U.S. patent application number 12/521162 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-04 for game apparatus, computer program, and storage medium.
This patent application is currently assigned to KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Takashi Inubushi, Takashi Kawano, Daisuke Kida, Masayuki Komatsu, Shinpei Makino, Tadashi Minamino, Yoshihiko Narita, Takahiro Ohashi, Yoshiko Oiwa, Yoko Takeuchi.
Application Number | 20100056239 12/521162 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39562449 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100056239 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Inubushi; Takashi ; et
al. |
March 4, 2010 |
GAME APPARATUS, COMPUTER PROGRAM, AND STORAGE MEDIUM
Abstract
A game apparatus includes a processor and a memory. The memory
stores question-and-answer data that includes first data and second
data. The processor selectively executes a process of assigning the
first data to setting a question and the second data to checking an
answer to the question and a process of assigning the second data
to setting a question and the first data to checking an answer to
the question, and performs a question-and-answer process according
to the result of assignment. Therefore, the game apparatus can make
a plurality of questions by using identical question-and-answer
data.
Inventors: |
Inubushi; Takashi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Narita; Yoshihiko; (Tokyo, JP) ;
Minamino; Tadashi; (Tokyo, JP) ; Komatsu;
Masayuki; (Tokyo, JP) ; Kawano; Takashi;
(Tokyo, JP) ; Oiwa; Yoshiko; (Tokyo, JP) ;
Takeuchi; Yoko; (Tokyo, JP) ; Kida; Daisuke;
(Tokyo, JP) ; Ohashi; Takahiro; (Tokyo, JP)
; Makino; Shinpei; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WINSTON & STRAWN LLP;PATENT DEPARTMENT
1700 K STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Assignee: |
KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO.,
LTD.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
39562449 |
Appl. No.: |
12/521162 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
December 20, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2007/074565 |
371 Date: |
June 25, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/9 ;
463/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2300/8064 20130101;
G09B 7/02 20130101; A63F 13/80 20140902; A63F 2300/1075
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/9 ;
463/43 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 26, 2006 |
JP |
2006-349942 |
Claims
1. A game apparatus comprising: a first memory for storing first
data and second data in association with each other; a first data
assigner for selectively executing a first assigning process of
assigning the first data to setting a question and the second data
to checking an answer to the question, and a second assigning
process of assigning the second data to setting a question and the
first data to checking an answer to the question; and a first
question-and-answer processor for setting a question for a player
on the basis of the first data, receiving an answer to the set
question from the player, and determining whether the received
answer is correct on the basis of the second data, when the first
data assigner executes the first assigning process, and for setting
a question for the player on the basis of the second data,
receiving an answer to the set question from the player, and
determining whether the received answer is correct on the basis of
the first data, when the first data assigner executes the second
assigning process
2. A game apparatus comprising: a second memory for storing third
data, fourth data, and fifth data in association with each other; a
second data assigner for selectively executing a third assigning
process of assigning the whole of the third data to setting a
question and the whole of the fourth data to presenting answer
options to the question, and a fourth assigning process of
assigning a part of the third data to setting a question and the
remainder of the third data and the whole of the fourth data to
presenting answer options to the question; and a second
question-and-answer processor for setting a question for a player
on the basis of the third data, presenting a plurality of answer
options for the player on the basis of the fourth data, receiving a
choice made by the player from among the plurality of answer
options, and determining whether the choice is correct on the basis
of the fifth data, when the second data assigner executes the third
assigning process, and for setting a question for the player on the
basis of the part of the third data, presenting a plurality of
answer options for the player on the basis of the remainder of the
third data and the fourth data, receiving a choice made by the
player from among the plurality of answer options, and determining
whether the choice is correct on the basis of the fifth data, when
the second data assigner executes the fourth assigning process.
3. The game apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the fifth data
indicates only an incorrect option irrespective of whether the
second data assigner executes the third assigning process or the
fourth assigning process.
4. A game apparatus comprising: a second memory for storing third
data, fourth data, and fifth data in association with each other; a
third data assigner for selectively executing a third assigning
process of assigning the whole of the third data to setting a
question and the whole of the fourth data to presenting answer
options to the question, and a fifth assigning process of assigning
the whole of the third data and a part of the fourth data to
setting a question and the remainder of the fourth data to
presenting answer options to the question; and a third
question-and-answer processor for setting a question for a player
on the basis of the third data, presenting a plurality of answer
options to the question for the player on the basis of the fourth
data, receiving a choice made by the player from among the
plurality of answer options, and determining whether the choice is
correct on the basis of the fifth data, when the third data
assigner executes the third assigning process, and for setting a
question for the player on the basis of the third data and the part
of the fourth data, presenting a plurality of answer options to the
question for the player on the basis of the remainder of the fourth
data, receiving a choice made by the player from among the
plurality of answer options, and determining whether the choice is
correct on the basis of the fifth data, when the third data
assigner executes the fifth assigning process.
5. A game apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the fifth data
indicates only an incorrect option irrespective of whether the
third data assigner executes the third assigning process or the
fifth assigning process.
6. A computer program for a game apparatus comprising a first
memory for storing first data and second data in association with
each other, the computer program making the game apparatus function
as: a first data assigner for selectively executing a first
assigning process of assigning the first data to setting a question
and the second data to checking an answer to the question, and a
second assigning process of assigning the second data to setting a
question and the first data to checking an answer to the question;
and a first question-and-answer processor for setting a question
for a player on the basis of the first data, receiving an answer to
the set question from the player, and determining whether the
received answer is correct on the basis of the second data, when
the first data assigner executes the first assigning process, and
for setting a question to the player on the basis of the second
data, receiving an answer to the set question from the player, and
determining whether the received answer is correct on the basis of
the first data, when the first data assigner executes the second
assigning process
7. A computer program for a game apparatus comprising a second
memory for storing third data, fourth data, and fifth data in
association with each other, the computer program making the game
apparatus function as: a second data assigner for selectively
executing a third assigning process of assigning the whole of the
third data to setting a question and the whole of the fourth data
to presenting answer options to the question, and a fourth
assigning process of assigning a part of the third data to setting
a question and the remainder of the third data and the whole of the
fourth data to presenting answer options to the question; and a
second question-and-answer processor for setting a question for a
player on the basis of the third data, presenting a plurality of
answer options to the question for the player on the basis of the
fourth data, receiving a choice made by the player from among the
plurality of answer options, and determining whether the choice is
correct on the basis of the fifth data, when the second data
assigner executes the third assigning process, and for setting a
question for the player on the basis of the part of the third data,
presenting a plurality of answer options to the question for the
player on the basis of the remainder of the third data and the
fourth data, receiving a choice made by the player from among the
plurality of answer options, and determining whether the choice is
correct on the basis of the fifth data, when the second data
assigner executes the fourth assigning process.
8. A computer program for a game apparatus comprising a second
memory for storing third data, fourth data, and fifth data in
association with each other, the computer program making the game
apparatus function as: a third data assigner for selectively
executing a third assigning process of assigning the whole of the
third data to setting a question and the whole of the fourth data
to presenting answer options to the question, and a fifth assigning
process of assigning the whole of the third data and a part of the
fourth data to setting a question and the remainder of the fourth
data to presenting answer options to the question; and a third
question-and-answer processor for setting a question for a player
on the basis of the third data, presenting a plurality of answer
options to the question for the player on the basis of the fourth
data, receiving a choice made by the player from among the
plurality of answer options, and determining whether the choice is
correct on the basis of the fifth data, when the third data
assigner executes the third assigning process, and for setting a
question for the player on the basis of the third data and the part
of the fourth data, presenting a plurality of answer options to the
question for the player on the basis of the remainder of the fourth
data, receiving a choice made by the player from among the
plurality of answer options, and determining whether the choice is
correct on the basis of the fifth data, when the third data
assigner executes the fifth assigning process.
9. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program
according to claim 6.
10. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program
according to claim 7.
11. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program
according to claim 8.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to game apparatuses, computer
programs, and storage media.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] A game apparatus of a question-and-answer game type sets a
question for a player, receives an answer to the set question from
the player, determines whether the received answer is correct, and
makes a judgment in accordance with the determination. If data for
setting the question and determining whether the answer is correct
(hereafter, question-and-answer data) is prepared for each question
and answer, the required storage capacity of a memory for storing
the question-and-answer data will increase with an increasing
number of questions that can be set.
[0005] Japanese Patent No. 3709513 discloses a game apparatus for a
game whose scenario depends on the player's choice among a
plurality of options. In the game apparatus, the number of
presented options decreases as time passes from when the player is
prompted to select one from the plurality of options. This
technology will make it possible to set a plurality of questions
having different numbers of options in accordance with identical
question-and-answer data. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No. 2005-338372 discloses a study support apparatus
that can display or hide a part of a sentence concerning a set
question in units of words. The technology will make it possible to
set a plurality of questions by displaying or hiding different
words of a sentence concerning a question in accordance with
identical question-and-answer data. With those technologies, it is
possible to reduce the storage capacity required for the number of
questions that can be set.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] With the above-described technologies and their
applications, question-and-answer data used to set a plurality of
questions should still include data that will not be required by a
particular question and answer. For example, in an application of
the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3709513,
question-and-answer data must contain data of options that will not
be needed by a question and answer presenting a small number of
options. The technology disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent
Application Publication No. 2005-338372 requires
question-and-answer data containing correct-answer data that will
not be needed in a particular question and answer.
[0007] In view of the problems described above, it is an object of
the present invention to provide a game apparatus of a
question-and-answer game type, a computer program, and a storage
medium in which a plurality of questions can be set by using
identical question-and-answer data and in which it is sufficient if
the question-and-answer data includes just data used in common for
a question-and-answer session with a plurality of questions.
[0008] Terms used in this description will be explained first.
[0009] A game is an activity having several rules concerning the
result of a session. The game may be a multi-player game, in which
two or more participating players or participating teams compete or
cooperate with one another; a single-player game or a one-person
game, in which a single participating player plays for pleasure or
to achieve a goal; or a puzzle. In this description, the
single-player game will be described as an example. The present
invention, however, is not limited to single-player games and
covers many other types of games. The multi-player games include
individual evaluation games, in which the result of each session is
evaluated for each participating player, and team evaluation games,
in which the result of each session is evaluated for each
participating team formed by participating players. The
multi-player games include competition games, in which the
participating players or participating teams compete with one
another in each session, and cooperation games, in which the
participating players cooperate with one another. The competition
games include fighting games, in which the participating players or
participating teams play against one another.
[0010] A session of a game is a single series of actions carried
out by the player in the game. In a single game, the same player
may repeat a plurality of sessions, and a plurality of players may
have a plurality of sessions concurrently. A person that can
participate in each session is called a player of the session or
the game. A person who is not playing or has never played the game
may be called a player in the sense that the person can be a
player. A player who is actually playing the game or actually
played the game is called a participating player of the game. The
result of each session is a judgment given to the participating
player in the session. The result of the session may be victory or
defeat, a ranking, or a score.
[0011] A computer game is a game implemented by a computer. The
computer used to implement each computer game is called a game
apparatus of the computer game. The game apparatus of the computer
game having a user interface with the player of the computer game
for operations in the game is called a game terminal. The game
terminal can implement a single computer game or can implement a
plurality of computer games. A system having game apparatuses of
each computer game is generically referred to as a game system of
the computer game.
[0012] A place where the game terminal is provided is called a game
place. Game places include facilities (such as game arcades) where
visitors can use the game terminal at a charge and private houses
where the game terminal is provided. In the former game place, the
visitors mainly become the users of the game terminal and the
players of the computer game. In the latter game place, the
residents mainly become the users of the game terminal and the
players of the computer game. The game terminal provided in the
former game place (a type of arcade game apparatus) generally has a
function to collect the fee from the users. The game terminal
provided in the latter game place (a type of home game apparatus)
does not generally have the fee collection function.
[0013] The game apparatuses or game systems can implement a single
computer game or a plurality of computer games. The game systems
may have a single game terminal or a plurality of game terminals or
may have a plurality of game apparatuses. The game systems having a
plurality of game apparatuses include a game system that uses a
single network containing all the game apparatuses as nodes
(network game system).
[0014] Network is a general term for systems which have terminals
and are structured to allow data exchange among a plurality of
terminal nodes included. The network may have terminal nodes
assigned internally unique communication addresses (such as
Internet Protocol (IP) addresses) to allow data exchange among the
terminal nodes by using the communication addresses. The terminal
node is a general term for nodes which belong to the network and
function as terminals on the network. Node is a general term for
apparatuses or systems that perform transmission or reception in
the network containing the node. The node can be a computer or a
network. A network containing a plurality of networks as nodes is
called an inter-network. An example of the inter-network is the
Internet.
[0015] The network game systems having a plurality of game
terminals include master-slave game systems, server-client game
systems, and peer-to-peer game systems. A game terminal serving as
a master and a game terminal serving as a slave are determined
statically in some master-slave game systems and dynamically in
other master-slave game systems. A game apparatus serving as a
server and a game terminal serving as a client are determined
statically in some server-client game systems and dynamically in
other server-client game systems, or a single game terminal
functions as both the server and the client in some other
server-client game systems.
[0016] Computer is a general term for data processing apparatuses
that have a memory for storing data and a processor for executing a
computer program saved in the memory. Data is a general term for
information expressed in a form that can be recognized by machines
such as computers. The data include information expressed
electrically, information expressed magnetically, and information
expressed optically. Information is a general term for things that
can be expressed as data. Memory is a general term for devices that
keep written data in such a manner that they can be read out. The
memories include semiconductor memories, magnetic memories, and
optical memories. Computer program is a general term for sets of
data that express instructions and indicate a processing procedure.
One type of computer program has the computer execute a computer
game. Processor is a general term for devices that include a set of
instructions and execute a computer program, which is a set of data
expressing instructions of the included set of instructions, by
performing processes for executing the instructions expressed by
the data in the computer program, in the procedure indicated in the
computer program. The processor can be a single central processing
unit (CPU) or a group of CPUs.
[0017] The computer may have an interface to the outside. The
interface to the outside may have an input unit for inputting
information or data from the outside and an output unit for
outputting information or data to the outside. Input of information
is a general term for actions to generate data expressing external
information by detection or measurement. The input unit may be a
sensor, a button, or a keyboard. Output of information is a general
term for actions to give information expressed as data in a form
that can be perceived by humans. The forms that can be perceived by
humans include light, sound, and vibration. Information output as
light includes a displayed image and the blinking of a light.
Information output as sound includes sound produced by a speaker or
a sound producing mechanism driven by a solenoid, such as ringing
of a bell. Information output as vibration includes the vibration
of an oscillator.
[0018] The present invention will be described next.
[0019] The present invention provides a game apparatus that
includes a first memory for storing first data and second data in
association with each other; a first data assigner for selectively
executing a first assigning process of assigning the first data to
setting a question and the second data to checking an answer to the
question, and a second assigning process of assigning the second
data to setting a question and the first data to checking an answer
to the question; and a first question-and-answer processor for
setting a question for a player on the basis of the first data,
receiving an answer to the set question from the player, and
determining whether the received answer is correct on the basis of
the second data, when the first data assigner executes the first
assigning process, and for setting a question for the player on the
basis of the second data, receiving an answer to the set question
from the player, and determining whether the received answer is
correct on the basis of the first data, when the first data
assigner executes the second assigning process.
[0020] With this game apparatus, when a correct answer to a
question made by using the first data is included in the second
data, and when a correct answer to a question made by using the
second data is included in the first data, a plurality of questions
can be made by using question-and-answer data that includes the
first data and the second data.
[0021] In addition, with this game apparatus, when the first data
assigner executes the first assigning process, a question is made
by using the first data, and whether the answer to the question is
correct is determined based on the answer and the second data; and
when the first data assigner executes the second assigning process,
a question is made by using the second data, and whether the answer
to the question is correct is determined based on the answer and
the first data. Therefore, it is sufficient if the
question-and-answer data includes the first data and the second
data, which are used in common for a question-and-answer session
with a plurality of questions.
[0022] In a game method according to the present invention, first
data and second data are stored in a first memory in association
with each other; a first assigning process of assigning the first
data to setting a question and the second data to checking an
answer to the question, and a second assigning process of assigning
the second data to setting a question and the first data to
checking an answer to the question are executed selectively; and,
when the first data assigning process is executed, a question is
set on the basis of the first data, an answer to the set question
is received, and whether the received answer is correct is
determined on the basis of the second data, and, when the second
assigning process is executed, a question is set on the basis of
the second data, an answer to the set question is received, and
whether the received answer is correct is determined on the basis
of the first data.
[0023] The present invention also provides a game apparatus that
includes a second memory for storing third data, fourth data, and
fifth data in association with each other; a second data assigner
for selectively executing a third assigning process of assigning
the whole of the third data to setting a question and the whole of
the fourth data to presenting answer options to the question, and a
fourth assigning process of assigning a part of the third data to
setting a question and the remainder of the third data and the
whole of the fourth data to presenting answer options to the
question; and a second question-and-answer processor for setting a
question for a player on the basis of the third data, presenting a
plurality of answer options for the player on the basis of the
fourth data, receiving a choice made by the player from among the
plurality of answer options, and determining whether the choice is
correct on the basis of the fifth data, when the second data
assigner executes the third assigning process, and for setting a
question for the player on the basis of the part of the third data,
presenting a plurality of answer options for the player on the
basis of the remainder of the third data and the fourth data,
receiving a choice made by the player from among the plurality of
answer options, and determining whether the choice is correct on
the basis of the fifth data, when the second data assigner executes
the fourth assigning process.
[0024] With this game apparatus, when a correct answer to a
question made by using a part of the third data is included in the
fifth data and an incorrect answer to the question is included in
the remainder of the third data, or when an incorrect answer to a
question made by using a part of the third data is included in the
fifth data and a correct answer to the question is included in the
remainder of the third data, a plurality of questions can be made
by using question-and-answer data that includes the third data, the
fourth data, and the fifth data.
[0025] In addition, with this game apparatus, when the second data
assigner executes the third assigning process, a question is set on
the basis of the third data, a plurality of answer options to the
question is presented on the basis of the fourth data, and, on the
basis of a choice made among the plurality of answer options and
the fifth data, whether the choice is correct is determined; and,
when the second data assigner executes the fourth assigning
process, a question is set on the basis of a part of the third
data, a plurality of answer options to the question is presented on
the basis of the remainder of the third data and the fourth data,
and, on the basis of a choice made among the plurality of answer
options and the fifth data, whether the choice is correct is
determined. Therefore, it is sufficient if the question-and-answer
data includes the third data, the fourth data, and the fifth data,
which are used in common for a question-and-answer session with a
plurality of questions.
[0026] In a game method according to the present invention, third
data, fourth data, and fifth data are stored in a second memory in
association with each other; a third assigning process of assigning
the whole of the third data to setting a question and the whole of
the fourth data to presenting answer options to the question, and a
fourth assigning process of assigning a part of the third data to
setting a question and the remainder of the third data and the
whole of the fourth data to presenting answer options to the
question are executed selectively; and, when the third assigning
process is executed, a question is set for a player on the basis of
the third data, a plurality of answer options to the question is
presented for the player on the basis of the fourth data, a choice
made by the player from among the plurality of answer options is
received, and whether the choice is correct is determined on the
basis of the fifth data, and, when the fourth assigning process is
executed, a question is set for the player on the basis of the part
of the third data, a plurality of answer options to the question is
presented for the player on the basis of the remainder of the third
data and the fourth data, a choice made by the player from among
the plurality of answer options is received, and whether the choice
is correct is determined on the basis of the fifth data.
[0027] The present invention also provides a game apparatus that
includes a second memory for storing third data, fourth data, and
fifth data in association with each other; a third data assigner
for selectively executing a third assigning process of assigning
the whole of the third data to setting a question and the whole of
the fourth data to presenting answer options to the question, and a
fifth assigning process of assigning the whole of the third data
and a part of the fourth data to setting a question and the
remainder of the fourth data to presenting answer options to the
question; and a third question-and-answer processor for setting a
question for a player on the basis of the third data, presenting a
plurality of answer options to the question for the player on the
basis of the fourth data, receiving a choice made by the player
from among the plurality of answer options, and determining whether
the choice is correct on the basis of the fifth data, when the
third data assigner executes the third assigning process, and for
setting a question for the player on the basis of the third data
and the part of the fourth data, presenting a plurality of answer
options to the question for the player on the basis of the
remainder of the fourth data, receiving a choice made by the player
from among the plurality of answer options, and determining whether
the choice is correct on the basis of the fifth data, when the
third data assigner executes the fifth assigning process.
[0028] With this game apparatus, when a correct answer to a
question made by using the third data is included in the fifth
data, an incorrect answer to the question is included in a part of
the fourth data, and an incorrect answer to the question is
included in the remainder of the fourth data; or when an incorrect
answer to a question made by using the third data is included in
the fifth data, a correct answer to the question is included in a
part of the fourth data, and a correct answer to the question is
included in the remainder of the fourth data; a plurality of
questions can be made by using question-and-answer data that
includes the third data, the fourth data, and the fifth data.
[0029] In addition, with this game apparatus, when the third data
assigner executes the third assigning process, a question is set on
the basis of the third data, a plurality of answer options to the
question is presented on the basis of the fourth data, and, on the
basis of a choice made among the plurality of answer options and
the fifth data, whether the choice is correct is determined; and,
when the third data assigner executes the fifth assigning process,
a question is set on the basis of the whole of the third data and a
part of the fourth data, a plurality of answer options to the
question is presented on the basis of the remainder of the fourth
data, and, on the basis of a choice made among the plurality of
answer options and the fifth data, whether the choice is correct is
determined. Therefore, it is sufficient if the question-and-answer
data includes the third data, the fourth data, and the fifth data,
which are used in common for a question-and-answer session with a
plurality of questions.
[0030] In a game method according to the present invention, third
data, fourth data, and fifth data are stored in a second memory in
association with each other; a third assigning process of assigning
the whole of the third data to setting a question and the whole of
the fourth data to presenting answer options to the question, and a
fifth assigning process of assigning the whole of the third data
and a part of the fourth data to setting a question and the
remainder of the fourth data to presenting answer options to the
question are executed selectively; and, when the third assigning
process is executed, a question is set for a player on the basis of
the third data, a plurality of answer options to the question is
presented for the player on the basis of the fourth data, a choice
made by the player from among the plurality of answer options is
received, and whether the choice is correct is determined on the
basis of the fifth data, and, when the fifth assigning process is
executed, a question is set for the player on the basis of the
whole of the third data and a part of the fourth data, a plurality
of answer options to the question is presented for the player on
the basis of the remainder of the fourth data, a choice made by the
player from among the plurality of answer options is received, and
whether the choice is correct is determined on the basis of the
fifth data.
[0031] The present invention also provides a computer program and a
computer-readable storage medium having the computer program
recorded thereon. The computer program makes a game apparatus that
includes a first memory for storing first data and second data in
association with each other function as: a first data assigner for
selectively executing a first assigning process of assigning the
first data to setting a question and the second data to checking an
answer to the question, and a second assigning process of assigning
the second data to setting a question and the first data to
checking an answer to the question; and a first question-and-answer
processor for setting a question for a player on the basis of the
first data, receiving an answer to the set question from the
player, and determining whether the received answer is correct on
the basis of the second data, when the first data assigner executes
the first assigning process, and for setting a question to the
player on the basis of the second data, receiving an answer to the
set question from the player, and determining whether the received
answer is correct on the basis of the first data, when the first
data assigner executes the second assigning process.
[0032] The present invention also provides a computer program and a
computer-readable storage medium having the computer program
recorded thereon. The computer program makes a game apparatus that
includes a second memory for storing third data, fourth data, and
fifth data in association with each other function as: a second
data assigner for selectively executing a third assigning process
of assigning the whole of the third data to setting a question and
the whole of the fourth data to presenting answer options to the
question, and a fourth assigning process of assigning a part of the
third data to setting a question and the remainder of the third
data and the whole of the fourth data to presenting answer options
to the question; and a second question-and-answer processor for
setting a question for a player on the basis of the third data,
presenting a plurality of answer options to the question for the
player on the basis of the fourth data, receiving a choice made by
the player from among the plurality of answer options, and
determining whether the choice is correct on the basis of the fifth
data, when the second data assigner executes the third assigning
process, and for setting a question for the player on the basis of
the part of the third data, presenting a plurality of answer
options to the question for the player on the basis of the
remainder of the third data and the fourth data, receiving a choice
made by the player from among the plurality of answer options, and
determining whether the choice is correct on the basis of the fifth
data, when the second data assigner executes the fourth assigning
process.
[0033] The present invention also provides a computer program and a
computer-readable storage medium having the computer program
recorded thereon. The computer program makes a game apparatus that
includes a second memory for storing third data, fourth data, and
fifth data in association with each other function as: a third data
assigner for selectively executing a third assigning process of
assigning the whole of the third data to setting a question and the
whole of the fourth data to presenting answer options to the
question, and a fifth assigning process of assigning the whole of
the third data and a part of the fourth data to setting a question
and the remainder of the fourth data to presenting answer options
to the question; and a third question-and-answer processor for
setting a question for a player on the basis of the third data,
presenting a plurality of answer options to the question for the
player on the basis of the fourth data, receiving a choice made by
the player from among the plurality of answer options, and
determining whether the choice is correct on the basis of the fifth
data, when the third data assigner executes the third assigning
process, and for setting a question for the player on the basis of
the third data and the part of the fourth data, presenting a
plurality of answer options to the question for the player on the
basis of the remainder of the fourth data, receiving a choice made
by the player from among the plurality of answer options, and
determining whether the choice is correct on the basis of the fifth
data, when the third data assigner executes the fifth assigning
process.
[0034] A computer that executes each of the above-described
computer programs can make a plurality of questions by using
identical question-and-answer data. In addition, it is sufficient
if the question-and-answer data includes data that is used in
common for a question-and-answer session with the plurality of
questions. Instead of a computer-readable storage medium, a
transfer medium (data carrier) that transfers each of the
above-described computer programs can be provided.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0035] The present invention provides a game apparatus for a
question-and-answer game, a computer program therefor, and a
storage medium therefor which allow a plurality of questions to be
made by using identical question-and-answer data and in which it is
sufficient if the question-and-answer data includes data that is
used in common for a question-and-answer session with the plurality
of questions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] FIG. 1 is a view showing the appearance of a game apparatus
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a view showing an image displayed on a screen of
the game apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a view showing an image displayed on the screen of
the game apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0039] FIG. 4 is a view showing an image displayed on the screen of
the game apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a view showing an image displayed on the screen of
the game apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of the game
apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0042] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the structure of
question-and-answer data used in the game apparatus shown in FIG.
1.
[0043] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the structure of
question-and-answer data used in the game apparatus shown in FIG.
1.
[0044] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the structure of
question-and-answer data used in the game apparatus shown in FIG.
1.
[0045] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of a pattern table
used in the game apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0046] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the structure of a common
information table used in the game apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0047] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a game process performed
by the game apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0048] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing example contents of an
assignment table used in the game apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0049] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing example contents of the
assignment table used in the game apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0050] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing example contents of the
assignment table used in the game apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0051] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing example contents of the
assignment table used in the game apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0052] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing example contents of the
assignment table used in the game apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0053] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing example contents of the
assignment table used in the game apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0054] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
described below with reference to the drawings. Specific structures
that will be described below are given merely as examples, and
embodiments obtained by modifying the specific structures will also
be included in the scope of the invention.
[0055] FIG. 1 is a view showing the appearance of a game apparatus
100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure
shows the appearance of the game apparatus 100 provided as an
arcade game apparatus. The game apparatus 100 may be implemented as
a home game apparatus. The game apparatus 100 is a game terminal
for a question-and-answer game and implements the
question-and-answer game by performing a game process, which will
be described later. In the game process, a question-and-answer
process for setting a question and receiving an answer to the set
question and a determination process for determining whether the
received answer is correct are performed repeatedly for a plurality
of questions. This will be described later in detail.
[0056] In front of a housing 110 of the game apparatus 100, the
player of the question-and-answer game obtains a set question by
watching an image displayed on a screen 121 of a display unit 120
(more specifically, a monitor) provided in the housing 110 and by
listening to sound output from a speaker 131 provided in the
housing 110. The player then answers the question by bringing a
stylus 142 attached to the housing 110 into contact with the screen
121. The screen 121 is covered with a transparent touch screen 141,
so that the answer can be given by using the stylus 142.
[0057] FIGS. 2 to 5 are views showing example images displayed on
the screen 121 of the game apparatus 100. FIG. 2 shows an image of
a question requiring translation of "dog" from Japanese to English.
In the shown example, "dog" in Japanese (inu) corresponds to the
set question. FIG. 3 shows an image of a question requiring
translation of "dog" from English to Japanese. In the example,
"dog" in English corresponds to the set question.
[0058] FIG. 4 shows an image of a question requiring selection of
one option indicating a primary color of light, except red or blue,
from three options. In the example, the set question corresponds to
two parts: "Choose a primary color of light except the color(s)
specified below" and "Specified color(s): Red, Blue". FIG. 5 shows
an image of a question requiring selection of one option indicating
a primary color of light, except red, from four options. In the
example, the set question corresponds to two parts: "Choose a
primary color of light except the color(s) specified below" and
"Specified color(s): Red".
[0059] In the examples shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when the player of
the question-and-answer game brings the stylus 142 into contact
with images of buttons corresponding to a plurality of options (for
example, "Purple", "Yellow", and "Green" in FIG. 4) at any
position, the game apparatus 100 receives the selection of the
option corresponding to the image of the button touched by the
stylus 142. The images of the buttons corresponding to the options
present the options.
[0060] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of the game
apparatus 100. As shown in the figure, the game apparatus 100
includes a processor 150 for performing various data processes (a
first data assigner, a first question-and-answer processor, a
second data assigner, a second question-and-answer processor, a
third data assigner, and a third question-and-answer processor), an
operation unit 140 for supplying the processor 150 with operation
data corresponding to an operation performed by the player, the
display unit 120 for displaying an image on the screen 121 by using
image data supplied from the processor 150, a sound generator 130
for emitting sound from a speaker 131 by using sound data supplied
from the processor 150, and a memory 160 for storing various types
of data (a first memory and a second memory).
[0061] The operation unit 140 has the touch screen 141 and the
stylus 142.
[0062] The touch screen 141 supplies the processor 150 with the
operation data corresponding to the position touched by the stylus
142. The operation unit 140 is an input unit for entering
information from the outside. The display unit 120 and the sound
generator 130 are output units for outputting information to the
outside. In a different embodiment, a video projector may be
provided as an output unit, instead of the display unit 120. In
that case, the screen 121 will be a screen onto which an image is
projected.
[0063] The storage area of the memory 160 is divided into a
volatile region R1, which requires power to maintain the stored
information, and a nonvolatile region R2, which does not require
power. The nonvolatile region R2 is divided into a non-rewritable
region R21, where stored information cannot be rewritten, and a
rewritable region R22, where stored information can be rewritten.
The volatile region R1 is implemented by a random access memory
(RAM), the non-rewritable region R21 is implemented by a read only
memory (ROM), and the rewritable region R22 is implemented by a
hard disk, for instance.
[0064] Written into the volatile region R1 are correct-answer count
data 161, which indicates the number of correct answers made by a
single player in a single session of a question-and-answer game,
and question-and-answer-process count data 162, which indicates the
number of question-and-answer processes completed in a single
session. The correct-answer count data 161 is used to display the
number of correct answers, and the question-and-answer-process
count data 162 is used to display a set question number ("02" in
FIG. 2). The set question number indicates the position of a set
question in a session of the question-and-answer game, and the
number can be obtained by adding `1` to the question-and-answer
process count. In the volatile region R1, an assignment table 167,
which will be described later, is provided.
[0065] In the non-rewritable region R21, a computer program 166 is
kept. The computer program 166 is a computer program for having the
game apparatus 100 execute a game process, which will be described
later, and is executed by the processor 150. In the rewritable
region R22, a large number of pieces of question-and-answer data
163 are written. A pattern table 164 and a common information table
165 are also held in the rewritable region R22.
[0066] FIGS. 7 to 9 are diagrams showing the structures of the
question-and-answer data 163 used by the game apparatus 100. As
shown in the figures, each piece of question-and-answer data 163
includes a question-and-answer type data, which indicates a
question-and-answer type. FIG. 7 shows the structure of the
question-and-answer data 163 having the question-and-answer type
data indicating a question-and-answer type 1. FIG. 8 shows the
structure of the question-and-answer data 163 having the
question-and-answer type data indicating a question-and-answer type
2. FIG. 9 shows the structure of the question-and-answer data 163
having the question-and-answer type data indicating a
question-and-answer type 3. As clearly shown by the figures, the
structure of the question-and-answer data 163 depends on the
question-and-answer type. The structure shown in FIG. 7 will be
referred to as a first structure, the structure shown in FIG. 8
will be referred to as a second structure, and the structure shown
in FIG. 9 will be referred to as a third structure.
[0067] The question-and-answer data 163 having the first structure
shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to a type of question-and-answer which
requires a word corresponding to another word given in a set
question as an answer (such as a question requiring translation of
a word given in the set question into a different language), as
shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and the data is used to set the question
and to determine whether a correct answer is made. In the session
of the question-and-answer game, the question-and-answer data 163
of the first structure is used to set the question and to determine
whether the answer is correct. The question-and-answer data 163 of
the first structure includes first data and second data, as well as
the question-and-answer type data. The memory 160 is a first memory
which stores the first data and the second data and associates them
with each other. The first data is text data representing a
Japanese word. The second data is text data representing an English
word.
[0068] The question-and-answer data 163 of the second structure
shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to a type of question-and-answer which
demands the player to select one answer option to the set question
from a plurality of answer options, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The
data is used to set the question, to present answer options, and to
determine whether the answer is correct. In the session of the
question-and-answer game, the question-and-answer data 163 of the
second structure is used to set the question, to present answer
options, and to determine whether the answer is correct. The
question-and-answer data 163 of the second structure includes third
data, fourth data, and fifth data, as well as the
question-and-answer type data. The third data is text data
indicating the text of a question. The fourth data is a set of
three unit data items representing different answer options. Each
unit data item is a text data item. The fifth data is data
indicating an incorrect answer option among the answer options.
[0069] The question-and-answer data 163 of the third structure
shown in FIG. 9 corresponds to a type of question-and-answer which
demands the player to select one answer option to the set question
from a plurality of answer options, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The
use of the data is the same as the question-and-answer data 163 of
the second structure. The third structure is similar to the second
structure, but the fourth data included in the question-and-answer
data 163 of the third structure is a set of four unit data items.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the memory 160 is a second memory which
stores the third data, the fourth data, and the fifth data in
association with one another.
[0070] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of the pattern
table 164 used in the game apparatus 100. As shown in the figure,
the pattern table 164 is a data table listing combinations of
question-and-answer types and pattern types with use assignment
patterns in a one-to-one relationship. The pattern table 164
includes the question-and-answer type data, pattern-type data
representing the pattern type, and pattern data representing a use
assignment pattern.
[0071] The use assignment pattern is a combination (pattern) of a
plurality of sets of data except the question-and-answer type data
in the question-and-answer data 163 and uses assigned to the sets
of data. The sets of data to which uses are assigned by the use
assignment pattern are the first data and the second data in the
question-and-answer data 163 of the first structure shown in FIG. 7
and the third data, the fourth data, and the fifth data in the
question-and-answer data 163 of the second structure shown in FIG.
8 or the question-and-answer data 163 of the third structure shown
in FIG. 9.
[0072] Each question-and-answer type is assigned a plurality of
different use assignment patterns. The plurality of use assignment
patterns associated with the single question-and-answer type are
identified by different pattern types. Details of the use
assignment patterns are as shown in FIG. 10. For example, in the
use assignment pattern of pattern type 1 for question-and-answer
type 1, the first data shown in FIG. 7 is assigned to setting a
question, and the second data shown in FIG. 7 is assigned to
checking an answer to the question. In the use assignment pattern
of pattern type 2 for question-and-answer type 1, the second data
shown in FIG. 7 is assigned to setting a question and the first
data shown in FIG. 7 is assigned to checking an answer to the
question.
[0073] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the structure of the common
information table 165 used in the game apparatus 100. As shown in
the figure, the common information table 165 is a data table
associating question-and-answer types with common information in a
one-to-one relationship. The common information table 165 stores
the question-and-answer type data and common information data
representing common information. Common information is information
(such as a phrase) used in common in a plurality of questions and
answers of the same question-and-answer type. For example, the
common information of question-and-answer type 1 includes character
strings such as "Translate the following", "Japanese", "English",
and "Write your answer in the box at the right one character at a
time" in the image shown in FIG. 2.
[0074] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the game process
performed by the game apparatus 100. The game period of each
session of the question-and-answer game starts with the start of
the game process implementing the session and ends before the game
process ends. Prior to the start of the game process, the processor
150 initializes the correct-answer count data 161 and the
question-and-answer-process count data 162. The correct-answer
count and the question-and-answer-process count are both `0` at the
start of the game process. The game process will be described below
in detail.
[0075] The processor 150 first saves the assignment table 167 in
the volatile region R1 and specifies one piece of
question-and-answer data 163 to be used in the next
question-and-answer process (hereafter, target question-and-answer
data) among the plurality of pieces of question-and-answer data 163
(step S1). The processor 150 specifies the target
question-and-answer data by selecting that data from the large
number of pieces of question-and-answer data 163 retained in the
rewritable region R22 and reading that data. The rule for selecting
the target question-and-answer data can be changed. For example,
the processor 150 may select one piece of question-and-answer data
163 at random or may select one on the basis of the operation data
from the operation unit 140. Selection of identical
question-and-answer data 163 may be avoided in a single
session.
[0076] The processor 150 then references the pattern table 164 and
specifies pattern data to be used in the next question-and-answer
process (hereafter, target pattern data) (step S2). More
specifically, as the target pattern data, the processor 150 selects
one of the plurality of sets of pattern data (data representing use
assignment patterns) associated with the question-and-answer type
represented by the question-and-answer type data of the target
question-and-answer data in the pattern table 164, and reads that
set of data. The rule for selecting the target pattern data can be
changed. For example, the processor 150 may select one of the
plurality of sets of pattern data at random or may select one
target pattern data on the basis of the operation data from the
operation unit 140.
[0077] Then, the processor 150 performs a use assignment process
for assigning uses to a plurality of sets of data other than the
question-and-answer type data in the target question-and-answer
data (step S3). More specifically, the processor 150 associates the
plurality of sets of data in the target question-and-answer data
with use data representing the uses of the data in a one-to-one
relationship and stores them in the assignment table 167. After
storing them, the contents of the assignment table 167 depend on
the question-and-answer type (structure) of the target
question-and-answer data and the pattern type of the target pattern
data. The individual data of the target question-and-answer data is
assigned the uses specified by the target pattern data selected in
step S2.
[0078] FIGS. 13 to 18 are diagrams showing the contents of the
assignment table 167 used in the game apparatus 100. FIGS. 13 and
14 show the assignment table 167 obtained when the
question-and-answer type in the target question-and-answer data is
`1` (when the target question-and-answer data has the first
structure (see FIG. 7)). The assignment table 167 shown in FIG. 13
can be obtained when the pattern type in the target pattern data is
`1` (see FIG. 10). The first data is assigned to setting a
question, and the second data is assigned to checking an answer to
the question. The assignment table 167 shown in FIG. 14 is obtained
when the pattern type in the target pattern data is `2`. The second
data is assigned to setting a question and the first data is
assigned to checking an answer to the question.
[0079] In step S3, if the question-and-answer type in the target
question-and-answer data is `1`, the processor 150 functions as a
first data assigner, which selectively performs a first assigning
process of assigning the first data to setting a question and the
second data to checking an answer to the question (FIG. 13) and a
second assigning process of assigning the second data to setting a
question and the first data to checking an answer to the question
(FIG. 14), in accordance with the pattern type in the target
pattern data.
[0080] FIGS. 15 and 16 show the assignment table 167 that can be
obtained when the question-and-answer type is `2` in the target
question-and-answer data (when the target question-and-answer data
has the second structure (see FIG. 8)). The assignment table 167
shown in FIG. 15 is obtained when the pattern type in the target
pattern data is `1`. The third data is assigned to setting a
question, and the fourth data is assigned to presenting answer
options to the question. The assignment table 167 shown in FIG. 16
is obtained when the pattern type in the target pattern data is
`2`. Part A of the third data (see FIG. 8) is assigned to setting a
question, and part B of the third data (see FIG. 8) and the fourth
data are assigned to presenting answer options to the question.
Part A in the third data corresponds to data representing "Choose a
primary color of light except the color(s) specified below" and
"Specified color(s): Red". Part B corresponds to data representing
"Blue". As shown in FIG. 15 or 16, if the question-and-answer type
in the target question-and-answer data is `2`, the fifth data is
assigned to checking an answer to the question, irrespective of the
pattern type in the target pattern data.
[0081] In step S3, if the question-and-answer type in the target
question-and-answer data is `2`, the processor 150 functions as a
second data assigner, which selectively performs a third assigning
process of assigning the whole of the third data to setting a
question and the whole of the fourth data to presenting answer
options to the question (FIG. 15) and a fourth assigning process of
assigning a part of the third data to setting a question and the
remainder of the third data and the whole of the fourth data to
presenting answer options to the question (FIG. 16), in accordance
with the pattern type in the target pattern data, as shown in FIGS.
15 and 16.
[0082] FIGS. 17 and 18 show the assignment table 167 that can be
obtained when the question-and-answer type is `3` in the target
question-and-answer data (when the target question-and-answer data
has the third structure (see FIG. 9)). The assignment table 167
shown in FIG. 17 can be obtained when the pattern type in the
target pattern data is `1`. The third data is assigned to setting a
question, and the fourth data is assigned to presenting answer
options to the question. The assignment table 167 shown in FIG. 18
can be obtained when the pattern type in the target pattern data is
`2`. The third data and part C of the fourth data (see FIG. 9) are
assigned to setting a question, and part D of the fourth data (see
FIG. 9) is assigned to presenting answer options to the question.
Part D in the fourth data corresponds to data representing
"Purple", "Yellow", and "Green". Part C corresponds to data
representing "Blue". As shown in FIG. 17 or 18, if the
question-and-answer type in the target question-and-answer data is
`3`, the fifth data is assigned to checking an answer to the
question, irrespective of the pattern type in the target pattern
data.
[0083] In step S3, if the question-and-answer type in the target
question-and-answer data is `3`, the processor 150 functions as a
third data assigner, which selectively performs a third assigning
process of assigning the whole of the third data to setting a
question and the whole of the fourth data to presenting answer
options to the question (FIG. 17) and a fifth assigning process of
assigning the whole of the third data and a part of the fourth data
to setting a question and the remainder of the fourth data to
presenting answer options to the question (FIG. 18), as shown in
FIGS. 17 and 18. In the use assignment in this embodiment, the
presented answer options include at least one correct option.
