JP2007029222A - Program, information recording medium and electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten the time required for the selection while the simple maneuverability is realized when a desired alternative is selected. <P>SOLUTION: The weapon switching processing is executed by a key operation to an upper key 1204a or a lower key 1204b. As the result of the weapon switching processing, the currently used weapon is switched to a corresponding use candidate weapon. When the key operation to the upper key 1204a is executed, the currently used weapon is switched to a first candidate weapon exhibited by a first candidate display section W22-1. On the contrary, when the key operation to the lower key 1204b is executed, the currently used weapon is switched to a second candidate weapon exhibited by a candidate display section W22-2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides a computer having a direction indication input device capable of inputting instructions in a plurality of directions or connected to a plurality of options as current options based on directions inputted to the direction indication input device. The present invention relates to a program for switching to any one of the options.

  For example, when operating a limited number of operation input keys to select a desired option from a large number of options, the desired option can be selected simply, rationally, and efficiently using any operation method. Various techniques for improving the convenience of operation input as to whether or not it has been possible have been developed and put into practical use.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to an enemy selection method in a game play system. Specifically, by specifying a range with a target range indicator, a group of enemies to be targeted is selected from a plurality of enemies. The technique of designating is disclosed.

  Certainly, as in the technique of Patent Document 1, the technique of making it possible to select a plurality of desired options (enemy) at one time is one of the important techniques, but the most basic and orthodox selection method is This method is intended to select a desired option.

As an alternative method of selecting a desired option, one of the simplest methods is to display the option in a list and select the desired option from the list. For example, there is a method in which options are displayed in one column and a desired option is selected only by instructing and inputting a direction along the column. Specifically, for example, the option is displayed in one column in the left-right direction, and the desired option is selected by moving the marker indicating the desired option in accordance with the left-right direction, or the desired option at a predetermined position. This is a method of selecting a desired option by moving the entire column of options in accordance with left and right direction instructions so that is located. According to this method, only the left and right direction operation keys are necessary for selecting an option (in some cases, only a key that indicates either left or right), and a simple operation method that is intuitive and easy for the user to understand. It can be said.
JP-T-2004-529678

  However, in the method of selecting a desired option alternatively, the time required for the selection becomes a problem. As described above, the method of displaying options in one column in the left-right direction is certainly an easy-to-understand operation method, but as the number of options increases, the time required to select a desired option increases. It is a trivial problem.

  Furthermore, for example, when an alternative selection of a desired option such as switching the weapon used by the player character during the battle game is performed at any time, the time required for the selection becomes an important issue.

  An object of the present invention is to shorten the time required for selection while realizing simple operability when selecting a desired option alternatively.

The first invention for solving the above problems is:
Based on the direction input to the direction instruction input device to a computer including or connected to a direction instruction input device capable of inputting instructions in a plurality of directions (for example, the game controller 1202 shown in FIG. 1A). A program for switching an option as a current option to any one of a plurality of options,
First detection means (for example, a game calculation unit 210 shown in FIG. 5) for detecting that an instruction input direction to the direction instruction input device is a first direction of the plurality of directions;
A first switching unit (for example, a weapon selection process shown in FIG. 5) that performs scroll display control of a plurality of options in response to detection by the first detection unit to selectively switch an option to be the current option. Part 211),
Second detection means (for example, the game calculation unit 210 shown in FIG. 5) for detecting that the instruction input direction to the direction instruction input device is a second direction of the plurality of directions;
A second switching unit (for example, a weapon switching processing unit 213 shown in FIG. 5) that switches one option preset to change the setting to the current option in response to detection by the second detection unit;
As a program for causing the computer to function.

As another invention,
A direction indication input device (for example, the game controller 1202 shown in FIG. 1A) capable of inputting instructions in a plurality of directions is provided or connected to the direction indication input device, and the direction input to the direction indication input device. An electronic device that switches an option as a current option to any one of a plurality of options,
First detection means (for example, a game calculation unit 210 shown in FIG. 5) for detecting that an instruction input direction to the direction instruction input device is a first direction of the plurality of directions;
A first switching unit (for example, a weapon selection process shown in FIG. 5) that performs scroll display control of a plurality of options in response to detection by the first detection unit to selectively switch an option to be the current option. Part 211),
Second detection means (for example, a game calculation unit 210 shown in FIG. 5) for detecting that the instruction input direction to the direction instruction input device is a second direction of the plurality of directions;
In response to detection by the second detection means, a second switching means (for example, a weapon switching processing unit 213 shown in FIG. 5) that switches a preset option that can be changed to a current option;
You may comprise the electronic device provided with.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, scroll display control of a plurality of options is performed in response to an instruction input in the first direction to the direction instruction input device, and an option to be the current option is selected alternatively.・ Switched. Further, in response to an instruction input in the second direction, one preset option is switched to the current option. Therefore, if you want to select a desired option from a plurality of options and make it the current option, you only need to input an instruction in the first direction. If you want to immediately set a preset option as the current option, An instruction may be input in the second direction. Furthermore, since one preset option can be set and changed, any option can be set as one option, which is highly convenient.

The second invention is the program of the first invention,
The current option image representing the current option (for example, the weapon icon of the used weapon display unit W20 shown in FIG. 2) is displayed and controlled, and the one option is positioned near the second direction with reference to the current option image. Option image display control means (for example, shown in FIG. 5) that controls the display of one option image (for example, the weapon icon of the first candidate display unit W22-1 or the second candidate display unit W22-2 shown in FIG. 2). This is a program for causing the computer to function as the image generation unit 230).

  According to the second aspect of the invention, since an image representing the current option and an image representing the one option are displayed and controlled, which option becomes the current option when an instruction is input in the second direction, It can be clearly indicated. In addition, since the image representing one option is displayed at a position close to the second direction with respect to the image representing the current option, the second direction for switching the current option to the one option is any direction. Can be clearly indicated.

