JP7543223B2 - Game Program - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a game program.

Puzzle games are known on computer terminals such as smartphones in which a user combines panels arranged in multiple cells to form a path.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes a game in which a user creates a route by changing the arrangement of multiple elements. Patent Document 2 describes a game in which a user selects an object and creates a route, and the route is judged to be correct based on the start point and goal point.

JP 2014-117389 A JP 2020-168133 A

The purpose of this invention is to provide technology that can further increase the interest of puzzle games.

In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a program executed by a computer, which causes the computer to execute the following: displaying at least one gate object set in a game; displaying an array object in which a plurality of objects including a direction object and at least one user object are arranged; updating the position of at least one user object based on a user operation on at least one user object; displaying a moving object that moves from at least one gate object in the array object; and determining the correct position of the user object based on the position of the at least one user object and the position of the moving object.

The game program according to one aspect of the present invention makes it possible to further increase the interest of puzzle games.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system related to a game program according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the server in the game system shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal in the game system shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an object type table included in the user terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a user terminal realized by a game program according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an information processing operation of the user terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a correct answer determination operation of the user terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a user terminal realized by a game program according to an embodiment.

Below, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, elements that are the same or similar to elements already described will be given the same or similar reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will generally be omitted. For example, when there are multiple identical or similar elements, a common reference numeral may be used to describe each element without distinguishing between them, and a subnumber may be used in addition to the common reference numeral to describe each element with distinction between them.

A game program is a program for running a game on a terminal device (hereafter referred to as a "user terminal") used by a game player (hereafter referred to as a "user"). Hereinafter, a program for running a game will be called a game program to distinguish it from a program for running general computer functions.

The game realized by the game program is, for example, a puzzle game. The game realized by the game program can be a puzzle game that is part of any type of game (mini-game, quest, event, etc.), such as a role-playing game (RPG), action game, adventure game, simulation game, training game, shooting game, sports game, puzzle game, etc.

A game program can place various objects in a game space to realize a game. The game space is a space for placing various objects realized by the game program. The game space will be described as a space expressed in three dimensions (3D), but it may also be a space expressed in two dimensions (2D). The game space is an example of a virtual space for placing various virtual objects. The virtual space may be a space expressed in three dimensions, or may be a space expressed in two dimensions.

The game program realizes a game in which at least one gate object is placed in a game space, and a moving object that moves from the gate object is displayed, and a user object placed in the game space is moved according to a user's operation. The game includes at least one problem. A gate object may be set for each problem. If only one problem is set in the game, the word "problem" may be read as "game". If multiple user objects are set in the game, each of the multiple user objects may be operated by a user associated with each user object.

The game involves a user moving a user object within a time limit to a safe cell among multiple cells in an array object arranged in a game space, which the moving object moving from the gate object will not pass through. When multiple users are playing the game simultaneously, each user can move their own user object.

The various objects include character objects. The characters are not limited to characters such as human or anthropomorphized characters, and may be any character. The character objects are objects that move. The character objects are, for example, objects that move within a game space. The character objects include character objects that can be operated by the user. The character objects include non-player character (NPC) objects that cannot be operated by the user. The various objects include background objects. The background objects are objects that make up the background of the game. The background objects include background objects that can be operated by the user. The background objects include background objects that cannot be operated by the user but can be operated by the character objects. The background objects include background objects that cannot be operated by the user and cannot be operated by the character objects. The various objects include various UI (User Interface) objects. The UI objects include objects that allow the user to input instructions. The UI objects include objects that show information to the user.

The various objects include an array object. The array object is composed of a plurality of cells defined by a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A cell is a partitioned area in which each of the plurality of objects is arranged in the array object. Each cell is, for example, a rectangular cell. Here, each cell is assumed to be composed of a square. The array object is, for example, an object that arranges a plurality of cells in a grid shape. The array object is an object that arranges a plurality of objects. The cell is also called a grid or a panel. The cell in which each of the plurality of objects is arranged is also called the position of the object. The plurality of objects include fixed objects that cannot be operated by the user and user objects that can be operated by the user. The fixed object is an object that controls the movement of a moving object. The moving object is an object that moves from a gate object. The gate object is an object that is associated with one of the cells that constitute a part of the outer edge of the array object and is arranged. The cells that constitute a part of the outer edge of the array object include end cells and normal cells. The end cell refers to a cell that does not have an adjacent cell along the movement direction of the moving object. Among the cells constituting a part of the outer edge of the array object, cells that are not terminal cells are considered to be normal cells. A normal cell refers to a cell in an array object in which a fixed object or a user object is not placed. A gate object is a starting point of a moving object. A cell to which a gate object is associated is also called a start cell. A gate object is associated with position information of the gate object and information indicating a direction in which a moving object moves from the gate object. The position information of the gate object includes position information of a start cell to which the gate object is associated. A moving object is, for example, a ray of light that enters from one side of a cell and exits from the other side. Fixed objects include, for example, a passing object and a direction object. A fixed object is fixed to a cell in an array object set in a game. A passing object is an object that allows a moving object to pass. A passing object maintains the moving direction of a moving object. A direction object is an object that changes the moving direction in which a moving object moves. A direction object is, for example, a reflector that reflects a ray of light. A user object is placed at a position in an array object set in a game. The position of a user object can be changed based on a user's operation. The array object includes at least one user object. The fixed object is not limited to the above-mentioned objects, but may include other objects set in the game.

The various objects may include text objects. Text objects are objects that include text information. The text information includes text information that is displayed according to the progress of the game. The text information is, for example, instructions or a message indicating the correct answer. The text objects include objects that the user cannot operate. The various objects may include indicators. The indicators are objects that include information related to time. The information related to time includes a time limit, a time remaining, and the like. The indicators include objects that the user cannot operate. The various objects include the above-mentioned objects as well as game progress objects related to the progress of the game.

The game program may be a game program that realizes a game locally on one user terminal, a game program that realizes a game in cooperation with a user terminal and a server, or a game program that realizes a game in cooperation with multiple user terminals with or without a server. As a mere example, the following describes a game system in which a server comprehensively manages game programs and transmits game programs and related data in response to requests from user terminals, and the actual game progress is realized mainly on user terminals. In addition, the following describes a game that is mainly expressed in a three-dimensional game space and 3D objects, but is not limited to this and this embodiment can also be applied to a game that is expressed in a two-dimensional game space and 2D objects.

(1) Configuration (1-1) Game System FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system 1 related to a game program according to a first embodiment.
The game system 1 includes a plurality of user terminals 100 and a server 200. Each user terminal 100 is capable of communicating with the server 200 via a network NW. Any number of user terminals 100 can be connected to the server 200, but for simplicity, the detailed configuration of only one user terminal 100 will be illustrated and described.

The network NW is, for example, the Internet, and may include access networks such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a mobile communication network, a wired telephone network, an FTTH (Fiber To The Home), and a CATV (Cable Television) network.

The user terminal 100 is a terminal used by a user who plays a game. The user terminal 100 executes a game program to realize the game, and displays images based on display data according to the progress of the game. The images are images that depict multiple objects arranged in a game space. The user terminal 100 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a notebook personal computer. The user terminal 100 may be a stationary computer such as a desktop personal computer. The user terminal 100 may also be a dedicated game terminal suitable for playing a game. In the following, as an example, the user terminal 100 will be described as being a smartphone equipped with a touch screen.

