Game system, information processing device, and game execution method

Abstract

Provided is a game system capable of enhancing amusement in display control of a game medium by using an image cut out from an original image.　In an original image in which a plurality of characters are rendered, a character image obtained by cutting out at least one character among the plurality of characters is rendered on a game medium. The character of the character image to be rendered on the game medium is determined on the basis of a prescribed condition. Due to this configuration, amusement in the display control of the game medium can be enhanced using the image cut out from the original image.

Description

Game System, Information Processing Device, and Game Execution Method

[0001] The present invention relates to a game system, an information processing device, and a game execution method.

[0002] Conventionally, a game system that performs display control of cards on a game screen is known. For example, Japanese Patent No. 5701249 discloses that as the level of a card increases, the amount of change in the game character image during video playback increases.

[0003] However, in the prior art, in the display control of the character image of a card, the idea of trimming from an original image does not exist in the prior art.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a game system or the like that can enhance the interest in the display control of a game medium by using an image trimmed from an original image.

[0005] (1) A game system according to a first aspect of the present invention is a game system that generates an image of a character of a game medium and advances the game based on predetermined parameters set for the character, including: a game medium control unit that draws, on the game medium, a character image obtained by trimming at least one character from a plurality of characters in an original image in which the plurality of characters are drawn; and a determination unit that determines a character of the character image to be drawn on the game medium based on a predetermined condition.

[0006] (2) An information processing device according to a second aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that generates an image of a character of a game medium and advances the game based on predetermined parameters set for the character, including: a game medium control unit that draws, on the game medium, a character image obtained by trimming at least one character from a plurality of characters in an original image in which the plurality of characters are drawn; and a determination unit that determines a character of the character image to be drawn on the game medium based on a predetermined condition.

[0007] (3) A third aspect of the present invention is a game execution method which generates an image of a character on a game medium and causes a computer to execute a game that progresses based on predetermined parameters set for the character, wherein the method comprises drawing a character image on the game medium obtained by cropping at least one of the multiple characters in an original image in which multiple characters are drawn, and determining the character of the character image to be drawn on the game medium based on predetermined conditions.

[0008] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the functional block of a server device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the functional block of a terminal device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4A is an explanatory diagram regarding a game medium according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4B is an explanatory diagram regarding a game medium according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram regarding the original image and cropping according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram regarding the information of a game medium according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram regarding the correspondence between an original image and a character image according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram regarding cropping according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram regarding a game medium according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram regarding cropping according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram regarding cropping according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram regarding a game medium according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram regarding a game medium according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] (1) One embodiment of the present invention relates to a game system that generates an image of a character on a game medium and advances the game based on predetermined parameters set for the character, and includes a game medium control unit that draws a character image on the game medium obtained by cropping at least one of the multiple characters in an original image in which multiple characters are drawn, and a determination unit that determines the character of the character image to be drawn on the game medium based on predetermined conditions.

[0010] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device (for example, a server device, a game device, etc.) including the above-mentioned parts. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a program that causes a computer to function as the above-mentioned parts. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a computer-readable information storage medium that stores a program that causes a computer to function as the above-mentioned parts.

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention can enhance the entertainment value of display control in a game medium by using an image cropped from the original image.

[0012] (2) In addition, in the game system, information processing device, program, and information storage medium of one embodiment of the present invention, the game medium control unit may, when storing the game medium acquired by the player in association with the player, provide the player with the game medium of the cropped character image.

[0013] One embodiment of the present invention can properly manage game media acquired by a player.

[0014] (3) In addition, in a game system, information processing device, program, and information storage medium according to one embodiment of the present invention, the game medium control unit may store identification information for identifying the original image and identification information for identifying the cropped character image in association with the player when storing the game medium acquired by the player in association with the player.

[0015] One embodiment of the present invention can properly manage game media acquired by a player.

[0016] (4) In addition, in the game system, information processing device, program, and information storage medium of one embodiment of the present invention, the game medium control unit may set the parameters of the game medium for the original image to be more favorable than the parameters of the game medium for the cropped character image.

[0017] One embodiment of the present invention makes it possible to make the parameters of the game medium of the original image valuable.

[0018] (5) In addition, in a game system, information processing device, program, and information storage medium according to one embodiment of the present invention, the game medium control unit may set different parameters for the game medium of each trimmed character image, and set the parameters for the game medium of the original image based on the parameters for the game medium of each character image.

[0019] One embodiment of the present invention can appropriately set the parameters of the game medium of the original image, thereby further enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

[0020] (6) In addition, in the game system, information processing device, program, and information storage medium of one embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit may determine a character based on a given lottery process.

[0021] One embodiment of this technology can further enhance the enjoyment of a game when determining which character to choose.

[0022] (7) In addition, in a game system, information processing device, program, and information storage medium of one embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit may determine a character based on at least one of the game progress and player information.

[0023] One embodiment of this technology can further enhance the enjoyment of a game when determining which character to choose.

[0024] (8) In addition, the game system, information processing device, program, and information storage medium of one embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that the game medium control unit can change the character image drawn on the game medium to a character image obtained by cropping other characters from the original image when the predetermined conditions are met during the game.

[0025] One embodiment of the present invention can further enhance the enjoyment of a game by changing the character image when the predetermined conditions are met during the game.

[0026] (9) In addition, the game system, information processing device, program, and information storage medium of one embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that the game medium control unit can change the character image drawn on the game medium to a character image obtained by cropping other characters from the original image, based on at least one of the game progress and player information.

[0027] One embodiment of the present invention can further enhance the enjoyment of a game by changing the character image based on at least one of the game's progress and / or player information.

[0028] (10) In addition, a game system, information processing device, program, and information storage medium of one embodiment of the present invention may include conditions relating to the synthesis of the game medium in the game progress, and the game medium control unit may change the original image to a character image obtained by cropping the matching character in the original image when a character of the game medium used as synthesis material matches any of the multiple characters drawn in the original image.

[0029] One embodiment of this method can further enhance the enjoyment of a game because it allows for the potential to change character images as a result of synthesis.

[0030] (11) In addition, the game system, information processing device, program, and information storage medium of one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one of the following in the game progress: the execution status of a given event that occurred during the game, and character information of a character drawn on the game medium.

[0031] One embodiment of the present invention can further enhance the enjoyment of a game by changing the character image based on at least one of the following: the execution status of a given event that occurred during the game, or the character information of a character drawn on the game medium.

[0032] (12) In addition, a game system, information processing device, program, and information storage medium according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that the game medium control unit includes events related to each character drawn on the original image, and based on the execution status of the events, it is possible to change the character image to a cropped image of the character related to the event.

[0033] One embodiment of this system can further enhance the game's appeal by changing character images based on the progress of events.

[0034] (13) In addition, in a game system, information processing device, program, and information storage medium according to one embodiment of the present invention, the game medium control unit may be configured to change the character image drawn on the game medium to a character image obtained by cropping out other characters from the original image, based on a given lottery process.

[0035] One embodiment of the present invention can further enhance the enjoyment of a game because the character image is changed based on a given lottery process.

[0036] (14) In addition, in a game system, information processing device, program, and information storage medium according to one embodiment of the present invention, the game medium control unit may perform the lottery process for each character drawn on the original image, or for a given area on which the characters of the original image are drawn, based on a probability set by given information.

[0037] One embodiment of the present invention can further enhance the entertainment value of a game in a given lottery process.

[0038] (15) In addition, in a game system, information processing device, program, and information storage medium according to one embodiment of the present invention, the game medium control unit may set the parameters of the other character when changing the character image drawn on the game medium to another trimmed character image in the original image, based on the character information of the character drawn on the trimmed character image.

[0039] One embodiment of the present invention allows the character information of a character drawn on a cropped character image to influence the parameters of other characters, thereby further enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

[0040] (16) In addition, in a game system, information processing device, program, and information storage medium according to one embodiment of the present invention, the game medium control unit may set the parameters of the other characters based on at least one of the game progress and player information.

[0041] One embodiment of the present invention can further enhance the enjoyment of a game because at least one of the game's progress and player information influences the parameters of other characters.

[0042] (17) In addition, in the game system, information processing device, program, and information storage medium of one embodiment of the present invention, the game medium control unit may change the character image to a character image that has been trimmed of another character, which is modifiable based on the player's operation information.

[0043] One embodiment of the present invention can change a character image according to the player's intention and provide a highly satisfactory game.

[0044] (18) Further, in the game system, information processing apparatus, program, and information storage medium according to one embodiment of the present invention, the game medium control unit may be configured to be able to change the original image as a character image drawn on the game medium when a specific condition is satisfied during the game.

[0045] One embodiment of the present invention can further enhance the趣味性 of the game when a specific condition is satisfied during the game.