The third invention is the program of the first or second invention,
The direction indication input device has a plurality of direction keys (for example, the direction key 1204 shown in FIG. 1A),
The first detection means causes the computer to function to detect an input of a first direction key of the plurality of direction keys;
The second detection means is a program for causing the computer to function so as to detect an input of a second direction key among the plurality of direction keys.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, the first detecting means detects an input to the first direction key among the plurality of direction keys of the direction indicating input device, and the second detecting means is the second direction key. Therefore, it is possible to perform switching by the first switching unit and switching by the second switching unit with one touch.

The fourth invention is the program of any one of the first to third inventions,
The direction indicating input device is configured to be capable of inputting instructions in at least four directions of up, down, left and right,
A program for causing the computer to function so that a first direction detected by the first detection unit and a second direction detected by the second detection unit are orthogonal to each other.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since the first direction and the second direction are orthogonal to each other, the directions are completely different and erroneous operations can be suppressed.

A fifth invention is a program according to any one of the first to fourth inventions,
In response to the detection by the second detection means, the second switching means sets the option that was the current option as the one option, and the option that was the one option is made the current option. A program for causing the computer to function.

  According to the fifth aspect, in response to an instruction input in the second direction, the one option and the current option are switched. Therefore, once the instruction is input in the second direction, the current option can be restored easily and immediately.

A sixth invention is a program according to any one of the first to fifth inventions,
The first switching unit performs display control so that the same option as the one option among the plurality of options for the scroll display control can be distinguished from other options (for example, the image generation unit 230 illustrated in FIG. 5). A program for causing the computer to function as in the case of the first candidate mark M1 or the second candidate mark M2 shown in FIG.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, when a plurality of options are scroll-display controlled in response to an instruction input in the first direction, it is determined which option is set as one option. It will be easy to identify.

The seventh invention includes or is connected to a direction instruction input device (for example, the game controller 1202 illustrated in FIG. 1A) having a plurality of direction keys (for example, the direction key 1204 illustrated in FIG. 1A). A program for causing a computer to switch an option as a current option to any one of a plurality of options based on input by the plurality of direction keys,
Partial key input detection means (for example, the game shown in FIG. 5) that detects the input of some of the plurality of direction keys (for example, the right key 1204d and the left key 1204c shown in FIG. 1A). Arithmetic unit 210),
First switching means (for example, the weapon selection shown in FIG. 5) that performs scroll display control of a plurality of options in response to detection by the partial key input detection means, and selectively selects an option to be the current option. Processing unit 211),
Residual key input detecting means (for example, an upper key 1204a and a lower key 1204b shown in FIG. 1A) for detecting the input of the remaining direction keys (for example, the upper key 1204a and the lower key 1204b shown in FIG. 1A) of the plurality of direction keys. , Game calculation unit 210) shown in FIG.
A second switching unit (for example, a weapon switching processing unit 213 shown in FIG. 5) that switches a preset option that can be changed to a current option in response to detection by the residual key input detection unit;
As a program for causing the computer to function.

As another invention, a direction indication input device (for example, the game controller 1202 shown in FIG. 1 (a)) having a plurality of direction keys (for example, the direction key 1204 shown in FIG. 1 (a)) is provided. An electronic device to which an input device is connected and which switches an option as a current option to any one of a plurality of options based on input by the plurality of direction keys,
Partial key input detection means (for example, the game shown in FIG. 5) that detects the input of some of the plurality of direction keys (for example, the right key 1204d and the left key 1204c shown in FIG. 1A). Computing unit 210);
First switching means (for example, the weapon selection shown in FIG. 5) that performs scroll display control of a plurality of options in response to detection by the partial key input detection means, and selectively selects an option to be the current option. Processing unit 211);
Residual key input detecting means (for example, an upper key 1204a and a lower key 1204b shown in FIG. 1A) for detecting the input of the remaining direction keys (for example, the upper key 1204a and the lower key 1204b shown in FIG. 1A) of the plurality of direction keys. , A game calculation unit 210) shown in FIG.
A second switching unit (for example, a weapon switching processing unit 213 shown in FIG. 5) that switches a preset option that can be changed to a current option in response to detection by the residual key input detection unit;
You may comprise the electronic device provided with.

  According to the seventh aspect and the like, in response to the input of a part of the direction keys, scroll display control of a plurality of options is performed, and the option to be the current option is selected / switched alternatively. Further, in response to the input of the remaining direction keys excluding some direction keys, the preset option is switched to the current option. Therefore, to select a desired option from a plurality of options and make it the current option, it is only necessary to operate some directional keys.To immediately set a preset option as the current option, It is only necessary to operate the remaining direction keys. Furthermore, since the options set in advance can be changed, any option can be set, which is highly convenient.

The eighth invention is the program of the seventh invention,
Options are set in advance so that the setting can be changed for each of the remaining direction keys.
The second switching means switches the option corresponding to the direction key detected by the residual key input detecting means to the current option among the preset options for each of the remaining direction keys. Is a program for making

  According to the eighth aspect, the option can be set in advance for each of the remaining direction keys, and the option corresponding to the input remaining direction key becomes the current option. You can increase the number of options that can be switched with.

Moreover, as a ninth invention, the program according to any one of the first to eighth inventions,
The direction indicator input device is a game machine controller,
The option is an item that can be used by the player character,
The current option is the currently used item of the player character,
A program for causing the computer to function as a game progress control means for controlling the player character in accordance with a player's operation input and controlling the progress of a predetermined game may be used.

  Further, as a tenth invention, a computer-readable information storage medium (for example, the information storage medium 1212 shown in FIG. 1A) storing the program of any one of the first to ninth inventions is realized. Also good.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to select a desired option alternatively by a simple operation, and it is possible to significantly reduce the time required for selection.

  Hereinafter, a game apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is an embodiment relating to a gun shooting game.

