JP2002018128A - Game system and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system and an information storage medium capable of quickly performing the operations of the operation data of an operation means by a player to the indicating position of a position indicator and the others by mode changeover. SOLUTION: A gun type controller 10 capable of indicating an optional position inside a screen at a position away from the screen of a display part 190 is provided with an operation data input part 21 composed of cross direction keys, an A button and a B button. Thus, an operation input mode is switched by the buttons and processings corresponding to commands allocated to the respective direction keys of the cross direction keys are performed in the respective operation input modes.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a game system using a position pointing device capable of pointing an arbitrary position on a screen of a display device, and an information storage medium used in the game system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a target displayed on a screen of a display device is located at a position distant from the screen of the display device using a position pointing device capable of pointing an arbitrary position on the screen. A game system for aiming and enjoying shooting is known. As a position pointing device in such a game system, for example, there is a light transmission type controller such as a gun type controller.

When the player (user) pulls the trigger of the gun-type controller, the position on the screen of the display device indicated by the gun-type controller is detected. If a target exists at this detection position, it is determined as a hit (hit), and if not, it is determined as a miss (miss). This allows the player to have a virtual experience of shooting a target without using a real gun.

[0004] In such a game system, a player uses a gun-type controller with one or both hands in order to perform a virtual shooting experience. However, when the player selects a command or an item during a shooting game as in other game fields such as role playing and an adventure game, the operability thereof is significantly deteriorated.

Accordingly, various proposals have been made for techniques for improving the operability of such a gun-type controller.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-319316 discloses a technique for incorporating a cross-directional key into a gun-type controller provided with an artificial retinal unit at the tip of a barrel portion. . The gun-type controller captures a game image displayed on a display device by an artificial retina unit provided at a tip of a barrel portion, and extracts a frame of the game image from the captured image. Further, for example, by detecting the relative coordinates of the edge frame with respect to the captured image with reference to the center position of the captured image which is the position specified by the gun-type controller, the position specified by the gun-type controller in the game image is detected.

In this gun type controller, for example, the trigger can be operated with the index finger and the cross key can be operated with the thumb, so that the movement of the character operated by the player and the change of the arrangement of the enemy character can be performed. This makes it easy to perform complicated operations such as selecting a weapon used by the character.

Further, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-17249
No. 5, "ray gun toy" discloses a technique relating to a gun-type controller that emits a laser beam and performs a hit determination by detecting return light reflected by a target. This gun-type controller emits laser light at the intersection of the X-axis and the Y-axis, which are orthogonal to each other. It is possible to aim by adjusting the X-axis and the Y-axis with the cross key. it can. Thereby, fine aim adjustment can be performed without releasing the hand from the controller.

However, in the above-described game system using the conventional gun-type controller, the player cannot freely enlarge or reduce the image of the target object. Furthermore, other commands cannot be quickly selected using a gun-type controller. That is, complicated operations such as searching for a target, aiming, and selecting other commands cannot be performed quickly.
For this reason, it has been difficult to provide a game system that involves sniper of a target object and selection of other commands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object the position at which an arbitrary position on the screen of a display device can be designated by switching operation (input) modes. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game system and an information storage medium capable of reflecting operation data of an operation means by a player on an object specified by a pointing position of a pointing device, and promptly selecting other commands.

[0011]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game system for generating a game image to be displayed on a screen of a display device. Means for performing movement control of the object operated by the player or the viewpoint of the player by using the operation data input by
Using the operation data input by the operation means in the second operation input mode as object processing data, a target object specified by the position indicated by the position indicating means capable of indicating a position in the screen is given. Means for performing the above-mentioned game processing. Further, an information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and includes a program for executing the above means. Further, the program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer (including a program embodied in a carrier wave), and includes a processing routine for executing the above means.

According to the present invention, in a game system for generating a game image to be displayed on a screen of a display device, the operation data input in the first operation input mode is controlled by an object operated by the player or a viewpoint of the player. The operation data input in the second operation input mode is determined as movement control data for controlling the movement direction of the virtual camera), and a given game is performed for a target object specified with respect to the position indicated by the position indicating means. It is determined as object data for processing. Thus, it is possible to quickly and easily perform completely different types of complicated operations such as movement of an object operated by a player or a viewpoint of a player, aiming in a screen by a position indicating means, and selection of a command for an object to be aimed at. To provide a game that develops a more complicated story than ever before.

Here, the position indicating means is a position indicating device capable of detecting a position in the screen pointed by each indicator at a position away from the screen, and is used, for example, in a conventional shooting game. There is a gun type controller of a light transmission type controller. In addition, as the shape of the position indicating means, it is desirable to form various shapes corresponding to the game system to be applied, for example, a gun-shaped indicator or a wand-shaped indicator. It is not limited.

In the game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention, in the second operation input mode, data for designating a type of attack method and an attack power against the target object as the object processing data is provided. It is characterized by being input.

Here, designation of the type of attack method and the attack power refers to changing, for example, the type of shot (bullet) and the type of weapon performed in a shooting game and other competitive games.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention, in the second operation input mode, display a frame of a given range centered on the position indicated by the position indicating means, and The predetermined game processing is performed on a target object specified by a position.

Thus, the player can grasp the position specified by the approximate center position in the frame displayed as the aim for aiming as the aiming position, and can easily aim at the target. The game characteristics can be further improved.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that the given game process changes a parameter given to the target object.

Here, the parameter given to the target object refers to, for example, a physical strength value given to an enemy character in a shooting game. By doing so, in a shooting game that requires real-time properties, various commands can be promptly selected, and the game can be more attractive to the player through a more complex game development.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a game system for generating a game image to be displayed on a screen of a display device, wherein operation data input by operation means in a first operation input mode is used as movement control data. Means for controlling movement of an object operated by the player or the viewpoint of the player, and operation data input by the operation means in the third operation input mode, which is displayed on the screen using screen control data. Means for controlling the screen of the game image. Further, an information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and includes a program for executing the above means. Further, the program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer (including a program embodied in a carrier wave), and includes a processing routine for executing the above means.

According to the present invention, in a game system for generating a game image to be displayed on a screen of a display device, the operation data input in the first operation input mode is displayed on an object operated by the player or a viewpoint of the player. It is determined as movement control data for controlling the movement direction, and the operation data input in the third operation input mode is determined as screen control data of a screen on which a game image is displayed. Accordingly, completely different types of complicated operations such as movement of the object operated by the player or the viewpoint of the player and selection of a command for screen control can be performed quickly and easily, and an unprecedented and more complicated operation can be performed. It is possible to provide a game for developing a story.

In the game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention, in the third operation input mode, zoom control data for enlarging or reducing the game image is input as the screen control data. And By doing so, the player can arbitrarily enlarge or reduce the game image, and it is possible to realize a complicated game according to the zoom control operation of the player, which has not existed conventionally.

In the game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention, the zoom control data may include a game image near a position designated by position designation means capable of designating a position in the screen at a position distant from the screen. Is control data for enlarging or reducing. By doing so, it is possible to provide a thrilling game by adding techniques such as search and aiming in a game such as a shooting game in which the game develops according to the position designated by the position designation means. Become.

Further, in the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention, in the third operation input mode, the position designated by the position designating means capable of designating a position in the screen at a position remote from the screen. A frame in a given range centered is displayed, and zoom control data for enlarging or reducing a game image in the frame is input.

