U.S. Pat. No. 11,144,187

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

1. Configuration of Information Processing System

Hereinafter, an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, a game program, and a game processing method according to the present embodiment will be described. Firstly, description will be given of the overall configuration of the information processing system and the configurations of the information processing apparatus and a server included in the information processing system according to the present embodiment.FIG. 1is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 1, the information processing system includes a server1and an information processing apparatus2. The server1and the information processing apparatus2are connectable to a network3, such as the Internet and/or a mobile communication network, wirelessly and/or via wires. The server1and the information processing apparatus2are communicable with each other via the network3.

The server1is a server for providing services related to an application (specifically, a game application) to be executed in the information processing apparatus2. In the present embodiment, the server1is a game server for a game to be executed in the information processing apparatus2, and provides an environment for a game process to be executed in the information processing apparatus2. For example, in response to a request from the information processing apparatus2that executes the game process, the server1executes a game process according to need, and transmits, to the information processing apparatus2, data complying with the request (refer toFIG. 1).

The information processing apparatus2is an example of a terminal device possessed by a user. Examples of the information processing apparatus2include a smart phone, a hand-held or stationary game apparatus, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, and a wearable terminal. The information processing apparatus2is able to execute a game program (in other words, a game application) for a game for which the server1provides services.

(Specific Example of Configuration of Server1)

FIG. 2is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server1. InFIG. 2, each of components included in the server1is implemented by one or more information processing apparatuses. In this specification, the “server” means one information processing apparatus (i.e., a server apparatus). When the function of the server is implemented by a plurality of server apparatuses, the “server” means the entirety of a server apparatus group (i.e., a server system). That is, the “server” may be a server apparatus or a server system. When a plurality of information processing apparatuses are included in the server system, these information processing apparatuses may be arranged in the same place or different places. The hardware configuration of the server1of the present embodiment may be the same as that for a conventional server.

As shown inFIG. 2, the server1includes a processing section11and a storage section12. The processing section11is electrically connected to the components12to15of the server1. The processing section11includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit, in other words, a processor) and a memory. In the server1, the CPU executes, using the memory, programs stored in the storage section12, thereby executing various kinds of information processing. The storage section12is any storage device (also referred to as “storage medium”) that is accessible to the processing section11. The storage section12stores therein programs to be executed in the processing section11, data to be used for information processing by the processing section11, data obtained through the information processing, etc. In the present embodiment, the storage section12stores therein at least a program for a game process that is to be executed on the server side for a game process to be executed in the information processing apparatus2.

The server1includes a communication section13. The communication section13is connected to the network3, and has a function of communicating with other devices (e.g., the information processing apparatus2) via the network3. The server1further includes an input section14and a display section15as input/output interfaces.

(Specific Example of Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus2)

FIG. 3is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing apparatus2. As shown inFIG. 3, the information processing apparatus2includes a processing section21and a storage section22. The processing section21is electrically connected to the components22to25of the information processing apparatus2. The processing section21includes a CPU (in other words, a processor) and a memory. In the information processing apparatus2, the CPU executes, using the memory, a program (specifically, a game program) stored in the storage section22, thereby executing various kinds of information processing. The storage section22stores therein programs to be executed in the processing section21, data to be used for information processing by the processing section21, data obtained through the information processing, etc. The storage section22may be a storage medium incorporated in a main body unit (specifically, a unit in which the processing section21is provided) of the information processing apparatus2, or may be a storage medium (e.g., a card type storage medium) attachable/detachable with respect to the main body unit.

The information processing apparatus2includes an input section23. The input section23may be any input device that receives an input performed by the user. In the present embodiment, the input section23includes a touch panel provided on a screen of a display section24described later. The input section23may include buttons and/or an inertial sensor (e.g., an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor), etc., in addition to (or instead of) the touch panel. The input section23may be an input device provided in the main body unit of the information processing apparatus2, or may be an input device (e.g., a game controller) separated from the main body unit.

The information processing apparatus2includes a display section24. The display section24displays an image (e.g., a game image, etc.) that is generated through information processing executed in the processing section21of the information processing apparatus2. The display section24may be a display device provided in the main body unit of the information processing apparatus2, or may be a display device separated from the main body unit. The information processing apparatus2may include a speaker, a microphone, and/or a camera, etc.

The information processing apparatus2includes a communication section25. In the present embodiment, the communication section25has a function of performing communication while being connected to a mobile communication network (in other words, a mobile telephone communication network). That is, the information processing apparatus2(specifically, the processing section21) is connected to the network3by using the communication section25(in other words, through the communication section25) via the mobile communication network, and communicates with other devices (e.g., the server1, etc.). The configuration of the communication section, through which the information processing apparatus2performs communication via the network3, is arbitrary. For example, the communication section25may have a function of connecting to a wireless LAN through a communication module with Wi-Fi authentication, or may have both the function of connecting to the mobile communication network and the function of connecting to the wireless LAN.

2. Outline of Processing in Information Processing System

Hereinafter, the outline of processing that is executed in the information processing system of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the information processing system executes a game process for a simulation game using a game map on which a game character as a unit (in other words, a piece) is caused to fight with an enemy unit. In the present embodiment, a user (in other words, a player of the game) is allowed to place a facility on the game map. The facility, when being placed on the game map, becomes to have a function of recovering or strengthening a player unit or a function of attacking or weakening an enemy unit. Therefore, by generating a facility and placing the facility on the game map, the user can advantageously proceed with the game.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of facilities are prepared in the simulation game. Each of the facilities is classified into any one of a plurality of categories. In the present embodiment, each facility is classified into any of four categories including an offensive facility, a defensive facility, a trap, and a decorative facility. For example, each facility is classified into any of the four categories according to the function of the facility. However, the method of classifying each facility into any of the categories is arbitrary. In another embodiment, each facility may be classified into any of the categories, based on any classification criteria. In still another embodiment, the number of categories may be any number not less than 2.

