Programs and Information Processing Systems

Abstract

To provide a program and an information processing system for performing an action to the deterioration in the skill on an application that a user has once improved.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer to function as game progressing means, storage means, detection means, confirmation means, and notification means. The game progressing means controls the progress of a game on the basis of an operation input of a user. The storage means stores the history information on operation inputs by the user corresponding to each operation for each user. The detection means detects abnormal information when an operation input of the user corresponding to a predetermined operation is different from the history information. The confirmation means causes the user to perform a confirmation operation on the abnormal information when the detection means detects the abnormal information. The notification means notifies the abnormal information when an abnormality related to the abnormal information is affirmed as a result of the confirmation operation by the confirmation means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to programs and information processing systems.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, games that display tutorials or change difficulty levels for beginners have been known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1, 2, etc.). In addition, techniques for detecting abnormalities in the biological information of users playing games and the results of games and issuing warnings or notifying medical institutions have been known (see, for example, Patent Documents 3 to 5, etc.).

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In conventional games, operations such as displaying tutorials are performed in response to the skills of users, biological information, and abnormalities in the results of games. There has been no technology for performing operations in response to a decrease in the skills related to applications such as games that users have once improved.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a program and an information processing system that perform operations in response to a decrease in the skills related to an application that a user has once improved. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first aspect is, A program that causes a computer to function as a means of game progression, memory, detection, confirmation, and notification, The aforementioned game progression means controls the progress of the game based on user input. The storage means stores, for each user, the history information of the operation input by the user corresponding to each operation. The detection means detects abnormal information when the user's operation input corresponding to a predetermined operation differs from the history information. When the detection means detects the abnormal information, the confirmation means causes the user to perform a confirmation operation related to the abnormal information. The notification means is a program that, as a result of the verification operation by the verification means, confirms the abnormality related to the abnormality information and notifies the abnormality information.

[0007] The second aspect is, The program described in the first aspect is such that the confirmation operation causes the user to perform the operation again, at least if the operation input is different from the history information.

[0008] The third aspect is, The verification means is a program according to the first aspect or second aspect 2, which determines the user's operation input corresponding to the operation as a result of the verification operation, and if it is within a predetermined normal range, does not notify the abnormal information by the notification means and does not restrict the progress of the game by the game progress means.

[0009] The fourth aspect is, The verification means is a program described in any one of the first to third aspects, which, if the verification operation confirms an abnormality related to the abnormality information, restricts the progress of the game by the game progress means.

[0010] The fifth aspect is that when information indicating that no abnormality has occurred in the operation input is input via a third party different from the user, the restriction on the progress of the game is released, which is the program described in the fourth aspect.

[0011] The sixth aspect is that a game progress unit that controls the progress of the game based on the user's operation input, a storage unit that stores history information of the operation input by the user corresponding to each operation for each user, a detection unit that detects abnormal information when the operation input of the user corresponding to a predetermined operation is different from the history information, a confirmation unit that causes the user to perform a confirmation operation related to the abnormal information when the detection unit detects the abnormal information, a notification unit that notifies the abnormal information when the result of the confirmation operation by the confirmation unit affirms the abnormality related to the abnormal information, An information processing system comprising:

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to operate against a decrease in the skill regarding an application once improved by the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system in the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart showing a series of operation flows by the information processing system in the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart showing another example of a series of operation flows by the information processing system. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing still another example of a series of operation flows by the information processing system. [Figure 5]This is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the display of a game device when information is processed by the information processing system according to this embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] 〔This Embodiment〕 The information processing system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] <Explanation of Information Processing System 1> In the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, a server device 2 (computer) and a game device 3 are connected to each other via a communication network 6 so as to be communicable. The game device 3 is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a portable or stationary game dedicated machine, or the like. Further, a game device 5 of another user is also connected to the server device 2 via the communication network 6 so as to be communicable.

[0016] <Outline of Information Processing System 1> The server device 2 (computer) stores a game program and game data, and causes each of the plurality of game devices 3 and 5 to play a game by transmitting and receiving control signals related to the game to and from each of the game devices 3 and 5. Further, the server device 2 can also cause the plurality of game devices 3 and 5 to perform multiplayer. Note that the games performed in multiplayer include both types of competitive games and cooperative games.

[0017] Each of the game devices 3 and 5 executes a predetermined game based on a user's operation. For this purpose, each of the game devices 3 and 5 receives (specifically, downloads and installs) a game program and game data from the server device 2 via the communication network 6.

[0018] Each user is assigned unique account information, including identification and a password, associated with each game device 3 and 5. This account information is transmitted from each game device 3 and 5 to the server device 2 upon login and is used for user authentication on the server device 2.

[0019] After user authentication, communication between server device 2 and each game device 3 and 5 becomes possible. After logging in, each game device 3 and 5 receives data necessary for game progression (data related to game progress) from server device 2, and proceeds with the game while outputting game images and sounds to the display 37 and speaker 39 based on the user's input.

