JP2007325630A - Program, information storage medium, and player terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To support to grasp players who have slept down in a network game. <P>SOLUTION: A host terminal 20a receives the measured times of built in clocks arranged in each guest terminal 20b as local times and updates and displays the same along with the measured time of the clock arranged in the terminal of its own in real time. Further, each guest terminal 20b updates and displays the local times of all the game terminals 20 by receiving shared data from the host terminal 20a. Furthermore, the host terminal 20a forcibly cuts the communication with the guest terminals 20b of a guest player selected by a host player. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention allows a player terminal, which is a computer, to perform predetermined communication with a plurality of other player terminals, and the game progress is made between the player terminals that have been pre-set for all players and are set to participate in the game afterwards. The present invention relates to a program or the like for executing a network game that starts a game.

  In recent years, with the rapid spread of the Internet, network games that play games against other players on the network are gaining popularity. There are many types of network games, such as racing games, mahjong games, and card games, which can be played against real-time players all over the world in real time.

In general, in a network game, a matching server prepared by a game maker or the like matches players, and the matched players play a match. As one form thereof, a player creates a virtual room (play room) on a network and plays a battle between players who enter the play room via a matching server (for example, Patent Document 1). .)
JP 2004-97622 A

  By the way, depending on the type of the network game, matched players may repeatedly play with the same member over and over again. Taking a race game as an example, it is unlikely that the game will end with only one battle race, and it is common to compete repeatedly over and over again with the same members.

  However, in a network game where players from all over the world can participate, as the game is repeated, it is just in the evening in one player's country and region, whereas in another player's country and region Naturally, it may be late at night due to the time difference. Then, a player who becomes sleepy may fall asleep during the game (so-called “sleeping”).

  In this case, for example, the player who is the parent of the game or the player who is the manager of the play room wants to know whether or not the participating player has fallen in order to prevent the progress of the game from being hindered. There is a request.

  Particularly problematic is the case where a game configuration is adopted in which all participating players are prepared and the battle does not start unless a preparation completion signal is given. For example, as a race game in which a battle race is repeated, there is a game in which a battle race does not start unless all players select and decide a machine.

  In this race game, if there is a player who has fallen asleep, the player does not signal the completion of preparation at all, so the battle race will not start any time. As a result, there is a risk that the player who is waiting for the start of the battle race now or later will be offended.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to assist in grasping a player who has fallen asleep in a network game.

The first invention for solving the above problems is:
The player's own player terminal (for example, the host terminal 20a in FIG. 9) performs predetermined communication with a plurality of other player terminals (for example, the guest terminal 20b in FIG. 9), and the pre-setting of all players is completed. A program (for example, the main program 261 in FIG. 14) for executing a network game that starts game progress between player terminals that have been set to participate in the game.
Local time acquisition means for acquiring the local time of each of the other player terminals (for example, step B3 in FIG. 19);
The acquired local time (for example, the local time in FIG. 5) and / or an image based on the local time (for example, the sleeping icon J23 in FIG. 23) is displayed as a player identifier (for example, in FIG. 5). In association with the player name), preset status display control means (for example, step B11 in FIG. 19; player status list in FIG. 5) that performs display control together with the preset status (for example, the status in FIG. 5) of the other player terminal. Screen W7),
Rejection control means (for example, step B17 in FIG. 19) for rejecting the participation of the other player terminal while the other player terminal is preset according to the operation input of the player.
Is a program for causing the player terminal to function.

As another invention,
Player terminals that perform predetermined communication with a plurality of other player terminals and execute a network game that starts game progress among the player terminals that have been set to participate in the game after completion of pre-setting for all players (for example, FIG. 9 host terminals 20a),
Local time acquisition means for acquiring the local time of each of the other player terminals;
Preset state display control means for displaying the acquired local time and / or an image based on the local time in association with a player identifier of the corresponding other player terminal together with a preset state of the other player terminal; ,
A rejection control means for rejecting the participation of the other player terminal in the game while the other player terminal is preset according to the operation input of the player;
You may comprise the player terminal provided with.

  According to the first aspect, the local time of each other player terminal is acquired, and the acquired local time and / or an image based on the local time is associated with the player identifier of the corresponding other player terminal, Displayed together with the preset status of the other player terminal. If the preset state of the player terminal is not completed at all, the player of the player terminal may have fallen down. Since the local time and / or the image based on the local time are displayed in association with the player identifier, it is possible to more surely know whether or not the player is a fallen player.

  Further, according to the operation input of the player, the other player terminal is refused to participate in the game while the other player terminal is preset. Therefore, since it is possible to refuse the participation of the player who is thought to have fallen into the game, it is possible to prevent the progress of the game from being hindered by such a player.

As a second invention, there is provided a program according to the first invention,
Each player terminal has a clock function (for example, the clock unit 290 in FIG. 14),
The own player terminal so that the local time acquisition means has time receiving means (for example, step B3 in FIG. 19) for receiving, as the local time, the time measured by the clock function of the other player terminal from each of the other player terminals. You may comprise the program for functioning.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, the clock time of the clock function of each other player terminal is received as the local time. Therefore, the local time of the other player terminal can be acquired by a simple method.

As a third invention, there is provided a program according to the first invention,
The player terminal has a clock function (for example, the clock unit 290 in FIG. 14),
The player terminal is made to function as an affiliation information receiving means for receiving the affiliation information (for example, the nationality of FIG. 5) of the other player terminal or the other player from each of the other player terminals,
The local time acquisition means obtains the local time of each of the other player terminals based on the received genus information, the own player terminal or the own player genus information set in advance, and the clock time of the clock function. You may comprise the program for functioning the said player terminal so that it may have the local time calculation means to calculate.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the other player terminal or other player's affiliation information, the own player terminal or the own player's affiliation information, and the clock time of the clock function of the own player terminal, The local time of each player terminal is calculated. If the clock time of the clock function of the player terminal is accurate, the local time of the other player terminal can be accurately calculated without receiving the local time from the other player terminal.

As a fourth invention, there is provided a program according to the third invention,
Each player terminal stores device usage area identification information for identifying the usage area of the player terminal as the genus information,
In order to cause the own player terminal to function so as to receive the attribute information stored in the other player terminal as attribute information of the other player terminal or the other player from each of the other player terminals. This program may be configured.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, device usage area identification information is received as genus information from each of the other player terminals. As the device use area identification information, for example, a region code can be cited.

As a fifth invention, there is provided a program according to the first invention,
The local time acquisition means acquires the local time of each of the other player terminals from a server (for example, the management server 10 in FIG. 9) that communicates with each of the player terminals and determines the local time of each player terminal. A program for causing the player terminal to function may be configured.

  According to the fifth aspect, the local time of each other player terminal is acquired from the server that communicates with each player terminal and determines the local time of each player terminal. As long as the local time of each game terminal is properly determined by the server, the accurate local time of each player terminal can be acquired.

Further, as a sixth invention, there is provided a program according to any one of the first to fifth inventions,
The network game is a game in which a preparation stage (for example, steps S1 to S5 in FIG. 3) and a game progress stage in which the game progresses (for example, steps S7 and S9 in FIG. 3) are repeated. ,
The preset status display control means displays the preset status of the other player terminal in the preparation stage,
The rejection control means selects, in the preparation stage, a selection means (for example, step B13 in FIG. 19) for selecting, from the plurality of other player terminals, another player terminal that refuses to participate in the subsequent game according to the operation input of the player. And rejecting the selected other player terminal to participate in the game,
As described above, a program for causing the player terminal to function may be configured.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the pre-setting status of the other player terminals is displayed at each preparation stage before the game progresses, and at this time, among the other player terminals, the other players who refuse to participate in the subsequent games are displayed. A terminal is selected.

As a seventh invention, there is provided a program according to the sixth invention,
A program for causing the player terminal to function as return control means for causing another player terminal rejected by the rejection control means to participate in the game again may be configured.

  According to the seventh aspect, since the rejected other player terminal can participate in the game again, it is a case where the own player refuses to participate in the game of the other player determined to have fallen. However, other players can be returned to the game.