The offensive facility, the defensive facility, and the trap are game objects each having an advantageous function for the user on the game, whereas the decorative facility has no function on the game (that is, this facility only has a function of decorating the appearance of the game map). Thus, each facility may be a game object that imparts an advantageous effect to the user in the game, or a game object that does not impart such an advantageous effect.

Next, a selection screen for selecting a facility to be generated will be described with reference toFIG. 4toFIG. 7.FIG. 4shows an example of a selection screen displayed on the information processing apparatus. In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus2displays the selection screen on the display section24in response to a predetermined selection screen display instruction made by the user. For example, the information processing apparatus2receives the selection screen display instruction at a menu screen (not shown) in the game application.

As shown inFIG. 4, the selection screen includes a possession number image31. The possession number image31indicates the number of game items (here, jewels) the user currently possesses. The game items will be consumed for generating a facility. InFIG. 4, the possession number image31indicates that the user possesses 500 jewels. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, a jewel is a game item that is given to the user, based on the result of a game using a game map on which facilities can be placed (step S4described later).

Further, the selection screen includes an end instruction image39(refer toFIG. 4). The end instruction image39is a button image that allows an instruction to end display of the selection screen. That is, in response to an operation of designating the end instruction image39performed by the user, the information processing apparatus2ends display of the selection screen and displays the menu screen on the display section24.

(Item Group Image)

As shown inFIG. 4, the selection screen includes an item group image32. The item group image32is an image including a plurality of items respectively indicating the plurality of facilities prepared. In the example shown inFIG. 4, the item group image32includes three items35(specifically, items35ato35c). The item35aindicates an offensive bastion, the item35bindicates an operation room, and an item35cindicates a catapult. These facilities are all classified into “offensive facility”.

One item35indicates information regarding one facility. As shown inFIG. 4, in the present embodiment, each item35indicates: the name of the corresponding facility (e.g., “offensive bastion”, “operation room”, or the like); description for the facility (e.g., description for the function of the facility); and a condition (referred to as “generation condition”) for generating the facility. In the present embodiment, the generation condition is indicated as the number of jewels (e.g., “500” in the item35ashown inFIG. 4) to be consumed in exchange for generation of the facility. The content of the information regarding the facility, which is indicated by the item, is arbitrary.

In the present embodiment, each item35indicates a facility to be newly generated. However, if a facility can be strengthened (e.g., the level of a facility can be increased), an item35may indicate the facility to be strengthened. In this case, the item35may indicate: the name of the facility; description for the facility; and a condition for strengthening the facility (e.g., the number of jewels to be consumed in exchange for the strengthening). The condition for strengthening a facility may be set for each of levels of the facility in such a manner that the number of jewels to be consumed increases as the level of the facility increases, for example. The item group image32may include both the item indicating a facility to be generated and the item indicating a facility to be strengthened.

In the present embodiment, a condition for generating a facility is set for each facility. That is, a condition value (i.e., the number of jewels to be consumed in exchange for generation of a facility) for a parameter (i.e., the number of jewels possessed by the user) related to the game to satisfy the generation condition is set for a plurality of items. Therefore, in the present embodiment, depending on the number of jewels currently possessed by the user, there will be a facility that can be generated (i.e., a facility whose generation consumes jewels not greater in number than the jewels currently possessed by the user), and a facility that cannot be generated (i.e., a facility whose generation consumes jewels greater in number than the jewels currently possessed by the user). For example, in the example shown inFIG. 4, since the number of jewels possessed by the user is 500, it is possible to generate the defensive bastion for which 500 jewels will be consumed and the operation room for which 300 jewels will be consumed. Meanwhile, it is not possible to generate the catapult for which 700 jewels will be consumed.

In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus2displays the items35in different display forms (specifically, in different colors (including brightness), sizes, shapes, and/or patterns) depending on whether generation thereof is possible or impossible. Specifically, the item that cannot be generated (e.g., the item35cshown inFIG. 4) is displayed in a background color (with hatched lines inFIG. 4) different from the background color of the items that can be generated (e.g., the items35aand35bshown inFIG. 4). Thus, the information processing apparatus2can present the facilities that can be currently generated and the facility that cannot be currently generated, in an easy-to-understand manner to the user.

In the present embodiment, one type of a game item (i.e., jewel) is used for generating facilities. In another embodiment, a plurality of types of game items may be used for generating facilities. For example, a first type of jewel may be used for generating a certain facility, and a second type of jewel may be used for generating a facility different from the certain facility. In this case, the condition for giving the first type of jewel to the user and the condition for giving the second type of jewel to the user may be the same or different from each other.

As shown inFIG. 4, a part of the item group image32is displayed on the display section24. That is, in the present embodiment, the item group image32is larger than a display area, in the display section24, for displaying the item group image32. The entire item group image32is shown inFIG. 5.FIG. 5shows an example of a relationship between the item group image32and a scrollbar33. InFIG. 5, a marker38described later is not shown.

As shown inFIG. 5, the item group image32is longer than the display area in a predetermined direction (here, up-down direction), and therefore is displayed so as to be scrollable in the direction in the display section24. In the item group image32, a plurality of items35indicating facilities are arrayed in the predetermined direction (in other words, scroll direction).

In the present embodiment, in the item group image32, items assigned to the same category are collectively arranged. That is, as shown inFIG. 5, in the item group image32, items35indicating offensive facilities are collectively placed in an area41, items35indicating defensive facilities are collectively placed in an area42, items35indicating traps are collectively placed in an area43, and items35indicating decorative facilities are collectively placed in an area44. In the present embodiment, the respective categories are arranged in order of “offensive facility”, “defensive facility”, “trap”, and “decorative facility” from the top.

The order in which the respective items35are arranged in one category is arbitrary. The order in which the respective categories are arranged in the item group image32is also arbitrary. These orders may be fixed or variable. For example, the information processing system may have a function of rearranging the respective items in an order instructed by the user.

