JP7653948B2 - Method, program and information processing device for operating a puzzle - Google Patents

Description

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method and program for operating a puzzle.

Conventionally, as a puzzle game that can be executed on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a game is known in which an action is executed according to the arrangement of puzzle elements when the arrangement of the puzzle elements meets a predetermined requirement. For example, a game called Three Match Puzzle is known as such a game. In the Three Match Puzzle, puzzle elements having multiple attributes are arranged in a puzzle area, and when three or more puzzle elements having the same attribute are adjacent, these puzzle elements are eliminated, the puzzle elements in the puzzle area are moved to fill the eliminated puzzle elements, and new puzzle elements are added to the puzzle area. As a result of the puzzle elements being moved, if three or more puzzle elements having the same attribute are adjacent, as described above, a so-called "combo" occurs in which the puzzle elements are eliminated following the above action. For example, in the Three Match Puzzle shown in Patent Document 1, when three or more puzzle elements having the same attribute are adjacent as a result of moving puzzle elements in the puzzle area, these puzzle elements are eliminated, and the puzzle elements are moved from top to bottom to fill the area where the eliminated puzzle elements were arranged.

Special table 2016-501043 publication

In conventional puzzle games like those mentioned above, the puzzle element to be moved is hidden within the puzzle area, so it is necessary to first search for that puzzle element within the puzzle area. For users who want to focus on enjoying "combos," the above steps are unnecessary, and improvements were needed.

One of the objectives of one embodiment of the present invention is to improve the distinguishability of movable puzzle elements and to increase the user's satisfaction with the game.

A method of operating a puzzle according to one embodiment of the present invention includes placing a first puzzle element in a puzzle area displayed on a screen, placing a second puzzle element operable by a player on the screen in a manner different from the first puzzle element, accepting a first operation by the player, moving the second puzzle element in accordance with the first operation, accepting a second operation by the player, replacing the first puzzle element corresponding to the position of the second puzzle element with the second puzzle element, and operating a puzzle in which, if the replaced second puzzle element and the puzzle elements surrounding the second puzzle element satisfy a predetermined requirement, a predetermined process is performed on the second puzzle element and the surrounding puzzle elements.

The second puzzle element may be positioned outside the puzzle area and moved from outside the puzzle area into the puzzle area in response to the first operation.

For the second puzzle element that moves into the puzzle area following the first operation, a sub-puzzle element linked to the second puzzle element may be displayed in the puzzle area.

The sub-puzzle element may be displayed based on the second puzzle element moving from outside the puzzle area into the puzzle area in response to the first operation.

For the second puzzle element that moves through the puzzle area in response to the first operation, a sub-puzzle element linked to the second puzzle element may be displayed in the puzzle area.

The sub-puzzle element may be displayed based on the initiation of the first operation.

The second puzzle element may be moved toward the sub-puzzle element in response to the second operation so as to shorten the distance between the second puzzle element and the sub-puzzle element.

When the sub-puzzle element overlaps with the first puzzle element, the second puzzle element may be moved toward the sub-puzzle element, and the first puzzle element may be replaced with the second puzzle element while changing the shape of the second puzzle element based on the second puzzle element's approach to the first puzzle element.

In response to the second operation, when the position of the second puzzle element and the position of the sub-puzzle element are aligned, if there is a third puzzle element adjacent to the second puzzle element that has the same attributes as the second puzzle element, the shape of the second puzzle element and the shape of the third puzzle element may be changed to bring the second puzzle element and the third puzzle element into contact.

Assuming that the first puzzle element is replaced with the second puzzle element in response to the second operation, it may be determined whether the replaced second puzzle element and the surrounding puzzle elements satisfy the specified requirements, and if it is determined that the specified requirements are satisfied, the first puzzle element may be replaced with the second puzzle element.

Assuming that the first puzzle element is replaced by the second puzzle element in response to the second operation, it is determined whether the replaced second puzzle element and the surrounding puzzle elements satisfy the specified requirements, and if it is determined that the specified requirements are not satisfied, the second puzzle element that moved toward the first puzzle element may be moved to a position before it moved in response to the first operation.

Puzzle elements including the first puzzle element are arranged in the puzzle area, and when the second puzzle element moves through an area overlapping with the first puzzle element in response to the first operation, the first puzzle element does not need to be moved.

The first puzzle element may be provided in a first layer, and the second puzzle element may be provided in a second layer that is a layer different from the first layer, and the puzzle elements of the first layer and the puzzle elements of the second layer may be controlled independently.

The program for operating the puzzle of one embodiment of the present invention may be a program for causing a computer to execute the above-mentioned method.

An information processing device that operates the puzzle of one embodiment of the present invention may be an information processing device that includes a control unit that executes the above method.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to improve the distinguishability of movable puzzle elements and increase the user's game satisfaction.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server in one embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing a game processing function of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing game processing functions of a server in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of a game program according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. A figure showing a first layer of a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. A figure showing a second layer of a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. 11A to 11C are diagrams showing the movement and shape changes of puzzle elements when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. 11A to 11C are diagrams showing the movement and shape changes of puzzle elements when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed.

Below, a game program (specifically, a program for image control in a puzzle game) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms. In other words, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the contents of the embodiment described below. In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, identical parts or parts having similar functions are designated by the same reference numerals or reference numerals with an alphabetical letter following the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will be omitted.

In this specification and claims, each term is defined as follows:

A "game image" is an image displayed on a display that shows the progress of a game. In the case of a puzzle game, a game image including a puzzle area in which multiple puzzle elements are arranged is displayed on the display. A game player (hereinafter simply referred to as "player") can perform game operations by performing touch operations on parts of the game image.

A "puzzle area" is an area in a game image in which multiple puzzle elements are arranged. The puzzle game progresses when the player rearranges the puzzle elements in the puzzle area or causes events to occur within the puzzle area (such as the disappearance of puzzle elements or the activation of skills).

"Puzzle elements" refer to objects that function as individual pieces that make up a puzzle (specifically, images included in a game image that can be controlled or processed). Puzzle elements include "controllable objects" that can be controlled by the player, and "non-controllable objects" that cannot be controlled by the player. Controllable objects can include a "second puzzle element" that corresponds to an "overwrite piece". Non-controllable objects can include a "first puzzle element" that corresponds to an "overwritten piece".

