JP2002095864A - Game system, storage medium, entertainment apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable input and output of vague information in a roll-playing game or the like. SOLUTION: When a parameter input/output controller 803 receives a papameter input/output request from a game processor 802, the parameter input/ output controller 803 displays a pair of intersected axes in a predetermined region, items on the vague information represented by the axes at the both ends of the axes and a pointer which indicates the degrees of the items in the predetermined region. For data input, the pointer is to be moved according to the operation content to be received by an operation receiver 801.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input / output interface for ambiguous information in a game.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, entertainment devices such as video game machines have become widespread. In the entertainment device, a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM,
Alternatively, various games can be enjoyed by executing a game program obtained via a communication medium such as a communication line.

For example, a role playing game (PR
In games such as G), adventure games (AVG), and simulation games (SLG), a virtual world is generally created within the game. And
The player can cause the character or the like in the virtual world to take various actions by operating a controller or the like connected to the entertainment device. The entertainment device changes the content of the game story in accordance with the operation content of the player, and provides the player with various story developments.

[0004] Some games of this kind attempt to handle events close to the real world, such as changes in development due to contact with other characters, bargaining, and the like. In such a game, the player selects an action to be performed by the player character from a menu prepared in advance, and specifies parameter values such as strength, speed, and the like as necessary, and performs other operations. Determines the behavior for the character. In addition, the reaction of the other character is presented to the player in the form of a video or a line.

[0005]

Generally, in a virtual world handled by a story in a game, the reproducibility of subtle and vague events in the real world is not sufficient. For example, when having a conversation in the real world, the content to be conveyed to the other party is conveyed not only by words but also by the expression at the time of speaking, the volume of the voice, and the like. Also, when speaking from the other party, it is necessary to judge the content to be conveyed by the other party not only based on the words but also on the expression at the time of speaking, the volume of the voice, and the like.

However, in the conventional menu-type input method or numerical specification method, the player cannot convey numerical values such as emotions and attitudes, and subtle expressions that cannot be expressed in words and the like. Further, in the conventional information display method, the player cannot recognize an expression such as an ambiguous emotion and attitude of the character.

An object of the present invention is to enable a player to input ambiguous information in an application program running on an information processing device such as an entertainment device, in particular, a game program.

Another object of the present invention is to enable a user to present ambiguous information to an application program, particularly a game program, running on an information processing device such as an entertainment device.

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided a game system comprising an operation unit, an operation unit, and a storage unit, wherein the operation unit receives an input from a game player through the operation unit. Providing an input means for allowing the input of ambiguous information through the operation means by performing an arithmetic operation based on the information to be executed and the game program and data stored in the storage means. A game system is provided.

[0010] Here, the input means for permitting input of ambiguous information includes a plurality of intersecting axes provided in a predetermined area and items related to ambiguous information represented by the axes near both ends of each axis. According to the position, a pointer indicating the degree of the item can be movably displayed in the predetermined area according to the operation content received by the operation means.

Further, the present invention is a game system comprising an operation means, an operation means and a storage means, wherein the operation means is stored in the storage means and information inputted by a game player from the operation means. The present invention provides a game system characterized in that the game is advanced by performing an arithmetic operation based on a game program and data in the game, and output means for outputting ambiguous information is provided.

Here, the output means for outputting ambiguous information displays a plurality of intersecting axes provided in a predetermined area and items about ambiguous information represented by the axes near both ends of each axis. According to the position, a pointer indicating the degree of the item can be displayed in the predetermined area.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

First, a hardware configuration of an entertainment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 shows an appearance of an entertainment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

This entertainment apparatus reads a game program stored on an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM and executes the program in response to an instruction from an operator (player).
The execution of the game mainly refers to an operation target object (for example, a player character or the like) displayed on a display screen of a display device (such as a television) connected to the entertainment device in response to an instruction from the player. (The object to be represented) is moved, and the display and sound of the moving image are controlled in accordance with the movement, thereby proceeding with the game.

As shown in the figure, a main body 2 of the entertainment apparatus 1 has an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM as a recording medium for supplying an application program such as a video game and multimedia data at a central portion thereof. , A reset switch 4 for resetting the game, a power switch 5, a disk operation switch 6 for operating the mounting of an optical disk, and, for example, two slot sections 7A and 7
B.

