JP7720109B2 - Game control device, game system, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game control device, a game system, and a program.

A known game displays a first object and a second object on a game screen that move in response to user operation, and executes processing related to the second object when it is determined that the first object overlaps the second object. One example of such a game is a baseball game that simulates baseball. For example, in a scene where a batter character controlled by a user is about to hit the ball, a cursor (first object) that moves in response to user operation and a ball (second object) thrown by a pitcher character are displayed, and the user can move the cursor to overlap the ball to cause the batter character to hit the ball.

In such baseball games, a button for changing the cursor display size may be displayed, and the user may be able to select the cursor display size by selecting (pressing) the button. For example, a button may be displayed to select between a "normal hit," in which the cursor is displayed at its normal display size, and a "powerful hit," in which the cursor is displayed at a smaller size than the normal display size but the ball is hit hard when the bat hits the ball, and the user may be able to select the cursor display size and the strength of the batter character's swing (hit) by selecting the button.

JP 2015-213771 A

In baseball games like the one above, the operation of selecting (pressing) a button to change the cursor display size must be performed separately from the operation to move the cursor, which can sometimes feel cumbersome to users.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a game control device, game system, and program that can reduce the effort required to change the display size of objects.

In order to solve the above problem, a game control device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a display control means for controlling the display of a first object and a second object on a display means; an acquisition means for acquiring contact position information relating to a contact position caused by a contact operation and pressure information relating to a pressure applied by the contact operation; a setting means for setting the display size of the first object; a movement means for moving the first object based on the contact position information; a determination means for determining whether the positions of the first object and the second object satisfy predetermined conditions; and a processing execution means for executing processing related to the second object based on the determination result of the determination means, wherein the setting means includes a means for setting the display size of the first object based on the pressure information.

A game system according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a display control means for controlling the display of a first object and a second object on a display means; an acquisition means for acquiring contact position information relating to a contact position caused by a contact operation and pressure information relating to a pressure applied by the contact operation; a setting means for setting the display size of the first object; a movement means for moving the first object based on the contact position information; a determination means for determining whether the positions of the first object and the second object satisfy a predetermined condition; and a processing execution means for executing processing related to the second object based on the determination result of the determination means, wherein the setting means includes a means for setting the display size of the first object based on the pressure information.

1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a game terminal. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game image. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a game image. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a game image. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between pressure, cursor size, and swing power. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a game image. 1 is a functional block diagram of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing executed in the game system. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing executed in the game system. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing executed in the game system. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing executed in the game system.

An example embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[1. Game System Configuration] Figure 1 shows the configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, game system 1 according to this embodiment includes game terminal 10 and server 30. Game terminal 10 can communicate data with server 30 via network N.

A gaming terminal 10 is a computer used by a user to play a game. For example, a gaming terminal 10 may be a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a personal digital assistant (including a tablet computer), a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a home gaming machine (stationary gaming machine), a portable gaming machine, or an arcade gaming machine installed in an amusement facility, etc.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming terminal 10 includes a control unit 11, a memory unit 12, a communication unit 13, an operation unit 14, a display unit 17, and an audio output unit 18. The operation unit 14, the display unit 17, and the audio output unit 18 may be provided within the gaming terminal 10 itself, or may be provided as external devices connected to the gaming terminal 10.

The control unit 11 includes at least one microprocessor and executes information processing according to programs stored in the memory unit 12. The memory unit 12 includes a main memory unit (e.g., RAM) and an auxiliary memory unit (e.g., non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, or a solid-state drive), and stores programs and data. The communication unit 13 is used to communicate data with other devices via the network N.

The operation unit 14 is used by the user to perform various operations. The operation unit 14 accepts touch operations by the user. The operation unit 14 has a surface that is touched by the user and accepts touch operations on that surface. That is, the user performs touch operations by touching the surface with their finger (or a touch pen, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 14 includes a touch position detection unit 15 and a pressure detection unit 16. The contact position detection unit 15 detects the position on the surface that is being touched by the user, and provides contact position information indicating that position to the control unit 11. The pressure detection unit 16 detects the pressure being applied to the surface by the user's touch, and provides pressure information indicating that pressure to the control unit 11.

The display unit 17 is for displaying various images and is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The audio output unit 18 is for outputting audio data and is, for example, a speaker or headphones.

Figure 2 shows an example of the appearance of the game terminal 10. While the operation unit 14 and display unit 17 are shown separately in Figure 1, the operation unit 14 and display unit 17 may be integrated into a touch panel T, as shown in Figure 2. For example, the touch panel T is configured by stacking, in order, a backlight, a display panel, and glass incorporating a second sensor for detecting the contact position on a substrate on which a first sensor for detecting pressure is arranged.

Here, the first sensor is a capacitance sensor that detects the distance between the user's finger and the glass. The glass is configured to bend slightly when the user touches it and presses down firmly. The greater the pressure applied to the glass, the greater the curvature of the glass, resulting in a shorter distance between the user's finger and the capacitance sensor. Because there is a correlation between the distance and the pressure, the detection result of the first sensor indicates the pressure. That is, a short distance detected by the first sensor indicates a large pressure, and a long distance indicates a small pressure. Therefore, in this case, the first sensor corresponds to the pressure detection unit 16. The position touched by the user is detected by a second sensor built into the glass, and the second sensor corresponds to the contact position detection unit 15.

The configuration of the touch panel T is not limited to the above configuration and may be other configurations. Furthermore, it is not necessary to configure the operation unit 14 and the display unit 17 as an integrated unit as the touch panel T; the operation unit 14 may be provided separately from the display unit 17, such as a touchpad (trackpad). Furthermore, the operation unit 14 may include buttons (keys), levers (sticks), or the like.

The server 30 is, for example, a server computer. As shown in FIG. 1, the server 30 includes a control unit 31, a memory unit 32, and a communication unit 33. The control unit 31, the memory unit 32, and the communication unit 33 are similar to the control unit 11, the memory unit 12, and the communication unit 13 of the game terminal 10. The server 30 can access a database DB. The database DB may be constructed within the server 30, or may be constructed within a server computer separate from the server 30.

Programs and data are supplied to the game terminal 10 or server 30 from a remote location via the network N and stored in the memory unit 12 or memory unit 32. The game terminal 10 or server 30 may also be provided with components (e.g., an optical disc drive or memory card slot) for reading programs and data stored on an information storage medium (e.g., an optical disc or memory card). The programs and data may then be supplied to the game terminal 10 or server 30 via the information storage medium.

[2. Game Overview] The game system 1 can run a variety of games. The games may be standalone games run by the game terminal 10 alone, or client/server games run via data communication between the game terminal 10 and the server 30.

The following describes a baseball game based on baseball as an example of a game executed on game system 1. In this baseball game, a match is played between a user team, which is the team controlled by the user, and an opposing team. For example, when the user team is on offense, the user performs batting operations or baserunning operations to have player characters (game characters representing players) belonging to the user team hit or run the bases, and when the user team is on defense, the user performs pitching operations or fielding operations to have player characters belonging to the user team pitch or play defense.

Figures 3 to 5 show examples of game images (game screen images) of a baseball game displayed on the display unit 17. Note that Figures 3 to 5 show game images when the user's team is on bat, and show scenes in which the user performs a batting operation.

As shown in Figure 3, the game image G10 displays a batter character P11 who is the batter for the user's team and a pitcher character P12 who is the pitcher for the opposing team. In this scene, the user controls the batter character P11. Figure 3 shows the game image G10 before the pitcher character P12 starts pitching.

The game image G10 includes a game status display P13 and a name display P14. The game status display P13 shows the current game status, and the name display P14 shows the name of the batter character P11.

Furthermore, game image G10 includes a frame P15 and a cursor P16 as operation images for causing the batter character P11 to hit the ball. Frame P15 is set above home base and indicates the strike zone. Cursor P16 indicates the position or area where the batter character P11 will hit with the bat. In other words, cursor P16 is the position or area where the bat will pass when the batter character P11 swings the bat. Cursor P16 also includes a core portion P17. Core portion P17 indicates the position or area where the bat will hit with the center of the bat. In other words, core portion P17 indicates the position or area where a specific part of the bat (core portion) will pass when the batter character P11 swings the bat.

