System for game and information memory medium

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to a system for a game using a network and an information storage medium.

【0002】

[Problems to be solved by background technologies and inventions]

There is a game system that provides game information to a terminal device such as a mobile phone to play a game.

【0003】

In recent years, due to the rapid increase in terminal devices and the high definition of game images, the processing capacity of the server that provides game information has become insufficient, and the amount of occupancy in the game information transmission line has increased, so that game information can be used as terminal devices. It may not be possible to provide in real time.

【0004】

In such a case, since it takes time to download the game information, the player becomes frustrated and may end the game in the middle.

【0005】

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a system for a game and an information storage medium capable of reducing user irritation due to a predetermined time required for downloading information. It is in.

【0006】

[Means for solving problems]

In order to solve the above problems, the game system according to the present invention provides an information generation means for generating game information for a player to play a game on a predetermined terminal device, and a transmission path for the generated game information. It takes a predetermined time or more to provide the game information by the determination means, including a providing means provided to the terminal device via the terminal device and a determining means for determining whether or not it takes a predetermined time or more to generate or provide the game information. When it is determined, the information generating means generates sub-game information for executing a sub-game different from the game, and the providing means provides the sub-game information to the terminal device. The occupancy of the transmission line of the sub-game information is smaller than the occupancy of the transmission line of the game information.

【0007】

Further, the game system according to the present invention includes a determination means for determining whether or not it takes a predetermined time or more to acquire game information for executing a game from a predetermined information distribution device via a transmission path, and the game. In addition to acquiring the information, when the determination means determines that it takes a predetermined time or more to acquire the game information, the information distribution device acquires sub-game information for executing a sub-game different from the game. The occupancy of the transmission path of the sub-game information includes the means and the means for executing the game based on the game information and executing the sub-game based on the sub-game information. It is characterized in that it is less than the occupied amount of the transmission line.

【0008】

Further, the information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and is an information generation means for generating game information for a player to play a game on a predetermined terminal device, and a generated game. A program for making a computer realize a providing means for providing information to the terminal device via a transmission path and a determining means for determining whether or not it takes a predetermined time or more to generate or provide the game information. When it is determined by the determination means that it takes a predetermined time or more to provide the game information, the information generation means generates subgame information for executing a subgame different from the game, and the providing means generates information for a subgame. The sub-game information is provided to the terminal device, and the occupancy of the transmission line of the sub-game information is smaller than the occupancy of the transmission line of the main game information.

【0009】

Further, the information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and it takes a predetermined time or more to acquire game information for executing a game from a predetermined information distribution device via a transmission path. When it is determined by the determination means that it takes a predetermined time or more to acquire the game information and the determination means for determining whether or not the game information is acquired, a sub-game different from the game is transmitted from the information distribution device. A program for realizing on a computer a means for acquiring sub-game information for execution and a means for executing a game based on the game information and executing a sub-game based on the sub-game information. Including, the occupancy of the transmission line of the sub-game information is smaller than the occupancy of the transmission line of the game information.

【0010】

Further, the program according to the present invention is characterized by including a module for realizing each of the above means in a computer.

【0011】

According to the present invention, when it takes time to download the game information for executing the main game, the player can play the sub game while waiting for the download of the main game by downloading the information for the sub game. Can be done.

【0012】

This can reduce irritation and discomfort caused by waiting for the player to download.

【0013】

In addition, the game system according to the present invention has an information generation means for generating game information for a player to play a game on a predetermined terminal device, and the generated game information is transmitted to the terminal device via a transmission line. When it is determined by the determination means that it takes a predetermined time or more to provide the game information, including a providing means for providing the game information and a determining means for determining whether or not it takes a predetermined time or more to generate or provide the game information. The information generating means generates status information indicating the game status of the game, the providing means provides the status information to the terminal device, and the occupied amount of the transmission line of the status information is the game. The information is less than the occupied amount of the transmission line.

【0014】

Further, the game system according to the present invention includes a determination means for determining whether or not it takes a predetermined time or more to acquire game information for executing a game from a predetermined information distribution device via a transmission path, and the game. When it is determined by the determination means that it takes a predetermined time or more to acquire the information, the means for acquiring the situation information indicating the game status of the game from the information distribution device and the game information Based on this, the game is executed, and the means for presenting the game situation based on the situation information is included, and the occupancy of the transmission line of the situation information is smaller than the occupancy of the transmission line of the game information. It is characterized by that.