Two controllers 20 can be connected to the slots 7A and 7B, and two players can play a game such as a battle game. The slot units 7A and 7B have a memory card device 2 that can save (store) and read game data.
6, or a portable electronic device 100 that can execute a game separately from the main body 2 can be mounted.

The controller 20 includes first and second operation units 21 and 22, an L button 23L, an R button 23R,
Analog operation units 31 and 32 having a start button 24 and a selection button 25 and capable of analog operation
And a mode selection switch 33 for selecting an operation mode of the operation units 31 and 32, and a display unit 34 for displaying the selected operation mode.

As shown in FIG. 2, the analog operation units 31 and 32 are connected to a fulcrum a with respect to a predetermined axis b passing through a predetermined fulcrum a.
, And operating shafts 31a and 32a configured to be tiltable around and rotatable in a tilted state. The controller 20 detects the inclination of the operation axes 31a and 32a with respect to the axis b and the direction of the inclination, and outputs a signal corresponding to the coordinate value on the XY coordinate determined from these. This coordinate value is
As shown in FIG. 3, the value in the Y (vertical) direction is
“0” to “25” according to the vertical inclination of
The value in the X (horizontal) direction is represented by 256 values from “0” to “255” in accordance with the horizontal inclination of the operation axes 31a and 32a.

Next, FIG. 4 shows an entertainment device 1
Is shown.

As shown in the figure, the entertainment apparatus 1 has a central processing unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit).
Unit) 51 and a control system 50 including its peripheral devices and the like.
, A graphic system 60 including an image processing device (GPU: Graphic Processing Unit) 62 for drawing in the frame buffer 63, and a sound processing device (SPU: Soud Process) for generating audio signals such as musical sounds and sound effects.
ing unit) 71, an optical disk control unit 80 for controlling an optical disk on which application programs, multimedia data, etc. are recorded, a signal from the controller 20 to which an instruction from the player is input, and a game. The memory controller 26 includes a memory card 26 that stores the settings of the portable electronic device 100, a communication control unit 90 that controls the input and output of data from the portable electronic device 100, and the like, and a bus BUS to which the above units are connected.

The control system 50 includes a CPU 51, interrupt control, and direct memory access (DMA).
y Access) Peripheral device controller 52 for controlling transfer and the like
And a random access memory (RAM)
A main memory (main storage device) 53 comprising
A main memory 53, a read only memory (ROM: Read Only Memory) 54 for storing programs such as an operating system for managing the graphic system 60, the sound system 70, and the like are provided.

The CPU 51 controls the entire entertainment apparatus 1 by executing an operating system recorded in the ROM 54.
For example, it comprises a RISC-CPU.

Then, the entertainment device 1
When the power is turned on, the CPU 51 of the control system 50
The operating system stored in the OM 54 is executed. Thus, the CPU 51 controls the graphic system 60, the sound system 70, and the like.

When the operating system is executed, the CPU 51 initializes the entire entertainment apparatus 1 such as operation check, and then controls the optical disk control section 8.
0 to execute an application program such as a game recorded on the optical disc. By executing a program such as a game, the CPU 51 controls the graphic system dem 60, the sound system 70, and the like in accordance with an input from the player to control display of an image and generation of sound effects and musical sounds.

The graphic system 60 includes a geometry transfer engine (GTE) 61 for performing processing such as coordinate conversion, and a CPU.
GPU 62 that performs drawing in accordance with a drawing instruction from 51
A frame buffer 63 for storing an image drawn by the GPU 62; and an image decoder 64 for decoding image data coded by being subjected to orthogonal transform such as discrete cosine transform.

The GTE 61 includes, for example, a parallel operation mechanism for executing a plurality of operations in parallel, and performs operations such as a matrix or a vector for coordinate transformation. Specifically, this G
The TE 61 configures a virtual three-dimensional object with a set of triangular polygons, for example, when an application program such as a game recorded on an optical disk uses so-called 3D graphics. And
Various calculations for generating an image obtained by photographing the three-dimensional object with a virtual camera, that is, perspective transformation (raster of each polygon constituting the three-dimensional object is performed by virtual camera (Calculation of coordinate values when projected on the screen).