In the present embodiment, the item group image32includes images45to48indicating the names of the categories before (in other words, above) the respective items35classified into the corresponding categories. That is, as shown inFIG. 5, the image45indicating “offensive facility” is placed before the items35indicating offensive facilities, the image46indicating “defensive facility” is placed before the items35indicating defensive facilities, the image47indicating “trap” is placed before the items35indicating traps, and the image48indicating “decorative facility” is placed before the items35indicating decorative facilities. This allows the user to recognize the categories into which the respective items35are classified.

As described above, a part of the item group image32is displayed on the display section24. Therefore, the user scrolls the item group image32on the screen of the display section24to cause a desired part (i.e., a part that the user desires to see) of the item group image32to be displayed. In the present embodiment, the user can scroll the item group image32by using the scrollbar.

(Scrollbar)

As shown inFIG. 4, the selection screen includes the scrollbar33. The scrollbar33has a shape extending in the direction (here, up-down direction) along which the item group image32is scrollable (refer toFIG. 4F). In the present embodiment, the scrollbar33is placed adjacent to a side (specifically, right side) of the item group image32. The scrollbar33may be placed near the item group image32without being in contact with the item group image32.

As shown inFIG. 4, the scrollbar33includes a knob36and a track area37. The knob36indicates a part, of the item group image32, to be displayed (hereinafter this part is referred to as “display target part”). The track area37indicates an area where the knob36is movable. In the present embodiment, the knob36is movable up and down on the track area37that extends in the up-down direction. The user can change (specifically, scroll) the display target part by moving the knob36on the track area37.

As shown inFIG. 5, the track area37corresponds to the entirety of the item group image32, and the knob36corresponds to the display target part (a part surrounded by an alternate long and short dash line inFIG. 5) of the item group image32. That is, the knob36is placed such that the position of the knob36on the track area37corresponds to the position of the display target part of the item group image32. In other words, the display target part is changed according to movement of the knob36such that the position of the knob36on the track area37corresponds to the position of the display target part of the item group image32.

Regarding the lengths in the scroll direction, the length of the track area37corresponds to the length of the item group image32, and the length of the knob36corresponds to the length of the display target part. That is, the length of the knob36is set such that the ratio of the length of the knob36to the length of the track area37is equal to the ratio of the length of the display target part to the length of the item group image32. However, in another embodiment, the length of the knob36need not strictly correspond to the length of the display target part. The knob36may be set such that the position of the knob36on the track area37indicates the position of the display target part of the item group image32with a certain degree of accuracy.

In the present embodiment, the user is allowed to perform an operation (hereinafter referred to as “display change operation”) of changing the display target part of the item group image32by using the scrollbar33. Specifically, in response to a drag operation with the position of the knob36being a touch start position, the information processing apparatus2moves, on the track area37, the knob36to a touch position during the drag operation. In addition, in response to an operation of touching a position on the track area37, the information processing apparatus2moves the knob36to the touched position. In response to the movement of the knob36, the information processing apparatus2moves the display target part to a position corresponding to the position of the knob36. Thus, the item group image32is scrolled and displayed.

Although the knob36indicates the display target part as described above, the knob36need not indicate the display target part strictly in real time. For example, in the case where the knob36is moved by a drag operation, the display target part may not be moved even when the knob36is moved during the drag operation. In response to the drag operation having been ended, the information processing apparatus2may cause the display target part to move from the position at the start of the drag operation to the position based on the position of the knob36at the end of the drag operation.

In the present embodiment, the user can perform the display change operation also by an operation to the item group image32as well as the operation to the scrollbar33. Specifically, the information processing apparatus2scrolls the display target part in the up-down direction in response to a swipe operation or a drag operation having been performed in the up-down direction on the item group image32. At this time, in response to the display target part having been scrolled, the knob36is moved to the position corresponding to the position of the display target part.

In another embodiment, the information processing apparatus2may receive only one of the display change operation performed to the scrollbar33and the display change operation performed to the item group image32. In other words, the scrollbar33may have a function as an operation image that allows an operation to the scrollbar33, or may have merely a function as a mark indicating the position of the display target part of the item group image32.

The user is allowed to select a facility to be generated through an operation of designating an item35. The operation of designating an item35is, for example, a touch operation to a position on the item35, in which the distance between a touch start position and a touch end position is not greater than a predetermined value (in other words, an operation that is not determined to be a swipe operation or a drag operation).

As described above, the user is allowed to move the display target part of the item group image32through the display change operation to display a desired item, and select a facility to be generated through an operation of designating the displayed item.

In the present embodiment, the item group image32is scrollable in the up-down direction, and the scrollbar33is configured such that the knob36is movable in the up-down direction on the track area37. In another embodiment, the item group image32may be scrollable in the right-left direction, and the scrollbar33may be configured such that the knob36is movable in the right-left direction on the track area37.

As shown inFIG. 4, the scrollbar33includes a marker38(specifically, markers38ato38cshown inFIG. 4). The marker38is placed at a position, on the scrollbar33, which depends on the position of an item that satisfies a predetermined condition among the items included in the item group image32.

FIG. 6shows an example of a relationship between the item group image and the markers on the scrollbar (inFIG. 6, the knob36is not shown). In the present embodiment, the “predetermined condition” is that the item is an item indicating a facility that can be generated. The “position according to the position of an item that satisfies the predetermined condition” is the “position corresponding to the head position of a category including an item indicating a facility that can be generated”. That is, in the present embodiment, regarding a category including an item indicating a facility that can be generated, the marker38(inFIG. 6, three markers38ato38c) is placed at a position (a position on the scrollbar) corresponding to the position of an image that indicates the name of the category and is placed at the head (i.e., at the top) of the category. In the example shown inFIG. 6, it is assumed that the facilities classified into the category of “trap” include no generable facility, whereas the facilities classified into the categories other than the category of “trap” have at least one generable facility. Therefore, in the example shown inFIG. 6, the markers38a,38b, and38care placed at the positions corresponding to the positions of the images45,46, and48indicating the names of the categories other than the category of “trap”. Meanwhile, no marker is placed at the position (indicated by dotted lines inFIG. 6) corresponding to the position of the image47indicating the name of the category of “trap”.