[0046] (19) Further, in the game system, information processing apparatus, program, and information storage medium according to one embodiment of the present invention, the game medium control unit may determine that the specific condition is satisfied when all game media on which character images obtained by trimming characters are drawn for each character drawn on the original image are used during the game or are in a state where they can all be used during the game.

[0047] One embodiment of the present invention can further enhance the趣味性 of the game in determining whether a condition for satisfying a specific condition is satisfied.

[0048] (20) Further, in the game system, information processing apparatus, program, and information storage medium according to one embodiment of the present invention, the game medium control unit may permit the use of the game medium of the original image for a predetermined period during the game and control the length of the predetermined period based on at least one of the game progress situation and player information.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to use the game medium of the original image only for a predetermined period, and further control the length of the predetermined period based on at least one of the game progress situation and player information, so that the趣味性 of the game can be further enhanced.

[0050] (21) In addition, in a game system, information processing device, program, and information storage medium according to one embodiment of the present invention, the game medium control unit may set the parameters of the game medium after determining the trimmed character image to be drawn on the game medium.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cropped character image that is the subject of the game medium's rendering affects the parameters of the game medium, thereby further enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

[0052] (22) In addition, in a game system, information processing device, program, and information storage medium according to one embodiment of the present invention, the game medium control unit may perform effect processing based on the character information of the character image when drawing the trimmed character image on the game medium.

[0053] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Note that the embodiments described below are not intended to unduly limit the scope of the present invention as described in the claims. Furthermore, not all configurations described in these embodiments are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0054] [1] Game System First, the overview and general configuration of the game system (also called an information processing system or computer system) of this embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration that illustrates the configuration of the game system of this embodiment.

[0055] The server device 10 is an information processing device that can provide a given service using a terminal device (game device) 20 that is connected to it via the Internet (an example of a network).

[0056] The terminal device 20 is an information processing device such as a terminal device, smartphone, mobile phone, PHS, computer, terminal device, PDA, portable game console, or image generation device, and is a device that can connect to the server device 10 via a network such as the Internet (WAN) or LAN.

[0057] [1.1] Game system configured as a client-server model The game system of this embodiment is configured such that a server device 10 and terminal devices 20 (for example, terminal devices 20A, 20B, 20C) can connect to the Internet (an example of a network), as shown in Figure 1.

[0058] The player can access the server device 10 from the terminal device 20 and play the game based on information transmitted from the server device 10 via the internet.

[0059] In this embodiment, each game may be provided to the terminal device 20 by a single server device 10, or a server system may be constructed by linking multiple server devices 10 together to provide each game to the terminal device 20.

[0060] Furthermore, the server device 10 may perform various processes related to the embodiment of the present invention by itself, or the terminal device 20 may perform various processes related to the embodiment of the present invention by itself.

[0061] [1.2] Terminal Device The game system of this embodiment may be implemented by a single terminal device equipped with the functions of the server device 10, that is, a device that operates independently without relying on other devices such as a server device (standalone).

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, one embodiment of the system may be implemented using only the terminal device 20 without connecting to the server device 10. For example, it may be a game system implemented using multiple terminal devices 20 via P2P (peer-to-peer) communication.

[0063] Furthermore, multiple such terminal devices may be connected via wired or wireless connections, with one terminal device functioning as a host (server device 10), and the system may be implemented using multiple terminal devices.

[0064] Furthermore, the terminal device may not only be a terminal device, but also a tablet-type information terminal device, a personal computer, or a terminal device (casing) installed in an amusement park.

[0065] [1.3] Cloud-based game system The game system of this embodiment may also be a cloud-based game system. For example, in a cloud-based game system, the server device 10 (cloud device) alone performs basic processing (including game processing, rendering processing, etc.), and the terminal device 20 only controls the display of the processing results of the server device 10 (cloud device). The terminal device 20 also transmits information such as controller input information (operation information) to the server device 10. In this case, the terminal device 20 may also transmit information other than input information.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, except for the input, the server device 10 may execute each function of the processing unit 200 of the terminal device 20 and the game program, and the terminal device 20 may realize the game by performing input and image display via streaming.

[0067] Furthermore, the game system may store information stored in the server device 10 and information stored in the terminal device 20 in a given memory area on the internet.

[0068] [1.4] Terminal device with multiple controllers In this embodiment, one terminal device 20 may be equipped with multiple controllers (input units 260). When multiple players play the game using each player's controller of one terminal device 20, it is assumed that the multiple players are realistically in close proximity to each other.

[0069] [1.5] Example of a social game In this embodiment, it may also function as an SNS server that provides communication-type services. Here, the SNS server may be an information processing device that provides services that enable communication between multiple players.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for example, when functioning as an SNS server, it can provide a game called a social game that is executed using the operating environment of the SNS provided (API (Application Programming Interface), platform, etc.).

[0071] Social games, unlike existing online games, do not require dedicated client software and include games that can be used with only a web browser and an SNS account. Furthermore, this embodiment has a configuration that enables the provision of an online game that can connect to the terminal devices 20 of other players via a network and allow simultaneous online sharing of the same game progress.

[0072] [1.6] Examples of Browser Games In particular, in this embodiment, a game provided on the Web browser of the terminal device 20 may be provided, such as a browser game created in various languages ​​such as HTML, FLASH®, CGI, PHP, shockwave, Java® applet, and JavaScript® (a game that starts simply by opening the installation site in a Web browser).

[0073] Furthermore, the terminal device 20 is equipped with a web browser capable of viewing web pages (data in HTML format). Specifically, the terminal device 20 is equipped with a communication control function for communicating with the server device 10, a web browser function that performs display control using data received from the server device 10 (web data, data created in HTML format, etc.), and sends player operation data to the server device 10, and performs various processes to provide the screen to the player, allowing the player to run the game. However, the terminal device 20 may also obtain game control information provided by the server device 10, execute predetermined game processing, and run the game based on the game processing.

[0074] Specifically, when the terminal device 20 requests the server device 10 to play a predetermined game, it connects to the game site of the server device 10 and the game starts. In particular, the terminal device 20 may have a configuration that, by using an API as needed, causes the server device 10, which functions as an SNS server, to perform predetermined processing, or obtains player information managed by the server device 10, which functions as an SNS server, and then executes the game.

[0075] [1.7] In this embodiment, the system may consist of one (device, processor) or multiple (devices, processors). Information stored in the storage area of ​​the server device 10 (storage unit 170 described later) (for example, player information, game information, etc.) may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (intranet or internet). The communication line between the terminal device 20 and the server device 10 may be wired or wireless.

[0076] [2] Server Device Next, the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the functional blocks of the server device 10 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, some of the components (each part) in Figure 2 may be omitted.

[0077] In this embodiment, the system includes an input unit 160 for use by administrators and others, an information storage medium 180 in which predetermined information is stored, a communication unit 196 for communicating with terminal devices 20 and others, a processing unit 100 that mainly performs processing related to the game to be provided, and a storage unit 170 that mainly stores various data used for the game.

[0078] The input unit 160 is used by system administrators and others to input game-related settings and other necessary settings and data. For example, the input unit 160 in this embodiment is composed of a mouse, keyboard, etc.

[0079] The information storage medium 180 (a medium readable by a computer) stores programs, data, etc., and its function is comprised of optical discs (CDs, DVDs), magneto-optical discs (MOs), magnetic discs, hard disks, magnetic tapes, or memory (ROMs).

[0080] The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with external parties (e.g., terminals, other servers, or other network systems), and its functions are comprised of hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, as well as programs.

[0081] The memory unit 170 serves as the work area for the processing unit 100 and the communication unit 196, and its functions are comprised of RAM (VRAM), etc. The information stored in the memory unit 170 may be managed by a database.

[0082] Furthermore, in addition to the main memory unit 171, the storage unit 170 of this embodiment includes an image buffer 172, a game data storage unit 174 that stores game information indicating information about the game, a player information storage unit 175, an original image storage unit 176, and a character image storage unit 177. Note that some of these may be omitted.

[0083] In particular, the game data storage unit 174 stores information about the virtual space (game space) in which the game is played, information about the virtual camera, and settings used in the game.

[0084] Furthermore, the player information storage unit 175 stores player information (user information) for each player (each user), associated with a player ID (user ID). The player ID is identification information used to identify the player.

[0085] Furthermore, player information includes the player's input information (operation information). Additionally, player information may be a concept that includes not only information associated with the player (user), but also information about the player's game media (for example, game media such as characters, cards, and items owned by the player).

[0086] The original image is stored in the original image storage unit 176.

[0087] The character image storage unit 177 stores character images.

[0088] The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main memory unit 171 within the storage unit 170 as the work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.) or by programs.