The server 200 is a device operated and managed by, for example, a game developer. The server 200 comprehensively manages game programs and user information, and supports the progress of the game on the user terminal 100. The server 200 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. For example, the server 200 accepts user information and various requests from the user terminal 100 via the network NW, and transmits game programs and related data to the user terminal 100 via the network NW. The server 200 can simultaneously send and receive information to multiple user terminals 100, and can support the progress of the game on multiple user terminals 100 in parallel.

The user terminal 100 may receive the game program and necessary setting data from the server 200 at once, and thereafter proceed with the game without communicating with the server 200. Alternatively, the user terminal 100 may communicate with the server 200 as the game progresses, and receive the necessary game program or data from the server 200 each time.

(1-2) Hardware Configuration (1-2-1) Server As shown in FIG. 1, the server 200 comprises, as hardware, a processor 2001, a memory 2002, a storage 2003, a communication interface (communication I/F) 2004, and an input/output interface (input/output I/F) 2005, which are electrically connected to each other via a bus 2006.

The processor 2001 controls the operation of the entire server 200. The processor 2001 includes, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor 2001 is not limited to a general-purpose processor, and may be a dedicated processor such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

Memory 2002 is a main storage device and includes ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.

Storage 2003 is an auxiliary storage device, and includes a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD: Solid State Drive). Storage 2003 stores programs executed by processor 2001, setting data required for executing the programs, etc. Part of the programs may be stored in ROM.

The processor 2001 can realize the processing functions described below by reading a program from the storage 2003, expanding it in the memory 2002, and interpreting and executing the expanded program.

The communication interface (communication I/F) 2004 is a module for communicating with external devices such as the user terminal 100 via the network NW, and includes a signal processing circuit for transmission and reception, an optical connector, etc. The communication interface 2004 may include, for example, an optical communication module.

The input/output interface (input/output I/F) 2005 takes in operation data input by an operator through input devices such as a keyboard or mouse, and outputs output data to output devices such as a liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display or a speaker.

(1-2-2) User Terminal As shown in FIG. 1, the user terminal 100 comprises, as hardware, a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003, a sensor 1004, a communication interface (communication I/F) 1005, an input/output interface (input/output I/F) 1006, and a touch screen 1007, which are electrically connected to each other via a bus 1008.

The processor 1001 controls the overall operation of the user terminal 100. The processor 1001 includes, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, an MPU, or a GPU. The processor 1001 is also not limited to a general-purpose processor, and may be a dedicated processor such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

The processor 1001 can realize the processing functions described below by reading a program from the storage 1003, expanding it in the memory 1002, and interpreting and executing the expanded program.

Memory 1002 is a main storage device and includes ROM, RAM, etc.

Storage 1003 is an auxiliary storage device, and includes built-in or external semiconductor memory (e.g., flash memory), etc. Storage 1003 stores programs executed by processor 1001, setting data required for executing the programs, etc. Part of the programs may be stored in ROM.

The sensor 1004 is, for example, an image sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a GPS sensor, a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, etc. The sensor 1004 converts various sensed information into an electrical signal and outputs it.

The communication interface (communication I/F) 1005 is a module for communicating with external devices such as the server 200 via the network NW, and includes a signal processing circuit for transmission and reception, an antenna, a LAN terminal, etc. The communication interface 1005 may include, for example, a module for mobile communication, a module for wireless/wired LAN, a module for short-range wireless communication, etc.

The input/output interface (input/output I/F) 1006 takes in input data from an external device and outputs output data to an external device. The input/output interface 1006 may include, for example, a physical button on the user terminal 100, a speaker built into the user terminal 100, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, etc.

The touch screen 1007 includes an input unit 1071 and a display unit 1072, and has the function of accepting input operations from the user and presenting an image based on display data to the user.

The input unit 1071 is, for example, a capacitive or resistive touch panel. The input unit 1071 detects the contact position of the user's finger or touch pen (stylus pen) and generates coordinate information of the contact position.

The display unit 1072 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and displays various images based on the display data.

The user terminal 100 can also accept user operations from an external input device such as a keyboard, mouse, or controller connected via the input/output interface 1006. The user terminal 100 can also acquire game programs and related data from an external storage device such as a memory card connected via the input/output interface 1006. The user terminal 100 can also output display information to an external output device such as a display or speaker connected via the input/output interface 1006. The user terminal 100 can use an external storage device such as a memory card connected via the input/output interface 1006 as storage 1003. The user terminal 100 can also accept signals from the sensor 1004 as user operations.

(1-3) Functional Configuration (1-3-1) Server Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 200 in the game system 1 shown in Fig. 1. Note that illustrations and descriptions of the functional configuration of a general computer and well-known configurations necessary to realize a game are omitted.

The server 200 has a function of communicating with each user terminal 100 and supporting the progress of the game in the user terminal 100. For example, the server 200 has a function of transmitting a game program, related data required for executing the game program, and the like to each user terminal 100 in response to a request from each user terminal 100.
The server 200 includes a control unit 210 and a storage unit 220 .

The memory unit 220 may be realized by the storage 2003. The memory unit 220 includes a game program memory unit 221, a game information memory unit 222, and a user information database (DB) 223.

The game program storage unit 221 stores the game program.

The game information storage unit 222 stores various game information that is referenced when executing a game program.

The user information database (DB) 223 is a database that stores information about users associated with each user terminal 100, for example, user account information.

The control unit 210 may be realized by a processor 2001 and a memory 2002. The control unit 210 controls the overall functions of the server 200. The control unit 210 may function as a reception control unit 211, a transmission control unit 212, and a game progression unit 213 by executing a game program stored in the game program storage unit 221.

The reception control unit 211 receives, from each user terminal 100, requests to send user information, programs or related data, information regarding the progress of the game on each user terminal 100, etc.

The transmission control unit 212 transmits the requested program or related data, or an updated program, etc., to each user terminal 100. The transmission control unit 212 may also request each user terminal 100 to transmit information regarding the progress of the game.

The game progression unit 213 refers to the game information stored in the game information storage unit 222 and the account information stored in the user information database 223 according to the code written in the game program, and manages the progress of the game on each user terminal 100. The game progression unit 213 can also determine whether or not it is necessary to collect information from each user terminal 100, and whether or not it is necessary to transmit data to each user terminal 100.

For example, the control unit 210 receives a request to transmit a game program from the user terminal 100 via the reception control unit 211, determines the game program and related data to be transmitted to the user terminal 100 via the game progression unit 213, and transmits the determined game program and related data to the user terminal 100 via the transmission control unit 212.

(1-3-2) User Terminal Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal 100 that can be used in the game system 1 shown in Fig. 1. Note that illustrations and descriptions of the functional configuration of a general computer and well-known configurations necessary to realize a game are omitted.
The user terminal 100 includes a control unit 110 and a storage unit 120 .

The memory unit 120 may be realized by the storage 1003. The memory unit 120 includes a game program memory unit 121 and a game information memory unit 122.

The game program storage unit 121 stores the game program.