In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus2does not display a marker corresponding to a category including no item that satisfies the predetermined condition. In another embodiment, the information processing apparatus2may display a marker corresponding to a category including no item that satisfies the predetermined condition. In this case, the information processing apparatus2may use different marker display forms between the category including an item that satisfies the predetermined condition and the category including no item that satisfies the predetermined condition. For example, the information processing apparatus2may display the marker corresponding to the category including no item that satisfies the predetermined condition, to be darker than the marker corresponding to the category including an item that satisfies the predetermined condition. As described above, the information processing apparatus2may further display a marker at the position indicating the category different from the category including an item that satisfies the condition, in a display form different from that for the marker displayed at the position indicating the category including the item that satisfies the condition. Thus, the user is allowed to recognize the position of the category different from the category in which an item satisfying the condition is present.

As described above, the information processing apparatus2displays the marker38at the position according to the item that satisfies the condition regarding the parameter (i.e., the number of jewels) related to the game. Thus, the information processing apparatus2can display the marker38at a part, of the item group image, which is assumed to be highly likely to be seen by the user, for example. Thus, convenience in operation using the scrollbar33can be improved.

In addition, the marker38enables the user to easily grasp the head position of each category on the scrollbar. Therefore, the user can easily cause the part, of the item group image32, near the head of each category to be displayed by performing the display change operation with the marker38as a guide.

For example, a case in which the user causes an item indicating a facility included in the category of “defensive facility” to be displayed while the selection screen shown inFIG. 4is displayed, is considered. In this case, the user performs a display change operation to move the knob36to the position of the marker38bcorresponding to the category of “defensive facility”. That is, the user performs an operation of dragging the knob36to the position of the marker38bor an operation of touching the position of the marker38b.FIG. 7shows an example of the selection screen after the aforementioned display change operation has been performed on the selection screen shown inFIG. 4. InFIG. 7, the knob36is moved to the position of the marker38b(specifically, the position where the knob36and the marker38boverlap each other), whereby a part, of the item group image32, which includes the image46indicating the category name and the items35d,35e, and35fincluded in the category of “defensive facility”, is displayed. Thus, by moving the knob36with the marker38as a guide, the user can easily cause a part near the head of a desired category to be displayed.

In the case where facilities are classified into categories as in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user may cause the selection screen to be displayed for the purpose of generating a facility classified into a specific category. According to the present embodiment, the user can easily cause the items of the desired category to be displayed by using the marker38as a guide.

In the present embodiment, in a place near an item placed at the head of a category (specifically, a place before this item), an image (any of the images45to48) indicating the name of this category is placed (refer toFIG. 5). Therefore, when a part, of the item group image32, near the head of each category is displayed, the image indicating the name of the category is also easily displayed. This enables the user to easily recognize a category into which items to be displayed after the display target part has been changed are classified.

Even when a part of the marker38overlaps at least a part of the knob36, the information processing apparatus2displays the marker38and the knob36so as to be distinguishable from each other (refer toFIG. 4andFIG. 6). This enhances visibility of the marker38. In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus2makes the marker38and the knob36distinguishable from each other even in the above case by making the width (i.e., the horizontal length) of the marker38greater than the width of the knob36. In another embodiment, the information processing apparatus2may make the marker38and the knob36distinguishable from each other by making at least one of the color, the pattern, and the shape different between the marker38and the knob36.

In another embodiment, the information processing apparatus2may display each marker in a display form according to the category corresponding to the marker. For example, the information processing apparatus2may display markers having different colors and/or shapes, etc., for the four categories, respectively. This enables the user to recognize the relationship between each marker and the category corresponding to the marker.

In another embodiment, the information processing apparatus2may display each marker in a display form according to the number of items that satisfy the condition (i.e., the generation condition) among the items included in each category. Thus, the marker enables the user to recognize the number of items that satisfy the condition in the category. Alternatively, for example, the information processing apparatus2may display each marker in a display form according to the number of items included in each category (refer toFIG. 11described later). Thus, the marker enables the user to recognize the number of items included in the category.

3. Specific Example of Processing Executed in Information Processing System

Next, a specific example of information processing to be executed in the information processing system according to the present embodiment will be described. Firstly, with reference toFIG. 8, data used for the information processing will be described.FIG. 8shows examples of various data used for the information processing in the information processing system. The various data shown inFIG. 8are stored in a memory in the processing section21and/or the storage section22in the information processing apparatus2.

As shown inFIG. 8, the information processing apparatus2stores therein a game program. The game program is a program for executing the game application of the simulation game according to the present embodiment. In the case where a part of the game process in the game application is executed in the server1, the server1stores therein a game program for the game process to be executed on the server1side.

Further, as shown inFIG. 8, the information processing apparatus2stores therein at least possessed jewel data, possessed facility data, item data, and marker data, as processing data used for the information processing. In addition to the data shown inFIG. 8, the information processing apparatus2stores therein various data (e.g., data regarding the respective units, data of the game map, etc.) used for execution of the game application.

The possessed jewel data indicates the number of jewels possessed by the user. The possessed facility data indicates a facility possessed by the user (i.e., a facility that has been generated and is able to be placed on the map).

The item data indicates information regarding facilities indicated by items. Specifically, the item data includes, for each facility to be prepared, data indicating the name, category, function, and generation condition (specifically, the number of jewels to be consumed in exchange for generation of the facility). In addition, the item data includes data indicating an arrangement order of the items and the images indicating the names of the categories, which are to be placed in the item group image. In the present embodiment, the item data is prepared in advance in the game application.

The marker data indicates the position where a marker is placed on the scrollbar. When a plurality of markers are placed on the scrollbar, the marker data indicates the positions of the respective markers.