[Configuration of game device]
FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a device configuration when a game device to which the present invention is applied is applied to a consumer game machine 1200. 1A includes a main body device 1210 and a game controller 1202 as a direction instruction input device, and the main body device 1210 is connected to a display 1220 including a speaker 1222.

  Programs and data necessary for executing the game process are stored in an information storage medium 1212 such as a CD-ROM or DVD that is detachable from the main unit 1210. Alternatively, the game program and game data may be acquired from an external device by connecting to the communication line N via the communication device 1218 provided in the main body device 1210. The communication line N mentioned here means a communication path through which data can be exchanged. That is, the communication line N is meant to include a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet in addition to a LAN using a dedicated line (dedicated cable) or Ethernet (registered trademark) for direct connection. The method is not limited to wired / wireless.

  On the other hand, an information storage medium such as a memory card 1214 or an IC card 1216 is used as an information storage medium to which data including information related to the progress of the game is written in accordance with a predetermined timing during the game or a save operation by the player.

  The main unit 1210 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, an IC memory, and an information storage medium 1212 reading device. Various game processes are executed based on programs and data read from the information storage medium 1212, operation signals input from the game controller 1202, etc., a game screen is displayed on the display 1220, and a game sound is output from the speaker 1222. Output.

  The game controller 1202 is for a player to input a game operation, and outputs an operation signal to the main body device 1210. FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a plan view of the game controller 1202. As shown in FIG. 1B, the game controller 1202 has direction keys 1204, various button switches 1206a to 1206d, and two analog sticks 1208L and 1208R provided on the left and right.

  The direction key 1204 includes an upper key 1204a for inputting an instruction in the upward direction, a down key 1204b for inputting an instruction in the downward direction, a left key 1204c for inputting an instruction in the left direction, and an instruction in the right direction. It consists of a right key 1204d for input, and it is possible to input instructions in four directions, up, down, left and right.

  In the present embodiment, weapon selection processing and weapon switching processing are executed in response to key operations on the direction key 1204. Specifically, weapon selection processing is executed in response to a key operation on the left key 1204c or the right key 1204d for inputting an instruction in the left direction or the right direction (first direction). A weapon switching process is executed in response to a key operation on the upper key 1204a or the lower key 1204b for inputting an instruction in the direction (second direction). Further, a player character moving operation is realized by an operation input on the analog stick 1208L, and an aiming cursor moving operation (cursor moving operation) is realized by an operation input on the analog stick 1208R. A bullet firing operation is realized by an operation input to the button switch 1206a.

  In this home-use game machine 1200, the player enjoys a gun shooting game by operating the game controller 1202 while viewing the game screen displayed on the display 1220.

[Overview]
FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of the game screen. The display 1220 displays an image of a game space in which a soldier character (player character) PC, a computer-controlled enemy character C10, and the like are arranged. . Specifically, for example, an image of the game space viewed from the viewpoint (first person viewpoint) of the player character PC is displayed as the game screen.

  The gun shooting game of this embodiment is a game in which, for example, a player becomes a soldier character (player character) PC equipped with a weapon such as a gun and attacks a computer-controlled enemy character C10 that appears on the game screen. The player character PC is controlled to move according to the movement operation of the player character, the attacking action of the player character PC is controlled according to the position of the aiming cursor Csr according to the cursor movement operation and the bullet firing timing according to the firing operation, and the bullet is fired. Is done. If the attack of the player character PC hits the enemy character C10, the enemy character C10 can be damaged.

  Then, the game is cleared when all the enemy characters C10 are defeated before the predetermined time limit has elapsed since the start of the game play, and when the time limit elapses without defeating all the enemy characters C10. The game ends and ends. In the game screen, the remaining time based on the elapsed time (play time) from the start of the game play is presented as the time limit on the timer display unit W10.

  In addition, the player character PC receives damage according to the attack of the enemy character C10. The degree of damage is displayed by a physical strength gauge G10 provided at the upper part of the game screen. When the damage received from the enemy character C10 exceeds a predetermined value and the physical strength gauge G10 becomes “0”, the game is over and the game is forcibly ended.

  Further, in the used weapon display section W20 provided on the game screen, the weapon that the player character PC currently equips (hereinafter referred to as “currently used weapon”) is presented by a weapon icon representing the currently used weapon. Yes.

  A first candidate display portion W22-1 is provided at a position near the upper side of the used weapon display portion W20, and is currently used from weapons possessed by the player character PC (hereinafter referred to as “owned weapon”). A weapon selected as a first weapon candidate (hereinafter referred to as a “first candidate weapon”) is presented by a weapon icon representing the first candidate weapon. On the other hand, a second candidate display portion W22-2 is provided at a position near the lower side of the used weapon display portion W20, and a weapon (hereinafter, referred to as a second candidate for the currently used weapon) from among the possessed weapons. "Second candidate weapon") is presented by a weapon icon representing the second candidate weapon. In the following, the first candidate weapon and the second candidate weapon are collectively referred to as “use candidate weapon” as appropriate.

  Furthermore, on the game screen, the number of remaining bullets of the currently used weapon is presented by the number of icon ICs 10 having the form of “bullet”.

  While watching the game screen described above, the player progresses the game while changing the currently used weapon in consideration of the attack power and the number of remaining bullets according to the weapon.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the weapon switching process is executed by a key operation on the up key 1204a or the down key 1204b. As a result of this weapon switching process, the corresponding use candidate weapon is switched to the currently used weapon. That is, the currently used weapon is switched to the first candidate weapon by a key operation on the upper key 1204a, and the currently used weapon is switched to the second candidate weapon by a key operation on the lower key 1204b.