[0025] Thus, by making it easier for the player to aim at the target, and performing shooting, it is possible to improve the game characteristics such as competing for aiming techniques.

The game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that the operation means inputs different operation data according to the operation direction.

Here, the operation means to which different operation data is input in accordance with the operation direction is one which generates corresponding operation data by pressing each direction key such as a cross direction key. In addition, not only such cross direction keys, but also four or more direction keys or two-way direction keys,
An analog key capable of detecting all directions of 360 degrees may be used.
With such operation means, the player can easily input complicated operation data with only one finger.

In the game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention, the operation means inputs different operation data in accordance with an operation direction, and the game image can be enlarged or reduced in two directions. Operation data is input to perform reduction. By doing so, it is possible to facilitate the operation of the zoom control that requires adjustment, and to greatly improve the operability of the player.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention may be arranged such that when a given operation is performed outside the screen by the position indicating means in the second or third operation input mode, It is characterized by including means for switching to the first operation input mode (or a program or processing routine for executing the means).

By doing so, it is possible to contribute to speeding up and facilitating the above-mentioned complicated operations without newly providing input means such as push buttons required for switching to a plurality of operation input modes. it can.

[0031]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1. Overall Configuration of Game System FIG. 1 shows a functional block diagram of a game system (image generation system) of the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, a processing unit 100 (main unit)
Is a gun-type controller 10 (position indicating device in a broad sense)
Various processing such as game processing, image generation processing, or sound generation processing is performed based on operation data or programs from the PC. The function of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) or ASIC (gate array, etc.), or a given program (game program).

Here, the game processing performed by the processing section 100 includes coin (price) reception processing, various mode setting processing, game progress processing, selection screen setting processing, and objects (one or more primitive planes). Processing for determining the position and rotation angle (rotation angle about the X, Y or Z axis)
Processing to move objects (motion processing); processing to determine the viewpoint position (virtual camera position) and viewing angle (virtual camera rotation angle); processing to place objects such as map objects in object space; hit check processing; A process for calculating a game result (result, performance), a process for a plurality of players to play in a common game space, a game over process, and the like can be considered.

The processing section 100 generates an image that can be viewed from a given viewpoint (virtual camera) in the object space, for example, based on the result of the game processing, and outputs the generated image to the display section 190 (such as a CRT).

Further, the processing section 100 performs various kinds of sound processing based on the results of the game processing, and performs BGM, sound effects,
Alternatively, a sound such as voice is generated and output to the sound output unit 192 (such as a speaker).

The functions of the processing section 100 may be entirely realized by hardware, or may be entirely realized by a program. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.

An information storage medium (storage medium usable by a computer) 180 stores information such as programs and data.
D, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or memory (RO
M) and the like. Processing unit 10
0 performs various processes of the present invention (the present embodiment) based on the information stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores information (program or data) for executing (realizing) the means of the present invention (the present embodiment).

A program or data for executing the means of the present invention (this embodiment) may be distributed from an information storage medium of a host device (server) to an information storage medium 180 via a network. . Use of the information storage medium of such a host device (server) is also included in the scope of the present invention.

The gun-type controller 10 includes an indicator 12 (casing) formed to imitate the shape of a gun, and an indicator 12
An optical circuit including a trigger 14 provided in the grip portion of the camera, a lens 16 and an optical sensor 18 built in near a muzzle 15 (light entrance) of the indicator 12, and control of the entire gun-type controller and calculation of the indicated position Controller processing unit 2 that performs
0, an operation data input unit 21 composed of a cross key for inputting different operation data depending on the operation direction, and a communication unit 30 functioning as an interface between the processing unit 100 and the operation data input unit 21.

Here, the gun-type controller 10 can be gripped, and the gun-type controller 10 is provided with a trigger 14 and an operation data input unit 21 which is a cross-directional key at a position where the player can operate with one hand. Is desirably arranged. Further, it is desirable that the cross direction key of the operation data input section 21 can be operated with one finger of one hand of the player. For example, the operability can be further improved by allowing the player to operate the trigger 14 with the index finger and to operate the cross key with the thumb of the same hand.

The processing section 100 includes a game information generation section 10
2, including a position determination unit 104, an operation data processing unit 106, a zoom processing unit 108, and a movement processing unit 110.

The game information generation unit 102 generates a game image (an image viewed from a given viewpoint in an object space in a three-dimensional game) according to the result of the game processing.
And game information such as game sounds (BGM, sound effects, or sounds), and a display unit (display device) 190, a sound output unit 1
92.

The position determining unit 104 determines whether or not the object displayed on the display unit in accordance with the game processing is present at the position indicated by the gun-type controller 10 (or the trajectory line (line passing through the indicated position in a broad sense)). Is determined, hit determination is performed.

When an object is represented in two dimensions,
The object can be specified based on whether or not the object exists at the designated position on the display unit.

When the object is represented in three dimensions, for example, a trajectory line (line in a broad sense passing through the designated position) specified by the designated position on the display unit is obtained, and the object exists on the trajectory line. An object can be specified depending on whether or not to do so. More specifically, it can be specified by checking the intersection between the trajectory line and the simple object including the object.

The operation data processing unit 106 performs processing for determining the contents of operation data from the gun-type controller which is appropriately input by the player during the game processing.

More specifically, a plurality of operation input modes are switched, the contents of the operation data in each operation input mode are determined, and the object specified by the position indicated by the gun-type controller in the game processing is determined. Reflect the contents.

The zoom processing unit 108 enlarges or reduces the image displayed on the display unit 190 according to the position indicated by the gun-type controller 10 and the operation data from the player determined by the operation data processing unit 21. Do.

More specifically, when the player indicates the position of the display unit 190 by the gun-type controller 10, the zoom processing unit 108, when the object is represented in three dimensions, inputs the operation data from the operation data input unit 21. , Zoom control for increasing or decreasing the angle of view (the distance between the viewpoint and the screen) is performed on the target object specified by the designated position.

When the object is expressed in two dimensions, the scaling of the two-dimensional display data is changed according to the operation data from the operation data input unit 21 for the game image specified by the designated position. Zoom control is performed as follows.

The movement processing unit 110 controls the movement direction of the character (object) operated by the player or the viewpoint (virtual camera) of the player.

More specifically, in a state where the operation control mode is switched to the movement control mode among the plurality of operation input modes, the contents of the operation data from the operation data input section 21 are determined, and the character (object) operated by the player is determined.
Alternatively, the moving direction of the viewpoint (virtual camera) of the player is controlled.

The zoom processing unit 108 may linearly widen or narrow the angle of view of the image to be controlled in the zoom control. The angle of view of the image to be controlled may be widened or narrowed.

Here, the image enlarged or reduced by the zoom processing unit 108 is displayed on the display unit 190.
Another screen (such as a window screen) displayed on the display unit 190, another display unit provided separately from the display unit 190, or the gun-type controller 10 operated by the player
May be displayed on a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) provided in the computer.

The controller processing section 20 and the communication section 3
The function 0 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC, for example, or by a combination of various processors and software.

Next, an outline of the operation of the game system of FIG. 1 will be described.

