GAME APPARATUS, GAME CONTROL METHOD, AND INFORMATION RECORDING MEDIUM

Abstract

The present invention provides a game apparatus suitable for pausing and resuming a game by use of a touch panel. A game apparatus has a touch detection part, a display part, and a pause part. The touch detection part detects the touch of the user on the screen. The display part displays a pause command button at a position different from the initial touch position on the screen so long as a touch is detected by the touch detection part. The pause part pauses the game when the touch detection part detects touch to the pause command button.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-197421, filed on Sep. 3, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

This application relates to a game apparatus and game control method suitable for pausing and resuming a game by use of a touch panel, and a computer-readable non-transitory information recording medium on which a program is recorded.

BACKGROUND

In addition to using conventional keyboards and controllers, using a touch panel type input device that allows a user to perform an input operation by directly touching the display screen of an information device as an input device for information devices such as computers and game apparatuses has become popular.

In particular, recent compact information devices such as cell-phones, portable game machines, and smart-phones are being configured with a touch panel type input operation (for example, see Unexamined Japanese Patent Application KOKAI Publication No. 2010-92233).

Furthermore, portable game machines and smart-phones generally provide games using a touch panel. For example, in a racing game on a smart-phone, the user taps (touches with a finger) a field displayed on the screen to select it and races on the course displayed on the screen assuming that the smart-phone body is a steering wheel. In many cases, the user may tap any point on the screen to pause the game while the game is in progress.

However, during a game in which a user's moves may be extreme, for example a user may accidentally touch the screen during a racing game. When the user accidentally touches the screen, it may cause the game to pause. When the game pauses, it may disturb the flow of a game that is in progress.

In view of the above, an objective of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus and game control method suitable for pausing and resuming a game by use of a touch panel, and a computer-readable non-transitory information recording medium on which a program is recorded.

SUMMARY

In order to achieve the above objective, a game apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a touch detection part, a display part, and a pause part, which are configured as follows.

The touch detection part detects a touch of a user on a screen. For example, in a smart-phone portable game machine including a touch panel type input device, the touch detection part detects when the user touches the screen with a finger or a touch pen, moves a finger or a touch pen that is touching the screen and releases a finger or a touch pen that is touching the screen therefrom, as well as the touch position on the screen. Video images of the game the user is playing are displayed on the screen.

The display part displays a pause command button at a position different from the initial touch position on the screen, while a touch is detected by the touch detection part. In the above example, the expression “while a touch is detected by the touch detection part” means “while the user is touching the screen with a finger or a touch pen.” “The initial touch position on the screen” is the position where the user first touches the screen while the game is in progress. The expression “while the game is in progress” means, for example, in the case of the abovementioned racing game, “during a race on the course on the screen.” In other words, in the event that the user unintentionally touches the screen during a race on the course on the screen in a racing game, the display part displays a pause command button at a position different from the touch position. Consequently, when the user unintentionally touches the screen, the game is not immediately paused. A pause command button is always displayed while the user is touching the screen.

The pause part pauses the game when a touch of the pause command button is detected by the touch detection part. In other words, the game is paused, for example, when the user slides a finger from the initial touch position and to touch the pause command button. Alternatively, the user can touch the screen with a finger to display a pause command button and tap the pause command button with another finger to pause the game. Furthermore, it is possible for the user to slide a finger from the initial touch position onto the pause command button, place the finger on the pause command button, and then release the finger in order to pause.

The cancelation of a paused game, namely resuming a game can be accomplished by a configuration whereby a resume command button is displayed in place of the pause command button while the game is paused and tapping the resume command button to resume the game. Alternatively, the user may touch the resume command button for a predetermined period of time in order to resume the game.

According to the present invention, a game does not pause unless the user intends for there to be a pause. Thus, the user can continue to enjoy playing even when he/she unintentionally touches the screen while playing a game. On the other hand, the user can pause a game by tapping the pause command button displayed on the screen when the screen is touched.

In order to achieve the above objective, the game apparatus of the present invention comprises a tilt detection part, a storage part, and a resume part, which are configured as follows.

The tilt detection part may detect the tilt of the game apparatus. For example, in the abovementioned racing game, when setting the game apparatus as a steering wheel, the tilt needs to be detected. The user plays the game by adjusting the tilt of the game apparatus in accordance with the course displayed on the screen.

The storage part may store the tilt of the game apparatus that is detected by the tilt detection part when the game is paused. In other words, the storage part stores the tilt of the game apparatus when the user pauses the game by use of the pause command button, namely at the moment the game is being paused. Consequently, the tilt of the game apparatus corresponds to the progress of the game at the time the paused game (hereinafter, simply referred to as, “at the time of pausing”) is stored.

