JP2002315968A - Communication game device and program used for competitive game device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To reduce the burden on a user by providing a function to perform an operation of a user who plays a battle game with an opponent via communication means. A server device (30) connected to a plurality of user terminals (10-1, 10-2) via a public network (14), acquires information for playing a battle game from each user terminal, and transmits the information to each other. Then, the server device 30 executes the game program 4
By executing 2a1, the user terminals 10-1,
An agent mode (a thinking agent mode, a fixed trace agent mode, and a normal mode) in which a normal game in which a battle game is advanced according to the information obtained from 10-2 and information for advancing the battle game are generated by calculation and the battle game is advanced in accordance with this information. The game is advanced by one of the trace agent modes). When a request from a user or a competitive game is in a specific state, the server device 30 distributes the competitive game according to the agent mode so as to proceed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication game apparatus for providing a service for playing a fighting game such as shogi, go, chess, etc., via a network, and a fighting program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, opponents have used a system in which remote people play games such as shogi, go, chess, etc., via communication means such as a telephone line and the Internet. A network match system in which each terminal connects to a network server and plays a match by mediating the server, or a peer-to-peer form in which a match is made by directly connecting terminals used by an opponent. There are various commercial and non-commercial services at the practical stage.

[0003] In addition, a battle program is at a practical stage for performing a battle between a human and a computer, and there are many programs that compete better than humans depending on the type of game. Mi as a component of the battle program
Techniques such as an n-Max method, pruning, and an evaluation function are used.

[0004]

However, the conventional network match system is based on the premise that a match is established when the players are in contact with each other from the beginning to the end of the match. There were the following problems in terms of feeling.

[0005] The first problem is that, even if an emergency can be made during a match, if the player leaves the terminal, they may lose their game due to time out or may be dissatisfied with the opponent. The second problem is that if the loser's opponent does not quit and continues to work, despite the fact that there is no victory or defeat due to the progress of the match, the player must continue to respond to the start, Is wasted.

[0006] A third problem (which is also regarded as a special case of the second problem) is that when the practical ending phase of the game is a phase in which it is not always possible to start the following in a rule, The side with the most remaining time can continue to work, expecting the opponent to run out of time, and the side losing on the board can win. For example, a series of meaningless kings after being desperate in shogi, continuing to point even if the minimum number of pieces to win in chess is insufficient, hitting suicide in the opponent's confirmed place in Go Such actions are equivalent. This is a problem that tends to occur in a competitive game that requires a certain amount of time to operate the terminal, but is also likely to cause trouble among users due to a moral problem that values integrity.

[0007] As a fourth point (if not a problem), in the network battle system, when proceeding to a specific routine, it is necessary to input an initial procedure which is determined one by one. Yes, automation of the procedure input was not considered, and the characteristics of the computer system were not used to the fullest.

As described above, in the conventional system, it is necessary to deal with the opponent from the start of the match to the end of the match, and as described in the first to fourth problems, the essential feature of the match is The burden on other parts is very large, which may hinder the use of network competition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides a function for performing an operation performed by a user who plays a battle game with an opponent via communication means to reduce the burden on the user. It is an object of the present invention to provide a possible communication game device and a battle program.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a communication game apparatus used in a game system for playing a battle game by a plurality of user terminals connected to a network,
A normal mode processing means for advancing a competitive game according to information input by a user from the user terminal, and an agent mode processing means for generating information for advancing the competitive game by calculation and for advancing the competitive game according to the information And a distributing means for distributing which of the normal mode processing means and the agent mode processing means should proceed the competitive game in accordance with the progress of the competitive game.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network battle system according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a user terminal 10 (user terminals 10-1 and 10-2) is connected to a host device 16 via a public network 14, and is provided by the host device 16 such as shogi, go, and chess. In addition to the battle service in which the game (game) can be performed with the opponent via the communication line, various services can be provided. The user terminal 10
For example, it is configured as a dedicated terminal (competition game device) for playing a shogi game with an opponent via a communication line, and can play a shogi game or the like via the host device 16. Note that a personal computer or PDA (pe
It is of course possible to realize the same function as the user terminal 10 of the game-dedicated terminal by executing a game program (battle program) by an rsonal digital assistant) or the like. Hereinafter, a case of playing a shogi game will be described as an example. The public network 14 is a packet switching network,
For example, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)
k) shall be used.

As shown in FIG. 1, a user terminal 10 includes a memory 20, a CPU 21, and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Displ.).
ay) 22, the touch panel 23, and the modem 24 are mutually connected to the bus via the I / F circuit.

The memory 20 stores various control programs and data executed by the CPU 21, and includes various data in addition to a game program and a communication control program for realizing a shogi game. . The user terminal 10 may be provided with a magnetic or optical recording medium on which programs, data, and the like are recorded, or a recording medium including a semiconductor memory, in addition to the memory 20. The recording medium is fixedly provided in the recording apparatus or is detachably mounted. The program, data, and the like recorded on the recording medium may be received and recorded from another device connected via a communication line or the like. A recording device provided with a recording medium may be provided on the device side, and a program and data recorded on the recording medium may be used via a communication line.

The CPU 21 implements various functions in accordance with various control programs and data stored in the memory 20, and implements a game for playing a game such as a shogi game, a function for executing communication, and the like. In the user terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, in addition to the normal mode in which a game is played by inputting information from the user when playing a game, the user terminal 10 is executed when a request from the user or the game is in a specific state. An agent mode (thinking agent mode, fixed trace agent mode, trace agent mode) for proceeding the game without input of information from the user by a prepared start selection algorithm is prepared.