The eighth invention is the program of any one of the first to seventh inventions,
Causing the player terminal to function as a detecting means for detecting other player terminals whose local time satisfies a given time zone condition;
The preset status display control means causes the player terminal to function so as to have detection terminal identification display control means for performing display control for distinguishing the detected other player terminal from other other player terminals. A program may be configured.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, another player terminal whose local time satisfies the given time zone is detected, and the detected other player terminal is identified and displayed from the remaining other player terminals not detected. The Therefore, for example, by setting the time zone at midnight as a time zone condition, the player terminal whose local time is at midnight is identified and displayed, so that it is easy to grasp the player who has fallen asleep.

Further, as a ninth invention, there is provided the program according to any one of the first to seventh inventions,
A time zone condition receiving means for receiving a time zone condition indicating a time zone in which the presetting may be passed from each of the other player terminals;
Detecting means for detecting other player terminals satisfying the time zone conditions of the other player terminals, in which the local time is received by the time zone condition receiving means, among the other player terminals;
As a function of the player terminal
The preset status display control means causes the player terminal to function so as to have detection terminal identification display control means for performing display control for distinguishing the detected other player terminal from other other player terminals. A program may be configured.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the time zone condition indicating the time zone in which the presetting may be passed is received from each of the other player terminals. Then, among the other player terminals, the other player terminal whose local time satisfies the time zone condition of the received other player terminal is detected.

  Since lifestyles vary from player to player, time zones that may be overlooked, such as bedtime, also vary from player to player. The present invention is particularly effective in such a case.

As a tenth invention, there is provided a program according to any one of the first to seventh inventions,
Causing the player terminal to function as a detecting means for detecting other player terminals whose local time satisfies a given time zone condition;
The refusal control means causes the own player terminal to function so as to have a refusable terminal restricting means for restricting other player terminals that can refuse participation in the game in accordance with an operation input of the own player to other player terminals detected by the detecting means. A program may be configured.

  According to the tenth aspect, the other player terminals that can reject the game participation in accordance with the operation input of the player are limited to the other player terminals whose local time satisfies the given time zone. Therefore, for example, by setting the time zone at midnight as a time zone condition, only the player of the player terminal whose local time is in the midnight time zone is the target of rejection of participation in the game.

An eleventh invention is the program according to any one of the first to seventh inventions,
Causing the player terminal to function as a detecting means for detecting other player terminals whose local time satisfies a given time zone condition;
A program for causing the player terminal to function may be configured so that the rejection control means includes a refusable terminal restriction means for controlling so that the game participation of other player terminals detected by the detection means cannot be rejected. good.

  According to the eleventh aspect, the game participation of other player terminals whose local time satisfies the given time zone is not rejected. Therefore, for example, by setting the daytime time zone as a time zone condition, it is effectively prevented that a player who is not worried about falling asleep during the day is erroneously rejected.

  As a twelfth invention, a computer-readable information storage medium (for example, the CD-ROM 1212 in FIG. 10) storing the program of any one of the first to eleventh inventions may be configured.

  According to the present invention, the local time of each other player terminal is acquired, and the acquired local time and / or an image based on the local time is associated with the player identifier of the corresponding other player terminal, It is displayed with the preset status of. If the preset state of the player terminal is not completed at all, the player of the player terminal may have fallen down. Since the local time and / or the image based on the local time are displayed in association with the player identifier, it is possible to more surely know whether or not the player is a fallen player.

  Further, according to the operation input of the player, the other player terminal is refused to participate in the game while the other player terminal is preset. Therefore, since it is possible to refuse the participation of the player who is thought to have fallen into the game, it is possible to prevent the progress of the game from being hindered by such a player.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which a player uses a game terminal 20 to play a race game, which is a type of network game. However, embodiments to which the present invention is applicable are not limited to this.

  As a configuration of a game system using a network, for example, (A) a personal computer (PC) installed in a home, a home game machine, a portable game machine, or the like is used as a game terminal. A configuration in which a server is connected via a wired / wireless communication line, (B) a configuration in which a plurality of game terminals are connected through a communication line without using a server, and (C) a plurality of game terminals are in communication line Are connected to each other, but one of them has a server function, and (D) a plurality of game terminals are physically combined to form a single system (for example, an arcade game machine) as a whole. There are some configurations.

  In this embodiment, the game system having the configuration (B) will be described as an example. However, a management server 10 that manages players participating in the network game is installed on the side of the game provider such as a maker, and the player authentication information, results information, billing information, and the like are managed. Further, in this embodiment, there is a function called “play room” as a characteristic function when participating in a game, and this play room is also managed by the management server 10.

1. Game Description In the network game of the present embodiment, players around the world enter the “play room” created on the network by the player as “guest players”, and perform the car racing game in the play room. The player who created the play room is a “host player”. Hereinafter, the term “player” simply represents “host player” and “guest player”. The game terminal 20 functions as a “host terminal 20a” when the player is a “host player”, and functions as a “guest terminal 20b” when the player is a “guest player”.

  The player first accesses the management server 10 from the game terminal 20 and logs in. When a play room creation request is made to the management server 10, the management server 10 creates a play room on the network and registers the created play room data in the play room management database (DB). The play room can be created by any player who has registered the player in the management server 10. The terminal of the player who created the play room is the host terminal 20a related to the play room.

  When the management server 10 makes a request to enter the play room, the management server 10 uses the player as a guest player, notifies the host terminal 20a and the guest terminal 20b of the play room of each other's communication address, and The communication connection between the terminal 20a and the guest terminal 20b is prompted. Then, after communication is established between the host terminal 20a and the guest terminal 20b, the guest terminal 20b and the host terminal 20a directly exchange data to play a game.

  The management server 10 may notify only the guest terminal 20b of the communication address of the host terminal 20a, and may not notify the host terminal 20a of the communication address of the guest terminal 20b. In this case, the host terminal 20a acquires the communication address of the guest terminal 20b when the guest terminal 20b is connected for communication.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a menu screen W1 that is an example of a menu screen displayed on the game terminal 20 when logging in to the management server 10.
On the menu screen W1, along with a message “What do you want to do?”, A creation icon J1 indicated as “Create new play room” and a browse icon J2 indicated as “Browse play room” are displayed. . The player instructs and presses the creation icon J1 when creating a new play room, and instructs and presses the browse icon J2 when browsing the play room.

  In addition, a logout icon J3 indicated as “logout” is displayed in the lower right part of the screen. When the player logs out from the management server 10, the player presses the logout icon J3.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a play room list screen W3 which is an example of a play room list screen displayed when the browse icon J2 is instructed and pressed on the menu screen W1 of FIG.
The play room list screen W3 displays a list of play room data registered in the play room management DB. Specifically, the “host player name” that is the name of the host player in the play room, the “nationality” that is the host player's affiliation information, and the “total result” of the match of the host player are displayed in association with each other. Has been.

  For example, “Race Ichiro”, the host player, has a nationality of “Japan (Japan)”, and the total results of the battle are “30 times” for the first place, “25 times” for the second place, “18” for the third place. Times. The total result becomes a material for determining a play room where the player enters.

  On the left side of the “host player name” of each host player, an entry icon J4 indicated as “enter” is displayed, and the player enters an entry icon J4 corresponding to the host player in the play room that desires to enter the room. The instruction can be entered to enter the play room. In addition, a menu icon J5 indicating “return to menu” is displayed in the lower right part of the screen. When the menu icon J5 is instructed and pressed, the menu screen W1 is restored.

  When the player enters the play room, a car race game (hereinafter referred to as “match game” as appropriate) is repeatedly performed with the host player in the play room and other guest players entering the play room as opponents. .

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of the battle game in the play room.
Steps S1 to S5 correspond to a preparation stage in which each player pre-sets a game, and steps S7 and S9 correspond to a game progress stage in which the game progresses.

  First, the host player determines a race course to be competed (step S1). Next, the host player and the guest player each select a machine to be used in the battle game (step S3).

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a machine selection screen W5 that is displayed on the guest terminal 20b and is an example of a machine selection screen for the guest player to select a machine.
In the machine selection screen W5, the type and model of the currently selected machine are displayed on the small screen SW5 in the center of the screen. Here, the type “machine A” and its model are displayed. In the lower right portion of the screen, a preparation completion icon J6 indicated as “ready” and a watching icon J7 indicated as “watching” are displayed.

  When the guest player wishes to participate in the competitive game, he / she operates the cursors CS1 and CS2 to select a machine to be used, and then presses the preparation completion icon J6. On the other hand, when the user wants to watch the next competitive game without wishing to participate in the competitive game, the instruction icon J7 is pressed.