The entirety or a part of the data shown inFIG. 8may be stored in the server1as well as in the information processing apparatus2. The data stored in the server1need not be stored in the information processing apparatus2. In this case, when the information processing apparatus2uses the data shown inFIG. 8, the information processing apparatus2may acquire the data from the server1at an appropriate timing to use the data.

FIG. 9andFIG. 10are flowcharts showing an example of a flow of information processing to be executed by the information processing apparatus2. A series of process steps shown inFIG. 9andFIG. 10are started when the user has made an instruction to start a game mode (referred to as “facility game mode”) for performing a game using a game map on which facilities can be placed, after activation of the game program stored in the storage section22.

In the present embodiment, the CPU (in other words, the processor) of the processing section21of the information processing apparatus2executes the game program stored in the storage section22to execute the processes in the steps shown inFIG. 9andFIG. 10. In another embodiment, a part of the processes in the steps may be executed by a processor (e.g., a dedicated circuit or the like) different from the CPU. When the information processing apparatus2is communicable with the server1, a part of the processes in the steps shown inFIG. 9andFIG. 10may be executed in the server1. The processes in the steps shown inFIG. 9andFIG. 10are merely examples, and the processing order of the steps may be changed or another process may be executed in addition to (or instead of) the processes in the steps so long as similar results can be obtained.

The processing section21of the information processing apparatus2executes the processes in the steps shown inFIG. 9andFIG. 10by using the memory (or the storage section22). That is, the CPU of the processing section21stores, in the memory, data acquired through each process step, and reads the data from the memory when using the data in the subsequent process steps.

In the series of processes shown inFIG. 9, firstly, in step S1, the processing section21causes the display section24to display the menu screen in the facility game mode. The specific content of the menu screen is arbitrary. In the present embodiment, with the menu screen being displayed, the processing section21receives a game start instruction and a selection screen display instruction from the user. The former is an instruction to start the game using the game map on which facilities can be arranged, and the latter is an instruction to display the selection screen. For example, the processing section21causes the display section24to display the menu screen including a button image representing the game start instruction and a button image representing the selection screen display instruction. The processing section21may receive, on the menu screen, instructions other than the above instructions. Next to step S1, the process of step S2is executed.

In step S2, the processing section21determines whether or not the user has made a game start instruction. For example, the processing section21determines whether or not an operation of designating the button image, which is included in the menu screen and represents the game start instruction, has been performed. In the present embodiment, when determining whether or not an operation by the user has been performed, the processing section21acquires, from the input section23, data indicating the operation performed to the input section23, and determines presence/absence of the operation and the content of the operation, based on the acquired data. When the determination result in step S2is positive, the process in step S3is executed. When the determination result in step S2is negative, the process in step S5described later is executed.

In step S3, the processing section21executes a game process for performing a game in the facility game mode. The specific content of the game process is arbitrary. For example, the processing section21executes a game process of moving a player unit on the game map, based on an operation performed by the user, and moving an enemy unit according to a predetermined algorithm. The processing section21may place a facility possessed by the user on the game map according to an instruction of the user. When the game has ended in step S3, the process in step S4is executed.

The facility used in the game process in step S3may be a facility that is classified into a category (e.g., offensive facility) among the four categories described above. At this time, a facility classified into a category (e.g., defensive facility) that is not used in the game process is used in another game process different from the game process. For example, the facility classified into the defensive facility may be used in a game process (specifically, a game process equivalent to the game process in step S3) that is executed in an information processing apparatus of another user. That is, in the game process in step S3, a game in which the offensive facility of the user is placed on a game map where the defensive facility of the other user has been placed (i.e., a game in which the user is on the offensive side) may be performed, whereas, in the game process in step S3performed by the information processing apparatus of the other user, a game using a game map where a defensive facility of the user is placed (i.e., a game in which the user is on the defensive side) may be performed. Data of the game map where the defensive facility is placed may be stored in the server1so as to be usable by the other information processing apparatus2.

In step S4, the processing section21gives jewels to the user, based on the result of the game executed in step S3. Specifically, the processing section21updates the value indicated by the possessed jewel data stored in the storage section22, to a value indicating a number obtained by adding the number of the newly given jewels to the number of the jewels currently possessed by the user. The condition for giving jewels to the user is arbitrary. The “result of the game” means to include not only the content of the game but also the fact that the game has been played. That is, the condition for giving jewels may be that the game has been played, that the user has won in the game, or that a game condition (e.g., defeating a predetermined number of enemy units) has been satisfied in the game. The number of jewels to be given according to the condition is arbitrary. For example, the processing section21may set a plurality of conditions for giving jewels, and may set, for each condition, the number of jewels to be given when the condition is satisfied. Next to the process in step S4, the process in step S5is executed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, a game item (i.e., jewels) to be consumed for generating a game object (i.e., a facility) indicated by an item in the item group image is given based on the result of the game process. In another embodiment, the game item may be a game item that is given to the user by charging.

In step S5, the processing section21determines whether or not the user has made a selection screen display instruction. For example, the processing section21determines whether or not an operation of designating the button image, which is included in the menu screen and indicates the selection screen display instruction, has been performed. When the result of the determination in step S5is positive, the process in step S6is executed. When the result of the determination in step S5is negative, the process in step S7is executed.

In step S6, the processing section21executes a selection screen display process. The selection screen display process is a process of causing the display section24to display the selection screen, and receiving a facility generation instruction from the user. Hereinafter, the specific flow of the selection screen display process will be described with reference toFIG. 10.