The game information storage unit 122 stores various game information that is referenced when executing a game program. The game information includes, for example, information about objects placed in the game space. The object information may include object position information. The game information storage unit 122 includes object data 1221, an object type table 1222, array object management information 1223, time limit information 1225, and clear condition information 1226. The game information storage unit 122 stores display information such as images, sounds, and music that is referenced when generating display data that displays the game information.

Object data 1221 is data that constitutes array objects, gate objects, fixed objects, user objects, moving objects, and game progress objects.

The object type table 1222 is a table that stores data that specifies the object type that identifies each object and the control mode of the moving object set for each object. The control mode of the moving object is the control mode of the moving object in the cell in which each object is placed. The object type table 1222 stores data that specifies the control mode of the moving object in the terminal cell. The terminal cell indicated by the object type in the object type table 1222 refers to the terminal cell in which no fixed object or user object is placed. The object type table 1222 stores data that specifies the control mode of the moving object in the normal cell. The normal cell indicated by the object type in the object type table 1222 refers to a cell in an array object in which no fixed object or user object is placed. The normal cell does not include the terminal cell. The control mode of the moving object includes passing and direction change. "Passing" passes the moving object while maintaining the moving direction. For example, "passing" includes the following controls. If the moving object enters from the top side of the cell, "passing" controls the moving object in a manner that exits from the bottom side. If a moving object enters from the bottom edge of a cell, "Pass" controls the moving object to exit from the top edge. If a moving object enters from the right edge of a cell, "Pass" controls the moving object to exit from the left edge. If a moving object enters from the left edge of a cell, "Pass" controls the moving object to exit from the right edge.

"Direction change" includes changing the direction of movement of a moving object. "Direction change" includes reflecting a moving object. For example, "Direction change" includes the following controls that differ depending on the object type of a fixed object: If a moving object enters from the top edge of a cell, "Direction change" controls the moving object to exit from the left edge. If a moving object enters from the top edge of a cell, "Direction change" controls the moving object to exit from the right edge. If a moving object enters from the right edge of a cell, "Direction change" controls the moving object to exit from the top edge. If a moving object enters from the right edge of a cell, "Direction change" controls the moving object to exit from the bottom edge. If a moving object enters from the left edge of a cell, "Direction change" controls the moving object to exit from the top edge. If a moving object enters from the left edge of a cell, "Direction change" controls the moving object to exit from the bottom edge. If a moving object enters from the bottom edge of a cell, "Direction change" controls the moving object to exit from the left edge. If a moving object enters the cell from the bottom edge, "change direction" controls the moving object to exit from the right edge. "change direction" stops the moving object. Stopping involves changing the moving object's direction of movement to the opposite direction.

The type of fixed object may be set for each question included in the game. An example of the configuration of the object type table 1222 will be described later.

Array object management information 1223 is management information that manages multiple cells that make up an array object. Array object management information 1223 includes position information of multiple cells and information on objects placed in each cell. Array object management information 1223 manages the position information of each cell in association with information on the objects placed. The position information of a cell may be indicated by a cell number that identifies each cell. The position information of a cell may be indicated by coordinates that indicate the position of each cell. The object information includes an object type that identifies each object. The object type includes an object type that identifies one or more fixed objects and user objects. Array object management information 1223 is updated in accordance with the processing of object processing unit 115, which will be described later.

The moving object management information 1224 is management information that manages the control mode of the moving object in each cell of the array object. The moving object management information 1224 stores the position information of each cell of the array object and the control mode of the moving object in each cell in association with each other. The moving object moves on the array object according to the moving object management information 1224. The moving object management information 1224 is updated according to the processing of the object processing unit 115, which will be described later.

The time limit information 1225 is data related to the time limit and the remaining time. The time limit is, for example, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, or 30 seconds. The remaining time is the time limit minus the elapsed time since the user started the game. The time limit may be set for each question included in the game. The time limit may be set in advance according to the game program, or may be updated as appropriate.

The clear condition information 1226 is data on the clear condition for clearing the game. The clear condition includes that the position of at least one user object matches the position of a safe cell. The match of the position of at least one user object with the position of a safe cell includes that the position of at least one user object is included in the position of the safe cell. The clear condition includes that the positions of all user objects match the positions of the safe cells. A safe cell is a cell among multiple cells in an array object through which a moving object does not pass. A cell through which a moving object does not pass corresponds to a cell in which a moving object is not displayed. Satisfying the clear condition corresponds to clearing the game. Clearing the game corresponds to the position of the user object being correct. When multiple user objects are set in a game, the clear condition is determined for each user object. The determination of the clear condition includes the determination of the correct answer. When multiple questions are included in a game, the correct answer may be determined for each question. In that case, the clear condition of the game may be determined based on the determination of the correct answers to the multiple questions.

The control unit 110 can be realized by a processor 1001 and a memory 1002. The control unit 110 controls the overall functions of the user terminal 100. By executing a game program stored in the game program storage unit 121, the control unit 110 can function as an operation reception unit 111, a game progression unit 112, a virtual camera control unit 113, a display control unit 114, an object processing unit 115, an object operation acquisition unit 116, and a correct answer processing unit 117.

The operation reception unit 111 receives a user operation inputted through the input unit 1071. Hereinafter, the term "user operation" refers to a user operation inputted through the input unit 1071. The user operation includes various types of operations through the input unit 1071, such as a tap operation, a drag-and-drop operation, and a swipe operation. The tap operation is an example of an operation of touching a point on the input unit 1071 and releasing the touch in a short time. The operation of releasing the touch is an example of an operation of releasing the finger touching the input unit 1071. The operation of releasing the touch corresponds to the end of the user operation. The tap operation includes an operation of selecting a user object in an array object by touching a point on the input unit 1071. The tap operation includes an operation of moving a user object in an array object selected by touching a point on the input unit 1071. The drag-and-drop operation is an example of an operation of touching a point on the input unit 1071 and moving the touch position in a time series. The drag-and-drop operation includes an operation of selecting a user object within an array object by touching a single point on the input unit 1071. The drag-and-drop operation includes an operation of moving a user object within an array object by moving the contact position of a single point on the input unit 1071.

The operation reception unit 111 may detect the start of a user's operation based on the detection of a contact position by the input unit 1071. The operation reception unit 111 may detect the end of a user's operation based on a transition from detection to non-detection of a contact position by the input unit 1071. The operation reception unit 111 continuously acquires coordinate information from the input unit 1071 from the contact position corresponding to the start of the user's operation to the contact position corresponding to the end of the user's operation. The operation reception unit 111 may determine the user's operation using a known method. Depending on the game mode, the operation reception unit 111 may send the coordinate information to the game progression unit 112, the virtual camera control unit 113, or the object operation acquisition unit 116.

The operation reception unit 111 may acquire information about the user's operation based on coordinate information from the contact position corresponding to the start of the user's operation to the contact position corresponding to the end of the user's operation. The information about the user's operation is information that can identify the user's operation. The information about the user's operation may include information indicating the type of the user's operation. The information about the user's operation may include information indicating the direction of the user's operation. For example, the direction of the user's operation may include four directions, up, down, left, and right, and four diagonal directions, upper right, lower right, upper left, and lower left. The information about the user's operation may include information indicating the amount of operation of the user's operation. For example, the amount of operation is a value based on the distance of the transition of the contact position due to the user's operation. The information indicating the amount of operation of the user's operation is information indicating a value based on the distance between the contact position corresponding to the start of the user's operation and the contact position corresponding to the end of the user's operation. The contact position corresponding to the start of the user's operation is also called the user's operation start position. The contact position corresponding to the end of the user's operation is also called the user's operation end position or contact release position.