The LCD 22 displays various information necessary for playing the shogi game. The LCD 22 has basic function buttons such as a shogi board surface, a connection button, a game request button, an end button, and an operation mode of the game (normally). Mode, agent mode), and information such as turn and time elapsed.

The touch panel 23 is used to specify buttons for defining operations with respect to the terminal and a position where a piece during execution of the shogi game should be placed. Touch panel 23
The LCD 22 and the LCD 22 are integrally formed to form a display input unit. By directly indicating an object displayed by the LCD 22 with a pen or the like, the corresponding coordinate data can be input. . The modem 24 is used for communication via the public network 14, and dials up to the host device 16 when a connection request is made to perform a battle. The game program stored in the memory 20 of the user terminal 10 is event-driven by an operation on the touch panel 23 and a start information command of the game partner from the modem 24. When the event that the connection button is touched is detected, the modem 24 dials up to the host device 16 to establish a data link. When detecting an event that the area of the chess board has been touched, the start coordinates are calculated from the touched point, and based on the coordinate data, the user starts his / her own LCD2.
In addition to the display at the corresponding point of No. 2, the start coordinate data is transmitted to the modem 24 as a start information command, and transmitted to the host device 16 through the modem 24. When an event occurs in which the modem 24 receives a start information command from the user terminal 10 of the opponent, the start coordinate data (frame code) is acquired from the start information, and the start of the opponent is displayed on the LCD.
22 is displayed at the corresponding point. When another function button is touched, the corresponding command character string is transmitted to the host device 16.

Further, as shown in FIG.
Is configured to include a server device 30 (communication game device) and an access router 34. The server device 30 provides various services to the user terminal 10 connected via the public network 14, and controls, for example, a game of a shogi game between the terminals and various information on the game (win / loss record, Provide grades and game records. Access router 3
Reference numeral 4 denotes a connection between the server device 30 and the user terminal 10 via the public network 14, and a TCP (transmission
control protocol) / IP (internet protocol) and Ethernet (registered trademark).

The server device 30 is constituted by a computer which reads programs recorded on various recording media and whose operation is controlled by the read programs. The CPU 40, the memory 41, and the recording device 4
2. Ethernet (registered trademark) interface (I /
F) 43 are interconnected via a bus.

The CPU 40 realizes various functions according to various control programs and data stored in the memory 41, and realizes a battle service such as a shogi game by executing a game program (battle program). In the present embodiment, an operation mode in accordance with a request from the user received from the user terminal 10, that is, a normal mode in which a game is played by inputting information from the user, and start information using an automatic start selection algorithm Mode to generate a game by calculation and advance the game (thinking agent mode, fixed agent mode,
(Including the trace agent mode). In the thinking agent mode, when it is determined that the game is effectively finished, the winning player's remaining time (the remaining time until the limit) is equal to or less than a predetermined value (a meaningless move in which the opponent expects to run out of time has been continued) In the case of a short time when the waiting time may be expired), the game will be performed on behalf of the game, the start automatic selection module will instantly determine the start and proceed without consuming time. This is a mode for enabling normal termination so as not to be lost. In the fixed-track agent mode, if you edit and prepare the fixed-track procedure in advance, while the opponent starts to follow the fixed-track procedure, the game automatically proceeds according to the fixed-track procedure, and whether the specified fixed-track procedure is completed, This mode returns to the normal mode when the opponent selects a move outside the regular procedure. The trace agent mode is effective from the start or the designated time, and while proceeding in the same procedure as the previous recording procedure (especially when playing the same opponent continuously), the last winner (the first and second players are replaced) This is a mode in which the game is automatically advanced on the side with the same shape as the previous one, and the loser side returns to the normal mode when the loser selects a different start from the previous one.

The Ethernet (registered trademark) I / F 43 is
This is an interface for connecting to the access router 34.

The memory 41 stores various control programs executed by the CPU 40, data, and the like. The memory 41 stores a game program (corresponding to each of the normal mode and the agent mode) for providing a battle service and communication control. Start information command (game information) transmitted / received between user terminals 10 playing games, in addition to programs
And various kinds of data such as situation state data representing the game situation. Details of the start information command and the phase state data will be described later (FIGS. 2 and 3).

The recording device 42 stores, in addition to various programs 42a executed by the CPU 40, a user database 42b and a fixed trail database 42c used for the battle service. Details of the user database 42b and the fixed trace database 42c will be described later (FIGS. 4 and 5). The recording device 42 is provided with a magnetic or optical recording medium or a recording medium including a semiconductor memory. The recording medium is fixedly provided in the recording apparatus or is detachably mounted.
Also, programs, data, etc. recorded on the recording medium are:
It may be configured to receive and record from another device connected via a communication line or the like, and further provide a recording device provided with a recording medium on the other device side connected via the communication line or the like, The program and data recorded on this recording medium may be used via a communication line.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the structure of the start information command transmitted and received between the user terminals 10 playing the game. As shown in FIG. 2, the start information command includes horizontal coordinate data indicating the start position on the board, vertical coordinate data, a piece code indicating which piece is the start, and other additional information. ing.

For example, in a shogi game, "six steps" (assuming a step piece code = 1) is represented by (7, 6, 1, 0). When the additional information includes information that cannot be expressed only by the starting coordinate and the frame code, these are written in a bit field. For example, when the most significant bit = 1, "quit"
(In this case, the coordinate data and the piece code are meaningless, so it does not matter what.) The other bits are used to distinguish the case where a plurality of pieces of the same code can move to the same coordinates in shogi. It shall be expressed as left.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a state (panel surface) state data structure for managing the game situation in the server device 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the situation state data includes each of a turn (first turn / last turn) indicating which user terminal 10 is the current turn and a grid of a board (9 × 9). Grid information (piece code indicating the type of the piece, belonging code indicating whether the piece belongs to the first or second side) of the piece that has started the frame ([0] [0] to [8]
[8]), possessed piece information about the possessed piece (a piece code indicating the type of the possessed piece, a belonging code indicating which side the possessed piece belongs to the first or second hand) ([0] to [38]). I have.