The resume part may resume the game when the tilt detected by the tilt detection part while the game is paused is equal to the tilt stored in the storage part. For example, in the case of a game using the tilt of the game apparatus, if the tilt of the game apparatus at the time of resuming of the game is not equal to the tilt of the game apparatus at the time of pausing, the game may be resumed without the tilt of the game apparatus being suitable for progress of the game at the time of pausing. In the case of the abovementioned racing game, the game may be resumed without the tilt of the game apparatus, namely the user cannot resume the game on the screen comfortably with respect to having the steering of the steering wheel comfortably match the curve of the course on which the vehicle is racing. Therefore, the resume part is configured to resume the game only when the tilt of the game apparatus at the time of resuming of the game is equal to the tilt of the game apparatus at the time of pausing. Consequently, when the tilt of the game apparatus at the time of resuming of the game is equal to the tilt of the game apparatus at the time of pausing, the user can resume play smoothly.

According to the above configuration, while the game is paused the display part may display a fixed symbol fixed on the screen of the game apparatus and a movable symbol moving according to the tilt on the screen of the game apparatus, and may display the movable symbol over the fixed symbol when the tilt detected by the tilt detection part while the game is paused is equal to the tilt stored in the storage part.

The above configuration makes it easier for the user to visually perceive the tilt of the game apparatus at the time of pausing. It is desirable to determine the display position of the fixed symbol on the screen based on the tilt of the game apparatus at the time of pausing, namely the tilt stored in the storage part. For example, if the game apparatus is tilted at the time of pausing, the fixed symbol is displayed on one end of the screen of the game apparatus in the direction along the tilt of the game apparatus (in a gravitational direction). Consequently, seeing the position of the fixed symbol allows the user to understand the direction that the game apparatus was tilted at the time of pausing. Next, seeing the position of the fixed symbol, allows the user to recognize the direction that the game apparatus was tilted at the time of pausing, which in turn allows the user to understand the direction that the game apparatus should be tilted at the time of resuming.

The resume part resumes the game when the movable symbol is placed over the fixed symbol for a predetermined period of time. In other words, in order to resume the game, the user tilts the game apparatus so that the movable symbol coincides with the fixed symbol for a predetermined period of time. Consequently, being able to easily match the tilt of the game apparatus at the time of pausing with that at the time of resuming allows the user to smoothly resume play.

According to the game apparatus of the present invention, the display part change the first display position of the pause command button on the screen according to the tilt detected by the tilt detection part.

In other words, the display part displays the pause command button at a position different from the initial user touch position on the screen and corresponding to the tilt of the game apparatus, for example, at a position on the screen which counters the tilt (an anti-gravitational position), or in the center of the screen when there is no tilt. Consequently, by tilting the game apparatus at the time of pausing, the user can set the first display position of the pause command button to any position.

Furthermore, according to the game apparatus of the present invention, the display part may move the display position of the pause command button on the screen according to the tilt detected by the tilt detection part.

In other words, the display part moves the pause command button from the first display position on the screen according to the tilt of the game apparatus, for example, in the direction along the tilt of the game apparatus (in a gravitational direction). Consequently, by tilting the game apparatus at the time of pausing, the user can move and display the pause command button at any position on the screen.

Furthermore, according to the game apparatus of the present invention, the display part may display the pause command button so as to approach the initial touch position over a predetermined period of time while the screen is being touched.

In other words, when the user continues to touch the screen at the initial touch position, the display part moves the pause command button toward that position. Consequently, in order to pause the game, the user simply continuously touches the first touch position until the pause command button approaches, whereby the user can pause the game without moving his/her finger or touch pen. It is possible to move the pause command button toward any position on the screen, rather than just the initial touch position, where the user continuously touches for a predetermined period of time.

In order to achieve the above objective, the game control method according to a second exemplary aspect of the present invention is a game control method executed by a game apparatus capable of pausing and resuming the progress of a game. The game apparatus includes a touch detection part, a display part, and a pause part. The game control method includes a detection step, a display step, and a pause step.

In the detection step, the touch detection part detects a touch of a user to a screen. In the display step, the display part displays a pause command button at a position different from the initial touch position on the screen while a touch is detected by the touch detection part. In the pause step, the pause part pauses the game when a touch of the pause command button is detected by the touch detection part.