The cursor P16 moves in response to a movement instruction operation by the user. A "movement instruction operation" is, for example, an operation of moving a finger in contact with the touch panel T. In other words, when the user is touching the touch panel T, the cursor P16 moves in response to movement of the position touched by the user. In other words, the user can move the cursor P16 by moving the finger in contact with the touch panel T. Note that the position where the user touches the finger may be anywhere on the touch panel T. Furthermore, the cursor P16 moves within the range that the bat of the batter character P11 can reach.

Figure 4 shows an example of a game image G10 after the pitcher character P12 has thrown the ball. The game image G10 shown in Figure 4 displays the ball P18 thrown by the pitcher character P12.

When the user performs a swing instruction operation, the batter character P11 swings the bat toward the batting position indicated by the cursor P16. A "swing instruction operation" is, for example, an operation of lifting a finger from the touch panel T. In other words, when the user lifts their finger from the touch panel T at or near the point when the ball P18 thrown by the pitcher character P12 passes through a plane including the frame P15, the batter character P11 hits the ball P18 according to the relative positions of the cursor P16 and the ball P18.

For example, if the cursor P16 is overlapping the ball P18 at the time a swing instruction operation is performed, the ball P18 will be hit. In this way, in this baseball game, the batter character P11 is made to hit the ball P18 thrown by the pitcher character P12 by having the cursor P16 overlap the ball. Note that if the cursor P16 is not overlapping the ball P18 at the time a swing instruction operation is performed, it will result in a swing and a miss. Furthermore, if a swing instruction operation is performed at the same time as the ball P18 passes through and leaves the plane containing the frame P15, it will also result in a swing and a miss.

Figure 5 shows an example of a game image G10 after the batter character P11 has hit the ball P18. The direction of movement and strength of the hit ball (ball P18 hit by batter character P11) are determined according to the relative positions (overlap, etc.) of cursor P16 and ball P18 at the time the swing instruction operation is performed. For example, if the center part P17 overlaps with ball P18, the ball will fly hard.

The game image G10 shown in Figures 3 to 5 is generated using three-dimensional computer graphics technology. For example, the game image G10 is generated by generating an image of a virtual three-dimensional space in which the batter character P11, pitcher character P12, frame P15, cursor P16, ball P18, etc. are arranged, viewed from a viewpoint set on the catcher character's side, and then superimposing the game situation display P13 and name display P14 onto the image. Alternatively, the game image G10 is generated by generating an image of a virtual three-dimensional space in which the batter character P11, pitcher character P12, ball P18, etc. are arranged, viewed from a viewpoint set on the catcher character's side, and then superimposing the game situation display P13, name display P14, frame P15, and cursor P16 onto the image. The game image G10 may also be generated without using three-dimensional computer graphics technology.

In the baseball game, the user can change the display size of the cursor P16. Specifically, the user can change the display size of the cursor P16 by changing the pressure on the touch panel T. Note that as the display size of the cursor P16 changes, the swing power of the batter character P11 also changes.

Here, "swing power" is a parameter related to the strength of the bat swing of the batter character P11. In other words, "swing power" is a parameter related to the strength with which the batter character P11 hits the ball P18. Typically, the higher the swing power value, the greater the strength with which the batter character P11 hits the ball P18. Swing power affects the momentum (strength or flight distance) of the ball P18 hit by the batter character P11. The greater the swing power, the more likely the ball P18 hit by the batter character P11 will have greater momentum and travel a longer distance.

Figure 6 shows an example of the relationship between pressure, cursor size (display size of cursor P16), and swing power. In the example shown in Figure 6, when the pressure is weak (i.e., when the pressure is less than the threshold), the display size of cursor P16 is set to the standard size, and the swing power is set to a standard value. For convenience, this state will be referred to below as the "standard state." On the other hand, when the pressure is strong (i.e., when the pressure is equal to or greater than the threshold), the display size of cursor P16 is set to a size smaller than the standard size, and the swing power is set to a value greater than the standard value. For convenience, this state will be referred to below as the "strong swing state."

In the example shown in Figure 6, when the user simply touches the touch panel T with their finger, the pressure applied to the touch panel T is weak, so the display size of the cursor P16 is set to the standard size and the swing power is set to the standard value. In the baseball game described above, a basic value of swing power is set for each player character, and in this case, the swing power is set to the basic value set for the batter character P11.

On the other hand, when the user presses down on the touch panel T with their finger, the pressure applied to the touch panel T increases (i.e., the pressure exceeds the threshold), so the display size of the cursor P16 is changed to a size smaller than the standard size, and the swing power is changed to a value greater than the standard value. Figure 7 shows an example of a game image G10 in this case. As shown in Figure 7, in this case, a cursor P16 that is a reduced version of the cursor P16 in its standard state (Figure 3) is displayed. In this case, because the display size of the cursor P16 is smaller than the standard size (Figure 3), it becomes more difficult to hit the ball P18, but on the other hand, because the swing power increases, if the user is able to hit the ball P18, the ball is more likely to be hit hard and fly farther.

When the display size of cursor P16 changes to the strong swing state, the display size of cursor P16 remains in the strong swing state even if the user reduces the pressure applied to touch panel T (i.e., even if the pressure becomes less than the threshold). In this way, the user does not have to move their finger while still pressing firmly on touch panel T, allowing for smooth movement of cursor P16. If the user removes their finger from touch panel T before the pitcher character P12 begins pitching, the display size of cursor P16 returns to its standard state. As mentioned above, if the user removes their finger from touch panel T after the pitcher character P12 begins pitching, a swing instruction operation is performed, and the batter character P11 swings the bat toward the batting position indicated by cursor P16.

As described above, the user can change the display size of the cursor P16 only before the pitcher character P12 begins pitching. In other words, the display size of the cursor P16 is fixed when the pitcher character P12 begins pitching. For example, the display size of the cursor P16 cannot be changed in the game image G10 shown in FIG. 4. Note that the display size of the cursor P16 may be fixed when the pitcher character P12 throws the ball P18, rather than when the pitcher character P12 begins pitching. In other words, the display size of the cursor P16 may be changeable even after the pitching motion begins, until the ball P18 leaves the hand of the pitcher character P12. Then, after the pitcher character P12 throws the ball P18, when the user releases their finger from the touch panel T, the batter character P11 may swing the bat toward the batting position indicated by the cursor P16.

In the game system 1 described above, the user can move the cursor P16 by moving the finger that is in contact with the touch panel T. Furthermore, the user can change the display size of the cursor P16 by pressing the touch panel T relatively firmly with the finger.

For example, one possible user interface for changing the display size of cursor P16 would be to display a button on the game image G10 for changing the display size of cursor P16. However, in this case, the operation of selecting (pressing) the button to change the display size of cursor P16 must be performed separately from the operation to move cursor P16, which may feel cumbersome to the user. According to game system 1, both operations can be performed with a single touch on touch panel T, making it possible to prevent this inconvenience from occurring.

Furthermore, when the display unit 17 (touch panel T) is small and the display area is limited, such as on a smartphone, there may not be enough space to display the above buttons, or if the buttons are forced to be displayed, the game image G10 may become cluttered. With the game system 1, there is no need to display the above buttons, making it possible to prevent such inconveniences from occurring.

In the game image G10 shown in FIG. 7, the core portion P17 is also reduced in size as the entire cursor P16 is reduced, but the core portion P17 may not be reduced. Furthermore, in the game image G10 shown in FIG. 7, only the core portion P17 may be displayed as the cursor P16. In other words, in the game image G10 shown in FIG. 7, the portion of the cursor P16 (FIG. 3) in its standard state may be removed from the core portion P17.

In addition, in the above, the display size of the cursor P16 changes in two stages depending on the pressure applied to the touch panel T, but the display size of the cursor P16 may also change in three or more stages. Similarly, the swing power may also change in three or more stages.

Furthermore, although the above describes a baseball game in which the user causes the batter character P11 to hit the ball P18 thrown by the pitcher character P12 of the opposing team by hovering the cursor P16 over the ball P18, games executed by the game system 1 are not limited to such baseball games.

For example, the game system 1 may be configured to run a soccer game in which the user controls a goalkeeper character. Specifically, the game may be configured to run in which the user can cause the goalkeeper character to catch or punch a soccer ball by hovering the cursor over a soccer ball shot by a player character of the opposing team.