For example, when the value of the grid information [7] [7] is (1, 0), the piece code 1
(“Step”), indicating that there is a piece belonging to affiliation 0 (the first move piece). Here, as the first move, "76 steps", (7, 6, 1,
When the start of (0) is performed, the “step” has moved from 77 to 76, and the value of the grid information [7] [7] is changed to (0,
0), and updates the values of the grid information [7] [6] to (1, 0) (frame code 0 indicates empty).

FIG. 4 shows an example of the record structure of the user database 42b (DB) stored in the recording device 42. The user database 42b is for registering information on users who use the battle service for each user, and includes a user ID (integer) for identifying the user, and a game of the user (user terminal). Rating value (integer) (third storage means) indicating the strength of the trace database, a trace database use flag (true / false binary) indicating whether to enable the trace agent mode, and whether to enable the trace agent mode The previous game trace flag (true / false binary value), last win / lose (first win, last win, draw), the last game played (up to 30 moves in this case)
Previous game record ([0]-[29]) consisting of start information
(Second storage means), average start time (start time total,
It consists of each field of (total number of samples) ([0] to [3]). The structure of the previous game record in the fields of the user database 42b is obtained by connecting start information in order from the beginning. In addition, the average time required for starting (array [0]-
[3]) is information for indicating a tendency of time consumed by the user (user terminal 10) to progress the battle game. If the remaining time is 10 minutes or more, the remaining time is 5 to 5.
In the case of 10 minutes, when the remaining time is 3 to 5 minutes, when the remaining time is less than 3 minutes, it is divided into four stages, and when the user plays in the past, the remaining time and the average consumption time for each move It is a table of relationships. The average required start time can be calculated from the total start time / the total number of samples. In the previous game records [0] to [29], the 0, 2, 4,... Numbers indicate the first move, and 1, 3, 5,. Only the first 30 moves are recorded.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the record structure of the trace database 42c (DB) stored in the recording device 42. The trace database 42c (first storage means)
The information edited in advance and configured to progress the fighting game is sequentially registered, that is, the start of a fixed trail is sequentially registered. Each record has a serial number (integer) as shown in FIG. Self-start information (structure including start coordinate data and frame code), counterpart start information ac (structure of each start information), subsequent serial number fields ac
(Each an integer). Trace database 42c
Means that a record in which the same self-start information as the self-start is registered is selected, and the start information from the game partner is the other-player start information a to c.
In any one of the three types, the search is made for a record of the serial number indicated by the subsequent serial number field corresponding to the other party's start, so that the self start can be automatically selected. For example, it is assumed that the information indicating the fixed trace registered in the fixed trace database 42c is information edited by a user operation or typical existing information. When the subsequent serial number reaches 0, the subsequent procedure is not recorded in the fixed trail database 42c, that is, indicates the fixed trail end.

A serial number (J) is set for each record stored in the fixed trace database 42c. The serial number of the first mover is 1, the second mover (second mover) is 2, the end is 0, and the others are 3 or more. Set appropriately so as not to overlap from the number.
It should be noted that the self-start information of the record of the first turn is not referred to (it is meaningless to refer to it). Further, it is not necessary to set the counterpart start information corresponding to the succeeding serial number 0 (because the fixed trail ends when the hands are not in the counterpart starts a to c).

For example, if there are fixed traces "34 steps" and "84 steps" for the first move "76 steps", the corresponding record values are (1, (7, 6, 1, 0), ( 3,4,1,0),
10, (8, 4, 1, 0,), 20, (0, 0, 0,
0), 0,). The record of the serial number 10 contains "3
In the record of the serial number 20, the self-start and the like for “four steps” are similarly registered.

Next, the operation of the network battle system according to the present embodiment will be described. First, an outline of the operation in the user terminal 10 (user terminals 10-1 and 10-2) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The user operates the user terminal 10 by touching the touch panel 23. The CPU 21 of the user terminal 10 drives the event according to the program recorded in the memory 20 in response to the operation on the touch panel 23 and the reception of the start information command of the opponent from the modem 24.

When the event that the connection button is touched is detected, the modem 24 dials up to the host device 16 and establishes a data link with the host device 16 via the public network 14 (step A2). Further, when it is detected that the game request button has been touched, a game partner is assigned by the host device 16 and the game starts (step A3). The CPU 21 causes the LCD 22 to display a game board. The first move is determined, and the first mover sends the move by touching the board of the terminal.

When detecting an event that the inside of the area of the shogi board has been touched, the CPU 21 calculates start coordinates from the touched point and sets the start (piece) to L.
The start coordinates are displayed on the corresponding point of the CD 22 and the start coordinates are transmitted to the host device 16 through the modem 24 by the start information command. When another button is touched, the CPU 21 sends a corresponding command to the host device 1.
6 is transmitted. On the other hand, when an event of receiving the start information command by the modem 24 occurs, the CPU 21
Acquires the start coordinate and the piece code of the other party from the start information command, and displays the start (piece) of the other party at the corresponding point on the LCD 22 based on the coordinates.