In order to achieve the above objective, the program according to a third aspect of the present invention allows a computer to function as a game apparatus capable of pausing and resuming the progress of a game, and configures a computer to execute the above steps of the game control method. The program allows a computer to function as a touch detection part detecting a touch of a user on a screen, a display part displaying a pause command button at a position different from the initial touch position on the screen while a touch is detected by the detection part, and a pause part pausing the game when a touch of the pause command button is detected by the touch detection part.

The program of the present invention can be recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory information storage medium such as a compact disc, flexible disc, hard disc, magneto-optical disc, digital video disc, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory.

The above program can be distributed/sold independently from a computer on which the program is executed via a transfer medium such as a computer communication network. Furthermore, the above information storage medium can be distributed/sold independently from the computer.

The present invention can provide a game apparatus and game control method suitable for pausing and resuming a game by use of a touch panel, and a computer-readable non-transitory information recording medium on which a program is recorded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present application can be obtained when the below-mentioned detailed description is considered with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a general configuration of a typical portable terminal unit in which a game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is realized;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an appearance of a typical portable terminal unit realizing the functions of the game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the game apparatus according to Embodiment 1;

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an exemplary display position of a pause command button;

FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an exemplary display of a resume command button;

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a touch of the user on the pause command button;

FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the touch of the user on the pause command button;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a game process in the game apparatus of Embodiment 1;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a pause procedure in the game apparatus of Embodiment 1;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a resume procedure in the game apparatus of Embodiment 1;

FIG. 9A is a diagram showing the pause command button approaching a user touch position;

FIG. 9B is a diagram showing the pause command button approaching the user touch position;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the game apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a diagram showing an exemplary display of a fixed symbol and a movable symbol immediately after a pause;

FIG. 11B is a diagram showing an exemplary display of the fixed symbol and the movable symbol during a pause;

FIG. 12A is a diagram showing an exemplary display of the fixed symbol and the movable symbol immediately after a pause;

FIG. 12B is a diagram showing an exemplary display of the fixed symbol and the movable symbol during a pause;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the pause procedure in the game apparatus of Embodiment 2;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the resume procedure in the game apparatus of Embodiment 2;

FIG. 15A is a diagram showing the pause command button moving in accordance with the tilt of the game apparatus; and

FIG. 15B is a diagram showing the pause command button moving in accordance with the tilt of the game apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the present invention will be described hereafter. Although a portable terminal unit is used to describe embodiments for realizing the present invention for the sake of easier understanding, the embodiments below are for the purpose of explanation alone and therefore the scope of the present invention is not to be confined thereto. A person of ordinary skill in the art would readily recognize that the embodiments of the present application may be modified so as to replace each component with an equivalent thereof, and that such a modification or variation is also included within the scope of these embodiments.

Examples of a portable terminal unit in which the game apparatus according to the present invention is realized include portable telephones, game machines, and other types of portable terminal units having a touch panel.

Embodiment 1

A portable terminal unit 100 according to present embodiment will be described hereafter with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The portable terminal unit 100 comprises a wireless communication part 101, a communication controller 102, a sound amplifier 103, a speaker 104, an operation key 105, a screen 106, a touch panel 107, an acceleration sensor 108, and a control part 150.

The wireless communication part 101 is used for wireless communication with the wireless communication parts of other portable terminal units. The wireless communication part 101 transmits/receives given data via an antenna (not shown) built in the portable terminal unit 100. The wireless communication part 101 may perform wireless communication with a given access point. Furthermore, the wireless communication part 101 has a unique MAC (media access control) address.

The communication controller 102 controls the wireless communication part 101 and mediates wireless communication between the control part 150 and the control parts of other portable terminal units so as to remain in conformity with a given protocol. Furthermore, when the portable terminal unit 100 is connected to the Internet via a nearby wireless access point, the communication controller 102 mediates wireless communication between the control part 150 and wireless access point so as to remain in conformity with a wireless LAN (local area network) protocol.

The sound amplifier 103 amplifies sound signals generated by the control part 150 and supplies them to the speaker 104. The speaker 104 is composed of, for example, a stereo speaker, and outputs given sound effects, music, and voices according to sound signals amplified by the sound amplifier 103. The user can hear voices from the speaker 104 shown in FIG. 2 during a call.

The operation key 105 is composed of, for example, a key switch which is properly provided on the portable terminal unit 100. The operation key 105 receives input of given instructions such as power-on/off and manner mode shifting of the portable terminal unit 100 according to the operation.

The screen 106 is composed of an LCD and properly displays given selection buttons and the like under the control of an LCD controller 156 that will be described later. The screen 106 further displays selection buttons (icons) which are necessary for the user to touch for input of selection commands.