For example, the game system 1 may be configured to run an FPS (first-person shooter) game. Specifically, an FPS game may be run in which the user attacks (fires, etc.) an object to be attacked (such as an enemy character) by hovering a cursor (such as an aiming cursor) over the object to be attacked.

[3. Functional Blocks] Next, the functional blocks realized in the game system 1 will be described. Figure 8 shows an example of the functional blocks realized in the game system 1. As shown in Figure 8, the game system 1 includes a display control unit 100, an acquisition unit 110, a setting unit 120, a movement unit 130, a determination unit 140, and a process execution unit 150. For example, these functional blocks are realized by the control unit 11 of the game terminal 10 (an example of a game control device). Alternatively, these functional blocks may be realized by the control unit 31 of the server 30 (an example of a game control device). Alternatively, some of the functional blocks may be realized by the control unit 11 of the game terminal 10, and the remaining functional blocks may be realized by the control unit 31 of the server 30.

[3-1] The display control unit 100 controls the display of the first object and the second object on the display means.

Here, "display means" refers to, for example, a display device (such as a liquid crystal display or organic EL display) provided on the terminal used by the user. For example, it refers to a display device provided on a mobile phone (including a smartphone), tablet computer, laptop computer, or portable game console. It also refers to, for example, a display device connected to the terminal used by the user. For example, it refers to a display device connected to a stationary game console or desktop computer.

"Performing control to display an object on a display means" may mean, for example, generating an image (screen image) in which the object is displayed and displaying the image on the display means. Also, for example, generating data necessary to display an image in which the object is displayed and transmitting the data to the display means, thereby displaying the image on the display means. Furthermore, if the display control unit 100 is implemented by a server, "performing control to display an object on a display means" may also mean generating data necessary to display an image in which the object is displayed and transmitting the data to a terminal connected to the display means, thereby displaying the image on the display means. Note that "data necessary to display an image" may be data representing the image itself, or data necessary to generate the image.

A "first object" is an object that can be displayed on the display means and can be operated by the user. It is an object that moves within the image (screen image) displayed on the display means in response to user operation. For example, it is an object that moves in response to operation on an operation means that has a surface that is touched by the user. Here, "operation means that has a surface that is touched by the user" is, for example, a touch panel that is superimposed on or integrated with the display means (such as a liquid crystal display or organic EL display). Note that "operation means that has a surface that is touched by the user" may also be a touchpad that is provided separately from the display means. For example, a cursor or a game character is an example of a "first object."

A "second object" is an object that can be displayed on a display means. For example, it is an object that moves within an image (screen image) displayed on the display means in response to instructions from a computer or operations by another user. It may also be an object that is displayed in a fixed position without moving within an image displayed on the display means.

For example, in the case of the aforementioned baseball game, that is, a baseball game in which the user causes the batter character P11 to hit the ball P18 thrown by the pitcher character P12 of the opposing team by hovering the cursor P16 over the ball P18, the cursor P16 corresponds to an example of a "first object." Note that the center portion P17 of the cursor P16 may also correspond to an example of a "first object." Furthermore, the ball P18 thrown by the pitcher character P12 corresponds to an example of a "second object."

In short, the display control unit 100 in the aforementioned baseball game controls the display of the game image G10 on the display unit 17. That is, the display control unit 100 controls the display of the cursor P16, which moves in response to operations on the touch panel T, and the ball P18 thrown by the pitcher character P12, on the display unit 17.

For example, in the case of the soccer game mentioned above, i.e., a soccer game in which a user places a cursor over a soccer ball shot by a player character of the opposing team to cause a goalkeeper character to catch or punch the ball, the cursor is an example of a "first object." Furthermore, the soccer ball shot by the player character is an example of a "second object."

For example, in the case of the aforementioned FPS game, that is, an FPS game in which an attack (such as a gunshot) is made to an attack target object (such as an enemy character) by hovering a cursor (such as an aiming cursor) over the attack target object, the cursor is an example of a "first object." The attack target object is an example of a "second object."

[3-2] The acquisition unit 110 acquires contact position information related to the contact position caused by the contact operation and pressure information related to the pressure caused by the contact operation.

Here, "contact position information" refers to information indicating the contact position caused by a contact operation. The "contact position caused by a contact operation" is, for example, the position on the surface of the operating tool that is touched by the user. Furthermore, "pressure information" refers to information indicating the pressure generated by a contact operation. The "pressure generated by a contact operation" is the pressure applied to the surface of the operating tool by the user's contact. For example, "pressure information" refers to information indicating the pressure applied to the position on the surface that is touched by the user. Specifically, for example, it is information that indicates the pressure in two levels. That is, it is information that indicates whether the pressure is less than a predetermined threshold or greater than a predetermined threshold. It may also be information that indicates the pressure in three or more levels. For example, it may be information that indicates the pressure in four levels (0 to 3), or information that indicates the pressure in 256 levels (0 to 255).

Specifically, the acquisition unit 110 acquires contact position information provided by the contact position detection unit 15 and pressure information provided by the pressure detection unit 16.

[3-3] The setting unit 120 sets the display size of the first object. The setting unit 120 sets the display size of the first object based on the pressure information acquired by the acquisition unit 110.

Here, "display size of the first object" refers to the size of the area portion of the image (screen image) displayed on the display means that is occupied by the first object. For example, it is the number of pixels in which the first object is depicted in the image displayed on the display means.

"Setting the display size of the first object based on pressure information" means, for example, setting the display size of the first object to a display size that corresponds to the pressure based on a predetermined correspondence between pressure and display size. For example, when the pressure is large, the display size of the first object is made smaller than when the pressure is small. In other words, the greater the pressure, the smaller the display size of the first object. Also, for example, when the pressure is large, the display size of the first object may be made larger than when the pressure is small. In other words, the greater the pressure, the larger the display size of the first object. Note that in cases where an image (screen image) showing a virtual three-dimensional space as viewed from a viewpoint is displayed on the display means, "setting the display size of the first object" may mean setting the display size of the first object by setting the size of the first object placed in the virtual three-dimensional space.

For example, the setting unit 120 sets the display size and parameters of the first object based on the pressure information.

Here, "parameters" refer to parameters used in the processing (processing related to the second object) executed by the processing execution unit 150 (described below). In other words, parameters that affect the results of the processing (processing related to the second object) executed by the processing execution unit 150 (described below).

"Setting the display size and parameters of the first object based on pressure information" means, for example, setting the display size of the first object to a display size that corresponds to the pressure based on a predetermined correspondence between pressure and display size, and setting the value of the parameter to a value that corresponds to the pressure based on a predetermined correspondence between pressure and parameters.

Alternatively, "setting the display size and parameters of the first object based on the pressure information" may mean, for example, setting the display size of the first object based on the pressure information, and then setting the parameters based on the set display size. In other words, based on a predetermined correspondence between pressure and display size, the display size of the first object may be set to a display size corresponding to the pressure, and based on a predetermined correspondence between display size and parameters, the value of the parameters may be set to a value corresponding to the set display size.

Alternatively, "setting the display size and parameters of the first object based on the pressure information" may mean, for example, setting parameters based on the pressure information, and then setting the display size of the first object based on the set parameters. In other words, based on a predetermined correspondence between pressure and parameters, the value of the parameter may be set to a value corresponding to the pressure, and based on a predetermined correspondence between the display size and parameters, the display size of the first object may be set to a value corresponding to the set parameters.

For example, when the display size of the first object is small, the setting unit 120 sets parameters so that the result of the processing (processing related to the second object) executed by the processing execution unit 150 (described below) is more advantageous for achieving a specific result than when the display size of the first object is large.

Here, "setting parameters to favor a specific result" means setting parameters to make it easier for a process to result in a specific result. Furthermore, a "specific result" is a result that is generally desirable for users (in other words, a result that users should generally aim for).

In the case of the baseball game mentioned above, for example, the process of controlling the ball hit by batter character P11 corresponds to an example of "processing," and batter character P11's hit becoming a long hit (such as a home run) corresponds to an example of "specific result." Also, in this case, for example, setting a parameter (swing power) indicating the strength with which ball P18 is hit so that ball P18 is hit with greater strength corresponds to an example of "setting parameters to be advantageous so that the result of the process will be a specific result."