The user may repeat the operation of sliding in two opposite directions without releasing contact with the input unit 1071. For example, the two opposite directions are the upward and downward directions. For example, the two opposite directions are the left and right directions. For example, the two opposite directions are the upper right and the lower left directions. For example, the two opposite directions are the lower right and the upper left directions. In this example, the information indicating the direction of the user's operation may include information indicating multiple directions along a time series. The information indicating the amount of the user's operation may include the amount of operation in each of the multiple directions. Depending on the game mode, the operation reception unit 111 may send information regarding the user's operation to the game progression unit 112, to the virtual camera control unit 113, or to the object operation acquisition unit 116.

The game progression unit 112 performs processing to refer to the game information stored in the game information storage unit 122 and place objects in the game space in accordance with the code written in the game program, and progress the game. The game progression unit 112 can reflect the coordinate information according to the user's operation from the operation reception unit 111 and the user's instructions identified from the information related to the user's operation in the progress of the game.

The virtual camera control unit 113 may control the shooting mode of the virtual camera based on instructions from the game progression unit 112. The virtual camera is a virtual camera for obtaining images from the game space. The virtual camera control unit 113 controls the shooting mode of the virtual camera. The virtual camera control unit 113 may control the shooting mode of the virtual camera based on coordinate information in response to a user's operation from the operation reception unit 111 or a user's instruction identified from information related to the user's operation. Being based on a user's instruction identified from coordinate information in response to a user's operation from the operation reception unit 111 corresponds to being based on a user's operation.

The display control unit 114 displays an image. For example, the display control unit 114 cooperates with the game progression unit 112 and the virtual camera control unit 113 to generate display data for an image captured by the virtual camera. The display control unit 114 outputs the display data to the display unit 1072. The display control unit 114 displays an image based on the display data on the display unit 1072. The display control unit 114 displays an image based on various objects stored in the object data 1221 on the display unit 1072.

The object processing unit 115 cooperates with the display control unit 114 to display various objects on the display unit 1072 based on the object data 1221. The object processing unit 115 changes the display mode of various objects.

The object operation acquisition unit 116 cooperates with the operation reception unit 111 to acquire information related to the movement of the user object based on the user's operation. The information related to the movement includes information on the position of the cell to which the user object has been moved. The information related to the movement may also include the amount of movement of the user object.

The correct answer processing unit 117 refers to the array object management information 1223 and the moving object management information 1224, and determines that the position of the user object is correct based on the safe cell. Determining that the position of the user object is correct means, for example, determining that the user object is placed in a safe cell.

(1-4) Example of the Configuration of the Object Type Table 1222 FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the object type table 1222 of the user terminal 100 according to the embodiment.
The object type table 1222 is a table for storing object types for identifying one or more fixed objects and user objects, and data defining the control manner of moving objects set for each object. The object type table 1222 stores data defining the control manner of moving objects in end cells and normal cells.

In the example of FIG. 4, the object type table 1222 sets the control modes of moving objects corresponding to fixed objects, user objects, end cells, and normal cells set in the game. Object types include directional objects, passing objects, user objects, end cells, normal cells, etc.

A direction object changes the movement direction of a moving object. Direction objects include objects indicated by object numbers 1 to 4 in FIG. 4. A direction object is composed of an edge parallel to a cell edge in an array object and an edge parallel to a diagonal line of the cell. An edge parallel to a cell edge is also called a first edge. An edge parallel to a diagonal line of the cell is also called a second edge. A direction object stops a moving object at the first edge. A direction object changes the movement direction of a moving object at the second edge.

The manner in which a moving object is controlled by the second edge of each direction object is described. The manner in which a moving object is controlled by a direction object of object number 1 is described. When a moving object enters from the top edge of a cell, the direction object controls the moving object in a manner that it exits from the right edge. When a moving object enters from the right edge of a cell, the direction object controls the moving object in a manner that it exits from the top edge. The manner in which a moving object is controlled by a direction object of object number 2 is described. When a moving object enters from the right edge of a cell, the direction object controls the moving object in a manner that it exits from the bottom edge. When a moving object enters from the bottom edge of a cell, the direction object controls the moving object in a manner that it exits from the right edge. The manner in which a moving object is controlled by a direction object of object number 3 is described. When a moving object enters from the left edge of a cell, the direction object controls the moving object in a manner that it exits from the bottom edge. When a moving object enters from the bottom edge of a cell, the direction object controls the moving object in a manner that it exits from the left edge. The manner in which a moving object is controlled by a direction object of object number 4 is described. If a moving object enters the cell from the top edge, the direction object controls the moving object to exit from the left edge. If a moving object enters the cell from the left edge, the direction object controls the moving object to exit from the top edge.

The passing object is the object indicated by object number 5 in Figure 4. The passing object allows the moving object to pass through. The passing object maintains the moving direction of the moving object.

The user object is the cell indicated by object number 6 in Figure 4. The user object allows the moving object to pass through. The user object maintains the moving direction of the moving object.

The terminal cell is the cell indicated by object number 7 in Figure 4. Terminal cells allow moving objects to pass through. Terminal cells maintain the moving direction of the moving object. The normal cell is the cell indicated by object number 8 in Figure 4. Normal cells allow moving objects to pass through. Normal cells maintain the moving direction of the moving object.

(2) Example of Image An example of an image displayed on the display unit 1072 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an image Im1 displayed on the user terminal 100 realized by the game program.

The display unit 1072 displays an image Im1 at the start of the game. Image Im1 is an image that includes array object Ob1, gate objects Ob21-1 to Ob21-4, fixed objects Ob22-1 to Ob22-3 and Ob23, user object Ob3, and game progress objects Ob6 to Ob8. Note that moving objects are not displayed in image Im1 at the start of the game.

Array object Ob1 arranges multiple cells in a grid pattern. For example, array object Ob1 arranges a 5x5 group of cells. Note that the number of multiple cells arranged in array object Ob1 is not limited to the above numbers and may be any number such as 4x4 or 6x6. The number of cells arranged in the first direction may be the same as the number of cells arranged in the second direction, or may be different. Note that the shape of array object Ob1 is not limited to a rectangle and may be any shape such as a polygon. For example, array object Ob1 may be in the shape of a triangular tile, a honeycomb, a mosaic, etc.

Gate objects Ob21-1 to Ob21-4 are starting points for moving objects set in the game. The gate objects can be placed in association with any end cell on array object Ob1. The gate objects indicate the direction in which moving objects move from the gate object. The object processing unit 115 changes and displays the display mode of the gate objects according to the time remaining until the time limit. The display mode includes, for example, color, brightness or luminance, background pattern, blinking display, etc. For example, the object processing unit 115 may display the gate objects by changing the color and blinking interval as the remaining time decreases.

Fixed objects Ob22-1 to Ob22-3 are directional objects. The object processing unit 115 changes the direction in which a moving object moves in a cell in which the directional object is placed. The directional object can be set in any cell on the array object Ob1. The number of directional objects can be set for each question. The number of directional objects may be set according to the difficulty of the question.