In the user terminal 10 according to the present embodiment,
When playing a game through the host device 16, the user can set the trace agent mode or the trace agent mode by operating the mode setting button (step A1). In this case, the user terminal 10 executes the registration of the setting mode at the time of connection with the host device 16 so that the battle can proceed without the need for the user to start in this setting mode. When the content of the match is substantially determined to be won (final state), the user sets the thinking agent mode by operating the thinking agent mode switching button (step A4), and the remaining The game can be advanced without wasting time. The user terminal 10 notifies the host device 16 that the thinking agent mode has been set (step A5), so that the battle can proceed in this setting mode. The thinking agent mode can be canceled at any timing desired by the user by operating the thinking agent mode switching button again. The thinking agent mode is automatically set when the remaining time is less than a predetermined value in the final state, for example, when the remaining time is less than 10 seconds.

Next, the outline of the operation in the server device 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, a description will be given assuming that the server device 30 mediates a game performed between the user terminal 10-1 and the user terminal 10-2.

The server device 30 waits for the reception of a connection request packet of a specific TCP port number of TCP / IP, and activates the server main process as a child process every time there is a connection request to process the connection (step B1). ,
B2). Therefore, the server device 30 can process a plurality of connections in parallel. The connection is maintained until the user terminal 10 is disconnected, and each child process continues during that time. In the following description, the user terminal 10-1
The following describes mainly the processing for.

The processing content of the child process that processes the connection can be configured as follows. The child process repeatedly reads and interprets the command received from the TCP / IP socket for the user terminal 10-1 with which the connection has been established, and the opposite party (user terminal 10-2) received from the inter-process communication channel. Read and interpret commands from the side. In addition, the child process can specify and use the inter-process communication channel ID number that can be input and output as a one-to-one bidirectional stream realized by the shared memory space.

The game request command received from the TCP / IP socket includes the user ID. When the game request command is received, the user database 42b is searched using the user ID as a key, and the game status field of the corresponding user record (hereinafter, user record UR) is updated to 1 (playing game participation inquiry). . Next, a user record U whose game status is 2 (waiting for a game partner)
R, a user corresponding to the first found user record UR is selected as a game partner, a vacant inter-process communication channel ID is obtained, and the user record UR is retrieved.
And the user record UR of the game partner are updated with the game status field of 3 (during game), and the inter-process communication channel ID with the obtained inter-process communication channel ID. At this time, the first and second moves are determined by random numbers. If the record of the game partner is not found, the game status field of the user record UR is updated to 2 (waiting for the game partner). It is assumed that the game status is set to 4 when none of the above-mentioned states is present (after the game is completed, for example).

The contents of the user record UR obtained from the user database 42b are copied in the local working memory and used for referring to each processing described below. The setting mode is registered by the pre-game processing executed before starting the game (step B3). That is,
According to the setting of the agent mode in the user terminal 10-1, the fixed trace agent mode or the trace agent mode is activated. In the trace agent mode, whether the previous game trace flag (setting of the agent mode) of the user record UR obtained from the user database 42b is true, and whether the player is the first player and the last winner is the first player. Alternatively, the trace agent mode may be activated when the player is the second player and the last time the winner is the second player. The thinking agent mode is invalidated at the initial stage. Each mode is managed by providing a flag in the local working memory for each child process.

Hereinafter, the command received from the user terminal 10-1 is identified, and an event corresponding to the identification result is executed. The other party's start receiving process (step B) to be executed when the user is not self-started (starting on the user terminal 10-2 side)
4, B5), the opponent's start decision processing (FIG. 8), the self start processing distribution processing (FIG. 9), and the trace agent processing (FIG.
0), trace agent processing (FIG. 11), thinking agent processing (FIG. 12), and post-final processing (FIG. 14). In the self-starting reception process (steps B4 and B6) to be executed in the case of the self-starting, the self-starting determination process (FIG. 11), the post-finalization process (FIG. 14), and the automatic start selection process (FIGS. 15 and 17) And various other processes are executed. Details of each process will be described later.

First, the partner start receiving process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The server device 30 receives the start information command from the game partner,
The game status field of the user record UR is 3
(Only when the game is being played)
1). When the server device 30 receives the start information command from the opponent from the inter-process communication channel, the server device 30 executes the opponent start confirmation process (step C2), and
The data is transmitted to the P / IP socket (to the user terminal 10-2) (step C3). This enables the user terminal 10-2 to display the start of the opponent. Then, a self-starting process distribution process is executed to determine a start corresponding to the start of the game partner (step C4).

Here, the opponent start decision processing (step C)
Details of 2) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. If the start information command received from the opponent does not indicate termination (step E1), the server device 30 updates the phase state data according to the contents of the start information (step E4), and further ends by the current start of the opponent. An end determination process is executed to determine whether or not the state is established (step E5). In the end determination process, based on the data registered in the situation state data, the end state determination module substantially sets the final state (a state in which a win or loss is determined by performing a normal start). Is determined.

The final state determination module is configured according to each rule according to the type of the game, and the degree to which the determination can be made varies. Here, as an example of the simplest configuration, one example that is effective in the case of chess is described. The only piece remaining on the board of one game vehicle is King, and the other player is Ki on the board.
If any of Queen and Look remains in addition to ng (except when King can take a Look immediately), the means for determining this can be self-explanatory.
The game is in the "finally ended state", and the player who has only King is judged as the "effectively loser" and the other is judged as the "effectively winner". Although it is possible to go further on the rules,
This is because it is known that a player of King alone cannot win even if he keeps pointing, and it may be considered that there is virtually no possibility of a draw between skilled players. A method could be built, but the description is simplified here).

As a result of the end determination processing, when it is determined that the terminal is in the end state, it is set that the terminal is in the end state, and the flag E indicating the end is set to practically 1. In other cases, E = 0) (step E6), and the variable N representing the current number of steps is updated (+1) (step E7). Then, on the user terminal 10-1, the opponent's start is displayed (step E8). On the other hand, when the start information command from the opponent indicates the termination (step E1), the server device 30 executes the winning station process. I do.

