U.S. Pat. No. 12,343,640

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment will be described.

[Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus]

First, an information processing apparatus for executing information processing according to the exemplary embodiment will be described. The information processing apparatus is, for example, a smartphone, a stationary or hand-held game apparatus, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a wearable terminal, or the like. In addition, the information processing according to the exemplary embodiment can also be applied to a game system that includes the above game apparatus or the like and a predetermined server. In the exemplary embodiment, a stationary game apparatus (hereinafter, referred to simply as a game apparatus) will be described as an example of the information processing apparatus.

FIG.1is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a game apparatus2according to the exemplary embodiment. The game apparatus2includes a processor21. The processor21is an information processing section for executing various types of information processing to be executed by the game apparatus2. For example, the processor21may be composed only of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or may be composed of a SoC (System-on-a-chip) having a plurality of functions such as a CPU function and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) function. The processor21performs the various types of information processing by executing an information processing program (e.g., a game program) stored in a storage section22. The storage section22may be, for example, an internal storage medium such as a flash memory and a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), or may be configured to utilize an external storage medium mounted to a slot that is not shown, or the like.

The game apparatus2also includes a wireless communication section23for the game apparatus2to perform wireless communication with another game apparatus2or a predetermined server device. As this wireless communication, for example, internet communication or short-range wireless communication is used.

The game apparatus2also includes a controller communication section24for the game apparatus2to perform wired or wireless communication with a controller4.

Moreover, a display unit5(for example, a television or the like) is connected to the game apparatus2via an image/sound output section25. The processor21outputs an image and sound generated (for example, by executing the above information processing) to the display unit5via the image/sound output section25.

Next, the controller4will be described. Although not shown, the controller4of the exemplary embodiment has a housing having a vertically long shape, and can be held in the orientation in which the housing is vertically long. The housing has a shape and a size that allow the housing to be held with one hand when the housing is held in the orientation in which the housing is vertically long.

The controller4includes at least one analog stick42which is an example of a direction input device. The analog stick42can be used as a direction input section with which a direction can be inputted. By tilting the analog stick42, a user is allowed to input a direction corresponding to the tilt direction (also input a magnitude corresponding to the tilt angle). In addition, the controller4includes a button section43including various operation buttons. For example, the controller4may include a plurality of operation buttons on a main surface of the housing.

Moreover, the controller4includes an inertial sensor44. Specifically, the controller4includes an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor as the inertial sensor44. In the exemplary embodiment, the acceleration sensor detects the magnitudes of accelerations along predetermined three axial directions. In addition, the angular velocity sensor detects angular velocities about predetermined three axes.

The controller4also includes a communication section41for performing wired or wireless communication with the controller communication section24. The content of a direction input to the analog stick42, information indicating a pressed state of the button section43, and various detection results by the inertial sensor44are repeatedly outputted to the communication section41and transmitted to the game apparatus2at appropriate timings.

[Game Assumed in Exemplary Embodiment]

Next, an outline of game processing (an example of information processing) executed by the game apparatus2according to the exemplary embodiment will be described. First, a game assumed in the exemplary embodiment is a multi-player competitive game. In particular, a multi-player competitive game, in which a ranking of a player is determined on the basis of a total score based on the results of a specified number of sets of play, is assumed. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, a bowling game that can be played by up to 16 players is assumed. In the exemplary embodiment, the bowling game is assumed to consist of ten frames per game. In each frame, a player can roll a ball up to two times (can roll a ball three times at only the tenth frame). In other words, one frame is one set of two ball rolls (two plays) (one game includes ten sets). In the following, play related to each frame (play for one frame) is referred to as “one-set play”. In addition, the first ball roll play and the second ball roll play at each frame (and the third ball roll play at the tenth frame) are each referred to as a “one-unit play”.

Moreover, the bowling game according to the exemplary embodiment is a knockout type game. Specifically, the game starts with 16 players, the players ranked 9th or lower are eliminated at the end of frame 3; the players ranked 6th or lower are eliminated at the end of frame 6; and the players ranked 4th or lower are eliminated at the end of frame 9. In other words, the first to third frames are considered as a “first round”, the fourth to sixth frames are considered as a “second round”, the seventh to ninth frames are considered as a “third round”, and the tenth frame is considered as a “final” by the players ranked 3rd or higher.

Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, a communication competition in which communication is performed via the internet is assumed. Specifically, one player uses one game apparatus, and up to 16 game apparatuses are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other. In another exemplary embodiment, one game apparatus2can be configured to be able to be used by a plurality of players for playing against each other (for example, a split screen is used for play by four players or eight players).

Here, the overall progress of one game in the bowling game according to the exemplary embodiment will be described. In the exemplary embodiment, first, when a player performs an operation to instruct participation in a game, game participant matching is performed via a predetermined server. After that, when participants are determined, game apparatuses2of the participants are connected to each other via P2P (over a network). When the game is started, the player performs a ball roll operation for the first ball roll of frame 1. A ball moves on a lane on the basis of the ball roll operation, pin(s) are knocked down, and the above one-unit play for the first ball roll of frame 1 is completed. Then, the player performs one-unit play for the second ball roll of frame 1. When the one-unit play for the second ball roll is completed, the player waits for another player to complete play for this frame. When all the players have completed play for this frame, a frame end representation is displayed, and the game proceeds to play for the next frame. That is, in this bowling game, progress control, in which completion of one-set play by all participants (players who have not been eliminated) is waited for and the game then proceeds to play for the next frame, is performed.

Players who have been eliminated from the game shift to a “watching mode” during the game. In the watching mode, the players can no longer play, but can watch play of the other players (can also leave the game).