The touch panel 107 is superimposed on the front face of the screen 106 and receives input with a touch pen or a user's finger. The touch panel 107 is composed of, for example, a pressure-sensitive touch sensor panel that detects pressure from a touch pen or the like. The touch panel 107 identifies a touch operation, such as touch, and the position thereof (touch position). The touch panel 107 may detect/identify the touch of a user's finger or the like from a change in capacitance.

The acceleration sensor 108 is built in the portable terminal unit 100 and capable of measuring the axial movement of the portable terminal unit 100. In other words, the acceleration sensor 108 measures the movement of the portable terminal unit 100 while being moved, rotated, or tilted from the horizontal direction by the user. The measurement results are supplied to the control part 150 and used in the process executed by the image processing part 152 to create image data in accordance with the measurement results. In place of the acceleration sensor 108, an angular acceleration sensor or tilt sensor can be used to measure the movement of the portable terminal unit 100.

The control part 150 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a CPU (central processing unit) 151, an image processing part 152, a sound processing part 153, a ROM (read only memory) 154, a RAM (random access memory) 155, an LCD controller 156, and a touch panel controller 157.

The CPU 151 is connected to the components of the portable terminal unit 100 and controls the operation of the entire portable terminal unit 100. Furthermore, the CPU 151 exchanges control signals and data with the components of the portable terminal unit 100.

The image processing part 152 processes, for example, image data read from the ROM 154 or image data processed by the CPU 151. Next, the image processing part 152 stores the image data in the RAM 155. It is possible to directly output image data from the image processing part 152 to the screen 106.

The sound processing part 153 processes, for example, sound data read from the ROM 154 or music data processed by the CPU 151. Then, the sound processing part 153 stores them in the RAM 155. It is possible to directly output sound data from the sound processing part 153 to the sound amplifier 103.

The ROM 154 stores, for example, control programs and data necessary for selecting items displayed on the screen 106 and outputs them to the CPU 151 and RAM 155.

The RAM 155 stores image data processed by the image processing part 152 for display and work data for the CPU 151 to execute various procedures according to programs. The RAM 155 outputs the data to the CPU 151 and screen 106.

The LCD controller 156 controls the screen 106 to display given display images. For example, the LCD controller 156 converts image data stored in the RAM 155 to display signals at predetermined synchronized times and outputs the data to the screen 106. Furthermore, the LCD controller 156 controls the screen 106 to display given selection buttons.

The touch panel controller 157 detects/identifies touch (touch operation) of a touch pen or a user's finger to the touch panel 107. For example, the touch panel controller 157 detects touch/release (separation) to/from the touch panel 107 and identifies the position thereof while given selection buttons are displayed on the screen 106.

A game apparatus 300 of the present invention is realized by the portable terminal unit 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The general configuration of the game apparatus 300 will be described hereafter with reference to FIG. 3.

The game apparatus 300 comprises a touch detection part 301, a tilt detection part 302, a display part 303, a pause part 304, and a resume part 305.

The touch detection part 301 detects touch of the user 306 on the screen display part 106. More specifically, when the user 306 touches the screen 106 with a finger or a touch pen, the touch panel 107 that is superimposed on the screen 106 receives a change in pressure or capacitance due to the touch. The touch panel controller 157 detects a touch and/or release of thereof, and the touch position on the screen 106.

In other words, the function of the touch detection part 301 is realized by the touch panel 107 cooperating with the touch panel controller 157. The detected touch and touch position are supplied to the display part 303, pause part 304, and resume part 305.

The tilt detection part 302 detects the tilt of the game apparatus 300. More specifically, for example, when the user 306 holds and operates the portable terminal unit 100, the acceleration sensor 108 built in the portable terminal unit 100 detects change in the position and/or orientation of the portable terminal unit 100 moved and/or rotated.

The display part 303 displays a pause command button 400 described hereinafter at a position different from the initial touch position on the screen 106 while the touch detection part 301 is detecting a touch. The initial touch position on the screen 106 is the position on the screen 106 where the user made the first touch during a game that is in progress. The expression “while the game is in progress” means, for example in the case of the abovementioned racing game, during a race on the course on the screen 106. In other words, in such a case, if the user 306 unintentionally touches the screen 106 during a race on the course on the screen 106 in a racing game, the display part 303 displays a pause command button 400 at a position different from that of the touched position.