In the winning station processing, the user database 42
In order to update the rating value of the corresponding user record UR of b in response to winning the game, a rating increase (r: rating value difference) is calculated (step E).
2). The rating value is referred to when the start is automatically determined in the agent mode regardless of the operation of the user, and indicates the level of the user's strength to the game. That is, by increasing the rating value in accordance with the winning of the game, the level (playing power) of the agent can be increased in conjunction with the strength of the user for the game. Therefore, the user can feel a sense of accomplishment when the agent becomes stronger with himself.

For example, the rating increase is 16+
It is assumed to be calculated by 0.04 x (the rating value of the game partner-the rating value of the user). As a method of calculating the rating value, another method can be used as long as the level of strength can be represented according to the outcome of the game.

After calculating the increase in the rating value, the server device 30 executes post-final processing (step E3).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the post-finalization processing. In the post-finalization process, first, the rating increase (r) calculated in step E2 is added to the current rating value stored in the rating value field of the corresponding user record UR (step L1).

Further, the contents of the last win / loss field and the last game record field of the user record UR are replaced with those of the current game (step L2), and the game status is displayed so as to indicate that the game has been completed. 4 (step L3). The server device 30 updates the user database 42b with the updated user record UR. When a start in the thinking agent mode is not used, the average start required time of the user record UR is also updated in a local-side start reception process described later.

On the other hand, the self-starting process distribution process (step C4) is executed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The server device 30 determines, by the self-starting process allocation process, whether to determine the next start in the agent mode or to input a start by the user with respect to the other start. That is, if any of the trace agent mode, the trace agent mode, and the thinking agent mode is activated (steps D1, D3, and D5), the agent processing of the activated mode is executed to execute the user processing. (Steps D2, D4, D6).

On the other hand, if none of the agent modes is activated, the server device 30 sends a message “Please enter” to prompt the user to perform a start operation at the user terminal 10-1. At the same time as the display (Step D7), a start time timer is started to measure the time required for start (Step D8). In this way, the time required for the start is measured for each start, and the remaining time is limited by gradually subtracting from the predetermined holding time.

Next, the processing in each agent mode will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, the fixed trace agent process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the server device 30 acquires a record of the serial number J registered in the trace database 42c (hereinafter, a trace record JR) and stores it in the memory 41. The initial value of the serial number J is set to 1 in the case of the first turn in the preprocessing before the start of the game, and is set to 2 in the case of the second turn.

Here, if the serial number J is 1, that is, if the serial number corresponds to the first move, the self move is determined to be the move indicated by the self move information of the trace record JR (step F13). The start determination processing is executed (step F14). The details of the self-side start determination processing will be described later (FIG. 11).

On the other hand, if the serial number J is not 1, that is, if the serial number is not the serial number corresponding to the first move, it is determined whether the other move corresponding to the self move corresponds to any of the other move information a to c of the trace record JR. (Step F
3). Here, when the other party's start corresponds to the other party's start information a of the trace record JR, the serial number J is set to the subsequent serial number a associated with the other party's start information a (step F).
4). On the other hand, if the opponent start corresponds to the opponent start information b of the trace record JR, the subsequent serial number b associated with the opponent start information b is set to the serial number J (step F).
5) If it corresponds to the other party start information c, the subsequent serial number c associated with the other party start information c is set to the serial number J (step F6). Note that the other party's start is the other party's start information a
If it does not correspond to any one of (c) to (c), it is determined that the opponent has started off the fixed track and the serial number J is set to 0 to invalidate the fixed track agent mode (step F7).

If the value of the serial number J is 0 (step F8), the trace agent is invalidated (step F9). Then, in order to notify the user of the end of the fixed-track agent mode in the user terminal 10-1, a message of "fixed-track end" is displayed (step F10), and the user is prompted for an input operation of the next start. For this reason, a message "Please input start" is displayed (step F11), and a start time timer is started to measure the time required for start (step F1).
2).

If the value of the serial number J is not 0, the self-start is determined to be the start indicated by the self-start information of the trace record JR (step F13), and the self-side start determination processing is executed (step F14). In other words, when the opponent starts the move indicated by the opponent start information registered in the fixed trace record JR, the start indicated by the corresponding self-start information registered in the identification trace record JR is set as the self start.

When the fixed trace agent process is executed in the next self-starting process distribution process, the fixed trace record of the succeeding serial number set in steps F4 to F7 is obtained, and the same processing as described above is executed. Therefore, in the agent process, when the opponent starts the game indicated by the opponent's start information registered in the trace record, it is possible to deal with the game as a self-start of the start using the fixed trace corresponding to the start.

As described above, by using the trace agent mode, in the case of proceeding according to the trace at the beginning of the game or the like, the game is substituted by the trace agent, and the operation for the user to start is performed. It can be unnecessary.

Here, the self-side start determination processing is described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

If the game status field of the user record UR is 3 (playing) (step K1) and the start does not indicate that the game has been completed (step K2), the server 30 follows the contents of the start information. The situation state data is updated (step K5), and the variable N representing the current number of steps is updated (+1) (step K6). And TCP / I
The start information command received from the P socket (user terminal 10-1) is transferred as it is to the inter-process channel (user terminal 10-2) (step K6), and the user starts at the user terminal 10-1. A start update confirmation display is made to allow the user to easily confirm the update (step K8).

On the other hand, when the start indicates the termination (step K2), the server device 30 executes a lost-time process.