In the case of the soccer game mentioned above, for example, the process of determining whether a soccer ball shot by a player character of the opposing team will be caught or punched by a goalkeeper character corresponds to an example of "processing related to a second object," and determining that the soccer ball will be caught by the goalkeeper character corresponds to an example of a "specific result." In this case, setting a parameter indicating the probability that the soccer ball will be caught by the goalkeeper character so as to increase that probability corresponds to an example of "setting parameters to be advantageous for the processing to result in a specific result."

In the case of the FPS game mentioned above, for example, the process of attacking an attack target object with an attack means corresponds to an example of a "process related to a second object," and inflicting great damage on the attack target object corresponds to an example of a "specific result." In this case, for example, setting a parameter indicating the attack power of the attack means (in other words, the damage the attack means inflicts on the attack target object) so that the attack power is high (or the damage is large) corresponds to an example of "setting parameters to be advantageous for the process to result in a specific result." In the case of the FPS game mentioned above, for example, attacking a distant attack target object with an attack means corresponds to an example of a "specific result." In this case, for example, setting a parameter indicating the flight distance of the attack means so that the flight distance is long corresponds to an example of "setting parameters to be advantageous for the process to result in a specific result."

For example, when a contact operation is performed (in other words, when the user touches the surface of the operating means), the setting unit 120 changes the display size of the first object from its initial size based on the pressure information. Furthermore, after the display size of the first object has been changed from its initial size, when a contact operation is no longer performed (in other words, when the user is no longer touching the surface of the operating means), the setting unit 120 returns the display size of the first object to its initial size. Furthermore, after the display size of the first object has been returned to its initial size, when a contact operation is performed (in other words, when the user touches the surface of the operating means), the setting unit 120 changes the display size of the first object from its initial size based on the pressure information.

Note that "initial size" refers to the initial display size when the first object is displayed. "Initial size" can also be referred to as standard size.

For example, in the aforementioned baseball game, when the user touches the touch panel T before the pitcher character P12 starts pitching (or before the pitcher character P12 throws the ball P18), the setting unit 120 changes the display size of the cursor P16 from the standard size based on pressure information.

Here, "before the pitcher character P12 starts pitching" means, for example, if the pitcher character P12 is pitching by playing animation data or motion data of the pitching motion, before playback of that animation data or motion data begins. Furthermore, "before the pitcher character P12 throws the ball P18" means before the ball P18 leaves the hand of the pitcher character P12 (is released).

Furthermore, if the user no longer touches the touch panel T after the display size of the cursor P16 has been changed from the standard size and before the pitcher character P12 starts pitching (or before the pitcher character P12 throws the ball P18), the setting unit 120 returns the display size of the cursor P16 to the standard size. Furthermore, if the user touches the touch panel T after the display size of the cursor P16 has been returned to the standard size and before the pitcher character P12 starts pitching (or before the pitcher character P12 throws the ball P18), the setting unit 120 changes the display size of the cursor P16 from the standard size based on the pressure information.

Furthermore, after the pitcher character P12 starts pitching (or after the pitcher character P12 throws the ball P18), the setting unit 120 restricts changes to the display size of the cursor P16. Here, "restricting changes to the display size of the cursor P16" means preventing changes to the display size of the cursor P16.

[3-4] The movement unit 130 moves the first object based on the contact position information acquired by the acquisition unit 110.

Here, "moving the first object based on contact position information" means, for example, moving the first object in response to a change (movement) in the contact position. Specifically, it means moving the first object in a direction corresponding to the direction of change (movement direction) in the contact position. Also, for example, it means moving the first object toward the contact position.

For example, the moving unit 130 may move the first object in response to a change in the contact position, regardless of whether the contact position is included within the display area of the first object (the area in which the first object is displayed). In other words, the moving unit 130 may move the first object in response to a change in the contact position, regardless of whether the user is touching (pointing at) the first object. In other words, the moving unit 130 may move the first object in response to a change in the contact position, even if the contact position is not included within the display area of the first object (if the user is not touching the first object).

Alternatively, the movement unit 130 may move the first object based on a change in the contact position only when the contact position is included within the display area of the first object. In other words, the movement unit 130 may move the first object in accordance with a change in the contact position only when the user is touching (pointing at) the first object.

The movement unit 130 in the baseball game described above moves the cursor P16 in response to changes in the user's contact position. Furthermore, the movement unit 130 in the soccer game or FPS game described above moves the cursor in response to changes in the user's contact position.

[3-5] The determination unit 140 determines whether the positions of the first object and the second object satisfy a predetermined condition.

Here, the "predetermined condition" refers to a condition regarding the position of the first object and the position of the second object. The "predetermined condition" refers to a condition regarding the display position of the first object on the display means (in other words, the position of the first object on the image (screen image) displayed on the display means) and the display position of the second object on the display means. Note that in cases where an image (screen image) showing the virtual three-dimensional space as viewed from a viewpoint is displayed on the display means, the "predetermined condition" may also be a condition regarding the position of the first object in the virtual three-dimensional space and the position of the second object in the virtual three-dimensional space.

For example, a "predetermined condition" is a condition as to whether a first object and a second object have a predetermined positional relationship. A "predetermined positional relationship" is, for example, a positional relationship in which the first object overlaps the second object. "The first object overlaps the second object" means, for example, that at least a portion of the first object and at least a portion of the second object are displayed overlapping the other. Note that the first object may be determined to overlap the second object when only a portion of the first object overlaps the second object, or the first object may be determined to overlap the second object only when the entire first object overlaps the second object.

In the baseball game described above, the determination unit 140 determines whether the cursor P16 (or the center portion P17) overlaps with the ball P18 thrown by the pitcher character P12. In the soccer game described above, the determination unit 140 determines whether the cursor overlaps with a soccer ball shot by a player character of the opposing team. In the FPS game described above, the determination unit 140 determines whether the cursor overlaps with an object to be attacked.

[3-6] The processing execution unit 150 executes processing related to the second object based on the determination result of the determination unit 140.

Here, "executing processing based on the determination result of the determination unit 140" means, for example, executing processing related to the second object when it is determined that the positions of the first object and the second object at a given point in time satisfy a given condition.

Note that "executing processing based on the determination result of the determination means" may mean, for example, unconditionally (immediately) executing processing related to the second object when it is determined that the positions of the first object and the second object satisfy a predetermined condition, or it may mean, when it is determined that the positions of the first object and the second object satisfy a predetermined condition, executing processing related to the second object under a predetermined condition (for example, when a predetermined time has elapsed in that state, or when a predetermined operation has been performed in that state).

For example, if it is determined that the positions of the first object and the second object satisfy a predetermined condition, the processing execution unit 150 executes processing related to the second object based on the parameters.

As mentioned above, "parameters" are parameters used when executing processing related to the second object. In other words, they are parameters that affect the results of processing related to the second object.

Furthermore, "processing related to the second object" is, for example, processing for changing the state of the second object. Specifically, processing for determining whether to change the state of the second object and processing for changing the state of the second object are examples of "processing related to the second object." Furthermore, for example, processing for moving the second object is an example of "processing for changing the state of the second object." In other words, processing for changing the position, movement direction, movement speed, etc. of the second object is an example of "processing for changing the state of the second object."

[3-6-1] In the case of the baseball game mentioned above, the process of determining whether the batter character P11 has hit the ball P18 thrown by the pitcher character P12 is an example of "processing related to a second object." Furthermore, if it is determined that the batter character P11 has hit the ball P18 thrown by the pitcher character P12, the process of controlling the behavior (movement speed, movement direction, trajectory, etc.) of the ball P18 hit by the batter character P11 is also an example of "processing related to a second object."

Swing power is also an example of a "parameter." That is, the "parameter" is a parameter that indicates the strength of the bat swing, or the strength with which the ball P18 is hit. In other words, the "parameter" is a parameter that indicates whether it is a normal swing or a strong swing in which the bat is swung harder than a normal swing. Note that if the strength with which the ball P18 is hit is strong, the ball P18 hit by the batter character P11 will fly farther than if the strength with which the ball P18 is hit is weak. In other words, the stronger the strength with which the ball P18 is hit, the longer the flight distance of the ball hit by the batter character P11.