First, the processing section 100 generates a video signal,
The picture tube of the display unit 190 emits light according to the generated video signal. Thus, an object such as a target object (enemy character) is projected on the screen of the display unit 190.

Next, when the player aims the target object on the screen, turns the muzzle 15 of the gun-type controller 10 toward the display section 190, and pulls the trigger 14, the screen flashes. Then, the detection area 191 set near the designated position of the gun-type controller 10 is displayed on the display unit 19.
When the raster scanning of 0 passes, the scanning light at that time is converged on the optical sensor 18 by the lens 16. Thereby, the optical sensor 18 outputs a light detection signal.

Then, the position calculation unit 22 of the controller processing unit 20 receiving the light detection signal calculates the designated position (X, Y coordinates) of the gun-type controller 10. At this time, the position calculation unit 22 calculates the designated position of the gun-type controller 10 using the synchronization signal included in the video signal from the processing unit 100.

The calculated information on the designated position is transferred to the processing section 100. The processing unit 100 performs a hit check with the target object displayed on the screen based on the designated position information. That is, when the designated position and the position of the target object match, it is determined that the virtual shot from the gun-type controller 10 has hit the target object, and when they do not match, it is determined that the target object has deviated.

The game system of this embodiment has a plurality of operation input modes, and the operation content corresponding to the operation data input from the operation data input section 21 of the gun-type controller 10 is different in each operation input mode.

Here, a weapon selection mode for selecting a weapon used by the player, a screen control mode for controlling a screen displayed on the display unit 190 such as zoom control of a game image designated by the player, There are three operation input modes including a movement control mode for controlling the movement direction of the operated character.

The operation data input by the player from the operation data input unit 21 of the gun-type controller 10 is used as object processing data in the weapon selection mode, as screen control data in the screen control mode, and as movement control data in the movement control mode. The processing unit 100 is determined through the communication unit 30 in the same manner as the pointing position information described above.
Is forwarded to

Operation data processing unit 106 of processing unit 100
Determines the contents of each data transferred according to the mode switched at that time, and reflects the data in the game processing.

For example, in the movement control mode, the operation data corresponding to the up key of the cross key is used as movement control data for instructing movement in the forward direction, and the operation data corresponding to the same up key in the screen control mode is used. The data is discriminated as screen control data (more specifically, zoom control data) that indicates zoom-in of the game image.

The player makes full use of such a gun-type controller 10, for example, specifies a position on the display unit 190, presses the up key in the screen control mode, and zooms in on an image near the specified position. While the operation data for instructing zoom-in is being input, an enlarged image in which the angle of view of the image is reduced by a given control amount is displayed on the display unit 190.
Will be displayed. Then, when the trigger 14 of the gun-type controller 10 is pulled by the player, a shot (bullet) is fired at the object specified by the aiming position that is the designated position.

It should be noted that the game system according to the present embodiment
The system may be a system dedicated to the single player mode in which only one player can play, or a system having not only such a single player mode but also a multi-player mode in which a plurality of players can play.

When a plurality of players play,
The game image and the game sound to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated using one terminal, or may be generated using a plurality of terminals connected by a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. Is also good.

2. Features of the present embodiment Next, a shooting game realized by the present embodiment will be described.

In this shooting game, a character operated by a player moves in a dungeon in a virtual space in which various objects are represented in three dimensions.
This is to shoot various target objects.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a game image for explaining the game system realized by the present embodiment.

In the game system realized by the present embodiment, the passage in the dungeon is displayed three-dimensionally.

The player inputs operation data through the operation data input section 21 of the gun-type controller 10 to
The image near the designated position of the gun-type controller 10 can be enlarged (zoomed in) or reduced (zoomed out). Here, a state is shown in which the player designates the designated position 204 with respect to the target 202 in the game image displayed on the display unit 200.

Regardless of the zoom control via the operation data input unit 21, the player pulls the trigger 14 at any time when the aim is set at the target, thereby causing the bullet (in a broad sense) to the designated position 204. , Shots) can be fired. Here, the bullet refers to a shot including a missile, a laser, a bazooka, and the like.

When the player pulls the trigger 14 and the target 202 exists on the trajectory line passing through the designated position 204, it is determined that a hit has occurred. For example, when a target 202 is given a parameter such as a physical strength value as an enemy character, when a shot (shot) is hit, it is possible to receive damage corresponding to the shot.

The operation data input unit 21 provided in the gun type controller 10 of the game system according to the present embodiment.
Consists of a cross key. The cross direction key can input different operation data according to the operation direction. The gun type controller 10 includes an A button 210 and a B button
A button 212 is provided.

The A button 210 and the B button 212 are provided on both sides of the indicator 21 of the gun-type controller 10 opposite to each other, and are arranged so that the trigger 14 and the operation data input unit 21 can be pressed with the hand that is not operated. This is desirable in terms of operability.

When the player presses the A button 210 or the B button 212, the mode can be switched to the operation input mode associated with each button. The player operates the cross direction key in the switched operation input mode, so that various operations such as command selection can be performed using only the cross direction key.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of switching the operation input mode in the present embodiment.

In the game system according to the present embodiment,
Weapon selection mode 220 (broadly, second operation input mode), movement control mode 222 (broadly, first operation input mode), screen control mode 224 (broadly, third operation input mode) The three operation input modes can be switched with each other.

In the weapon selection mode 220, the operation of the cross key as the operation data input section 21 selects the weapon equipped by the character operated by the player. For example, it is possible to select a weapon having different characteristics such as a bazooka that has a large power but is disadvantageous to a quick attack, and a pistol that has a small power but can perform a quick attack. When the player presses the A button 210 in the movement control mode 222, the player selects the weapon selection mode 220.
(A button pressed 226). In the weapon selection mode 220, the player returns to the movement control mode 222 by firing a shot (shot) toward the outside of the screen (off-screen shooting 228).

In the movement control mode 222, the character operated by the player is moved in the dungeon by operating the cross key as the operation data input section 21. For example, it is moved forward or backward in the dungeon. In the movement control mode 222, the player
When the button 210 or the B button 212 is pressed, the mode can be arbitrarily switched to one of the operation input modes of the weapon selection mode 220 and the screen control mode 224.

In the screen control mode 224, the display unit 1 is operated by operating the cross key as the operation data input unit 21.
90 screen control is performed. For example, a screen control such that the player zooms in or zooms out an image near the position indicated by the gun-type controller 10, or changes the image to an infrared camera image (night vision scope) for identifying an enemy lurking in the dark or a thermographic image I do. The player can switch to the screen control mode 224 by pressing the B button 212 in the movement control mode 222 (B button press 230). In the screen control mode 224, the player turns a bullet toward the outside of the screen (shot).
Is fired to return to the movement control mode 222 (out-of-screen shooting 232).

As described above, given commands are assigned to the respective directional keys of the cross direction keys as the operation data input means 21 of the gun-type controller 10 in this embodiment according to the operation input mode. Accordingly, it is possible to quickly and easily input operation data of completely different operation contents such as various command selections such as movement in a dungeon, screen control, and weapon selection, and designation of an arbitrary position on the display unit 190. I have to.

FIGS. 4A to 4C show examples of the special weapon allocation of each direction key of the operation data input section 21 in each operation input mode in the game system of the present embodiment.