[0089] The processing unit 100 performs various processes of this embodiment based on the program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores programs that cause the computer to function as each part of this embodiment (programs that cause the computer to execute the processing of each part).

[0090] For example, the processing unit 100 (processor) controls the entire server device 10 based on the program stored in the information storage medium 180, and performs various processes such as controlling the transfer of data between each unit. Furthermore, it performs processes to provide various services in response to requests from the terminal device 20.

[0091] Furthermore, the processing unit 100 works in conjunction with the terminal device 20 and executes game processing for the game provided in this embodiment on each player based on player input received via the terminal device 20.

[0092] In this embodiment, the server device 10 may perform some or all of the processing of the processing unit 100, or the terminal device 20 may perform some of the processing of the processing unit 100.

[0093] The processing unit 100 includes a display control unit 111, a game control unit 112, a selection unit 113, a determination unit 114, a game media control unit 115, a reception unit 116, an event control unit 117, an acquisition unit 118, a presentation unit 119, a communication control unit 120, a management unit 122, an image generation unit 130, and a sound processing unit 140.

[0094] The display control unit 111 controls the display so that the screen (image) generated by the server device 10 is displayed on the display unit 290 of the terminal device 20. In other words, the display destination for the screen (image) generated by the server device 10 is set to the display unit 290 of the terminal device 20.

[0095] The display control unit 111 displays an image of a character corresponding to a game medium (for example, a card in a virtual space) in a given display area of ​​the game medium.

[0096] The display control unit 111 displays information about the character associated with each game medium in the display area.

[0097] For example, the display control unit 111 displays the cropped character image in a given display area of ​​the game medium.

[0098] The game control unit 112 executes game processing based on the player's input information (operation information). For example, the game control unit 112 may receive the player's input information (operation information) from the player's terminal device 20 and perform game processing.

[0099] In other words, the game control unit 112 advances the game based on the player's input. For example, the game control unit 112 may cause the player's character to perform a predetermined action (e.g., an attack) to advance the game.

[0100] In particular, in this embodiment, the game control unit 112 performs game control based on the game medium. For example, the game control unit 112 generates an image of a character from the game medium and advances the game based on predetermined parameters set for that character.

[0101] The selection unit 113 selects a game medium to be associated with a player from among multiple game mediums.

[0102] The determination unit 114 determines the character to be drawn on the game medium based on predetermined conditions.

[0103] The determination unit 114 may determine the character based on a given lottery process.

[0104] The determination unit 114 may determine the character based on at least one of the game progress and player information.

[0105] The game media control unit 115 draws a character image on the game medium obtained by cropping at least one of the characters in the original image in which multiple characters are drawn.

[0106] When the game media control unit 115 stores the game media acquired by the player in association with that player, it assigns the game media with the cropped character image to the player.

[0107] When the game media control unit 115 stores a game media acquired by a player in association with that player, it stores identification information that identifies the original image and identification information that identifies the cropped character image in association with the player.

[0108] The game media control unit 115 sets the parameters of the game media for the original image to be more favorable than the parameters of the game media for the cropped character image.

[0109] The game medium control unit 115 sets different game medium parameters for each trimmed character image, and sets the game medium parameters for the original image based on the game medium parameters for each character image.

[0110] The game media control unit 115 may, when the predetermined conditions are met during the game, change the character image drawn on the game media to a character image obtained by cropping other characters from the original image.

[0111] The game media control unit 115 may change the character image drawn on the game media to a character image obtained by cropping other characters from the original image, based on at least one of the game progress and player information.

[0112] The game progress includes conditions related to the synthesis of game media, and the game media control unit 115 may change the original image to a character image obtained by cropping the matching character in the original image if the character of the game media used as synthesis material matches any of the multiple characters drawn in the original image.

[0113] The game progress includes at least one of the following: the execution status of a given event that occurred during the game, or character information of a character depicted on the game medium.

[0114] The game media control unit 115 may include events related to each character drawn on the original image, and may change the character image to a cropped version of the character related to the event based on the execution status of the event.

[0115] The game media control unit 115 may change the character image drawn on the game media to a character image obtained by cropping other characters from the original image, based on a given lottery process.

[0116] The game media control unit 115 may perform the lottery process based on a probability set by the given information for each character drawn on the original image, or for a given area on the original image where characters are drawn.

[0117] The game media control unit 115 may also set the parameters of the other character when changing the character image drawn on the game media to another trimmed character image in the original image, based on the character information of the character drawn on the trimmed character image.

[0118] The game media control unit 115 may set the parameters of the other characters based on at least one of the game progress and player information.

[0119] The game media control unit 115 may change the character image to a modified character image, which is a cropped version of another character, based on the player's operation information.

[0120] The game media control unit 115 may change the original image to a character image drawn on the game media when certain conditions are met during the game.

[0121] The game media control unit 115 may determine that the specific conditions described above have been met when, for each character drawn on the original image, all game media on which character images have been cropped have been drawn have been used during the game, or when all game media have been made available for use during the game.

[0122] The game media control unit 115 may permit the use of the game media containing the original image for a predetermined period during the game, and may control the length of the predetermined period based on at least one of the game progress and player information.

[0123] The game media control unit 115 may set the parameters of the game media after determining the cropped character image to be drawn on the game media.

[0124] The game media control unit 115 may perform effect processing based on the character information of the character image when drawing the trimmed character image onto the game media.

[0125] The reception unit 116 receives information from the player. For example, the reception unit 116 receives and accepts information from the player's terminal device 20 via the network.

[0126] The event control unit 117 controls game events. The event control unit 117 may also be configured to activate an event when the event activation conditions are met.

[0127] The acquisition unit 118 controls the acquisition (acquisition) of game media. For example, it may acquire game media during gameplay, or it may acquire game media that corresponds to the player from among the selected game media.

[0128] The presentation unit 119 performs a process to present given information to the player's terminal device 20.

[0129] The communication control unit 120 establishes a connection (session or connection) with the terminal device 20 and performs processing to communicate (send and receive) data over the network.

[0130] For example, the communication control unit 120 transmits game-related information to the player's terminal device 20. The communication control unit 120 also receives player operation information received by the player's terminal device 20.

[0131] Furthermore, the communication control unit 120 receives information related to the game from the server device 10.

[0132] The management unit 122 manages game information and player information associated with player identification information for each player. The management unit 122 may also manage information such as in-game currency and items.

[0133] The image generation unit 130 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image and outputting it to the display unit 290 of the terminal device 20.

[0134] The image generation unit 130 is implemented by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC or video codec, and a drawing frame IC memory such as a frame buffer.

[0135] The image generation unit 130 generates one game screen image (game screen) per frame (for example, 1 / 60th of a second) according to the progress of the game. The image generation unit 130 outputs the generated image to the image buffer 172. The image generation unit 130 also transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20.

[0136] The image generation unit 130 generates an image (a so-called 3D image) that is visible from a virtual camera (a given viewpoint) within a virtual space (object space, game space).

[0137] For example, when the image generation unit 130 generates a 3D game image, it first performs geometry processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping, or perspective transformation. Based on the results of this processing, drawing data (position coordinates of primitive face vertices, texture coordinates, color data, normal vectors, or alpha values, etc.) is created. Then, based on this drawing data (primitive face data), the object (one or more primitive faces) after perspective transformation (after geometry processing) is drawn to the image buffer 172 (a buffer that can store image information on a pixel-by-pixel basis, such as a frame buffer or work buffer; VRAM). This generates an image that can be seen from a virtual camera (a given viewpoint) within the object space.

[0138] Furthermore, when multiple players play a multiplayer online game where data is sent and received over a network, the system generates an image for each player that follows the movement of the object being manipulated by that player, as seen from a virtual camera. In other words, it performs independent rendering processing according to each player. The image generation unit 130 may also generate a two-dimensional image within the virtual space.

[0139] The sound processing unit 140 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates (plays) game sounds such as background music, sound effects, or voices, and transmits them to the terminal device 20.

[0140] [3] Terminal Device Next, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is an example of a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 20 in this embodiment. Furthermore, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each part) in Figure 3 are omitted.

[0141] The input unit 260 is for the player to input operation data, and its function can be realized by a touch panel or a touch panel display. Specifically, the input unit 260 includes a detection unit 262 capable of detecting two-dimensional instruction position coordinates (x, y) on a screen where an image is displayed. For example, the input unit 260 includes a detection unit 262 capable of detecting two-dimensional contact position coordinates (x, y) in a contact detection area (touch panel).

[0142] Furthermore, touch operations on the display screen (hereinafter referred to as the "touch panel" unless otherwise specified) may be performed using fingertips or using input devices such as a stylus.

[0143] Furthermore, the input unit 260 may include buttons, levers, a keyboard, a steering wheel, a microphone, an acceleration sensor, etc., that can input input information (operation signals) other than the indicated position.