FIG.2illustrates an example of a game image of the bowling game according to the exemplary embodiment. InFIG.2, a plurality of lanes201and a player character object (hereinafter, referred to as PC)203carrying a ball object (hereinafter, referred to as ball)202are displayed. In the actual game screen, the PC203and the ball202in a state before a ball roll are displayed semi-transparently (shown by dotted lines in the drawing) in order to improve the visibility of the lane201. When a ball roll operation is performed, the semi-transparent display of the ball202and the PC203is cancelled, and the ball202and the PC203are displayed normally. In addition, a bowler character object (hereinafter, referred to as bowler character)204is also displayed in the lane201to the left of the PC203. That is, it is shown that a bowler character related to another player is playing using the lane201to the left of the PC203. In addition, although not shown in this screen example, still another bowler character204also exists further to the left in the virtual space. Moreover, in this screen example, as for the lane201to the right of the lane201used by the PC203, an unused state (no other bowler character204is placed) is shown. However, as a matter of course, another bowler character204may also be placed in the lane201on the right side.

In a state where such an image is displayed, when the player performs a predetermined ball roll operation, the PC203makes a motion of rolling the ball202. Then, the ball202moves in the depth direction of the lane201(in a direction in which pins are located) with a movement trajectory and a movement speed based on the content of the ball roll operation. In the following description, (representation of) a series of movements of the PC203, the ball202, the pins, etc., from the start of the ball-rolling motion of the PC203until reaching a state where pin(s) are knocked down and a score can be determined, is referred to as “lane representation”.

Moreover, in the game image inFIG.2, a ranking table205is displayed in substantially a lower left region. Hereinafter, the ranking table205will be described.FIG.3is an enlarged view of the ranking table205. The ranking table205consists of a set of a plurality of player information objects211. Each of the player information objects211is, for example, an object that is a horizontally long plate-like polygon with an image (texture) indicating a player name, etc. One player information object211is associated with one player. In the exemplary embodiment, a competition of 16 players is assumed, so that 16 player information objects211are prepared at the start of the game, and the number of player information objects211displayed in the ranking table205can change according to the progress of the game (elimination). For example, the players ranked 9th or lower are not displayed at and after frame 4, and the players ranked 6th or lower are not displayed at and after frame 7. In addition, the player information objects211are displayed in ascending order based on total scores. In addition, the ranking table205also includes a borderline image for indicating a reference for the elimination described above.

The contents displayed in each player information object211will be described. The information displayed in each player information object211includes information indicating a ranking, a player name, a total score (at the current time), the result of the first ball roll at the current frame, and the result of the second ball roll at the current frame. In addition, as the information indicating the results of the first ball roll and the second ball roll, the numbers of pins knocked down with the first ball roll and the second ball roll, and a score mark indicating the play result, such as strike or spare are displayed. Moreover, in addition to the above, inFIG.3, in a part of the player information objects211, an emotion image212is also displayed at the left end position. The emotion image212will be separately described later.

Here, in the exemplary embodiment, changes in ranking are reflected in real time in the ranking table205. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, a ranking is calculated on the basis of the total score at the time when each player completes one-unit play (the ranking is a tentative ranking at that time). Then, the display of the ranking table205is updated as necessary so as to reflect this ranking without waiting for all the players to complete one-unit play (in other words, one-set play). That is, for example, instead of updating the ranking table205each time play at one frame is completed, the display contents (change in ranking) of the ranking table205are updated according to the situations of the other players even in the middle of one-unit play by the player. For example, it is assumed that, in one-unit play, the ranking of a player is displayed as 3rd place before starting a ball roll operation. This ranking may change to 5th place before the player starts a ball roll operation. Furthermore, even after the player performs a ball roll operation, while the ball is moving on the lane, a change in the ranking of another player may be reflected in the ranking table205, so that the display position of the player information object211of the player may change from moment to moment. For example, a gradual decrease of the ranking is displayed even while the ball is moving, and the display position may have changed to 14th place when the ball collides with pin(s). Then, the number of pins knocked down with this one-unit play by the player is determined, and a total score at that time is calculated. As a result of reflecting this total score, the display position of the player information object211of the player may change to 2nd place.

Next, an example of a ranking change representation in which a change in ranking is reflected in the ranking table205will be described with reference toFIG.3described above andFIGS.4and5. Here, the case where the ranking of a player with a player name “AAAAA” is changed from 12th place shown inFIG.3to 3rd place will be described as an example. When (a display position corresponding to) a ranking after the change is determined, the display of the ranking table205changes from the state inFIG.3through a state shown inFIG.4to a state shown inFIG.5.FIG.4shows a state in the middle of the ranking change representation, andFIG.5shows that the ranking after the change is displayed. In the exemplary embodiment, as the ranking change representation, a representation in which the player information object211moves up or down toward the display position of the ranking after the change, is performed. That is, a representation in which the player information object211moves toward the display position of the ranking after the change while replacing a player information object211located immediately above or below this player information object211, is performed.FIG.4described above shows a state where the player information object211of the player name “AAAAA” (and the emotion image212) are moving upward at a position slightly above the position in the state ofFIG.3.FIG.5shows a state where the player information object211has further moved upward from the state ofFIG.4and the movement has ended at 3rd place. In addition, along with such movement due to the ranking change, the display position of the borderline image may also change in the up-down direction as appropriate. Moreover, this representation is one example, and in another exemplary embodiment, the ranking change representation may be performed by another expression method.

InFIG.5, there are two players at 3rd place, so that one of the two players is displayed at the fourth position from the top. In the exemplary embodiment, as for the display order at the same ranking, players are displayed in the order from the player for which a ranking change has occurred earlier, but may be displayed in the reverse order, or may be displayed in the ascending order by player name.