  Although the host player selects the machine in the same manner, the host player cannot select the watching game, and the watching game icon J7 is not displayed on the machine selection screen (not shown) displayed on the host terminal 20a.

  Then, it is determined whether all players have completed standby by selecting all machines (or selecting a game) (step S5), and if it is determined that all players have been completed (step S5). ; Yes), the battle game is started (step S7). Then, a battle game process is performed (step S9), the battle game of that time is ended, and the process returns to step S1.

  In the present embodiment, a game configuration is adopted in which the battle game is not started while standby of all players is not completed in the preparation stage. This is for the purpose of enabling all players to carefully prepare for the battle game.

  However, as guest players from all over the world enter the play room, while playing a battle game repeatedly, it may become midnight in a certain guest player country or region, and the guest player may fall asleep. .

  Therefore, in this embodiment, each of the host player and the guest player can monitor the local time of each game terminal 20. Specifically, the host terminal 20a receives the time measured by a built-in clock provided in each terminal from each guest terminal 20b. Then, the host terminal 20a displays the time measured by each guest terminal 20b in real time as the local time together with the time measured by the built-in clock provided in the terminal itself.

  Each guest terminal 20b displays the local time of each terminal in real time by sharing the data storing the local time with the host terminal 20a. This makes it easy for other players to grasp a player who may have fallen asleep.

  Further, in the above-described game configuration, if there is a player who has fallen down, standby of the player is not completed at all, and as a result, a situation occurs in which the battle game does not start any time.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the host player can forcibly leave the guest player arbitrarily selected from the play room. Specifically, the host terminal 20a forcibly disconnects communication with the guest terminal 20b of the guest player selected by the host player. That is, the host player can refuse participation of the arbitrarily selected guest player in the subsequent game.

  Therefore, if the standby of a certain guest player is not completed at all, the host player checks the local time of the guest terminal 20b of the guest player, and determines that the guest player has fallen down if the time is midnight. Can be forced to leave the playroom. This effectively prevents the progress of the game from being hampered by a player who has fallen asleep.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a player status list screen W7 as an example of a player status list screen in which the status of all players is displayed on the host terminal 20a in the preparation stage. The player status list screen is a screen displayed after machine selection.

  In the player status list screen W7, the “race type” indicating how many times the next battle game is the battle game and the “course name” selected by the host player are displayed at the top of the screen. Here, “Race 5” is displayed as the race type, and “Night Scene Course” is displayed as the course name.

  In the center of the screen, the player name of the player, the nationality as the player's territory information, the state of the player, the machine selected by the player (selected machine), and the game terminal 20 of the player are displayed. Local time is listed. Further, “host” is displayed on the left side of the player name of the host player, and a check box is displayed on the left side of the player name of the guest player.

  In the player name and nationality, the player name and nationality registered in the management server 10 by each player are displayed. In the machine selection screen (for example, the machine selection screen W5 in FIG. 4), when a guest player selects a machine and the instruction completion icon J6 is pressed, the state of the guest player becomes “ready” and is selected. The machine type is displayed on the selected machine. For example, the guest player “Kenji” whose nationality is “Japan (Japan)” selects “Machine A” and presses the ready icon J6, so that the state becomes “Ready”, and the selected machine is “Machine” A ”.

  On the machine selection screen, when the watching icon J7 is instructed and pressed by the guest player, the state of the guest player is “watching”. For example, the guest player “Li” whose nationality is “China (China)” has instructed and pressed the watching game icon J7, so the state is “watching”.

  Further, while neither the preparation completion icon J6 nor the watching icon J7 is instructed and pressed by the guest player, the state of the guest player is “preparing”. For example, the guest player “John” whose nationality is “America (USA)” has not yet instructed and pressed the preparation completion icon J6 or the watching game icon J7, so the state is “preparing”. If the player's state is “watching” or “preparing”, the selected machine is “-(none)”.

  At the local time, the time measured by the game terminal 20 (host terminal 20a and guest terminal 20b) of each player is displayed in real time. For example, the current timing of the guest terminal 20b of the guest player “John” whose nationality is “America (USA)” is “3:24”.

  For example, the host player “Race Ichiro” checks the local time “3:24” when the state of the guest player “John” remains “in preparation” and does not become “ready” or “watching”. . Then, it is determined that the guest player “John” has fallen asleep and can be forced to leave the play room. That is, participation of the guest player “John” in the subsequent game can be rejected.

  In this case, when the host player “Race Ichiro” selects and determines the guest player “John”, the check box displayed to the left of the player name is checked. In this state, when the user presses the exit icon J8 displayed at the lower right of the screen and indicates “Exit”, “OK” is displayed along with a message “Do you want to leave the selected player?”. The small screen SW9 on which the OK icon J9 and the cancel icon J10 indicated as “Cancel” are displayed is displayed at the center of the screen (player status list screen W9 in FIG. 6). Finally, when the user presses the OK icon J9 on the small screen SW9, communication with the guest terminal 20b of the guest player “John” is disconnected.

  Note that the host player can forcibly leave a plurality of guest players at once by selecting a plurality of guest players and pressing the OK icon J9 with the check box checked.

  Since the guest player “John” has left the room, the status of all players becomes “ready” or “watching”. In this case, the small screen SW11 on which the message “all player standby is complete!” Is displayed in the center of the screen (player state list screen W11 in FIG. 7), and then the battle game is started.

  When the guest player selects a machine or a game on the machine selection screen, a similar player state list screen is displayed on the guest terminal 20b. FIG. 8 shows a player state list screen W13 as an example.

  The screen configuration of the player status list screen W13 is substantially the same as the screen configuration of the player status list screen W7 displayed on the host terminal 20a. However, since the guest player cannot forcibly leave other players, the check box is not displayed to the left of the player name, and the exit icon J8 is not displayed at the lower right of the screen.

2. System Configuration Next, a system configuration in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game system 1 to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2A shows the physical configuration of the system, and FIG. 2B shows the logical configuration of the system related to one play room.

  The game system 1 includes a plurality of game terminals 20 and a management server 10. Each game terminal 20 is connected to the management server 10 via a network N that connects countries around the world.

  The management server 10 is realized by, for example, one or a plurality of known server devices or server systems, and manages players participating in the network game by executing the player management program 161. Moreover, the created play room is managed by executing the play room management program 163.

  The game terminal 20 is a terminal device for a player to play a network game, and its schematic external configuration is shown in FIG. The game terminal 20 is a consumer game machine, and includes a game controller 1202, a main body device 1210, and a display 1220 having a speaker 1222. The game controller 1202 is connected to the main device 1210, and the display 1220 is connected to the main device 1210 by a cable 1201 capable of transmitting image signals, sound signals, and the like.

  The game controller 1202 includes a direction key 1204 for a player to input a game operation and a screen display position, and a button switch 1206, and outputs an operation input signal to the main body device 1210.

  The main unit 1210 includes, for example, a control unit 1211 equipped with a CPU and IC memories and an information storage medium reader, and is based on programs and data read from the CD-ROM 1212 and the like, and operation signals from the game controller 1202. Various game processes are processed to generate game screen image signals and game sound signals.

  The main device 1210 generates a virtual three-dimensional space image with a given virtual camera as a viewpoint. Then, an image signal and an audio signal are output to the display 1220, a game screen is displayed on the display 1220, and a game sound is output from the speaker 1222. The player can enjoy the game by operating the game controller 1202 while watching the game screen displayed on the display 1220.

  Programs, data, and the like necessary for the main apparatus 1210 to execute game processing are stored in, for example, a CD-ROM 1212, an IC memory 1214, a memory card 1216, and the like, which are information storage media that are detachable from the main apparatus 1210. . In addition, it is also possible to connect to the network N via the communication device 1218 provided in the main body device 1210 and download and acquire it from an external device (for example, the management server 10).

3. Functional Configuration Next, functional configurations of the management server 10 and the game terminal 20 in the present embodiment will be described. First, the functional configuration of the management server 10 will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the management server 10. The management server 10 is a computer system that includes an operation unit 110, a processing unit 120, a communication unit 130, a display unit 140, and a storage unit 160.