[0144] The memory unit 270 serves as a work area for the processing unit 200 and the communication unit 296, and its functions can be realized by RAM (VRAM) or the like. In this embodiment, the memory unit 270 includes a main memory unit 271 used as a work area, an image buffer 272 where the final display image and the like are stored, a game data storage unit 274 where game information indicating information about the game is stored, a player information storage unit 275, an original image storage unit 276, and a character image storage unit 277. Note that some of these may be omitted, or the memory unit 170 of the server device 10 may constitute some of these.

[0145] The image buffer 272 may store image data generated by the image generation unit 230, or image data received from the server device 10.

[0146] The game data storage unit 274 stores information about the game space in which the game is played, information about each character, information about the virtual camera, and other settings used in the game. The terminal device 20 may also store information received from the server device 10 in the game data storage unit 274.

[0147] The player information storage unit 275 stores player information. The terminal device 20 may also receive player information corresponding to the player ID from the server device 10 and store it in the player information storage unit 275.

[0148] The original image is stored in the original image storage unit 276.

[0149] The character image storage unit 277 stores character images.

[0150] The information storage medium 280 (a medium readable by a computer) stores programs, data, etc., and its function can be realized by optical discs (CDs, DVDs), magneto-optical discs (MOs), magnetic discs, hard disks, magnetic tapes, or memory (ROMs), etc.

[0151] Furthermore, the information storage medium 280 can store programs for making the computer function as each part of this embodiment (programs for causing the computer to execute the processing of each part). The processing unit 200 performs various processing of this embodiment based on the programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 280, as will be described later.

[0152] The display unit 290 outputs the image generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, or HMD (head-mounted display), etc.

[0153] In particular, in this embodiment, the display unit 290 also functions as an input unit 260 for the player to perform game operations by using a touch panel display. Here, as the touch panel, for example, a resistive type (4-wire, 5-wire), a capacitive type, an electromagnetic induction type, an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave type, or an infrared scanning type touch panel can be used.

[0154] The sound output unit 292 outputs the sound generated by this embodiment, and this function can be realized by a speaker or headphones.

[0155] The communication unit 296 performs various controls for communicating with external devices (for example, the server device 10 or other terminal devices 20), and its functions can be realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, or by programs.

[0156] Furthermore, the terminal device 20 may receive programs and data for making the computer function as each part of this embodiment, which are stored in the information storage medium 180 and storage unit 170 of the server device 10, via the network, and store the received programs and data in the information storage medium 280 and storage unit 270. In this case, the terminal device 20 may also function by receiving programs and data, and this can also be included within the scope of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] The processing unit 200 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, image generation processing, or sound generation processing in conjunction with the server device 10, based on input data and programs from the input unit 260.

[0158] In particular, in this embodiment, the game processing includes processes to start the game when the game start conditions are met, processes to advance the game, processes to place objects such as characters and enemy characters, processes to display objects, processes to calculate the game result, and processes to end the game when the game end conditions are met.

[0159] Furthermore, the processing unit 200 performs game processing (for example, processing for competitive games, etc.) based on the player input information input by the input unit 260. The processing unit 200 may also be executed in conjunction with the server device 10, or part or all of it may be formed in the server device 10.

[0160] Furthermore, the processing unit 200 performs various processes using the storage unit 270 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 200 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.) or by programs.

[0161] The processing unit 200 includes a display control unit 211, a game control unit 212, a selection unit 213, a determination unit 214, a game medium control unit 215, a reception unit 216, an event control unit 217, an acquisition unit 218, a presentation unit 219, a communication control unit 220, an image generation unit 230, and a sound processing unit 240. Note that some of these units may be omitted.

[0162] The display control unit 211 performs the process of displaying the screen on the display unit 290. For example, the display control unit 211 may use a web browser for display. The display control unit 211 also displays information necessary during the game on the display unit 290 based on information transmitted from the server device 10. For example, the terminal device 20 displays the screen display information received from the server device 10.

[0163] Furthermore, the display control unit 211 may perform all or part of the same processing as the display control unit 111 of the server device 10.

[0164] The game control unit 212 executes game processing based on the player's input information (operation information). The game control unit 212 may perform all or part of the same processing as the game control unit 112 of the server device 10.

[0165] The selection unit 213 selects a game medium to be associated with a player from among multiple game media. The selection unit 213 may perform all or part of the same processing as the selection unit 113 of the server device 10.

[0166] The decision unit 214 may perform all or part of the same processing as the decision unit 114 of the server device 10.

[0167] The game media control unit 215 may perform all or part of the same processing as the game media control unit 115 of the server device 10.

[0168] The receiving unit 216 processes input from the player. For example, the receiving unit 216 may transmit the input information received by the terminal device 20 to the server device 10, and the server device 10 may receive the input information. The receiving unit 216 may perform all or part of the same processing as the receiving unit 116 of the server device 10.

[0169] The event control unit 217 controls game events. The event control unit 217 may perform all or part of the same processing as the event control unit 117 of the server device 10.

[0170] The acquisition unit 218 acquires a game medium to be associated with a player from among the selected game media. The acquisition unit 218 may perform all or part of the same processing as the acquisition unit 118 of the server device 10.

[0171] The presentation unit 219 performs the process of presenting given information to the display unit 290 of the player's terminal device 20. For example, the presentation unit 219 may present information received from the server device 10. The presentation unit 219 may perform all or part of the same processing as the presentation unit 119 of the server device 10.

[0172] The communication control unit 220 performs data transmission and reception with each of the server devices 10. The communication control unit 220 also performs data storage in the storage unit 270, data analysis, and other control processing related to data transmission and reception.

[0173] Furthermore, the communication control unit 220 may store and manage destination information (network information such as IP addresses and port numbers) of other terminal devices 20 and server devices 10 in the storage unit 270 or information storage medium 280. The communication control unit 220 may also communicate with the server device 10 when it receives input information from the player to initiate communication.

[0174] In particular, the communication control unit 220 transmits player identification information and input information to the server device 10. The communication control unit 220 may also receive data (predetermined player parameters, player's web page, screen, etc.) from the server device 10.

[0175] The communication control unit 220 may perform data transmission and reception with the server device 10 at predetermined intervals, or it may perform data transmission and reception with the server device 10 when it receives input information from the input unit 260. In particular, the communication control unit 220 in this embodiment performs processing to receive given screen information (for example, screen information, etc.) from the server device 10.

[0176] The image generation unit 230 performs drawing processing based on various processes (for example, game processing) performed by the processing unit 200, thereby generating an image, which is then output to the display unit 290 by the display control unit 211. The image generated by the image generation unit 230 may be a so-called two-dimensional image or a so-called three-dimensional image. The image generation unit 230 may perform all or part of the same processing as the image generation unit 130 of the server device 10.

[0177] The sound processing unit 240 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 200, generating (playing) game sounds such as background music, sound effects, or voices, and outputting them to the sound output unit 292. The sound processing unit 240 may perform all or part of the same processing as the sound processing unit 140 of the server device 10.

[0178] In this embodiment, if multiple terminal devices 20 play a game via P2P or the like, one terminal device 20 may take on the role of a host and execute processing. In such a case, the host terminal device 20 may perform processing for each processing unit (part or all of each processing unit) of the server device 10.

[0179] Furthermore, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment may perform the same processing as the server device 10 and display an image on the display unit 290 of the terminal device 20.

[0180] [4] Overview The game system of this embodiment relates to the display of a game medium (e.g., cards) in a game (e.g., a competitive game).

[0181] For example, a player might set up a deck consisting of multiple cards to be used in the game, and then, by selecting the cards they want to use in a match, the contents of those cards might be displayed.

[0182] Figure 4A shows an example of a screen G1 displayed on the display unit 290 of the player's terminal device 20. For example, as shown in Figure 4A, when the player selects card M2 during their turn, given information about the character associated with card M2 is displayed in the respective display areas A1, A2, A3, and A4.

[0183] Figure 5 shows an example of an original image. Original image OR1 is an image in which multiple characters CA, CB, and CC are drawn. The original image may also be called the source image or base image.

[0184] For example, in this embodiment, a portion of the original image is cropped, and the cropped image TR1 is used as the image of character CA displayed in the display area A3 of card M2.

[0185] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when predetermined conditions are met, it becomes possible to switch the image displayed in the display area A3 of card M2 from character image TR1 to another cropped image (for example, character image TR2 of character CB, or character image TR3 of character CC).

[0186] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it may be possible to switch the image displayed in the display area A3 of card M2 from the character image TR1 to the original image OR1 when certain conditions are met.

[0187] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if certain conditions are met, immersive rendering may be performed and the immersive image may be displayed on the game screen.