The fixed object Ob23 is a passing object. The object processing unit 115 causes the moving object to pass through the cell in which the passing object is placed. The passing object may be set in any cell on the array object Ob1. The number of passing objects may be set for each question. The number of passing objects may be set according to the difficulty of the question. The object processing unit 115 may display the passing object as a transparent cell.

The user object Ob3 is an object that indicates the position of the user. The user object Ob3 may indicate a character selected by the user. The object processing unit 115 passes a moving object through the cell in which the user object Ob3 is placed. The position of the user object Ob3 is changed by the user's operation. The user object Ob3 may be set in any cell on the array object Ob1. At least one user object Ob3 is set in the array object Ob1. The number of user objects Ob3 may be set for each question. The number of user objects Ob3 may be set according to the difficulty level of the question. The number of user objects Ob3 may be set according to the number of other users different from the user. The other users are other users different from the user when multiple users play the same game simultaneously. For example, when two people, including the user and one other user, play the game cooperatively, the number of user objects Ob3 may be two.

When user objects Ob3-1 to Ob3-2 are operated by multiple users, the object processing unit 115 may display user object Ob3-1 operated by a user in a display manner that allows it to be distinguished from user object Ob3-2 operated by a user other than the user. For example, the object processing unit 115 may display the background color of user object Ob3-1 in a color different from that of user object Ob3-2. The object processing unit 115 may display user names, etc., on user objects Ob3-1 and Ob3-2 that allow the user to be distinguished from other users. The object processing unit 115 may display characters selected by the user and other users on user objects Ob3-1 and Ob3-2.

The game progression object Ob6 includes a retire button. When the user touches the retire button, the game progression unit 112 ends the game.

The game progress object Ob7 includes a character object. A character object is an object that cannot be operated by a user. A character object may be displayed in a different manner in accordance with changes in the display manner of other objects. For example, a character object may be displayed in a different manner in accordance with a decrease in the remaining time.

The game progress object Ob8 includes a status object that indicates the status information of the character object. A status object is an object that cannot be operated by the user. The status object indicates status information that indicates, for example, the character's level, attack power, defense power, etc.

In addition to Ob6 to Ob8 described above, the game progress objects may include text objects that are displayed as the game progresses. The text objects may include text information indicating a question at the start of the game. An example of the instruction is "Get out of the way." The text objects may be displayed in a different manner in accordance with changes in the display manner of other objects. For example, the text object may display a message such as "5 seconds remaining" as the remaining time decreases. The text object may include a message indicating the correct answer when the correct answer is determined. An example of the message indicating the correct answer is "GOOD."

(3) Operation FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an information processing operation of the user terminal 100 shown in FIG.

As a prerequisite for the following operations, it is assumed that the control unit 110 and memory unit 120 of the user terminal 100 work together to progress the game in accordance with the code written in the game program, and generate display data. The following operations are executed when the game is started by a user operation. The game progression unit 213 starts a timer in response to a user operation to instruct the start of the game, and measures the elapsed time since the game started. The game progression unit 213 saves the remaining time, which is obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the time limit set for the game, in the time limit information 1225. The game progression unit 213 may start a countdown until the time limit.

The object processing unit 115 generates various objects based on the object data 1221, and displays the generated objects on the display unit 1072 (step S1). The object data 1221 includes information on objects set for each question. In step S1, for example, the object processing unit 115 displays an array object, at least one gate object, a fixed object, at least one user object, and a game progress object on the display unit 1072. For example, the gate object, the fixed object, and the user object are placed in the cells of the array object set for each question.

The object operation acquisition unit 116 determines whether or not a user operation has been performed (step S2). In step S2, for example, the object operation acquisition unit 116 determines that a user operation has been performed based on information about the user operation acquired by the operation reception unit 111.

The object operation acquisition unit 116 acquires information about a user object operated by a user based on the user's operation on the user object. The user's operation includes changing the position of at least one user object. The user object information includes information indicating the position of the user object. The information indicating the position of the user object includes position information of the cell to which the user object is to be moved.

For example, the object operation acquisition unit 116 acquires information on a user object based on a drag-and-drop operation by the user. The object operation acquisition unit 116 acquires the start position of the user's operation based on the operation start position of the user acquired by the operation reception unit 111. The object operation acquisition unit 116 identifies a user object arranged in a cell corresponding to the start position. The object operation acquisition unit 116 acquires the end position of the user's operation based on the user's contact release position acquired by the operation reception unit 111. The object operation acquisition unit 116 identifies a cell corresponding to the end position. The object operation acquisition unit 116 identifies a cell corresponding to the end position based on the distance between the end position and each cell. The cell corresponding to the end position is a cell whose center position is the closest to the end position. The cell corresponding to the end position is also called an end cell. The object operation acquisition unit 116 associates the position of the identified user object with the end cell and stores it in the array object management information 1223. The identified user object is also called a moving target object. The object operation acquisition unit 116 updates the position of the object to be moved in the array object management information 1223. When the object operation acquisition unit 116 references the array object management information 1223 and determines that another object is placed in the end cell, it associates the position of the object to be moved with the start position and stores it in the array object management information 1223. In this case, the object operation acquisition unit 116 does not update the position of the object to be moved in the array object management information 1223.

The object operation acquisition unit 116 may acquire information about the user object based on a tap operation by the user. In this case, the object operation acquisition unit 116 acquires the position of the first touch as the start position. The object operation acquisition unit 116 acquires the position of the second touch as the end position.

In addition, the object processing unit 115 may change and display the position of the user object in chronological order in response to the user's operation on the user object acquired by the object operation acquisition unit 116.

Although the object processing unit 115 has been described as processing the user's operation, the object processing unit 115 may also process operations by other users different from the user. For example, when multiple users play the same game simultaneously, in step S2, the object operation acquisition unit 116 acquires information indicating that there has been an operation by another user different from the user. The operation by the other user includes changing the position of at least one user object. The object operation acquisition unit 116 acquires information on the user object operated by the other user based on the operation by the other user on the user object.

If the object operation acquisition unit 116 determines that a user operation has been performed (step S2: YES), the process transitions from step S2 to step S3. If the object operation acquisition unit 116 determines that a user operation has not been performed (step S2: NO), the process transitions from step S2 to step S4.

The object processing unit 115 updates the position of the user object in the array object based on the user's operation on the user object (step S3). In step S3, for example, the object processing unit 115 updates the position of the user object based on the array object management information 1223 and displays it on the display unit 1072. The object processing unit 115 executes the processes from step S2 to step S3 based on the user's operation on at least one user object. The object processing unit 115 updates the position of at least one user object based on the user's operation on at least one user object in the array object.

When the object processing unit 115 processes an operation of a user other than the user, the object processing unit 115 updates the position of the user object based on the operation of the other user on the user object. The object processing unit 115 displays the user object on the display unit 1072 at the updated position, similar to the above-mentioned processing.

The correct answer processing unit 117 refers to the time limit information 1225 and determines whether the time limit set for the game has elapsed (step S4). In step S4, for example, the correct answer processing unit 117 determines that the time limit has elapsed based on the fact that the remaining time has reached zero.