  The operation unit 110 receives an operation instruction from an administrator of the management server 10 and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the processing unit 120. This function is realized by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, an operation stick, a dial, or the like.

  The processing unit 120 controls the management server 10 as a whole, manages players, and the like. This function is realized by, for example, an arithmetic device such as a CPU (CISC type, RISC type), ASIC (gate array, etc.) or a control program thereof.

  In the present embodiment, the processing unit 120 includes a player management unit 121 and a play room management unit 123 as main functional units.

  The player management unit 121 performs player management processing according to the player management program 161. Specifically, at the first access from the game terminal 20, the player name, password, nationality, and communication address are input to the player and registered as player management data 172 in the player management DB 171. Further, when a login request is received from the game terminal 20, password authentication is performed to determine whether or not the game terminal 20 can log in.

  The playroom management unit 123 performs playroom management processing according to the playroom management program 163. Specifically, when a playroom creation request is received from the game terminal 20, a playroom is created on the network N, and data relating to the created playroom is stored in the playroom management DB 173 as playroom management data 174. sign up. Further, the game terminal 20 is the host terminal 20a, and the communication address of the guest terminal 20b that has received the request to enter the play room is notified, thereby prompting communication connection between the host terminal 20a and the guest terminal 20b.

  Further, when the play room management unit 123 receives a play room browsing request from the game terminal 20, the play room management unit 123 publishes the play room based on the play room management data 174 registered in the play room management DB 173. Then, when the game terminal 20 receives a request to enter the play room, the game terminal 20 is set as the guest terminal 20b, and the communication address of the host terminal 20a of the host player in the play room is notified. The communication connection with the guest terminal 20b is prompted.

  The communication unit 130 connects to a predetermined communication line (such as a wireless communication line or a LAN) and performs data communication with an external device (for example, the game terminal 20). This function is realized by a wireless communication module such as a wireless LAN, a modem, TA, a wired communication cable jack, a control circuit, and the like.

  The display unit 140 is means for displaying and outputting characters and images, and displays a display screen based on the display signal output from the processing unit 120. This function is realized by hardware such as CRT, LCD, ELD, PDP, and HMD.

  The storage unit 160 stores a system program for realizing various functions for causing the processing unit 120 to control the management server 10 in an integrated manner, a program, data, and the like necessary for executing various processes. Further, it is used as a work area of the processing unit 120, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the processing unit 120 according to various programs, input data input from the operation unit 110, and the like. This function is realized by, for example, various IC memories, hard disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, MOs, RAMs, VRAMs, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the storage unit 160 includes, as programs, a player management program 161 for causing the processing unit 120 to function as the player management unit 121, and a playroom management program 163 for causing the playroom management unit 123 to function. It is out. The database includes a player management DB 171 and a play room management DB 173.

  The player management DB 171 is a DB in which player management data 172 (172-1, 172-2, 172-3,...) Related to players that can log in to the management server 10 is stored. 12 shows.

  The player management data 172 stores a player name 1721, a password 1722, a nationality 1723, a communication address 1724, and a total result 1725.

  The player name 1721 is the name of the player. The password 1722 is a password necessary for the player to log in to the management server 10. The nationality 1723 is the nationality of the player. The communication address 1724 is a communication address of the game terminal 20 used by the player. The total result 1725 is the total result of the player's past battle game. The total score 1725 is updated as needed based on the player's battle results in each battle game.

  For example, in the player management data 172-1, the player name 1721 is “John” and the password 1722 is “abcd1234”. The nationality 1723 is “America (USA)”, and the communication address 1724 of the game terminal 20 being used is “123.456.0.1”. In the total result 1725, the first place is "2 times", the second place is "4 times", and the third place is "3 times".

  The play room management DB 173 is a DB in which play room management data 174 (174-1, 174-2, 174-3,...) Relating to the play room created on the network is stored, and its data configuration example As shown in FIG.

  The play room management data 174 stores a room ID 1741, a creation date 1742, host data 1743, and guest data 1744.

  The room ID 1741 is an ID for uniquely identifying each play room. Creation date 1742 is the date and time when the play room was created. The host data 1743 is data about the host player in the play room, and stores a player name 1743a, nationality 1743b, communication address 1743c, and total score 1743d. These data correspond to the player name 1721, nationality 1723, communication address 1724, and total score 1725 of the player management data 172, and are registered by the playroom management unit 123 based on the player data 172 of the host player. The

  The guest data 1744 is data about a guest player who has entered the play room, and for each guest player, a player name 1744a, a nationality 1744b, and a communication address 1744c are stored in association with each other. These data correspond to the player name 1721, nationality 1723 and communication address 1724 of the player management data 172, respectively, and when a guest player newly enters the play room, based on the player data 172 of the guest player. It is updated by the play room management unit 123.

  For example, in the playroom of the playroom management data 174-1, the room ID 1741 is “R1”, and the creation date 1742 is “May 30, 2006, 17:30”. The host player is “Race Ichiro”, and “John”, “Li”, etc. are currently in the play room as guest players.

Next, the functional configuration of the game terminal 20 will be described.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game terminal 20. The game terminal 20 is a computer system that includes an operation unit 210, a processing unit 220, a communication unit 230, a display unit 240, a sound output unit 250, a storage unit 260, and a clock unit 290. .

  The operation unit 210 receives an operation instruction from the player and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the processing unit 220. This function is realized by, for example, a button, an operation stick, a dial, a mouse, a keyboard, various sensors, and the like.

  The processing unit 220 performs various arithmetic processes such as control of the entire game terminal 20, progress of the game, and image generation. This function is realized by, for example, an arithmetic device such as a CPU (CISC type, RISC type), ASIC (gate array, etc.) or a control program thereof.

  In the present embodiment, the processing unit 220 includes a main processing unit 221 that comprehensively controls the game terminal 20 according to the main program 261, and various data obtained by the processing of the main processing unit 221, such as a virtual camera. An image generation unit 224 that executes generation of an image of a virtual three-dimensional space (game space) viewed from a given viewpoint and generation of an image signal for displaying a game screen; generation of game sounds such as sound effects and BGM; And a sound generation unit 226 that generates a sound signal for outputting a game sound.

  The main processing unit 221 includes a host play room processing unit 2211, a guest play room processing unit 2213, and a battle game processing unit 2215.

  The main processing unit 221 performs main processing according to the main program 261. Specifically, the management server 10 is logged in, and a play room creation request is transmitted to the management server 10 when the player instructs to create a new play room. In addition, when the player instructs the viewing of the play room, a play room viewing request is transmitted to the management server 10 and a list of play rooms received from the management server 10 is displayed. When the player is instructed to enter the play room, a play room entry request is transmitted to the management server 10.

  The host playroom processing unit 2211 performs host playroom processing in accordance with the host playroom program 2611. Specifically, the game is realized by establishing communication with all the guest terminals 20b that have received the communication address notification from the management server 10 and exchanging data with these guest terminals 20b.

  The guest playroom processing unit 2213 performs guest playroom processing according to the guest playroom program 2613. Specifically, a game is realized by establishing communication with the host terminal 20a that has been notified of the communication address by the management server 10, and exchanging data with the host terminal 20a.

  The battle game processing unit 2215 performs a battle game process according to the battle game program 2615 in the host play room process and the guest play room process. Since the process relating to the battle game is a known game process, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The image generation unit 224 is realized by, for example, an arithmetic device such as a CPU or DSP, its control program, a drawing frame IC memory such as a frame buffer, or the like. The image generation unit 224 generates a game image (3DCG image) for displaying a game screen by executing a geometric transformation process, a shading process, or the like based on a calculation result by the main processing unit 221, and an image signal of the generated image Is output to the display unit 240.

  Based on the image signal from the image generation unit 224, the display unit 240 displays the game screen while redrawing the screen of one frame every 1/60 seconds, for example. This function is realized by hardware such as CRT, LCD, ELD, PDP, and HMD.

  The sound generation unit 226 is realized by, for example, an arithmetic device such as a CPU or a DSP and its control program, generates sound effects and game sounds such as BGM used during the game, and outputs sound signals of the generated game sounds as sound. Output to the unit 250.

  The sound output unit 250 outputs game sounds such as BGM and sound effects based on the sound signal from the sound generation unit 226. This function is realized by, for example, a speaker.