A "touch operation" refers to an operation performed by a user by touching a touch panel or the like with a finger or a stylus pen (hereinafter referred to as an "indicator"). A "tap operation" refers to a touch operation in which the time from the start of contact of the indicator to the release is short. A "long press operation" refers to a touch operation in which the time from the start of contact of the indicator to the release is longer than a tap operation. A "slide operation" refers to an operation in which the contact point of the indicator is moved while maintaining the contact state of the indicator (an operation involving a change in the coordinates of the contact point). A slide operation in which the contact time of the indicator is long is sometimes called a swipe operation. Also, a slide operation in which the contact time of the indicator is short is sometimes called a flick operation. A "drag operation" refers to a swipe operation performed with an operation object selected. A "drop operation" refers to an operation in which the contact of the indicator is released with the operation object moved to a specified position.

A "program" refers to an instruction or group of instructions executed by a processor in a computer equipped with a processor and memory. A "computer" is a general term referring to the entity that executes a program. For example, when a program is executed by a server (or a client), the "computer" refers to the server (or the client). Also, when a "program" is executed by distributed processing between a server and a client, the "computer" includes both the server and the client. In this case, the "program" includes "a program executed by a server" and "a program executed by a client". Similarly, when a "program" is processed in a distributed manner among multiple servers, the "computer" includes the multiple servers, and the "program" includes each program executed by each server.

First Embodiment
[Configuration of communication system]
1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The communication system 1000 includes a communication device 100 and a server 500. The communication device 100 and the server 500 are connected to a network NW such as the Internet or a communication line. The communication system 1000 is a client-server system including the communication device 100 as a client and the server 500.

The communication device 100 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. By connecting to the network NW, the communication device 100 can communicate with the server 500 or other communication devices. A game program can be installed in the communication device 100. By executing the game program installed in the communication device 100, a puzzle game is provided in which a user can operate an operation object in a puzzle area in response to an operation.

The game program is downloaded from the server 500 to the communication device 100 via the network NW. However, the game program may be pre-installed on the communication device 100. Furthermore, the game program may be provided in a state recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. In this case, the communication device 100 may be any information processing device equipped with a device for reading the recording medium.

The game program can be executed by the communication device 100, by the server 500, or by the communication device 100 and the server 500 sharing the roles (so-called distributed processing).

The server 500 is an information processing device that provides game programs and various services to the communication device 100. The various services include, for example, services such as login processing and synchronization processing when playing an online game on the communication device 100. In addition, the various services may include, for example, an SNS (social networking service). The game program is recorded in a storage device included in the server 500, a recording medium readable by the server 500, or a database to which the server 500 can connect via the network NW. In FIG. 1, the server 500 is illustrated as a single information processing device, but may be composed of multiple information processing devices.

[Configuration of communication device]
2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The communication device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, a display unit 103, an operation unit 104, a sensor unit 105, an imaging unit 106, a position detection unit 107, a communication unit 108, a sound input/output unit 109, and an alarm unit 110. However, the communication device 100 is not limited to one that includes all of these elements.

The control unit 101 includes a processor (arithmetic processing device) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage device such as a RAM. The control unit 101 executes programs stored in the storage unit 102 using the processor to realize various functions in the communication device 100. Signals output from each element of the communication device 100 are used by the various functions realized in the communication device 100.

The storage unit 102 is a recording device (recording medium) that can permanently retain information and rewrite information, such as a non-volatile memory or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 102 stores information such as programs and parameters required to execute the programs. For example, the aforementioned game program is stored in the storage unit 102.

The display unit 103 has a display area that displays various display images (e.g., game images, etc.) according to the control of the control unit 101. The display unit 103 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

The operation unit 104 is an operation device that outputs a signal (e.g., a signal indicating a command or information) in response to a user's operation to the control unit 101. The operation unit 104 is a touch sensor arranged on the surface of the display unit 103. The operation unit 104 constitutes a touch panel when combined with the display unit 103. The command or information in response to the user's operation is input to the communication device 100 by the user touching the operation unit 104 with a pointing object such as a finger or a stylus pen. However, the operation unit 104 may also include a switch arranged on the housing of the communication device 100.

The sensor unit 105 is a device that has a function of collecting information related to the movement of the communication device 100 and the environment surrounding the communication device 100, and converting the information into a signal. The sensor unit 105 in this embodiment is, for example, an acceleration sensor. The control unit 101 obtains information related to the movement of the communication device 100 (for example, tilt, vibration, etc.) based on the output signal of the sensor unit 105. However, the sensor unit 105 may also include an illuminance sensor, a temperature sensor, a magnetic sensor, or other sensors.

The imaging unit 106 is an imaging device (camera) that converts the image of the imaging target into a signal. The communication device 100 generates an image file (including a still image file and a video file) based on the imaging signal output from the imaging unit 106. The imaging unit 106 also functions as a scanner that reads identification codes such as one-dimensional codes or two-dimensional codes.

The position detection unit 107 detects the position of the communication device 100 based on the position information. In this embodiment, the position detection unit 107 detects the position of the communication device 100 using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).

The communication unit 108 is a wireless communication module that connects to the network NW under the control of the control unit 101 and transmits and receives information to and from other communication devices, such as a server 500, connected to the network NW. The communication unit 108 may include a communication module that performs infrared communication, short-range wireless communication, etc.

The sound input/output unit 109 inputs and outputs sound. For example, sound is input through a microphone in the sound input/output unit 109. Sound is output through a speaker in the sound input/output unit 109. In addition to calling other communication devices, the sound input/output unit 109 can also be used to collect external sounds or output voices or sound effects associated with the progress of a game.

The notification unit 110 notifies the user of the status of the communication device 100 by visual, auditory, or tactile means. Specifically, the notification unit 110 notifies the user of the status of the communication device 100 by using light, sound, or vibration. For example, the notification unit 110 can notify the user of the presence or absence of communication with an external device by blinking a lamp or vibrating the entire housing. The vibration of the entire housing is performed by a vibrator in the notification unit 110. The notification unit 110 can also notify the user of the occurrence of an event associated with the progress of the game. For example, the notification unit 110 can notify the user by using light, sound, or vibration that a puzzle element arranged in the puzzle area has satisfied a predetermined condition.