FIG. 4A shows an exemplary display position of the pause command button 400. In this example, a position 402, where the user touches the screen 106 with a finger, is the initial touch position. With regard to this initial touch position 402, a pause command button 400 is displayed in the top left corner of the screen 106 on the plane of the sheet. The pause command button 400 can be displayed at any position other than the initial touch position 402. The display position can be set according to the location of the initial touch position 402. The pause command button 400 is constantly displayed as long as the user 306 continues to touch the screen 106 with a finger or a touch pen.

In other words, the function of the display part 303 is realized as follows: the detection information is received from the touch detection part 301, and the image data of the pause command button 400 recorded in the RAM 155 is read by the CPU 151 and output to the screen 106 via the LCD controller 156.

The pause part 304 pauses the game when the touch detection part 301 detects a touch of the pause command button 400. More specifically, for example, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the game is paused when the user 306 touches the pause command button 400 by sliding a finger from the initial touch position 402.

The user 306 can touch the screen 106 with a finger to display a pause command button 400 and tap the pause command button 400 with another finger to pause the game. Alternately, the user 306 can slide a finger from the initial touch position 402 to the pause command button 400, place the finger on the pause command button 400, and release the finger to pause the game.

In other words, the pause part 304 receives the detection information from the touch detection part 301, to thereby pause the game.

The display part 303 displays a resume command button 401 on the screen 106 in place of the pause command button 400 after the pause part 304 pauses the game. The resume command button 401 can be displayed at any position on the screen 106. FIG. 4B shows an exemplary display of a resume control button.

In other words, the above function of the display part 303 is realized as follows: the pause information is received from the pause part 304, the image processing part 152 deletes display of the pause command button 400, and the image data of the resume command button 401 recorded in the RAM 155 is read by the CPU 151 and output to the screen 106 via the LCD controller 156.

The resume part 305 resumes the game when the touch detection part 301 detects a touch of the resume command button 401. More specifically, for example, the user 306 taps the resume command button 401.

In other words, the resume part 305 receives the detection information from the touch detection part 301 during the pause, to thereby resume the game.

The display part 303 receives resume information from the resume part 305 upon resumption and the image processing part 152 deletes display of the resume command button 401.

An embodiment of the above-described process of the game apparatus 300 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 6.

First, as the portable terminal unit 100 is powered on and the CPU 151 reads programs from the RAM 155, multiple items among which the user 306 can make a selection are displayed on the screen 106. As the user 306 selects a game among the multiple items, the selected game is activated and initialized (Step S601).

Then, the user 306 selects the play contents and settings of the selected game by tapping the screen 106 and he/she starts to play (Step S602).

After the user starts to play, the touch detection part 301 determines whether or not the user 306 has touched the screen 106, namely whether a finger or a touch pen of the user 306 has touched the screen 106 (namely, the touch panel 107) (Step S603).

If a touch of the screen 106 by the user 306 is not detected (Step 603; NO), the game apparatus 300 assumes that the game is in progress and detects change in the tilt of the game apparatus 300 (Step S604). In other words, the tilt detection part 302 detects change in the position or tilt of the entire portable terminal unit 100 moved or rotated by the hands of the user 306.

The game apparatus 300 updates the game status in accordance with the tilt detected by the tilt detection part 302 (Step S605). In other words, the game status refers to the position, size, and shape of images displayed on the screen 106 while the game is being played. As described above, in a game using a change in the tilt of the game apparatus 300, the game status is updated in accordance with the tilt.

On the other hand, the image processing part 152 creates images in accordance with the updated game status (Step S606). More specifically, the image data presenting the position, size, and shape of images displayed on the screen 106 is processed by the image processing part 152. The processed image data is output to the screen 106 (Step S607).

If a touch of the user 306 on the screen 106 is detected (Step S603; YES), the game apparatus 300 performs a pause procedure to pause the ongoing game (Step S608) and, subsequently performs a resume procedure (Step S609).

The pause procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 7.

If a touch of the screen 106 is detected in Step S603 of FIG. 6, the display part 303 displays a pause command button 400 at a position different from the initial touch position 402 on the screen 106 as shown in FIG. 4A so long as a touch is detected by the touch detection part 301 (Step S701).

Next, the touch detection part 301 determines whether there is a touch of a finger or a touch pen of the user 306 in order to the pause command button 400 (Step S702).

If no touch of the pause command button 400 is detected (Step S702; NO), the display part 303 returns to the Step S701 and continues to display the pause command button 400. In other words, even if the user 306 is touching the screen 106, the display part 303 continues to display the pause command button 400 unless the user 306 touches the pause command button 400.