[0020] In this embodiment, instructions necessary for multiple game operations are displayed on the game device 3, and the user completes the corresponding instructions by inputting the operation based on each instruction. Furthermore, if a decline in the user's game skill for a particular operation is detected while the user is playing the game on the game device 3, the instructions necessary for that operation are redisplayed or added on the game device 3. This allows the user to perform the operation again according to the instructions.

[0021] <Configuration of Information Processing System 1> The following describes the hardware configurations of server device 2 and each game device 3 and 5, referring to Figure 1. Note that the configuration of other users' game devices 5 is substantially the same as that of game device 3, so its description will be omitted.

[0022] <Configuration of Server Device 2> As shown in Figure 1, the server device 2 has a network interface 21, a control unit 22, and a storage unit 23. The network interface 21 and the storage unit 23 are electrically connected to the control unit 22 via a bus 24.

[0023] The network interface 21 is connected to each game device 3 and 5 via a communication network 6 such as the Internet and LAN.

[0024] The control unit 22 consists of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the server device 2.

[0025] The control unit 22 functions as a game progression means 221, an explanation display means 222, a storage means 223, a detection means 224, an auxiliary means 225, a confirmation means 226, a notification means 227, and a difficulty adjustment means 228 by executing various programs stored in the storage unit 23, which will be described later.

[0026] The game progression means 221 (game progression unit) controls the progress of the game based on user input. The game includes single-player games played by a single user on game device 3 and multiplayer games played by multiple users on separate game devices 3 and 5. Game genres include competitive fighting games, sports games played by one or more users, action games, puzzle games, etc.

[0027] Controlling the game's progress based on user input means that the game screen is displayed on the display 37 of the user-operated game devices 3 and 5, and input information from the user via the touchpad 38 is transmitted from the game devices 3 and 5 to the server device 2, thereby reflecting this input information in the game.

[0028] The explanatory display means 222 (explanatory display unit) displays the necessary explanations for each operation in the game on the display 37 of the game device 3. Operations include, for example, operations to move the character 371 (see Figure 5), operations to equip and use weapons, armor, and items on the character 371, and operations to have the character 371 perform specific actions such as special moves and combo moves. For example, to activate a certain special move or combo move, operations such as pressing multiple buttons on the touchpad 38 in sequence are required.

[0029] Displaying explanations necessary for each operation in the game on the display 37 of the game device 3 means displaying text or images that indicate which button on the touchpad 38 the user should press to cause the character 371 to perform a specific operation, as shown in Figure 5. Specifically, guidance 372, as shown in Figure 5, is displayed on the display 37 for each operation.

[0030] Furthermore, the explanation display means 222 terminates the corresponding explanation when the user performs an operation input based on each explanation on the game device 3. Specifically, for example, after a tutorial screen is displayed on the display 37, when the character 371 performs a specific operation by pressing one or more predetermined buttons on the touchpad 38 in accordance with the guidance 372, the guidance 372 shown in Figure 5 will no longer be displayed on the display 37. Also, if the "Next" button is displayed on the display 37 after the guidance 372 is displayed, the guidance 372 will no longer be displayed on the display 37 when the button corresponding to the "Next" button is pressed on the touchpad 38.

[0031] The storage means 223 stores history information of user operation inputs corresponding to each operation in the storage unit 23 or the like for each user. The history information may be the operation input itself performed by the user using the touchpad 38, or it may be game score, play time, play interval, etc.

[0032] The detection means 224 (detection unit) detects abnormal information when the user's operation input corresponding to a predetermined operation differs from the history information. Details regarding when the user's operation input corresponding to a predetermined operation differs from the history information will be described later.

[0033] The auxiliary means 225 (auxiliary unit) causes the explanation display means 222 to redisplay or add an explanation on the display 37 of the game device 3 when the detection means 224 detects abnormal information. More specifically, the explanation, such as text and images, is superimposed and displayed on the screen during game execution on the display 37 of the game device 3. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the guidance window 372 is superimposed and displayed on the display 37 of the game device 3 as an explanation.

[0034] To redisplay the explanation means to display the same guidance 372 that was previously displayed on the display 37. The display format of the guidance 372 does not need to be the same; it is sufficient that the subject of the guidance 372 is the same. To display additional explanation means to display a more detailed explanation on the display 37, either in place of or in addition to the guidance 372 that was previously displayed.

[0035] The verification means 226 (verification unit) causes the user to perform a verification action related to the abnormal information when the detection means 224 detects abnormal information. The verification action related to the abnormal information may be the user repeating the operation in which the abnormal information was detected using the touchpad 38, or it may be the user performing an operation different from the operation in which the abnormal information was detected using the touchpad 38. Furthermore, the verification action may be the user performing an operation different from the operation using the game device 3 (for example, a test to see the user's reaction separately from the game device 3).

[0036] The notification means 227 (notification unit) notifies of abnormal information if the verification operation by the verification means 226 confirms that there is an abnormality related to the abnormal information. The notification of abnormal information is sent to the user playing the game (game device 3) or to another user (terminal) who is not the user.

[0037] The difficulty adjustment means 228 (difficulty adjustment unit) lowers the game difficulty when the detection means 224 detects abnormal information (or confirms that an abnormality exists). Lowering the game difficulty includes increasing the ability parameters of character 371 such as attack power, defense power, and speed, lowering the ability parameters of enemy characters, granting character 371 special weapons and armor, and making it easier to perform specific actions such as special techniques and combo techniques. In addition, if the difficulty is set in stages such as Easy, Normal, and Hard, various parameters differ for each difficulty level, and the difficulty is changed by selecting a lower difficulty mode.

[0038] The memory unit 23 consists of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and SSD (Solid State Drive). The memory unit 23 stores various programs, including a part of the game program of this embodiment, as well as various data necessary for the game to progress.

[0039] Furthermore, the memory unit 23 stores user operation input history information corresponding to each operation for each user.

[0040] <Configuration of game device 3> As shown in Figure 1, the game device 3 has a display 37, a touchpad 38, and a speaker 39. The game device 3 also has a network interface 31, a control unit 32, a graphics processing unit 33, an operation unit 34, an audio processing unit 35, and a storage unit 36. The network interface 31, graphics processing unit 33, operation unit 34, audio processing unit 35, and storage unit 36 ​​are electrically connected to the control unit 32 via a bus 40.

[0041] The network interface 31 is connected to the communication network 6 in a communicative manner in order to send and receive various data between the game device 3 and the server device 2.

[0042] The graphics processing unit 33 renders game images, including the character 371 and various objects related to the virtual space, in video format, according to the game image information output from the control unit 32, which will be described later. The graphics processing unit 33 is connected to, for example, a display 37, and the game images rendered in video format are displayed on the display 37 as a game screen.

[0043] The control unit 34 is connected to the touchpad 38 and transmits and receives data related to operation input to the touchpad 38. The user inputs an operation signal to the game device 3 by touching the touchpad 38.

[0044] The audio processing unit 35 is connected to the speaker 39 and, following instructions from the control unit 32 (described later), plays and synthesizes game audio, which is then output from the speaker 39.

[0045] The control unit 32 consists of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the game device 3. The control unit 32 functions as a communication means 321, a game execution means 322, and a notification control means 323 by executing various programs stored in the memory unit 36, which will be described later.

[0046] The communication means 321 is a function that communicates with the server device 2 via the network interface 31. The communication means 321 generates and transmits information that the server device 2 can process in response to various operation signals received by the operation unit 34 from the touchpad 38. For example, the communication means 321 transmits account information, new game data download request information, etc., to the server device 2. The communication means 321 also receives new game data, etc., sent from the server device 2 in response to the download request information.

[0047] The game execution means 322, in accordance with the user's operation of the touchpad 38 of the game device 3, reads data such as virtual game space objects and textures contained in the game data from the storage unit 36 ​​(described later) or uses data received from the server device 2 to execute the game program and generate two-dimensional or three-dimensional game image information. As the game image information is processed by the graphics processing unit 33, the processed game images are sequentially displayed on the display 37.

[0048] The game execution means 322 then places the character 371 on the game image according to the user's operation of the game device 3, and controls the actions of the character 371 in the virtual game space according to the user's operation and the progress of the game.

[0049] The notification control means 323 controls the display on the display 37 and the audio output of the speaker 39 in response to user operations on the game device 3 during game execution.

[0050] The storage unit 36 ​​consists of an HDD, RAM, ROM, and SSD. The storage unit 36 ​​stores game data downloaded from the server device 2, various programs including parts of the game program, and account information for the game device 3.

[0051] <Operation Flow of Information Processing System 1> Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the sequence of operations of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment. The following example describes the case where a user plays a competitive fighting game using the game device 3.

[0052] When a user starts playing a competitive fighting game using the game device 3, the game progression means 221 controls the game's progress based on the user's input. During gameplay or during tutorials explaining how to play the game, the explanation display means 222 displays explanations necessary for various game operations on the display 37 of the game device 3 (step St101). Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, guidance 372 is displayed on the display 37 for each operation, indicating which button on the touchpad 38 the character 371 should press to perform a specific operation.

[0053] When a user performs a specific operation on the touchpad 38 in accordance with the guidance 372, the character 371 on the display 37 performs an action corresponding to the user's operation. For example, the character 371 may move in a specific direction or perform a specific action such as a special move or combo move. Specifically, under certain game conditions, if the received operation input matches a pre-stored operation list (command), the corresponding action is executed (the corresponding motion is played). The operation list (command) also includes special moves and combo moves that require the input of multiple buttons simultaneously or in combination within a predetermined period. Furthermore, if a predetermined operation is performed in the middle of these inputs (a cancel command is entered), the playback of the action (motion) corresponding to the operation input can be canceled. The storage means 223 stores information of the user's operation input in the storage unit 23. In this way, for each user after the explanation is completed, the storage means 223 stores history information of the user's operation input corresponding to each operation in the storage unit 23 (step St102).

[0054] Subsequently, when the user is playing a competitive fighting game using the game device 3, if the user's input corresponding to a predetermined operation (game situation) differs from the history information stored in the memory unit 23 ("YES" in step St103), the detection means 224 detects abnormal information (step St104). Specifically, this includes (1) when the user's input via the touchpad 38 is delayed by one or two frames when activating a special move or combo move with character 371 (the total time required for input from start to finish is longer, or each individual input operation is delayed), or when the reaction (start of input) to the actions of the enemy character (game situation), such as defensive actions, evasive actions, or counterattacks, is slow (delay in operation judgment under specific game situations), or (2) when the user is unable to perform the same operation as the history information under the same game situation, resulting in an operation error (for example, making a mistake in the operation of selling and combining characters, reversing the operation of facing right and left during a match, or when the opponent is jumping during a match). If the player is unable to perform the same operation as recorded in the history information due to reasons such as (3) inputting a low attack operation instead of an attack operation for a regular attack, taking an enemy attack without performing a defensive operation during a match and losing health parameters, or being unable to perform a special move or combo move that requires multiple consecutive inputs during a match, the detection means 224 detects abnormal information if the player is unable to perform the same operation as recorded in the history information, or if the player matches one of the examples of pre-stored operation errors (for example, a special move that is performed by inputting the lever in the order of down, down-right, right, punch, but ends up performing the action of a normal move such as a crouching punch, or a special move that requires pressing punch and kick simultaneously but ends up performing the action of a normal move such as a punch followed by a kick).Furthermore, (4) there are weak, medium, and strong attack buttons (each with different attack power, motion speed, and recovery time (the time before the next input can be received)), and the user may make a choice that puts them at a disadvantage due to the wrong strength of a special move, or select the strong button when a quick weak attack is needed, (5) when using the special move gauge would finish off an opponent, the user may choose a combo that does not use the gauge, or (6) there is a technique where it is better to do nothing (not to perform an additional attack) if an attack is blocked after landing an attack, and better to input a special move to create a combo if the attack hits, and the detection means 224 will also detect abnormal information if the user cannot distinguish between a hit and a guard. Note that examples of incorrect operations may be stored in advance, or the system may learn from the user's history information and store and update examples of incorrect operations. In addition, if an operation is performed that appears to be an oversight of indications of the game situation to the user, such as the display of effects or the playback of sound effects, the detection means 224 will detect visual abnormalities (including eye strain) or auditory abnormalities as abnormal information. Furthermore, visual abnormalities may be assessed in conjunction with the duration of game play, and auditory abnormalities may be assessed in conjunction with the volume level.

[0055] To explain in more detail, for example, if a special move or combo move that was successfully activated 5 or more times out of 10 during past gameplay (for example, the previous session between matches, rounds, or quests), is only successfully activated 4 or fewer times out of 10 during the current gameplay, and other operations are performed instead, the detection means 224 will detect abnormal information. Alternatively, for example, if a special move or combo move that was successfully activated 50% or more of the time during a specific game play period the previous day, last week, or last year, is only successfully activated 50% or less during the game play period today, this week, or this year, the detection means 224 will detect abnormal information. Furthermore, the detection means 224 may also consider the duration of gameplay and adjust the degree of abnormality accordingly. Specifically, for example, if an anomaly occurs in gameplay after the user has warmed up after playing the game a few times, the degree of abnormality may be increased (i.e., the detection means 224 may adjust its criteria for judging abnormal information to detect more frequently). Furthermore, the detection means 224 may also change the degree of abnormality by taking into account the user's lifestyle and the time of day the game is played. For example, if the user is a night owl, the detection means 224 will detect an anomaly even if a slight anomaly occurs in gameplay because game performance is better at night. On the other hand, if the user is not a morning person, the detection means 224 will not detect an anomaly even if a slight anomaly occurs while playing the game in the morning.

[0056] When the detection means 224 detects abnormal information, the difficulty adjustment means 228 selectively lowers the game difficulty (step St105). For example, the difficulty adjustment means 228 does not lower the game difficulty if the detection means 224 detects abnormal information only once, but when the number of times the detection means 224 has detected abnormal information reaches a predetermined number (for example, 5 times), the difficulty adjustment means 228 lowers the game difficulty. In this embodiment, the difficulty adjustment means 228 does not have to lower the game difficulty even if the detection means 224 detects abnormal information.

[0057] Furthermore, when the detection means 224 detects abnormal information, the auxiliary means 225 causes the explanation display means 222 to redisplay or add an explanation (specifically, guidance 372) on the display 37 of the game device 3 (step St106). More specifically, the auxiliary means 225 displays an explanation such as text or images superimposed on the game screen during the game mode in which the detection means 224 has detected abnormal information. At this time, a window related to the explanation may also be superimposed. This allows the user to perform specific operations on the touchpad 38 again in accordance with the guidance 372.

[0058] Subsequently, if the user performs an operation input via the touchpad 38 based on the explanation re-displayed or added on the display 37 ("YES" in step St107), the auxiliary means 225 prevents the explanation re-displayed or added by the explanation display means 222 from being displayed (step St108). On the other hand, if the user does not perform an operation input via the touchpad 38 based on the explanation re-displayed or added on the display 37, or if the detection means 224 detects abnormal information again regarding the user's operation input, the guidance 372 continues to be displayed on the display 37 of the game device 3.

[0059] Furthermore, the user performs operation inputs based on the explanations re-displayed or added on the display 37 using the touchpad 38, and the auxiliary means 225 prevents the explanations that have been re-displayed or added by the explanation display means 222 from being displayed, after which the user can choose to continue or cancel the game.

[0060] In summary, the program causes the computer (control unit 22) to function as an explanation display means 222, a storage means 223, a detection means 224, and an auxiliary means 225. The explanation display means 222 displays explanations necessary for multiple operations of the game (application), and the user completes the corresponding explanation by inputting an operation based on that explanation. The storage means 223 stores history information of user operation inputs corresponding to each operation for each user after the explanation has been completed. The detection means 224 detects abnormal information if the user's operation input corresponding to a predetermined operation differs from the history information, and the auxiliary means 225, when the detection means 224 detects abnormal information, causes the explanation display means 222 to redisplay or add explanations.

[0061] <Effects> According to this embodiment, actions can be taken in response to a decline in the user's game skills after they have been improved. Specifically, when a decline in the user's game skills is detected, the explanation display means 222 redisplays or adds explanations, allowing the user to perform the operations again according to the explanations. This allows explanations of operations that the user had not actually mastered (e.g., not remembering the operation method, succeeding in the tutorial but having a low success rate in subsequent games) or operations that they had forgotten (not being able to perform the corresponding operation in the game) to be redisplayed or added on the display 37 of the game device 3. Furthermore, explanations of operations that were not initially explained to the user can also be added to the display 37 of the game device 3.

[0062] [Other embodiments] The various control means and processing procedures described in the above embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or their uses. The various control means and processing procedures can be modified as appropriate without altering the essence of the present invention.

[0063] For example, the game played by the user using the game device 3 is not limited to competitive fighting games. The game played by the user using the game device 3 may be a sports game, an action game, a puzzle game, etc. Furthermore, it is not limited to competitive games between players; it may also be a cooperative game or a solo game. If the game played by the user using the game device 3 is an action game, the detection means 224 detects abnormal information when the following operations are performed.

[0064] Specifically, the detection means 224 detects abnormal information if, when having character 371 use a weapon or perform a physical technique, the user's input via the touchpad 38 is delayed by one or two frames (input delay), the reaction to enemy characters such as defensive actions, evasive actions, or counterattacks is slow (delay in operation judgment), operation errors occur (for example, mistakes between attack and defense operations, or between movement and item use operations), item usage errors occur (such as using an item unnecessary for combat during combat, or not using an appropriate item for the game situation), the character gets lost in the field (failure to reach the destination after a predetermined time has elapsed, or remaining in the same area for a predetermined time), or the character does not take the shortest route to the destination (movement occurs, but the movement route is not the shortest route). In other words, the detection means 224 detects abnormal information when it detects that appropriate operations are not being performed for a particular game situation.

[0065] To explain in more detail, the detection means 224 detects abnormal information if, for example, after a weapon motion is played, the player is unable to cancel an action that has a gap (a so-called freeze where no input is accepted) for a predetermined number of times; if, for a predetermined time or number of times, the player is unable to attack an enemy character part that should be targeted by the weapon (a part where the damage and additional effects differ depending on the weapon's characteristics); if, for example, the player is equipped with a weapon that cannot block but is performing a defensive action with a weapon that can block for a predetermined number of times; if a status effect item is used against an enemy character that is immune to status effect items; or if the player is circling the same location without taking action to approach the destination.

[0066] Furthermore, the detection means 224 does not only detect abnormal information when the operation input performed by the user via the touchpad 38 differs from the history information stored in the storage unit 23. For example, if a predetermined amount of time has passed since the user stopped playing a game of the same title (for example, so-called numbered titles such as Game A ver.1, Game A ver.2, Game A ver.3, titles with updates, or games of the same genre such as fighting games) where some (preferably most) of the operation methods are the same, the detection means 224 may detect abnormal information if a predetermined amount of time has passed since the user stopped playing a game that includes other titles, not limited to the same title. In this case as well, the instructions for operations that the user may have forgotten due to not playing for a long time can be redisplayed or added to the display 37 of the game device 3. Note that the game the user is playing, the play time, the play date and time, etc., are stored in the storage unit 23.

[0067] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the case in which, when a user plays a game using the game device 3, the detection means 224 detects abnormal information and the explanation display means 222 redisplays or adds an explanation on the display 37 of the game device 3. The present invention also includes the case in which, when a user operates an application other than a game (for example, business software) on a user terminal such as a personal computer, and abnormal information is detected, such as the input speed being slower than the historical data or the rate of input errors being higher than the historical data, the explanation display means 222 redisplays or adds an explanation on the display of the user terminal.

[0068] Furthermore, if the detection means 224 detects abnormal information, the auxiliary means 225 may switch to a different screen from the one on which the game is running (for example, the training mode screen), and the explanation display means 222 may redisplay or add explanations to this other screen. In this case, the game screen may disappear from the display 37 of the game device 3 and transition to another screen, or the game screen may shrink and explanations such as text or images may be redisplayed or added to the empty space. In addition, the screen of the display 37 may be split in this case.

[0069] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to an embodiment in which the detection means 224 detects abnormal information and the explanation display means 222 redisplays or adds an explanation on the display 37 of the game device 3. Other embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0070] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a series of operations performed by Information Processing System 1. Other examples of such a series of operations are described below.

[0071] When the user starts playing the game using the game device 3, the game progression means 221 controls the progress of the game based on the user's input (step St201).

[0072] Furthermore, during gameplay or a tutorial explaining how to play the game, when the user performs a specific operation on the touchpad 38 in accordance with the guidance 372, the character 371 moves on the display 37 in response to the user's operation. The storage means 223 also stores information of the user's operation input in the storage unit 23. In this way, after the explanation is completed, the storage means 223 stores history information of operation inputs corresponding to each operation for each user in the storage unit 23 (step St202).

[0073] The detection means 224 compares the user's operation input corresponding to a predetermined operation with the history information stored in the storage unit 23, and determines the user's performance based on the comparison result (step St203). Then, the notification means 227 notifies the user of the determined performance (step St204). The notified user performance is displayed on the display 37 of the game device 3. This allows the user playing the game to recognize their own performance. Here, performance is a parameter that indicates the accuracy (skill) of the user's game operations (judgments). It is a parameter that indicates whether the performance has improved or deteriorated compared to the history information, based on the comparison result between the current operation input and the history information.

[0074] Furthermore, if the detection means 224 determines that the user's performance is deteriorating, the explanation display means 222 displays support information corresponding to this performance on the display 37 of the game device 3. The support information includes the explanation of a predetermined operation, a button to display the explanation, a practice mode screen, a button to transition to practice mode, advice for the user, a difficulty level change button, etc. Advice for the user includes messages encouraging the user to take a break or messages encouraging them to lower the difficulty level, etc.

[0075] The explanatory display means 222 displays support information on the display 37 of the game device 3, allowing the user to become aware of a decline in their performance and take appropriate action. For example, by viewing the explanation displayed on the display 37, the user can perform the appropriate input for a given operation, practice that operation, or lower the difficulty level of the game. This allows the user to play a game that matches their current performance level, or improve their performance by adjusting their condition or practicing.

[0076] Here, if the game whose progress was controlled by the game progression means 221 is a single-player game ("NO" in step St205), and a decline in user performance is detected ("YES" in step St206), the difficulty adjustment means 228 selectively lowers the game's difficulty (step St207). This makes it easier for users whose gaming skills have declined to play the game.

[0077] Furthermore, if the game whose progress was being controlled by the game progression means 221 is a cooperative multiplayer game ("NO" in step St205), the notification means 227 transmits the determined user's performance to the game device 5 of other users (partner users) playing the multiplayer game, notifying them (step St208). Specifically, the determined user's performance is displayed on the display of the other users' game device 5. This allows each user to recognize the performance of other users playing the multiplayer game (cooperative play).

[0078] Furthermore, if the detection means 224 detects a decline in user performance during a multiplayer game ("YES" in step St209), the explanation display means 222 displays an explanation on the displays 37 of each user's game device 3, 5 in the multiplayer game, indicating that the user playing the game can be changed from the user with the declined performance to another user (step St210). Here, the explanation that allows for changing to another user includes a display prompting the user to change and a display of a change button. This makes it possible to replace a user with a declined performance in a multiplayer game with another user. This allows for the selection of users to play multiplayer games (cooperative play) and the development of game strategies tailored to those users. In addition, this performance can also be used to detect if a user different from the user identified in the history information is playing.

[0079] Furthermore, in a competitive fighting game played by connecting game device 3 and game device 5, if the detection means 224 detects a decline in the performance of a user playing the game on game device 3, this user's performance may be transmitted to the opponent user's game device 5 and notified to that user. This allows users playing the competitive fighting game to be aware of their opponent's performance.

[0080] Furthermore, if a spectator (commentator) different from the user is watching the game being played by the user on the game device 3 on their own game device or personal computer or other terminal, and the detection means 224 detects a decline in the user's performance, the user's performance may be transmitted to the spectator's terminal and the spectator may be notified. For example, if the spectator is providing commentary on a video streaming service, the commentator can recognize the performance of the user playing the game and reflect it in their commentary.

[0081] Furthermore, if the detection means 224 detects a decline in the user's performance, the performance of the user playing the game may be notified to the terminals of viewers watching the live broadcast via a video streaming service or the like.

[0082] Furthermore, when a user's performance is notified to other users (opponents, teammates in multiplayer games, commentators, spectators, etc.), the level of notification (degree) of performance changes received by the user playing the game may differ from the level of notification (degree) of performance changes received by other users. Specifically, the user experiencing the performance decline may be notified even if the performance decline is slight, while other users may only be notified if the performance decline is significant.