[Server configuration]
3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The server 500 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 501, a storage unit 502, and a communication unit 503.

The control unit 501 includes a processing circuit (control device) such as a CPU and a storage device such as a RAM. The control unit 501 executes a program stored in the storage unit 502 using the CPU to realize various functions in the server 500. Signals output from each element of the server 500 are used by the various functions realized in the server 500.

The storage unit 502 is a recording device (recording medium) that can permanently hold information and rewrite information, such as a non-volatile memory or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 502 stores information such as programs and parameters required to execute the programs. For example, the aforementioned game program is stored in the storage unit 502. The storage unit 502 also stores various information received from other devices (e.g., the communication device 100) via the network NW.

The communication unit 503 is a wireless communication module that connects to the network NW under the control of the control unit 501 and transmits and receives information to and from other devices, such as the communication device 100 and other servers connected to the network NW. Examples of other servers include game servers, SNS servers, and mail servers.

[Game processing function of communication device]
The following describes a game processing function executed by the communication device 100. The game processing function is realized by the control unit 101 of the communication device 100 executing a game program. A part or all of the configuration for realizing the game processing function described below may be realized by hardware.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the game processing function 10 of the communication device 100 in one embodiment of the present invention. The game processing function 10 includes a game operation acquisition unit 11, a setting data receiving unit 12, a game data storage unit 13, a game processing execution unit 14, a status data transmission unit 15, a display data generation unit 16, and a display data output unit 17. However, the game processing function 10 shown in Figure 4 is merely an example, and some functions may be omitted or other functions may be added.

The game operation acquisition unit 11 acquires game operations from among operations input by the user to the operation unit 104. Game operations are operations related to the game, and include, for example, instructions to move puzzle elements (specifically, overwrite pieces (second puzzle elements)) described below. Game operations are performed by touch operations on the operation unit 104.

The setting data receiving unit 12 receives setting data from the server 500 via the communication unit 108. The setting data is data including various setting parameters related to the game progress, and is generated by the server 500. The setting data may also include control data related to game control.

The game data storage unit 13 stores the setting data received by the setting data receiving unit 12, and stores data (e.g., image data, etc.) necessary for displaying game images. The game data storage unit 13 may also store status data, which will be described later.

The game processing execution unit 14 executes processing for controlling the progress of the game (game progress processing) based on the game operations acquired by the game operation acquisition unit 11 and the setting data received by the setting data reception unit 12. The game progress processing includes, for example, processing of various events accompanying the movement of multiple puzzle elements arranged in a puzzle area (described later) (including rearrangement of puzzle elements), processing for generating status data according to the processing of various events, and processing for controlling a game image according to the state of the game progress. The status data is data that represents the state of the game progress (such as the arrangement of each puzzle element). The game processing execution unit 14 can generate status data at any timing. Detailed examples of the game progress processing will be described later.

The status data transmission unit 15 transmits the status data generated by the game processing execution unit 14 to the server 500 via the communication unit 108. The status data transmission unit 15 can transmit the status data at any timing, for example, when the game ends or when an event occurs.

The display data generation unit 16 generates display data for displaying game images on the display unit 103 in accordance with the progress of the game controlled by the game processing execution unit 14. The display data includes background images and object images such as puzzle elements.

The display data output unit 17 outputs the display data generated by the display data generation unit 16 to the display unit 103. The display data output unit 17 generates, for example, a signal that controls the output timing of the display image, a signal that controls each driver circuit of the display unit 103, etc.

[Server game processing function]
The following describes a game processing function executed by the server 500. The game processing function is realized by the control unit 501 of the server 500 executing a game program. A part or all of the configuration for realizing the game processing function described below may be realized by hardware.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a game processing function 50 of a server 500 in one embodiment of the present invention. The game processing function 50 includes a status data receiving unit 51, a game data storage unit 52, a game processing execution unit 53, and a setting data transmission unit 54. However, the game processing function 50 shown in Figure 5 is merely an example, and some functions may be omitted or other functions may be added.

The status data receiving unit 51 receives status data from the communication device 100 via the communication unit 503. The status data may include identification data for identifying the communication device 100 that sent the status data.

The game data storage unit 52 stores the status data received by the status data receiving unit 51, and stores the setting data generated by the game processing execution unit 53. The status data and setting data are stored in association with the corresponding communication device 100.

The game processing execution unit 53 executes processing (game management processing) for managing the progress of the game based on the status data received by the status data receiving unit 51. The game management processing includes, for example, processing for managing status data associated with each communication device 100, processing for generating setting data according to the progress of each game, and processing for logging into the game of each communication device 100. The game management processing may include processing for synchronizing the game progress between each communication device 100. Furthermore, the game processing execution unit 53 is not limited to this example, and in addition to the game management processing, it is also possible to execute at least a part of the game progress processing described above.

The setting data is data for setting each parameter according to the state of game progress. For example, the setting data includes identification data of the associated communication device 100, parameters related to the progress and control of the next game stage, parameters related to setting the attributes of the first puzzle element and the second puzzle element, etc. In response to receiving status data, the game processing execution unit 53 can generate setting data associated with the communication device 100 corresponding to the status data.

The setting data transmission unit 54 transmits the setting data generated by the game processing execution unit 53 to the corresponding communication device 100 via the communication unit 503. The setting data transmission unit 54 can transmit the setting data, for example, when an event occurs or when transitioning to the next game stage. The setting data transmission unit 54 may transmit current status data to the communication device 100 in addition to the setting data.

[Game image composition]
The game image GI described below is displayed on the display unit 103 by the control unit 101 (specifically, the processor included in the control unit 101) of the communication device 100 shown in Fig. 2 executing a game program read from the storage unit 102. However, a configuration may also be adopted in which the control unit 501 (specifically, the processor included in the control unit 501) of the server 500 shown in Fig. 3 executes a game program stored in the storage unit 502 to display the game image GI on the display unit 103 of the communication device 100.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing a game image when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. Specifically, Figure 6 shows a scene from a puzzle game during execution of the game program. The communication device 100 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. The game image GI is displayed on the display unit 103 of the communication device 100. Although not shown in the figure, a touch sensor is arranged as the operation unit 104 in approximately the same area as the display unit 103.