If the correct answer processing unit 117 determines that the time limit has elapsed (step S4: YES), the process transitions from step S4 to step S5. If the correct answer processing unit 117 determines that the time limit has not elapsed (step S4: NO), the object operation acquisition unit 116 repeats the process of step S2.

The correct answer processing unit 117 refers to the array object management information 1223 and determines whether the position of the user object is correct based on the position of the user object (step S5). In step S5, for example, the correct answer processing unit 117 determines whether the position of the user object is correct depending on whether the position of the user object matches the position of the safety cell.

In response to the time limit having elapsed, the object processing unit 115 causes the display unit 1072 to display the moving object moving from the gate object in the array object (step S6). In step S6, for example, the object processing unit 115 generates a moving object based on the moving object management information 1224, and displays the generated moving object on the display unit 1072. The object processing unit 115 may display the leading part of the moving object in a different display mode from the other parts. The object processing unit 115 may change the display mode of the user object according to the result of the correct answer determination by the correct answer processing unit 117. For example, the object processing unit 115 may display the user object placed in the safe cell in a different display mode from the user object placed in a non-safe cell. In response to the correct answer determination by the correct answer processing unit 117, the object processing unit 115 may display the safe cell in a manner distinguishable from other cells. The object processing unit 115 may display a safe cell object indicating that it is a safe cell by overlapping it on the safe cell. The safe cell object is an object whose color, brightness, luminance, or the like is different from other cells. In response to the clearing condition being satisfied, the object processing unit 115 may display a text object on the display unit 1072. The text object is, for example, an object including a message such as "FINISH", "GOOD", or "Clear". The object processing unit 115 may display a different text object on the display unit 1072 depending on the clearing condition. For example, the object processing unit 115 may display the text object "GOOD" when the clearing condition is that the position of at least one user object matches the position of a safe cell. The object processing unit 115 may display the text object "GREAT" when the clearing condition is that the positions of all user objects match the positions of a safe cell.

When the user touches the retire button, the game progression unit 112 ends the game regardless of the state the game is in from step S1 to step S6. The user can choose to retire at their own discretion.

The position of the user object can be changed multiple times by the user's operation. The object processing unit 115 performs the processes from step S2 to step S6 each time the user operates the user object.

The position of the user object can be changed multiple times by operations of other users, in addition to the above-mentioned user operations. In this example, the object processing unit 115 performs the processes of steps S2 to S6 every time another user operates the user object.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the correct answer determination operation shown in step S5 of FIG.
The object processing unit 115 acquires information about a gate object i (i=1 to N (N is the total number of gate objects)) from the array object management information 1223 (step S501). Gate object i is a gate object associated with a subscript "i". In step S501, for example, the object processing unit 115 acquires gate objects i in ascending order starting from i=1. The information about the gate object includes position information of the gate object and information indicating the direction in which the moving object moves from the gate object.

The object processing unit 115 identifies the start cell as the target cell (step S502). The target cell is a cell that is the target for determining the control mode of the moving object. The moving object is assumed to enter the target cell along the direction of movement from the gate object. Each time the object processing unit 115 determines the control mode of the moving object, the target cell transitions one by one from the cell whose control mode has been determined to a cell adjacent to that cell. In step S502, for example, the object processing unit 115 acquires position information of the target cell.

The object processing unit 115 refers to the array object management information 1223 and determines whether a direction object is placed in the target cell based on the position information of the target cell (step S503).

If the object processing unit 115 determines that a direction object is placed in the target cell (step S503: YES), the process transitions from step S503 to step S504. If the object processing unit 115 determines that a direction object is not placed in the target cell (step S503: NO), the process transitions from step S503 to step S505.

The object processing unit 115 saves the control mode of the moving object in the moving object management information 1224 based on the directional object placed in the target cell (step S504). In step S504, for example, the object processing unit 115 refers to the array object management information 1223 and acquires information about the directional object placed in the target cell. The information about the directional object includes an object type indicating the type of the directional object. The object processing unit 115 refers to the object type table 1222 and acquires the control mode of the moving object based on the object type. The object processing unit 115 associates the acquired control mode of the moving object with the position information of the target cell and saves it in the moving object management information 1224.

For example, let us consider a case where a directional object indicated by object number 1 in Figure 4 is placed in a target cell. The moving object enters the target cell from the top side. The object processing unit 115 associates the manner in which the moving object exits the left side of the target cell with the position information of the target cell and stores this in the moving object management information 1224. A target cell in which the control manner and position information of the moving object are stored in the moving object management information 1224 is called a processed cell.

Then, the process returns from step S504 to step S502. In this case, in step S502, the object processing unit 115 performs the process by replacing the "start cell" with the "cell adjacent to the processed cell." The cell adjacent to the processed cell is the cell adjacent to the processed cell along the moving direction of the moving object. In this case, the moving object is assumed to enter the target cell along the moving direction from the processed cell.
If the direction object that is the target cell stops the moving object, the process transitions from step S504 to step S508. The object processing unit 115 ends the process for one gate object due to the stopping of the moving object. If the direction object that is the target cell changes the moving direction of the moving object and there is no adjacent cell along the changed moving direction of the moving object, the process transitions from step S504 to step S508. In this case, the object processing unit 115 ends the process for one gate object.

The object processing unit 115 refers to the array object management information 1223 and determines whether the target cell is an end cell based on the position information of the target cell (step S505).

If the object processing unit 115 determines that the target cell is an end cell (step S505: YES), the process transitions from step S505 to step S506. If the object processing unit 115 determines that the target cell is not an end cell (step S505: NO), the process transitions from step S505 to step S507.

The object processing unit 115 saves the control mode of the moving object in the end cell in the moving object management information 1224 (step S506). In step S506, for example, the object processing unit 115 refers to the object type table 1222 and acquires the control mode of the moving object in the end cell. The object processing unit 115 associates the acquired control mode of the moving object with the position information of the target cell and stores it in the moving object management information 1224. The object processing unit 115 ends the processing for one gate object by processing the target cell corresponding to the end cell.

The object processing unit 115 sets the control mode of the moving object in the target cell to "pass" and saves the set control mode in the moving object management information 1224 (step S507). In one example, the object processing unit 115 refers to the array object management information 1223 and determines whether or not a passing object is placed in the target cell based on the position information of the target cell. The object processing unit 115 refers to the object type table 1222 and sets the control mode of the moving object to "pass" based on the fact that a passing object is placed in the target cell. In another example, the object processing unit 115 refers to the array object management information 1223 and determines whether or not the target cell is a normal cell based on the position information of the target cell. The object processing unit 115 refers to the object type table 1222 and sets the control mode of the moving object to "pass" based on the fact that the target cell is a normal cell. The object processing unit 115 associates the set control mode of the moving object with the position information of the target cell and saves it in the moving object management information 1224.

After that, the process returns from step S507 to step S502. In this case, in step S502, the "start point" is read as the "cell adjacent to the processed cell" and the process is performed. In this case, the moving object is assumed to enter the target cell in the direction of movement from the processed cell. Note that if the passing object that is the target cell does not have an adjacent cell along the moving direction of the moving object, the process transitions from step S507 to step S508. In this case, the object processing unit 115 ends the process for one gate object.