Also, for example, the time when a swing instruction operation (an operation to cause the batter character P11 to perform a swing motion) is performed is an example of a "predetermined time point." Also, for example, the time when the ball P18 thrown by the pitcher character P12 reaches home base is an example of a "predetermined time point."

An example of the operation of the processing execution unit 150 in this baseball game is as follows. That is, after the pitcher character P12 has started pitching (or after the pitcher character P12 has thrown the ball P18), if the user performs a swing instruction operation (i.e., if the user is no longer touching the touch panel T), the processing execution unit 150 causes the batter character P11 to perform a swing (hitting motion) based on the position of the cursor P16.

Here, "having the batter character perform a swing motion" means, for example, if the batter character performs a swing motion by playing animation data or motion data for the swing motion, having the batter character swing the bat by starting playback of that animation data or motion data for the batter character.

Furthermore, when the batter character P11 performs a swing motion, the processing execution unit 150 determines whether the batter character P11 has hit the ball P18 thrown by the pitcher character P12, based on the determination result of the determination unit 140. For example, if it is determined that the cursor P16 is overlapping with the ball P18 at the time the swing instruction operation is performed (i.e., when the user releases their finger from the touch panel T), and the ball P18 is located within the hittable area at the time the swing instruction operation is performed, the processing execution unit 150 determines that the batter character P11 has hit the ball P18. Here, the "hittable area" is the area that the batter character P11's bat can reach, and is the area that includes the strike zone above home base and its vicinity. For example, it is the area whose normal distance to the plane of the frame P15 is within a predetermined distance.

Furthermore, when it is determined that the batter character P11 has hit the ball P18 thrown by the pitcher character P12, the processing execution unit 150 executes processing to move the ball P18 hit by the batter character P11.

In this case, the processing execution unit 150 controls the movement (behavior) of the ball P18 hit by the batter character P11 based on the degree of overlap between the cursor P16 (core portion P17) and the ball P18 and the swing power of the batter character P11. For example, when the core portion P17 overlaps with the ball P18, the processing execution unit 150 sets the initial velocity, acceleration, movement angle (angle with respect to the ground), etc. of the ball P18 so that the ball is hit harder (or so that the ball flies farther). Also, for example, the processing execution unit 150 sets the initial velocity, acceleration, movement angle, etc. of the ball P18 so that the greater the swing power of the batter character P11, the stronger the hit (or so that the ball flies farther).

[3-6-2] In the case of the soccer game mentioned above, the process of determining whether the soccer ball has been caught or punched by the goalkeeper character is an example of a "process related to a second object." Furthermore, if it is determined that the soccer ball has been punched by the goalkeeper character, the process of moving the soccer ball punched by the goalkeeper character is also an example of a "process related to a second object."

Another example of a "parameter" is a parameter indicating the probability that a goalkeeper character will catch a soccer ball.

Also, for example, the point in time when a shot soccer ball reaches the vicinity of the goalkeeper character is an example of a "predetermined point in time."

An example of the operation of the processing execution unit 150 in this soccer game is as follows. That is, if the cursor overlaps with the soccer ball when a shot soccer ball reaches the vicinity of the goalkeeper character, the processing execution unit 150 determines that the situation is such that the goalkeeper character can catch or punch the soccer ball. Furthermore, if it is determined that the situation is such that the goalkeeper character can catch or punch the soccer ball, the processing execution unit 150 determines whether the goalkeeper character can catch the soccer ball based on the above parameters. Then, if it is determined that the goalkeeper character can catch the soccer ball, the processing execution unit 150 causes the goalkeeper character to catch the soccer ball. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the goalkeeper character can catch the soccer ball, the processing execution unit 150 causes the goalkeeper character to punch the soccer ball and begins controlling the movement (behavior) of the punched soccer ball.

[3-6-3] In the case of the FPS game mentioned above, the process of determining whether an attacking means such as a bullet or laser beam has hit an attacking object is an example of "processing related to a second object." Furthermore, the process of changing the state of an attacking object when it is determined that an attacking means has hit the attacking object is also an example of "processing related to a second object." For example, the process of inflicting damage on an attacking object, the process of immobilizing an attacking object (such as an enemy character), or the process of destroying an attacking object (such as a vehicle) are examples of "processing of changing the state of an attacking object."

Another example of the above-mentioned "parameter" is a parameter that indicates the attack power of an attacking means (in other words, the damage that the attacking means inflicts on the target object). Another example of the above-mentioned "parameter" is a parameter that indicates the flight distance of an attacking means. If the flight distance indicated by this parameter is less than the distance to the target object, the attacking means will not hit the target object, and if the flight distance indicated by the parameter is equal to or greater than the distance to the target object, the attacking means will hit the target object with a predetermined probability (or unconditionally).

Also, for example, the point in time when an operation to execute an attack on an attack target object (an operation to fire a bullet, laser beam, etc.) is performed corresponds to an example of the above-mentioned "predetermined point in time."

An example of the operation of the processing execution unit 150 in this FPS game is as follows. That is, for example, if the cursor is overlapping with the attack target object at the time an operation to execute an attack on the attack target object is performed, and if it is determined based on the above parameters indicating the attack means' flight distance that the attack means' flight distance is equal to or greater than the distance to the attack target object, the processing execution unit 150 determines that the attack means will hit the attack target object. Furthermore, if it is determined that the attack means will hit the attack target object, the processing execution unit 150 determines the damage that the attack means will inflict on the attack target object based on the above parameters indicating the attack power of the attack means (in other words, the damage that the attack means will inflict on the attack target object). The processing execution unit 150 then executes processing to inflict that damage on the attack target object.

[4. Processing] Next, the processing executed by the game system 1 will be described. Figures 9A to 9D show an example of the processing executed when the user team is at bat in the baseball game described above. For example, the control unit 11 of the game terminal 10 executes the processing shown in Figures 9A to 9D in accordance with a program, causing the control unit 11 to function as the functional block shown in Figure 8. Note that Figures 9A to 9D mainly show processing related to the present invention, and for convenience, omits processing less relevant to the present invention. For example, if the opposing team is controlled by a computer (CPU), processing for controlling player characters (such as pitcher character P12) belonging to the opposing team will also be executed, but such processing is omitted from Figures 9A to 9D.

As shown in FIG. 9A, first, the control unit 11 of the game terminal 10 displays the game image G10 (FIG. 3) on the display unit 17 (S100). The control unit 11 also sets the cursor size and swing power to standard states (S102). That is, the control unit 11 sets the display size of the cursor P16 to the standard size and sets the swing power of the batter character P11 to a standard value. Thereafter, the control unit 11 determines whether the pitcher character P12 has started pitching (S104).

If it is determined that a pitching motion has started, the control unit 11 executes the process shown in FIG. 9D. On the other hand, if it is determined that a pitching motion has not started, the control unit 11 determines whether the state of the touch panel T has changed from a non-touch state (a state not touched by the user) to a touch state (a state touched by the user) based on the detection results of the contact position detection unit 15 or the pressure detection unit 16 (S106).

If it is determined that the state of the touch panel T has not changed to a contact state, the control unit 11 executes step S104 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the state of the touch panel T has changed to a contact state, the control unit 11 determines whether the cursor size and swing power are in the standard state (S108).

If it is determined that the cursor size and swing power are not in the standard state, the control unit 11 executes step S114, which will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cursor size and swing power are in the standard state, the control unit 11 determines whether the pressure applied to the touch panel T is equal to or greater than a threshold value, based on the detection result of the pressure detection unit 16 (S110).

If it is determined that the pressure is not equal to or greater than the threshold, the control unit 11 executes step S114, which will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the pressure is equal to or greater than the threshold, the control unit 11 changes the cursor size and swing power to a strong swing state (S112). That is, the control unit 11 sets the display size of the cursor P16 to a size smaller than the standard size, and sets the swing power of the batter character P11 to a value greater than the standard value.

After executing step S112, the control unit 11 updates the position of the cursor P16 (S114). That is, the control unit 11 updates the position of the cursor P16 in accordance with changes in the user's contact position. In other words, the control unit 11 moves the cursor P16 a predetermined distance from its current position in a direction corresponding to the direction of change in the user's contact position.