The cross key of the operation data input section 21 is
By pressing each direction, different types of operation data are generated. Here, the up key 240 and the down key 24
2, four directions of a left direction key 244 and a right direction key 246 can be pressed, and four types of operation data are generated.

In this embodiment, in the weapon selection mode 220, as shown in FIG. 4A, the up key 240 is switched to a bazooka, the down key 242 is switched to a shotgun, and the left key 244 is switched to a shotgun. Switching to a machine gun and the right key 246 are respectively assigned to commands such as switching to a pistol.

In the movement control mode 222, FIG.
As shown in (B), the up direction key 240 moves forward in the character operated by the player or the viewpoint of the player, the down direction key 242 moves backward in the character operated by the player or the viewpoint of the player, and the left direction key 244 is operated by the player. Turn left or right key 2 of the character or player's viewpoint
Reference numeral 46 is assigned to each command such as a character operated by the player or a right turn of the viewpoint of the player.

In the screen control mode 224, FIG.
As shown in (C), the up direction key 240 performs zoom-in control to narrow the angle of view (increase the distance between the viewpoint and the screen) with respect to the image near the position indicated by the gun-type controller 10, and the down direction key 242 operates Zoom-out control for widening the angle of view (reducing the distance between the viewpoint and the screen) for an image near the position indicated by the pattern controller 10, left key 244 to switch the scope using an infrared camera, right key 246 to a scope using thermography It is assigned to each command such as switching.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6A,
(B) shows an example of a game image for explaining the concept of switching the operation input mode between the movement control mode and the weapon selection mode in the present embodiment.

In the game screen 250, the inside of the dungeon is displayed as if a virtual camera (viewpoint) is arranged on the player side, and a selection weapon display screen 252 is displayed in the upper right part thereof.

[0093] The selected weapon display screen 252 shows the types (names and images) of weapons equipped by the character operated by the player. Here, a state is shown in which a player character equipped with a pistol as a weapon is located in front of a given target 254 in the dungeon.

Assuming that the operation mode is in the movement control mode 220, the operation data input unit 2 in the state shown in FIG.
By pressing one upward key 240, the character operated by the player or the viewpoint of the player moves forward in the dungeon.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 5B, the target 254 is brought closer. Here, when switching the weapon equipped by the character operated by the player to the bazooka, the player presses the A button 210 to switch to the weapon selection mode 220, and then the operation data input unit 21
Down key 242 is pressed.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 6A, a bazooka is displayed on the selected weapon display screen 252, and it can be recognized that the weapon equipped by the character operated by the player has been switched to the bazooka.

Then, by pulling the trigger 14, the target 2
A bullet (shot) is fired at the object specified by the aiming position adjusted to 54. For example, when the target 254 is given a parameter such as a physical strength value as an enemy character, when a shot (shot) is hit, it is possible to receive damage corresponding to the shot.

In order to move the character operated by the player or the viewpoint of the player in the dungeon, it is necessary to switch to the movement control mode 222 again. For this reason, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
The position designated by the gun-type controller 10 is taken out of the screen 50, and the trigger 14 is pulled (off-screen shooting) to return to the movement control mode 222.

Further, in the present embodiment, by switching to the screen control mode 224, zoom control or scope switching for searching for a target can be performed.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the concept of switching the operation input mode between the movement control mode and the screen control mode in this embodiment.

When the player presses the B button 212 of the gun-type controller 10 in the movement control mode 222, the mode shifts to the screen control mode. Here, by pressing the left direction key 244 of the operation data input unit 21,
The mode can be switched to the night vision mode by the infrared camera.

More specifically, when the left key 244 of the operation data input unit 21 is pressed, the object is switched to an infrared camera screen object and displayed on the display unit 250.

In order to move the character operated by the player or the viewpoint of the player in the dungeon, it is necessary to switch to the movement control mode 222 again. For this reason, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, the designated position is moved outside the screen of the display unit 250, and the trigger 14 is pulled to return to the movement control mode 222. FIG. 7B shows a state in which the mode returns to the movement control mode 222 on a normal screen (a screen which is not based on thermography even with an infrared camera). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7A, the display unit 2 is switched to the night vision mode by the infrared camera.
When shooting is performed outside the screen of 50, the display object displayed on the display unit 250 returns to the movement control mode 222 while keeping the object for the infrared camera.

Next, the processing for switching the operation input mode will be described in detail.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a flowchart of the operation input mode switching control processing in the above-described embodiment.

First, the movement control mode 22 is set as an initial state.
In the state of 0, as shown in FIG. 8, the operation data processing unit 106 of the processing unit 100 checks the input of the A button 210 provided on the gun-type controller 10 (step S).
10).

Here, when the pressing of the A button 210 is detected (step S10: Y), the processing section 100 shifts to the weapon selection mode 220 and performs a given weapon selection process (step S11). That is, the operation data input by the operation data input unit 21 is
Is determined as weapon selection data (object processing data in a broad sense) for performing weapon selection. When the given weapon selection process is completed, the process returns to step S10, and the input of the A button 210 is checked.

When the pressing of the A button 210 is not detected in step S10 (step S10: N), the operation data processing unit 106 of the processing unit 100 continues to input the B button 212 provided on the gun-type controller 10. A check is performed (step S12).

Here, when the pressing of the B button 212 is detected (step S12: Y), the processing section 100 shifts to the screen control mode 224 and performs a given screen control process (step S13). That is, the operation data input by the operation data input unit 21 is
Is determined as screen control data for performing screen control. When the given screen control process is completed, the process returns to step S10 to check the input of the A button 210.

When the pressing of the B button 212 is not detected in step S12 (step S12: N), the processing section 100 performs a given movement control process in the state of the movement control mode 222 (step S14). That is, the operation data input by the operation data input unit 21 is determined by the operation data processing unit 106 as movement control data for controlling the movement of the character operated by the player or the viewpoint of the player.

When the given movement control processing is completed, other game processing is performed (step S15). Here, other game processes refer to given game processes such as a hit check by the position determination unit 104, a timer process, and a game result calculation.

When the other game processing is completed, unless the game processing is completed (step S16: N), the flow returns to step S10 again to check the input of the A button 210 (step S10).

On the other hand, when ending the game processing (step S16: Y), a series of operation input mode switching control processing is ended.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a flowchart of the weapon selection process in step S11 in FIG.

First, the operation data processing unit 106 checks the input of each direction key of the cross direction key of the operation data input unit 21 of the gun type controller 10.

That is, the input of the up direction key 240 of the cross direction key is checked (step S20), and when the input of the up direction key 240 is detected (step S20:
Y), the weapon operated by the character operated by the player is switched to the bazooka (step S21).

When the input of the up direction key 240 of the cross direction key is not detected (step S20: N), the input check of the down direction key 242 of the cross direction key is performed (step S22).

At step S22, when the input of the down key 242 of the cross direction key is detected (step S22:
Y), the weapon equipped by the character operated by the player is switched to the bazooka (step S23).

When the input of the down key 242 of the cross key is not detected (step S22: N), the input of the right key 246 of the cross key is checked (step S24).

In step S24, when an input of the right direction key 246 of the cross direction key is detected (step S24:
Y), the weapon equipped by the character operated by the player is switched to a machine gun (step S25).

When the input of the right key 246 of the cross key is not detected (step S24: N), the input of the left key 244 of the cross key is checked (step S26).