Here, in the exemplary embodiment, a change in ranking is performed for each player in turn. Although described in detail later, even in a state where there are a plurality of players who have completed one-unit play in the same period time, information of the players are registered in an update queue in the order from the player whose ranking change has become possible earlier, and control is performed such that the ranking change is reflected for each player in the order from the earliest registered player. By displaying the ranking change representation for each player as described above, it is made to appear that there is constant or continuous “change” in terms of the appearance of the ranking table205, as compared to the case where the ranking table is changed at once for a plurality of players. Accordingly, the player is allowed to recognize that the situations of the other players are changing in real time, and that the player is performing a competitive play against multiple players.

As for the timing of starting the ranking change representation for a certain player, in the exemplary embodiment, more precisely, the change representation is started after the lane representation for one-unit play by the bowler character of each player is completed. In a specific example of starting the change representation, for example, parts of the lanes201adjacent to the lane201for the PC203are included in the field of view of a virtual camera inFIG.2described above, and displayed as parts of a game image. Then, in each of the adjacent lanes201as well, a motion of each player in one-unit play is reproduced at predetermined timing on the basis of data transmitted from another game apparatus. For example, in the case of the lane201to the left of the PC203, when another player on this lane201performs a ball roll operation on his or her game apparatus2, data regarding the content of this play is transmitted from this game apparatus2to the game apparatus2of the player. In the game apparatus2of the player, a process of reproducing a motion in one-unit play on the left lane201is performed on the basis of the data. Then, after the one-unit play is completed, the ranking change representation for the player on the left lane201is performed. That is, control, in which the ranking change representation is started at or after the timing when the bowler character204on the left lane201rolls a ball, pin(s) are knocked down, and the score (number of the pins knocked down) at that time would have been determined, is performed. Accordingly, the player is prevented from feeling uncomfortable with (reproduction of) the movement of the bowler character204related to the other player and the timing at which the ranking change representation is displayed. For example, the player can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable due to, for example, the ranking being changed before the other bowler character204rolls a ball.

Moreover, the display of the ranking table205with such real-time change is also performed on a display unit5while the player is waiting for another player to complete play after the player completes play for the second ball roll. In the exemplary embodiment, a predetermined waiting screen is displayed with a message such as “Waiting for another player” while the player is waiting for another player to complete play. In this screen as well, the ranking table205is displayed. Therefore, the player is allowed to see how the rankings change (in real time) even during waiting after ending one-set play of the player, and to grasp the overall situation of the game.

Next, the aforementioned emotion image212will be described. The emotion image212is a predetermined image associated with each player, and is an image (may be called an icon, stamp, or the like) indicating an emotion or the like in this example. Examples of such an image include a facial image with a smile, a facial image with a disappointed expression, and a facial image with a surprised expression. In addition, the emotion image212may be an image showing movement associated with an emotion, such as a pose of raising a fist. The display of the emotion image212is started when the player performs a predetermined operation (hereinafter, referred to as an emotion display operation) for displaying an emotion image. In addition, as for the display position of the emotion image212, in the exemplary embodiment, the emotion image212is displayed adjacent to the left end of the player information object211. Moreover, the emotion image212is an image to be temporarily displayed, and is deleted, for example, when 5 seconds elapse after the emotion image212is displayed.

In addition, during the above ranking change representation, the emotion image212also moves (while being displayed at the left end) together with the player information object211(seeFIG.3toFIG.5described above).

Here, in the exemplary embodiment, a limit is placed on a period in which the emotion display operation is possible. In the exemplary embodiment, in a period in which the above-described one-unit play is not performed (period other than a period from the time at which a ball roll operation becomes possible to the time at which the above lane representation is completed), it is possible to accept the emotion display operation. In the exemplary embodiment, while the player is waiting for another player to complete play after the player completes one-set play, it is possible to perform the emotion display operation. Such timing can be said to be the timing when a ball roll result of the player is reflected in the ranking table205. That is, the emotion display operation is made possible when the ranking change representation is being performed on the basis of a play result of the player. Accordingly, the emotion image212can be put on the movement of the player information object211that is moving, so that it is easier to convey the player's own situation to his or her opponents. In addition, similarly, it is easier for the player to grasp the situations of the other players. Moreover, by placing a limit on the period in which the emotion display operation is possible and by not accepting the emotion display operation during one-unit play as described above, the player is allowed to concentrate on the ball roll operation.

[Details of Game Processing of Exemplary Embodiment]

Next, the bowling game processing in the exemplary embodiment will be described in more detail with reference toFIG.6toFIG.24.

[Data to be Used]

First, an example of various kinds of data to be used in this bowling game processing will be described.FIG.6illustrates a memory map showing an example of various kinds of data stored in the storage section22of the game apparatus2. The storage section22includes a program storage area301and a data storage area303. In the program storage area301, a bowling game processing program302is stored. In addition, in the data storage area303, data such as own-player data304, other-player data305, ranking table data306, a ranking update queue307, progress management data308, transmission data309, reception data310, and operation data311are stored.

The bowling game processing program302is a program for executing the bowling game processing according to the exemplary embodiment.

The own-player data304is data regarding the player himself/herself.FIG.7illustrates an example of the data structure of the own-player data304. The own-player data304includes at least identification information321, score data322, lane representation control data326, player state data327, and emotion-related data328.

The identification information321is information for identifying the own player from among the players who participate in the game.