Next, the GPU 62 uses the GTE 61 as necessary according to instructions from the CPU 51,
An image is created by rendering a three-dimensional object on the frame buffer 63. Then, a video signal representing the created image is output. In addition, as a method of erasing hidden lines and hidden surfaces used for rendering, a Z buffer method, a scan line method, a ray tracing method, or the like is used. Shading techniques for shading include:
Use flat shading, Gouraud shading, ray tracing, etc. In addition, texture mapping or the like is used as a technique for expressing the surface material or pattern of the surface of the three-dimensional object.

Next, the frame buffer 63 is formed of a so-called dual-port RAM, so that rendering for the GPU 62 or transfer from the main memory and reading for display can be performed simultaneously. In addition, in the frame buffer 63, in addition to the image area where reading for rendering and display is performed,
A texture area in which a texture used for the texture mapping or the like is stored is provided.

Next, under the control of the CPU 51, the image decoder 64 decodes the still or moving image data stored in the main memory 53 and stores it in the main memory 53. The reproduced image data is stored in the frame buffer 63 via the GPU 62, so that the reproduced image data can be used as a background of the image rendered by the GPU 62.

Next, the sound system 70
The SPU 71 outputs an audio signal such as a musical sound or a sound effect based on an instruction from the SPU 71, and a sound buffer 72 in which waveform data and the like are recorded by the SPU 71.

The SPU 71 performs adaptive prediction coding (ADPC).
M: an ADPCM decoding function for reproducing the audio data subjected to Adaptive Differential PCM, and a sound buffer 72
A reproduction function of reproducing and outputting an audio signal such as a sound effect by reproducing the waveform data stored in the
A modulation function for modulating and reproducing waveform data stored in the sound buffer 72 is provided. By providing such a function, the sound system 70
Is a sound buffer 72 according to an instruction from the CPU 51.
Is generated so as to generate an audio signal such as a musical sound or a sound effect based on the waveform data stored therein.

Next, the optical disk control unit 80 is provided with an optical disk device 81 for reproducing programs, data, and the like recorded on the optical disk, and, for example, an error correction code (ECC: Erro).
r Correction Code), a decoder 82 for decoding a program or data recorded with the data added thereto, and a buffer 83 for temporarily storing data from the optical disk device 81 to speed up the reading of data from the optical disk. And The decoder 82 has a sub C
PU84 is connected.

The audio data read by the optical disc device 81 and recorded on the optical disk includes:
In addition to the above-described ADPCM data, there is so-called PCM data obtained by converting an audio signal from analog to digital. A
The DPCM data is decoded by the decoder 82, supplied to the above-described SPU 71, subjected to digital / analog conversion and the like by the SPU 71, and then transmitted from an audio device such as an audio device connected to the entertainment device 1. It is output as musical sound, sound effect, etc. Further, the PCM data is subjected to processing such as digital / analog conversion by the SPU 71, and is similarly output from the audio device as musical sounds, sound effects, and the like.

Next, a communication controller 90 controls a communication with the CPU 51 via the bus BUS.
It has. The communication controller 91 includes an operation device connection unit 12 to which a controller 20 for inputting an instruction from the player is connected, a memory card 26 as an auxiliary storage device for storing game setting data and the like, a portable electronic device 100 And the like are provided with memory card insertion sections 8A and 8B.

The controller 20 connected to the operating device connection unit 12 receives the instruction from the player, and in accordance with the instruction from the communication controller 91, changes the state of each button and the operating unit by synchronous communication. It is transmitted to the communication controller 91. Then, the communication controller 91 transmits the state of each button of the controller 20 or the state of the operation unit to the CPU 51.

Thus, the instruction from the player is transmitted to the CPU.
Input to the CPU 51, the CPU 51 performs a process according to an instruction from the player based on a game program or the like being executed. Specifically, an image including the operation target object is generated in cooperation with other units of the control system 50 and the graphic system 60, and is displayed on the display screen of the display device. Then, in accordance with an instruction from the player input to the controller 20, an image in which the display position, the state, and the like of the operation target object are changed (the background is also changed as necessary) is sequentially generated and displayed on the display screen of the display device. By doing so, a moving image is generated such that the operation target object is operated according to the player's operation input to the controller 20. Also, it controls the sound and music output from the sound device in cooperation with the sound system 70 as needed.