In step S26, when the input of the left direction key 244 of the cross direction key is detected (step S26:
Y), the weapon equipped by the character operated by the player is switched to a pistol (step S27).

When the input of the left direction key 244 of the cross direction key is not detected in step S26 (step S26:
Y), Step S21, Step S23, Step S2
5, or if a weapon is selected in step S27, it is checked whether or not the trigger 14 of the gun-type controller 10 has been pulled (step S28).

When it is detected that the trigger 14 has been pulled (step S28: Y), it is determined whether or not the position indicated by the gun-type controller 10 is outside the screen of the display unit 190 (step S29).

If it is not detected in step S28 that the trigger 14 has been pulled (step S28: N), or it is determined in step S29 that the position indicated by the gun-type controller 10 is not outside the screen of the display unit 190. At this time (step S29: N), the process returns to step S20 to continue the weapon selection mode.

In step S29, the gun type controller 1
When it is determined that the designated position of 0 is outside the screen of the display unit 190 (step S29: Y), the weapon selection processing is ended, and the operation returns to the movement control mode as shown in FIG.

The type of the weapon selected in this weapon selection processing is saved, and is appropriately referred to when a shot (bullet) is fired by the player, and a game image when the player hits or misses is displayed. When the target is an enemy character and a parameter such as a physical strength value is given, damage corresponding to the type of the shot that is shot is given.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a flowchart of the screen control process in step S13 in FIG.

First, the operation data processing unit 106 checks the input of each direction key of the cross direction key of the operation data input unit 21 of the gun type controller 10.

That is, the input of the up direction key 240 of the cross key is checked (step S30), and when the input of the up direction key 240 is detected (step S30:
Y), the zoom processing unit 108 performs zoom-in control by narrowing the angle of view for an image near the position indicated by the gun-type controller 10 (step S31).

When the input of the up direction key 240 of the cross direction key is not detected (step S30: N), the input check of the down direction key 242 of the cross direction key is performed (step S32).

At step S32, when the input of the down key 242 of the cross direction key is detected (step S32:
Y), the zoom processing unit 108 widens the angle of view for the image near the position indicated by the gun-type controller 10 and performs zoom-out control (step S33).

When the input of the down key 242 of the cross key is not detected (step S32: N), the input of the right key 246 of the cross key is checked (step S34).

At step S34, when the input of the right direction key 246 of the cross direction key is detected (step S34:
Y), the processing unit 100 switches to aiming by thermography (step S35). More specifically, the display object is switched to a thermographic display object corresponding to the image displayed on the display unit 190 until then.

If the input of the right key 246 of the cross key is not detected (step S34: N), the input of the left key 244 of the cross key is checked (step S36).

At step S36, when the input of the left direction key 244 of the cross direction key is detected (step S36:
Y), the processing section 100 switches to aiming with the infrared camera (step S37). More specifically, the display object is switched to the display object for the infrared camera corresponding to the image displayed on the display unit 190 until then.

When the input of the left direction key 244 of the cross direction key is not detected in step S36 (step S36:
Y), Step 31, Step S33, Step S3
5 or when various screen controls are performed in step S37, it is checked whether or not the trigger 14 of the gun-type controller 10 is pulled (step S38).

When it is detected that the trigger 14 has been pulled (step S38: Y), it is determined whether or not the position indicated by the gun-type controller 10 is outside the screen of the display unit 190 (step S39).

If it is not detected in step S38 that the trigger 14 has been pulled (step S38: N), or it is determined in step S39 that the position indicated by the gun-type controller 10 is not outside the screen of the display unit 190. At this time (step S39: N), the process returns to step S30 to continue the screen control mode.

In step S39, the gun type controller 1
When it is determined that the designated position of “0” is outside the screen of the display unit 190 (step S39: Y), the screen control process ends, and the process returns to the movement control mode as shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a flowchart of the movement control processing in step S14 of FIG.

First, the operation data processing unit 106 checks the input of each direction key of the cross direction key of the operation data input unit 21 of the gun type controller 10.

That is, the input of the up direction key 240 of the cross key is checked (step S40), and when the input of the up direction key 240 is detected (step S40:
Y), the movement processing unit 110 performs a process of advancing the position of the character operated by the player in the virtual space by a given distance (step S41).

When the input of the up key 240 of the cross key is not detected (step S40: N), the input of the down key 242 of the cross key is checked (step S42).

In step S42, when the input of the down key 242 of the cross direction key is detected (step S42:
Y), the movement processing unit 110 moves the position of the character operated by the player in the virtual space backward by a given distance (step S43).

When the input of the down key 242 of the cross key is not detected (step S42: N), the input of the right key 246 of the cross key is checked (step S44).

In step S44, when the input of the right direction key 246 of the cross direction key is detected (step 44:
Y), the movement processing unit 110 or the processing unit 100 turns the direction of the virtual camera right (step S45).

When the input of the right key 246 of the cross key is not detected (step S44: N), the input of the left key 244 of the cross key is checked (step S46).

In step S46, when the input of the left direction key 244 of the cross direction key is detected (step S46:
Y), the movement processing unit 110 or the processing unit 100 turns the direction of the virtual camera to the left (step S47).

As described above, the movement control processing according to the present embodiment ends.

As described above, the gun-type controller 10 capable of pointing to an arbitrary position in the screen at a position distant from the screen of the display unit 190 provides the operation data input unit 21 composed of the cross-directional keys, the A button and the B button. Was provided. Thereby, the operation input mode is switched by these buttons, and processing corresponding to the command assigned to each direction key of the cross key in each operation input mode can be performed. In particular, completely different types of commands such as zoom control of an image near the designated position of the gun-type controller 10 in accordance with operation data, selection of the power of a bullet, and movement control of a character operated by a player are also described. You can input quickly and simply.

In particular, since a command such as arbitrarily specifying a position in the screen and selecting a command different from aiming can be performed only by the gun-type controller in the present embodiment, a game which develops a more complicated story than before has been achieved. Can be provided.

Here, the command is a command provided to increase the variation of the story development of the game as described above, and includes, for example, zoom control of an image near the designated position by the gun type controller, brightness of the image, and the like. Effect of the game image that changes the appearance of the game image for the player who views the screen of the display device, such as color and saturation, the gaze direction that is the direction of the virtual camera and the gaze direction of the character (object) operated by the player, For example, it refers to the type of attack method that requires an operation other than zoom control in real time according to the type of shot (bullet), the type of weapon, and the type of game, the power of attack, or a command for switching items. In addition, the present invention can be applied to various command selections.

Furthermore, in the game system according to the present embodiment, a frame of a given range centered on the position pointed by the gun-type controller 10 may be displayed on the game screen. In this case, particularly, when the player designates an arbitrary position on the screen with the gun-type controller 10, the designated position is always displayed on the game screen, and a frame of a given range centered on the designated position is also displayed. It may be displayed on the game screen.
Therefore, when the player shoots at the target, a shot can be fired at the object specified by the pointing position, and when the game screen control is performed, the gun-type controller 10 can be used. It is possible to enlarge or reduce the game image in the frame displayed around the position specified by. This makes it easier for the player to aim at the enemy character, and displays the position indicated by the gun-type controller 10 on the game screen as the aiming position.
By determining whether or not an enemy character is present on the trajectory line specified by the position and performing shooting, it is possible to further improve game characteristics such as competing for aiming techniques.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show an example of a game image when performing the zoom control according to the present embodiment when the aim is displayed with the pointing position of the gun-type controller 10 as the center.