  The communication unit 230 connects to a predetermined communication line (wireless communication line, LAN, etc.) and performs data communication with an external device (for example, the management server 10 or another game terminal 20). This function is realized by a wireless communication module such as a wireless LAN, a modem, TA, a wired communication cable jack, a control circuit, and the like.

  The storage unit 260 stores a system program for realizing various functions for causing the processing unit 220 to control the game terminal 20 in an integrated manner, a program, data, and the like necessary for executing the game. Further, it is used as a work area of the processing unit 220, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the processing unit 220 according to various programs, input data input from the operation unit 210, and the like. This function is realized by, for example, various IC memories, hard disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, MOs, RAMs, VRAMs, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the storage unit 260 stores a main program 261 for causing the processing unit 220 to function as the main processing unit 221 as a program, and machine data 271, course data 273, and shared data 275 as data. And own terminal communication address data 281 and own terminal host time data 283 are stored.

  The main program 261 includes a host playroom program 2611 for causing the main processing unit 221 to function as the host playroom processing unit 2211 and a guest playroom program 2613 for causing the main processing unit 221 to function as the guest playroom processing unit 2213. And a battle game program 2615 for functioning as the battle game processing unit 2215 is included as a subroutine.

  The machine model data 271 is data about a machine that can be used by a player in a battle game. For example, this includes machine modeling data, texture data, basic parameters, motion data, and the like.

  The course data 273 is data about a course in which a battle game is performed. For example, this includes map data 2731 storing a map (shape) of each course and object data 2733 storing various objects serving as backgrounds.

  The shared data 275 stores data shared by all players entering the same play room. Specifically, this includes a player data group 276, player status data 278, and in-game data 279.

  The player data group 276 is a data group in which player data 277 (277-1, 277-2, 277-3,...) Relating to all players entering the play room is stored. A configuration example is shown in FIG.

  In the player data 277, a player name 2771, a nationality 2772, a communication address 2773, a battle score 2774, and a total score 2775 are stored.

  The player name 2771, nationality 2772, communication address 2773, and total result 2775 correspond to the player name 1721, nationality 1723, communication address 1724, and total result 1725 of the player management data 172 stored in the management server 10, respectively.

  The match score 2774 is the score of the player in each match game (each race). The competition score 2774 is updated as needed according to the result of each competition game, and the total score 2775 is also updated accordingly.

  For example, in the player of the player data 277-1, the player name 2771 is “Race Ichiro”, the nationality 2772 is “Japan (Japan)”, and the communication address 2773 of the game terminal 20 is “111.222.0.1”. is there. The competition results 2774 are “8th place” for the first race, “2nd place” for the second race, and “1st place” for the third race. The place is “25 times” and the third place is “18 times”.

  The player status data 278 is data regarding the status of all players before the start of the battle game, and an example of the data structure is shown in FIG. In the player status data 278, a main customer identification flag 2781, a player name 2782, a nationality 2783, a status 2784, a selected machine 2785, and a local time 2786 are stored in association with each player. These data are updated at any time in the preparation stage before the start of each battle game.

  The main customer identification flag 2781 is a flag for identifying the main customer of the player. “Host” is set when the player is a host player, and “guest” is set when the player is a guest player. The player name 2782 and the nationality 2783 correspond to the player name 2771 and the nationality 2772 of the player data 277, respectively.

  The state 2784 is the state of the player. When a machine is selected by the player and a preparation completion instruction is pressed on the machine selection screen (for example, FIG. 4), “ready” is displayed. Is set to “watching”, otherwise “preparing” is set.

  The selected machine 2785 is the type of machine selected by the player. However, if the state 2784 is “watching” or “preparing”, “-(none)” is set. The local time 2786 is a time measured by the clock unit 290 of the game terminal 20 used by the player, and is updated in real time.

  For example, a player whose player name 2782 is “Li” is a guest player, and his nationality 2783 is “China (China)”. The state 2784 is “watching” and the local time 2786 is “16:27”.

  The in-game data 279 is data about the state of the machine in the competitive game, and an example of the data configuration is shown in FIG. In the game data 279, a player name 2791, a current position / posture 2792, a speed 2793, and a rank 2794 are stored in association with each other.

  The current position / posture 2792 is the current position and posture of the machine operated by the player, and is expressed by a coordinate value and an angle in the world coordinate system. Speed 2793 is the current running speed of the machine operated by the player. The rank 2794 is the current rank of the machine operated by the player. These data are updated as needed in the battle game process.

  The own terminal communication address data 281 is data in which the communication address of the game terminal 20 is stored. The own terminal host data 283 is data used to exchange various data with the management server 10 when the game terminal 20 functions as the host terminal 20a.

  The clock unit 290 is a clock circuit for clocking the current date and time, and outputs a clock signal indicating the current time to the processing unit 220 as needed.

4). Process Flow Next, the process flow will be described.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a flow of main processing executed in the game terminal 20.

  First, the main processing unit 221 makes a login request to the management server 10 (step A1). Then, when password authentication is performed by the management server 10 and the login is successful, the main processing unit 221 displays a menu screen (for example, the menu screen W1 in FIG. 1) on the display unit 240 (step A3).

  Next, the main processing unit 221 determines whether or not a new play room has been instructed by the player (step A5). Specifically, it is determined whether the creation icon J1 on the menu screen has been pressed.

  And when it determines with the new production | generation of a play room having been instruct | indicated (step A5; Yes), the main process part 221 makes a play room creation request with respect to the management server 10 (step A7).

  Next, the main processing unit 221 determines whether to close the guest player according to the operation input of the player (step A9). If it is determined that the deadline has not yet been reached (step A9; No), the process waits as it is. If it is determined that the deadline is reached (step A9; Yes), the host playroom processing unit 2211 performs host playroom processing (step A11).

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the host playroom process. In the host playroom process, the game terminal 20 functions as the host terminal 20a.
First, the host playroom processing unit 2211 receives the communication address transmitted from the management server 10 (step B1). Then, the host playroom processing unit 2211 establishes communication with the guest terminal 20b having the received communication address (step B2).

  Next, the host playroom processing unit 2211 starts to receive local time (time keeping time) from all the guest terminals 20b that have established communication (step B3).

  Thereafter, the host playroom processing unit 2211 performs course selection processing (step B4). Specifically, a course selection screen is displayed on the display unit 240, and one course is selected according to the operation input of the host player. Thereafter, the host playroom processing unit 2211 transmits the selected course to all the guest terminals 20b (step B5).

  Then, the host playroom processing unit 2211 performs a machine selection process (step B7). Specifically, a machine selection screen is displayed on the display unit 240, and one machine is selected according to the operation input of the host player. Thereafter, the host playroom processing unit 2211 transmits the selected machine to all the guest terminals 20b (step B9).

  Next, the host playroom processing unit 2211 displays a player status list screen (for example, the player status list screen W7 in FIG. 5) on the display unit 240 (step B11). Then, the host playroom processing unit 2211 determines whether or not the guest player has instructed to leave the room (step B13).

  Specifically, when a guest player displayed on the player status list screen is selected / determined, the check box associated with the guest player is checked, and whether or not the exit icon J8 is pressed. Determine. If it is determined that the instruction has been pressed, a small screen for confirming exit (for example, the small screen SW9 in FIG. 6) is displayed on the player status list screen, and it is determined whether or not the OK icon J9 has been pressed.

  If it is determined in step B13 that the guest player has not been instructed to leave the room (step B13; No), the host playroom processing unit 2211 shifts the process to step B19. On the other hand, if it is determined that the guest player has been instructed to leave the room (step B13; Yes), the host playroom processing unit 2211 transmits a room leaving request to the guest terminal 20b of the guest player (step B15).

  Then, the host playroom processing unit 2211 performs a room leaving process (step B17). Specifically, the communication with the guest terminal 20b that transmitted the leaving request is forcibly disconnected.

  Next, the host playroom processing unit 2211 determines whether or not standby for all the players has been completed (step B19). Specifically, it is determined whether the selected machine or the watching request has been received from all the guest terminals 20b.

  If it is determined that the standby of all players has not been completed (step B19; No), the host playroom processing unit 2211 returns to step B13, and if it is determined that the completion has been completed (step B19; Yes). ), A small screen for completion of standby (for example, the small screen SW11 in FIG. 7) is displayed on the player status list screen.