The control unit 11 also determines whether the pitcher character P12 has started pitching (S116). If it is determined that the pitching motion has not started, the control unit 11 determines whether the state of the touch panel T has changed from a contact state to a non-contact state (S118). If it is determined that the state of the touch panel T has changed to a non-contact state, the control unit 11 sets the cursor size and swing power to the standard state (S120). If the cursor size and swing power were in the strong swing state, they are returned to the standard state. On the other hand, if it is determined that the state of the touch panel T has not changed to a non-contact state, that is, if the contact state is still continuing, the control unit 11 re-executes step S108.

If it is determined in step S116 that the pitching motion has started, it means that the pitching motion has started with the touch panel T in contact. In this case, the control unit 11 executes the processing shown in Figure 9B.

That is, as shown in FIG. 9B, the control unit 11 begins controlling the movement of the ball P18 thrown by the pitcher character P12 (S130). The control unit 11 also updates the position of the cursor P16 (S132). Step S132 is the same as step S114. The control unit 11 also determines whether the state of the touch panel T has changed from a contact state to a non-contact state (S134). That is, the control unit 11 determines whether a swing instruction operation has been performed.

If it is determined that the state of the touch panel T has not changed to a non-contact state, i.e., if a swing instruction operation has not been performed, the control unit 11 determines whether the ball P18 thrown by the pitcher character P12 has reached the catcher character (S136).

If it is determined that the ball P18 has not reached the catcher character, the control unit 11 re-executes step S132. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ball P18 has reached the catcher character, this means that the batter character P11 has missed the ball P18 without hitting it. In this case, the control unit 11 executes a miss process (S138). For example, the control unit 11 determines whether the ball is a strike or a ball.

The control unit 11 then updates the game situation (S140). For example, the control unit 11 updates the strike count or ball count. For example, if the strike count is not "3" and the ball count is not "4," the control unit 11 re-executes this process from step S100 to start the next pitch. For example, if the ball count is "4," the control unit 11 updates the base situation, and then switches the batter character P11 to the next batter to start the next turn at bat, and re-executes this process from step S100. For example, if the strike count is "3," the control unit 11 updates the out count. Then, if the out count is not "3," the control unit 11 switches the batter character P11 to the next batter to start the next turn at bat, and re-executes this process from step S100. On the other hand, if the out count is "3," the control unit 11 ends the user team's offense.

If it is determined in step S134 that the state of the touch panel T has changed to a non-touch state, i.e., if a swing instruction operation has been performed, the control unit 11 executes the processing shown in FIG. 9C.

That is, as shown in FIG. 9C, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the ball P18 is located within the hittable area (S150). As mentioned above, the "hittable area" is the area that the batter character P11's bat can reach, such as the strike zone above home base and the area surrounding it.

When it is determined that the ball P18 is not located within the hittable area, it means that the user performed the swing instruction operation too early or too late. In this case, the control unit 11 executes a swing and miss process (S154). For example, the control unit 11 causes the batter character P11 to swing and miss.

The control unit 11 then updates the game situation (S156). For example, the control unit 11 updates the strike count. If the strike count is not "3," the control unit 11 re-executes this process from step S100 to start the next pitch. On the other hand, if the strike count is "3," the control unit 11 updates the out count. If the out count is not "3," the control unit 11 changes the batter character P11 to the next batter and re-executes this process from step S100 to start the next turn at bat. On the other hand, if the out count is "3," the control unit 11 ends the user team's offense.

If it is determined in step S150 that the ball P18 is located within the hittable area, the control unit 11 determines whether the cursor P16 overlaps the ball P18 (S152). For example, the control unit 11 determines whether the cursor P16 and the ball P18 overlap on the game image G100. Alternatively, for example, if the game image G10 is generated by generating an image of a virtual three-dimensional space in which the batter character P11, pitcher character P12, frame P15, cursor P16, ball P18, etc. are arranged, viewed from a viewpoint, the control unit 11 may determine whether the cursor P16 and the ball P18 overlap in the virtual three-dimensional space.

If it is determined that the cursor P16 does not overlap the ball P18, the control unit 11 executes a strikeout process (S154) and updates the match situation (S156). On the other hand, if it is determined that the cursor P16 overlaps the ball P18, the control unit 11 determines whether the core portion P17 of the cursor P16 overlaps the ball P18 (S158). This determination is made in the same manner as the overlap determination between the cursor P16 and the ball P18 (step S152). For example, if at least a portion of the core portion P17 overlaps at least a portion of the ball P18, the control unit 11 determines that the core portion P17 overlaps the ball P18.

If it is determined that the core portion P17 does not overlap with the ball P18, the control unit 11 executes the first impact process (S160).

For example, the control unit 11 causes the batter character P11 to perform a swing motion, causing the batter character P11 to hit the ball P18. The control unit 11 also begins controlling the movement of the ball P18 hit by the batter character P11. In this case, the control unit 11 sets the movement direction, initial velocity, acceleration, etc. of the ball P18 based on the degree of overlap between the cursor P16 and the ball P18. For example, the control unit 11 sets the movement direction, etc. of the ball P18 based on which area of the cursor P16 overlaps with the ball P18. The control unit 11 also sets the movement direction, etc. of the ball P18 based on whether the ball P18 is located on a plane including the frame P15, whether it is located closer to the pitcher character P12 than the plane, or whether it is located closer to the catcher character than the plane. Furthermore, the control unit 11 sets the initial velocity, etc. of the ball P18 based on the value of the swing power of the batter character P11. For example, the control unit 11 sets the initial velocity, etc. of the ball P18 so that the greater the swing power value, the stronger the hit (so that the ball flies farther).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S158 that the core portion P17 overlaps with the ball P18, the control unit 11 executes the second impact process (S162).

For example, similar to the first hitting process (S160), the control unit 11 causes the batter character P11 to perform a swing motion, causing the batter character P11 to hit the ball P18. The control unit 11 also begins controlling the movement of the ball P18 hit by the batter character P11. However, in the second hitting process, the ball is set to be hit harder (so that it flies farther) than in the first hitting process. For example, the control unit 11 increases the value of the swing power of the batter character P11, and sets the initial velocity, etc. of the ball P18 based on the increased value. For example, the control unit 11 sets the initial velocity, etc. of the ball P18 so that the larger the value, the stronger the hit (so that the ball flies farther).

After executing step S160 or S162, the control unit 11 updates the game situation (S164). For example, the control unit 11 updates the out count, base status, score status, etc. depending on the batting result of the batter character P11. If the out count is not "3," the control unit 11 changes the batter character P11 to the next batter to begin the next turn at bat, and then executes this process again from step S100. On the other hand, if the out count is "3," the control unit 11 ends the user team's offense.

Finally, we will explain the processing that is executed when it is determined in step S104 of Figure 9A that a pitching motion has started. When it is determined in step S104 that a pitching motion has started, this means that the pitching motion has started without the touch panel T being touched. As mentioned above, in this case, the control unit 11 executes the processing shown in Figure 9D.

That is, as shown in FIG. 9D, the control unit 11 begins controlling the movement of the ball P18 thrown by the pitcher character P12 (S170). The control unit 11 also determines whether the state of the touch panel T has changed from a non-contact state to a contact state (S172).

If it is determined that the state of the touch panel T has changed to a contact state, the control unit 11 executes step S132 in FIG. 9B. On the other hand, if it is determined that the state of the touch panel T has not changed to a contact state, the control unit 11 determines whether the ball P18 thrown by the pitcher character P12 has reached the catcher character (S174).

If it is determined that the ball P18 has not reached the catcher character, the control unit 11 re-executes step S172. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ball P18 has reached the catcher character, this is when the batter character P11 misses the ball P18 without hitting it. In this case, the control unit 11 executes miss processing (S176) and updates the game situation (S178). Steps S176 and S178 are the same as steps S138 and S140 in Figure 9B.

[5. Summary] In the game system 1 described above, the cursor P16 moves in response to changes in the position of the touch panel T touched by the user, and the display size of the cursor P16 is set based on the pressure applied by the user to the touch panel T. This allows the user to both move the cursor P16 and change the display size of the cursor P16 with a single touch of the touch panel T. As a result, the operation for changing the display size of the cursor P16 does not need to be performed separately from the operation for moving the cursor P16, reducing the effort required to change the display size of the cursor P16.