The game image GI shown in FIG. 6 includes a first puzzle area PA1, a second puzzle area PA2, and a background area BA. The first puzzle area PA1 is located near the center of the display unit 103. The second puzzle area PA2 is located below the first puzzle area PA1. The background area BA is located so as to surround the first puzzle area PA1 and the second puzzle area PA2.

The first puzzle area PA1 is the area where the puzzle game is displayed, and multiple puzzle elements are placed. The puzzle elements placed in the first puzzle area PA1 are called "overwritten pieces" or "first puzzle elements PE1". The first puzzle elements PE1 (e.g., PE11, PE12, PE13) with multiple different attributes are placed in the first puzzle area PA1. The first puzzle element PE1 is a non-operable object that does not accept operation by the player. In other words, even if the player performs a touch operation on the first puzzle element PE1 placed in the first puzzle area PA1, the first puzzle element PE1 cannot be operated.

When adjacent first puzzle elements PE1 have the same attribute, the adjacent first puzzle elements PE1 are displayed consecutively. On the other hand, when adjacent first puzzle elements PE1 have different attributes, the adjacent first puzzle elements PE1 are displayed independently (separately) (for example, PE11 and PE12 are separated). In FIG. 6, the first puzzle area PA1 is rectangular, and the first puzzle elements PE1 are arranged in a matrix within the first puzzle area PA1.

The arrangement of the first puzzle elements PE1 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, even if adjacent first puzzle elements PE1 have the same attribute, they may be displayed independently (separately) from each other. Furthermore, the first puzzle area PA1 does not have to be rectangular. In this case, the first puzzle elements PE1 may be arranged along the shape of the first puzzle area PA1. Furthermore, an obstruction object that prevents the first puzzle element PE1 from being placed inside the first puzzle area PA1 may be provided. The first puzzle element PE1 may be an operation object.

The second puzzle area PA2 is an area where operable overwrite pieces are displayed. The puzzle elements placed in the second puzzle area PA2 are called "overwrite pieces" or "second puzzle elements PE2". Second puzzle elements PE2 (PE21, PE22, PE23) with attributes similar to those of the first puzzle element PE1 placed in the first puzzle area PA1 are placed in the second puzzle area PA2. As described above, the second puzzle element PE2 is an operational object that accepts operation by the player. In other words, the player can operate the second puzzle element PE2 by performing a touch operation on the second puzzle element PE2 placed in the second puzzle area PA2.

The second puzzle area PA2 is displayed in a manner (different manner) that allows it to be distinguished from the first puzzle area PA1. In this embodiment, the second puzzle area PA2 is provided in an area different from the first puzzle area PA1, that is, outside the first puzzle area PA1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the second puzzle area PA2 is provided below the first puzzle area PA1. In the example of FIG. 6, the second puzzle elements PE2 arranged in the second puzzle area PA2 are a second puzzle element PE21 having the same attributes as the first puzzle element PE11, a second puzzle element PE22 having the same attributes as the first puzzle element PE12, and a second puzzle element PE23 having the same attributes as the first puzzle element PE13.

[Game Actions]
The operation of the game executed by the game program of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 21. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the game program of one embodiment of the present invention. Figures 8 to 10, Figures 13 to 14, and Figures 17 to 21 are diagrams showing game images when the game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. Figure 11 is a diagram showing a first layer of game images when the game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. Figure 12 is a diagram showing a second layer of game images when the game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. Figures 15 to 16 are diagrams showing the movement and shape change of puzzle elements when the game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed.

As shown in FIG. 7, in step S701, it is determined whether or not a drag operation is being performed by the player on the second puzzle element PE2 placed in the second puzzle area PA2. If it is determined that a drag operation is being performed ("Yes" in step S701), the game program accepts the drag operation and moves the second puzzle element PE2 in accordance with the drag operation (step S702). On the other hand, if it is determined that a drag operation is not being performed ("No" in step S701), the second puzzle element PE2 is not moved and the game program proceeds to the next step of step S702. For example, this corresponds to a state in which the player remains motionless with the second puzzle element PE2 selected. This drag operation is referred to as the "first operation."

Figures 8 and 9 are examples of steps S701 and S702. As shown in Figure 8, when the second puzzle element PE23 is dragged by the player's finger, as shown in Figure 9, the second puzzle element PE23 moves following the movement of the player's finger. The second puzzle element PE23 moves in the direction of the arrow following the drag operation, and moves from the second puzzle area PA2 through the background area BA to the first puzzle area PA1.

The second puzzle element PE23, which is moving in response to the drag operation, is displayed in a different manner from the second puzzle elements PE21 and PE22, which are located at a predetermined position in the second puzzle area PA2. Specifically, the second puzzle element PE23 (FIG. 9) which is moving is larger than the second puzzle element PE23 (FIG. 8) which is fixed in the second puzzle area PA2 and the above-mentioned second puzzle elements PE21 and PE22. The size of the second puzzle element PE23 which is moving changes based on the start of the drag operation of the second puzzle element PE23. Specifically, the size of the second puzzle element PE23 may change at the timing when the player's finger touches the second puzzle element PE23, or may change at the timing when the second puzzle element PE23 starts moving from the position where it was fixed in the second puzzle area PA2. However, without being limited to the above configuration, the second puzzle elements PE21, PE22, PE23 displayed in the second puzzle area PA2 may be displayed larger than the first puzzle elements (first puzzle elements PE11, PE12, PE13, etc.) in the first puzzle area PA1 even before the drag operation is started.

While the second puzzle element PE23 is moving, the position (PE23') in the second puzzle area PA2 where the second puzzle element PE23 was fixed before the movement may be blank (with only the background of the second puzzle area PA2 displayed), the outline of the second puzzle element PE2 may be displayed with a dotted line, or the second puzzle element PE2 may be displayed semi-transparently. While the second puzzle element PE23 is moving, the second puzzle element that is scheduled to be replenished next may be displayed at the position (PE23') where the second puzzle element PE23 was fixed.