  Then, the battle game processing unit 2215 performs battle game processing (step B21). Since this battle game process is a known process, the description thereof is omitted.

  When the battle game process is terminated, the host playroom processing unit 2211 displays a battle result screen on the display unit 240 (step B23). Then, the host playroom processing unit 2211 determines whether or not the battle has been performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 20 times) (step B25). If it is determined that the battle has not yet been performed (step B25; No), step B4 If it is determined that the process has been performed (step B25; Yes), the host play room process is terminated.

  Returning to the main process of FIG. 18, when the host playroom process is completed, the main processing unit 221 returns to step A3.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step A5 that the creation of a new play room has not been instructed (step A5; No), the main processing unit 221 determines whether or not the player has instructed browsing of the play room (step A13). ). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the browse icon J2 on the menu screen has been pressed.

  And when it determines with browsing of a play room having been instruct | indicated (step A13; Yes), the main process part 221 makes a play room browsing request with respect to the management server 10 (step A15).

  Next, the main processing unit 221 receives a list of play rooms from the management server 10, and causes the display unit 240 to display a play room list screen (for example, the play room list screen W3 in FIG. 2) (step A17).

  Then, the main processing unit 221 determines whether or not the player is instructed to enter the play room (step A19). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the entry icon J4 on the play room list screen has been pressed.

  When it is determined that entry into the play room has not been instructed (step A19; No), the main processing unit 221 determines whether or not to return to the menu screen (step A21). Specifically, it is determined whether or not an instruction on the menu icon J5 on the play room list screen has been pressed.

  And when it determines with returning to a menu screen (step A21; Yes), the main process part 221 returns to step A3, and when it determines with not returning to a menu screen (step A21; No), it returns to step A19. .

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step A19 that entry into the play room has been instructed (step A19; Yes), the main processing unit 221 makes a play room entry request to the management server 10 (step A23). Then, the guest playroom processing unit 2213 performs guest playroom processing (step A25).

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the guest playroom process. In the guest playroom process, the game terminal 20 functions as the guest terminal 20b.
First, the guest playroom processing unit 2213 receives the communication address transmitted from the management server 10 (step C1). Then, the guest playroom processing unit 2213 establishes communication with the host terminal 20a having the received communication address (step C2).

  Next, the guest playroom processing unit 2213 starts to transmit local time (time keeping time) to the host terminal 20a that has established communication (step C3).

  Thereafter, the guest playroom processing unit 2213 displays a machine selection screen (for example, the machine selection screen W5 in FIG. 4) on the display unit 240 (step C4). Then, the guest playroom processing unit 2213 determines whether or not an exit request has been received from the host terminal 20a (step C5).

  When it is determined in step C5 that the exit request has not been received (step C5; No), the guest playroom processing unit 2213 determines whether or not the machine has been selected by the player and the ready icon J6 has been pressed. (Step C7).

  If it is determined that the preparation completion icon J6 has been pressed (step C7; Yes), the guest playroom processing unit 2213 transmits the selected machine to the host terminal 20a (step C9).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step C7 that the preparation completion icon J6 has not been pressed (step C7; No), the guest playroom processing unit 2213 determines whether or not the watching icon J7 has been pressed (step). C11).

  If it is determined that the instruction icon J7 is not pressed (Step C11; No), the guest playroom processing unit 2213 returns to Step C5, and if it is determined that the instruction is pressed (Step C11; Yes). Then, a watching request is transmitted to the host terminal 20a (step C13).

  When the processing in step C9 or C13 is performed, the guest playroom processing unit 2213 displays a player status list screen (for example, the player status list screen W13 in FIG. 8) on the display unit 240 (step C15). Then, the guest playroom processing unit 2213 determines whether or not an exit request has been received from the host terminal 20a (step C17).

  When it is determined in step C17 that the request for leaving the room has not been received (step C17; No), the guest playroom processing unit 2213 determines whether standby for all the players has been completed (step C19). Specifically, with reference to the player status data 278 of the shared data 275, it is determined whether the status 2784 of all the players is “ready” or “watching”.

  If it is determined that standby for all the players has not been completed (step C19; No), the guest playroom processing unit 2213 returns to step C17, and if it is determined that it has been completed (step C19; Yes). ), A small screen indicating standby completion is displayed on the player status list screen.

  Then, the battle game processing unit 2215 performs battle game processing (step C21). This battle game process is the same as the battle game process in step B21 of the host play room process of FIG.

  When the battle game process is completed, the guest playroom processing unit 2213 displays a battle result screen on the display unit 240 (step C23). Then, the guest playroom processing unit 2213 determines whether or not the battle has been performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 20 times) (step C25). If it is determined that the battle has not yet been performed (step C25; No), step C4 If it is determined that it has been performed (step C25; Yes), the guest playroom process is terminated.

  In addition, when it is determined in step C5 or C17 that an exit request has been received from the host terminal 20a (step C5 or C17; Yes), the guest playroom processing unit 2213 ends the guest playroom process.

  Returning to the main process in FIG. 18, when the guest playroom process ends, the main processing unit 221 returns to step A3.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step A13 that play room browsing has not been instructed (step A13; No), the main processing unit 221 determines whether or not the player has instructed logout (step A27). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the logout icon J3 on the menu screen has been pressed.

  And when it determines with logout not having been instruct | indicated (step A27; No), the main process part 221 returns to step A5. On the other hand, if it is determined that logout has been instructed (step A27; Yes), the main processing unit 221 issues a logout request to the management server 10 (step A29), and ends the main process.

5). Hardware Configuration Next, an example of a hardware configuration for realizing the management server 10 and the game terminal 20 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 21 includes a CPU 1000, a ROM 1002, a RAM 1004, an information storage medium 1006, an image generation IC 1010, a sound generation IC 1008, and I / O ports 1014 and 1016. It is connected to the. A control device 1024 is connected to the I / O port 1014, and a communication device 1026 is connected to the I / O port 1016.

  The CPU 1000 controls the entire device and performs various data processing in accordance with a program stored in the information storage medium 1006, a system program stored in the ROM 1002 (initialization information of the apparatus main body), a signal input by the control device 1024, and the like. Do. The CPU 1000 corresponds to the processing unit 120 shown in FIG. 11 and the processing unit 220 shown in FIG.

  The RAM 1004 is a storage unit used as a work area of the CPU 1000, and stores given contents in the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002, the calculation result of the CPU 1000, and the like. The RAM 1004 constitutes a part of the storage unit 160 shown in FIG. 11 and the storage unit 260 shown in FIG.

  The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data, sound data, play data, and the like. This information storage medium 1006 constitutes a part of the storage unit 160 shown in FIG. 11 and the storage unit 260 shown in FIG. When what implements the present embodiment is a computer system, the information storage medium 1006 is a CD-ROM, DVD, hard disk or the like as an information storage medium for storing various programs and data.

  In addition, the image generation IC 1010 and the sound generation IC 1008 provided in this apparatus can appropriately output sound and images.

  The image generation IC 1010 is an integrated circuit that generates pixel information based on information sent from the ROM 1002, the RAM 1004, the information storage medium 1006, and the like according to instructions from the CPU 1000, and the generated display signal is output to the display device 1022. The display device 1022 is realized by a CRT, LCD, ELD, PDP, HMD, or the like, and corresponds to the display unit 140 illustrated in FIG. 11 and the display unit 240 illustrated in FIG.

  The sound generation IC 1008 is an integrated circuit that generates sound signals according to information stored in the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002 and sound data stored in the RAM 1004 according to instructions from the CPU 1000. Output from the speaker 1020. The speaker 1020 corresponds to the sound output unit 250 shown in FIG.

  The control device 1024 is a device for inputting various operations, and its function is realized by hardware such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel. The control device 1024 corresponds to the operation unit 110 illustrated in FIG. 11 and the operation unit 210 illustrated in FIG.

  The communication device 1026 exchanges information used inside the device with the outside. The communication device 1026 is connected to other devices via a communication line, and is used to send and receive given information according to a program. The communication device 1026 corresponds to the communication unit 130 illustrated in FIG. 11 and the communication unit 230 illustrated in FIG.