However, the same portions as those in FIGS. 5A and 5B are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

That is, when the player designates an arbitrary position in the game screen 250, the designated position 300 is displayed, and a frame 310 of a given range is displayed around the designated position 300.

Therefore, the player indicates the position of the target portion (pointed position 300), and presses the up key of the operation data input section 21 of the gun-type controller 10 as shown in FIG. .

Then, as shown in FIG. 12 (B), the game image in a frame within a given range around the designated position 300 is enlarged.

Therefore, when the player pulls the trigger and the target 254 exists on the trajectory line specified by the designated position 300, the player is determined to have hit.

Therefore, as described above, by making it easier for the player to aim at the target and performing shooting, it is possible to improve the game characteristics such as competing for aiming techniques. Further, the player enlarges the game image in the frame 310 centered on the designated position 300 to a certain magnification, and then moves the designated position of the gun-type controller 10 to a position other than the enlarged game image before shooting. Competition for advanced search technology and aiming technology such as performing.

In this case, the aiming position has been described as being displayed as a circle within a given range centered on the designated position 300. However, the aiming position may be a square frame, and is limited to the shape of the frame. is not. Such a frame shape and a frame range may be appropriately changed by a cross key or the like.
As a result, finer search and aiming can be performed, and a more complicated shooting game can be provided.

3. Configuration of Another Game System By the way, the game system (image generation system) of the present embodiment is not limited to the system having the configuration shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the present invention is not limited to the gun-type controller 10 that detects the scanning light of the display unit 190 and detects the indicated position.

FIG. 13 shows a functional block diagram of a game system (image generation system) of another embodiment.

[0165] The video camera 850 is infrared imaging means for capturing a game image displayed on the display section 820. Its function is to capture the game image via an infrared transmission filter. Only the infrared spotlight displayed on the image is imaged.

The gun-type controller 810 includes an indicator 812 (casing) formed in a shape of a gun, a trigger 814 provided at a grip portion of the indicator 812, and an indicator 8
12, a muzzle 816 (light entrance), a built-in infrared light emitting unit 818, a controller processing unit 820 for controlling the entire gun-type controller, and a cross direction for inputting different operation data according to the operation direction. An operation data input unit 822 including keys and a communication unit 824 functioning as an interface between the processing unit 800 are included.

Here, the gun-type controller 810 can be gripped, and the gun-type controller 810 includes a trigger 814 and an operation data input unit 822 as a cross key at a position where the player can operate with one hand. It is desirable that they are arranged. For example, the operability can be further improved by allowing the player to perform a trigger operation on the trigger 814 with the index finger and operate the cross key with the thumb of the same hand.

The processing section 800 includes the position detection area specifying section 8
02, a position detection unit 804, a game information generation unit 805, a position determination unit 806, an operation data processing unit 807, a zoom processing unit 808, and a movement processing unit 809.

The position detection area specifying unit 802 preliminarily determines the coordinate position of the image area of the video camera 850 and the coordinate position of the game image area of the display unit 820 by developing the image captured by the video camera 850 in the work memory area. The light emitting unit 8 of the gun type controller 810
The position of the spot is determined by determining in which area the spot light from 18 exists in each area obtained by dividing the game image area into given areas.

The position detecting section 804 detects the position of the spot light of the gun type controller 810 in the area specified by the position detecting area specifying section 802. As described above, the position detection area specifying unit 802 specifies a roughly divided area in advance, and then performs a two-stage process of determining a position in the area where the spot light exists, thereby performing complicated position detection. , And highly accurate position detection is enabled.

The game information generation unit 805, like the game information generation unit 102 shown in FIG. 1, outputs a game image (an image viewed from a given viewpoint in an object space in a three-dimensional game) according to the result of the game processing. It generates game information such as a game sound (BGM, sound effect, or voice) and outputs it to the display unit 820 and the sound output unit 830.

The position judging section 806, like the position judging section 104 shown in FIG. 1, displays the object displayed on the display section in accordance with the game processing with the position indicated by the gun-type controller 810 (or the trajectory line (in a broad sense, A hit determination is made by determining whether or not the line exists on the line passing through the position)).

When an object is represented in two dimensions,
The object can be specified based on whether or not the object exists at the designated position on the display unit.

When the object is represented in three dimensions, for example, a trajectory line specified by the designated position on the display unit (in a broad sense, a line passing through the designated position) is obtained, and the object exists on the trajectory line. An object can be specified depending on whether or not to do so. More specifically, it can be specified by checking the intersection between the trajectory line and the simple object including the object.

The operation data processing unit 807 performs processing for determining the contents of operation data from the gun-type controller which is appropriately input by the player during the game processing.

More specifically, a plurality of operation input modes are switched, the content of the operation data in each operation input mode is determined, and the object identified by the position indicated by the gun-type controller in the game processing is determined. Reflect the contents.

The zoom processing unit 808 enlarges or reduces the image displayed on the display unit 820 according to the position indicated by the gun-type controller 810 and the operation data from the player determined by the operation data processing unit 822. Do.

More specifically, when the player designates an arbitrary position on the display unit 820 by using the gun-type controller 810, the zoom processing unit 808 outputs a command from the operation data input unit 822 when the object is represented in three dimensions. In accordance with the operation data, zoom control for increasing or decreasing the angle of view (the distance between the viewpoint and the screen) is performed on the game image specified by the designated position.

When the object is represented in two dimensions, the scaling of the two-dimensional display data is changed for the game image specified by the designated position according to the operation data from the operation data input unit 822. Zoom control is performed as follows.

The movement processing section 809 performs processing for controlling the moving direction of the character operated by the player.

More specifically, in a state where the mode is switched to the movement control mode among the plurality of operation input modes, the contents of the operation data from the operation data input unit 822 are determined, and the moving direction of the character operated by the player is determined. Control.

The zoom processing unit 808 may linearly widen or narrow the angle of view of the image to be controlled in the zoom control, but stepwise according to the input of operation data. The angle of view of the image to be controlled may be widened or narrowed.

Here, the image enlarged or reduced by the zoom processing unit 808 is displayed on the display unit 820.
Another screen (such as a window screen) displayed on the display unit 820, another display unit provided separately from the display unit 820, or a gun-type controller 81 operated by a player
0 may be displayed on a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) provided in the LCD.

Next, an outline of the operation of the game system of FIG. 13 will be described.

First, the processing section 800 generates a video signal,
The picture tube of the display unit 820 emits light by the generated video signal. Thus, an object such as a target object (enemy character) is projected on the screen of the display unit 820. The projected screen is imaged by the video camera 850, and the coordinate position of the screen of the display unit 820 by the processing unit 800 is associated with the coordinate position of the imaging screen imaged by the imaging unit 852 of the video camera 850.

Next, the player aims at the target object on the screen and shoots the muzzle 816 of the gun-type controller 810.
Is pointed toward the display unit 820 and the trigger 814 is pulled, at which point the landing position of the spot light projected by the light emitting unit 818 is detected.