[0188] Thus, in this embodiment, the enjoyment of the game can be enhanced by changing the character images according to the progress of the game.

[0189] For the sake of clarity, the following explanation will primarily focus on the control of the server device 10 that constitutes the game system, using an example where player P1 displays information about the card game on the display unit 290 of the terminal device 20 to play the game. It should be noted that the terminal device 20 (game device) can also perform the same control as the server device 10.

[0190] [5] Card Information In this embodiment, the game uses cards, and information about each game medium (each card) is managed.

[0191] First, using Figure 4B, we will explain in detail the generation of the card image (card data) for card M2, for example. As shown in Figure 4B, the card image for character CA has a base area A0 of card M2 and a character image placement area A3.

[0192] The base area A0 includes a display area A1 for displaying the character name of card M2, and display areas A2 and A4 for displaying parameter information. The base area A0 may also have an effect image drawn on it that shows a sparkling or shining appearance to represent brilliance or gloss.

[0193] In the character image placement area A3, an image that is a cropped portion of the original image is drawn.

[0194] Then, the image in base area A0 and the image in character image placement area A3 are combined in layer format and drawn as the card image for card M2.

[0195] Figure 6 shows an example of card information associated with player P1 (player ID = P1). The terminal device 20 stores the player's card information in the game data storage unit 274. The server device 10 stores the card information associated with each player in the game data storage unit 174 (or game data storage unit 274), corresponding to each player's player ID. Rarity indicates the degree of scarcity; a higher value indicates a higher degree of scarcity. The usable flag indicates whether the card is usable or not. Set to 1 if usable, and to 0 if unusable. In the initial state, the usable flag is set to 0.

[0196] As shown in Figure 6, for example, information such as the card ID, character ID (character name), image ID displayed in display area A3, rarity, level (rank), attribute, attack power, and usable flag for each card associated with player P1 is stored in the game data storage unit 174 and game data storage unit 274. Although not shown, information such as the frequency of use of each character on player P1's cards may also be stored in association with the card ID and character ID. The level is an indicator of the growth, proficiency, progress, and strength of the player or the player character being controlled by the player. When the experience points acquired by the player or player character reach a predetermined value, the level is increased. Depending on the level, processing such as strengthening (increasing) parameters such as attack power, or allowing the player or player character to acquire new skills is performed. The attribute indicates the characteristics of the character and affects compatibility and effects. For example, there are attributes such as fire, water, wood, and earth. In this embodiment, some attributes are set to be strong (advantageous) or weak (disadvantageous) against other attributes, creating a strategic element in the game.

[0197] Figure 7 shows an example of the correspondence between the original image, the character ID, and the character image. The terminal device 20 stores this correspondence in the game data storage unit 274. The server device 10 stores this correspondence in the game data storage unit 174 (or game data storage unit 274) in association with each player's player ID.

[0198] For example, in this embodiment, an original image ID, which is information for identifying the original image, is assigned to each original image. Then, the character ID of the character drawn on the original image is stored in association with the original image ID of the original image.

[0199] For example, the character IDs associated with original image ID = OR1 are CA, CB, and CC. Furthermore, the character image ID corresponding to character CA (character ID = CA) is TR1, the character image ID corresponding to character CB (character ID = CB) is TR2, and the character image ID corresponding to character CC (character ID = CC) is TR3.

[0200] The unlock flag corresponding to each character ID (each character image ID) indicates whether or not the card for that character ID has already been assigned to player P1. In other words, the unlock flag indicates whether or not the character image for that character ID has already been presented to player P1. Initially, the unlock flag is set to 0. Then, for example, if the player acquires a character through a lottery process, the unlock flag is updated to 1.

[0201] In the example in Figure 7, the release flag for character CA is 1, indicating that card M2 has already been assigned to player P1 for character CA, that is, character image TR1 has already been presented to player P1. On the other hand, the release flag for characters CB and CC is 0, indicating that characters CB and CC have not yet been assigned to player P1, that is, character images TR2 and TR3 have not yet been presented to player P1.

[0202] [6] Deck Information Management In this embodiment, deck information used in the card game is managed. For example, based on the input information of player P1, a deck (party, group) consisting of multiple cards owned by player P1 is constructed (configured) on the deck editing screen. Player P1's deck information is stored in the game data storage unit 174 and the game data storage unit 274.

[0203] The server device 10 stores each player's card information and deck information in the game data storage unit 174.

[0204] Player P1's terminal device 20 acquires and manages the card information and deck information of other players from the other players' terminal devices 20 or server device 10.

[0205] [7] Description of the electronically used card The card in this embodiment is an electronically used card. In other words, the card in this embodiment is an intangible digital card.

[0206] In other words, the server device 10 or terminal device 20 of this embodiment can use digital cards instead of tangible cards (physical cards). Players can create decks in a virtual space and play online matches. This makes it possible to play against players in remote locations, and card collection and trading can also be done online. Furthermore, there is no need to manage physical cards.

[0207] [8] Display Area The display area is the area for displaying information about the card. It is the area that serves as the basis for the expansion of the extended drawing area, which will be described later. The term "display area" may also be referred to as the "base area" or "normal area".

[0208] In this embodiment, predetermined information about the character associated with each card is displayed in the display area for each card.

[0209] "Specified information about the character" refers to the character's name, image (picture), parameters (health points, attack power, defense power, etc.), abilities (skills), level, attribute, status, special moves (techniques), etc. Note that "specified information about the character" can also be rephrased as "character information."

[0210] In this embodiment, information about the character associated with the card is displayed in the display area. For example, as shown in Figure 4A, on the screen G1 of the display unit 290 of the terminal device 20 of player P1, the name of the character associated with card M2 (e.g., CA) is displayed in display area A1. The HP value (e.g., 100) of character CA of card M2 is displayed in display area A2.

[0211] Furthermore, the image of character CA from card M2 is displayed in display area A3. In other words, an image (a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image) containing character CA is displayed in display area A3. Display area A3 may also be referred to as the character display area for displaying the character image, or the character image placement area.

[0212] Furthermore, display area A4 displays related information about character CA, such as the attack power value of character CA on card M2 (for example, 10). Display area A4 can also be called the related information display area, which displays related information about the character.

[0213] In addition, in Figure 4A, the area displayed on screen G1 of the display unit 290 of the terminal device 20 of player P1 may be used as the display area itself.

[0214] In this embodiment, the timing for displaying predetermined information can be any given timing after the start of the game. For example, it could be the timing when player P1 performs an operation to display predetermined information about character CA on card M2, or the timing when card M2 is obtained.

[0215] [9] Game Progression In this embodiment, an image of a character on a card (an example of a game medium) is generated, and the game progresses based on predetermined parameters set for the character (for example, parameters such as attack power, defense power, and skills).

[0216] In this embodiment, first, one or more cards with the usable flag set to 1, up to a predetermined number, are set in the deck, and the game is started. During Player P1's turn, attacks are performed on the opponent, and the game progresses. When it becomes the opponent's turn, Player P1 will be attacked.

[0217] The game ends when the conditions for victory or defeat are met (for example, when either player P1 or the opponent's health reaches 0).

[0218]

[10] Description of the method for determining the characters to be displayed on the game medium In this embodiment, at least one character to be displayed on the card is determined based on predetermined conditions. That is, the character of the character image to be drawn on the card is determined based on predetermined conditions.

[0219] In this embodiment, the character may be determined based on a given lottery process. That is, the character selected in the lottery process is designated as at least one character to be displayed on the card.

[0220] In this embodiment, the character may be determined based on at least one of the game progress and player information (e.g., billing information, play time, login information, etc.).

[0221] Game progress refers to information about player P1's game progress, such as player P1's level and owned game media. Owned game media refers to game media owned by player P1, which are stored in association with player P1 and are usable by player P1.

[0222] For example, the higher Player P1's level, the better the character will be determined (e.g., level and attack power). The more game media Player P1 owns, the better the character will be determined.

[0223] Furthermore, the higher the amount of money Player P1 spends, the higher the performance of the character they receive. Also, the longer Player P1 plays, the higher the performance of the character they receive. Furthermore, the longer Player P1 is logged in, the higher the performance of the character they receive.

[0224]

[11] Explanation of the method for drawing the cropped character image on the game medium. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, in the original image OR1 in which multiple characters CA, CB, and CC are drawn, the character image TR1 obtained by cropping the determined character (for example, character CA) is drawn on the card M2. Then, as shown in Figure 4A, the cropped character image TR1 is displayed in the display area A3 of the card M2.

[0225]

[12] Explanation of Image Storage In this embodiment, the original image is stored in the original image storage unit 176, associated with the original image ID. In addition, each character image to be trimmed is stored in the character image storage unit 177 and / or character image storage unit 277, associated with the character image ID.