6). Effects According to the present embodiment, the host terminal 20a acquires the local time by receiving the time measured by the clock unit 290 of each guest terminal 20b. Then, the acquired local time is displayed in association with the player name of the guest player of the corresponding guest terminal 20b together with the state of the guest player of the guest terminal 20b. When the state of the guest player of the guest terminal 20b is not ready or watching, the guest player may have fallen asleep. Since the local time is displayed in association with the player name of the guest player, it is possible to more reliably grasp whether or not the guest player has fallen.

  Further, the host player can forcibly leave the guest player selected arbitrarily from the play room. Specifically, the host terminal 20a forcibly disconnects communication with the guest terminal 20b of the guest player selected by the host player.

  Therefore, if the standby of a certain guest player is not completed at all, the host player confirms the local time of the guest terminal 20b of the guest player, and if it is determined that the guest player has fallen, forcibly leaves the guest player from the play room. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the progress of the game from being hindered by a player who has fallen asleep.

7). Modification 7-1. System Configuration In this embodiment, the management server 10 has been described as managing a player and managing a play room. However, if any game terminal 20 realizes the function of the management server 10, the game terminals 20 You may comprise the game system formed by connecting. Specifically, among the configurations of the game system using the network games (A) to (D) described above, for example, the configuration of (C) may be used.

7-2. Game terminal The game terminal 20 does not necessarily have to be a home-use game machine, and may be a portable game machine or an arcade game machine. Of course, it may be a home personal computer (PC).

7-3. Application to other games The network game to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to a racing game, but can also be applied to a mahjong game, a card game, or the like. In any case, it is only necessary that the local time of the game terminals 20 of all players can be monitored and communication with the game terminals 20 of arbitrarily selected players can be disconnected.

7-4. Guest Player Forced Exit The guest player may be allowed to determine the guest player to be forced to leave. Specifically, the guest terminal 20b displays a player status list screen similar to that of the host terminal 20a. Then, when another guest player to be forced to leave is determined by the guest player, the player name of the guest player is transmitted to the host terminal 20a. Then, the host terminal 20a disconnects communication with the guest terminal 20b of the guest player having the received player name.

7-5. Re-entry of a guest player When a guest player is forcibly left, the guest player may be re-entered at the stage where the battle game for that time has ended. Specifically, the host terminal 20a stores the communication address of the guest terminal 20b that has disconnected communication in the leaving process. And after performing a battle | competition game process, according to the memorize | stored communication address, communication with the said guest terminal 20b is reestablished. As a result, even if the guest player temporarily falls asleep and is forced to leave the room, it is possible to participate from the next battle game.

7-6. Forcibly changing the state of the guest player In addition, the guest player may be forced to change to the watching game instead of forcibly leaving the guest player. Specifically, in the player status list screen displayed on the host terminal 20a, a watching icon is displayed instead of the leaving icon. Then, when the guest player is selected and determined by the host player and the watching icon is instructed and pressed, the state of the guest player is forcibly changed to watching. In this case as well, even if the guest player temporarily falls asleep, it is possible to participate from the next battle game.

7-7. Changing the player status display The player status display on the player status list screen may be changed. For example, the condition is that “the local time is included in the midnight time zone of“ 00:00 to 5:00 ”and the player's state is“ preparing ”and 1 minute has passed”. The display of the state of the satisfied player is changed from “preparing” to “sleeping”. Further, for example, the display color of “in preparation” may be changed from black to red, or “in preparation” may be blinked.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a player status list screen W21 which is an example of a player status list screen displayed on the host terminal 20a.
The local time “3:24” of the guest player “John” is included in the midnight time zone of “00:00 to 5:00”, and one minute has passed while the state is “preparing” Therefore, the status display is “sleeping”.

  In this case, the local time may not be displayed. This is because by changing the display of the player state, other players can know that the player has fallen without displaying the local time.

7-8. Icon Display In addition, an icon may be displayed on a player that satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, the condition is that “the local time is included in the midnight time zone of“ 00:00 to 5:00 ”and the player's state is“ preparing ”and 1 minute has passed”. A sleep icon is displayed on the satisfied players. The sleeping icon may be, for example, an icon depicting a person sleeping or an icon depicting the moon.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a player status list screen W23 which is an example of a player status list screen displayed on the host terminal 20a.
The local time “3:24” of the guest player “John” is included in the midnight time zone of “00:00 to 5:00”, and one minute has passed while the state is “preparing” Therefore, a sleeping icon J23 on which a person is sleeping is displayed on the right side of the local time.

  In this case, the local time may not be displayed. This is because displaying the sleeping icon allows other players to know that the player has fallen asleep without displaying the local time.

  Similarly, for example, “local time is included in the daytime time zone of“ 8:00 to 18:00 ”” can be used, and a day icon can be displayed to a player that satisfies this condition. is there.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a player status list screen W25 which is an example of a player status list screen displayed on the host terminal 20a.
Since the local time of all players other than the guest player “John” is included in the daytime time zone from “8:00 to 18:00”, a sun icon J25 with the sun drawn is displayed to the right of the local time. Has been.

7-9. Setting the time zone condition The time zone condition is included in the time zone condition (hereinafter referred to as “time zone condition”) on whether to change the display of the player state or display an icon as described above. Each player may be settable. Specifically, the guest player inputs a desired time zone and transmits it to the host terminal 20a. The host terminal 20a stores the received time zone in association with the guest player. Then, on the player status list screen, when the local time of the guest player is included in the stored time zone, the display change of the status of the guest player and the icon display are performed.

  Since lifestyles vary from player to player, if the time zone conditions are uniform, the player may not be forced to leave the room accidentally because the status display is changed or an icon is displayed for a player who has not actually fallen asleep. There is. However, if each player can set the time zone condition individually, such a situation will not occur.

7-10. Calculation of Local Time In the present embodiment, the host terminal 20a has been described as receiving the time measured by the clock unit 270 of each guest terminal 20b as the local time. However, the local time of each guest terminal 20b is calculated. Also good.

  Specifically, the storage unit 260 of the game terminal 20 stores time difference data in which time differences between different countries are calculated in advance. Then, the host terminal 20a determines the time difference between the country of the nationality of the guest player of each guest terminal 20b and the country of the host player by referring to the time difference data. Then, the local time of each guest terminal 20b is calculated and displayed by adding / subtracting the determined time difference to the time measured by the clock unit 270 of the own terminal.

  When the time measured by the clock unit 270 is received and displayed from each guest terminal 20b, there is a problem in that the switching between the hour and the minute becomes disjoint. However, if the local time of each guest terminal 20b is calculated and displayed, such a problem does not occur.

  Further, the management server 10 may calculate the local time. Specifically, the management server 10 is also provided with a clock unit, and the time difference data is stored in the storage unit 160. Then, the management server 10 refers to the time difference data to determine the time difference corresponding to the country in which the device is installed and the nationality of each player. Then, the local time of each game terminal 20 is calculated by adding or subtracting the determined time difference to the time measured by the clock unit of the own device, and the calculated local time of each game terminal 20 is transmitted to the host terminal 20a.

  There is a possibility that the time measured by the clock of each game terminal 20 is not an accurate time unless each player periodically adjusts the time. However, if the timing time of the management server 10 is accurate, the local time of each game terminal 20 calculated based on the nationality that is the player's territory information is also accurate, so an incorrect local time is displayed. It will not be.

7-11. Determination of the time difference In addition, the determination of the time difference when calculating the local time may be performed based on the use area of the game terminal 20 instead of based on the nationality of the player. Specifically, device use area identification information represented by a region code is stored in the storage unit 260 of each game terminal 20. In this case, the storage unit 260 stores the time difference data between the use areas in which the time differences between the different use areas are calculated in advance.

  Then, the host terminal 20a receives the device use area identification information from each guest terminal 20b, and refers to the time difference data between the use areas, thereby identifying the use area specified by the received device use area identification information and its own terminal. The time difference with the use area specified by the stored device use area identification information is determined.

  Even when the management server 10 calculates the local time, it is possible to determine the time difference similarly by receiving the device use area identification information from each game terminal 20.

7-12. Inheritance of the host player When communication between the host terminal 20a and all the guest terminals 20b is cut off for some reason, such as failure of the host terminal 20a, one of the guest terminals 20b may function as the host terminal 20a. good. Specifically, when the communication of the host terminal 20a is disconnected, the management server 10 selects one guest terminal 20b at random, and notifies the guest terminal 20b of the succession notification of the host terminal 20a and all other The communication address of the guest terminal 20b is transmitted. In addition, the management server 10 transmits the communication address of the new host terminal 20a to each of the guest terminals 20b.