In detecting the landing position, the position detection area specifying unit 802 specifies an area where a spotlight exists from an area in which the game screen of the display unit 820 is divided in advance with reference to an image captured by the video camera 850. I do. Next, the position detection unit 804 detects at which position of the specified area the spot light exists.

Then, in the processing section 800, based on the information on the detected designated position, the position determination section 806 performs a hit check with the target object displayed on the screen. That is, when the target object exists at the designated position, it is determined that the virtual shot from the gun-type controller 810 has hit the target object, and when they do not match, it is determined that the target object has deviated.

In this game system, operation data input from the operation data input unit 822 of the gun type controller 810 is transferred to the processing unit 800 via the communication unit 824. The operation data processing unit 807 of the processing unit 800 determines a command corresponding to the transferred operation data, and reflects the command in the game processing.

The present invention is not limited to the principle of detecting an arbitrary designated position on the screen of the display unit by the light transmission type controller, but quickly performs a complicated operation such as designation on the screen and selection of a command corresponding thereto. Can be.

[0191] 4. Hardware Configuration Next, an example of a hardware configuration that can implement the above-described embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The main processor 900 is a CD982
(Information storage medium), a program transferred via the communication interface 990, or a program stored in the ROM 950 (one of the information storage media).
Various processes such as sound processing are executed.

The coprocessor 902 assists the processing of the main processor 900, has a multiply-accumulate unit and a divider capable of high-speed parallel operation, and executes a matrix operation (vector operation) at high speed. For example, when a physical simulation for moving or moving an object requires processing such as matrix operation, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs the coprocessor 902 to perform the processing (request ).

The geometry processor 904 performs geometry processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, light source calculation, and curved surface generation. The geometry processor 904 includes a multiply-accumulate unit and a divider capable of high-speed parallel computation, and performs matrix computation (vector computation). Calculation) at high speed. For example, when performing processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, and light source calculation, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs the geometry processor 904 to perform the processing.

The data decompression processor 906 performs a decoding process for decompressing the compressed image data and sound data, and performs a process for accelerating the decoding process of the main processor 900. As a result, a moving image compressed by the MPEG method or the like can be displayed on an opening screen, an intermission screen, an ending screen, a game screen, or the like. The image data and sound data to be decoded are stored in the ROM 95.
0, stored in the CD 982, or transferred from the outside via the communication interface 990.

The drawing processor 910 executes a high-speed drawing (rendering) process of an object composed of primitive surfaces such as polygons and curved surfaces. When drawing an object, the main processor 900
Uses the function of the DMA controller 970 to pass object data to the drawing processor 910,
If necessary, the texture is transferred to the texture storage unit 924. Then, the drawing processor 910 draws the object in the frame buffer 922 at high speed while performing hidden surface removal using a Z buffer or the like based on the object data and the texture. The drawing processor 910 can also perform α blending (translucent processing), depth queuing, mip mapping, fog processing, bilinear filtering, trilinear filtering, anti-aliasing, shading processing, and the like. Then, when an image for one frame is written to the frame buffer 922, the image is displayed on the display 912.

The sound processor 930 incorporates a multi-channel ADPCM sound source and the like, and generates high-quality game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and sounds. The generated game sound is output from the speaker 932.

Operation data from the gun-type controller 942, save data and personal data from the memory card 944 are transferred via the serial interface 940.

A ROM 950 stores a system program and the like. In the case of the arcade game system, the ROM 950 functions as an information storage medium,
Various programs are stored in 950. Note that a hard disk may be used instead of the ROM 950.

The RAM 960 is used as a work area for various processors.

[0201] The DMA controller 970 provides a D
It controls MA transfer.

The CD drive 980 stores a CD 982 for storing programs, image data, sound data, and the like.
(Information storage medium) to enable access to these programs and data.

[0203] The communication interface 990 is an interface for transferring data to and from the outside via a network. In this case, a network connected to the communication interface 990 may be a communication line (analog telephone line, ISDN), a high-speed serial bus, or the like. Then, data can be transferred via the Internet by using a communication line. Further, by using the high-speed serial bus, data transfer with another game system becomes possible.

[0204] Each means of the present invention may be entirely executed by hardware only, or executed only by a program stored in an information storage medium or a program distributed via a communication interface. Is also good. Alternatively, it may be executed by both hardware and a program.

When each means of the present invention is executed by both hardware and a program, a program for executing each means of the present invention using hardware is stored in the information storage medium. Will be. More specifically, the program instructs the processors 902, 904, 906, 910, 930, etc., which are hardware, to perform processing, and passes data if necessary.
Then, each processor 902, 904, 906, 91
0, 930, and the like execute each means of the present invention based on the instruction and the passed data.

FIG. 15A shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the gun-type controller 1102 while watching the game image projected on the display 1100. Various processors, various memories, and the like are mounted on a built-in system board (circuit board) 1106. The information (program or data) for executing each means of the present invention is stored in the system board 1.
It is stored in a memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on 106. Hereinafter, this information is referred to as storage information.

FIG. 15B shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a home game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the gun-type controllers 1202 and 1204 while watching the game image displayed on the display 1200. In this case, the storage information is stored in a CD 1206 or a memory card 1208, 1209, which is an information storage medium detachable from the main system.

FIG. 15C shows a host device 1300,
The host device 1300 and the network 1302 (LA
N or a wide area network such as the Internet).
An example in which the present embodiment is applied to a system including 4-1 to 1304-n will be described. In this case, the stored information is stored in the information storage medium 130 such as a magnetic disk device, a magnetic tape device, or a memory that can be controlled by the host device 1300.
6 is stored. Terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n
However, when a game image and a game sound can be generated stand-alone, a game program for generating a game image and a game sound is delivered from the host device 1300 to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n. You. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated stand-alone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound, transmits them to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n, and outputs them at the terminals.

In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 15C, each means of the present invention may be executed by distributing between a host device (server) and a terminal. Further, the storage information for executing each means of the present invention may be stored separately in an information storage medium of a host device (server) and an information storage medium of a terminal.

[0210] The terminal connected to the network may be a home game system or an arcade game system. When the arcade game system is connected to a network, a save information storage device capable of exchanging information with the arcade game system and exchanging information with the home game system. (Memory card, portable game device) is desirable.

The present invention is not limited to the one described in the above embodiment, but can be variously modified.

In the above-described embodiment, the description has been made assuming that the image near the position designated by the position designating means is controlled by zooming based on the operation data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. If a command process corresponding to the operation data can be performed on an object specified by the position indicated by the position indicating means capable of indicating an arbitrary position on the screen, the range of the game field that can be applied can be expanded. .

For example, the present invention can be applied not only to the shooting game described above, but also to games of various fields in which an object is displayed on a screen and the displayed object is designated to advance the game. More specifically, role playing games, adventure games,
In addition to conventional games in various fields such as shooting games, fighting games, racing games, it is possible to provide games that were difficult to realize in the past in terms of operability such as aiming for a photo opportunity as a photographer in the game It becomes possible.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the gun-type controller has been described as an example of the position pointing device capable of pointing an arbitrary position in the screen of the display unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a shape like a magic wand can be applied to, for example, a role playing game.
Furthermore, it is also possible to apply to a fishing game, for example, in a fishing rod shape.