Here, the main memory 53, the GPU 62,
It is necessary to transfer image data between the image decoder 64 and the decoder 82 at a high speed when reading a program, displaying an image, or drawing an image. Therefore, in the entertainment apparatus 1, the main memory 53, the GPU 62, and the image decoder 64 are controlled by the peripheral device control unit 52 without the intervention of the CPU 51 as described above.
A so-called DMA transfer in which data is directly transferred between the decoder 82 and the decoder 82 can be performed. Thus, the load on the CPU 51 due to data transfer can be reduced, and high-speed data transfer can be performed.

When it is necessary to store the setting data of the game being executed, the CPU 51 transmits the stored data to the communication controller 91, and transmits the stored data to the communication controller 91.
Transmits data from the CPU 51 to the memory card insertion unit 8A.
Or, the memory card 26 inserted in the 8B slot,
Write it to the portable electronic device 100 or the like.

Here, the communication controller 91 has a built-in protection circuit for preventing electrical destruction. The memory card 26, the portable electronic device 100, and the like are separated from the bus BUS, and can be detached while the power of the apparatus body is turned on. Therefore, the memory card 26,
When the storage capacity of the portable electronic device 100 or the like becomes insufficient, a new memory card or the like can be inserted without turning off the power supply of the apparatus main body. Therefore, it is possible to insert a new memory card and write necessary data to the new memory card without losing the game data that needs to be backed up.

The parallel I / O interface (P
An IO (IO) 96 and a serial I / O interface (SIO) 97 are interfaces for connecting the memory card 26, the portable electronic device 100, and the like to the entertainment apparatus 1.

The hardware configuration of the entertainment apparatus 1 has been described above.

Next, an entertainment apparatus having the above-described structure.
In 1, a game realized by the CPU 51 executing an application program read from the optical disc mounted on the disc mounting unit 3,
explain.

The game realized by the entertainment apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes PRG (role playing game), AVG (adventure game), SLG
Controller 2 such as (simulation game)
This is a game in which the story progresses while changing the subsequent development in accordance with the instruction of the player received through “0”. A game screen displaying a video (game video) representing a story progressing in accordance with the instruction content of the player, and a parameter input / output screen for inputting parameters related to story development and outputting parameter values, The information is displayed on the display screen of the display device. Here, the parameters relating to the story development can be not only numerical values such as strength and speed, but also, for example, indices indicating ambiguous information indicating a character's emotion, facial expression, state, and the like.

Therefore, the player confirms the story via the game screen displayed on the display screen, and inputs and recognizes the parameters related to the story development via the parameter input / output screen, thereby developing various stories. You can enjoy.

First, the data structure of the optical disk will be described.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the data structure of the optical disk mounted on the disk mounting unit 3.

As shown, an application program 501 for realizing a game is stored on an optical disk.
And display of various parameters and the like used by the application program 501 on a display device.
A parameter input / output control program 502 for controlling an input via the PC and various data (video data, audio data, character data, etc.) 503 used by the application program 501 are recorded.

Next, the software configuration constructed on the entertainment apparatus 1 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a software configuration constructed on the entertainment apparatus 1.
It should be noted that each component shown in FIG.
The CPU 51 executes the application program 501 and the parameter input / output control program 502 read from the optical disk mounted on the disk mounting unit 3 and loaded on the main memory 53 by the CPU 30 to be embodied as a process. . At this time,
The various data 503 stored on the optical disk is read as needed and stored in the main memory 53.

In FIG. 6, the operation receiving unit 801 includes a CP
U51 is realized by using the communication controller 91. The operation receiving unit 801 transmits the instruction of the player received via the controller 20 to the game processing unit 802 and the parameter input / output control unit 803.

The game processing unit 802 includes an operation receiving unit 801
The necessary data is read from the main memory 53 in order to proceed with the story in accordance with the instruction of the player notified from. Then, it generates game screen data including a video representing a story, and requests the parameter input / output control unit 803 to input / output parameters related to the progress of the game as needed.

The game processing unit 802 transfers the generated screen data to the display control unit 804. The processing in the game processing unit 802 is basically the same as the processing required in a game such as existing PRG, AVG, and SLG.

The parameter input / output control unit 803 receives a parameter input / output request from the game processing unit 802, generates a parameter input / output screen corresponding to the request, and transfers the screen to the display control unit 804.

Then, the content of the parameter input / output request is
If the input is a parameter, the parameter input from the player is received via the operation reception, and the contents of the parameter received from the player are evaluated based on the evaluation rule received from the game processing unit 802. And
The evaluation result is returned to the game processing unit 802. Upon receiving the evaluation result, the game processing unit 803 advances the story according to the evaluation result. That is, the parameter input / output control unit 803 provides an interface related to input / output of parameters.

The display control unit 804 is configured such that the CPU 51
62 is realized. Display control unit 804
Performs a synthesizing process or the like on the screen data passed from the game processing unit 802 and the input / output control unit 803 to generate display screen data. The generated display screen data is output to the display device, and the display device receiving the display screen data displays an image according to the display screen data on the display screen.

Next, the operation of the software configuration constructed on the entertainment apparatus 1 will be described.

The game processing section 802 requests the parameter input / output control section 803 for processing when prompting the player to input parameters and when presenting parameters to the player during the progress of the story.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the parameter input / output control unit 803 when a process is requested from the game processing unit 802.

When the parameter input / output control unit 803 receives a processing request (S101), the game processing unit 8
02, the input / output information group 300 having a format as shown in FIG.

As shown, the input / output information group 300 includes an input / output flag 301, an X-axis item 302, and a Y-axis item 302.
Axis item 303, restriction rule 304, evaluation rule 30
5, an X value 306, and a Y value 307.

The input / output flag 301 is used by the parameter input / output control unit 803 to identify whether the input / output information group 300 passed to the parameter input / output control unit 803 relates to parameter input or parameter output. Data. For example, one of “input / output” can be set. Of course, it is not limited to this.

The X-axis item 302 and the Y-axis item 303
Information for determining the contents and properties of parameters related to input and output, each having two data columns. That is, in this embodiment, the parameters related to input and output are X
Point on the two-dimensional coordinates defined by the axis and the Y axis (P
X, PY).

Then, of the two pieces of information set in the X-axis item 302, the first data represents an item in the negative direction of the X-axis, and the second data represents an item in the positive direction of the X-axis. For this reason, the first data and the second data are in an opposite state,
It is desirable to set words that represent properties and the like. For example,
It can be "small / large", "weak / strong", "sad / happy", and so on. Of course, not limited to words, a symbol or the like representing a state may be set.

Similarly, among the two pieces of information set in the Y-axis item 303, the first data represents an item in the negative direction of the Y-axis, and the second data represents an item in the positive direction of the Y-axis. It is desirable to set words indicating contradictory states, properties, and the like between the first data and the second data also on the Y axis. Since the X axis and the Y axis do not have a direct relationship,
There is no particular limitation on the relationship between the items set on the axis and the items set on the Y axis. Further, for example, a Z-axis may be provided so that parameters are represented on three-dimensional coordinates.

The X-axis item 302 and the Y-axis item 303
Is predetermined in accordance with the story, and the game game processing unit 802 is
Set a value when requesting parameter input / output processing to.

Here, the parameter input / output screen will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the parameter input / output screen.

FIG. 7A shows a circle having a radius of 100 centered on the origin on a two-dimensional coordinate plane defined by the X axis and the Y axis. The parameter is basically represented as one point P (PX, PY) in this circle.

At the time of parameter input, the player operates a pointer (parameter display point) representing a parameter.
Is moved up, down, left, and right within the circle (parameter area) to determine the position of the parameter display point. In particular,
By operating the analog operation unit 31 of the controller 20, the parameter display point is moved in the parameter area.

That is, the operation receiving unit 801 that has received the operation signal of the analog operation unit 31 detects the inclination and direction of the operation shaft 31 a and sends a corresponding signal to the parameter input / output control unit 803. The parameter input / output control unit 803 generates an image in which the parameter display point is moved according to the received signal, sends the image to the display control unit 804, and causes the display device to display the image.