The score data322is data regarding the score of the player, and includes knocked-down pin number data323, play result state data324, and total score data325. The knocked-down pin number data323is data that indicates the number of pins knocked down with each one-unit play described above and is stored for each frame. The play result state data324is data for indicating a play result of each one-unit play such as strike, spare, split, or gutter. The total score data325is data updated each time one-unit play is completed, and is data indicating the total score at that time (that is, indicating the latest total score).

The lane representation control data326is data for controlling the lane representation in certain one-unit play. That is, the lane representation control data326is data for controlling the motions of the PC203, the ball202, and the pins until a score is determined after a ball roll operation is performed. For example, when the ball roll operation is performed, a movement direction (ejection direction) and a movement speed (initial speed) of the ball202are calculated on the basis of the content of the ball roll operation and are stored as the lane representation control data326. Then, on the basis of the lane representation control data326, the game apparatus2controls the movement of the ball202, determines whether the ball202collides with any pins, and controls the movement of the pin(s) (with which the ball has collided). That is, the lane representation control data326is data for representing the movement of the ball and the pins on the lane until a score is determined after the ball roll operation is performed.

The player state data327is data for indicating the state of the PC203(player) during the game. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, in the game processing, four states, “before ball roll”, “during lane representation”, “completion of ball roll”, and “waiting”, are used as player states. The “before ball roll” is a state corresponding to a period in which it is possible to perform the ball roll operation and the ball roll operation is accepted. The “during lane representation” is a state corresponding to a period in which the lane representation is being displayed. The “completion of ball roll” is a state immediately after the completion of the lane representation. The “waiting” is a state where the player has completed one-set play and is waiting for another player to complete play. The “before ball roll” is set as an initial state for the player state data327.

The emotion-related data328is data regarding the emotion image. The emotion-related data328includes information indicating whether an instruction to display the emotion image has been made, information designating or specifying the content of the emotion image to be displayed, etc.

Referring back toFIG.6, the other-player data305is data regarding other players.FIG.8illustrates an example of the data structure of the other-player data305. The other-player data305includes other-player records341, for 15 players, corresponding to the other players, respectively. The data of these records can be updated as appropriate on the basis of data (reception data310described later) received from the other game apparatuses2. Each other-player record341includes data such as other-player identification information342, other-player score data343, movement information data344, other-player emotion-related data345, and a lane representation reproduction flag346.

The other-player identification information342is information for uniquely identifying each other player.

The other-player score data343is information regarding the score of each other player. The data structure of the other-player score data343is the same as that of the score data322.

The movement information data344is information transmitted from each of the other game apparatuses2, and is coordinate data indicating the positions of a ball and pins and data indicating the postures thereof. The lane representation for the other player is controlled.

The other-player emotion-related data345is data regarding the emotion image for each other player. The data structure of the other-player emotion-related data345is the same as the above-described emotion-related data328.

The lane representation reproduction flag346is a flag for indicating whether the lane representation for another player is being performed. If the lane representation reproduction flag346is ON, it indicates that the lane representation for the player is being performed. In other words, while this flag is ON, the lane representation for the other player is controlled on the basis of the movement information data344.

Referring back toFIG.6, the ranking table data306is data regarding the ranking table205.FIG.9illustrates an example of the data structure of the ranking table data306. The ranking table data306includes player information object data351, for 16 players, corresponding to the player information objects211, respectively. Each player information object data351includes at least corresponding player identification information352, display position data353, and display content data354.

The corresponding player identification information352is information for identifying the player associated with the player information object211. The display position data353is data determined on the basis of a ranking, and is data indicating a display position in the ranking table205. The display content data354is data that defines contents (ranking, player name, total score, etc.) to be displayed as the player information object211. In addition, the ranking table data306also includes information indicating the display position of the above borderline, etc.

Referring back toFIG.6, the ranking update queue307is a queue for temporarily registering information of players who satisfy a condition for performing the ranking change representation. In the exemplary embodiment, when the lane representation in certain one-unit play for another player has been completed and score data for the one-unit play has been received, it is determined that the condition for performing the ranking change representation is satisfied. The other players who have satisfied this condition are registered in the queue in order, and are each deleted from the queue when the ranking change representation therefor is started.

The progress management data308is data for managing the progress of the bowling game. The progress management data308includes the current ranking of each player, a watcher list which is information for identifying players who have shifted to the watching mode (that is, have been eliminated), information indicating the frame to which the game has advanced, etc.

The transmission data309is data for transmitting information such as the score of the player to the other game apparatuses.FIG.10illustrates an example of the data structure of the transmission data309. The transmission data309includes transmission source information361, ball roll start information362, movement information data363, transmission score data364, emotion instruction data365, etc. These data are not always included and transmitted, but only the data necessary for the game situation is included and transmitted as the transmission data309.

The transmission source information361is information indicating the game apparatus2or player from which the data is transmitted. This information is also information which is always included in the transmission data309.

The ball roll start information362is data indicating that the ball roll operation has been performed, and is information which is included in the transmission data309and transmitted when the ball roll operation is performed.

The movement information data363is data indicating the current coordinates of the ball and the pins. The movement information data363is included in the transmission data309and transmitted during the lane representation. Then, on the basis of this data, the other game apparatus2controls the movement of the ball and the pins in the lane representation for the player.

The transmission score data364is data obtained by copying the content of the score data322. The transmission score data364is included in the transmission data309and transmitted when one-unit play is completed and a score is determined.

The emotion instruction data365is data indicating that an emotion operation has been performed, and also includes information for identifying the content of the emotion operation. The emotion instruction data365is included in the transmission data309and transmitted when an emotion instruction is made.