When a touch of the pause command button 400 is detected (Step S702; YES), the game is paused by the pause part 304 (Step S703). More specifically, the game is paused as the user 306 touches the pause command button 400 by sliding a finger from the initial touch position 402, as shown in FIG. 5. Afterwards, the resume procedure is performed.

The resume procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 8.

As the pause part 304 pauses the game, the display part 303 displays a resume command button 401, as shown in FIG. 4B, in place of the pause command button 400 (Step S801).

Then, the touch detection part 301 determines whether there is a touch of a finger or a touch pen of the user 306 to the resume command button 401 (Step S802).

If no touch of the resume command button 401 is detected (Step S802; NO), the display part 303 returns to the Step S801 and continues to display the resume command button 401. In other words, even if the user 306 is touching the screen 106, the display part 303 continues to display the resume command button 401 unless the user 306 touches the resume command button 401.

If a touch of the resume command button 401 is detected (Step S802; YES), the resume part 305 resumes the game (Step S803). More specifically, the game resumes as the user 306 taps the resume command button 401. As the game resumes, the display part 303 deletes the resume command button 401. Then, the game is in progress.

In the game apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment, a pause command button 400 is displayed at a position different from the initial touch position 402, even if the user 306 unintentionally touches the screen 106 while playing a game. Therefore, the user 306 can continue to play comfortably without any chance of accidentally touching the pause command button 400 and causing the game to pause. When the user wants to pause the game, the user 306 taps the pause command button 400 displayed on the screen 106 while touching the screen 106. Furthermore, by tapping a resume command button 401 displayed during the pause, the game is resumed.

In a modified embodiment of present embodiment, the display part 303 displays the pause command button 400 so as to approach the initial touch position 402 over a period of time where the user 306 is touching the screen 106.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show such an example. The display part 303 moves the pause command button 400 toward the touch position 402 as the user 306 keeps his/her finger at the initial touch position 402 on the screen 106. In this way, if the user 306 wants to pause the game, he/she keeps the finger at the initial touch position 402 so that the pause command button 400 approaches, and the user can pause the game without moving his/her finger. So long as a touch lasts for a predetermined period of time, any position on the screen can be used as the approaching position of the pause command button 400, rather than the initial touch position 402.

Embodiment 2

Embodiment 2 will be described hereafter. Embodiment 2 is different from Embodiment 1 with respect to the structure, function, and procedure steps of the resume procedure of the game apparatus 300. The other configuration is the same as in Embodiment 1.

As shown in FIG. 10, a game apparatus 1000 of present embodiment includes a touch detection part 1001, a tilt detection part 1002, a display part 1003, a pause part 1004, and a resume part 1005, and a storage part 1006.

The storage part 1006 retrieves and stores the tilt of the game apparatus 1000 from the tilt detection part 1002 when the game is paused by the pause part 1004.

In other words, the function of the storage 1006 is realized as follows: the pause information is received from the pause part 1004, and the tilt of the game apparatus 1000 is retrieved from the tilt detection part 1002 and stored in the RAM 155.

The display part 1003 displays a fixed symbol 1107 fixed on the screen 106 and a movable symbol 1108 moving on the screen 106 according to the tilt detected by the tilt detection part 1002 on the screen of the game apparatus 1000 while the game is paused.

The display position of the fixed symbol 1107 on the screen 106 varies depending on the tilt of the game apparatus 1000 at the time of pausing. In other words, the position of the fixed symbol 1107 is determined based on the tilt stored in the storage part 1006. The movable symbol 1108 is displayed over the fixed symbol 1107 immediately after the game is paused. The user 306 tilts the game apparatus 1000 during a pause, and the movable symbol 1108 moves around on the screen 106 in accordance with the tilt.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show exemplary display of the fixed symbol 1107 and movable symbol 1108. In the example of FIG. 11, it is assumed that the user 306 starts the game while holding the screen 106 of the portable information terminal 100 parallel to the ground. FIG. 11A indicates that the user 306 has tilted the right short side of the portable information terminal 100 in the gravitational direction while playing the game, and then paused the game. As shown in FIG. 11A, the fixed symbol 1107 and movable symbol 1108 overlap with each other immediately after the game is paused. However, as the user 306 returns the portable information terminal 100 to being parallel with the ground, the movable symbol 1108 moves in an arrowed direction that is indicated in FIG. 11B.