  For example, when a key operation is performed on the lower key 1204b in FIG. 2A, the currently used weapon is switched to the second candidate weapon presented on the second candidate display portion W22-2. FIG. 2B shows an example of the game screen in this case. In FIG. 2B, the weapon equipped on the player character PC is switched to the second candidate weapon. Then, the display of the used weapon display unit W20 is changed to a display of a weapon icon representing the second candidate weapon, and the display of the second candidate display unit W22-2 is changed to a display indicating that no weapon is set. ing.

  In this way, the display of the weapon icon representing the currently used weapon and the weapon icon representing the candidate weapon for use is controlled in the game screen, so which weapon is currently used in response to a key operation on the upper key 1204a or the lower key 1204b. You can clearly indicate whether you can switch to a weapon.

  In addition, in the first candidate display section W22-1 located near the upper side of the used weapon display section W20, the first candidate weapon that can be switched to the currently used weapon according to the key operation on the upper key 1204a is presented by the weapon icon, In the second candidate display section W22-2 located near the lower side of the used weapon display section W20, the second candidate weapon that can be switched to the currently used weapon in response to a key operation on the lower key 1204b is presented by a weapon icon. Therefore, it is possible to clearly indicate in which direction the instruction input direction for switching the use candidate weapon to the current use weapon is (that is, which direction key 1204 corresponds).

  Accordingly, during the game, the player can easily and immediately switch the currently used weapon by an intuitive operation.

  Here, the weapon selection process will be described. In the present embodiment, when a key operation is performed on the left key 1204c or the right key 1204d during the progress of the game, the mode shifts to a weapon selection mode and a weapon selection process is executed. In this weapon selection mode, it is possible to change the currently used weapon and the use candidate weapon. Note that the game proceeds even during this weapon selection mode.

  First, the change of the currently used weapon will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the change of the currently used weapon. In FIG. 3, a game screen displayed when the left key 1204c or the right key 1204d is operated on the game screen shown in FIG. An example is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the left key 1204c or the right key 1204d is operated during the game, weapon icons representing weapons including the weapon display portion W20 used are arranged in a line in the left-right direction on the game screen. A list LST is displayed. When the subsequent left key 1204c or right key 1204d is operated, the weapon icon is scrolled in the instruction input direction. In the possessed weapon list LST, the currently used weapon can be changed by scrolling and displaying a desired possessed weapon at the position of the used weapon display section W20 and selecting the possessed weapon as a current option.

  For example, when a key operation is performed on the left key 1204c in FIG. 3, a weapon icon representing the owned weapon “Machine Gun” is scroll-displayed on the used weapon display unit W20, and in this case, the currently used weapon is “Machine Gun”. To "".

  Next, the change of a use candidate weapon is demonstrated. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the change of the use candidate weapon. In FIGS. 4A to 4C, the owned weapon list LST including the used weapon display portion W20 displayed on the game screen, respectively, The figure which paid its attention to candidate display part W22-1 and 2nd candidate display part W22-2 is shown.

  FIG. 4A shows a state in which no weapon is set as the first candidate weapon and the second candidate weapon. For example, when the left key 1204c or the right key 1204d is operated in FIG. 4A to scroll the displayed weapon “Gun D” on the used weapon display unit W20 and selected as the current option, the upper key 1204a is operated by key operation. As shown in FIG. 4B, the weapon icon of the owned weapon “Gun D” is displayed on the first candidate display section W22-1 and the first candidate weapon is changed to the owned weapon “Gun D”. Further, at this time, in the owned weapon list LST, the first candidate mark M1 indicating that the weapon is set as the first candidate weapon is added to the weapon icon indicating the owned weapon “Gun D”.

  Further, when the left key 1204c or the right key 1204d is operated in FIG. 4B to scroll the displayed weapon “Rifle” on the used weapon display unit W20 and selected as the current option, the down key 1204b is operated by key operation. As shown in FIG. 4C, the weapon icon of the owned weapon “Rifle” is presented on the second candidate display section W22-2, and the second candidate weapon is changed to the owned weapon “Rifle”. At this time, in the possessed weapon list LST, the second candidate mark M2 representing that the weapon is represented as the second candidate weapon is added to the weapon icon representing the possessed weapon “Rifle”.

  Hereinafter, the first candidate mark and the second candidate mark are collectively referred to as “candidate mark” as appropriate. According to this candidate mark, it is possible to easily identify which possessed weapon is the use candidate weapon in the possessed weapon list LST.

[Function configuration]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the game apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the game apparatus 1 includes an operation unit 100, a processing unit 200, a display unit 300, a sound output unit 400, a communication unit 500, and a storage unit 600.

  The operation unit 100 is a device for a player operating the game apparatus 1 to input various game operations, and operation signals input from the operation unit 100 are output to the processing unit 200. The operation unit 100 is realized by, for example, a button switch, a lever, a dial, a mouse, a keyboard, and various sensors, and the game controller 1202 corresponds to this in FIG.

  The processing unit 200 performs various processes such as control of the entire game apparatus 1, instructions to each functional unit in the game apparatus 1, image processing, and sound processing. The functions of the processing unit 200 are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and a given program.

  The processing unit 200 includes a game calculation unit 210, an image generation unit 230, and a sound generation unit 250 as main functional units, and generates one image in one frame time (1/60 seconds). The display unit 300 displays and outputs sound effects and BGM to the sound output unit 400 as appropriate.

  The game calculation unit 210 executes various game processes for realizing a gun shooting game based on an operation signal input from the operation unit 100, a program or data read from the storage unit 600, and generates an image of the processing result. Output to the unit 230 and the sound generation unit 250. As game processing, for example, game space setting processing, object placement processing in the game space, object intersection determination processing (hit check processing), character action control, game play result calculation processing, viewpoint position and line-of-sight direction The determination process is executed.

  In addition, the game calculation unit 210 includes a weapon selection processing unit 211 and a weapon switching processing unit 213.