In the processing at the time of loss, the user database 42
A rating decrease (r: rating value difference) is calculated to update the rating value of the corresponding user record UR of b in response to losing to the game (step K).
3). Since the rating value indicates the level of the user's strength in the game, the rating value is increased in accordance with the loss of the game, so that the agent's level (playing power) is reduced in accordance with the user's strength in the game. be able to.

For example, the rating increase is 16+
It is assumed to be calculated by 0.04 × (user rating value−game partner rating value). As for the method of calculating the rating value, another method can be used as long as the strength level can be represented in accordance with the win or loss of the game in the same manner as in the processing at the time of winning.

After calculating the decrease in the rating value, the server device 30 executes post-final processing (step K4). Note that, as described above, the post-finalization processing is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Next, the trace agent processing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the server device 30 determines that the current trouble N is 0
(Step G1), that is, in the case of the first turn, the previous game record [0] registered in the user record UR of the user database 42b is set as the self-start (step G2), and the self-side start is determined. The process is executed (Step G3).

Further, the server device 30 determines that the current number of moves N is 30 in which the previous game record is registered in the user record UR.
If it is less than and the previous game opponent has started the previous game record [N-1] (step G4), that is, if the player has started according to the previous game record registered in the user record UR, The previous game record [N] registered in the user record UR of the user database 42b is set as a self-start (step G5), and a self-start decision process is executed (step G6).

On the other hand, if none of the conditions in steps G1 and G4 is satisfied, the server device 30 invalidates the trace agent (step G7) and returns to the user terminal 1
In step G8, a message of "trace end" is displayed to notify the user that the trace agent mode has ended (step G8), and "start input" is displayed to prompt the user to perform an input operation of the next start. Message is displayed (step G9), and a start time timer is started to measure the time required for start (step G10).

In this way, when the start is made in the same manner as when the previous game was won by using the trace agent mode, the start is performed by the trace agent on the basis of the previous game record. Therefore, an operation for starting by the user can be omitted.

Next, the thinking agent process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the server device 30 refers to the rating value of the user record UR and determines whether this rating value is larger than a preset reference value used for level determination (step H1). Here, for example, the level indicated by the rating value is determined by setting the reference value to 1600, and if it exceeds the reference value 1600, it is set to level 3 (step H2), and if it is less than the reference value 1600, it is set to level 2 (step H2). H3). The level set here is used in the automatic start selection process described later. In addition, the remaining time t of the user at the present time
(Second) is calculated (step H4).

Here, the server device 30 starts the automatic start selection process by the automatic start selection module, and determines the next start by inputting the current situation state data (step H5).

FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of the automatic start selection process. In the automatic start selection process, the next phase when the next start is performed from the phase indicated by the current phase state data is set as a possible start (all starts may be performed, but processing is limited to possible starts and processing efficiency is limited. Shall be taken)
, And a next-stage set including a plurality of these next-stages is generated (step M1).

Further, for each next phase included in the next phase set, the next phase when the next start is made from the next phase is obtained for each of the possible starts, and the next phase consisting of these plural next phases is obtained. A set is generated (step M2).

Here, it is determined whether or not the level obtained based on the rating value of the user in the thinking agent process exceeds level 2, that is, whether or not the user's strength in the game is higher than a predetermined level (step). M
3).

In the case where the level is over Level 2, for each successive situation included in the successive situation set, the successive situation when the next work is started from the next situation is obtained for each possible move. Then, a set of successive scenes including a plurality of successive scenes is generated (step M4).

FIG. 16 is a tree structure conceptually showing a state in which a phase set is generated as described above. FIG.
Is a tree structure corresponding to level 2, wherein next phases 1 to N are generated for the current phase, and phases are generated one after another for each of the next phases 1 to N (one after another for the next phase 1) Aspects 1, 1-1 and N are generated). As described above, the depth of reading (that is, the strength) of the reading of the thinking agent is changed in accordance with the level of the rating value of the user (the performance level of the strength of the user with respect to the game), thereby being determined by the thinking agent processing. Can be made as strong as when the user actually started.

The server device 30 searches the tree structure to a certain depth from the set of positions generated according to the user's rating value to a certain depth while pruning with the evaluation function of the predetermined position. The foremost procedure (one path of the tree) is selected by applying the Max method (step M5), and the first move of the foremost procedure is set as a return value (a move determined by the thinking agent) (step M5).
6) Return to the thinking agent process.

In the automatic start selection process shown in the flow chart of FIG. 15, a set of phases up to a depth corresponding to the level of the user is generated. When the processing load is large, such as when the processing time is required, the time for generating the phase set may be limited.

FIG. 17 shows a flowchart of the automatic start selection process in which the time w for generating the phase set is limited. In this case, in the automatic start selection process, until the predetermined time w elapses, within the depth level obtained based on the rating value of the user, the next set of phases, the set of successive phases, etc. are sequentially set. (Step N1,
N2).

Then, when a predetermined time w (second) has elapsed, even if a phase set up to a depth level obtained based on the user's rating value has not been generated, the phase set at that time is not generated. Are completed, and steps M5 and M of the automatic start selection process shown in the flowchart of FIG.
In the same manner as in step 6, the Min-Max method is applied to select the foremost procedure (step N3), and set the start of the foremost procedure as a return value (a start determined by the thinking agent) (step N4).

Here, in the thinking agent process, the waiting time until the start information command is transmitted to the game partner according to the remaining holding time t and the average required start time [0] to [3] of the user record UR ( w seconds). That is, the average start time [0] to [3] has a remaining time of 10 minutes or more, a remaining time of 5 to 10 minutes, a remaining time of 3 to 5 minutes, and a remaining time of 3 minutes. Since the average start time of the user for less than minutes is registered,
By setting the average required time according to the remaining holding time t as the time required for starting the player's side, the holding time can be allowed to elapse as in the case where the user is actually playing.