Following the determination of whether a drag operation is being performed (step S701), a determination is made of whether the current position of the second puzzle element PE23 and the positional relationship between the first puzzle area PA1 meets a predetermined requirement (step S703). In this embodiment, an example is described in which a determination is made of whether the second puzzle element PE23 is located in the first puzzle area PA1. If the position of the second puzzle element PE2 is in the first puzzle area PA1 ("Yes" in step S703), the shadow SH of the second puzzle element PE2 is displayed as shown in FIG. 10 (step S704). On the other hand, if the position of the second puzzle element PE2 is outside the first puzzle area PA1 ("No" in step S703), the shadow SH is not displayed and the process proceeds to the next step of step 704.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, when the shadow SH of the second puzzle element PE2 moving by the drag operation enters the first puzzle area PA1, the shadow SH is displayed in the first puzzle area PA1. In this way, the shadow SH is displayed based on the second puzzle element PE2 moving from outside the first puzzle area PA1 into the first puzzle area PA1. The shadow SH works in conjunction with the second puzzle element PE2 moving by the drag operation. In this way, the shadow SH is an object associated with the second puzzle element PE2, and therefore may be referred to as a "sub-puzzle element." In other words, the above configuration is displayed according to the positional relationship between the moving second puzzle element PE2 and the first puzzle area PA1, and moves in the first puzzle area PA1 in conjunction with the second puzzle element PE2.

In this embodiment, a configuration in which the shadow SH is displayed only in the first puzzle area PA1 has been exemplified, but this configuration is not limited to the above. For example, the shadow SH may be displayed at the timing when the second puzzle element PE2 starts to move by a drag operation. When the second puzzle element PE2 moves from its position in the second puzzle area PA2 by a drag operation, the distance between the second puzzle element PE2 and the shadow SH may gradually increase, and the size of both the second puzzle element PE2 and the shadow SH may increase, as if an object is actually being lifted.

When the shadow SH overlaps with the first puzzle element PE1 in the first puzzle area PA1, the shadow SH is displayed overlapping the first puzzle element PE1. In this case, the shadow SH is displayed semi-transparently, so the first puzzle element PE1 overlapping with the shadow SH is displayed identifiable. However, when the shadow SH overlaps with the first puzzle element PE1, only the shadow SH may be displayed for the overlapping area. For example, the shadow SH may be displayed in black, and the first puzzle in the area overlapping with the shadow SH may not be displayed.

A shadow SH may not be displayed for the second puzzle element PE2 moving in the first puzzle area PA1 by dragging. Instead of displaying a shadow SH, the moving second puzzle element PE2 may be displayed in a manner different from that of the first puzzle element PE1. For example, instead of the shadow SH, an image for aiming may be displayed, such as a target mark indicating the position where replacement with the second puzzle element PE2 is to be performed. In this case, the first puzzle element PE1 indicated by the target mark may be displayed in a manner different from that of the other first puzzle elements PE1. The moving second puzzle element PE2 may be displayed in a manner such as a color change (a color change from the color when it was placed in the second puzzle area PA2), a blinking, a transparent display (a display in which the background is visible through), or a slight movement. Of course, the moving second puzzle element PE2 may be displayed in the same manner as the first puzzle element PE1.

As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the second puzzle element PE23 and the shadow SH, which are moved by the drag operation, are displayed on a layer different from the first puzzle element PE1. The first puzzle element PE1 is displayed on the first layer LY1, and the second puzzle element PE23 and the shadow SH are displayed on the second layer LY2. The first layer LY1 and the second layer LY2 are layers that are controlled independently. In this embodiment, the first layer LY1 is a layer that does not accept the player's operation, and the second layer LY2 is a layer that accepts the player's operation. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the first puzzle area PA1 is filled with puzzle elements including the first puzzle element PE1, but when the second puzzle element PE2 follows the drag operation and moves through the area overlapping with the first puzzle element PE1, the first puzzle element PE1 is not affected by the drag operation.

Following the determination of whether the position of the second puzzle element PE2 is in the first puzzle area PA1 (step S703), a determination is made as to whether a drop operation has been performed on the second puzzle element PE2 (step S705 in FIG. 7). If it is determined that a drop operation has been performed ("Yes" in step S705), the second puzzle element PE2 is moved toward the shadow SH. On the other hand, if it is determined that a drop operation has not been performed ("No" in step S705), the process returns to step S701 while maintaining the relative positional relationship of the second puzzle element PE2 with the shadow SH, and a determination is made as to whether a drag operation has been performed.

By using the drag operation described above, the player moves the second puzzle element PE2 to the position of the first puzzle element PE1 where the player wishes to overwrite the piece (replace the first puzzle element PE1 with the second puzzle element PE2), and when a drop operation is performed on the second puzzle element PE2 at that position ("Yes" in step S705 of FIG. 7), the first puzzle element PE1 is replaced with the second puzzle element PE2. This drop operation is referred to as the "second operation."

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a drop operation of the second puzzle element PE23 is performed with the position of the shadow SH having moved to the position of the first puzzle element PE1 (the piece to be overwritten). As shown in FIG. 14, the second puzzle element PE23 moves so as to fall toward the position of the shadow SH in response to the drop operation (step S706 in FIG. 7). In other words, in response to the drop operation, the second puzzle element PE23 moves toward the shadow SH, shortening the distance between the second puzzle element PE23 and the shadow SH.

The behavior and shape change of the second puzzle element PE2 and the shadow SH in response to the drop operation will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16. FIG. 15 (A) shows the state immediately after the drop operation. In FIG. 15 (A), the second puzzle element PE2 is displayed larger than the first puzzle element PE1, giving the player a visual effect of the second puzzle element PE2 being lifted up. As shown in FIG. 15 (B), after the drop operation is performed, the second puzzle element PE2 approaches the shadow SH. At that time, the sizes of the second puzzle element PE2 and the shadow SH gradually become smaller. Then, as shown in FIG. 15 (C), when the position of the second puzzle element PE2 coincides with the position of the shadow SH, the size of the second puzzle element PE2 becomes the same as that of the first puzzle element PE1, and the shadow SH and the first puzzle element PE1 disappear. In other words, the first puzzle element PE1 is replaced by the second puzzle element PE2. In this way, by changing the size of the second puzzle element PE2 and the shadow SH depending on the positional relationship between the second puzzle element PE2 and the shadow SH, the player is given the visual effect of the second puzzle element PE2 falling.