  The weapon selection processing unit 211 executes processing related to the weapon selection mode (weapon selection processing). Specifically, the weapon selection processing unit 211 shifts to the weapon selection mode in response to a key operation on the left key 1204c or the right key 1204d. Then, the weapon selection processing unit 211 performs control to display the owned weapon list in accordance with the owned weapon table 630 described later, and changes the currently used weapon to the owned weapon selected as the current option. In addition, when a key operation is performed on the up key 1204a or the down key 1204b during the weapon selection mode, the weapon selection processing unit 211 changes the use candidate weapon to the possessed weapon currently selected as the option. That is, the first candidate weapon is changed to the current option in response to a key operation on the upper key 1204a, and the second candidate weapon is changed to the current option in response to a key operation on the lower key 1204b.

  The weapon switching processing unit 213 executes processing related to switching of currently used weapons (weapon switching processing). Specifically, the weapon switching processing unit 213 switches the currently used weapon in response to a key operation on the up key 1204a or the down key 1204b. That is, if a key operation is performed on the up key 1204a, the weapon switching processing unit 213 switches the first candidate weapon to the currently used weapon. On the other hand, when a key operation is performed on the lower key 1204b, the weapon switching processing unit 213 switches the second candidate weapon to the currently used weapon.

  The image generation unit 230 is realized by, for example, hardware such as a CPU and a DSP, a control program for the hardware, a drawing frame IC memory such as a frame buffer, and the like. The image generation unit 230 generates a 3DCG image for displaying the game screen based on the processing result by the game calculation unit 210, and outputs an image signal of the generated image to the display unit 300.

  The sound generation unit 250 is realized by, for example, hardware such as a CPU and a DSP and a control program thereof. The sound generation unit 250 generates game sounds such as sound effects and BGM used during the game based on the processing result of the game calculation unit 210, and outputs the generated game sound signal to the sound output unit 400. To do.

  The display unit 300 is a device for displaying various game images based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 230, and the display 1220 corresponds to this in FIG. The player enjoys the gun shooting game by operating the operation unit 100 while viewing the game image displayed on the display unit 300.

  The sound output unit 400 is a device for outputting sound effects, BGM, and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 250, and the speaker 1222 corresponds to this in FIG.

  The communication unit 500 performs data communication with the outside via a communication line. The function of the communication unit 500 is realized by, for example, a wireless communication module, a modem, a TA, a wired communication cable jack, a control circuit, and the like. In FIG. 1A, the communication device 1218 corresponds to this.

  The storage unit 600 stores a system program for causing the processing unit 200 to control the game apparatus 1 in an integrated manner, and a program and data necessary for executing the game. The function of the storage unit 600 is realized by, for example, an IC memory, a hard disk, a memory card, and the like. In FIG. 1A, the information storage medium 1212, the memory card 1214, the IC card 1216, and the main body device 1210 are provided. An IC memory to be used corresponds to this.

  In particular, in order to realize the present embodiment, the storage unit 600 includes a weapon selection processing program 611 for causing the weapon selection processing unit 211 to function, and a weapon switching process for causing the processing unit 200 to function as the weapon switching processing unit 213. A game program 610 including a program 613 is stored.

  In addition, the possessed weapon table 630, the currently used weapon data 650, and the use candidate weapon data 670 are stored as data. Although not shown, as other information, information updated as the game progresses, such as play time and physical strength value, game stage, player character PC and enemy character C10 placed on the stage, weapon icons, candidates Information for displaying a mark, an aiming cursor, and the like, various game sounds including sound effects and BGM, and the like are stored in advance.

  The possessed weapon table 630 stores data relating to the possessed weapon possessed by the player. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the possessed weapon table 630. In the possessed weapon table 630, the remaining number of bullets and the attack power parameter are set in association with the weapon name of the possessed weapon. For example, the remaining number of weapons “Rifle” is “10”, and the weapon used is changed or switched to “Rifle” during the game. In the event of a failure, the remaining number of bullets will decrease. At this time, if the fired bullet hits the enemy character C10, damage corresponding to the value (12) of the corresponding attack power parameter can be given to the enemy character C10.

  The currently used weapon data 650 stores the weapon name of the currently used weapon. The currently used weapon data 650 is updated with the corresponding weapon name every time the currently used weapon is changed / switched during the game. The currently used weapon data 650 identifies the currently used weapon that the player character PC is currently equipped with.

  The use candidate weapon data 670 includes first candidate weapon data 671 for storing the weapon name of the first candidate weapon and second candidate weapon data 673 for storing the weapon name of the second candidate weapon. The first candidate weapon data 671 and the second candidate weapon data 673 are updated with the corresponding weapon name each time the use candidate weapon is changed / switched during the game. The use candidate weapon data 670 identifies the current first candidate weapon and the second candidate weapon.

[Process flow]
Next, a flow of processing executed by the game apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the game process in the present embodiment. This game processing is realized by the processing unit 200 reading and executing a game program 610 including a weapon selection processing program 611 and a weapon switching processing program 613.

  In the game process, the game calculation unit 210 first constructs a game space, and arranges a player character PC, an enemy character C10, a virtual camera, and the like (step a10). If the game space is constructed, the game calculation unit 210 starts the game and starts to count the play time (step a20). And the game calculating part 210 repeatedly performs the process of the loop A until the completion | finish condition of a game is satisfied (step a30-step a120).

  In the loop A, the game calculation unit 210 first performs motion control of the player character PC based on the operation signal input from the operation unit 100 (step a40). Next, the game calculation unit 210 performs motion control of the enemy character C10 (step a50). Since the character motion control in steps a40 and a50 is appropriately performed by a known technique, the description thereof is omitted.

  Subsequently, the game calculation unit 210 moves the aiming cursor based on the operation signal input from the operation unit 100 (step a55).

  When a key operation is performed on the left key 1204c or the right key 1204d (when the key operation is performed on the direction key 1204 and the instruction input direction is the left direction or the right direction), (Step a60: YES), weapon selection processing section 211 starts weapon selection processing (step a70). This weapon selection process is performed in parallel with the game process. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the weapon selection process started here.