The object processing unit 115 determines whether the gate object i is the final gate object (i=N) stored in the array object management information 1223 (step S508). If the object processing unit 115 determines that the gate object i is the final gate object (step S508: YES), the process transitions from step S508 to step S509. If the object processing unit 115 determines that the gate object i is not the final gate object (step S508: NO), the process returns from step S508 to step S501. In this case, the object processing unit 115 obtains information on the next gate object i from the array object management information 1223. The object processing unit 115 repeats the processes of steps S501 to S508 until the gate object i matches the final gate object. Matching of the gate object i with the final gate object corresponds to the end of the processes of steps S501 to S508 by the object processing unit 115 for all gate objects.

In response to the determination that the gate object i is the final gate object, the correct answer processing unit 117 acquires a safe cell (step S509). In step S509, for example, the correct answer processing unit 117 acquires a safe cell based on the array object management information 1223 and the moving object management information 1224. A safe cell is a cell based on the position of a moving object. A safe cell is a cell that a moving object moving from a gate object does not pass through. The correct answer processing unit 117 may store a cell that a moving object does not pass through as a safe cell in the array object management information 1223.

The correct answer processing unit 117 judges whether the position of the user object is included in the position of the safe cell based on the array object management information 1223 (step S510). In step S510, for example, the correct answer processing unit 117 compares the position of the user object with the position of the safe cell and judges whether the position of the user object matches the position of the safe cell. If the correct answer processing unit 117 judges that the position of the user object matches the position of the safe cell (step S510: YES), the process transitions from step S510 to step S511. If the correct answer processing unit 117 judges that the position of the user object does not match the position of the safe cell (step S510: NO), the process transitions from step S510 to step S512.

In response to determining that the position of the user object matches the position of the safety cell, the correct answer processing unit 117 determines that the position of the user object is correct (step S511).

In response to determining that the position of the user object does not match the position of the safety cell, the correct answer processing unit 117 determines that the position of the user object is incorrect (step S512).

Figure 8 shows an example of an image Im2 displayed on a user terminal 100 implemented by a game program according to an embodiment.

The display unit 1072 displays image Im2 after the time limit has elapsed. Image Im2 is an image that includes array object Ob1, gate objects Ob21-1 to Ob21-4, fixed objects Ob22-1 to Ob22-3, Ob23, user object Ob3, moving objects Ob4-1 to Ob4-4, safety cell object Ob5, and game progress objects Ob6 to Ob8. Assume that the position of user object Ob3 has been changed from the position shown in image Im1 by a user operation. Image Im2 shows an image when moving object Ob4 has moved from gate object Ob21 in response to the time limit having elapsed.

The object processing unit 115 displays the user object Ob3 in the cell to which the user object Ob3 has been moved based on the user's operation. When the user object Ob3 is placed in a safe cell, the object processing unit 115 may change the display mode of the user object Ob3. For example, the object processing unit 115 may display the user object Ob3 in a color, brightness, or luminance different from that of the image Im1. The object processing unit 115 may display the user object Ob3 in a flashing manner.

The object processing unit 115 displays the fixed objects Ob22-1 to Ob22-3 in the array object Ob1 and the moving objects Ob4-1 to Ob4-4 controlled by Ob23.

In the example of FIG. 8, moving objects Ob4-1 to Ob4-4 start from gate objects Ob21-1 to Ob21-4, and have their movement directions changed successively by fixed objects Ob22-1 to Ob22-3 and Ob23.
An example of a moving object Ob4-1 moving from a gate object Ob21-1 will be described below. The moving object Ob4-1 starts from the gate object Ob21-1, has its moving direction changed by a fixed object Ob22-2, has its moving direction changed by a fixed object Ob22-3, and passes through a fixed object Ob23.

The object processing unit 115 displays the safe cell object Ob5 by overlaying it on the safe cell. For example, the object processing unit 115 may display the safe cell object Ob5 in a color, brightness, or luminance different from other cells. The object processing unit 115 may display the safe cell object Ob5 in a blinking manner.

The object processing unit 115 may display the gate objects Ob21-1 to Ob21-4 in a color, brightness, or luminance different from that of the image Im1. The object processing unit 115 may cause the gate objects Ob21-1 to Ob21-4 to blink.

A retire button is displayed in the game progress object Ob6.
A character object is displayed in the game progress object Ob7.
A status object is displayed in the game progress object Ob8.
A text object is displayed on the game progression object Ob9. The text object includes a message indicating the correct answer. In the example of FIG. 8, since the user objects Ob3-1 to Ob3-2 are placed in the safe cells, the correct answer processing unit 117 determines that the clearing condition is satisfied. In this example, "GOOD" is displayed on the game progression object Ob9.

(4) Effects As described above in detail, the game program can cause the computer to update the position of at least one user object based on the user's operation on at least one user object, and determine the correct answer for the position of the user object based on the position of at least one user object and the position of the moving object. As a result, the game program can cause the computer to update the position of the user object based on a simple operation by the user, and determine the correct answer based on the updated position of the user object. Therefore, the user can intuitively play the puzzle game by only moving the user object. In addition, the game program can cause the computer to display a moving object that moves from at least one gate object in the array object. As a result, the game program can change the difficulty level by setting the number and positions of the gate objects. Therefore, the user can play games with different difficulty levels. In this way, the game program can further increase the interest of the puzzle game.

The game program can cause the computer to display an array object made up of a plurality of cells defined by a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. This allows the game program to cause the computer to perform display processing of moving objects without requiring complex processing, as compared to array objects arranged irregularly. Furthermore, the user can grasp the cell in which the moving object is displayed in a relatively short time and operate the user object. This allows the user to play the game in a short time. In this way, the game program can further increase the interest of puzzle games.

The game program can cause the computer to display moving objects that are rays of light entering one side of a cell and exiting the other side. This allows the game program to easily perform the display process of the moving objects. Also, the user can intuitively grasp the movement of the moving object as the movement of light. This allows the user to play the game intuitively. In this way, the game program can further increase the interest of the puzzle game.

The game program can cause the computer to display at least one directional object that changes the direction in which the moving object moves. This allows the game program to change the difficulty level by setting the number and positions of the directional objects. This allows the user to play games with different levels of difficulty. In this way, the game program can further increase the interest of the puzzle game.

The game program can cause the computer to fix and display the directional object in a cell set in the game. This allows the game program to easily change the difficulty level of the game simply by displaying the stationary object in a position set in the computer. Furthermore, since the user cannot change the position of the stationary object, the user plays the game within the restricted rules. Therefore, the game program can further increase the interest of the puzzle game.

The game program can cause the computer to change the position of at least one user object based on the operation of another user different from the user. In this way, the game program can cause the computer to obtain information regarding the operation of another user, thereby easily updating the position of the user object. Furthermore, the user can intuitively grasp the movement of the moving object in response to the operation of another user. Therefore, the user can play the game in cooperation with multiple users with simple operations. Furthermore, the game program can change the difficulty level of the game by causing the computer to change the number of user objects operated by another user. In this way, the game program can further increase the interest of the puzzle game.