Referring back toFIG.6, the reception data310is data which is the transmission data309transmitted from the game apparatuses2and received and stored at a predetermined reception timing. Therefore, in the reception data310, data regarding the15other game apparatuses2are stored (15transmission data sets are stored). In addition, at the timing when the reception data310is received, the contents of the other-player records341are also updated as appropriate on the basis of the content of the reception data310. The data structure of each other-player record341is the same as that of the transmission data309, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

The operation data311is data indicating the contents of operations performed on the controller4. The operation data311includes data indicating a pressed state of the button section43such as a cross key or an input state to the analog stick42, and the acceleration and the angular velocity detected by the inertial sensor44. The content of the operation data311is updated in predetermined cycles on the basis of a signal from the controller4(communication section41).

In addition, various kinds of data to be used in the game processing are stored as necessary in the storage section22.

[Details of Processing Executed by Processor21]

Next, the bowling game processing according to the exemplary embodiment will be described in detail.FIG.11is a flowchart showing the details of the bowling game processing. The execution of the bowling game processing is started in accordance with an operation by the user for instructing start of a competitive play. This flowchart is merely one example of the processing. Therefore, the order of each process step may be changed as long as the same result is obtained. In addition, the values of variables and thresholds used in determination steps are also merely examples, and other values may be used as necessary.

InFIG.11, first, in step S1, the processor21executes a preparation process. This process is a process of performing various preparations for starting the bowling game.FIG.12is a flowchart showing the details of the preparation process. InFIG.12, first, in step S11, the processor21performs a matching process for matching participants of the game. This process may be performed by any method, but in the exemplary embodiment, the matching process is performed while communication is being performed with a predetermined server. Next, when the participants are determined, in step S12, the processor21transmits and receives information about the game apparatuses2participating in the game, via the predetermined server. Subsequently, in step S13, the processor21executes a process of establishing a connection between the participating game apparatuses2. Next, in step S14, the processor21constructs a virtual game space (a floor with lanes in a virtual bowling alley), and places various objects such as the PC203therein. Furthermore, the processor21generates a game image by combining an image of the virtual space taken by the virtual camera, with an image indicating various kinds of information such as the ranking table205, and outputs the game image to the display unit5. This is the end of the preparation process.

Referring back toFIG.11, next, in step S2, the processor21executes a one-game control process for controlling play for one game of the bowling. Here, the one-game control process (loop of steps S2and S3) is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals. Specifically, the one-game control process is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals (corresponding to the frame rate) such as 1/60 second or 1/30 second.

FIG.13is a flowchart showing the details of the one-game control process. InFIG.13, first, in step S21, the processor21executes an own-player process. This is a process regarding the player and the PC203.FIG.14is a flowchart showing the details of the own-player process. InFIG.14, first, in step S31, the processor21refers to the progress management data308and determines whether the player is in a “watching mode” (has been registered in the above watcher list). As a result of the determination, if the player is not in the watching mode (NO in step S31), in step S32, the processor21executes a non-watching mode process. On the other hand, if the player in the watching mode (YES in step S31), the processor21executes a watching mode process in step S33. Hereinafter, both processes will be described in detail.

FIG.15is a flowchart showing the details of the non-watching mode process. InFIG.15, first, in step S41, the processor21refers to the player state data327and determines whether the state of the player is “before ball roll”. If the state of the player is “before ball roll” (YES in step S41), the processor21executes a pre-roll process in step S42.

FIG.16is a flowchart showing the details of the pre-roll process. InFIG.16, first, in step S51, the processor21acquires the operation data311. Next, in step S52, the processor21determines whether the ball roll operation has been performed. If the ball roll operation has not been performed (NO in step S52), the pre-roll process ends. If the ball roll operation has been performed (YES in step S52), in step S53, the processor21calculates a movement direction (ejection direction) and a movement speed (initial speed) of the ball202, etc., on the basis of the content of the ball roll operation, and stores the calculated direction and speed, etc., as the lane representation control data326.

Next, in step S54, the processor21sets “during lane representation” in the player state data327.

Next, in step S55, the processor21generates the ball roll start information362for informing the other game apparatuses2that the ball roll operation has been performed. Then, the processor21includes the ball roll start information in the transmission data309and transmits the transmission data309to the other game apparatuses2. Then, the processor21ends the pre-roll process.

Referring back toFIG.15, when the pre-roll process is ended, the processor21ends the non-watching mode process. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S41, if the state of the player is not “before ball roll” (NO in step S41), in step S43, the processor21determines whether the state of the player is “during lane representation”. If the state of the player is “during lane representation” (YES in step S43), the processor21executes a lane representation process in step S44.

FIG.17is a flowchart showing the details of the lane representation process. InFIG.17, first, in step S61, the processor21controls the movement of the ball202on the basis of the lane representation control data326. Next, in step S62, the processor21determines whether the ball202collides with any pins, and controls the movement of the pins on the basis of the result of the determination.

Next, in step S63, the processor21performs a process for informing the other game apparatuses2of the positions of the ball and the pins after the above movement control. Specifically, the processor21generates the movement information data363including at least the coordinates of the ball and the pins after the above movement control. Then, the processor21includes the movement information data363in the transmission data309and transmits the transmission data309to the other game apparatuses2.

Next, in step S64, the processor21determines whether the lane representation has been completed, on the basis of the lane representation control data326. For example, the processor21determines whether the lane representation has been completed, by determining whether the ball has moved to the pit and the movement of the pins has been completed (stopped). As a result of the determination, if the lane representation has been completed (YES in step S64), in step S65, the processor21sets “completion of ball roll” as the state of the player. Then, the processor21ends the lane representation process.