The second puzzle element PE2 being moved by the drag operation may be displayed smaller than the first puzzle element PE1. Alternatively, the second puzzle element PE2 being moved may be displayed larger than the first puzzle element PE1, and the shadow SH may be displayed smaller than the first puzzle element PE1. Conversely, the second puzzle element PE2 being moved may be displayed smaller than the first puzzle element PE1, and the shadow SH may be displayed larger than the first puzzle element PE1. Of course, the second puzzle element PE2 and shadow SH being moved may be displayed at the same size as the first puzzle element PE1.

As described above, when the shadow SH overlaps with the first puzzle element PE1, which is the overwritten piece, and the second puzzle element PE2 moves toward the shadow SH, the shape of the second puzzle element PE2 changes based on the approach of the second puzzle element PE2 to the shadow SH. As described above, in this embodiment, the second puzzle element PE2 changes in size as it approaches the shadow SH, but it may also change to a shape different from the above. Then, when the position of the second puzzle element PE2 reaches the position of the shadow SH, the first puzzle element PE1 is replaced with the second puzzle element PE2.

As shown in FIG. 16D, after the shadow SH disappears, the second puzzle element PE2 may change significantly while deforming. This change gives the player the visual effect of the second puzzle element PE2, which has fallen into the first puzzle area PA1, elastically deforming due to the impact of the fall. As shown in FIG. 16E, the second puzzle element PE2 continues to deform and grow until it overlaps (contacts) the adjacent first puzzle element PE1. If the first puzzle element PE1 (PE14) that contacts the second puzzle element PE2 has the same attributes as the enlarged second puzzle element PE2, the second puzzle element PE2 and the first puzzle element PE14 become continuous, as shown in FIG. 16F.

By changing the size and shape of the second puzzle element PE2 as shown in (D) to (F) of FIG. 16, the player is given the visual effect of elastic deformation due to the impact of a fall, and the visual effect of the puzzle element having stickiness and adjacent puzzle elements becoming continuous due to the stickiness when adjacent puzzle elements have the same attribute. Note that the second puzzle element PE2 shown in (A) and (B) of FIG. 15 is similar to the second puzzle element PE2 shown in (C), but the second puzzle element PE2 shown in (D) and (E) of FIG. 16 is not similar to the second puzzle element PE2 shown in (C).

As described above, when the position of the second puzzle element PE2 and the position of the shadow SH coincide in response to a drop operation, if there is a first puzzle element PE14 (called the "third puzzle element") with the same attributes as the second puzzle element PE2 in a position adjacent to the second puzzle element PE2, the shapes of the third puzzle element and the second puzzle element PE2 are changed so that the two are in contact and continuous. As described above, the first puzzle element PE1 corresponding to the position of the second puzzle element PE2 can be replaced with the second puzzle element PE2 in response to a drop operation by the player.

In addition, the operation of FIG. 16 may not be performed, and the replacement of the first puzzle element PE1 with the second puzzle element PE2 may be completed by the operation of FIG. 15 (C).

In this embodiment, assuming that the first puzzle element PE1 has been replaced with the second puzzle element PE2 before the operation shown in Figures 15 and 16 is performed, a determination is made as to whether the arrangement of the puzzle elements after the replacement satisfies a specified requirement (step S707 in Figure 7). If it is determined in step S707 that the arrangement of the puzzle elements satisfies the specified requirement ("Yes" in step S707), the puzzle elements are replaced (step S708), and a specified process is performed on the replaced second puzzle element PE2 and its surrounding puzzle elements. In this embodiment, it is determined that the above-mentioned specified requirement is satisfied when three or more puzzle elements with the same attribute are adjacent to each other.

In other words, after the first puzzle element PE1 is replaced with the second puzzle element PE2 by the drop operation in step S705 as shown in (F) of FIG. 16, if there are three or more adjacent puzzle elements with the same attribute, these puzzle elements are erased as shown by the dotted lines in FIG. 17 (step S709). In other words, the above-mentioned predetermined process is to erase the replaced second puzzle element PE2 and the puzzle elements surrounding the second puzzle element PE2 that have the same attribute as the second puzzle element PE2.

When a puzzle element that meets the specified requirements is erased in step S709, the puzzle elements are moved to fill the area where a gap was formed by erasing the puzzle element (step S710), as shown in FIG. 18, and the operation flow ends. In this embodiment, adjacent puzzle elements above the gap that was formed move downward to fill the gap, and new puzzle elements are replenished from the top of the screen in conjunction with this movement. However, the method of replenishing puzzle elements is not limited to the above.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S707 that the arrangement of the puzzle elements does not satisfy the predetermined requirements ("No" in step S707), the first puzzle element PE1 is not replaced with the second puzzle element PE2, and the second puzzle element PE2 is returned to its initial position in the second puzzle area PA2 (step S711), and the operation flow ends. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the second puzzle element PE23 starts moving toward the shadow SH in response to the drop operation. As in FIG. 15B, the second puzzle element PE23 gradually becomes smaller and approaches the shadow SH (FIG. 20). However, even if the second puzzle element PE2 is replaced at that location, the above-mentioned predetermined requirements are not satisfied, so the puzzle element replacement is not performed, and the second puzzle element PE2 that has approached the shadow SH moves to its original position in the second puzzle area PA2 (i.e., the position before it moved in response to the drag operation) (FIG. 21).

As described above, according to the operation of the game and the program thereof in this embodiment, the movable second puzzle element PE2 is provided in a second puzzle area PA2 that is provided in a position different from the first puzzle area PA1, thereby improving the identifiability of the movable puzzle element and improving the user's satisfaction with the game.

In this embodiment, a configuration in which a drag operation and a drop operation are performed on the second puzzle element PE2 is exemplified, but this configuration is not limited to the above. For example, instead of a drag operation, a first tap operation may be performed on the second puzzle element PE2, and instead of a drop operation, a second tap operation may be performed on the first puzzle element PE1 that is to be replaced with the second puzzle element PE2.

When the second puzzle element PE2 moves out of the second puzzle area PA2 following the drag operation, an effect may be produced to emphasize that the following action of the second puzzle element PE2 has begun, as shown in FIG. 22. In the example of FIG. 22, part of the second puzzle element PE23 moves due to the drag operation, while the other part of the second puzzle element PE23 remains in the second puzzle area PA2, with the two forming a continuous shape. Displaying it in this manner enhances the texture of the second puzzle element PE2 and makes it easier for the player to recognize that they are dragging the second puzzle element.