  In the weapon selection process, the weapon selection processing unit 211 first performs control to display a possessed weapon list in which weapon icons representing each possessed weapon are arranged in a line in the left-right direction with reference to the possessed weapon table 630 (step b10). . Then, when a key operation is continuously performed on the left key 1204c or the right key 1204d (step b20: YES), the weapon selection processing unit 211 scrolls the weapon icon (step b30). Then, the weapon selection processing unit 211 sets the weapon name of the possessed weapon selected as the current option in the currently used weapon data 650, changes the currently used weapon (step b40), and returns to step b20.

  If a key operation is performed on the up key 1204a or the down key 1204b (step b50: YES), the weapon selection processing unit 211 selects the weapon name of the possessed weapon currently selected as the option (that is, currently used). The contents of the weapon data 650) are set in the use candidate weapon data 670, and the use candidate weapon is changed (step b60). Specifically, when a key operation is performed on the up key 1204a, the weapon selection processing unit 211 sets the content of the currently used weapon data 650 in the first candidate weapon data 671 and changes the first candidate weapon. If the key operation is performed on the lower key 1204b, the content of the currently used weapon data 650 is set in the second candidate weapon data 673 and the second candidate weapon is changed.

  Then, the weapon selection processing unit 211 adds a candidate mark to a weapon icon representing a use candidate weapon set in the use candidate weapon data 670 (step b70), and returns to step b20. Specifically, a first candidate mark is displayed on the weapon icon representing the first candidate weapon set in the first candidate weapon data 671, and a weapon representing the second candidate weapon set in the second candidate weapon data 673. A second candidate mark is added to each icon.

  When the mode end operation is performed (step b80: YES), the display of the possessed weapon list is canceled and the weapon selection mode is ended (step b90).

  Returning to FIG. In the loop A, when a key operation is performed on the up key 1204a or the down key 1204b (when the key operation is performed on the direction key 1204, the instruction input direction is an upward direction orthogonal to the left direction or the right direction. In the case of the downward direction) (step a80: YES), the weapon switching processing unit 213 executes a weapon switching process (step a90). FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the weapon switching process.

  In the weapon switching process, the weapon switching processing unit 213 first determines the operated direction key 1204 (step c10). When a key operation is performed on the up key 1204a, the weapon switching processing unit 213 sets the content of the first candidate weapon data 671 in the currently used weapon data 650, and switches the first candidate weapon to the currently used weapon. (Step c20). At this time, the weapon switching processing unit 213 clears the first candidate weapon data 671. On the other hand, when a key operation is performed on the lower key 1204b, the weapon switching processing unit 213 sets the content of the second candidate weapon data 673 in the currently used weapon data 650 and sets the second candidate weapon as the currently used weapon. Switching (step c30). At this time, the weapon switching processing unit 213 clears the second candidate weapon data 673.

  Returning to FIG. Subsequently, the image generation unit 230 generates a game image, outputs an image signal of the generated game image to the display unit 300, and displays the game image (step a100).

  Subsequently, the game calculation unit 210 performs a game end determination (step a110), and continues the game until a predetermined end condition is satisfied. And the game calculating part 220 complete | finishes the loop A, when satisfy | filling completion | finish conditions. In the present embodiment, the game ends when the player character PC defeats all enemy characters C10, when the player character PC is defeated, or when the play time reaches a predetermined time limit set in advance.

  And if the game calculating part 210 complete | finishes the loop A, a game result will be displayed and a termination effect will be performed (step a130), and this process will be complete | finished.

[Hardware configuration]
Next, an example of a hardware configuration for realizing the game apparatus 1 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the apparatus shown in FIG. 10, a CPU 1000, a ROM 1002, a RAM 1004, an information storage medium 1006, an image generation IC 1010, a sound generation IC 1008, and I / O ports 1012 and 1014 are connected to each other via a system bus 1016 so A control device 1022 is connected to the I / O port 1012, and a communication device 1024 is connected to the I / O port 1014.

  The CPU 1000 controls the entire apparatus and performs various data processing in accordance with a program stored in the information storage medium 1006, a system program stored in the ROM 1002 (such as initialization information of the apparatus main body), and a signal input by the control apparatus 1022. Do.

The RAM 1004 is a storage unit used as a work area of the CPU 1000, and stores given contents in the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002, the calculation result of the CPU 1000, and the like.
An information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data, sound data, play data, and the like, and as an information storage medium, a memory such as a ROM, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD, an IC card, a magnetic disk An optical disk or the like is used.
The RAM 1004 and the information storage medium 1006 correspond to the storage unit 600 shown in FIG.

  In addition, the image generation IC 1010 and the sound generation IC 1008 provided in this apparatus can appropriately output sound and images.

  The image generation IC 1010 is an integrated circuit that generates pixel information based on information sent from the ROM 1002, the RAM 1004, the information storage medium 1006, and the like according to instructions from the CPU 1000, and the generated display signal is output to the display device 1018. . The display device 1018 corresponds to the display unit 300 shown in FIG. 5 and is realized by a CRT, LCD, TV, plasma display, projector, or the like.

  The sound generation IC 1008 is an integrated circuit that generates sound signals according to information stored in the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002 and sound data stored in the RAM 1004 according to instructions from the CPU 1000. Output from the speaker 1020. The speaker 1020 corresponds to the sound output unit 400 shown in FIG.

  The control device 1022 is a device for the player to input an operation related to the game, and its function is realized by hardware such as a lever, a button, and a housing. The control device 1022 corresponds to the operation unit 100 shown in FIG.

  The communication device 1024 exchanges information used inside the device with the outside, and is used for transmitting / receiving given information according to a program to / from other devices. The communication device 1024 corresponds to the communication unit 500 shown in FIG.