However, when the remaining time t is less than 10 seconds and the flag indicating the end is set (E = 1), the waiting time w is set to 0 (no waiting time). (Step H7). As a result, even if the opponent who has actually been decided to lose loses time, even if he responds with the aim of winning due to the time being expired, he can proceed without consuming the remaining time, so the player who has actually won will be timed out You can avoid losing.

When the remaining time t is less than 180 seconds, the waiting time w is registered in the average required time [3] of the user record UR (when the remaining time is less than 3 minutes). (The average start time of the user) (step H8).

When the remaining time t is less than 300 seconds, the waiting time w is set to the time registered in the average start time [2] of the user record UR (the remaining time is 3 to 5).
(The average start time of the user in the case of less than minutes) (step H9).

If the remaining time t is less than 600 seconds, the waiting time w is registered in the average start time [1] of the user record UR (the remaining time is 5 to 1).
The average start time of the user in the case of less than 0 minute is set (step H10).

If the remaining time t is 600 seconds or more, the waiting time w is registered in the average start time [0] of the user record UR (when the remaining time is 10 minutes or more). (The average start time of the user) (step H11).

The server device 30 executes steps H7 to H11
After waiting for w seconds in accordance with the waiting time w set in any one of the processes (step H12), the self-starting determination process is executed, so that the start information command determined by the automatic start selection process is transmitted between the processes. The data is transmitted to the channel (the opponent) (step H13).

As described above, by using the thinking agent mode, the game is substituted by the start determined by the automatic start selection process (module) at an arbitrary timing during the game, so that the user can start the game. Operation can be made unnecessary. User terminal 10- of the user
In 1, the start determined by the automatic start selection process is transmitted from the host device 16, and only the situation state is displayed. In the automatic start selection process, the reading depth is changed according to the rating value indicating the strength of the user's game, and the time consumed according to the average start time required when the user actually plays the game is consumed from the time As a result, the opponent does not feel unfair by using the thinking agent mode.

Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 18, the self-side start receiving process will be described.

The server device 30 is connected to the user terminal 10-1.
Regarding the start information command from (user), the game status field of the user record UR is 3 (playing).
The processing is performed only when is (step J1).

[0093] The time u (seconds) required for the start from the start of the start time timer to the start (at the time when the start information command is received) is set (step J2), and the user is determined based on this time u. Is updated (step J3).

Here, the average start time [0] to [3] of the user record UR is updated according to the remaining waiting time t. For example, when the remaining waiting time t is less than 180 seconds, the time u required to start is added to the total start time of the average start time [3] of the user record UR, and 1 is added to the total number of samples. (Step J5).

If the remaining waiting time t is less than 300 seconds, the time u required for the start is added to the total start time of the average required start time [2] of the user record UR, and 1 is added to the total number of samples. Is added (step J6).

If the remaining waiting time t is less than 600 seconds, the time u required for the start is added to the total start time of the average start time [1] of the user record UR, and 1 is added to the total number of samples. Is added (step J7).

If the remaining waiting time t is less than 600 seconds, the time u required for the start is added to the total start time of the average start time [0] of the user record UR, and 1 is added to the total number of samples. Is added (step J8).

Then, the received start information command is set to the own start (step J9), and the above-mentioned own side start determination processing (FIG. 11) is executed (step J10).

In this way, in the self-side start reception processing, the average start time is updated based on the time required for the user to actually start the game, so that the game can be performed in the thinking agent mode. It can be controlled so that the player consumes the same time as when actually playing the game.

In this way, by playing the game using the agent mode, the game can be continued even if the user leaves the user terminal 10 during the game (without inputting information). Even if you sit in the middle, you won't lose, and you won't feel uncomfortable with your opponent. In addition, even if the player does not leave the user terminal 10 during the game, if the player performs a routine start, such as when starting the same game as before, or when following a fixed trace, By having the trace agent and the trace agent act on behalf of the user, it is possible to save time and effort in inputting simple information, thereby making it easier.

Further, in the case of using the thinking agent mode, the start is determined according to the user's strength level, so that the use of the thinking agent can be imparted with fairness and fairness, and the game can be beaten. Since the thinking agent becomes stronger by leaving the track record of achievement, it is possible to provide a sense of accomplishment. Furthermore, in the case of starting in the thinking agent mode, the time that the user actually spends when playing the game (average starting time)
It is possible to impart fairness and fairness to the use of the thinking agent, and prevent the agent from acting unnaturally to quickly and backwardly pointing. Furthermore, by using the thinking agent mode, it is possible to use the time required for terminal operation (operation for inputting start information) to bring the opponent out of time, and to win the game despite losing effectively on the end board. The frequency at which natural phenomena occur can be reduced. This is particularly effective in the case where the player loses his or her spare time (the usage time through the game is limited by the total and the minimum time per move is not secured).

In the above description, in the thinking agent mode, it is assumed that all the thinking agents decide to start and the game proceeds.
Instead of proceeding automatically for every move, ask the user for confirmation for each move or for a move that meets the predetermined conditions, and when an approval response is received, play the game with this move. Is also good. At this time, when the user is asked for confirmation, if there is no response within a predetermined time (time-out), it may be determined that the user is approved.

Further, in the above description, in the fixed trace agent mode, the fixed trace procedure is described as starting from the beginning, but the fixed trace agent may be used for starting from the middle of the game. For example, in the case of Go, a fixed trace agent may be activated when a pattern of a part of the board matches a fixed trace pattern in the middle of a game.