The game program can cause the computer to display the moving object in response to the lapse of a time limit set in the game. This allows the game program to cause the computer to display the moving object based on the lapse of the time limit and to perform a correct answer determination. Therefore, the game program can cause the computer to perform the display process and the correct answer determination process at a timing set in the computer, making the computer's processing easier. In addition, the user is required to operate the user object quickly before the time limit elapses. In this way, the game program creates an incentive for the user to operate the user object within the time limit, and can further increase the interest of the puzzle game. In addition, the game program can provide a game that can be completed in a short time by setting a time limit. Therefore, the user can casually play the game in his or her spare time. In this way, the game program can encourage the user to play the game, and can further increase the interest of the puzzle game.

The game program can cause the computer to change and display at least one gate object in a different display mode depending on the time remaining until the time limit. This eliminates the need for the game program to cause the computer to display a separate indicator showing the remaining time. Furthermore, the user can intuitively grasp the passage of time based on the change in the display mode of the gate object. In this way, the game program can create a sense of excitement through the change in display, further increasing the interest of the puzzle game.

The game program can cause the computer to change and display at least one user object's display mode depending on the result of the correct answer determination. In this way, the game program can cause the computer to display the result of the correct answer determination simply by changing the display mode of the user object. Furthermore, the user can intuitively understand the result of the correct answer determination based on the change in the display mode of the user object. In this way, the game program can create a sense of excitement through the change in display, further increasing the interest of the puzzle game.

The game program allows the computer to obtain cells in which no moving object is displayed as safe cells, and to determine the correct answer depending on whether the position of at least one user object is included in the position of a safe cell. This allows the game program to easily allow the computer to perform the correct answer determination process simply by comparing the position of the user object with the position of the safe cell. Furthermore, the user can easily understand the criteria for determining the correct answer. In this way, the game program makes it easier to determine the correct answer, further increasing the interest of the puzzle game.

In response to the computer determining that the answer is correct, the game program causes the computer to display a safety cell object that indicates a safety cell. In this way, the game program can cause the computer to display the result of the correct answer determination simply by changing the display mode of the safe cell. Furthermore, the user can intuitively grasp the result of the correct answer determination based on the change in the display mode of the safe cell. In this way, the game program can create a sense of excitement through the change in display, further increasing the interest of the puzzle game.

However, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.

In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the object processing unit 115 displays game progress objects in addition to array objects, gate objects, fixed objects, user objects, moving objects, and safe cell objects, but this is not limited to the example. The object processing unit 115 may display at least one of the game progress objects in addition to array objects, gate objects, fixed objects, user objects, moving objects, and safe cell objects.

In the above embodiment, the moving object is described as a ray of light, but this is not limited to the above. The moving object may be a liquid such as a water flow, or a solid such as a pipe. The moving object may also represent a trajectory that moves across multiple cells, or may be a moving body such as a character that does not have a trajectory.

In the above embodiment, the directional object is described as a reflector, but is not limited to this. The directional object may be any object that can control the direction of a moving object.

Although a touch panel has been described as an example of the input unit 1071, the input unit 1071 is not limited to this. The input unit 1071 may be a controller equipped with multiple buttons.

For example, the configuration of the server 200 and the user terminal 100 may be replaced with another configuration capable of implementing the game program according to the embodiment. The configuration of the server 200 and the configuration of the user terminal 100 may be omitted, distributed among multiple devices, and replaced with a similar configuration. Each functional unit of the server 200 and the user terminal 100 may be implemented using a circuit. The circuit may be a dedicated circuit that implements a specific function, or may be a general-purpose circuit such as a processor.

Furthermore, the process flow described using the flowchart is not limited to the procedure described, and the order of some steps may be changed, or some steps may be performed simultaneously in parallel. Also, the series of processes described above do not need to be performed consecutively in time, and each step may be performed at any timing.

At least a part of the processing of each of the above embodiments can be realized by using, for example, a processor installed in a general-purpose computer as basic hardware. The program that realizes the above processing may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium. The program is stored in the recording medium as a file in an installable format or an executable format. Examples of the recording medium include magnetic disks, optical disks (CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD, etc.), magneto-optical disks (MO, etc.), semiconductor memories, etc. The recording medium may be any type that can store a program and is computer-readable. In addition, the program that realizes the above processing may be stored on a computer (server) connected to a network such as the Internet, and downloaded to a computer (client) via the network.

Note that this invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of the invention. The embodiments may also be implemented in appropriate combination, in which case the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiment includes various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from the multiple constituent elements disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and an effect can be obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, the configuration from which these constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

1...game system, 100...user terminal, 110...control unit, 111...operation reception unit, 112...game progression unit, 113...virtual camera control unit, 114...display control unit, 115...object processing unit, 116...object operation acquisition unit, 117...correct answer processing unit, 120...storage unit, 121...game program storage unit, 122...game information storage unit, 200...server, 210...control unit, 211...reception control unit, 212...transmission control unit , 213 ... game progression unit, 220 ... storage unit, 221 ... game program storage unit, 222 ... game information storage unit, 223 ... user information database, 1001 ... processor, 1002 ... memory, 1003 ... storage, 1004 ... sensor, 1005 ... communication interface, 1006 ... input/output interface, 1007 ... touch screen, 1008 ... bus, 1071 ... input unit, 1072 ... display unit, 1221 ... object object data, 1222...object type table, 1223...array object management information, 1224...moving object management information, 1225...time limit information, 1226...clearing condition information, 2001...processor, 2002...memory, 2003...storage, 2004...communication interface, 2005...input/output interface, 2006...bus, Im1...image, Im2...image, NW...network, Ob1...array object, Ob3...user object, Ob4-1 to Ob4-4...moving object, Ob5...safety cell object, Ob6...game progress object, Ob7...game progress object, Ob8...game progress object, Ob9...game progress object, Ob21-1 to Ob21-4...gate object, Ob22-1 to Ob22-3...fixed object, Ob23...fixed object.

Claims (10)

A game program executed by a computer,
The computer ,
A means for displaying at least one gate object set in the game;
means for displaying an array object for arranging a plurality of objects including a direction object and at least one user object;
means for updating a position of the at least one user object based on a user's operation on the at least one user object;
means for displaying a moving object moving from said at least one gate object in said array object;
a means for determining a correct answer for the position of the at least one user object based on whether or not the position of the at least one user object is included in a position of a cell in which the moving object is not displayed ;
Function as a
The direction object changes a moving direction in which the moving object moves. the array object is composed of a plurality of cells defined by a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction;
The game program according to claim 1 . The moving object is a ray that enters from one side of a cell and exits from the other side.
The game program according to claim 2. The directional object is fixed to a cell set in the game.
The game program according to claim 1 . and causing the computer to further function as a means for updating a position of the at least one user object based on an operation of a user different from the user.
The game program according to claim 1 . the means for displaying the moving object includes means for displaying the moving object in response to a time limit set in the game having elapsed.
The game program according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . causing the computer to further function as a means for changing and displaying a display mode of the at least one gate object in accordance with the remaining time until a time limit set for the game;
The game program according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . and causing the computer to further function as a means for changing and displaying the at least one user object in a display manner in accordance with the result of the determination of the correct answer.
The game program according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . the means for determining the correct answer includes means for acquiring a cell in which the moving object is not displayed as a safe cell, and determining the correct answer depending on whether a position of the at least one user object is included in a position of the safe cell .
The game program according to claim 1 . and causing the computer to further function as a means for displaying a safe cell object representing the safe cell in response to determining the correct answer.
The game program according to claim 9 .