In addition, in the game system 1, the display size of the cursor P16 and the swing power of the batter character P11 are set based on the pressure applied by the user to the touch panel T, so there is no need to perform operations to change the display size and swing power of the cursor P16 separately from operations to move the cursor P16, reducing the effort required to change the display size and swing power of the cursor P16.

In game system 1, when the display size of cursor P16 is reduced, it becomes more difficult to place cursor P16 over ball P18 thrown by pitcher character P12, making it more difficult to hit ball P18. However, when the display size of cursor P16 is small, the swing power is set to a value greater than the standard value so that the ball is hit harder (so that the ball is more likely to fly farther) compared to when the display size of cursor P16 is large. Therefore, game system 1 allows the user to choose whether to keep the display size of cursor P16 unchanged to make it easier to hit ball P18, or to reduce the display size of cursor P16 to make the ball P18 harder (so that the ball is more likely to fly farther) when hit. As a result, it is possible to provide the user with the enjoyment of making such a choice.

Furthermore, with the game system 1, even if the display size of the cursor P16 is changed from the standard size, if the user stops touching the touch panel T before the pitcher character P12 starts pitching (or before the pitcher character P12 throws the ball), the display size of the cursor P16 returns to the standard size. Therefore, with the game system 1, the user can return the display size of the cursor P16 to its original size before the pitcher character P12 starts pitching (or before the pitcher character P12 throws the ball P18).

Furthermore, in the game system 1, after the display size of the cursor P16 has returned to the standard size, if the user again touches and presses the touch panel T firmly before the pitcher character P12 begins his pitching motion (or before the pitcher character P12 throws the ball P18), the display size of the cursor P16 will be changed from the standard size. Therefore, with the game system 1, the user can redo the change in the display size of the cursor P16 before the pitcher character P12 begins his pitching motion (or before the pitcher character P12 throws the ball P18).

Furthermore, in game system 1, if the touch panel T is no longer in contact with the user after the pitcher character P12 has begun pitching (or after the pitcher character P12 has thrown the ball P18), the batter character P11 will perform a swing motion based on the position of the cursor P16. With game system 1, a series of operations involving touching and releasing the touch panel T allows for the operation of setting the display size of the cursor P16, the operation of moving the cursor P16 (the operation of setting the position where the batter character P11 will hit with the bat), and the operation of having the batter character P11 perform a swing motion. As a result, the effort required for batting operations in a baseball game can be reduced.

[6. Modifications] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

While the above describes the application of the present invention to baseball games, soccer games, and FPS games, the present invention can be applied to games other than those described above. For example, the present invention can be applied to games in which a "weapon or armament for attacking or capturing an enemy" that moves in response to user operation and an "enemy (such as a wild animal or fighter plane to be attacked or captured)" are displayed on the game screen, and a process for attacking or capturing the enemy is executed when it is determined that the weapon or the like overlaps with the enemy. In this case, the "weapon or armament for attacking or capturing an enemy" corresponds to the above-mentioned "first object," and the "enemy (such as a wild animal or fighter plane to be attacked or captured)" corresponds to the above-mentioned "second object." In other words, the present invention can be applied to any game genre as long as a "first object and a second object that move in response to user operation are displayed on the game screen, and a process related to the second object is executed when it is determined that the first object overlaps with the second object." In other words, the present invention can be applied to any game genre as long as a "process related to the second object is executed when the user overlaps the first object with the second object."

[7. Supplementary Note] From the above description, the present invention can be understood, for example, as follows. Note that to facilitate understanding of the present invention, reference numerals shown in the drawings are written in parentheses where appropriate, but this does not mean that the present invention is limited to the illustrated embodiment.

1) A game control device (10 or 30) according to one aspect of the present invention includes display control means (100) that controls the display of a first object (P16 or P17) and a second object (P18) on a display means (17), acquisition means (110) that acquires contact position information relating to a contact position by a contact operation and pressure information relating to a pressure applied by the contact operation, setting means (120) that sets the display size of the first object, movement means (130) that moves the first object based on the contact position information, determination means (140) that determines whether the positions of the first object and the second object satisfy a predetermined condition, and process execution means (150) that executes a process related to the second object (e.g., a process to move the second object) based on the determination result of the determination means (140), and the setting means (120) includes means for setting the display size of the first object based on the pressure information.

8) A game system (1) according to one aspect of the present invention includes display control means (100) that controls the display of a first object (P16 or P17) and a second object (P18) on a display means (17), acquisition means (110) that acquires contact position information related to a contact position by a contact operation and pressure information related to a pressure applied by the contact operation, setting means (120) that sets the display size of the first object, movement means (130) that moves the first object based on the contact position information, determination means (140) that determines whether the positions of the first object and the second object satisfy a predetermined condition, and process execution means (150) that executes a process related to the second object (e.g., a process to move the second object) based on the determination result of the determination means (140), and the setting means (120) includes means for setting the display size of the first object based on the pressure information.

9) A game control device (10 or 30) according to one aspect of the present invention includes: display control means (100) for controlling the display of a first object (P16 or P17) and a second object (P18) on a display means (17), the first object (P16 or P17) moving in response to an operation on an operating means (T) having a surface that is contacted by a user; acquisition means (110) for acquiring contact position information relating to a position on the surface that is contacted by the user and pressure information relating to a pressure being applied to the surface by the user's contact; setting means (120) for setting a display size of the first object; movement means (130) for moving the first object in response to a change in the contact position information; determination means (140) for determining whether the first object overlaps with the second object; and process execution means (150) for executing a process related to the second object (e.g., a process to move the second object) based on the determination result of the determination means (140), wherein the setting means (120) includes means for setting the display size of the first object based on the pressure information.

10) A game system (1) according to one aspect of the present invention includes: display control means (100) for controlling the display of a first object (P16 or P17) and a second object (P18) on a display means (17), the first object (P16 or P17) moving in response to an operation on an operating means (T) having a surface that is contacted by a user; acquisition means (110) for acquiring contact position information relating to a position on the surface that is contacted by the user and pressure information relating to a pressure being applied to the surface by the user's contact; setting means (120) for setting a display size of the first object; movement means (130) for moving the first object in response to a change in the contact position information; determination means (140) for determining whether the first object overlaps with the second object; and processing execution means (150) for executing processing related to the second object based on the determination result of the determination means (140), wherein the setting means (120) includes means for setting the display size of the first object based on the pressure information.

11) Furthermore, a program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as a game control device (10 or 30) described in any of 1) to 7), or 9), or as a game system (1) described in 8) or 10).

12) Furthermore, an information storage medium according to one aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium having the program described in 11) recorded thereon.

13) A control method for a game control device (10 or 30) according to one aspect of the present invention includes a display control step (S100) of controlling the display of a first object (P16 or P17) and a second object (P18) on a display means (17), an acquisition step (S110, etc.) of acquiring contact position information relating to a contact position by a contact operation and pressure information relating to a pressure applied by the contact operation, a setting step (S112) of setting a display size of the first object, a movement step (S114) of moving the first object based on the contact position information, a determination step (S152) of determining whether the positions of the first object and the second object satisfy a predetermined condition, and a processing execution step (S160 or S162) of executing processing related to the second object (e.g., processing to move the second object) based on the determination result in the determination step (S152), wherein the setting step (S112) includes a step of setting the display size of the first object based on the pressure information.

14) A control method for a game system (1) according to one aspect of the present invention includes a display control step (S100) of controlling the display of a first object (P16 or P17) and a second object (P18) on a display means (17); an acquisition step (S110, etc.) of acquiring contact position information relating to a contact position by a contact operation and pressure information relating to a pressure applied by the contact operation; a setting step (S112) of setting a display size of the first object; a movement step (S114) of moving the first object based on the contact position information; a determination step (S152) of determining whether the positions of the first object and the second object satisfy a predetermined condition; and a processing execution means (S160 or S162) of executing processing related to the second object (e.g., processing to move the second object) based on the determination result in the determination step (S152), wherein the setting step (S112) includes a step of setting the display size of the first object based on the pressure information.