[0226] Furthermore, for the trimmed images, the coordinates of the vertices of the rectangle to be trimmed (for example, the coordinates of each vertex of the rectangle), or the coordinates of one vertex of the rectangle (for example, the top-left vertex) and the length of the side, may be stored in the character image storage unit 177 and / or character image storage unit 277 in association with the character image ID for each character image to be trimmed.

[0227]

[13] Explanation of acquiring game media In this embodiment, for example, in the lottery process (selection process), when the card M2 acquired by player P1 is stored in association with player P1, the card M2 of the trimmed character image TR1 of character CA is assigned to player P1. When the character CA card M2 is assigned, the usable flag for character CA is set to 1, and the unlocked flag for character CA is set to 1.

[0228] In other words, player P1 acquires a card on which one of the character images, which has been cropped from the original image OR1, is depicted.

[0229] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when storing the card M2 acquired by player P1 in association with player P1, as shown in Figure 7, identification information that identifies the original image OR1 (original image ID) and identification information that identifies the cropped character image TR1 (for example, character image ID) are stored in association with player P1 (for example, player identification information = P1).

[0230] Furthermore, the identification information M1 of the original image OR1 card and the identification information M2 of the cropped character image TR1 card may be stored in association with the player P1 (for example, player identification information = P1).

[0231]

[14] Parameter setting In this embodiment, the parameters of card M1 of the original image OR1 (for example, numerical values ​​such as attack power) are set more favorably than the parameters of card M2 of the cropped character image TR1.

[0232] For example, as shown in Figure 6, the attack power of card M1 in the original image OR1 is set to "30", which is a higher value than the attack power of card M2 in the cropped character image TR1, which is "10".

[0233] In other words, the attack power of card M1 from the original image OR1 is set to a value higher than the attack power of cards M2, M3, and M4 from character images TR1, TR2, and TR3, respectively.

[0234]

[15] Regarding the performance of the original image cards, in this embodiment, the parameters of cards M2, M3, and M4 of each trimmed character image TR1, TR2, and TR3 may be set differently, and the parameters of card M1 of the original image OR1 may be set based on the parameters of cards M2, M3, and M4 of each character image TR1, TR2, and TR3.

[0235] In other words, the attack power and other performance characteristics of card M1 in the original image OR1 may be determined by the attack power and other performance characteristics of cards M2, M3, and M4, respectively, in the character images TR1, TR2, and TR3.

[0236] For example, as shown in Figure 6, the sum of the attack powers of cards M2, M3, and M4 may be used as the attack power of card M1.

[0237]

[16] Changing the character image As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, when predetermined conditions are met during the game played by player P1, the character image TR1 drawn on the game medium can be changed to a character image obtained by cropping other characters from the original image OR1 (for example, TR2 obtained by cropping character CB).

[0238] In this embodiment, the character image TR1 drawn on the card can be changed to a character image obtained by cropping other characters from the original image OR1 (for example, TR2 with character CB cropped) based on the game progress of player P1 and at least one of the player information of player P1.

[0239] Note that changing the character image may mean changing only the character image in area A3 of the card's character image placement area, or it may mean changing the card itself.

[0240] For example, in the case of card M2 on which the character image TR1 of character CA is drawn, when changing the image in the character image placement area A3 of card M2 from the character image TR1 of character CA to the character image TR2 of character CB, it is possible to change only the image in the character image placement area A3 without changing other display areas or parameters of card M2.

[0241] Furthermore, the character image placement area A3 may be changed from card M2, where the character image TR1 of character CA is drawn, to card M3, where the character image TR2 of character CB is drawn in the same area. In other words, other display areas and parameters of the card may be changed in conjunction with the change in the character image.

[0242] When the character image is changed, the unlock flag corresponding to the changed character CB is updated to 1, and the usable flag is also updated to 1.

[0243] (1) Changing character images based on game progress In this embodiment, if it is determined that predetermined conditions have been met based on the game progress of player P1, the character image TR1 drawn on the card can be changed to a character image obtained by cropping other characters from the original image OR1 (for example, TR2 obtained by cropping character CB).

[0244] The game's progress includes conditions related to card synthesis. In other words, if the conditions related to card synthesis are met, it may be determined that the predetermined conditions have been met.

[0245] Furthermore, if the character CB of card M3 used as a composite material matches any of the multiple characters CA, CB, and CC drawn on the original image OR1, the character image TR2 obtained by cropping the matching character CB from the original image OR1 can be changed.

[0246] Furthermore, the game progress includes at least one of the following: the execution status of a given event that occurred during the game (e.g., a mini-game, a battle), and the character information of the character CA depicted on card M2 (e.g., level, frequency of use).

[0247] This event includes events related to each character CA, CB, and CC drawn on the original image OR1, and based on the execution status of the event, it is possible to change the character image to a cropped version of the character related to that event.

[0248] For example, if a character CC event occurs during the game and the event is successful (game cleared), it is determined that a predetermined condition has been met, and the character image TR1 can be changed to the character CC character image TR3.

[0249] Furthermore, if the frequency of use of character CA drawn on card M2 exceeds a predetermined number of times (for example, three times or more per day), it is determined that a predetermined condition has been met, and the character image TR1 of character CA can be changed to the character image TR2 of character CB, or the character image TR3 of character CC.

[0250] (2) Changing character images based on player information In this embodiment, if it is determined that predetermined conditions are met based on the player information of player P1, the character image TR1 drawn on the card can be changed to a character image obtained by cropping other characters from the original image OR1 (for example, TR2 obtained by cropping character CB).

[0251] (3) Changing character image by lottery process In this embodiment, based on a given lottery process, the character image TR1 drawn on card M2 can be changed to a character image obtained by cropping other characters from the original image OR1.

[0252] In other words, in this embodiment, the character image can be changed to that of the character that was selected in the lottery process.

[0253] For example, as shown in Figure 5, a lottery process may be performed for each character CA, CB, CC drawn on the original image OR1, or for areas TR1, TR2, TR3 (areas to be trimmed) on the original image OR1, based on a probability set by predetermined information (e.g., game progress information, past selection history).

[0254] For example, as shown in Figure 5, the probability of winning character CA (trimming area TR1) is set to 10%, the probability of winning character CB (trimming area TR2) is set to 60%, and the probability of winning character CC (trimming area TR3) is set to 30%.

[0255] For example, in the game progress information, the probability of winning a character that the player does not own could be increased.

[0256] Additionally, if Character CB has not been selected in the past character selection history, the probability of winning Character CB will be increased.

[0257] Furthermore, if Character CB (Trimming Area TR2) is selected, the character image TR1 on card M2 can be changed to the character image TR2 of Character CB.

[0258] Additionally, if Character CC (Trimming Area TR3) is selected, the character image TR1 on card M2 can be changed to the character image TR3 of Character CC.

[0259] If a Character CA is selected, the character image is the same as the character image TR1 of the already displayed card M2, so no special changes to the character image are necessary. Additionally, the number of Character CA cards M2 may be increased by 1 upon selection of a Character CA.

[0260]

[17] Parameter settings when changing character images For example, an example of parameter settings when changing character image TR1 to character image TR2 of character CB will be explained.

[0261] In this embodiment, when changing the character image TR1 drawn on card M2 to another trimmed character image TR2 in the original image OR1, based on the character information of character CA drawn on the trimmed character image TR1, the parameters of the other character CB (attack power, stamina value (HP value), etc.) are set.

[0262] For example, the parameters of another character CB are set based on at least one of the game progress of player P1 and player information of player P1.

[0263] For example, if player P1 is at a disadvantage compared to their opponent (i.e., player P1's character CA's health value is lower than the opponent's character's health value), the health value of character CB will be increased (for example, character CB's health value will be restored to its maximum value).

[0264] Additionally, if Player P1's level is lower than their opponent's, the character CB's attack power will be increased by 20%.

[0265]

[18] Character Image Modification Operation In this embodiment, based on the operation information of player P1, the character image TR2 may be modified by cropping another character CB.

[0266] In other words, information indicating that the character CB can be changed to another character is displayed on the player P1's screen, and when the player P1 gives the instruction to confirm the change, the character image TR1 of character CA on card M2 is changed to the character image TR2 of character CB on card M3.

[0267] In this embodiment, the card change is performed by the player P1, but it is also possible to change the card from card M2 with the character image TR1 of character CA to card M3 with the character image TR2 of character CB via computer control.

[0268]

[19] Flowchart Next, the processing flow of this embodiment will be explained using Figure 8. First, when the game is started (step S1), it is determined whether or not it is the player's turn (step S2). If it is the player's turn (Y in step S2), it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition has been met (step S3). If it is not the player's turn (N in step S2), the process returns to step S2.