【0015】

Further, the information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and is an information generation means for generating game information for a player to play a game on a predetermined terminal device, and a generated game. A program for making a computer realize a providing means for providing information to the terminal device via a transmission path and a determining means for determining whether or not it takes a predetermined time or more to generate or provide the game information. When it is determined by the determination means that it takes a predetermined time or more to provide the game information, the information generation means generates status information indicating the game status of the game, and the providing means outputs the status information to the terminal. Provided to the device, the occupancy of the transmission line of the situation information is smaller than the occupancy of the transmission line of the game information.

【0016】

Further, the information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and it takes a predetermined time or more to acquire game information for executing a game from a predetermined information distribution device via a transmission path. A situation in which the information distribution device indicates the game status of the game when it is determined by the determination means that it takes a predetermined time or more to acquire the game information and the determination means for determining whether or not the game information is acquired. The transmission of the status information includes a program for realizing a computer with a means for acquiring the information and a means for executing the game based on the game information and presenting the game status based on the status information. The occupancy of the road is smaller than the occupancy of the transmission line of the game information.

【0017】

Further, the program according to the present invention is characterized by including a module for realizing each of the above means in a computer.

【0018】

According to the present invention, when it takes time to download the information for the main game, the player can check the game status during the waiting time for downloading the main game by downloading the status information.

【0019】

This can reduce irritation and discomfort caused by waiting for the player to download.

【0020】

Here, as the game situation, for example, the ranking in the game, the correct answer rate in the game (for example, a quiz game, etc.), the high score of the game, and the like correspond.

【0021】

In this way, by presenting the game situation changing in real time to the player in real time, the player can effectively utilize the waiting time for downloading the game information.

【0022】

Further, the image display system according to the present invention is an information generation means for generating image information for displaying a predetermined image in a predetermined terminal device, and the generated image information is transmitted to the terminal via a transmission line. The determination means includes a providing means for providing the device and a determining means for determining whether or not it takes a predetermined time or more to generate or provide the image information, and it is determined by the determining means that it takes a predetermined time or more to provide the image information. In the case, the information generating means generates situation information indicating a predetermined situation, the providing means provides the image information to the terminal device, and the occupied amount of the transmission line of the situation information is the image information. It is characterized in that it is less than the occupied amount of the transmission line.

【0023】

Further, the image display system according to the present invention includes a determination means for determining whether or not it takes a predetermined time or more to acquire image information for displaying an image from a predetermined information distribution device via a transmission line, and the above-mentioned determination means. When it is determined by the determination means that it takes a predetermined time or more to acquire the image information, the means for acquiring the situation information indicating the predetermined situation from the information distribution device and the means based on the image information. , The means for displaying the image and presenting the predetermined situation based on the situation information, and the occupancy of the transmission line of the situation information is smaller than the occupancy of the transmission line of the image information. It is characterized by that.

【0024】

Further, the information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and is an information generation means for generating image information for displaying a predetermined image on a predetermined terminal device, and a generated image. A program for making a computer realize a providing means for providing information to the terminal device via a transmission line and a determining means for determining whether or not it takes a predetermined time or more to generate or provide the image information. When it is determined by the determination means that it takes a predetermined time or more to provide the image information, the information generation means generates status information indicating a predetermined situation, and the providing means transfers the image information to the terminal device. Provided, the occupancy of the transmission line of the situation information is smaller than the occupancy of the transmission line of the image information.

【0025】

Further, the information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and it takes a predetermined time or more to acquire image information for displaying an image from a predetermined information distribution device via a transmission path. When the determination means for determining whether or not the information is obtained and the determination means determines that the acquisition of the image information takes a predetermined time or longer, the information distribution device provides status information indicating a predetermined situation. The transmission path of the situation information includes a program for realizing a computer with a means for acquiring and a means for displaying an image based on the image information and presenting the predetermined situation based on the situation information. Is less than the occupancy of the transmission line of the game information.

【0026】

Further, the program according to the present invention is characterized by including a module for realizing each of the above means in a computer.

【0027】

According to the present invention, when it takes time to download the image display information, the status information is downloaded so that the user of the terminal device can check the status during the waiting time for downloading the image display information. ..

【0028】

As a result, it is possible to reduce the irritation and discomfort caused by waiting for the user to download.

【0029】

Here, the predetermined situation corresponds to, for example, a weather condition, a social condition (for example, an exchange rate, a stock price, etc.).

【0030】

In this way, by presenting the changing situation to the user in real time, the user can effectively utilize the waiting time for downloading the image information.

【0031】

Further, in the system, the information storage medium, and the program, the terminal device is preferably a portable terminal device.

【0032】

In the case of a portable terminal device, since it is carried around, the band of the transmission line for exchanging information is narrow, and it takes time to download game information and the like. In particular, it takes time to download software parts such as JAVA (registered trademark) applets. Therefore, by applying the present invention, the user of the portable terminal device can wait without getting bored even if it takes time to download the information. JAVA is a trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. of the United States.

【0033】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a case where the present invention is applied to an information providing system that provides game information for playing a game to a terminal device for a game.

【0034】

(Outline of Game System) FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a game system according to an example of the present embodiment.

【0035】

The game system generates game information based on a mobile phone 200, which is a portable terminal device in which a player plays a game, and distribution request information (including operation information, etc.) transmitted from the mobile phone 200 via a transmission path. , A game information distribution device 100 that functions as a game information providing system that transmits game information to the mobile phone 200.

【0036】

Here, the game information distribution device 100 and the mobile phone 200 are connected via the network 300. Further, the transmission line between the game information distribution device 100 and the mobile phone 200 includes a wireless transmission line 320 and a wired transmission line 310.

【0037】

A base station for the mobile phone 200, a packet disassembly and assembly device, the Internet, and the like are interposed in the network 300. Further, in reality, a plurality of mobile phones 200 are connected to the game information distribution device 100 via the network 300.

【0038】

The actual game is played according to the following procedure. First, the player connects to the network 300 using the mobile phone 200, and the mobile phone 200 transmits the distribution request information generated based on the player's information input to the game information distribution device 100. The game information distribution device 100 generates game information in response to a distribution request based on the distribution request information and user data stored in a predetermined storage area, and transmits the game information to the mobile phone 200.

【0039】

The mobile phone 200 receives the game information from the game information distribution device 100, displays the game image on the screen, outputs the sound, and executes the game.

【0040】

When a large number of mobile phones 200 access the game information distribution device 100, the game information distribution device 100 may not be able to process the game information distribution device 100, or it may take time to provide the game information. In such a case, the player is frustrated because it takes time to download the game information.

【0041】

In the present embodiment, in order to reduce such annoyance of the player, a status notification image showing the game status is displayed on the mobile phone 200.

【0042】

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a status notification image 40 according to an example of the present embodiment.

【0043】

In the status notification image 40, the names and scores of the top 10 players with the highest score (high score) of the game, the characters selected by the players, and the comments entered by the players are displayed.

【0044】

As a result, the player can check the ranking at the time of executing the game in real time while waiting for the download of the game information. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the frustration of the player due to waiting for the download and to make the player play the game comfortably.

【0045】

Next, the functional blocks of the game system for realizing such a function will be described.

【0046】

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a game system according to an example of the present embodiment.

【0047】

The mobile phone 200 includes an operation unit 210 composed of character input keys and the like, and a transmission / reception unit 290 that transmits distribution request information including operation information from the operation unit 210 and receives game information from the game information distribution device 100. , A storage unit 230 that temporarily stores the received game information, and a display unit 220 that shapes the game image using a browser and displays it on the liquid crystal screen based on the game information stored in the storage unit 230. It is configured to include an audio output unit 222 that outputs a game sound based on the game information.

【0048】

Here, the game information means information for executing the game (for example, a program, a module, etc.). Further, the game information includes not only the game image but also the information for reproducing the game sound.

【0049】

On the other hand, the game information distribution device 100 receives (acquires) distribution request information from the mobile phone 200, transmits (provides) game information, and functions as an acquisition means and a transmission / reception unit 190, and the received distribution request information. Based on the above, which mobile phone 200 has transmitted is identified, and based on the received distribution request information, the game information generation unit 111 that functions as an information generation means for generating game information is included. Although the transmission / reception unit 190 has both a providing function and an acquisition function, the transmission / reception unit 190 may be divided into a providing means and an acquiring means.