15) Furthermore, a control method for a game control device (10 or 30) according to one aspect of the present invention includes a display control step (S100) for controlling the display of a first object (P16 or P17) and a second object (P18) on a display means (17), the first object (P16 or P17) moving in response to an operation on an operation means (T) having a surface that is contacted by a user; an acquisition step (S110, etc.) for acquiring contact position information regarding the position on the surface that is contacted by the user and pressure force information regarding the pressure being applied to the surface by the contact by the user; The method includes a setting step (S112) of setting a display size, a moving step (S114) of moving the first object in accordance with changes in the contact position information, a determination step (S152) of determining whether the first object overlaps the second object, and a processing execution step (S160 or S162) of executing processing related to the second object based on the determination result in the determination step (S152), wherein the setting step (S112) includes a step of setting the display size of the first object based on the pressure information.

16) Furthermore, a control method for a game system (1) according to one aspect of the present invention includes a display control step (S100) of controlling the display of a first object (P16 or P17) and a second object (P18) on a display means (17), the first object (P16 or P17) moving in response to an operation on an operating means (T) having a surface that is contacted by a user; an acquisition step (S110, etc.) of acquiring contact position information relating to a position on the surface that is contacted by the user and pressure information relating to a pressure applied to the surface by the contact by the user; a setting step (S112) of setting a display size of the first object; a movement step (S114) of moving the first object in response to a change in the contact position information; a determination step (S152) of determining whether the first object overlaps with the second object; and a processing execution step (S160 or S162) of executing processing related to the second object based on the determination result in the determination step (S152), wherein the setting step (S112) includes a step of setting the display size of the first object based on the pressure information.

According to the inventions described in 1), 8) to 16) above, the first object moves based on contact position information and the display size of the first object is set based on pressure information, allowing the user to both move the first object and change the display size of the first object with a single contact (for example, a single contact on a surface provided on the operating means). As a result, the operation to change the display size of the first object does not need to be performed separately from the operation to move the first object, reducing the effort required to change the display size of the first object.

2) In one aspect of the present invention, the setting means (120) may change the display size of the first object from its initial size based on the pressure information when the contact operation is performed, and may return the display size of the first object to its initial size when the contact operation is no longer being performed after the display size of the first object has been changed from its initial size.

According to the invention described in 2), even if the display size of the first object is changed from its initial size, the display size of the first object returns to its initial size when the user stops the touch operation. Therefore, according to the present invention, the user can return the display size of the first object to its original size.

3) In one aspect of the present invention, when the contact operation is performed after the display size of the first object has been returned to the initial size, the setting means (120) may change the display size of the first object from the initial size based on the pressure information.

According to the invention described in paragraph 3), if the user performs a contact operation again after the display size of the first object has returned to its initial size, the display size of the first object will be changed from its initial size based on the pressure information. Therefore, according to the present invention, the user can redo the change in the display size of the first object.

4) In one aspect of the present invention, the game control device (10 or 30) executes a baseball game, the second object represents a ball thrown by a pitcher character, and the first object represents a position or area where a batter character hits with a bat. The setting means (120) may change the display size of the first object from the initial size based on the pressure information when the contact operation is performed before the pitcher character starts pitching or before the pitcher character throws the ball, and may return the display size of the first object to the initial size when the contact operation is not performed after the display size of the first object has been changed from the initial size and before the pitcher character starts pitching or before the pitcher character throws the ball.

According to the invention described in paragraph 4), even if the display size of the first object in a baseball game is changed from its initial size, if the user stops the contact operation before the pitcher character starts the pitching motion (or before the pitcher character throws the ball), the display size of the first object returns to its initial size. Therefore, according to the present invention, the user can restore the display size of the first object to its original size before the pitcher character starts the pitching motion (or before the pitcher character throws the ball).

5) In one aspect of the present invention, the setting means (120) may change the display size of the first object from the initial size based on the pressure information when the contact operation is performed after the display size of the first object has been returned to the initial size and before the pitcher character starts pitching or before the pitcher character throws the ball.

According to the invention described in paragraph 5), if the user performs a contact operation again after the display size of the first object has returned to its initial size and before the pitcher character begins his pitching motion (or before the pitcher character throws the ball), the display size of the first object will be changed from its initial size based on the pressure information. Therefore, according to the present invention, the user can redo the change in the display size of the first object before the pitcher character begins his pitching motion (or before the pitcher character throws the ball).

6) In one aspect of the present invention, the setting means (120) limits changes to the display size of the first object after the pitcher character starts pitching or after the pitcher character throws the ball, and the game control device includes means (150) for causing the batter character to perform a batting motion based on the position of the first object when the contact operation is no longer being performed after the pitcher character starts pitching or after the pitcher character throws the ball, and the processing execution means (150) may, when the batter character performs a batting motion, determine whether the batter character has hit the ball thrown by the pitcher character based on the determination result of the determination means, and, if it is determined that the batter character has hit the ball thrown by the pitcher character, execute processing to move the ball hit by the batter character.

According to the invention described in paragraph 6), if the user no longer performs a contact operation after the pitcher character has started pitching (or after the pitcher character has thrown the ball), the batter character will perform a batting motion based on the position of the first object. According to this invention, a series of operations involving contacting and releasing an operating device (such as a touch panel) enables the user to perform an operation to set the display size of the first object (an operation to set the display size of the object to be superimposed on the ball thrown by the pitcher character), an operation to move the first object (an operation to set the position where the batter character will hit the ball with the bat), and an operation to have the batter character perform a batting motion. As a result, the effort required for batting operations in a baseball game can be reduced.

7) In one aspect of the present invention, the processing execution means (150) executes the processing based on parameters, the setting means (120) sets the display size of the first object and the parameters based on the pressure information, and the setting means (120) may set the parameters so that when the display size of the first object is small, the processing results in a specific result that is more advantageous than when the display size of the first object is large.

According to the invention described in paragraph 7), the display size of the first object and the parameters used in the process executed when the first object is overlapped with the second object are set based on pressure information. This eliminates the need to perform an operation to change the display size and the parameters of the first object separately from an operation to move the first object, thereby reducing the effort required to change the display size and the parameters of the first object.

Note that as the display size of the first object decreases, it becomes more difficult for the positions of the first object and the second object to satisfy a predetermined condition (e.g., it becomes more difficult to overlap the first object with the second object), making it more difficult to execute a process related to the second object. However, according to the present invention, when the display size of the first object is small, parameters are set to make it more favorable for the result of the process to be a specific result than when the display size of the first object is large, and the process is executed in a state favorable for the result of the process to be a specific result. According to the present invention, the user can select whether to maintain a state in which the positions of the first object and the second object are more likely to satisfy a predetermined condition (e.g., a state in which the first object is more likely to overlap the second object) without reducing the display size of the first object, or to maintain a state favorable for the result of the process to be a specific result (a state in which the result of the process is more likely to be a specific result) by reducing the display size of the first object, increasing the difficulty of the positions of the first object and the second object satisfying a predetermined condition (e.g., overlapping the first object with the second object). As a result, it is possible to give users the excitement of making such choices.

1 Game system, N Network, DB Database, 10 Game terminal, 11 Control unit, 12 Storage unit, 13 Communication unit, 14 Operation unit, 15 Contact position detection unit, 16
Pressure detection unit, 17 display unit, 18 audio output unit, T touch panel, 30 server, 31 control unit, 32 memory unit, 33 communication unit, 100 display control unit, 110 acquisition unit, 120 setting unit, 130 movement unit, 140 determination unit, 150 processing execution unit, G10 game image, P11 batter character, P12 pitcher character, P13 game situation display, P14 name display, P15 frame, P16 cursor, P17 core portion, P18 ball.

Claims (1)

a display control means for controlling the display of the first object and the second object on the display means;
an acquiring means for acquiring contact position information relating to a contact position by a contact operation and pressure information relating to a pressure generated by the contact operation;
a setting means for setting a display size of the first object;
a moving means for moving the first object based on the contact position information;
a determination means for determining whether a predetermined condition regarding overlap between the first object and the second object is satisfied;
a process execution means for executing a process related to the second object based on a determination result of the determination means;
Including,
the setting means sets the display size of the first object based on pressure information relating to a pressure applied by a contact operation when moving the first object , and returns the display size of the first object to its initial size when the pressure is equal to or less than a threshold .
A game control device characterized by: