JP2000262738A - Game device and information storing medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To respond to the desire of players of a wide range. SOLUTION: An overlay display matter such as a position 30, a course guide 38, a speed meter 40 and the like are overlapped to a game image to be displayed. By the operation of a player by means of a selection button, the display and non-display state of the overlay display matter can be switched. A plurlaity of overlay display matters can be also optionally partially displayed. By the operation of the player by means of a transparency adjustment lever, the transparency of the overlay display matter can be gradually or continuously varied. By the operation of the player by means of the selection button, the kinds of the overlay display matters can be switched, for example, from a first cockpit to a second cockpit. In a case when an image having a self-autobicycle 20 and a player character 22 in a field of view is generated, the transparency of the self-autobicycle 20 and the player character 22 is gradually or continuously varied by the operation of the player by means of the transparency adjustment lever.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a game device and an information storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a game apparatus which arranges a plurality of objects in an object space which is a virtual three-dimensional space and generates an image viewed from a given viewpoint in the object space. Is known, and is popular as an experience of so-called virtual reality. For example, in the case of a game device capable of enjoying a motorcycle game, a player runs a motorcycle (own motorcycle) driven by himself / herself in an object space and competes with another player or a motorcycle (other motorcycle) driven by a computer. Enjoy the game by doing.

In such a game apparatus, a display object (overlay display object) representing various game information such as a player's rank, a course guide, and a motorcycle speed is displayed on a game image. And the more such game information becomes, the more the game requires a precise operation,
Many are needed. However, on the other hand, when the level of skill in game play increases and the player becomes an advanced player, such game information can be grasped by the player in a sense and may be unnecessary.

In a motorcycle game or the like, a viewpoint is set at the position of a player character (virtual player).
An image at the third person viewpoint and an image at the third person viewpoint where the own motorcycle or the player character enters the visual field are generated. The first-person viewpoint image has an advantage that a real and realistic image can be provided to the player. On the other hand, the image of the third person viewpoint has an advantage that the game operation is facilitated because the user can drive while watching the movement of his own motorcycle.

[0005] However, there is a problem in the image of the third person viewpoint that a part of another motorcycle or course becomes invisible due to the presence of the own motorcycle or the player character. For this reason, in the image of the third person viewpoint, there is no choice but to display the own motorcycle and the player character in a small size, and there is a problem that it is not possible to convey one more realistic movement of the own motorcycle and the player character to the player.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus capable of responding to the demands of a wide range of players from beginner to advanced players. And an information storage medium.

[0007]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a game apparatus for generating an image, which is for generating a game image at a given viewpoint in an object space. Means for superimposing at least one overlay display on the game image and displaying the overlay display at a given position on the game image; and determining whether the overlay display is displayed or hidden by the player. It is characterized by including a selecting means for selecting and a means for switching the display or non-display of the overlay display object as desired by the player by a player's selecting operation performed using the selecting means. Further, an information storage medium according to the present invention is characterized by including information for realizing (executing) the above means.

According to the present invention, for example, game result information,
An overlay display for notifying the player of course information, running information, and the like is displayed at a given position on the game image so as to be superimposed on the game image. And the player
By performing a selection operation by the selection means, the display or non-display of the overlay display object can be switched as desired by the user. This makes it possible to meet the needs of a wide range of players, such as a player who wants to display an overlay display object in order to advance the game advantageously, and a player who wants a realistic image in which the overlay display object is not displayed.

Further, in the game apparatus and the information storage medium according to the present invention, when there are a plurality of overlay objects, a part of the plurality of overlay objects can be selected by a player's selecting operation using the selection means. The display is switched between display and non-display. In this way, even when the player selects non-display of the overlay display object, the overlay display object that conveys information important for the progress of the game can be kept displayed. .

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game apparatus for generating an image, comprising: means for generating a game image at a given viewpoint in an object space; and at least one overlay display object. Means for displaying at a given position on the game image in a superimposed manner,
Adjustment means for the player to adjust the transparency of the overlay display object, and means for changing the transparency of the overlay display object as desired by the player by an adjustment operation of the player performed using the adjustment means. It is characterized by including. Further, an information storage medium according to the present invention is characterized by including information for realizing (executing) the above means.

According to the present invention, the overlay display object is
It is displayed at a given position on the game image so as to be superimposed on the game image. Then, the player can change the transparency of the overlay display object as desired by performing an adjustment operation by the adjustment means. Accordingly, it is possible to meet the demands of a wide range of players, such as a player who wants the overlay display material to be displayed non-transparent and a player who wants the overlay display material to be translucent display, mesh display, or non-display. Can be.
Moreover, according to the present invention, it is possible to show the image of the portion covered by the overlay display object to the player to some extent while transmitting the information (for example, game information) represented by the overlay display object to the player. .

In the game device and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the transparency of the overlay display object changes stepwise or continuously by an adjustment operation of the player using the adjustment means. For example, if the transparency of the overlay display object is changed stepwise, the adjustment operation of the player can be facilitated. Further, if the transparency of the overlay display object is continuously changed, a precise adjustment operation of the player becomes possible.

The present invention is also a game apparatus for generating an image, comprising: means for generating a game image at a given viewpoint in an object space; and at least one overlay display object. Means for displaying at a given position on the game image in a superimposed manner,
A selection unit for the player to select the type of the overlay display object, and a unit for switching the type of the overlay display object as desired by the player by a selection operation performed by the player using the selection unit. It is characterized by the following. Further, an information storage medium according to the present invention is characterized by including information for realizing (executing) the above means.

According to the present invention, the overlay display object is
It is displayed at a given position on the game image so as to be superimposed on the game image. The player can switch the type of the overlay display object as desired by performing a selection operation by the selection unit. This makes it possible to change the type of overlay display object to be displayed to various types according to the taste of the player, and it is possible to meet the needs of a wide range of players.

Further, in the game apparatus and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the overlay display object may be a display object for notifying the player of game result information, a display object for notifying the player of course information, and traveling information of a moving object. At least one of a display object for notifying the player of operation target information, a display object for notifying the player of operation instruction information, and a display object representing a cockpit of a moving object. Features. In addition,
Such a display object is particularly desirable as the overlay display object of the present invention, but is not limited thereto.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game apparatus for generating an image, comprising: means for performing an operation of moving a moving object in an object space; Means for generating a game image in which the moving object is within the field of view, adjusting means for the player to adjust the transparency of the moving object, and adjusting the player using the adjusting means, Means for changing the transparency of the moving object as desired by the player. Further, an information storage medium according to the present invention is characterized by including information for realizing (executing) the above means.

According to the present invention, a game image is generated in which the moving object moving in the object space is within the visual field.
Then, the player can change the transparency of the moving body as desired by performing an adjusting operation by the adjusting means. This meets the needs of a wide range of players, such as players who want to see the part obscured by the moving object and players who want a more realistic image closer to the real world than looking at the obscured part. Will be able to

Further, the game apparatus and the information storage medium according to the present invention are characterized in that the transparency of the moving body changes stepwise or continuously by an adjustment operation of the player using the adjustment means. For example, if the transparency of the moving object is changed stepwise, the adjustment operation of the player can be facilitated. Further, if the transparency of the moving body is continuously changed, a precise adjustment operation of the player becomes possible.

[0019]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, a case where the present invention is applied to a motorcycle game will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various games.

1. 1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game device.

The player 1092 looks at the game image displayed on the screen 1050 while watching the handle 1070.
Also, the user operates an accelerator or a brake provided on the steering wheel 1070, or rolls a casing (simulated motorcycle) 1090 made to simulate a real motorcycle. Then, when the player 1092 operates the accelerator and the brake,
Own bike (mobile body) 110 projected on screen 1050
0 accelerates or decelerates. Also, the player 109
When the player 2 steers the handle 1070 or rolls the housing 1090, the own motorcycle 1100 on which the player character (virtual player) 1102 rides turns or rolls left and right.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed configuration example of the handle portion of the housing 1090. At the center of the handle 1070, a selection button 1072 and a transparency adjusting lever 1074 are provided.

Here, the selection button 1072 is used to display a display object representing game result information, course information, driving information, and the like.
It functions as a means for the player to select non-display or to select the type of cockpit. Also,
The transparency adjustment lever (sliding lever) 1074 is
The own motorcycle 1100 and the player character 1102 in FIG.
Functions as a means for the player to adjust the transparency of.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a block diagram of the present embodiment. In the figure, the game device of the present embodiment may include at least the processing unit 100 and the operation unit 130 (or the processing unit 100, the operation unit 130, and the storage unit 140, or the processing unit 100, the operation unit 130, and the storage unit 140). And the information storage medium 150), and other blocks (for example, the image generation unit 160, the display unit 162, and the sound generation unit 17).
0, sound output unit 172, communication unit 174, I / F unit 176,
The memory card 180 and the like can be optional components.

Here, the processing section 100 controls the entire apparatus,
It performs various processes such as instruction of commands to each block in the device and game calculation.
It can be realized by hardware such as ISC type, RISC type), DSP, or ASIC (gate array or the like), or a given program (game program).

The operation section 130 is for the player to input operation information, and includes a display / display selection section 132, a transparency adjustment section 134, and a type selection section 136.

The display / non-display selection section 132 is for the player to select whether to display or hide the overlay display object, and its function is, for example, a hardware such as the selection button 1072 in FIG. Can be realized by:
Here, the overlay display object is a display object that is displayed at a given position on the game image while being superimposed on the game image. As the overlay display object, for example, a display object for notifying a player of game result information, course information, traveling information of a moving object, operation target information, operation instruction information, or the like, a display object representing a cockpit of the moving object, and the like are considered. be able to.

The transparency adjusting section 134 is for the player to adjust the transparency of the overlay display object, and its function is, for example, the transparency adjusting lever 107 shown in FIG.
4 and the like.

The type selection unit 136 is for the player to select the type of the overlay display object to be displayed, and its function can be realized by hardware such as the selection button 1072 in FIG.

The storage section 140 includes a processing section 100, an image generation section 160, a sound generation section 170, a communication section 174, and an I / F section 1.
It is a work area such as 76, and its function is RAM
It can be realized by hardware such as.

An information storage medium (a storage medium from which information can be read by a computer) 150 stores information such as programs and data, and functions as an optical disk (CD, DVD) or a magneto-optical disk (MO). ),
It can be realized by hardware such as a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, or a semiconductor memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present invention (the present embodiment) based on the information stored in the information storage medium 150. That is, the information storage medium 150 stores various information for realizing the means (particularly, the blocks included in the processing unit 100 and the operation unit 130) of the present invention (the present embodiment).

A part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 150 is stored in the storage unit 1 when the power of the apparatus is turned on.
40. The information storage medium 150
The information stored in the program includes program codes, image information, sound information, display object shape information, table data, list data, player information for performing the processing of the present invention, and information for instructing the processing of the present invention. And at least one of information for performing processing in accordance with the instruction.

The image generating section 160 generates various images according to an instruction from the processing section 100 and the like, and
The function is the ASI for image generation.
It can be realized by hardware such as C, CPU, or DSP, a given program (image generation program), and image information.

The sound generation section 170 generates various sounds in accordance with instructions from the processing section 100 and outputs the generated sounds to the sound output section 172. The functions of the sound generation section 170 include a sound generation ASIC,
It can be realized by hardware such as a CPU or a DSP, a given program (sound generation program), and sound information (waveform data and the like).

The communication unit 174 performs various controls for performing communication with an external device (for example, a host device or another game device).
C or hardware such as a CPU or a given program (communication program).

Information for realizing the processing of the present invention (this embodiment) is distributed from the information storage medium of the host device to the information storage medium of the game device via the network and the communication unit 174. Is also good. Such use of the information storage medium of the host device and use of the information storage medium of the game device are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Some or all of the functions of the processing unit 100 may be performed by the image generation unit 160, the sound generation unit 170, or the communication unit 1.
74 may be realized. Or,
Image generation unit 160, sound generation unit 170, or communication unit 174
Some or all of the functions may be realized by the function of the processing unit 100.

The I / F unit 176 exchanges information with a memory card (broadly speaking, a portable information storage device including a portable mini game device) 180 in accordance with an instruction from the processing unit 100 or the like. The function can be realized by a slot for inserting a memory card, a controller IC for data writing / reading, and the like. In addition, memory card 1
In a case where information exchange with the device 80 is realized using wireless communication such as infrared light, the function of the I / F unit 176 can be realized by hardware such as a semiconductor laser and an infrared sensor.

The processing section 100 includes a game operation section 110.

Here, the game calculation unit 110 determines coin (price) reception processing, game mode setting processing, game progress processing, selection screen setting processing, and the position and direction of a moving object (motorcycle, player character, etc.). Decision processing, processing to determine the viewpoint position and line-of-sight direction, processing to reproduce the motion of the moving object, processing to arrange objects in the object space, hit check processing, processing to calculate game results (achievements), common to multiple players Processing for playing in the game space, or various game calculation processing such as game over processing, is performed by operating information from the operation unit 130,
This is performed based on information from the memory card 180, a game program, and the like. When the present invention is applied to a game other than the motorcycle game, the moving objects include a car, an airplane, a ship, water skiing, a surfboard, a tank, a robot,
Various things, such as a spaceship, can be considered.

The game operation unit 110 is a mobile object operation unit 11
2, viewpoint control unit 114, display / non-display switching unit 11
6, including a transparency changing unit 118 and a type switching unit 120.

Here, the moving body computing section 112 computes movement information (position information, direction information, etc.) of a moving body such as a motorcycle, for example, operation information input from the operation section 130 or a given program. , A process of moving the moving body in the object space is performed. That is, based on operation information from the player (the player itself or another player) or an instruction (a given movement control algorithm) from a computer, a process of moving the moving object in the object space is performed.

More specifically, the moving body operation unit 112
The position and direction of the moving object is, for example, one frame (1/60 second)
The required process is performed every time. For example, in the (k-1) frame, the position of the moving object is PMk-1, the speed is VMk-1, and the acceleration is AM.
Let k-1 be the time of one frame, Δt. Then, the position PMk and the speed VMk of the moving body in the k frame are obtained, for example, by the following equations (1) and (2).

PMk = PMk−1 + VMk−1 × Δt (1) VMk = VMk−1 + AMk−1 × Δt (2) The viewpoint control unit 114 obtains the position and direction of the moving object obtained by the moving object operation unit 112. Based on this information, a process of obtaining a viewpoint position, a line of sight direction, and the like is performed. More specifically, for example, a process of changing the viewpoint position or the line-of-sight direction so as to follow the position or direction of the moving body operated by the player is performed. In this case, it is desirable to cause the viewpoint position or the line-of-sight direction to follow the position or the direction of the moving body while having inertia, for example. The image generation unit 160 uses the viewpoint control unit 1
It will generate an image that can be seen at the viewpoint controlled by.

Note that the viewpoint control unit 114 can control the viewpoint independently of the movement of the moving object.

The display / non-display switching unit 116 includes a display / non-display
Based on the operation information (selection information) input by the non-display selection unit 132, display of overlay display items (display items that convey game performance information, course information, speed information, etc.),
Performs processing for switching non-display. That is, the display / non-display of the overlay display object is
When the selection is performed using the non-display selection unit 132, a process for removing the overlay display object from the game image is performed. In this case, only a part of the plurality of overlay display objects (for example, a display object that conveys game result information and course information) may be erased.

The transparency changing section 118 includes the transparency adjusting section 13
4, based on the operation information (adjustment information) input
Processing for changing the transparency of the overlay display object is performed. That is, when the player adjusts the transparency of the overlay display using the transparency adjustment unit 134, a process of making the overlay display more transparent is performed.

The transparency changing section 118 also performs processing for changing the transparency of the moving object (own motorcycle, player character) based on the operation information input by the transparency adjusting section 134. As a result, it is possible to make only the own motorcycle and the player character translucent while the display objects such as the course, the scenery, and the other motorcycle remain non-transparent.

The transparency of the overlay display or the moving object may be changed stepwise, such as non-transparency, low transparency, medium transparency, high transparency, or continuously (analog). You may.

The type switching unit 120 includes a type selection unit 13
6, based on the operation information (selection information) input
A process for switching the type of the overlay display object is performed. That is, when the player selects the first overlay display object (for example, the first cockpit) as the overlay display object, a process for displaying the first overlay display object is performed. On the other hand, when the second overlay display object (for example, the second cockpit) is selected, a process for displaying the second overlay display object is performed.

It should be noted that the game device according to the present embodiment is capable of performing both a game play in a single player mode in which one player plays and a game play in a multi-player mode in which a plurality of players play.

When a plurality of players play,
The game images and game sounds to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated using one game device, or may be generated using a plurality of game devices connected via a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. May be.

2. Features of the present embodiment FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6
(A), (B), FIG. 7 (A), (B), FIG. 8 (A),
(B), FIG. 9 shows an example of a game image generated according to the present embodiment.

In the motorcycle game realized by the present embodiment, the player drives his / her own motorcycle 20 and runs in the object space while watching a game image as shown in FIG. And enjoy the game in competition with other players and other motorcycles driven by the computer.

As shown in FIG. 4A, in this embodiment,
Position 30, course record 32, time 34, lap time 36, course guide 38, speed meter 40,
A game information display object (one of the overlay display objects) such as the tachometer 42 is displayed at each position on the game image so as to be superimposed on the game image. That is, these game information display objects are displayed at fixed positions on the game image even if the course, scenery, and the like shown in the game image change in real time according to the running of the motorcycle 20.

Here, the position 30, the course record 32, the time 34, and the lap time 36 are display objects for notifying the player of the game result information. It is possible to know the game results and the like recorded by other players in the past. The course guide 38 is for informing the course information to the player, and the player can know the course shape, the position of the motorcycle on the course, and the like by looking at the course guide 38. The speedometer 40 and the tachometer 42 are for notifying the player of the traveling information of the own motorcycle to the player.
You can know the speed and engine speed of your motorcycle.

The position 30, the course record 32, the time 34, the lap time 36, the course guide 3
8. By superimposing and displaying game information display items such as the speedometer 40 and the tachometer 42 on the game image, the player can efficiently know the game information necessary to advance the game play advantageously. Become. Therefore, such a game information display is indispensable for an elementary player having a low level of skill in game play.

However, such a game information display is not always necessary for an advanced player having a high level of game play skill. That is, an advanced player who repeatedly plays a game many times can grasp various game information conveyed by the game information display material with a sense, and rather than displaying such a game information display material, This is because it is desired that a part (for example, sky, landscape, road surface) covered by the game information display object (overlay display object) can be seen.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, such game information display items (position 30, course record 32,
The time 34, the lap time 36, the course guide 38, the speed meter 40, the tachometer 42, etc.) can be arbitrarily erased by the player as shown in FIG. 4B. More specifically, the player can switch between display and non-display of these game information display objects by pressing the selection button 1072 in FIG.

Therefore, for example, a beginner player who wants to know a lot of game information can enjoy game play while watching a game image as shown in FIG. 4A in which a large number of game information display objects are arranged. On the other hand, advanced players
The game play can be enjoyed while watching a game image as shown in FIG. 4B, in which a portion covered by the game information display object can be viewed instead of the game information display object not being arranged. That is, it is possible to enjoy game play while watching a realistic game image closer to an image actually seen when driving a motorcycle in the real world.

As described above, according to the present embodiment in which the display and non-display of the game information display can be switched, it is possible to generate a game image that can meet the demands of a wide range of players from beginner players to advanced players. Become.

In FIG. 4B, all game information display objects can be switched between display and non-display.
The display and display of some of the game information display objects (overlay display objects) may be switchable.

For example, in FIG.
Course record 32, time 34, lap time 36,
The course guide 38 can be switched between display and non-display.
No. 2 remains displayed. That is, in the motorcycle game of the present embodiment, the speed of entry into the corner and the number of engine revolutions are indispensable game information for advanced players in order to advance the game advantageously. Therefore, the speedometer 40 and the tachometer 42 are kept displayed.

On the contrary, depending on the type of the game, only the speedometer 40 and the tachometer 42 can be switched between display and non-display, and the position 30, the course record 32, the time 34, the lap time 36, and the course guide 38 are displayed. The state may be changed as it is.
That is, the speed and the engine speed can be grasped to some extent from the engine sound included in the game sound and the flow of the course. Therefore, in a game where it is more important to know an accurate game result and a course shape than to know an accurate speed and an engine speed, only the speedometer 40 and the tachometer 42 are used in a game. It is desirable to enable switching between display and non-display.

When the player presses the select button 107 in FIG.
Press 2 once, then position 3 as shown in Fig. 5 (A).
0, course record 32, time 34, lap time 3
6. The course guide 38 may be hidden, and if pressed twice, the speedometer 40 and the tachometer 42 may also be hidden as shown in FIG. That is, first, the first game information display object (the first overlay display object) is hidden, and then the second game information display object (the second overlay display object) is hidden. The game information display item may be hidden in a stepwise manner.

In the present embodiment, the player's adjustment operation performed using the transparency adjustment unit 134 shown in FIG.
The transparency of the overlay display, for example, the game information display, may be changed as desired by the player. More specifically, the player adjusts the transparency adjusting lever 1 shown in FIG.
074, the position 30, the course record 32, and the time 3 as shown in FIG.
4. Change the transparency of game information display objects such as lap time 36, course guide 38, speedometer 40, tachometer 42, and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 4B and 5A, when the game information display object is not displayed, the game information that the game information display object is trying to transmit is not completely transmitted to the player.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, by changing the transparency of the game information display object to make it semi-transparent, a certain amount of game information can be transmitted to the player. In addition, the player can see the portion (sky, landscape, road surface) covered by the game information display object through the translucent game information display object. Therefore, it is possible to meet the demands of the advanced players to some extent.

The game information display object (overlay display object in a broad sense) includes operation target information (information serving as a guide for performing a given appropriate operation when a moving object comes to or near an operation point). ) And display information for notifying the player of operation instruction information (information for instructing an appropriate operation). For example, in FIG. 6A, an operation target message 46 and an operation instruction message 48 are displayed just before the corner. That is, the operation target message 46 informs the player of the approach speed target of the next corner and the current speed of the motorcycle 20. The operation instruction message 48 instructs the player on an operation to be performed. The player who has read the operation target message 46 operates the brake according to the instruction of the operation instruction message 48 to decelerate the motorcycle 20.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 6B, the vehicle can enter the corner at an appropriate speed.

For the beginner player, the operation target message 46 and the operation instruction message 48 help to advance the game play advantageously. Therefore, it is desirable that such an operation target message 46 and an operation instruction message 48 are displayed.

On the other hand, for an advanced player, such an operation target message 46 and an operation instruction message 48 are provided.
Is not always necessary. This is because the advanced player is familiar with or knows the information (corner entry speed target, necessary operation) notified by the operation target message 46 and the operation instruction message 48. .

Therefore, such an operation target message 4
6. The display and non-display of the operation instruction message 48 can be switched as desired by the player, and the transparency of the operation target message 46 and the operation instruction message 48 can be changed as desired by the player. It will be possible to meet the needs of a wide range of players.

In the present embodiment, the type of the overlay display object can be switched as desired by the player by the player's selection operation performed using the type selection unit 136 in FIG. More specifically, when the player presses the select button 1072 in FIG. 2, the first cockpit 50 displayed in the game image in FIG.
The mode is switched to the second cockpit 60 as shown in FIG. The player can also switch from the second cockpit 60 to the first cockpit 50 by pressing the selection button 1072.

In the first cockpit 50 of FIG. 7A, the speed meter 52 and the tachometer 54 are displayed in analog form. On the other hand, in the second cockpit 60 of FIG. 7B, the speed meter 62 and the tachometer 64 are digitally displayed. Therefore, players who prefer the analog display are shown in FIG.
(A) so that the first cockpit 50 is displayed,
What is necessary is just to press the selection button 1072. On the other hand, the player who prefers digital display is the second cockpit 6 shown in FIG.
What is necessary is just to press the selection button 1072 so that 0 may be displayed. This makes it possible to meet the needs of both players who prefer analog display and those who prefer digital display. In particular, according to the digital display of FIG. 7B, when the operation target message 66 or the like is displayed, there is an advantage that the operation of adjusting the speed of the motorcycle to the target speed becomes easy. Therefore, the display is suitable for an elementary player.

The switching of the type of the overlay display object is not limited to the switching of the cockpit display as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. For example, the types of game information display objects such as the position 30, the course record 32, the time 34, the lap time 36, the course guide 38, the speed meter 40, the tachometer 42 and the like in FIG. Alternatively, the types of the operation target message (operation target information) 46 and the operation instruction message (operation instruction information) 48 in FIGS. 6A and 6B may be made switchable.

In this embodiment, the transparency of the moving body (own motorcycle, player character) can be changed as desired by the player's adjustment operation performed using the transparency adjustment unit 134 shown in FIG. .

For example, in FIG. 8A, an image is displayed from a third-person viewpoint (a viewpoint set so that the own motorcycle 20 and the player character 22 enter the visual field). From such a third-person viewpoint, the player can drive the own motorcycle 20 while visually observing the movement of the own motorcycle 20. Therefore,
The game operation is facilitated, and the viewpoint setting is particularly suitable for a beginner player.

However, the image of the third person viewpoint has a different appearance from the image actually seen when driving the motorcycle in the real world. Therefore, it is not possible to obtain a more realistic sensation and the realism is lower than that of the image of the first person viewpoint,
The image is unsatisfactory for the advanced player.

The image of the third person viewpoint includes the own motorcycle 2
0 and the presence of the player character 22, the other motorcycle 24, the other player character 26, the center line 2
8. There is a restriction that the road surface state 29 becomes difficult to see. In particular, when the occupied area of the own motorcycle 20 and the player character 22 on the game image is increased as shown in FIG. Is a big problem. FIG.
In (A), other bike 2 that was difficult to see
4. Other player character 26, center line 28
However, this is because a situation occurs in which the image is completely invisible as shown in FIG. When such a situation occurs, the game operation becomes difficult, and the advantage of the third person viewpoint is lost.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the transparency of the motorcycle 20 or the player character 22 is changed by the player's adjustment operation performed by using the transparency adjustment unit 134 shown in FIG.

More specifically, when the player moves the transparency adjusting lever 1074 of FIG. 2 to the left or right, the transparency of the motorcycle 20 or the player character 22 changes as shown in FIG. As a result, the other motorcycle 24, the other player character 26, and the center line 28, which have become invisible in FIG. 8B, can be seen as in FIG. As a result, the game operation can be remarkably facilitated as compared with the case of FIG. That is, even when the area occupied by the own motorcycle 20 and the player character 22 on the game image is increased (in a case where the viewpoint is closer to the own motorcycle 20 and the player character 22) in order to increase the realism and realism of the image, As shown in FIG. 9, the other motorcycle 24, the other player character 26, and the center line 28 can be seen through the translucent own motorcycle 20 and the player character 22. Therefore, both the problem that the degree of realism and the sense of presence are reduced and the problem that the game operation becomes difficult can be solved at once. This makes it possible to meet the demands of a wide range of players, from beginner players to advanced players.

As a method different from that of the present embodiment, a method of always making the motorcycle 20 and the player character 22 translucent without depending on the intention of the player can be considered.

However, according to the above-mentioned method, for example, it is not possible to meet a request of a player who desires to display an image (FIG. 8B) in which the own motorcycle 20 and the player character 22 do not become translucent.

On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to meet such a player's request by making the transparency of the motorcycle 20 and the player character 22 the lowest.

Further, according to the above-mentioned method, it is impossible to meet a player's request for displaying an image in which the motorcycle 20 and the player character 22 are completely transparent.

On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to meet such a player's request by making the transparency of the motorcycle 20 and the player character 22 the highest.

The process of changing the transparency (transparency) of the overlay display (game information display in FIG. 5B) and the moving object (own motorcycle 20, player character 22 in FIG. 9) is performed by translucent blending. It can be realized by various processing such as processing and translucent addition processing.

For example, the translucent blending process can be represented by the following equations (3), (4), and (5).

XR = TR × BR + (1-TR) × CR (3) XG = TR × BG + (1-TR) × CG (4) XB = TR × BB + (1-TR) × CB (5) , BR, BG, BB are R, G,
B, CR, CG, and CB are R, G, and B components of color information of an overlay display object or a moving object, and XR, X
G and XB are R, G and B components of the color information of the obtained image. TR is a transparency coefficient.

The translucent addition processing can be represented by the following equations (6), (7) and (8).

XR = BR + α × CR (6) XG = BG + α × CG (7) XB = BB + α × CB (8) Here, α is a translucent addition coefficient.

Note that, without using the translucent blending process or the translucent addition process described above, for example, an overlay display object or a moving object is displayed by a mesh, and a change in the mesh density of the mesh causes a change in the overlay display object or the moving object. The transparency may be changed.

When the transparency of the overlay display object or the moving object is changed by the adjustment operation of the player, the transparency may be changed stepwise or may be changed continuously.

For example, in FIG. 10A, when the transparency adjustment button 70 is pressed once, the transparency of the overlay display or the moving object is set to “low”, and when the transparency adjustment button 70 is pressed twice, the transparency is set to “medium”. Press twice to set to “high”. By changing the transparency stepwise as described above, the operation of adjusting the transparency by the player can be simplified.

In FIG. 10B, the transparency is lowered by moving the transparency adjusting lever (which may be a rotary encoder) 72 to the left, and increased by moving it to the right. By continuously changing the transparency in this manner, fine adjustment of the transparency is possible.

3. Next, a detailed processing example of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the player presses the select button 107 in FIG.
The number M of times 2 is pressed is detected (step S1). If MOD (M, 5) is 0 (selection button 1
072 0 times, 5 times, 10 times ...)
It is set so that a normal game image as shown in FIG. 4A is displayed (steps S2 and S3). Here, MO
D (K, L) represents the remainder of K divided by L.

When MOD (M, 5) is 1 (when the selection button 1072 is pressed once, six times, eleven times...), The position 30 and the course shown in FIG. The record 32, time 34, lap time 36, and course guide 38 are set to non-display (steps S4 and S5).
Thereby, as shown in FIG. 5A, the position, the course record, the time, the lap time, and the course guide can be erased from the game image.

When MOD (M, 5) is 2 (when the selection button 1072 is pressed twice, 7, 12,...), The position 30, the course record 32,
In addition to the time 34, the lap time 36, and the course guide 38, the speed meter 40 and the tachometer 42 are set to non-display (steps S6 and S7). Thus, as shown in FIG. 4B, in addition to the position, the course record, the time, the lap time, and the course guide, the speedometer and the tachometer can be erased from the game image.

When MOD (M, 5) is 3 (when the selection button 1072 is pressed three times, eight times, thirteen times,...), The first button shown in FIG. Is set to display the cockpit 50 (steps S8 and S9). Thereby, the player can enjoy the game play while watching the first cockpit 50 having the speed meter 52 and the tachometer 54 of the analog display.

When MOD (M, 5) is 4 (selection button 1072 button is pressed 4, 9, 14 times,...)
.. (When pressed), the setting for displaying the second cockpit 60 as shown in FIG. 7B is performed (step S10,
S11). This allows the player to enjoy game play while watching the second cockpit 60 having the digitally displayed speedometer 62 and tachometer 64.

Next, the amount of transparency adjustment input by the player is detected using the transparency adjustment lever 1074 of FIG. 2 (step S12). Then, the transparency of the own motorcycle and the player character is determined based on the detected transparency adjustment amount (step S13). More specifically, TR (transparency coefficient) in the above-described equations (3), (4), and (5),
Alternatively, α (semi-transparent addition coefficient) in equations (6), (7), and (8) is calculated.

Next, a game image including an image of the motorcycle and the player character is generated (step S14). In this case, the image of the own motorcycle and the player character is generated according to the transparency determined in step S13.

Finally, a process of superimposing and displaying an overlay display object on the game image generated in step S14 is performed (step S15). In this case, step S
According to the settings of 3, S5, S7, S9, and S11, an overlay display object is displayed.

4. Hardware Configuration Next, an example of a hardware configuration that can realize the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the device shown in the figure, a CPU 1000, a ROM 1002, a RAM 100
4. Information storage medium 1006, sound generation IC 1008, image generation IC 1010, I / O ports 1012, 1014
Are connected to each other via a system bus 1016 so that data can be transmitted and received therebetween. And the image generation IC 1010
Is connected to the display 1018, and the sound generation IC 10
08 is connected to a speaker 1020, and the I / O port 1
012 is connected to the control device 1022,
A communication device 1024 is connected to the O port 1014.

The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data for expressing a display object, sound data, and the like. For example, in a home game device, a CD-R is used as an information storage medium for storing a game program and the like.
OMs, game cassettes, DVDs and the like are used. In the arcade game machine, a memory such as a ROM is used. In this case, the information storage medium 1006 is the ROM 1002.

[0107] The control device 1022 corresponds to a game controller, an operation panel, or the like, and is a device for inputting a result of a determination made by a player in accordance with the progress of a game to the device main body.

The program stored in the information storage medium 1006, the system program (initialization information of the apparatus main body) stored in the ROM 1002, the control apparatus 102
CPU 1000 according to a signal input by
Controls the entire apparatus and performs various data processing. RAM10
Reference numeral 04 denotes storage means used as a work area or the like of the CPU 1000. The information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 10
02, or the calculation result of the CPU 1000 or the like is stored. A data structure having a logical configuration for realizing the present embodiment is constructed on the RAM or the information storage medium.

Further, this type of device includes a sound generation IC 100
8 and an image generating IC 1010 are provided so that a suitable output of game sounds and game images can be performed.
The sound generation IC 1008 includes the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1
This is an integrated circuit that generates game sounds such as sound effects and background music based on the information stored in 002, and the generated game sounds are output by the speaker 1020. The image generation IC 1010 includes a RAM 1004,
An integrated circuit that generates pixel information to be output to the display 1018 based on image information sent from the ROM 1002, the information storage medium 1006, and the like. Note that a so-called head-mounted display (HMD) can also be used as the display 1018.

The communication device 1024 exchanges various types of information used inside the game device with the outside. The communication device 1024 is connected to another game device to transmit and receive given information according to the game program. It is used for transmitting and receiving information such as a game program via a communication line.

The various processes described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12 are performed by an information storage medium 1006 storing information such as programs and data, a CPU 1000 operating based on information from the information storage medium 1006, an image generation IC 10
10 or a sound generation IC 1008 or the like.
Note that the processing performed by the image generation IC 1010, the sound generation IC 1008, and the like may be performed by software using the CPU 1000, a general-purpose DSP, or the like.

When the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game device as shown in FIG. 1, a system board (circuit board) 1106 built in the device has a CPU,
An image generation IC, a sound generation IC, and the like are mounted. Various information for realizing (executing) the present embodiment (the present invention) is stored in a semiconductor memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on the system board 1106. Hereinafter, such information is referred to as stored information.

FIG. 14A shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a home game machine. The player looks at the game image displayed on the display 1200,
The game controller 1202 and 1204 are operated to enjoy the game. In this case, the storage information is stored in a CD-ROM 1206, memory cards 1208, 1209, etc., which are information storage media detachable from the main unit.

FIG. 14B shows a host device 1300,
A terminal 1304-1 connected to the host device 1300 via a communication line (small network such as LAN or wide area network such as the Internet) 1302.
An example in a case where the present embodiment is applied to a system that includes 〜1304-n. In this case, the storage information is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic disk device, a magnetic tape device, or a semiconductor memory that can be controlled by the host device 1300. Terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n are CPs
U, an image generation IC, a sound processing IC, and a game image and a game sound can be generated stand-alone, a game program and the like for generating the game image and the game sound from the host device 1300. Terminal 1304-1
~ 1304-n. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated stand-alone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound and transmits them to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-1.
4-n and output at the terminal.

In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 14B, the processing of the present invention is performed in a distributed manner between the host device and the terminal (or, when a server is provided, between the host device, the server and the terminal). It may be. Further, the storage information for realizing the present invention is distributed to the information storage medium of the host device and the information storage medium of the terminal (or the information storage medium of the host device, the information storage medium of the server, and the information storage medium of the terminal). May be stored.

The terminal connected to the communication line may be a home game device or a business game device. When the arcade game device is connected to a communication line, a portable information storage device capable of exchanging information with the arcade game device and exchanging information with the home game device. Equipment (memory card,
It is desirable to use a portable game device).

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made.

For example, in the invention according to the dependent claims of the present invention, a configuration in which some of the constituent elements of the dependent claims are omitted may be adopted. In addition, a main part of the invention according to one independent claim of the present invention may be made dependent on another independent claim.

The overlay display object to which the present invention is applied includes performance information, course information, travel information, and operation target information described with reference to FIGS. 4 (A), 6 (A), and 7 (A). A display object for notifying a player of operation instruction information or a display object representing a cockpit is particularly desirable, but is not limited thereto. For example, the overlay display object to which the present invention is applied is displayed at a given position on the game image by being superimposed on the game image, such as a display item relating to a possessed weapon, possessed item, physical strength value, message (advisory, etc.). Various display objects can be considered.

Further, the switching of the type of the overlay display object is not limited to that described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B.
Various modes can be switched according to the tastes of the players in various layers.

The present invention can be applied to various games (car games, airplane games, spaceship games, fighting games, robot battle games, sports games, competition games, shooting games, role playing games, music playing games, Dance games, quiz games, etc.)
Applicable to

The present invention also provides various games such as arcade game machines, home game machines, large attraction devices in which many players participate, simulators, multimedia terminals, image generation devices, system boards for generating game images, and the like. Applicable to equipment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example when the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of a handle portion of a housing.

FIG. 3 is an example of a block diagram of the game device of the embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining a method of switching between display and non-display of an overlay display object (game information display object).

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining a method of switching display or non-display of a part of the overlay display object and a method of changing the transparency of the overlay display object.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining operation target information and operation instruction information.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining a method of switching the type of an overlay display object.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining a problem of an image from a third-person viewpoint.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method of changing the transparency of a moving object.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a method of changing the transparency of an overlay display object or a moving object stepwise or continuously.

FIG. 11 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed processing example of the embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed processing example of the embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are diagrams illustrating examples of various types of apparatuses to which the present embodiment is applied. FIGS.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 20 own motorcycle 22 player character 24 other motorcycle 26 other player character 28 center line 29 road surface condition 30 position (rank) 32 course record 34 time 36 lap time 38 course guide 40 speedometer 42 tachometer 46 operation target message 48 operation instruction message 50 first Cockpit 52 speedometer 54 tachometer 60 second cockpit 62 speedometer 64 tachometer 66 operation target message 100 processing unit 110 game calculation unit 112 moving body calculation unit 114 viewpoint control unit 116 display / non-display switching unit 118 transparency changing unit 120 types Switching section 130 Operation section 132 Display / non-display selection section 134 Transparency adjustment section 136 Type selection section 140 Storage section 150 Information storage medium 160 Image Generator 162 display unit 170 sound generation section 172 a sound output unit 174 communication unit 176 I / F unit 180 memory card 1072 selection button 1074 Transparency adjusting lever

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A game device for generating an image, comprising: means for generating a game image at a given viewpoint in an object space; and superimposing at least one overlay display object on the game image. Means for displaying at a given position on the game image by the player, selecting means for the player to select whether to display or not to display the overlay display object, and a player using the selecting means By the selection operation of
Means for switching the display or non-display of the overlay display object as desired by the player. 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, when there are a plurality of overlay objects, a selection operation of the player using the selection means displays or hides some of the plurality of overlay objects. A game device wherein the display is switched. 3. A game device for generating an image, comprising: means for generating a game image at a given viewpoint in an object space; and superimposing at least one overlay display object on the game image. Means for displaying at a given position on the game image, adjusting means for adjusting the transparency of the overlay display object by a player, and adjusting operation of the player performed using the adjusting means,
Means for changing the transparency of the overlay display object as desired by the player. 4. The game device according to claim 3, wherein the transparency of the overlay display object changes stepwise or continuously by an adjustment operation of the player using the adjustment means. 5. A game device for generating an image, comprising: means for generating a game image at a given viewpoint in an object space; and superimposing at least one overlay display object on the game image. Means for displaying at a given position on the game image, a selection means for a player to select the type of the overlay display object, and a player selecting operation performed using the selection means,
Means for switching the type of the overlay display object as desired by the player. 6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the overlay display object is a display object for notifying a player of game performance information, a display object for notifying a player of course information, and traveling information of a moving object. It is characterized by being at least one of a display for notifying the player, a display for notifying the player of operation target information, a display for notifying the player of operation instruction information, and a display representing a cockpit of a moving body. Game device. 7. A game apparatus for generating an image, comprising: means for performing an operation of moving a moving object in an object space; and a game image at a given viewpoint in the object space, Means for generating a game image in which the moving object is within the field of view; adjusting means for adjusting the transparency of the moving object by the player; and adjusting the player performed using the adjusting means.
Means for changing the transparency of the moving object as desired by the player. 8. The game apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the transparency of the moving body changes stepwise or continuously by an adjustment operation of the player using the adjustment means. 9. An information storage medium readable by a computer and capable of generating an image, comprising: a means for generating a game image at a given viewpoint in an object space; Means for superimposing two overlay objects on the game image to be displayed at a given position on the game image, and selecting for the player to select whether to show or hide the overlay objects. Means, by the player's selecting operation performed using the selecting means,
A means for switching the display or non-display of the overlay display object as desired by the player; and an information storage medium including information for realizing the following. 10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein when there are a plurality of overlay display objects, display of a part of the plurality of overlay display objects by a selection operation of the player using the selection means. An information storage medium characterized in that the display is switched. 11. An information storage medium readable by a computer and capable of generating an image, comprising: a means for generating a game image at a given viewpoint in an object space; Means for superimposing one overlay display object on the game image and displaying the overlay display object at a given position on the game image, adjusting means for adjusting the transparency of the overlay display object by a player, and the adjusting means The player's adjustment operation using
Means for changing the transparency of the overlay display as desired by the player; and information for realizing the following. 12. The information storage medium according to claim 11, wherein the transparency of the overlay display object changes stepwise or continuously by an adjustment operation of the player using the adjustment means. 13. An information storage medium readable by a computer and capable of generating an image, comprising: means for generating a game image at a given viewpoint in an object space; Means for superimposing one overlay display object on the game image and displaying the overlay display object at a given position on the game image; selection means for the player to select the type of the overlay display object; and the selection means Depending on the player's selection operation performed using
Means for switching the type of the overlay display object as desired by the player; and information for realizing the following. 14. The display according to claim 9, wherein the overlay display object is a display object for notifying the player of game performance information, a display object for notifying the player of course information, and traveling information of the moving body. It is characterized by being at least one of a display for notifying the player, a display for notifying the player of operation target information, a display for notifying the player of operation instruction information, and a display representing a cockpit of a moving body. Information storage medium. 15. An information storage medium capable of reading information by a computer and generating an image, comprising: means for performing an operation of moving a moving object in an object space; Means for generating a game image from a given viewpoint, wherein the moving object is within the field of view; adjusting means for adjusting the transparency of the moving object by a player; and using the adjusting means. Depending on the player's adjustment operation,
Means for changing the transparency of the moving body as desired by the player; and information for realizing the following. 16. The information storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the transparency of the moving body changes stepwise or continuously by an adjustment operation of the player using the adjustment means.