  The above-described processing such as game processing is realized by the information storage medium 1006 storing the game program 610 and the like described with reference to FIG. . The CPU 1000, the image generation IC 1010, and the sound generation IC 1008 correspond to the processing unit 200 shown in FIG. 5, and the CPU 1000 mainly uses the game calculation unit 210 shown in FIG. 5, and the image generation IC 1010 shows the image generation shown in FIG. In the unit 230, the sound generation IC 1008 corresponds to the sound generation unit 250 shown in FIG.

  Note that the processing performed by the image generation IC 1010, the sound generation IC 1008, and the like may be performed by software using the CPU 1000 or a general-purpose DSP. In this case, the CPU 1000 corresponds to the processing unit 200 shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the possessed weapon list with the retained weapon as an option is scroll-displayed in accordance with the key operation on the left key 1204c or the right key 1204d. Then, in the possessed weapon list, the possessed weapon is alternatively selected and the currently used weapon is changed. Further, in response to a key operation on the upper key 1204a or the lower key 1204b, the first candidate weapon or the second candidate weapon previously selected from the possessed weapons is switched to the currently used weapon. That is, when a desired possessed weapon is selected from the possessed weapons and the currently used weapon is to be changed, a key operation is performed on the right key 1204d or the left key 1204c. On the other hand, when it is desired to switch a preset use candidate weapon to a currently used weapon, a key operation is performed on the up key 1204a or the down key 1204b. Therefore, the player can easily and immediately switch the currently used weapon by an intuitive operation. Furthermore, since the use candidate weapon set in advance can be changed, any possessed weapon can be set as the use candidate weapon.

[Modification]
The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to those described above, and can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the use candidate weapons corresponding to the instruction input directions in the upward direction and the downward direction are set. For example, the upper right direction, the upper left direction, and the lower right direction. Further, it is possible to set use candidate weapons in each instruction input direction such as a diagonally downward left direction. In addition, the roles of the direction key 1204 and the analog stick 1208 are switched, and the movement operation of the player character PC is realized by the direction key 1204. The instruction input in each direction is performed according to the inclination direction of the analog stick 1208, and It is good also as performing a weapon selection process and a weapon switching process according to.

  Alternatively, a weapon selection process or a weapon switching process may be executed using a part of the direction key 1204. Specifically, for example, the possessed weapon list is displayed according to a key operation on the right key 1204d and scrolled in the right direction only, the currently used weapon is changed, and the use candidate weapon is displayed in the left instruction input direction. It may be set. In this case, when a key operation is performed on the left key 1204c during the game, the currently used weapon is changed to a use candidate weapon.

  In the above-described embodiment, the weapon selection and weapon switching are performed using the direction key 1204, and the character is moved using the analog stick 1208. However, the weapon selection and weapon switching and the character movement are performed. Operation input may be performed with the direction key 1204. For example, by combining the direction key 1204 and other key operations, an operation related to weapon selection or weapon switching and an operation related to character movement are switched. Specifically, when only the direction key 1204 is operated, the movement of the character is controlled, and the key operation of the direction key 1204 and, for example, the button switch 1206b (see FIG. 1B) are simultaneously operated. In this case, weapon selection processing and weapon switching processing may be executed. The same applies to operations related to weapon selection and weapon switching using the analog stick 1208.

  In the above-described embodiment, the current use weapon is switched to the corresponding use candidate weapon according to the key operation on the upper key 1204a or the lower key 1204b in the game, and then the use candidate weapon is reset. The following may be used. That is, the currently used weapon and the corresponding use candidate weapon may be exchanged in response to a key operation on the upper key 1204a or the lower key 1204b during the game. Alternatively, the first candidate weapon, the currently used weapon, and the second candidate weapon may be selected as options in response to a key operation on the upper key 1204a or the lower key 1204b, and these may be scroll-displayed.

  According to this, once the key operation is performed on the upper key 1204a or the lower key 1204b, it is possible to easily and immediately return the currently used weapon.

  In this case, control may be performed so that the weapon icons of the owned weapons set as the use candidate weapons are not displayed from the list of weapon icons displayed as the owned weapon list.

  In the above-described embodiment, the right direction and the left direction are described as the first direction, and the upward direction and the downward direction are described as the second direction. However, the first direction is not distinguished from the right direction or the left direction. These directions may be the second direction without distinguishing between the upward direction and the downward direction.

  The present invention is not limited to the home-use game machine 1200 shown in FIG. 1, but can be applied to various devices such as a commercial game machine, a portable game machine, a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer, and a large-sized attraction apparatus in which a large number of players participate. Can be applied similarly.

  For example, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an overview when the game device of the present invention is applied to the arcade game machine 1400. As shown in FIG. 11, the arcade game machine 1400 has operation buttons 1402 and 1404 and sticks 1406 and 1408 for inputting game operations, a display 1410 for displaying game images, and a speaker 1420 for outputting sound effects, BGM, and the like of the game. Etc. are provided.

  The arcade game machine 1400 includes a system board 1430 on which a CPU, an image generation IC, a sound generation IC, and the like are mounted. Various game processes are executed based on data or operation signals input from the operation buttons 1402 and 1404 and the sticks 1406 and 1408. The operation buttons 1402 and 1404 and the sticks 1406 and 1408 correspond to the operation unit 100 shown in FIG. 5, the display 1410 corresponds to the display unit 300 shown in FIG. 5, and the speaker 1420 corresponds to the sound output unit 400 shown in FIG. Is.