Referring back toFIG.15, when the lane representation process is ended, the processor21ends the non-watching mode process. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S43, if the state of the player is not “during lane representation” (NO in step S43), in step S45, the processor21determines whether the state of the player is “completion of ball roll”. If the state of the player is “completion of ball roll” (YES in step S45), the processor21executes a roll-completion-time process in step S46.

FIG.18is a flowchart showing the details of the roll-completion-time process. InFIG.18, first, in step S71, the processor21calculates the score data322on the basis of the result of the current ball roll. That is, the processor21calculates the number of pins knocked down with the current ball roll, and stores the calculated number of pins in the knocked-down pin number data323. Furthermore, the processor21determines the result state of the current play such as whether the current play results in a strike or a spare, and stores the result state in the play result state data324. Moreover, the processor21calculates the total score up to this time point, and stores the total score in the total score data325. Next, the processor21generates the transmission score data364obtained by copying the score data322. Then, the processor21includes the transmission score data364in the transmission data309and transmits the transmission data309to the other game apparatuses2.

Next, in step S72, the processor21registers information for identifying the player, in the ranking update queue307.

Next, in step S73, the processor21determines whether the play of the player at the current frame has been completed. That is, the processor21determines whether the first ball roll or the second ball roll has been completed. As a result of the determination, if the play has not been completed (NO in step S73), in step S74, the processor21sets “before ball roll” as the state of the player (this is a transition from the first ball roll to the second ball roll). On the other hand, if the play has been completed (YES in step S73), in step S75, the processor21sets “waiting” as the state of the player (this shifts the state to a state of waiting for another player to complete play). Then, the processor21ends the roll-completion-time process.

Referring back toFIG.15, when the roll-completion-time process is ended, the processor21ends the non-watching mode process. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S45, if the state of the player is not “completion of ball roll” (NO in step S45), the processor21executes a waiting process in step S47. This process is a process in a period of waiting for another player to complete play.

FIG.19is a flowchart showing the details of the waiting process. InFIG.19, first, in step S81, the processor21acquires the operation data311.

Next, in step S82, the processor21determines whether the emotion display operation has been performed, on the basis of the operation data311. As a result of the determination, if the emotion display operation has been performed (YES in step S82), in step S83, the processor21determines the content of an emotion image to be displayed, on the basis of the content of the operation. Furthermore, the processor21performs display setting of the emotion image such that the emotion image212is displayed at the left end of the player information object211corresponding to the player (seeFIG.4).

Next, in step S84, the processor21generates the emotion instruction data365on the basis of the content of the operation, in order to inform the other game apparatuses2that the emotion display operation has been performed. Then, the processor21generates the transmission data309including this emotion instruction data365, and transmits the transmission data309to the other game apparatuses2.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S82, if the emotion display operation has not been performed (NO in step S82), the processes in steps S83and S84are skipped. Then, the processor21ends the waiting process.

Referring back toFIG.15, when the waiting process is ended, the processor21ends the non-watching mode process.

Next, the watching mode process in step S33inFIG.14will be described.FIG.20is a flowchart showing the details of the watching mode process. InFIG.20, first, in step S91, the processor21acquires the operation data311.

Next, in step S92, the processor21determines whether the emotion display operation has been performed. As a result of the determination, if the emotion display operation has been performed (YES in step S92), the processor21executes processes in step S93and step S94. These processes are the same as in steps S83and S84inFIG.19, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S92, if the emotion display operation has not been performed (NO in step S92), in step S95, the processor21executes other game processing on the basis of the operation data311. For example, a process of designating or changing a target to be watched in the watching mode, a process of operating the virtual camera, etc., are executed. Then, the processor21ends the watching mode process.

This is the end of the description of the own-player process in step S21.

Referring back toFIG.13, next, in step S22, the processor21executes an other-player process. This process is a process for reflecting the motion of another bowler character or the emotion display operation performed by another player, on the basis of reception data from another game apparatus2.

FIG.21is a flowchart showing the details of the other-player process. First, in step S101, the processor21receives the transmission data309transmitted from another game apparatus2, and stores the received transmission data309as the reception data310. Furthermore, the processor21updates the content of the other-player record341as appropriate on the basis of the reception data310. Specifically, if the movement information data363is included in the reception data310, the movement information data344for the player who is the transmission source is updated. Similarly, if the transmission score data364is included in the reception data310, the other-player score data343for the player who is the transmission source is updated. If the emotion instruction data365is included in the reception data310, the other-player emotion-related data345for the player who is the transmission source is updated. Moreover, if the ball roll start information362is included in the reception data310, the lane representation reproduction flag346for the player who is the transmission source is set to be ON.

Next, in step S102, the processor21reproduces a play (lane representation) for one ball roll by another bowler character. At this time, the processor21refers to the progress management data308, extracts other players who are not in the watching mode, and controls reproduction of a play for one ball roll by only each of these players. Specifically, the processor21causes the other bowler character to make a predetermined ball-rolling motion, on the basis of the ball roll start information362included in the reception data310. Furthermore, the processor21controls the movement of the ball202of the other player and the pins on the basis of the movement information data363included in the reception data310. When the lane representation is completed, the processor21sets the lane representation reproduction flag346to be OFF.

Next, in step S103, the processor21controls registration in the ranking update queue307. Specifically, the processor21registers information for identifying other players who satisfy the following two conditions, in the ranking update queue307in the order from the player who satisfies these two conditions earlier.(1) A play (lane representation) for one ball roll by a corresponding other bowler character has been completed.(2) The other-player score data343related to the current one-unit play by the corresponding other bowler character has been received.