[0269] If the predetermined conditions are met (Y in step S3), the character is determined (step S4). For example, if the player wins the given lottery process, it is determined that the predetermined conditions have been met, and the winning character is designated as the character to be determined. Alternatively, the character may be determined based on at least one of the game progress and / or player information.

[0270] Then, the cropped image of the selected character is drawn onto the card (step S5). The usable flag for the card is updated to 1, and the unlock flag for the character is set to 1.

[0271] Furthermore, for example, if a predetermined condition is met while a character card M2 is already in use, the card M3, which has a cropped image of the determined character drawn on it, may be changed based on the player's operation.

[0272] If the specified conditions are not met (N in step S3), the process returns to step S3.

[0273] Then, it is determined whether the player's turn has ended (step S6). If the player's turn has ended (Y in step S6), it is determined whether the game has ended (step S7). If the game has ended (Y in step S7), the process ends.

[0274] If the player's turn has not ended (N in step S6), return to step S3. If the game has not ended (N in step S7), return to step S2. This completes the process.

[0275]

[20] Regarding the trimmed image in the immersive state, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the information of the trimmed image of the determined character CA may be changed when certain conditions (immersive activation conditions) are met. For example, when certain conditions (immersive activation conditions) are met, the size of the rectangle of the trimming target (cropping target) may be enlarged and the trimmed image may be set to TR1-1.

[0276] In this embodiment, multiple trimming shapes may be set in advance. For example, one trimming shape is selected (determined) from among multiple trimming shapes based on at least one of the character type, game situation, or lottery result. In this embodiment, it becomes possible to generate different types of cards (for example, cards with different trimming shapes) even for the same character.

[0277] In this embodiment, the effect image may also be set to match the trimming shape.

[0278] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a rarity level may be set for the trimming shape. For example, if a high-rarity trimming shape is selected, a more elaborate effect may be applied. In this embodiment, the rarity level may be determined according to the type and number of characters and objects within the selected trimming shape.

[0279]

[21] Setting of card parameters In this embodiment, after determining the cropped character image TR1 to be drawn on card M2, the parameters of card M2 (for example, attack power, health value, etc.) may be set.

[0280]

[22] Effect Processing In this embodiment, when drawing the trimmed character image TR1 to the character image placement area A3 of card M2, effect processing may be performed based on the character CA information of the character image TR1.

[0281] As shown in Figure 10, an effect image EF, which shows a sparkling effect, is superimposed onto the character image TR1 using an effect processing (overlay, compositing) process. The processed image is then displayed in the display area A3 of card M2.

[0282] For example, you could implement effects so that the higher the rarity of card M2, the more elaborate the effects become.

[0283]

[23] Trimming Method In this embodiment, when trimming the character CA of the original image OR1, the character CA may be cut off. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the character CA may be trimmed to a range where only the head of the character CA is visible. In such cases, the parameters of the character CA may be reduced. That is, the ratio of the head portion of the character CA in the trimmed area TR1-2 to the display area of ​​the entire character CA is multiplied by the parameters of the character CA, and the multiplied value is taken as the parameters of the character CA. For example, if the attack power of the character CA is 30, and the head portion of the character image of the character CA is 50% of the display area of ​​the entire character CA, the attack power of the character CA is set to the value obtained by multiplying the attack power of 30 by 0.5, i.e., "15".

[0284] In this embodiment, when cropping character CA from the original image OR1, the cropping may be performed so that other characters (for example, character CC) are partially visible in the original image OR1. That is, as shown in Figure 11, a portion of character CC may be visible in the cropped TR1-3. In this way, player P1 may become interested in other characters and increase their desire to acquire them.

[0285] In this embodiment, a character image composed of multiple characters may be cropped and drawn onto the card.

[0286] For example, as shown in Figure 12, a character image TR10 composed of multiple characters CA and CC may be trimmed, and the character image TR10 may be drawn on card M10.

[0287] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, in the original image OR1, the cropped image TR1 of character CA and the cropped image TR2 of character CC may be used as the character image for card M11. For example, as shown in Figure 13, a character image composed of characters CA and CC may be drawn so as to fit within the display area A3 of card M11.

[0288]

[24] Explanation of specific conditions (Immersive Mode activation conditions) In this embodiment, it is determined that the system has entered immersive mode (extended rendering state) when specific conditions (Immersive Mode activation conditions) are met. In other words, in this embodiment, immersive mode is activated when specific conditions are met.

[0289] For example, during player P1's turn, if a player is playing a game using cards from their deck, editing their deck, editing cards (including characters), developing characters associated with a card, or viewing a card, it is determined that certain conditions have been met during a given period of time.

[0290] In this embodiment, specific conditions are determined based on at least one of the game situation, player information, and character information of the character.

[0291] In this embodiment, when immersive mode is activated, it will terminate if the termination conditions are met. For example, immersive mode will terminate when the display period of the extended drawing area (the duration of immersive mode) ends.

[0292] For example, in this embodiment, during the immersive mode, the image and display content of character CA of card M2 displayed in display area A3 (character image placement area) are changed (expanded), and the changed image (expanded image) is displayed. This provides the player with an immersive game experience.

[0293]

[25] Change to original image In this embodiment, during the game played by player P1, if certain conditions (immersive activation conditions) are met, the original image OR1 may be changed to a character image drawn in the card's display area A3.

[0294] For example, as shown in Figure 14, card M1, which displays the original image OR1, can be made available when certain conditions are met.

[0295] For example, in this embodiment, if all of the cards M2, M3, and M4, which depict character images TR1, TR2, and TR3 (cropped versions of the characters CA, CB, and CC drawn on the original image OR1) are used during the game, or if all of them are made available for use during the game, then it may be determined that a specific condition (immersive activation condition) has been met. In other words, the condition for immersive activation may be that each character CA, CB, and CC is switchable.

[0296] In this embodiment, the card M1, on which the original image OR1 is drawn in the character image placement area A3, may be permitted to be used for a predetermined period during the game, and the length of the predetermined period may be controlled based on at least one of the game progress and player information.

[0297] The length of the predetermined period for card M1 in original image OR1 may be determined based on the advantage or disadvantage of the players (an example of game progress). Note that the length of the predetermined period is not limited to a time period, but may also be the number of turns.

[0298] For example, if a player's health value is higher than their opponent's, they have an advantage, so the predetermined period is set to 1 minute (or 1 turn). If a player's health value is lower than their opponent's, they are at a disadvantage, so the predetermined period is set to 5 minutes (or 5 turns). Furthermore, if a player is at a disadvantage, the longer the predetermined period may be set so that the greater the difference in health values ​​between the player and their opponent, the longer the predetermined period becomes.

[0299] Furthermore, the length of the predetermined period may be determined based on the players' levels (an example of player information). For example, if a player's level is higher than their opponent's, they have an advantage, so the predetermined period can be set to 1 minute (or 1 turn), and if a player's level is lower than their opponent's, they are at a disadvantage, so the predetermined period can be set to 5 minutes (or 5 turns). Also, if a player is at a disadvantage, the longer the predetermined period may be set so that the greater the difference in levels between the player and their opponent, the longer the predetermined period becomes.

[0300]

[26] Evolution of the original image In this embodiment, when the level of card M1 of the original image OR1 reaches the upper limit (for example, 100), the original image OR1 may be further transformed into another card M1-1, and evolved (changed) into the original image OR1-1 corresponding to card M1-1. The initial level of card M1-1 is 1, and the player may use card M1-1 to advance the game.

[0301]

[27] Details of the image description (1) Screenshot image In this embodiment, given objects and characters may be placed in a virtual space, and images of the virtual space during the game may be taken from a virtual camera and generated as screenshot images (capture images). Cards may then be generated from the screenshot images. In other words, cards may be generated using screenshot images as the original images.

[0302] For example, a screenshot is taken when a specific game event occurs. The screenshot image has specific metadata associated with it. In other words, metadata is set in association with the screenshot image. This metadata includes information such as the coordinates of each character, indicating their position on the screen.

[0303] For example, when a player inputs a screenshot of the screen, the screenshot image and its metadata are stored in the original image storage unit 176 and / or original image storage unit 276, associated with timing information of the input (for example, information regarding the timing such as a predetermined elapsed time from the start of the game).

[0304] The metadata associated with a screenshot image may include game-related information at the time the screenshot image is captured (acquired) and / or at the time the image is saved.

[0305] Game-related information includes character information (e.g., character type, position, shape, posture, etc.) and game environment information (e.g., game environment type, lighting information of the environment, etc.) captured (acquired) when images of the virtual space within the game are taken from a virtual camera, and at the time the images are saved.

[0306] Furthermore, game-related information includes all information corresponding to screenshot images.