FIG. 10is a sub flowchart showing an example of the specific flow of the selection screen display process. In the selection screen display process, firstly, in step S11, the processing section21specifies the position of a marker to be placed on the scrollbar33. Specifically, the processing section21firstly specifies a facility that satisfies the generation condition among the facilities indicated by the items included in each category. Then, the processing section21determines, for each category, whether or not the category includes the specified facility. The facility specification and the category determination described above can be performed based on the possessed jewel data and the item data stored in the storage section22. Next, the processing section21specifies the position of the image indicating the name of the category that includes the facility satisfying the generation condition. The processing section21specifies the position of the image (specifically, the position on the item group image32) with reference to the item data stored in the storage section22. Further, the processing section21specifies a position, on the scrollbar33, corresponding to the specified position, as a position where the marker is to be placed. The processing section21stores, in the storage section22, data indicating the specified marker position as the marker data. Next to the process in step S11, the process in step S12is executed.

In step S12, the processing section21generates the aforementioned selection screen (refer toFIG. 4), and causes the display section24to display the selection screen. That is, the processing section21generates the selection screen including the item group image32and the scrollbar33, and causes the display section24to display the selection screen. The item group image32is generated based on the item data stored in the storage section22. The processing section21need not generate the entirety of the item group image32, and may generate at least an image, within the display target part, of the item group image32. In addition, the position of the marker38on the scrollbar33is determined according to the position indicated by the marker data stored in the storage section22. Next to the process in step S12, the process in step S13is executed.

As described above, the information processing apparatus2performs the predetermined game process based on the operation performed by the user (step S3), and changes the parameter (i.e., the number of jewels) related to the generation condition, based on the result of the game process (step S4). Thus, the user becomes able to generate a new facility by playing the game using the game map, and therefore can be motivated to play the game.

The parameter may be any parameter available for determination of the placement condition. For example, in another embodiment, the parameter may be a parameter indicating the physical strength of a player character. Alternatively, the parameter may be a parameter that increases in exchange for generation of a facility (e.g., a parameter indicating power that the player character has consumed for generating a facility). At this time, in step S3, the processing section21may change the parameter so as to decrease the value indicated by the parameter.

In the present embodiment, the process in step S12is executed after the processes in steps S3and S4, whereby the scrollbar33on which the marker38is placed according to the parameter is displayed. That is, the marker38is displayed at the position according to the item that satisfies the generation condition with respect to the parameter having been changed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, placement of the marker is changed as the game status (specifically, generable facility) is changed according to the game play. That is, the information processing apparatus2can dynamically change the arrangement state of the marker in accordance with the game status.

In step S13, the processing section21determines whether or not the aforementioned display change operation has been started by the user. When the result of the determination in step S13is positive, the process in step S14is executed. When the result of the determination in step S13is negative, the process in step S16described later is executed.

In step S14, in response to the display change operation, the processing section21changes the display target part of the item group image32and the position of the knob36on the scrollbar33. That is, the processing section21changes the display target part and the position of the knob36in accordance with the method described in the above “(Scrollbar)”. Next to the process of step S14, the process of step S15is executed.

In step S15, the processing section21determines whether or not the display change operation, which was determined to be started in step S13, has been ended. That is, the processing section21determines whether or not a touch input for the display change operation has been ended (in other words, whether or not a touch-off has been made). When the result of the determination in step S15is positive, the process in step S16is executed. When the result of the determination in step S15is negative, the process in step S14is executed again. That is, while the display change operation is being performed, the processing section21repeatedly performs the processes in steps S14and S15(e.g., at a rate of once every predetermined time). Thus, the display target part of the item group image32and the knob36on the scrollbar33are moved according to the drag operation or the swipe operation as the display change operation.

In step S16, the processing section21determines whether or not a designation operation of designating an item in the item group image32has been performed. That is, the processing section21determines whether or not an operation of designating an item (e.g., an operation of touching the item) that satisfies the generation condition among the items displayed on the display section24, has been performed. When the result of the determination in step S16is positive, the process in step S17is executed. When the result of the determination in step S16is negative, the process in step S21described later is executed.

In step S17, the processing section21selects the item designated through the designation operation from among the items included in the item group image32. Next to the process in step S17, the process in step S18is executed.

In step S18, the processing section21generates the facility indicated by the selected item. That is, the processing section21updates the possessed facility data stored in the storage section22so as to include data indicating the facility indicated by the selected item. In step S18, the processing section21may execute a process of placing the generated facility on the game map in accordance with an instruction of the user. Next to the process in step S18, the process in step S19is executed.

As described above, the information processing apparatus2selects any one of the plurality of items, based on the operation performed by the user (step S17), and generates the facility indicated by the selected item (step S18). In the case where the item indicates a facility to be strengthened as described above, the information processing apparatus2may strengthen the facility indicated by the selected item, in step S18. Thus, in the case where a game object that appears in the game is generated or strengthened, the selection screen can be used as a screen for selecting the game object.

In step S19, the processing section21consumes the jewels possessed by the user in exchange for generation of the facility in the process of step S18. Specifically, the processing section21subtracts the number of jewels to be consumed in exchange for generation of the facility from the number of jewels possessed by the user. Then, the processing section21updates the possessed jewel data stored in the storage section22so as to indicate the number after the subtraction. Next to the process in step S19, the process in step S20is executed.

In step S20, the processing section21updates the selection screen displayed on the display section24. That is, based on the number of jewels having been changed in step S19, the processing section21executes the process of specifying the position of the marker to be placed on the scrollbar33(i.e., step S11), and the process of generating and displaying the selection screen (step S12). Thus, in some cases, the marker placed on the scrollbar33in the selection screen is changed and displayed. Next to the process in step S20, the process in step S21is executed.

As described above, the information processing apparatus2selects any one of the plurality of items, based on the user operation (step S18), and changes the parameter (i.e., the number of jewels) related to the generation condition, in accordance with the selection (step S19). Then, the selection screen, which is generated based on the parameter having been changed, is displayed (step S20). Thus, in the present embodiment, in response to that the parameter is changed because the user has selected an item, the scrollbar33, in which the marker38is placed at the position according to the parameter having been changed, is displayed. Thus, the information processing apparatus2can dynamically change the arrangement state of the marker in accordance with the selection of the item.