  Then, after establishing communication with all the guest terminals 20a, the new host terminal 20a performs host playroom processing in accordance with the host playroom program 2613. That is, the new host terminal 20a takes over the authority to refuse the game participation of the guest terminal 20b.

  Instead of randomly determining a new host terminal 20a, for example, the guest terminal 20b of the guest player with the best total result of the battle game may be determined as the host terminal 20a.

7-13. Restriction of Forced Leaving Only the guest player of the guest terminal 20b whose local time is included in a predetermined time zone may be restricted to be subject to forced leaving. For example, a midnight time zone of “0:00 to 5:00” is set as a time zone in which forced leaving is permitted (hereinafter referred to as “leaving permission time zone”). Then, only the guest player of the guest terminal 20b whose local time is included in this leaving permission time zone is restricted so that the forced leaving can be instructed by the host player.

  In this case, by combining with the icon display described in “7-8. Icon Display”, for example, only the player displaying the sleeping icon J23 as shown in FIG. Become.

  Further, the guest player of the guest terminal 20b whose local time is included in a predetermined time zone may be restricted so as not to be forced to leave. For example, a time zone in which it is prohibited to forcibly leave a daytime time zone of “8:00 to 18:00” or a time zone other than the above-mentioned “midnight to 5:00” time zone (hereinafter referred to as “time zone”) , Called “Exiting time zone”). Then, the guest player of the guest terminal 20b whose local time is included in the leaving prohibition time zone is restricted so that the host player cannot give a forced leaving instruction.

  In this case, by combining with the icon display described in “7-8. Icon Display”, for example, a player displaying the day icon J25 as shown in FIG. 24 is not subject to forced leaving. . Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent a guest player who is not worried about falling asleep during the daytime from being forcibly left.

The figure which shows an example of the menu screen displayed in a game terminal. The figure which shows an example of the play room list screen displayed in a game terminal. The flowchart which shows the flow of the battle | competition game which concerns on one play room. The figure which shows an example of the machine selection screen displayed in a guest terminal. The figure which shows an example of the player status list screen displayed in a host terminal. The figure which shows an example of the player status list screen displayed in a host terminal. The figure which shows an example of the player status list screen displayed in a host terminal. The figure which shows an example of the player status list screen displayed in a guest terminal. (A) The figure which shows the physical structure of a game system. (B) The figure which shows the logical structure of the game system which concerns on one play room. 1 is a schematic external view of a game terminal. The block diagram which shows the function structure of a management server. The figure which shows the data structural example of player management DB. The figure which shows the data structural example of playroom management DB. The block diagram which shows the function structure of a game terminal. The figure which shows the data structural example of a player data group. The figure which shows the data structural example of player status data. The figure which shows the data structural example of the data during a game. The flowchart which shows the flow of a main process. The flowchart which shows the flow of the playroom process for hosts. The flowchart which shows the flow of the playroom process for guests. The figure which shows the hardware structural example. The figure which shows an example of the player status list screen in a modification. The figure which shows an example of the player status list screen in a modification. The figure which shows an example of the player status list screen in a modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game system 10 Management server 110 Operation part 120 Processing part 121 Player management part 123 Play room management part 130 Communication part 140 Display part 160 Storage part 161 Player management program 163 Play room management program 171 Player management DB
172 Player management data 173 Playroom management DB
174 Playroom management data 20 Game terminal 20a Host terminal 20b Guest terminal 210 Operation unit 220 Processing unit 221 Main processing unit 2211 Host playroom processing unit 2213 Guest playroom processing unit 2215 Competitive game processing unit 224 Image generation unit 226 Sound generation Unit 230 communication unit 240 display unit 250 sound output unit 260 storage unit 261 main program 2611 host play room program 2613 guest play room program 2615 battle game program 271 machine model data 273 course data 2731 map data 2733 object data 275 shared data 276 Player data group 277 Player data 278 Player status data 279 In-game data 281 Own terminal communication address Over data 283 own terminal host when the data 290 clock unit

Claims (13)

A network in which the player terminal, which is a computer, performs predetermined communication with a plurality of other player terminals, and the advancement of all the players is completed, and the game progress is started between the player terminals that have been set to participate in the game. A program for running a game,
Local time acquisition means for acquiring the local time of each of the other player terminals;
Preset state display control means for displaying the acquired local time and / or an image based on the local time in association with a player identifier of the corresponding other player terminal together with a preset state of the other player terminal;
Rejection control means for refusing to participate in the game of the other player terminal while the other player terminal is preset according to the operation input of the player;
A program for causing the player terminal to function as Each player terminal has a clock function;
The local time acquisition unit causes the player terminal to function so as to have a time reception unit that receives, as a local time, a time measured by the clock function of the other player terminal from each of the other player terminals. The program described. The player terminal has a clock function,
Causing the player terminal to function as an affiliation information receiving means for receiving the affiliation information of the other player terminal or the other player from each of the other player terminals;
The local time acquisition means obtains the local time of each of the other player terminals based on the received genus information, the own player terminal or the own player genus information set in advance, and the clock time of the clock function. The program according to claim 1 for causing the player terminal to function so as to have a local time calculating means for calculating. Each player terminal stores device usage area identification information for identifying the usage area of the player terminal as the genus information,
In order to cause the own player terminal to function so as to receive the attribute information stored in the other player terminal as attribute information of the other player terminal or the other player from each of the other player terminals. The program according to claim 3.   The local time acquisition means causes the player terminal to function so as to acquire the local time of each of the other player terminals from a server that communicates with the player terminals and determines the local time of each player terminal. The program according to claim 1. The network game is a game that repeats a preparation stage for performing the presetting and a game progress stage in which the game progresses,
The preset status display control means displays the preset status of the other player terminal in the preparation stage,
The rejection control means includes selection means for selecting, in the preparation step, another player terminal that rejects subsequent game participation among the plurality of other player terminals according to an operation input of the player, and the selected other Refusing to join the game on the player terminal,
The program according to claim 1, for causing the player terminal to function as described above.   The program according to claim 6, wherein the player terminal is caused to function as return control means for causing another player terminal rejected by the rejection control means to participate in the game again. Causing the player terminal to function as a detecting means for detecting other player terminals whose local time satisfies a given time zone condition;
The preset status display control means causes the player terminal to function so as to have detection terminal identification display control means for performing display control for distinguishing the detected other player terminal from other other player terminals. The program as described in any one of Claims 1-7. A time zone condition receiving means for receiving a time zone condition indicating a time zone in which the presetting may be passed from each of the other player terminals;
Detecting means for detecting other player terminals satisfying the time zone conditions of the other player terminals, in which the local time is received by the time zone condition receiving means, among the other player terminals;
As a function of the player terminal
The preset status display control means causes the player terminal to function so as to have detection terminal identification display control means for performing display control for distinguishing the detected other player terminal from other other player terminals. The program as described in any one of Claims 1-7. Causing the player terminal to function as a detecting means for detecting other player terminals whose local time satisfies a given time zone condition;
The refusal control means causes the own player terminal to function so as to have a refusable terminal restricting means for restricting other player terminals that can refuse participation in the game in accordance with an operation input of the own player to other player terminals detected by the detecting means. The program as described in any one of Claims 1-7 for. Causing the player terminal to function as a detecting means for detecting other player terminals whose local time satisfies a given time zone condition;
8. The player terminal according to claim 1, wherein the refusal control means functions the own player terminal so as to have a refusable terminal restriction means for controlling the participation of the other player terminal detected by the detecting means so as not to be rejected. The program as described in any one.   The computer-readable information storage medium which memorize | stored the program as described in any one of Claims 1-11. A player terminal that performs predetermined communication with a plurality of other player terminals, and executes a network game in which advance setting of all players is completed and game progress between the player terminals that are set to participate in the game is started.
Local time acquisition means for acquiring the local time of each of the other player terminals;
Preset state display control means for displaying the acquired local time and / or an image based on the local time in association with a player identifier of the corresponding other player terminal together with a preset state of the other player terminal; ,
A rejection control means for rejecting the participation of the other player terminal in the game while the other player terminal is preset according to the operation input of the player;
A player terminal comprising:

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