On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 12, it is assumed that the user 306 starts the game while holding the portable information terminal 100 with the long side parallel to the ground and the screen 106 perpendicular to the ground. FIG. 12A indicates that the user 306 has tilted the long side of the portable information terminal 100 in the gravitational direction while playing the game, and then paused the game. Similarly to the example shown in FIG. 11A, the fixed symbol 1107 and movable symbol 1108 overlap with each other immediately after the game is paused. However, as the user 306 returns the long side of the portable information terminal 100 to being parallel with the ground, the movable symbol 1108 moves in an arrowed direction that is indicated in FIG. 12B. Although the fixed symbol 1107 and movable symbol 1108 are circles in the present embodiment, the shapes thereof may change where appropriate.

In other words, the function of the display part 1003 is realized as follows: the pause information is received from the pause part 1004, the image processing part 152 deletes the pause command button 400, and the image data of the fixed symbol 1107 and the movable symbol 1108 recorded in the RAM 155 is read by the CPU 151 and output to the screen 106 via the LCD controller 156. The display position of the fixed symbol 1107 is determined based on tilt information from the storage part 1006. The display position of the movable symbol 1108 on the screen 106 is changed by the image processing part 152 based on the tilt information from the tilt detection part 1002.

The resume part 1005 resumes the game when the movable symbol 1108 is placed over the fixed symbol 1107 for a predetermined period of time during a pause.

In other words, the resume part 1005 resumes the game when the tilt detected by the tilt detection part 1002 while the game is paused is equal to the tilt stored in the storage part 1006 for a predetermined period of time (for example, 2 seconds).

Furthermore, the display part 1003 receives resume information from the resume part 1005, and the image processing part 152 deletes the fixed symbol 1107 and movable symbol 1108. The other configuration is the same as in Embodiment 1.

An embodiment of the above-described pause and resume procedures of the game apparatus 1000 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Other than the pause and resume procedures, the process is the same as in Embodiment 1.

First, during the pause procedure, if a touch of the screen 106 is detected in the Step S603 of FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. 5, the display part 302 displays a pause command button 400 at a position different from the initial touch position 402 on the screen 106 so long as a touch is detected the touch detection part 301 (Step S1301).

Then, the touch detection part 301 determines whether a finger or a touch pen of user 306 touches the pause command button 400 (Step S1302).

If no touch of the pause command button 400 is detected (Step S1302; NO), the display part 303 returns to the Step S1301 and continues to display the pause command button 400.

If a touch of the pause command button 400 is detected (Step 1302; YES), the storage part 1006 of the game apparatus 1000 retrieves and stores the tilt of the game apparatus 1000 from the tilt detection part 1002 when the touch to the pause command button 400 is detected (Step S1303).

Once the tilt is stored, the game is paused by the pause part 1004 (Step S1304). More specifically, as in Embodiment 1, which is shown in FIG. 5B, the game is paused when the user 306 touches the pause command button 400 sliding a finger from the initial touch position 402. Subsequently, the resume procedure is performed.

During the resume procedure, the display part 1003 displays the fixed symbol 1007 and movable symbol 1108 that overlap each other, as shown in FIG. 11A or 12A, immediately after the pause part 1004 pauses the game (Step S1401).

During a pause, as the user 306 tilts the game apparatus 1000 (portable information terminal 100), the movable symbol 1108 moves around on the screen 106 according to the tilt (Step S1402). When the movable symbol 1108 moves around outside the fixed symbol 1107, the tilt of the game apparatus 1000 is not equal to the tilt at the time of a pause.

Next, the resume part 1005 determines whether the movable symbol 1108 is placed over the fixed symbol 1107 for a predetermined period of time, namely whether the tilt of the game apparatus 1000 during a pause is equal to the tilt at the time of a pause for a predetermined period of time (Step S1403).

If the tilt of the game apparatus 1000 during a pause is not equal to the tilt at the time of a pause for a predetermined period of time (Step S1403; NO), the game remains paused, and the display part 1005 returns to the Step S1402 and continues to display the fixed symbol 1107 and movable symbol 1108. In other words, the game remains paused unless the user 306 tilts the game apparatus 1000 so that the movable symbol 1108 is placed over the fixed symbol 1107 for a predetermined period of time.

If the tilt of the game apparatus 1000 during a pause is equal to the tilt at the time of a pause for a predetermined period of time (Step S1403; YES), the resume part 1005 resumes the game (Step S1404). More specifically, the game resumes after the user 306 keeps tilting the game apparatus 1000 so that the movable symbol 1108 is placed over the fixed symbol 1107 for a predetermined period of time. Consequently, the game continues. Then, the display part 1003 discontinues the display of the fixed symbol 1107 and movable symbol 1108.