[0083] In summary, the program causes the computer (control unit 22) to function as a game progression means 221, a storage means 223, a detection means 224, and a notification means 227. The game progression means 221 controls the game's progress based on user input. The storage means 223 stores history information of user inputs corresponding to each operation for each user. The detection means 224 compares the user's input corresponding to a predetermined operation with the history information and determines the user's performance based on this comparison. The notification means 227 then notifies the user of the performance determined by the detection means 224.

[0084] <Effects> The program and information processing system 1 shown in Figure 3, which perform a series of operations, can also take action in response to a decline in the user's game skills after they have improved. Specifically, by notifying the user of their performance based on the comparison result between the user's operation input corresponding to a predetermined operation and history information, the notified party can recognize the user's performance. This allows the user playing the game, as well as other users (opponents, teammates in multiplayer games, etc.), to know the user's current condition (performance).

[0085] Furthermore, in a program or information processing system 1 that performs the series of operations shown in Figure 3, if the detection means 224 detects an improvement in the user's performance during the progress of a multiplayer game, the notification means 227 may notify the user of the improvement in their performance by transmitting it to the game device 3 of this user or to the game devices 5 of other users (fellow users).

[0086] For example, if the detection means 224 detects an improvement in a user's performance during a multiplayer game, the explanatory display means 222 may display an explanation on the displays 37 of each user's game device 3, 5 in the multiplayer game, allowing the user to change the player to the user with improved performance or to develop a game strategy that takes advantage of that user's abilities. On the other hand, if the performance of an opponent user improves, the user playing the game is notified of the opponent user's improved performance, allowing them to prepare for it or avoid playing against that user.

[0087] Furthermore, changes in user performance detected by the detection means 224 may be displayed in real time as numerical values ​​or graphs on the displays 37 of each user's game devices 3 and 5. This allows, for example, in a multiplayer game where users can be switched during gameplay, users to be switched by observing changes in performance during gameplay (e.g., during a sports game match, during a quest in an action game). Changes in performance may be displayed on the displays 37 of each user's game devices 3 and 5 by changing the text of the character itself or the username (e.g., the facial expression changes, the motion changes), or by adding effects (e.g., the color changes). For example, in a sports game where baseball is played, performance can be judged by whether the user controlling the pitcher character is throwing within the strike zone (preferably just outside the zone), or whether the user controlling the batter character is accurately positioning the bat cursor on the ball. In an action game where guns are used, performance can be judged by whether the fired bullets accurately hit objects (hit rate).

[0088] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a series of operations performed by Information Processing System 1. Other examples of such a series of operations are described below.

[0089] When the user starts playing the game using the game device 3, the game progression means 221 controls the progress of the game based on the user's input (step St301).

[0090] Furthermore, during gameplay or a tutorial explaining how to play the game, when the user performs a specific operation on the touchpad 38 in accordance with the guidance 372, the character 371 moves on the display 37 in response to the user's operation. The storage means 223 also stores information of the user's operation input in the storage unit 23. In this way, after the explanation is completed, the storage means 223 stores history information of operation inputs corresponding to each operation for each user in the storage unit 23 (step St302).

[0091] Subsequently, when the user is playing a competitive fighting game using the game device 3, if the user's input corresponding to a predetermined operation differs from the history information stored in the memory unit 23 (YES in step St303), the detection means 224 detects abnormal information (step St304).

[0092] When the detection means 224 detects abnormal information, the confirmation means 226 causes the user to perform a confirmation operation related to the abnormal information (step St305). The confirmation operation may be the predetermined operation that corresponds to the user's operation input when the abnormal information was detected, or it may be an operation different from the predetermined operation.

[0093] Specifically, the explanatory display means 222 redisplays or adds an explanation of a predetermined operation corresponding to the user's operation input in which abnormal information was detected on the display 37 of the game device 3, and prompts the user to perform a confirmation action for this operation. When the user performs an operation input based on the explanation redisplayed or added on the display 37 using the touchpad 38, if this operation input is substantially the same as the history information, the abnormality related to the abnormal information is denied. On the other hand, if the user is unable to perform the predetermined operation corresponding to the user's operation input in which abnormal information was detected even with the confirmation action, or if the operation input differs from the history information, the abnormality related to the abnormal information is confirmed.

[0094] In another embodiment, for example, the game device 3 may perform a test to assess the user's response (such as a test of the accuracy and reaction speed of the user's input in response to displayed operation instructions). If the user's reaction speed in such a test is lower than a predetermined threshold, an anomaly related to the anomaly information is confirmed.

[0095] Furthermore, the verification action is not limited to what is performed by the game device 3. For example, a message such as "Please check if you can stand on one leg for 10 seconds" may be displayed on the display 37 of the game device 3, and the verification action may be performed by the user inputting a response to the message "Did you do it? YES / NO" displayed on the display 37. Alternatively, the user may be imaged using a camera connected to the game device 3, and the verification action may be evaluated.