[0307] Furthermore, the metadata associated with a screenshot image may include information about game events that occurred when the screenshot image was captured (acquired) and / or when the image was saved.

[0308] In this embodiment, the screenshot image may also be analyzed to determine which character is displayed at which position within the screenshot image.

[0309] Furthermore, for example, with respect to the character CA to be drawn on card M2, the screenshot image cropping line (trimming range) may be determined based on the position information of the character CA on the screenshot image.

[0310] Additionally, the parameters (card rarity), attributes, etc., of card M2 may be set based on the character information and rendering data of the character CA in the screenshot image. Rendering data includes the character's position (for example, the coordinates of the character's representative position), the degree of transparency (alpha value), etc.

[0311] Alternatively, the attributes of card M2 may be determined by the object OB1 shown in the screenshot image. For example, if the screenshot image is of the sea (an example of object OB1), card M2 may be determined to have the attribute of water.

[0312] (2) Regarding the recreated video: In this embodiment, the computer may generate a recreated video (video or image) of the game at the timing of a predetermined game event during the game. Then, cards may be generated from the recreated video of the game. In other words, cards may be generated using the recreated video as the original image.

[0313] When information about a game event is acquired in order to generate a recreated video, the information about the game event and the metadata corresponding to that information are stored in the original image storage unit 176 and / or the original image storage unit 276.

[0314] The metadata set in association with game event information for generating the recreated video includes game-related information.

[0315] For example, game-related information includes information about characters related to the recreated video (e.g., information about the character's type, position, shape, posture, etc.) and / or information about the game environment related to the recreated video (e.g., the type of game environment, information about the environment's light source, etc.).

[0316] Furthermore, game-related information includes all information corresponding to each image that makes up the recreated video.

[0317] In this embodiment, the reconstructed video may also be analyzed to determine which character is displayed at which position in the reconstructed video.

[0318] Furthermore, for example, with respect to the character CA to be drawn on card M2, the cropping line (trimming range) of the image may be determined based on the position information of the character CA in a given image G2 that constitutes the reproduced video.

[0319] Additionally, the parameters (card rarity), attributes, etc., of card M2 may be set based on the character information and drawing data of character CA in image G2. Drawing data includes the character's position (for example, the coordinates of the character's representative position), the degree of semi-transparency (alpha value), etc.

[0320] Alternatively, the attributes of card M2 may be determined by the object OB1 shown in image G2. For example, if the image is a screenshot of the sea (an example of object OB1), card M2 may be determined to have the attribute of water.

[0321]

[28] Application Examples In this embodiment, an example of rectangular trimming has been described, but it may also be applied to trimming of other shapes (for example, circles, stars, character outlines).

[0322]

[29] The present disclosure is not limited to those described in the embodiments above, and various modifications are possible. For example, terms that are used as broad or synonymous terms in the description or drawings may be replaced with broad or synonymous terms in other descriptions in the description or drawings.

[0323] This disclosure includes configurations that are substantially identical to those described in the embodiments (for example, configurations that have the same function, method and results, or configurations that have the same purpose and effect). Furthermore, this disclosure includes configurations that replace non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments. Furthermore, this disclosure includes configurations that produce the same effects or achieve the same purpose as the configurations described in the embodiments. Furthermore, this disclosure includes configurations that add prior art to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0324] As described above, embodiments of the present disclosure have been explained in detail, but it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible that do not substantially deviate from the novelty and effects of the present disclosure. Therefore, all such modifications are included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0325] 10 Server device, 20, 20A, 20B, 20C Terminal device, 100 Processing unit, 111 Display control unit, 112 Game control unit, 113 Selection unit, 114 Decision unit, 115 Game media control unit, 116 Reception unit, 117 Event control unit, 118 Acquisition unit, 119 Presentation unit, 120 Communication control unit, 122 Management unit, 130 Image generation unit, 140 Sound processing unit, 160 Input unit, 170 Storage unit, 171 Main memory unit, 172 Image buffer, 174 Game data storage unit, 175 Player information storage unit, 176 Original image storage unit, 177 Character image storage unit, 180 Information storage medium, 196 Communication unit, 200 Processing unit, 211 Display control unit, 212 Game control unit, 213 Selection unit, 214 Decision unit, 215 Game media control unit, 216 Reception unit, 217 Event control unit, 218 Acquisition unit, 219 Presentation unit, 220 Communication control unit, 230 Image generation unit, 240 Sound processing unit, 260 Input unit, 262 Detection unit, 270 Storage unit, 271 Main memory unit, 272 Image buffer, 274 Game data storage unit, 275 Player information storage unit, 276 Original image storage unit, 277 Character image storage unit, 280 Information storage medium, 290 Display unit, 292 Sound output unit, 296 Communication unit

Claims

1. A game system that generates character images for a game medium and advances the game based on predetermined parameters set for the character, comprising: a game medium control unit that draws a character image on the game medium obtained by cropping at least one character from an original image in which multiple characters are drawn; and a determination unit that determines the character of the character image to be drawn on the game medium based on predetermined conditions.

2. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the game medium control unit, when storing a game medium acquired by a player in association with the player, assigns the game medium of the trimmed character image to the player.

3. The game system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the game media control unit stores, in association with the player, identification information for identifying the original image and identification information for identifying the cropped character image when storing a game medium acquired by the player in association with the player.

4. A game system in which, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the game medium control unit sets the parameters of the game medium for the original image to be more favorable than the parameters of the game medium for the cropped character image.

5. A game system in which, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the game medium control unit sets different parameters for the game medium of each trimmed character image, and sets the parameters for the game medium of the original image based on the parameters for the game medium of each character image.

6. A game system in which, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the determination unit determines a character based on a given lottery process.

7. A game system in which, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the determination unit determines a character based on at least one of the game progress and player information.

8. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the game media control unit can change the character image drawn on the game medium to a character image obtained by cropping other characters from the original image when the predetermined conditions are met during the game.

9. A game system in which, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the game medium control unit can change the character image drawn on the game medium to a character image obtained by cropping other characters from the original image, based on at least one of the game progress and player information.

10. A game system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the game progress includes conditions relating to the synthesis of game media, and the game media control unit can change the original image to a character image obtained by cropping the matching character in the original image when the character of the game media used as synthesis material matches one of a plurality of characters drawn in the original image.

11. A game system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the game progress includes at least one of the execution status of a given event that occurred during the game, and character information of a character drawn on the game medium.

12. The game system according to claim 11, wherein the game media control unit includes events related to each character drawn on the original image, and based on the execution status of the events, it can change the character related to the event to a cropped character image.

13. The game system according to claim 8, wherein the game medium control unit can change the character image drawn on the game medium to a character image obtained by cropping other characters from the original image, based on a given lottery process.

14. The game system according to claim 6 or 13, wherein the game media control unit performs the lottery process based on a probability set by given information for each character drawn on the original image, or for a given area on which the characters of the original image are drawn.

15. A game system in which, according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the game media control unit sets the parameters of another character when changing the character image drawn on the game medium to another trimmed character image in the original image, based on the character information of the character drawn on the trimmed character image.

16. A game system in which the game media control unit sets the parameters of the other character based on at least one of the game progress and player information, according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A game system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the game media control unit changes to a character image that has been modified, which is a cropped version of another character, based on the player's operation information.

18. A game system in which, according to any one of claims 1 to 17, the game medium control unit can change the original image to a character image drawn on the game medium when certain conditions are met during the game.

19. A game system in which, according to any one of claims 1 to 18, the game media control unit determines that the specific conditions have been met when, for each character drawn on the original image, all game media on which character images obtained by trimming the character have been drawn have been used during the game, or when all game media have been made available for use during the game.

20. A game system in which, according to any one of claims 1 to 19, the game media control unit permits the use of the game media of the original image for a predetermined period of time during the game, and controls the length of the predetermined period based on at least one of the game progress and player information.

21. A game system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the game medium control unit determines a cropped character image to be drawn on the game medium and then sets the parameters of the game medium.

22. A game system in which, according to any one of claims 1 to 21, the game media control unit performs effect processing based on the character information of the character image when drawing the trimmed character image on the game medium.

23. An information processing device that generates an image of a character for a game medium and advances the game based on predetermined parameters set for the character, comprising: a game medium control unit that draws a character image on the game medium obtained by cropping at least one of the multiple characters in an original image in which multiple characters are drawn; and a determination unit that determines the character of the character image to be drawn on the game medium based on predetermined conditions.

24. A game execution method for generating character images for a game medium and causing a computer to execute a game based on predetermined parameters set for the character, wherein the method involves drawing a character image obtained by cropping at least one of the multiple characters in an original image in which multiple characters are drawn onto the game medium, and determining which character to draw on the game medium based on predetermined conditions.

Images