Further, the fixed trace database 42c, the final state determination module, and the automatic start selection module may be provided in the user terminal 10 instead of being provided in the host device 16. Thereby, a part or all of each agent process can be processed by the user terminal 10.

In the above description, the previous game record registered in the user record UR of the user database 42b is only one game record, but a plurality of game records performed in the past are registered. For example, the game records of all the games played in the past may be registered and used for the trace agent process. In that case,
Tree structure (graph structure) similar to the fixed trace database 42c
May be configured.

The final state determination may be performed by pre-reading, or may be performed by using the ground determination when the game is Go.

Also, instead of providing a battle service by a single server device 30, a plurality of server devices 30 are provided.
May be provided and the function of providing the battle service may be executed in a distributed manner. Further, in the system configuration shown in FIG. 1, the user terminal 10 and the public network 14 are connected by wire, but PHS (personal handyphone syst) is used.
em) A configuration in which packet communication is performed using a wireless telephone network such as a network or a mobile telephone network may be employed. In addition, the method described in the above-described embodiment can be used as a program that can be executed by a computer, for example, on a recording medium such as a magnetic disk (such as a flexible disk or a hard disk), an optical disk (such as a CD-ROM or a DVD), or a semiconductor memory. It can be written and provided to various devices. Further, it is also possible to transmit the data via a communication medium and provide the data to various devices. The computer that realizes this device is
The above-described processing is executed by reading the program recorded on the recording medium or receiving the program via the communication medium, and controlling the operation by the program.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified in an implementation stage without departing from the gist thereof. In addition, the functions of the above-described embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations as much as possible. The embodiments described above include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent features. For example, even if some components are deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment, if the effect is obtained, a configuration from which the components are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

[0109]

As described above, according to the present invention, by providing a function for performing an operation by a user who plays a fighting game with an opponent via the communication means, a user who participates in the fighting game can start playing the fighting game first. Since it is not necessary to follow the opponent from the last to the last, the burden on the user can be reduced, and the convenience and usability for the user can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network battle system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a structure of a start information command.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a structure of stage (board surface) state data.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a record structure of a user database 42b.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a record structure of a trace database 42c.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of operations in the user terminal 10 and the server device 30 in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a partner start receiving process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining details of a partner start decision process (step C2).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for describing a self-starting process distribution process;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a fixed trace agent process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a self-side start determination process;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a trace agent process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a thinking agent process.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of post-processing after termination.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of automatic start selection processing.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a tree structure conceptually showing a state in which a set of aspects is generated.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the automatic start selection process in which the time w for generating the phase set is limited.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for describing a self-side start receiving process;

[Explanation of symbols]

 10-1, 10-2 ... User terminal 14 ... Public network 16 ... Host device 20 ... Memory 21 ... CPU 22 ... LCD 23 ... Touch panel 24 ... Modem 30 ... Server device 34 ... Router 40 ... CPU 41 ... Memory 42 ... Recording Apparatus 43 Ethernet (registered trademark) I / F 44 Line control unit 44a Line I / F 44b Switch unit 44c Voice response unit

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A communication game device used in a game system for playing a competitive game using a plurality of user terminals connected to a network, wherein the competitive game is advanced according to information input by a user from the user terminal. Normal mode processing means, agent mode processing means for generating information for advancing a competitive game by calculation, and advancing the competitive game in accordance with this information; and the normal mode processing means and the agent in accordance with the progress of the competitive game. A communication game device comprising: a distribution unit that distributes which of a mode processing unit and a battle game is advanced. 2. The agent mode processing means comprises: a first storage means in which information edited in advance and configured to progress a competitive game is sequentially registered; and information obtained from a user terminal is stored in the first storage means. A first information generating means for generating information for advancing a next competitive game from the information registered in the first storage means when following the order of registered information. 2. The communication game device according to 1. 3. The agent mode processing means comprises: a second storage means in which information obtained from each user terminal in a battle game played in the past is sequentially registered; and the information obtained from the user terminal stores the second information in the second game. And a second information generating means for generating information for advancing the next competitive game from the information registered in the second storing means when following the order of the information registered in the storing means. The communication game device according to claim 1. 4. A third storage unit in which information indicating the strength of the user in the battle game is registered, wherein the agent mode processing unit stores the information indicating the strength registered in the third storage unit. 2. The communication game device according to claim 1, wherein information for changing the level of the strength and causing the battle game to proceed is generated. 5. A timer means for measuring the time required for the user to progress the game, and, based on the time measured by said timer means, the tendency of the time consumed by the user to progress the competitive game. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a time registration unit for registering, wherein the agent mode processing unit generates information for advancing the competitive game in accordance with the consumption time and time tendency registered by the time registration unit. 2. The communication game device according to 1. 6. An end state judging means for judging whether or not a win or loss of the competitive game is substantially determined based on a rule for determining a win or loss of the competitive game. 2. The communication game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the state determination means determines that the winning or losing is substantially determined, the competitive game is advanced by the agent mode processing means. 7. A remaining time calculating means for calculating a remaining time of information held by a user participating in a battle game, and determining whether the remaining time calculated by the remaining time calculating means is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The remaining time determining means, wherein the allocating means executes a battle game by the agent mode processing means when the remaining time determining means determines that the remaining time is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value. The communication game device according to claim 1, wherein the game is advanced. 8. A normal mode processing means for causing a computer to advance a competitive game in accordance with input information, and an agent mode processing means for generating information for advancing a competitive game by calculation and for advancing a competitive game in accordance with the information And a program for causing the normal mode processing means and the agent mode processing means to perform a competitive game in accordance with the progress of the game.