Next, in step S104, the processor21determines whether the emotion display operation has been performed by another player, on the basis of the other-player emotion-related data345. The targets to be determined as to whether the emotion display operation has been performed are all the other players including players who have entered the watching mode. As a result of the determination, if the emotion display operation has been performed by another player (YES in step S104), in step S105, the processor21performs setting for displaying the emotion image212for the other player, on the basis of the other-player emotion-related data345. That is, the processor21performs setting for displaying the predetermined emotion image212specified by the other-player emotion-related data345, in association with the player information object211corresponding to the other player who has performed the emotion display operation. On the other hand, if the emotion display operation has not been performed by another player (NO in step S104), the process in step S105is skipped. This is the end of the other-player process.

Referring back toFIG.13, next, in step S23, the processor21executes a ranking table update process.FIG.22is a flowchart showing the details of the ranking table update process. First, in step S111, the processor21determines whether the current state is during the ranking change representation as shown inFIG.3toFIG.5. As a result of the determination, if the current state is not during the ranking change representation (NO in step S111), in step S112, the processor21acquires the earliest registered player information from the ranking update queue307. Then, the processor21identifies the player for which the ranking change representation is to be performed (from among all the players including the own-player and the other players).

Next, in step S113, the processor21calculates the ranking after change of the player for which the ranking change representation is to be performed, on the basis of the total scores at this time point, and stores the ranking in the progress management data308.

Next, in step S114, the processor21determines the final display position (movement target point), in the ranking table205, of the player information object211corresponding to the player whose ranking is to be changed, on the basis of the calculated ranking.

Next, in step S115, the processor21performs setting for starting the ranking change representation as shown inFIG.3toFIG.5. In addition, accordingly, the processor21deletes the information of the player for which the current ranking change representation is to be performed, from the ranking update queue307.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S111, if the current state is during the ranking change representation (YES in step S111), the processes in steps S112to S115are skipped (that is, the currently executed ranking change representation is continued). Then, the processor21ends the ranking table update process.

Referring back toFIG.13, when the ranking table update process is ended, next, in step S24, the processor21determines whether one-set play has been completed for all the players who are not in the watching mode, on the basis of the reception data310, etc. As a result of the determination, if not all the players have completed one-set play (NO in step S24), the processor21advances the processing to step S26described later. On the other hand, if all the players have completed one-set play (YES in step S24), the processor21executes a frame-end-time process in step S25. In this process, determination as to elimination from the game as described above is performed.

FIG.23is a flowchart showing the details of the frame-end-time process. First, in step S121, the processor21determines whether it is a timing for performing elimination determination, on the basis of the progress management data308. In the exemplary embodiment, if the timing is either at the end of frame 3, at the end of frame 6, or at the end of frame 9, the processor21determines that it is a timing for elimination determination. As a result of the determination, if it is not a timing for elimination determination (NO in step S121), in step S122, the processor21performs setting for displaying a play start representation for the next frame. Then, the processor21ends the frame-end-time process.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S121, if it is a timing for elimination determination (YES in step S121), in step S123, the processor21first updates progress management data (watcher list) for the other players. That is, the processor21performs elimination determination for the other players. In the exemplary embodiment, as described above, the players ranked 9th or lower are eliminated at the end of frame 3, the players ranked 6th or lower are eliminated at the end of frame 6, and the players ranked 4th or lower are eliminated at the end of frame 9. Therefore, at the end of each frame at which elimination determination is performed, it is determined whether each of the rankings of the other players is this ranking or lower. Then, on the basis of this result, the information of the other players who have been eliminated is registered in the watcher list.

Next, in step S124, the processor21determines whether the ranking of the player at that time point is a ranking that can pass the borderline (elimination determination for the player). As a result of the determination, if the ranking of the player is a ranking that can pass the borderline (YES in step S124), the processor21advances the processing to step S122. At this time, a representation indicating that the borderline is passed may be displayed. On the other hand, if the ranking of the player is not a ranking that can pass the borderline (NO in step S124), in step S125, the processor21performs a process for shifting the player to the watching mode. Specifically, the processor21registers the information of the player in the watcher list included in the progress management data308(that is, eliminates the player). Then, the processor21ends the frame-end-time process.

Referring back toFIG.13, next, in step S26, the processor21executes a game image display process.FIG.24is a flowchart showing the details of the game image display process. InFIG.24, first, in step S131, the processor21determines whether the ranking change representation is being displayed in the ranking table205as shown inFIG.3toFIG.5. That is, the processor21determines whether any of the player information objects211is being moved toward the display position corresponding to the ranking after change. As a result of the determination, if the ranking change representation is being displayed (YES in step S131), in step S132, the processor21performs control of continuing the display of the ranking change representation (continues the movement of the player information object211toward the above movement target point). On the other hand, if the ranking change representation is not being displayed (NO in step S131), the process in step S132is skipped, and the processor21advances the processing to the next step.

Next, in step S133, the processor21determines whether a predetermined representation other than the ranking change representation is being displayed. Examples of the predetermined representation include a paly start representation for each frame, a second ball roll start representation, a representation at the end of each frame, a replay representation, etc. As a result of the determination, if the predetermined representation is being displayed (YES in step S133), in step S134, the processor21performs control of continuing the display of the representation. On the other hand, if the predetermined representation is not being displayed (NO in step S133), the process in step S134is skipped, and the processor21advances the processing to the next step.

Next, in step S135, the processor21determines whether, among the currently displayed emotion images212, there is an emotion image212that has been displayed for a predetermined time or longer after the display thereof is started. As a result of the determination, if there is such an emotion image (YES in step S135), in step S136, the processor21deletes this emotion image212. On the other hand, if there is no such emotion image212(NO in step S135), the process in step S136is skipped, and the processor21advances the processing to the next step.