Further, the position indicating device has been described as being capable of indicating an arbitrary position in the screen of the display unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. The position pointing device only needs to be able to indicate the position in the screen of the display unit, and may be, for example, a device capable of indicating only the position of a specific area in the screen of the display unit.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a cross-directional key operable in only four directions has been described as an example of the operation data input unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the input unit may be operated in eight directions, or may be operated in any direction.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the zoom control of the image near the position indicated by the gun-type controller is performed, but the zoom control of the image near the predetermined position may be performed. For example, "Mission selection screen" where you can select multiple missions before the game starts
In the above, it is possible to elaborate such a purpose that a mission arbitrarily selected by the player is used as a start trigger and zoom-in control of an image predetermined in the mission is used.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, three types of operation input modes are described as being operated by the operation data input unit provided in the gun-type controller. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the operation can be performed in the same manner by operating the operation data input unit provided in the gun-type controller for four or more types of operation input modes. Also, as shown in FIG. 4D, the weapon selection mode (broadly, the second operation input mode) and the screen control mode (broadly, the third operation input mode) are set to the same input mode. By the mixed mode and the movement control mode (broadly, the first operation input mode),
You may make it input operation data.

In the above-described embodiment, the command corresponding to the operation data is executed as the game processing. However, the command corresponding to the plurality of continuous operation data so as to instruct the deathblow of the “fighting game” is described. Commands can also be processed in a game. Further, a series of operation data can be stored in a key buffer and registered, and a command corresponding to the registered series of operation data can be input as appropriate.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a game system (image generation system) of the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a game image for explaining a game system realized by the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of switching operation input modes in the embodiment.

FIGS. 4A to 4D are explanatory diagrams showing an example of assigning a special weapon to each direction key of the operation data input unit.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams showing a first half of an example of a game image for explaining a concept of switching operation input modes in a movement control mode and a weapon selection mode in the present embodiment. is there.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams showing the latter half of an example of a game image for explaining the concept of switching the operation input mode between the movement control mode and the weapon selection mode in the embodiment. is there.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the concept of switching the operation input mode between the movement control mode and the screen control mode in the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of an operation input mode switching control process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a weapon selection process according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a screen control process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a movement control process according to the present embodiment.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating an example of a game image when performing zoom control according to the present embodiment when an aim is displayed centering on a position indicated by a gun-type controller 10. FIGS. It is.

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of a game system (image generation system) according to another embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing each embodiment.

FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C are diagrams showing examples of various types of systems to which the embodiments are applied;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Gun type controller 12 Indicator 14 Trigger 15 Muzzle 16 Lens 18 Optical sensor 20 Controller processing unit 21 Operation data input unit 22 Position calculation unit 30 Communication unit 100 Processing unit 102 Game information generation unit 104 Position determination unit 106 Operation data processing unit 108 Zoom processing unit 110 Movement processing unit 180 Information storage medium 190 Display unit 192 Sound output unit

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Higashiyama Asahi 2-8-5 Tamagawa, Ota-ku, Tokyo Namco F-term (reference) 2C001 AA00 AA07 BA00 BA01 BA02 BA05 BA06 BB00 BB03 BB05 BB06 BB08 CA00 CA01 CA06 CA08 CA09 CB01 CC02 CC08

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. A game system for generating a game image to be displayed on a screen of a display device, comprising: a player using operation data input by an operation means in a first operation input mode as movement control data; Means for controlling the movement of the object or the viewpoint of the player operated by the user, and a position at which a position in the screen can be indicated by using operation data input by the operation means in the second operation input mode as object processing data. Means for performing a given game process on the target object specified by the pointing position of the pointing means. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the second operation input mode, data for designating a type of attack method and an attack power for the target object is input as the object processing data. Game system. 3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein a frame of a given range centering on a position designated by the position designation means is displayed in the second operation input mode, and the frame is specified by the designated position. A game system for performing the given game process on a target object to be processed. 4. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the given game process changes a parameter given to the target object. 5. A game system for generating a game image to be displayed on a screen of a display device, wherein a player uses operation data input by an operation means in a first operation input mode as movement control data. Means for controlling movement of the object or the viewpoint of the player operated by the user, and a screen of the game image displayed on the screen using operation data input by the operation means in the third operation input mode as screen control data A game system comprising: means for performing control; 6. The game system according to claim 5, wherein in the third operation input mode, zoom control data for enlarging or reducing the game image is input as the screen control data. 7. The control according to claim 6, wherein the zoom control data is a control for enlarging or reducing a game image near a designated position by a position designating means capable of designating a position in the screen at a position distant from the screen. A game system characterized by being data. 8. The method according to claim 5, wherein in the third operation input mode, a position within a given range centered on a position designated by a position designating unit capable of designating a position in the screen at a position distant from the screen. Display a frame,
A game system, wherein zoom control data for enlarging or reducing a game image in the frame is input. 9. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the operation means inputs different operation data according to an operation direction. 10. The operation means according to claim 5, wherein different operation data is input according to an operation direction, and the operation means enlarges or reduces the game image in two directions. A game system for inputting operation data. 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the second or third operation input mode, a given operation is performed on the outside of the screen by the position indicating means. ,
A game system comprising means for switching to the first operation input mode. 12. An information storage medium usable by a computer, comprising: an object operated by a player or a viewpoint of a player using operation data input by an operation means in a first operation input mode as movement control data. Means for controlling the movement of the object, and using the operation data input by the operation means in the second operation input mode as object processing data, by using the position indicated by the position indicating means capable of indicating the position in the screen of the display device. An information storage medium comprising: means for performing a given game process on a specified target object; and a program for executing: 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, in the second operation input mode, data for designating a type of attack method and an attack power for the target object is input as the object processing data. Information storage medium. 14. The frame according to claim 12, wherein in the second operation input mode, a frame of a given range centering on the position pointed by the position pointing means is displayed, and specified by the pointed position. An information storage medium including a program for executing the given game process on a target object to be executed. 15. The information storage medium according to claim 12, wherein the given game process changes a parameter given to the target object. 16. An information storage medium that can be used by a computer, wherein an object operated by a player or a viewpoint of a player is operated by using operation data input by operation means in a first operation input mode as movement control data. Means for controlling the movement of the game device; means for performing screen control of the game image displayed on the screen of the display device using the operation data input by the operation means in the third operation input mode as screen control data; An information storage medium characterized by including a program for executing the program. 17. The information storage medium according to claim 16, wherein in the third operation input mode, zoom control data for enlarging or reducing the game image is input as the screen control data. 18. The control according to claim 17, wherein the zoom control data is used for enlarging or reducing a game image near a designated position by a position designating means capable of designating a position in the screen at a position distant from the screen. An information storage medium characterized by being data. 19. The method according to claim 16, wherein in the third operation input mode, a position within a given range centered on a position designated by a position designating unit capable of designating a position in the screen at a position distant from the screen. Display a frame,
An information storage medium to which zoom control data for enlarging or reducing a game image in the frame is input. 20. The information storage medium according to claim 12, wherein the operation means receives different operation data according to an operation direction. 21. The operation device according to claim 16, wherein the operation means receives different operation data according to an operation direction, and enlarges or reduces the game image in two directions. An information storage medium to which operation data is input. 22. The method according to claim 12, wherein a given operation is performed on the outside of the screen by the position indicating means in the second or third operation input mode. ,
An information storage medium including a program for executing means for switching to the first operation input mode.