[0084] The processor 150 next performs the question-and-answer
process (step S4). In the question-and-answer process, the
processor 150 performs a question setting process for setting a
question (step S4A) and a reception process for receiving an answer
to the set question from the player (step S4B) in parallel. In the
question setting process, the processor 150 references the
assignment table 167 and sets a question by using the data assigned
to setting a question in step S3, among a plurality of sets of data
in the target question-and-answer data. For example, if the first
data is assigned to setting a question, as shown in FIG. 13, in a
session of the question-and-answer game, the processor 150
functions as a question setting unit for setting a question by
using the first data (such as the question requiring translation of
a word represented by the first data, as shown in FIG. 2). If the
assignment shown in FIG. 18 is executed, the processor 150 sets a
question on the basis of the third data and part C of the fourth
data, of the target question-and-answer data. In the question
setting process, common information (a phrase) associated with the
question-and-answer type of the target question-and-answer data in
the common information table 165 stored in the memory 160 is used
as common text in a plurality of questions of the same
question-and-answer type.
[0085] If the question-and-answer type of the target
question-and-answer data is `2` or `3`, the processor 150 functions
as a presenting unit for presenting a plurality of answer options
in the question setting process, using the data assigned to
presenting answer options to the question in step S3, among the
plurality of sets of data in the target question-and-answer data.
For example, if the fourth data is assigned to presenting answer
options to the question, as shown in FIG. 15, the processor 150
displays the plurality of options represented by a plurality of
unit data items of the fourth data together with the question, on
the screen 121 of the display unit 120. If the assignment shown in
FIG. 16 is executed, the processor 150 presents the plurality of
answer options to the question on the basis of part B of the third
data and the fourth data of the target question-and-answer
data.
[0086] In the reception process in step S4B, the processor 150
determines whether the answer from the player has been received
(step S4B1). If the result is negative, the processor 150
determines whether the elapsed time since the start of the
reception process has exceeded a time limit (step S4B2). If the
result is negative, the process returns to step S4B1. In other
words, the processor 150 continues to function as a reception unit
for receiving an answer to the set question until the answer from
the player is received or until the elapsed time exceeds the time
limit. The time limit is a period of time specified beforehand to
limit the period for receiving the answer from the player, which
can be 60 seconds, for instance. The start point of the question
setting process agrees with the start point of the reception
process in the present embodiment, but that is not a
requirement.
[0087] The determination made in step S4B1 depends on the
question-and-answer type of the target question-and-answer data.
For example, if the question-and-answer type of the target
question-and-answer data is `1`, the determination becomes
affirmative when the predetermined period of time has elapsed since
the stylus 142 last touches the touch screen 141. Otherwise, the
determination becomes negative. If the question-and-answer type of
the target question-and-answer data is `2` or `3`, when the stylus
142 touches any position in the plurality of images of buttons
corresponding to the answer options (when one option is selected
from the plurality of presented answer options), the determination
becomes affirmative. Otherwise, the determination becomes
negative.
[0088] An image displayed on the screen 121 in the
question-and-answer process depends on a combination of target
question-and-answer data, its question-and-answer type, and the
pattern type of the target pattern data. For example, if the
question-and-answer type of the target question-and-answer data
selected in step S1 is `1`, when the pattern type is `1`, the image
shown in FIG. 2 is displayed. When the pattern type is `2`, the
image shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. If the question-and-answer type
of the target question-and-answer data is `2`, when the pattern
type is `1`, the image shown in FIG. 4 is displayed.
[0089] When the pattern type is `2`, the image shown in FIG. 5 is
displayed. If the question-and-answer type of the target
question-and-answer data is `3`, when the pattern type is `2`, the
image shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. When the pattern type is `1`,
the image shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. As shown in those figures,
in the question-and-answer process, the correct-answer count (`01`
in FIG. 2), the set question number (`02` in FIG. 2), and the time
left before the time limit (`49` in FIG. 2) are also displayed on
the screen 121.
[0090] When the determination made in step S4B1 or S4B2 in the
reception process becomes affirmative, the processor 150 ends the
question-and-answer process and goes to the next process.
[0091] If the question-and-answer process has ended with an
affirmative determination in step S4B2, that is, if the
question-and-answer process has ended because the elapsed time has
exceeded the time limit, the processor 150 performs an
incorrect-answer process (step S5). The processor 150 supplies the
display unit 120 with image data for reporting that the answer is
incorrect and supplies the sound generator 130 with sound data for
reporting that the answer is incorrect. Then, the fact that the
answer is incorrect is reported to the player by information
displayed by the display unit 120 and sound generated by the sound
generator 130. In the incorrect-answer process, the processor 150
updates the question-and-answer-process count data 162 to increment
the question-and-answer-process count by `1`.
[0092] If the question-and-answer process has ended with an
affirmative determination in step S4B1, that is, if the
question-and-answer process has ended because the answer has been
received, the processor 150 determines whether the answer is
correct on the basis of the received answer and the data assigned
to checking the answer, of the plurality of sets of data in the
target question-and-answer data (step S6). If the second data is
assigned to checking an answer, as shown in FIG. 13, the processor
150 determines whether the answer is correct on the basis of the
second data of the target question-and-answer data. If the
question-and-answer type of the target question-and-answer data is
`2` or `3` (as shown in FIGS. 15 to 18), the processor 150
determines whether the answer option selected by the player is
correct, on the basis of the fifth data of the target
question-and-answer data. If the determination in step S6 is
negative, the process goes to step S5.
[0093] If the determination in step S6 is affirmative, the
processor 150 performs a correct-answer process (step S7). In the
correct-answer process, the processor 150 supplies the display unit
120 with image data reporting the player that the answer is correct
and supplies the sound generator 130 with sound data reporting that
the answer is correct. Then, the fact that the answer is correct is
reported to the player by information displayed by the display unit
120 and sound generated by the sound generator 130. In the
correct-answer process, the processor 150 also updates the
question-and-answer-process count data 162 to increment the
question-and-answer-process count by `1` and updates the
correct-answer count data 161 to increment the correct-answer count
by `1`.
[0094] As has been described clearly above, in the session of the
question-and-answer game, if the question-and-answer type of the
target question-and-answer data is `1`, the processor 150 functions
as a first question-and-answer processor for setting a question by
using the first data, receiving an answer to the set question, and
determining whether the answer is correct on the basis of the
received answer and the second data, when the first assigning
process is executed (when the first data is assigned to setting a
question), and for setting a question by using the second data,
receiving an answer to the set question, and determining whether
the answer is correct on the basis of the received answer and the
first data, when the second assigning process is executed (when the
first data is assigned to checking an answer).
[0095] As has been clearly described above, in the session of the
question-and-answer game, if the question-and-answer type of the
target question-and-answer data is `2`, the processor 150 functions
as a second question-and-answer processor for setting a question by
using the third data, presenting a plurality of answer options by
using the fourth data, receiving an option selected from the
plurality of presented answer options, and determining whether the
selected option is a correct option on the basis of the received
option and the fifth data, when the third assigning process is
executed (when the whole of the third data is assigned to setting a
question), and for setting a question by using a part of the third
data, presenting a plurality of answer options by using the
remainder of the third data and the fourth data, receiving an
option selected from the plurality of presented answer options, and
determining whether the selected option is a correct option on the
basis of the received option and the fifth data, when the fourth
assigning process is executed (when a part of the third data is
assigned to setting a question and the remainder is assigned to
presenting answer options).
[0096] As has been clearly described above, in the session of the
question-and-answer game, if the question-and-answer type of the
target question-and-answer data is `3`, the processor 150 functions
as a third question-and-answer processor for setting a question by
using the third data, presenting a plurality of answer options by
using the fourth data, receiving an option selected from the
presented answer options, and determining whether the selected
option is a correct option on the basis of the received option and
fifth data, when the third assigning process is executed (when the
whole of the third data is assigned to setting a question), and for
setting a question by using the whole of the third data and a part
of the fourth data, presenting a plurality of answer options by
using the remainder of the fourth data, receiving an option
selected from the presented answer options, and determining whether
the selected option is a correct option on the basis of the
received option and the fifth data, when the fifth assigning
process is executed (when a part of the fourth data is assigned to
setting a question).
[0097] After finishing the correct-answer process or the
incorrect-answer process, the processor 150 determines whether the
next question can be set (step S8). The determination should be
specified in accordance with the rules of the question-and-answer
game. For example, if a single session of the question-and-answer
game ends after a predetermined number of question-and-answer
processes is executed, it is checked in step S8 whether the
question-and-answer process count reaches the predetermined number.
If a single session of the question-and-answer game ends within a
predetermined period of time, it is checked in step S8 whether the
period of time left after subtracting the elapsed time since the
start of the session from the predetermined period of time is
greater than or equal to a predetermined time limit. If the
determination made in step S8 is affirmative, the game process
returns to step S1. Then, the processes described above are
repeated. In the game process, the question-and-answer process and
the determination process are repeatedly executed for a plurality
of questions. If the determination made in step S8 becomes
negative, the processor 150 outputs the result of the play (such as
the number of correct answers) via the display unit 120 and the
sound generator 130.
[0098] As has been described above, if the target
question-and-answer data has the first structure, the game
apparatus 100 sets a question by using the first data, and
determines whether an answer to the set question is correct, on the
basis of the answer to the question and the second data, when the
first data assigner performs the first assigning process, and sets
a question by using the second data and determines whether an
answer to the set question is correct, on the basis of the answer
and the first data, when the first data assigner performs the
second assigning process. Therefore, the game apparatus 100 can set
a plurality of questions by using the question-and-answer data 163
having the first structure, in which the second data indicates a
correct answer to the question indicated by the first data and the
first data indicates a correct answer to the question indicated by
the second data.
[0099] If the target question-and-answer data has the second
structure, the game apparatus 100 sets a question by using the
third data, presents a plurality of answer options by using the
fourth data, and determines whether an option selected from the
presented answer options is a correct option on the basis of the
selected option and the fifth data, when the second data assigner
executes the third assigning process, and sets a question by using
a part of the third data, presents a plurality of answer options by
using the remainder of the third data and the fourth data, and
determines whether an option selected from the presented answer
options is a correct option on the basis of the selected option and
the fifth data, when the second data assigner executes the fourth
assigning process. Therefore, the game apparatus 100 can set a
plurality of questions by using the question-and-answer data 163
having the second structure, in which the fifth data indicates an
incorrect answer option to the question indicated by the third data
and the remainder of the third data (part B in FIG. 8, for example)
corresponds to an incorrect answer option of the question.
[0100] In a different embodiment using the question-and-answer data
163 having the second structure, where the fifth data indicates a
correct answer option to the question indicated by a part of the
third data and the remainder (part B) of the third data corresponds
to an incorrect answer option, a plurality of questions can be set
from the identical question-and-answer data 163.
[0101] If the target question-and-answer data has the third
structure, the game apparatus 100 sets a question by using the
third data, presents a plurality of answer options by using the
fourth data, and determines whether an option selected from the
presented answer options is a correct option on the basis of the
selected option and the fifth data, when the third data assigner
executes the third assigning process, and sets a question by using
the whole of the third data and a part of the fourth data, presents
a plurality of answer options by using the remainder of the fourth
data, and determines whether an option selected from the presented
answer options is a correct option on the basis of the selected
option and the fifth data, when the third data assigner executes
the fifth assigning process. Therefore, the game apparatus 100 can
set a plurality of questions by using the question-and-answer data
163 having the third structure, where the fifth data indicates an
incorrect answer option to the question indicated by the third
data, a part of the fourth data (part C in FIG. 9, for instance)
corresponds to a correct answer option to the question, and the
remainder of the fourth data (part D in FIG. 9, for instance)
includes a correct answer option to the question.
[0102] In a different embodiment using the question-and-answer data
163 having the third structure, where the fifth data indicates a
correct answer option to the question indicated by the third data,
a part of the fourth data (part C in FIG. 9, for instance)
corresponds to an incorrect answer option to the question, and the
remainder of the fourth data (part D in FIG. 9, for instance)
includes an incorrect answer option to the question, a plurality of
questions can be set from the identical question-and-answer data
163. As has been described above, in an embodiment where the fifth
data in the question-and-answer data 163 of the second or third
structure indicates a correct answer option, data of which the use
can be changed (such as part B in the question-and-answer data 163
of the second structure and part C in the question-and-answer data
163 of the third structure) is used as data indicating an incorrect
answer option.
[0103] Questions set in the present embodiment require a reading
ability rather than a listening comprehension ability or require a
writing ability rather than a speaking ability. In other
embodiments, questions requiring a listening comprehension ability
rather than a reading ability or questions requiring a speaking
ability rather than a writing ability may be set. For example, in
the question-and-answer data of the first structure shown in FIG.
7, the first data or the second data may be sound data. Suppose
that the first data is sound data expressing a word or a phrase and
that the second data is text data expressing a word or a phrase. If
the first data is assigned to setting a question and the second
data is assigned to checking an answer to the question, the
processor 150 can set an audio question by supplying the first data
to the sound generator 130. When the player gives an answer to the
word or phrase expressed by the sound, the processor 150 determines
whether the answer is correct on the basis of the second data
assigned to checking the answer. If the second data is assigned to
setting a question and the first data is assigned to checking an
answer to the question, the processor 150 sets a visual question by
supplying the second data to the display unit 120. The game
apparatus 100 has a sound input unit 170 for inputting sound, as
shown in FIG. 2. When the player gives an answer by reading the
word or phrase displayed on the display unit 120 aloud into the
sound input unit 170, the processor 150 determines whether the
answer is correct on the basis of the sound recognized from the
input answer and the first data. Moreover, the question-and-answer
data of the second structure shown in FIG. 8 or of the third
structure shown in FIG. 9 may have sound data as the third data or
the fourth data. As has been described above, at least one piece of
data among the first to fourth data can be non-text data.
[0104] In a different embodiment, the question-and-answer data 163
of the third structure shown in FIG. 9 may use sound data assigned
to setting a question as the third data and English text data as
the fourth data. For the fourth data, the third assigning process
of assigning the whole of the fourth data to presenting answer
options and the fifth assigning process of assigning a part of the
fourth data to setting a question and the remainder to presenting
answer options are executed selectively.
[0105] Some embodiments of the present invention have been
described. The present invention can also be implemented as a
computer program that includes a sequence of computer-readable
instructions describing the methods of the game apparatus 100
described above or as a program package bearing the computer
program. The program package can be a computer-readable information
storage medium having the computer program recorded thereon or a
data carrier that transmits the computer program. The information
storage medium can be any type of disk, tape, chip, or stick, as
well as any form mentioned in the embodiments described above. The
data carrier can be any type of network, wireless or wired. The
computer program may or may not be compiled.
* * * * *