  The player operates the operation buttons 1402 and 1404 and the sticks 1406 and 1408 while listening to the game sound output from the speaker 1420, and enjoys the game while watching the game image displayed on the display 1410. In this case, for example, a weapon selection process and a weapon switching process are executed in response to a key operation on the operation button 1402. In addition, a movement operation of the player character PC is realized by an operation input on the stick 1406, and a cursor movement operation is realized by an operation input on the stick 1408. A bullet firing operation is realized by an operation input to the operation button 1404.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the gun shooting game is executed has been described as an example. However, the applicable game is not limited to the gun shooting game. For example, a role playing game (RPG), an action game, a race The same applies to various games such as games and fighting games. In the above-described embodiment, the case where the weapon equipped on the player character PC is used as an option has been described. As options, usable items used during the game, commands that can be used during the game, etc. It can be set appropriately.

  The present invention can be applied not only to game devices but also to various electronic devices. For example, when the present invention is applied to a music player that reproduces music data, the music data title is scroll-displayed as an option to change the music data to be reproduced, change the candidate music data, or the like. When an instruction is input in the direction corresponding to the candidate music data, the candidate music data is immediately reproduced.

The figure which shows the apparatus structural example at the time of applying a game device to a consumer game machine. The figure which shows an example of a game screen. Diagram for explaining the change of the weapon currently used Illustration to explain the change of candidate weapons The block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of a game device. The figure which shows the data structural example of a possessed weapon table. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a game process. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a weapon selection process. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a weapon switching process. The figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a game device. The figure which shows an example of an apparatus structure at the time of applying a game device to an arcade game machine.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game device 100 Operation part 200 Processing part 210 Game calculating part 211 Weapon selection processing part 213 Weapon switching process part 230 Image generation part 250 Sound generation part 300 Display part 400 Sound output part 500 Communication part 600 Storage part 610 Game program 611 Weapon selection Processing program 613 Weapon switching processing program 630 Held weapon table 650 Currently used weapon data 670 Use candidate weapon data 671 First candidate weapon data 673 Second candidate weapon data

Claims (12)

A computer having a direction indication input device capable of inputting instructions in a plurality of directions or connected to a computer, based on the direction inputted to the direction indication input device, an option as a current option, among a plurality of options, A program for switching to one of the options,
First detection means for detecting that an instruction input direction to the direction instruction input device is a first direction of the plurality of directions;
A first switching unit that performs scroll display control of a plurality of options in response to detection by the first detection unit, and selectively selects an option that is currently selected as an option;
Second detection means for detecting that an instruction input direction to the direction instruction input device is a second direction of the plurality of directions;
In response to detection by the second detection means, a second switching means for switching one of the preset options that can be changed to the current option;
A program for causing the computer to function as   As an option image display control means for controlling the display of the current option image representing the current option and controlling the display of the one option image representing the one option at a position close to the second direction with reference to the current option image The program according to claim 1 for causing said computer to function. The direction indication input device has a plurality of direction keys,
The first detection means causes the computer to function to detect an input of a first direction key of the plurality of direction keys;
The program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second detection unit causes the computer to function so as to detect an input of a second direction key among the plurality of direction keys. The direction indicating input device is configured to be capable of inputting instructions in at least four directions of up, down, left and right,
4. The computer according to claim 1, wherein the computer is caused to function so that a first direction detected by the first detection means and a second direction detected by the second detection means are orthogonal to each other. A program according to any one of the above.   In response to the detection by the second detection means, the second switching means sets the option that was the current option as the one option, and the option that was the one option is made the current option. The program as described in any one of Claims 1-4 for functioning the said computer.   The first switching means causes the computer to function so as to display-control an option that is the same as the one option among a plurality of options for the scroll display control so as to be distinguishable from other options. The program according to any one of 1 to 5. A computer having a direction indicating input device having a plurality of direction keys or connected to a computer is switched from the plurality of options to one of the plurality of options based on the input from the plurality of direction keys. A program for
Partial key input detection means for detecting an input of a part of the plurality of direction keys;
A first switching unit that performs scroll display control of a plurality of options according to detection by the partial key input detection unit, and selects and switches an option that is alternatively selected as the current option;
A residual key input detection means for detecting an input of a remaining direction key excluding the part of the plurality of direction keys;
A second switching unit that switches a preset option that can be changed to a current option in response to detection by the residual key input detection unit;
A program for causing the computer to function as Options are set in advance so that the setting can be changed for each of the remaining direction keys.
The second switching means switches the option corresponding to the direction key detected by the residual key input detecting means to the current option among the preset options for each of the remaining direction keys. The program of Claim 7 for functioning. The direction indication input device is a controller of a game machine,
The option is a player character usable item,
The current option is an item currently used by the player character,
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which causes the computer to function as game progress control means for controlling the player character in accordance with a player's operation input to control the progress of a predetermined game.   The computer-readable information storage medium which memorize | stored the program as described in any one of Claims 1-9. Provided with a direction indication input device capable of inputting instructions in a plurality of directions, or connected to the direction indication input device, and based on the direction input to the direction indication input device, a plurality of options are selected as current options. An electronic device that switches to one of the options,
First detection means for detecting that an instruction input direction to the direction instruction input device is a first direction of the plurality of directions;
A first switching unit that performs scroll display control of a plurality of options in response to detection by the first detection unit, and selects and switches an option that is alternatively selected as a current option;
Second detection means for detecting that an instruction input direction to the direction instruction input device is a second direction of the plurality of directions;
In response to detection by the second detection means, second switching means for switching one of the preset options that can be changed to a current option;
Electronic equipment comprising. A direction indication input device having a plurality of direction keys is provided, or the direction indication input device is connected. Based on an input by the plurality of direction keys, an option as a current option is selected from any one of the plurality of options. An electronic device that switches to a choice,
Partial key input detection means for detecting an input of a part of the plurality of direction keys;
A first switching unit that performs scroll display control of a plurality of options in response to detection by the partial key input detection unit, and selects and switches an option that is alternatively selected as the current option;
Residual key input detection means for detecting input of the remaining direction keys excluding the part of the plurality of direction keys;
In response to detection by the residual key input detection means, second switching means for switching a preset option that can be changed to a current option;
Electronic equipment comprising.

Images