Second Embodiment
23 and 24, the operation when the game program according to the second embodiment is executed will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the display mode of the second puzzle element PE2. In the following explanation, the explanation of the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted, and the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly explained.

Figures 23 and 24 are diagrams showing game images when a game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed. As shown in Figure 23, a second puzzle element PE3 (PE31, PE32, PE33, PE34), which is an operable overwrite piece, is placed in the first puzzle area PA1. The second puzzle element PE3 is displayed in a manner different from the other first puzzle elements PE1 near the corner of the first puzzle area PA1. Specifically, the second puzzle element PE3 is displayed larger than the first puzzle element PE1.

23 illustrates a configuration in which the second puzzle element PE3 is arranged near a corner of the first puzzle area PA1, but is not limited to this configuration. As long as the second puzzle element PE3 is displayed in a manner that allows it to be distinguished from the first puzzle element PE1, it may be arranged in a position other than near the corner of the first puzzle area PA1. Also, in FIG. 23, a configuration in which the second puzzle element PE3 is displayed larger than the first puzzle element PE1 is illustrated, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, if the second puzzle element PE3 is displayed in a color or pattern different from that of the first puzzle element PE1, the size of the second puzzle element PE3 may be the same as the size of the first puzzle element PE1. Also, if it is clear that the position in which the second puzzle element PE3 is arranged is near a corner of the first puzzle area PA1, the size, color, etc. of the second puzzle element PE3 may be the same as the size, color, etc. of the first puzzle element PE1.

In addition to the above, other ways in which the second puzzle element PE3 can be distinguished from the first puzzle element PE1 include displaying the background of the position where the second puzzle element PE3 is placed so that it is different from the background of the other puzzle elements. For example, the second puzzle element PE3 may be displayed as if it is surrounded by an aura. Or, the second puzzle element PE3 may be displayed together with auxiliary elements other than puzzle elements. For example, the second puzzle element PE3 may be displayed as a pedestal on which a puzzle element is placed, or as indicated by an arrow. Or, the second puzzle element PE3 may be displayed flashing. Or, the second puzzle element PE3 may be in motion (moving slightly, floating, rotating, etc.) or deformed (repeatedly expanding and contracting, having a wavy outline).

As shown in FIG. 24, in this embodiment, the second puzzle element PE3 is located in the same first puzzle area PA1 as the first puzzle element PE1, so a shadow SH is displayed when a drag operation on the second puzzle element PE3 is started. In this case, contrary to the operations in (A) to (C) of FIG. 15, the second puzzle element PE3 and the shadow SH change significantly as the second puzzle element PE3 moves away from the shadow SH.

Third Embodiment
The operation when the game program according to the third embodiment is executed will be described using Figures 25 to 29. In the third embodiment, a method of replenishing the second puzzle area PA2 with second puzzle elements PE2 and special puzzle elements PX will be described. In the following explanation, the explanation of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. Figures 25 to 29 are all diagrams showing game images when the game program of one embodiment of the present invention is executed.

Figure 25 shows the state after step S710 in Figure 7 is completed. When the second puzzle element PE2 placed in the second puzzle area PA2 is replaced with the first puzzle element PE1 by dragging and dropping in each step shown in Figure 7, a part of the second puzzle area PA2 (the area where the second puzzle element PE2 was placed) becomes blank. Here, a blank space means a state in which no puzzle element is placed in an area in the second puzzle area PA2 where a puzzle element can be placed. The blank space is filled with a new puzzle element. Figure 25 shows an example of a configuration in which a special puzzle element PX is filled in the blank space. Of course, the puzzle element filled in the blank space may be the second puzzle element PE2.

Figure 25 illustrates an example of a configuration in which the puzzle elements to be replenished appear from below the second puzzle area PA2, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the puzzle elements to be replenished may appear from above or to the side of the second puzzle area PA2. Or, the puzzle elements to be replenished may appear with an animation action. For example, as shown in Figure 26, the puzzle elements to be replenished may appear by a zoom action starting from a certain point. Of course, the puzzle elements may also appear by other animation actions.

As described above, the puzzle elements may be replenished after step S710 in FIG. 7 is completed, or may be replenished when the second puzzle element PE2 is moved from the second puzzle area PA2 by a drag operation as shown in FIG. 9. The puzzle elements to be replenished may be determined randomly or according to the progress of the game. Alternatively, an upper limit may be set for each type of puzzle element to be replenished.

The special puzzle element PX placed in the second puzzle area PA2 is operated in the same way as the second puzzle element PE2. That is, as shown in FIG. 27, the special puzzle element PX is moved from the second puzzle area PA2 to the first puzzle area PA1 by a drag operation, and is replaced with a specified first puzzle element PE1 in the first puzzle area PA1 by a drop operation.

In the first embodiment, the first puzzle element PE1 placed in the first puzzle area PA1 was replaced with the second puzzle element PE2 only when certain requirements were met, but in this embodiment, the special puzzle element PX is forcibly replaced with the first puzzle element PE1 regardless of the above requirements, and processing is performed according to the attributes of the special puzzle element PX.

In this embodiment, when the special puzzle element PX is replaced with the first puzzle element PE1, the special puzzle element PX is enlarged as shown in FIG. 28, and the first puzzle element PE1 provided in the area corresponding to the enlarged special puzzle element PX is erased as shown in FIG. 29.

The special puzzle element PX may be replaced with the first puzzle element PE1 by a drag and drop operation, as described above, in the same manner as the second puzzle element PE2, or instead of a drag operation, a first tap operation may be performed on the special puzzle element PX placed in the second puzzle area PA2, and instead of a drop operation, a second tap operation may be performed on the first puzzle element PE1 to be replaced with the special puzzle element PX.

In this embodiment, an operation of isotropically erasing the first puzzle element PE1 based on the position where the special puzzle element PX is placed has been exemplified, but the operation is not limited to this. For example, the first puzzle element PE1 may be anisotropically erased based on the position where the special puzzle element PX is placed. Specifically, the first puzzle elements PE1 arranged in the up, down, left and right directions may be erased based on the position where the special puzzle element PX is placed. Alternatively, the special puzzle element PX may have a specific attribute, and the first puzzle element PE1 with an attribute related to the attribute may be erased, or the attribute of the first puzzle element PE1 may be changed. Alternatively, a specific process such as erasure or attribute change may be performed on the first puzzle element PE1 with the same attribute as the first puzzle element PE1 replaced with the special puzzle element PX.