The game apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment makes it easier for the user to visually perceive the tilt of the game apparatus 1000 at the time of a pause. For resuming the game, the user 306 tilts the game apparatus 1000 to place the movable symbol 1108 over the fixed symbol 1107 for a predetermined period of time. Consequently, since the user 306 can easily match the tilt of the game apparatus 1000 at the time of a pause with that at the time of resumption, it allows for smooth resumption of game play.

Modified Embodiments

The present invention is not confined to the above-described Embodiments 1 and 2. Accordingly, it should be noted that various modifications of the present invention are possible.

For example, in Embodiment 1, a pause command button 400 is displayed as soon as the user 306 touches the screen 106. A pause command button 400 can be displayed after the screen is touched for a predetermined period of time, for example 2 seconds.

Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, the game is resumed based on the tilt of the game apparatus 1000. This can be combined with the tapping of the resume button 401 as in Embodiment 1.

Furthermore, in the embodiments, the display part may change the first display position of the pause command button on the screen according to the tilt detected by the tilt detection part.

In other words, the display part displays a pause command button at a position different from the initial user touch position on the screen and corresponding to the tilt of the game apparatus, for example, at a position on the screen against the tilt (an anti-gravitational point), or in the center where there is no tilt.

Furthermore, in the embodiments, the display part may moves the display position of the pause command button on the screen according to the tilt detected by the tilt detection part.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show examples of the above. In other words, the display part 303 moves the pause command button 400 from the first display position on the screen 106 according to the tilt of the game apparatus 300 in the direction along the tilt of the game apparatus 300 (in the gravitational direction). Consequently, the user 306 can display the pause command button 400 at any position on the screen 106 by tilting the game apparatus 300 at the time of a pause.

Furthermore, the display part can be configured into a combination of the above configuration and one in which the pause command button approaches the initial touch position over a time period where the user is touching the screen.

As described above, the present invention can provide a game apparatus and game control method suitable for pausing and resuming a game by use of a touch panel, and a computer-readable non-transitory information recording medium on which a program thereof is recorded.

Having described and illustrated the principles of this application by reference to one (or more) preferred embodiment(s), it should be apparent that the preferred embodiments may be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from the principles disclosed herein and that it is intended that the application be construed as including all such modifications and variations insofar as they come within the spirit and scope of the subject matter disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A game apparatus capable of pausing and resuming the progress of a game, the apparatus comprising:

a touch detection part detecting a touch of a user on a screen;

a display part displaying a pause command button at a position different from the initial touch position on the screen while a touch is detected by the touch detection part; and

a pause part pausing the game when a touch of the pause command button is detected by the touch detection part.

2. The game apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:

a tilt detection part detecting the tilt of the game apparatus;

a storage part storing the tilt of the game apparatus that is detected by the tilt detection part when the game is paused; and

a resume part resuming the game when the tilt detected by the tilt detection part while the game is paused is equal to the tilt stored in the storage part.

3. The game apparatus according to claim 2, wherein while the game is paused

the display part displays a fixed symbol fixed on the screen of the game apparatus and a movable symbol moving according to the tilt on the screen of the game apparatus, and

displays the movable symbol over the fixed symbol when the tilt detected by the tilt detection part while the game is paused is equal to the tilt stored in the storage part.

4. The game apparatus according to claim 3, wherein

the resume part resumes the game when the movable symbol is placed over the fixed symbol for a predetermined period of time.

5. The game apparatus according to claim 2, wherein

the display part changes the first display position of the pause command button on the screen according to the tilt detected by the tilt detection part.

6. The game apparatus according to claim 2, wherein

the display part moves the display position of the pause command button on the screen according to the tilt detected by the tilt detection part.

7. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the display part displays the pause command button so as to approach the initial touch position over a predetermined period of time while the screen is being touched.

8. A game control method executed by a game apparatus capable of pausing and resuming the progress of a game, wherein

the game apparatus comprises: a touch detection part; a display part; and a pause part, and

the game control method comprises: a detection step in which the touch detection part detects a touch of a user on a screen; a display step in which the display part displays a pause command button at a position different from the initial touch position on the screen while a touch is detected by the touch detection part; and a pause step in which the pause part pauses the game when a touch of the pause command button is detected by the touch detection part.

9. A computer-readable non-transitory information recording medium recording a program allowing a computer to function as a game apparatus that is capable of pausing and resuming the progress of a game, the program allowing the computer to function as:

a touch detection part detecting a touch of a user on a screen;

a display part displaying a pause command button at a position different from the initial touch position on the screen while a touch is detected by the touch detection part; and

a pause part pausing the game when a touch of the pause command button is detected by the touch detection part.