The player can determine the coordinate P (PX, PY) of the parameter to be input by pressing a predetermined operation key with the parameter display point at an arbitrary position in the parameter area.

FIG. 9B shows an example of a parameter input / output screen displayed on the display device, that is, an example of a parameter input / output screen that can be viewed by the player. In the figure, “expressionless / expressive” is set in the X-axis item 302, and “small / loud” is set in the Y-axis item 303. Numerical information is not displayed so that the player is not conscious of the coordinates that are the parameter values. In addition,
The axis may not be displayed.

If the screen shown in FIG. 9B is a case where the player inputs a parameter when the player wants the character to say something, if the parameter display point is determined at the position of P1, " Loudly and expressively express the words ", and the parameter input / output control unit 8
03 can be entered. In addition, if the position is the parameter P2, it can be expressed that "there is no expression in a medium volume". Furthermore, if the position is the parameter P3, it can be expressed that "speak with a normal expression in a low voice".

Of course, the item of the axis is not limited to this, and may be, for example, “active / passive”, “innocent / serious”, “basic / application”, “knowledge emphasis / experience emphasis”.

As described above, by using the parameter input / output screen, it is possible to input ambiguous information that is difficult to represent in terms of numerical values such as emotions, attitudes, and states when performing operations.

On the other hand, suppose that this screen displays a parameter when a character other than the player character says something to the player character. If the parameter display point is at the position of P1, " Loud and expressive words are spoken. " In addition, if the position is the parameter P2, "speaking in a normal voice without expression"
Information can be obtained by the player. Further, at the position of the parameter P3, the player can obtain information that "the dialogue is spoken with a normal expression in a small voice".

As described above, by using the parameter input / output screen, the player can recognize ambiguous information that is difficult to express by numerical values such as emotions, attitudes, or states when performing an action.

Of course, the parameter input / output screen can also be used for input / output of parameters that can be represented by ordinary numerical values by displaying, for example, scales.

The shape of the parameter area is not limited to the circle shown in FIG. 9, but may be an ellipse (a), a square (b), a rectangle (c) or the like as shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which the parameter input / output screen is applied to an actual game.

Next, the restriction rule 3 of the input / output information group 300
04 will be described. The restriction rule 304 is used when prohibiting an input to a specific area of the parameter area when receiving an input of a parameter from the player.
For example, when the player character is set to have an unnatural character in the progress of the story, by setting a limit to an area having a high degree of “seriousness” as indicated by oblique lines in FIG. Therefore, the player cannot determine the parameter display point.

The contents of the restriction rules are determined in advance according to the story, and when the game processing unit 802 requests the parameter input / output processing unit 803 for parameter input processing, values are set as necessary. Therefore, the restriction rule 304 is set only when the input / output flag 301 indicates an input, that is, only when a parameter is input.

There is no restriction on the format of the restriction rule.
A pattern of the restricted area is prepared in advance and can be used as the identification code.

The evaluation rule 305 sets a rule for evaluating the value of the parameter input by the operation of the player. As described above, since the value of the input parameter can be specified by the position of the parameter display point on the coordinates, (PX, PY) in the parameter input / output control unit 803.
Has the following coordinate points. The evaluation rule is a rule for converting the coordinates into an evaluation value, and the converted evaluation value is returned to the game processing unit 802.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of the evaluation rule. In (a) and (b) of this figure, the parameter area is divided into a plurality of areas, and points are assigned to each area. Then, the number of points assigned to the area where the parameter display point exists is used as the evaluation value. Of course, the evaluation rule is not limited to this example. For example, by setting a rule that uses the coordinate value as it is as the evaluation value,
The information may be passed to the game processing unit 802. Also, as shown in FIG. 12 (c), a rule may be provided such that a correct answer area is provided, and if the area is the correct answer area, the rule is evaluated as "correct answer", and other areas are evaluated as "incorrect answer".