In this embodiment, a configuration in which the special puzzle element PX appears in the second puzzle area PA2 has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the special puzzle element PX may appear in the first puzzle area PA1. For example, at the timing of step S710 in FIG. 7, as shown in FIG. 18, the special puzzle element PX may be added when a new first puzzle element PE1 is replenished in the first puzzle area PA1. Alternatively, the first puzzle element PE1 placed in the first puzzle area PA1 may be replaced with the special puzzle element PX when an event occurs. When the special puzzle element PX is placed in the first puzzle area PA1, for example, a user may directly tap on the special puzzle element PX to perform processing based on the attributes of the special puzzle element PX.

As described above, the game operation and program of this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

As another example, the game progress processing can be executed as distributed processing between the communication device 100 and the server 500. Alternatively, the game progress processing can be executed as processing by the server 500. The server 500 can be realized by a single information processing device, or can be realized by multiple information processing devices working together.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, a person skilled in the art can add, delete, or modify components as appropriate based on each embodiment (including modifications), and this is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it maintains the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined as appropriate as long as there are no mutual contradictions, and technical matters common to each embodiment are included in each embodiment even if not explicitly stated.

Even if there are other effects and advantages different from those brought about by the aspects of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, if they are clear from the description in this specification or can be easily predicted by a person skilled in the art, they are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention.

10: Game processing function, 11: Game operation acquisition unit, 12: Setting data receiving unit, 13: Game data storage unit, 14: Game processing execution unit, 15: Status data transmission unit, 16: Display data generation unit, 17: Display data output unit, 50: Game processing function, 51: Status data receiving unit, 52: Game data storage unit, 53: Game processing execution unit, 54: Setting data transmission unit, 100: Communication device, 101: Control unit, 102: Storage unit, 103: Display unit, 104: Operation unit, 105: Sensor unit, 106: Imaging unit, 107: Position detection unit, 108: Communication unit, 109: Sound input/output unit, 110: Notification unit, 500: Server, 501: Control unit, 502: Storage unit, 503: Communication unit, 1000: Communication system, BA: background area, GI: game image, LY1: first layer, LY2: second layer, NW: network, PA1: first puzzle area, PA2: second puzzle area, PE1: first puzzle element, PE2: second puzzle element, PE3: second puzzle element, SH: shadow

Claims (13)

1. A computer-implemented method comprising:
placing a first puzzle element in a puzzle area displayed on the screen;
placing a second puzzle element operable by a player on the screen in a manner different from that of the first puzzle element;
accepting a drag operation by the player and moving the second puzzle element in accordance with the drag operation;
In response to the second puzzle element moving in the puzzle area in response to the drag operation, a sub-puzzle element is displayed in the puzzle area while maintaining a relative positional relationship with the second puzzle element ;
When a drop operation by the player is received , the second puzzle element is moved toward the sub-puzzle element, the first puzzle element overlapping the sub-puzzle element is replaced with the second puzzle element , and the sub-puzzle element is eliminated;
A method for operating a puzzle that performs a predetermined process on the replaced second puzzle element and the surrounding puzzle elements when the replaced second puzzle element and the surrounding puzzle elements satisfy predetermined requirements. 1. A computer-implemented method comprising:
placing a first puzzle element in a puzzle area displayed on the screen;
placing a second puzzle element operable by a player on the screen in a manner different from that of the first puzzle element;
accepting a drag operation by the player and moving the second puzzle element in accordance with the drag operation;
In response to the second puzzle element moving in the puzzle area in response to the drag operation, a sub-puzzle element is displayed in the puzzle area while maintaining a relative positional relationship with the second puzzle element ;
when a drop operation by the player is accepted , the second puzzle element is moved toward the sub-puzzle element in response to the drop operation so as to shorten a distance between the second puzzle element and the sub-puzzle element, the first puzzle element corresponding to the position of the second puzzle element is replaced with the second puzzle element , and the sub-puzzle element is eliminated;
A method for operating a puzzle that performs a predetermined process on the replaced second puzzle element and the surrounding puzzle elements when the replaced second puzzle element and the surrounding puzzle elements satisfy predetermined requirements. placing the second puzzle element outside the puzzle area;
The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising following the dragging operation by moving from outside the puzzle area into the puzzle area. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sub-puzzle element is displayed based on the second puzzle element moving from outside the puzzle area into the puzzle area following the drag operation. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sub-puzzle element is displayed based on the start of the drag operation. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: moving the second puzzle element toward the sub-puzzle element while the sub-puzzle element overlaps the first puzzle element; and replacing the first puzzle element with the second puzzle element while changing a shape of the second puzzle element based on the approach of the second puzzle element to the first puzzle element. The method according to claim 1, 2, or 6, wherein, in response to the drop operation, when the position of the second puzzle element and the position of the sub-puzzle element are aligned and there is a third puzzle element adjacent to the second puzzle element that has the same attributes as the second puzzle element, the shape of the second puzzle element and the shape of the third puzzle element are changed to bring the second puzzle element and the third puzzle element into contact with each other. Assuming that the first puzzle element is replaced with the second puzzle element in response to the drop operation, determining whether the second puzzle element after the replacement and the surrounding puzzle elements satisfy the predetermined requirements;
The method of claim 1 , further comprising replacing the first puzzle element with the second puzzle element if it is determined that the predetermined requirement is met. Assuming that the first puzzle element is replaced with the second puzzle element in response to the drop operation, determining whether the second puzzle element after the replacement and the surrounding puzzle elements satisfy the predetermined requirements;
A method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising the steps of: moving the second puzzle element that has moved towards the first puzzle element to a position before it moved in response to the drag operation when it is determined that the specified requirement is not met. The puzzle area includes puzzle elements including the first puzzle element,
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: following the dragging operation, not moving the first puzzle element when the second puzzle element moves through an area where the first puzzle element overlaps. the first puzzle element is provided in a first layer;
The second puzzle element is provided in a second layer that is a layer different from the first layer,
The method of claim 10 , wherein the first layer puzzle elements and the second layer puzzle elements are controlled independently. A program for causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 . 12. An information processing apparatus comprising a control unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 .

Images