【0050】

Further, the game information generation unit 111 includes an image generation unit 113 that generates image information for displaying an image on the mobile phone 200, and a voice generation unit 114 that generates sound information for outputting sound on the mobile phone 200. Is configured to include.

【0051】

The image information and the sound information are a kind of game information. Further, the image generation unit 113 and the voice generation unit 114 generate game information by appropriately referring to the user data 121, the game data 122, and the situation data 123 indicating the game status stored in the storage unit 120 having a predetermined storage area. To do.

【0052】

Further, the game information distribution device 100 determines the request content based on the distribution request information transmitted from the timer unit 119 and the mobile phone 200, and also generates and transmits the game information based on the timer value of the timer unit 119. It includes a determination unit 115 for determining whether or not it takes a predetermined time or more, and a status data generation unit 117 for generating status data 123.

【0053】

Further, the game information generation unit 111, the determination unit 115, and the status data generation unit 117 are included in the processing unit 110, and the functions thereof are realized by, for example, a CPU or the like. Further, in detail, the image generation unit 113 is configured to dynamically generate image information by software using CGI (Common Gateway Interface).

【0054】

Further, the storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, RAM or the like, and the transmission / reception unit 190 is realized by, for example, a communication device having a PAD (packet decomposition / assembly) function.

【0055】

An information storage medium 180 is connected to the game information distribution device 100, and the game information distribution device 100 can be configured to realize its function by reading a program from the information storage medium 180.

【0056】

Further, the program stored in the information recording medium 180 may be embodied on a carrier wave. That is, the game information distribution device 100 can realize the various functions described above by reading a program from a predetermined host terminal or the like via a network, for example, instead of reading the program from the information storage medium 180.

【0057】

As the information storage medium 180, for example, a storage medium using a laser, magnetism, or the like such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, an IC card, a ROM, a RAM, a memory card, or a hard disk can be applied. Further, the information reading method from the information storage medium 180 may be a contact type or a non-contact type.

【0058】

(Explanation of Processing Flow) Next, the processing flow for causing the mobile phone 200 to execute the game using each of the above-described parts will be described.

【0059】

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure from the generation of the game information to the transmission of the game information according to an example of the present embodiment.

【0060】

As described above, the game information is distributed from the game information distribution device 100 to the mobile phone 200, and the game is executed on the mobile phone 200 based on the game information.

【0061】

In the present embodiment, the situation data generation unit 117 generates the game situation (for example, the ranking shown in FIG. 2) that changes as the game progresses as the situation data 123, stores it in the storage unit 120, and stores it in the storage unit 120. Update status data 123 in 120 in real time. As a result, the status data 123 is always in a state showing the latest game status. In this state, the game information distribution device 100 receives the distribution request information from the mobile phone 200 and transmits the game information to the mobile phone 200.

【0062】

First, the game information distribution device 100 generates game information by the game information generation unit 111 based on the distribution request information (step S2).

【0063】

The determination unit 115 determines whether or not a predetermined time (for example, several tens of seconds) has elapsed in the generation of the game information by referring to the timer value of the timer unit 119 (step S4). When the predetermined time has elapsed, the determination unit 115 causes the game information generation unit 111 and the transmission / reception unit 190 to perform the status notification process (step S6).

【0064】

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure from generation of status information to transmission of status information according to an example of the present embodiment.

【0065】

The game information generation unit 111 that receives the command from the determination unit 115 generates status information indicating the current game status based on the status data 123 generated in real time by the status data generation unit 117 (step S22).

【0066】

Then, the transmission / reception unit 190 that receives the command from the determination unit 115 transmits the generated status information to the mobile phone 200 (step S24).

【0067】

As a result, the mobile phone 200 displays the status notification image 40 shown in FIG. Therefore, the player can check the game status and can spend the waiting time for downloading the game information meaningfully.

【0068】

Further, the situation information is an amount that does not occupy the transmission line such as the network 300 as compared with the game information. Therefore, even if it takes time to transmit the game information, the situation information can be transmitted in a shorter time.

【0069】

When the generation of the game information is completed (step S8), the transmission / reception unit 190 transmits the generated game information to the mobile phone 200 (step S10).