[0096] If the verification operation confirms an abnormality related to the abnormal information ("YES" in step St306), the notification means 227 notifies the user of the abnormality (step St307). Specifically, information indicating that the user's performance is degraded is displayed on the display 37 of the user's game device 3. In addition, the game progression by the game progression means 221 is restricted (step St308). The notification means 227 also transmits the abnormality information to a third-party terminal other than the user's game device 3. For example, the abnormality information is notified to the terminal of the user's attending physician. This allows the attending physician to recognize the user's abnormality (e.g., symptoms of dementia).

[0097] Furthermore, if an anomaly related to anomaly information is confirmed, instead of restricting the game's progress by the game progression means 221, the user may be allowed to continue playing the currently played game until a predetermined point (such as when the outcome of the current play is determined, when the game progresses to a point where an autosave occurs, or when the user is interrupted or logged off), but the game progression means 221 may restrict subsequent gameplay.

[0098] If an anomaly related to the anomaly information is confirmed and the game progression by the game progression means 221 is restricted, and then information that there is no anomaly in the operation input is input through a third party ("YES" in step St309), the restriction on the game progression by the game progression means 221 is lifted (step St310). For example, when the user's symptoms improve, a third party such as the user's doctor may lift the restriction on the game progression (for example, by entering the user's ID on a dedicated lifting screen), thereby allowing the user to play the game again.

[0099] Furthermore, the verification means 226 determines the user's operation input for the operation as a result of the verification operation described above, and if it is within a predetermined normal range, it does not notify the user of abnormal information by the notification means 227 and does not restrict the game progress by the game progress means 221 ("NO" in step St306). Here, in the verification operation, when the user makes an operation input using the touchpad 38 based on the explanation re-displayed or added to the display 37, even if this operation input is slightly inferior to the history information, if the degree of difference is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the notification means 227 does not notify the user of abnormal information.

[0100] In summary, the program causes the computer (control unit 22) to function as a game progression means 221, a storage means 223, a detection means 224, a confirmation means 226, and a notification means 227. The game progression means 221 controls the progress of the game based on user input. The storage means 223 stores history information of user input corresponding to each operation for each user. The detection means 224 detects abnormal information when the user input corresponding to a predetermined operation differs from the history information. The confirmation means 226 causes the user to perform a confirmation action related to the abnormal information when the detection means 224 detects abnormal information. The notification means 227 notifies the user of the abnormal information if the confirmation action by the confirmation means 226 confirms the abnormality related to the abnormal information.

[0101] <Effects> According to the program and information processing system 1 that perform the series of operations shown in Figure 4, a confirmation operation can be performed if the user's game skills, which have been improved, decline. This increases the accuracy of detecting abnormal conditions. Furthermore, if the detection means 224 detects abnormal information, the user can be instructed to practice the operation in which the abnormality occurred.

[0102] Furthermore, in the various embodiments described above, the storage means 223 is not limited to storing user operation input history information in the storage unit 23. The storage unit 223 may store user operation input history information in a storage device provided separately from the server device 2 or in a cloud storage service. In this case, when the detection means 224 detects abnormal information or performance, the control unit 22 reads user operation input history information from the external storage device or cloud storage service and uses this read history information. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0103] 1. Information Processing System 22 Control Unit (Computer) 221 Game Progression Methods (Game Progression Section) 222 Explanation display means (explanation display unit) 223 Memory means 224 Detection means (detection unit) 225 Auxiliary means (auxiliary part) 226 Verification means (verification unit) 227 Notification means (notification section) 228 Difficulty level adjustment means (difficulty level adjustment section)

Claims

1. A program that causes a computer to function as a means of game progression, memory, detection, confirmation, and notification, The aforementioned game progression means controls the progress of the game based on user input. The storage means stores, for each user, the history information of the operation input by the user corresponding to each operation. The detection means detects abnormal information when the user's operation input corresponding to a predetermined operation differs from the history information. When the detection means detects the abnormal information, the confirmation means causes the user to perform a confirmation operation related to the abnormal information. The notification means is a program that, as a result of the verification operation by the verification means, confirms the abnormality related to the abnormality information, and notifies the abnormality information.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the confirmation operation involves causing the user to perform the operation again in which the operation input is at least different from the history information.

3. The program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the confirmation means determines the user's operation input corresponding to the operation as a result of the confirmation operation, and if it is within a predetermined normal range, the notification means does not notify the abnormal information and the game progression means does not restrict the progress of the game.

4. The program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the verification means, if the result of the verification operation confirms an abnormality related to the abnormality information, restricts the progress of the game by the game progress means.

5. The program according to claim 4, wherein when information is received through a third party other than the user indicating that no abnormality has occurred in the operation input, the restriction on the progress of the game is lifted.

6. A game progression unit that controls the game's progress based on user input, A storage unit that stores history information of the operation input by the user corresponding to each operation for each user, A detection unit that detects abnormal information when the user's operation input corresponding to a predetermined operation differs from the history information, When the detection unit detects the abnormal information, the confirmation unit causes the user to perform a confirmation operation related to the abnormal information, A notification unit that notifies the abnormal information if the verification operation performed by the verification unit confirms the abnormality related to the abnormal information, An information processing system equipped with [the following features].

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