The contents of the evaluation rules are determined in advance according to the story, and when the game processing unit 802 requests the parameter input / output processing unit 803 for parameter input processing, values are set as needed. Therefore, the evaluation rule 305 is set only when the input / output flag 301 indicates an input, that is, only when a parameter is input.

Note that there is no limitation on the format of the evaluation rule. For example, a function whose evaluation value is determined by the coordinate value or a pattern of the evaluation rule is prepared in advance.
The identification code can be used.

The X value 306 and the Y value 307 are set when the input / output flag 301 indicates the output, that is, the parameter coordinates at the time of outputting the parameter. X value 306 and Y
The value of the value 307 is determined by the game processing unit 80 according to the story.
2 and sets values as necessary when the game processing unit 802 requests the parameter input / output processing unit 803 for parameter output processing.

In step S101, the parameter input / output control unit 803, which has received the input / output information group 300 and the parameter input / output request described above,
With reference to the input / output flag 301 of 0, it is determined whether the received request is a parameter input request or a parameter output request (S102).

If the received request is a parameter input request, a parameter input image is generated (S103). Specifically, X item 302 and Y item 3
03, the coordinate item is set, and the parameter display point is set to a default position (for example, the origin). Then, the data is sent to the display control device 804 and displayed on the display device.

When the operation content of the player is received via the operation receiving unit 801, the parameter display point is moved in accordance with the operation content. At this time, if the restriction rule 304 is set, restriction is performed so that the parameter display point does not move to the prohibited area.

When the player determines the position of the parameter display point, the coordinates of the parameter display point are obtained (S10).
5).

Then, an evaluation value is calculated according to the rule described in the evaluation rule 305 (S106).

The calculated evaluation value is transmitted to the game processing section 802 (S107), and the processing is terminated.

The game processing unit 802 receiving the evaluation value
Advances the story according to its contents. For example,
If the evaluation of the input parameter is high, the situation may be improved for the player or the success rate of the action may be increased. By doing so, it is possible to add fun to the game in which the player searches for the optimal parameter values through trial and error as the game proceeds.

On the other hand, if the received request is a parameter output request, a parameter output image is generated (S108). Specifically, the X item 302 and the Y item 30
3, the coordinate item is set, and with reference to the X value 306 and the Y value 307, the position of the parameter display point is set. Then, the data is sent to the display control device 804 and displayed on the display device, and the process is terminated.

Note that the appearance and hardware configuration of the entertainment device of the present invention are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. The entertainment device of the present invention includes, for example, a CPU, a memory, an external storage device such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, and a DVD-R.
A reading device that reads data from a portable storage medium such as an OM, an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display device such as a display, and a data communication device for performing communication via a network such as the Internet; The information processing device may have a configuration of a general information processing device such as an interface for transmitting and receiving data between the devices described above.

Also, on the entertainment device, FIG.
A program for building the software configuration shown in
Various data and the like may be read from a portable storage medium via a reading device and stored in a memory, an external storage device, or the like, or may be read from a network via a data communication device. It may be downloaded and stored in a memory, an external storage device, or the like.

[0100]

As described above, according to the present invention, a player can input ambiguous information in an application program running on an information processing apparatus such as an entertainment apparatus, in particular, a game program.

Further, according to the present invention, it becomes possible to present ambiguous information to a player in an application program running on an information processing apparatus such as an entertainment apparatus, in particular, a game program.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an appearance of an entertainment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the controller 20 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 shows an operation shaft 31 of the controller 20 shown in FIG.
It is a figure for explaining the value which can be inputted using a and 32a.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an entertainment device.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a data configuration of an optical disk mounted on a disk mounting unit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a software configuration built on the entertainment device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the parameter input / output control unit 803 when a process is requested from the game processing unit 802.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a format of an input / output information group 300.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a parameter input / output screen.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of the shape of the parameter area.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a case where input to a specific area of a parameter area is prohibited.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of an evaluation rule.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where a parameter input / output screen is applied to an actual game.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Entertainment device, 20 ... Controller 51 ... CPU, 62 ... GPU 801 ... Operation reception part, 802 ... Game processing part 803 ... Parameter input / output control part, 804 ... Display control part