【0070】

Even if a predetermined time elapses during transmission of game information (step S12), the above-mentioned status notification process is performed (step S14).

【0071】

That is, not only when it takes a long time to generate the game information but also when it takes a long time to transmit the game information, the player can comfortably spend the download waiting time by being notified of the game status.

【0072】

When the transmission of the game information is completed (step S16), a series of processes from the generation of the game information to the transmission is completed.

【0073】

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the waiting time for downloading the game information has elapsed, the player is notified of the game status.

【0074】

This allows players to enjoy the game without feeling frustrated or bored, even with long download wait times.

【0075】

In particular, since the game status changes in real time, even if there are multiple download waits during one game execution, it is different from the previous status notification image 40, so the player can see the status notification image. You can enjoy the game without getting tired of 40.

【0076】

(Modified Example) In the above-described embodiment, the game status is notified when the download waiting time is long, but when the download waiting time is long, the mini game may be performed as a sub game other than the main game.

【0077】

The sub-game information for executing this mini-game is also an amount that does not occupy a transmission line such as a network 300 as compared with the game information for executing the main game. Therefore, even if it takes time to transmit the game information, the information for the mini game can be transmitted in a shorter time.

【0078】

When playing a mini-game, the mobile phone 200 may store information for executing the mini-game in advance, and the game information distribution device 100 may issue a control command for executing the mini-game.

【0079】

Further, as the game situation, in addition to the ranking shown in FIG. 2, the correct answer rate of the quiz game or the like, the fastest lap time of the race game, the high score of the game, or the like may be applied.

【0080】

Further, a means for transmitting information to the transmission / reception unit 190 may be used as a means for providing game information, and an agent is distributed to the mobile phone 200 as a means for acquiring distribution request information and stored in the mobile phone 200 by the agent. You may use a means for acquiring the existing distribution request information.

【0081】

It is also possible to distribute each function of the game information distribution device 100 to a plurality of devices for processing.

【0082】

Further, a determination unit 115 and a timer unit 119 of the game information distribution device 100 are provided in the mobile phone 200, and the mobile phone 200 determines whether or not the predetermined time has been exceeded. The distribution request information for acquiring the usage information and the status information may be transmitted to the game information distribution device 100.

【0083】

Then, the display unit 220 and the audio output unit 222 are used to execute a sub-game or present a game status.

【0084】

This also makes it possible to obtain the same effects as when the game information distribution device 100 is provided with the determination unit 115 and the timer unit 119.

【0085】

Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the mobile phone 200 is applied as the portable terminal device has been described, but as a mobile phone other than the mobile phone 200, for example, a PHS, a satellite communication phone, a pager, etc. Can be applied. Further, in addition to the portable telephone, for example, a portable terminal device such as a portable PC, a portable information terminal, or a portable game device having a communication function can be applied.

【0086】

Further, in addition to the portable terminal device, various terminal devices such as a game device for business use, a game device for home use, and a general PC may be applied as one of the present embodiments.

【0087】

Further, the application of the present invention is not limited to games, and can be applied to fields other than games.

【0088】

For example, in the case of an image display system used for online shopping using a mobile phone 200, it takes time for user authentication and the like, and it may take a predetermined time or more to provide (or acquire) the originally necessary image information. Even in such a case, the user of the mobile phone 200 is frustrated waiting for the download by providing the mobile phone 200 with status information indicating the current situation such as the social situation such as stock price and news and the weather condition from the information providing device. You can spend your waiting time meaningfully without having to.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is the schematic of the game system which concerns on an example of this embodiment.

[Figure 2]

It is a figure which shows the situation notification image which concerns on an example of this embodiment.

[Fig. 3]

It is a functional block diagram of the game system which concerns on an example of this embodiment.

[Fig. 4]

It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure from the generation of the game information to the transmission of the game information which concerns on an example of this embodiment.

[Fig. 5]

It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure from the generation of the situation information to the transmission of the situation information which concerns on an example of this embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 Game information distribution device 110 Processing unit 111 Game information generator 113 Image generator 114 Speech generator 115 Judgment unit 117 Status data generator 119 Timer section 120 storage 121 User data 122 Game data 123 Status data 180 Information storage medium 200 mobile phones