In step S21, the processing section21determines whether or not an instruction to end the selection screen has been made. That is, the processing section21determines whether or not an operation of designating the end instruction image39, which is displayed on the display section24, has been performed. When the result of the determination in step S21is negative, the process in step S13is executed again. Thereafter, the series of processes in steps S13to S21are repeatedly executed until the processing section21determines in step S21that an instruction to end the selection screen has been made. When the result of the determination in step S21is positive, the processing section21ends the selection screen display process. After the selection screen display process, the process in step S7shown inFIG. 9is executed.

Referring back toFIG. 9, in step S7, the processing section21determines whether or not to end the game application. For example, the processing section21determines whether or not an instruction to end the game application has been made by the user. When the result of the determination in step S7is negative, the process in step S1is executed again. Thereafter, the series of processes in steps S1to S7are repeatedly executed until the processing section21determines to end the game application in step S7. When the result of the determination in step S7is positive, the processing section21ends the information processing in the game application.

4. Function and Effect of Present Embodiment, and Modifications

According to the embodiment described above, an information processing system (specifically, information processing apparatus2) includes components as follows:

item display means (steps S12, S14, and S20) configured to cause a display device to display, in a scrollable manner, a part of an item group image including a plurality of items arranged in a predetermined order;

scrollbar display means (steps S12, S14, and S20) configured to cause the display device to display a scrollbar that includes a knob indicating a part, of the item group image, displayed on the display device, and a track area where the knob is removable; and

marker display means (steps S12, S14, and S20) configured to display, in association with the scrollbar, a marker at a position according to an item that satisfies a condition regarding a parameter related to a game.

According to the above configuration, the marker allows the user to grasp the position according to the item that satisfies the condition regarding the parameter related to the game, among the items included in the item group image. Thus, the user can perform an operation using the scrollbar with the marker as a guide, and therefore can easily cause a desired part (in other words, a desired item) of the item group image to be displayed.

The “display device” may be integrated with or separated from the information processing apparatus. In the present embodiment, the “display device” is the display section24incorporated in the information processing apparatus2. In another embodiment, the “display device” may be a display device that is separated from and communicable with the information processing apparatus2.

The phrase “in association with the scrollbar” means to include at least a mode in which the marker is displayed on the scrollbar, a mode in which the marker is displayed adjacent to the scrollbar, and a mode in which the marker is displayed near the scrollbar.

The “condition regarding the parameter related to the game” is that “the item indicates a facility that satisfies the generation condition” in the present embodiment, but the specific content of the condition is arbitrary. For example, as described above, when an item indicates a facility to be strengthened, the condition may be that “the item indicates a facility that satisfies the condition for strengthening”. Alternatively, as the condition, for example, a condition that “the item indicates a facility that will provide a great effect when being placed on the game map” may be used. In this case, the condition is determined based on a game parameter regarding the facility (specifically, a parameter indicating the function or effect of the facility).

The “position according to the item that satisfies the condition” may be any position that is determined depending on the item. The “position according to the item that satisfies the condition” means to include “the position indicating a category in which the item satisfying the condition is present”, and “the position indicating the item satisfying the condition” as described in the present embodiment (and a modification shown inFIG. 11described later). For example, in the case where three items satisfy the condition among items classified into a certain category, the information processing apparatus2may display, on the scrollbar, three markers respectively indicating the positions of the three items.

(Modification Regarding Marker)

FIG. 11shows an example of a relationship between an item group image and markers on a scrollbar. The item group image32shown inFIG. 11is identical to the item group image32shown inFIG. 6.

In the modification shown inFIG. 11, the scrollbar33includes three markers50ato50c. As shown inFIG. 11, the markers50ato50cindicate areas, on the scrollbar33, corresponding to areas of categories in which items indicating facilities that satisfy a generation condition are present. Specifically, the marker50aindicates an area of a category of “offensive facility” in the item group image32. The marker50bindicates an area of a category of “defensive facility” in the item group image32. The marker50cindicates an area of a category of “decorative facility” in the item group image32. The “area of a category” is an area including at least items classified into this category. In the example shown inFIG. 11, the area of a category includes the items classified into this category, and an image indicating the name of the category. InFIG. 11, a boundary between the area of a category and the area of an adjacent category is indicated by a dashed line.

As shown inFIG. 11, each marker may indicate an area (on the scrollbar33) corresponding to the area of a category in the item group image32. Thus, in the information processing apparatus2, the marker allows the user to grasp the ratio of the area of the category to the item group image32. For example, by seeing the marker, the user can grasp which category includes more (or less) items classified thereto among a plurality of items included in the item group image32.

When markers indicate areas corresponding to the areas of categories, a marker corresponding to a certain category may sometimes be displayed in contact with a marker corresponding to another category. For example, in the example shown inFIG. 11, the marker50aand the marker50bare displayed in contact with each other. Therefore, in the above case, the information processing apparatus2may make the markers corresponding to different categories have at least any of different colors, shapes, and patterns, so that the user can distinguish between the two markers displayed in contact with each other.

InFIG. 11, the markers50ato50care placed adjacent to the track area37. However, the markers may be placed so as to partially or entirely overlap with the track area37as in the aforementioned embodiment, or may be placed adjacent to the track area37as in the aforementioned modification. Alternatively, the markers may be placed apart from the track area37(to an extent that allows the user to grasp the positional relationship between the markers and the track area). Each marker is placed in a direction, from the item group image32, substantially perpendicular to the scroll direction of the item group image32(refer toFIG. 4andFIG. 11).

In the case where a plurality of items are assigned to one of a plurality of categories and the items assigned to the same category are collectively arranged in the item group image32as in the embodiment and the modification described above, the information processing apparatus2displays a marker at a position indicating a category corresponding to an item that satisfies a condition (refer toFIG. 4andFIG. 11). Thus, the information processing apparatus2allows the user to recognize, by using the marker as a guide, the position or the area of the category that conforms to the condition in the item group image32. In addition, the marker does not individually indicate an item that satisfies the condition but corresponds to the category in which an item that satisfies the condition is present. Therefore, the information processing apparatus2can reduce the likelihood of an excessive increase in the number of markers placed on the scrollbar, thereby displaying the markers in an easy-to-view manner.