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. A game system comprising an operation unit, an operation unit, and a storage unit, wherein the operation unit includes information input by a game player from the operation unit, and a game program stored in the storage unit. And a game system that performs an operation based on the data and the data to provide an input unit that allows input of ambiguous information through the operation unit. 2. An input means for permitting input of ambiguous information includes: a plurality of intersecting axes provided in a predetermined area; and items related to ambiguous information represented by axes near both ends of each axis. 2. The game system according to claim 1, wherein a pointer indicating the degree of the item is displayed in the predetermined area so as to be movable in accordance with an operation content received by the operation means, according to the position. 3. The game system according to claim 2, further comprising evaluation means for evaluating the degree of the item determined by the position of the pointer. 4. The game system according to claim 2, wherein an area in which the pointer is not allowed to move can be provided in the predetermined area. 5. A program for generating a virtual world and executing a game in which a story progresses by instructing an action of a character in the virtual world, wherein the program is read and executed by an information processing apparatus. A program for providing an interface for receiving input of a parameter related to the action of the character, wherein the parameter is an index value for ambiguous information. 6. The interface displays a plurality of intersecting axes provided in a predetermined area, and items related to ambiguous information represented by the axes near both ends of each axis. The program according to claim 5, wherein a pointer representing a value of the pointer is displayed so as to be movable in the predetermined area, and a pointer movement instruction is accepted and presented to a game player. 7. The program according to claim 6, wherein said interface further evaluates a value of a parameter determined by a position of said pointer. 8. The program according to claim 6, wherein the interface can further include an area in which the pointer is not allowed to move within the predetermined area. 9. A game system comprising an operation means, an operation means, and a storage means, wherein the operation means includes information input by a game player from the operation means, and a game program stored in the storage means. And a game system which performs an operation based on the data and provides the output means for outputting ambiguous information. 10. An output means for outputting the ambiguous information, comprising: displaying a plurality of intersecting axes provided in a predetermined area and items related to the ambiguous information represented by the axes near both ends of each axis. 10. The game system according to claim 9, wherein a pointer indicating the degree of the item is displayed in the predetermined area according to the position. 11. A program for executing a game in which a story is progressed by generating a virtual world and instructing the action of a character in the virtual world, wherein the program is read and executed by an information processing apparatus. A program for providing an interface for displaying a parameter related to the action of the character, wherein the parameter is an index value for ambiguous information. 12. The interface displays a plurality of intersecting axes provided in a predetermined area and items related to ambiguous information represented by the axes near both ends of each axis. 12. The program according to claim 11, wherein a pointer representing a value of (i) is displayed in the predetermined area. 13. The game system according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of axes are not displayed. 14. The program according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of axes are not displayed. 15. An entertainment apparatus comprising an operation unit, an operation unit, and a storage unit, wherein the operation unit includes information input by a game player from the operation unit, and a game program stored in the storage unit. And an input device that allows the game to proceed by performing calculations based on the data and data, and that allows input of ambiguous information via the operation device. 16. An input means for permitting input of ambiguous information includes: a plurality of intersecting axes provided in a predetermined area; and items related to ambiguous information represented by axes near both ends of each axis. 16. The entertainment device according to claim 15, wherein a pointer indicating the degree of the item is displayed in the predetermined area so as to be movable in accordance with an operation content received by the operation means, based on the position. 17. The entertainment apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising an evaluation means for evaluating the degree of the item determined by the position of the pointer. 18. The entertainment device according to claim 16, wherein an area in which the pointer is not allowed to move can be provided in the predetermined area. 19. An entertainment apparatus comprising an operation unit, an operation unit, and a storage unit, wherein the operation unit includes information input by a game player from the operation unit, and a game program stored in the storage unit. And an output device for outputting ambiguous information by causing the game to proceed by performing calculations based on the data and data. 20. An output means for outputting the ambiguous information, comprising: displaying a plurality of intersecting axes provided in a predetermined area, and items related to ambiguous information represented by the axes near both ends of each axis. 20. The entertainment apparatus according to claim 19, wherein a pointer indicating the degree of the item is displayed in the predetermined area according to the position. 21. An entertainment apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said plurality of axes are not displayed. 22. A recording medium on which the program according to any one of claims 5 to 8, 11, 12, and 14 is recorded.