first operation system may define the operation of one or more characters based on the first axial component of the touch position detected by the touch panel, and the second operation system may define the operation of one or more characters based on the first axial component and the second axial component of the touch position detected by the touch panel.

[0096] According to the above configuration, in the first game step, the character moves based on the first axis component of the touch position, and in the second game step, the character moves based on both the first and second axis components of the touch position. In this configuration, if the game transitions to the second game step while the touch is still active, initial setup processing for the second control system is performed, thereby preventing the game from malfunctioning in the second game step due to the use of a first control system that is completely different from the second control system.

[0097] In the program described above, the second operation system may define the direction of movement of the one or more characters based on the change in touch position detected by the touch panel.

[0098] According to the above configuration, in the second game step, the character's movement direction is determined based on the change in touch position. In this configuration, if the game transitions to the second game step while the touch is still being applied, initial setup processing for the second control system is performed. This prevents the game from malfunctioning in the second game step due to the use of the first control system, which is completely different from the second control system.

[0099] A first game system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a game execution unit that performs a first game step in which one or more characters are operated according to a first operation system, or a second game step in which one or more characters are operated according to a second operation system different from the first operation system, by referring to a touch position detected by a touch panel, and an initial setup execution unit that performs an initial setup process for the second operation system when (i) the touch panel detects the start of a touch in the second game step, and (ii) the touch panel detects the start of a touch in the first game step and the system transitions to the second game step before the touch panel detects the end of the touch.

[0100] The above configuration produces the same effects as the program described above.

[0101] Furthermore, a method according to one aspect of the present invention is a method performed by one or more computers, comprising: an execution step which causes a first game step to operate one or more characters according to a first operating system, or a second game step which causes one or more characters to operate according to a second operating system different from the first operating system, by referring to a touch position detected by a touch panel; and an initial setup step which causes an initial setup process for the second operating system to be performed when (i) the touch panel detects the start of a touch in the second game step, and (ii) the touch panel detects the start of a touch in the first game step and the system transitions to the second game step before the touch panel detects the end of the touch.

[0102] The above configuration produces the same effects as the first program described above.

[0103] [Examples of implementation using software or hardware] In the embodiment described above, an example was described in which the control unit 110 of the user terminal 10 is implemented by software. That is, a program to be executed by a computer to achieve the objectives of the present invention is stored in the computer's storage unit 14 shown in Figure 4, and the processor 11 reads and executes the program, thereby realizing the control unit 110 of the user terminal 10.

[0104] In this case, the storage unit 14 that stores the above program can be a "non-temporary tangible medium," such as ROM (Read Only Memory), as well as tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, or programmable logic circuit.

[0105] Furthermore, the above program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the program (such as a communication network or broadcast waves). In addition, one aspect of the present invention can be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the above program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0106] Furthermore, the control unit 110 of the user terminal 10 is not limited to being implemented by software, but may also be implemented by logic circuits (hardware) formed on an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like.

[0107] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1. Game System 10 User terminals 11 processors 12 Communications Department 13 Touch panel 14 Storage section 17 Bus 30 game servers 110 Control Unit 111 Game Management Section

Claims

1. The computer is made to execute a game that includes multiple game steps, each with a different control scheme, by referring to the touch positions detected by the touch panel. In a first game step, which is one of the multiple game steps, if the touch panel detects the start of a touch and before the touch panel detects the end of the touch, a transition to a game step different from the first game step occurs, and the initial setup process for the operation system of the game step different from the first game step is executed. The aforementioned operation system defines the actions of one or more characters based on the movement of the touch position in each of the game steps. The aforementioned operation system, in each of the game steps, refers to at least a portion of the components of the coordinates indicating the touch position, which are all different, The initial setup process includes a process for changing the setting information for the operating system. program.

2. A method to be performed by a computer, wherein, by referring to a touch position detected by a touch panel, a plurality of game steps, each having a different operation system, The system includes an initial setup execution step that, in a first game step which is one of the multiple game steps, if the touch panel detects the start of a touch and before the touch panel detects the end of the touch, transitions to a game step different from the first game step, and causes the system to execute an initial setup process for the operation system of the game step different from the first game step. The aforementioned operation system defines the actions of one or more characters based on the movement of the touch position in each of the game steps. The aforementioned operation system, in each of the game steps, refers to at least a portion of the components of the coordinates indicating the touch position, which are all different, The initial setup process performs a process to change the setting information for the operating system. method.

3. A game execution unit that executes a game which includes multiple game steps, each with a different operation system, by referring to the touch position detected by the touch panel, The system includes an initial setup execution unit that, in a first game step which is one of the multiple game steps, if the touch panel detects the start of a touch and before the touch panel detects the end of the touch, transitions to a game step different from the first game step, and causes the system to execute an initial setup process for the operation system of the game step different from the first game step. The aforementioned operation system defines the actions of one or more characters based on the movement of the touch position in each of the game steps. The aforementioned operation system, in each of the game steps, refers to at least a portion of the components of the coordinates indicating the touch position, which are all different, The initial setup process performs a process to change the setting information for the operating system. Game device.

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