The phrase “displaying a marker at the position indicating a category” is not limited to a mode in which the marker on the scrollbar indicates the exact position or area of the category in the item group image32. For example, in the modification shown inFIG. 11, two markers may sometimes be displayed in contact with each other. In addition, when items are arranged side by side as shown inFIG. 12described later, two markers may sometimes be displayed so as to overlap each other. In order to avoid such contacting or overlapping of the markers, the information processing apparatus2may display one of the markers so as to be shorter than the other marker. At this time, the one of the markers may not indicate the exact position or range of the corresponding category.

In the embodiment and the modification described above, the information processing apparatus2displays a marker at a position corresponding to the head of a category in which an item satisfying a condition is present. According to the embodiment and the modification described above, since the marker indicates the position near the head of the category, the user can perform a display change operation with the marker as a guide, whereby a part, of the item group image32, near the head of the category can be easily displayed. At this time, the user can easily check the items in order from the head of the category.

In another embodiment, the information processing apparatus2may display a marker at a position corresponding to a head item, in an arrangement order in the item group image32, among one or more items assigned to a category in which items satisfying a condition are present. In this case, as in the embodiment and the modification described above, the user can easily cause a part, of the item group image32, near the head of each category to be displayed by performing a display change operation with the marker as a guide.

(Modification Regarding Item Group Image)

In the above embodiment, the item group image32has a configuration in which a plurality of items are arrayed in a line along the scroll direction. In another embodiment, a plurality of items in the item group image32may be arranged in any way along the scroll direction. Hereinafter, a modification of the item group image will be described with reference toFIG. 12.

FIG. 12shows an example of a relationship between an item group image and a scrollbar according to the modification of the above embodiment. As shown inFIG. 12, in the item group image51according to this modification, a plurality of items are arranged in the scroll direction (i.e., up-down direction) and also in the direction (i.e., right-left direction) perpendicular to the scroll direction. Specifically, the items are arranged such that a line of items (here, four items) are arranged from the upper-left position in the rightward direction, and an item next to the rightmost item in this line is placed at the leftmost position in a line just below the line. InFIG. 12, items included in the same category are surrounded by a dotted line.

The aforementioned marker can also be applied to the case where the items are arranged in the manner as shown inFIG. 12. Specifically, as in the above embodiment, the information processing apparatus2places markers53ato53cat positions (specifically, positions on the scrollbar33) corresponding to the positions of the heads of categories where items satisfying a condition are present (refer toFIG. 12). In this modification, images indicating the names of the categories are not included in the item group image51, and therefore, the positions of the head items52ato52cin the arrangement order in the item group image51are the positions of the heads of the categories. Therefore, in this modification, the information processing apparatus2displays the markers53ato53cat the positions of the head items52ato52cin the arrangement order in the item group image51among one or more items assigned to the categories in which items satisfying the condition are present. InFIG. 12, it is assumed that each of the three categories includes an item satisfying the condition. In the modification shown inFIG. 12, as in the aforementioned embodiment, the user can easily cause parts, of the item group image, near the heads of the categories to be displayed, by using the markers53ato53cas guides.

A marker indicating an area of a category in the item group image32(refer toFIG. 11) may also be applied to the item group image51shown inFIG. 12. In the example shown inFIG. 12, a last item in a certain category and a head item in the next category may sometimes be placed at the same position with respect to the scroll direction. In this case, markers corresponding to these two categories may be placed so as to overlap each other on the scrollbar. Alternatively, the two markers may be placed so as not to overlap each other. For example, inFIG. 12, the marker53amay be placed such that the lower end thereof comes into contact with the upper end of the marker53b.

(Modification of Item)

In the above embodiment, the items included in the item group image indicate facilities to be placed on the game map. However, the items may indicate any game objects. For example, the items may indicate characters (e.g., player characters or units as described above) that appear in the game, or may indicate game items that appear in the game. When the items indicate characters, the characters may be classified into categories, based on the attribute, rarity, or level set on each character. When the items indicate game items, the game items may be classified into categories, based on the type or function of each game item.

The items may indicate game objects to be used in a predetermined game process (step S3) that affects a parameter (in the above embodiment, the number of jewels) used for determination of a condition for displaying a marker. For example, the items may indicate not only the facilities as described in the above embodiment but also units that appears in the game in the predetermined game process, game items to be used in the game, etc. However, the items are not limited to those indicating game objects to be used in the predetermined game process, and may be those indicating game objects to be used in another game process different from the predetermined game process.

In the above embodiment, the items are game objects (i.e., offensive facilities, defensive facilities, and traps) that give advantageous effects to the user in the game process. Examples of the game objects that give the advantageous effects to the user in the game process include: facilities to be placed on the game map as described above; items such as weapons and protective gears to be used in the game; and skills or the like that can be set on characters that appear in the game. The items may indicate game objects (e.g., decorative facilities) that do not given advantageous effects to the user in the game process.

(Other Modifications)

In the above embodiment, the mode in which the game application of the simulation game is executed in the information processing system has been described as an example. However, the genre of the game in the game application executed in the information processing system is arbitrary. The scrollbar including the marker is applicable to an item group image including a plurality of items indicating any game objects. In another embodiment, the scrollbar may be used in applications other than game applications. That is, the scrollbar is also applicable to an item group image including a plurality of items indicating any information (e.g., a web page including a plurality of thumbnail images as items).

The above embodiment can be used as, for example, a game program or a game system for the purpose of, for example, allowing the user to easily cause a desired part of a content to be displayed.

While certain example systems, methods, devices and apparatuses have been described herein, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not to be limited to the systems, methods, devices and apparatuses disclosed, but on the contrary, are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.