Next, in step S137, the processor21generates a game image reflecting the various processes described above, and outputs the game image to the display unit5. That is, the processor21takes an image of a virtual space reflecting the various processes described above, by the virtual camera. Furthermore, the processor21generates (an image of) the ranking table205reflecting the content of the ranking table update process and the display control content of the emotion image212, and combines the image taken by the virtual camera, with the ranking table205, thereby generating a game image. Then, the processor21outputs the game image to the display unit5. Then, the processor21ends the game image display process.

Referring back toFIG.13, when the game image display process is ended, the processor21ends the one-game control process.

Referring back toFIG.11, when the one-game control process is ended, next, in step S3, the processor21determines whether one game (play for ten frames) has been ended, on the basis of the progress management data308. As a result of the determination, if one game has not been ended (NO in step S3), the processor21returns to step S2and repeats the process. If one game has been ended (YES in step S3), in step S4, the processor21executes an end-time process. In this process, a process of displaying a representation for announcing final rankings based on the total scores is executed. In addition, various processes for ending the bowling game (for example, disconnecting the game apparatuses2from each other) are also performed as appropriate. Then, the bowling game processing is ended.

This is the end of the detailed description of the bowling game processing according to the exemplary embodiment.

As described above, in the exemplary embodiment, in a sports game, such as bowling, in which play itself is completed by a single player, how the ranking table205changes in real time is displayed. Accordingly, an experience of playing while being aware of the presence of opponents, rather than an experience of playing like playing alone, can be provided. In addition, the player is allowed to grasp the overall situation of the game. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the entertainment characteristics of the multi-player competitive game such as bowling.

Moreover, by displaying the above emotion image212as appropriate, the player is allowed to guess the situation of the opponent. For example, the player information object211with the emotion image212easily attracts a player's attention. Then, for example, if a smile emotion image212is displayed to indicate that a strike has been achieved at the player information object211, the player can guess that the other player who has displayed the emotion image212is pleased to have achieved a strike. By enabling such guess, it is possible to make the player aware of the presence of the opponents, and stimulate the player's competitive spirit, so that it is possible to improve the entertainment characteristics of the game.

Modifications

In the above embodiment, a bowling game has been exemplified as the multi-player competitive game. In addition, for example, the above processing can also be applied to sports games, such as a golf game, in which the progress of play itself can be managed and completed by only one player and the final ranking is determined by the final total score.

In the above embodiment, the example of including the total score at that time point in the data to be transmitted to the other game apparatuses2has been described. However, in another exemplary embodiment, only the number of pins knocked down and the play state result (information such as strike) may be transmitted without transmitting the total score. Then, each game apparatus2that has received this information may calculate the total score of each player. In addition, in still another exemplary embodiment, only the total score may be transmitted to the other game apparatuses2. In this case, for example, the content of the lane representation for the other player may be set as appropriate on the basis of the total score. That is, instead of reproducing the actual movement for the other player, movement similar to this may be made on the basis of the total score.

In the above embodiment, the example of reflecting the ranking change of the player in the ranking table205each time one-unit play is completed has been described. In another exemplary embodiment, such reflection in the ranking table205may be performed at the timing when one-set play is completed. In this case as well, the content of the ranking table205can be changed as soon as one-set play of each player is completed, without waiting for all participating players to complete one-set play.

In the above embodiment, the example of performing the change representation of the ranking table205for each player has been described. In another exemplary embodiment, the ranking change representation may be performed at once for a plurality of players.

In the above embodiment, the example of controlling the progress in a manner of waiting for another player to complete play after one-set play is completed, has been described. In another exemplary embodiment, until a frame at which elimination determination is performed (in this example, frame 3, frame 6, frame 9) is completed, the game of each player may be able to proceed without waiting as described above. That is, completion of play by the other players may be waited for only when play at a frame at which elimination determination is performed is completed. In addition, in another exemplary embodiment, completion of play by the other players may be waited for every one-unit play.

Moreover, as for the display of the emotion image212, at the timing when the emotion image212is displayed according to an instruction by another player, the bowler character204corresponding to the other player may be caused to perform a predetermined action. For example, when another player makes an instruction to display an emotion image in which a fist is raised, the bowler character204corresponding to the other player may be caused to perform an action of raising a fist. Accordingly, when the bowler character204performing such an action is included in the field of view of the virtual camera (for example, when the bowler character204is playing on an adjacent lane), it can be easier to visually grasp the situation change of the other player.

In the above embodiment, the case where the series of game processing is performed in the single game apparatus2has been described. However, in another embodiment, the above series of processes may be performed in an information processing system that includes a plurality of information processing apparatuses. For example, in an information processing system that includes a terminal side apparatus and a server side apparatus capable of communicating with the terminal side apparatus via a network, a part of the series of processes may be performed by the server side apparatus. Alternatively, in an information processing system that includes a terminal side apparatus and a server side apparatus capable of communicating with the terminal side apparatus via a network, a main process of the series of the processes may be performed by the server side apparatus, and a part of the series of the processes may be performed by the terminal side apparatus. Still alternatively, in the information processing system, a server side system may include a plurality of information processing apparatuses, and a process to be performed in the server side system may be divided and performed by the plurality of information processing apparatuses. In addition, a so-called cloud gaming configuration may be adopted. For example, the game apparatus2may be configured to send operation data indicating a user's operation to a predetermined server, and the server may be configured to execute various kinds of game processing and stream the execution results as video/audio to the game apparatus2.

While the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail, the foregoing description is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive. It is to be understood that numerous other modifications and variations can be devised without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments.