JP2008119176A - Game device, game control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game device and the like which does not make a character's special movement felt by a player to be unnatural. <P>SOLUTION: A storage part 202 of the game device 201 stores a position of a character to be placed in a virtual space. A generation part 203 generates an image for displaying what the virtual space looks like. An adjustment part 204 makes adjustments so as to lower contrast of a generated image during a prescribed period of use after an item is used. A position update part 206 changes and updates the position of the character at a prescribed speed or slower if not during the use period of time; changes and update the position without imposing speed limits during the use period of time. A display part 205 displays an adjusted image to a screen. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game device, a game control method, and a program for realizing these on a computer, which are suitable for preventing a player from feeling unnaturally moving a character.

  Conventionally, games such as RPG (Roll Playing Game), AVG (AdVenture Game), and STG (ShooTing Game), which are arranged in a virtual space and in which characters interact and fight, have been provided. Characters that perform various actions based on the player's own operations are called `` My characters '', `` Own characters '', etc. Characters that determine actions based on other player operations and predetermined algorithms are `` enemy characters '' Sometimes called.

  The character that determines the action based on the operation of any player is “PC (Player Character)”, and the character that the computer performs the calculation based on a predetermined algorithm is “NPC (Non -Player Character) ".

  In addition, a character that acts as an NPC and protects his / her character may be called a “friend character” or “buddy character”.

  In such various games, each character often uses various items. Items are attacks against opposing characters, defense from other characters, "keys" for operating various objects placed in the virtual space where the game is set (for example, "keys" that open "doors", "Match" to light "Fire", "Stick" to break "Small", "Smoke ball" to give out "Smoke screen", "Luminous bullet" to give "light of blinds", etc.) Used for

Technologies related to such games are disclosed in, for example, the following documents.
JP 2002-166045 A

  [Patent Document 1] discloses a technique for advancing a game battle scene by determining whether or not an attack is possible in consideration of the moving speed and distance between an enemy character and a friend character.

  Now, in such games, as in the real world, there is often an upper limit on the speed at which each character moves in the virtual space. The player decides how to act on the enemy character by looking at the enemy character type and various parameter information, and watching the enemy character actually move on the screen. . Therefore, unless the upper limit speed is observed for the movement speed of the enemy character viewed from the player, the player will feel the movement of the enemy character unnaturally, and the distrust of the game system will increase.

  However, in order to adjust the difficulty level of the game, it is often desirable to temporarily remove the upper limit of the movement speed of enemy characters. On the other hand, as described above, there is a desire to make the movement of the enemy character seen from the player look natural.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and provides a game device, a game control method, and a program that realizes these on a computer, which are suitable for preventing a player from unnaturally feeling the special movement of a character. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the following invention is disclosed in accordance with the principle of the present invention.

  A game device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit, a generation unit, an adjustment unit, a position update unit, and a display unit, and is configured as follows.

  That is, the storage unit stores the position of the character arranged in the virtual space.

  Typically, the character is an NPC enemy character. The character typically has an item, and the item corresponds to a smoke ball for a smoke screen, a light emitting bullet for dizziness, or the like. Hereinafter, a case where an item is used will be described as a typical example.

  On the other hand, the generation unit generates an image representing the virtual space including the character.

  As a display method of the virtual space, the ground is divided into two-dimensional grids or hexagons and displayed, and the characters are superimposed on the respective grids and the characters are arranged in the virtual space and reflected in the image. You may let them. Further, as will be described later, the virtual space is made into a three-dimensional space, a character or the like is defined by an object made of polygons, and perspective projection from a viewpoint arranged in the virtual space onto a projection plane arranged in the line-of-sight direction, A method of displaying three-dimensional graphics is also conceivable. Note that the items may or may not be reflected in the image.

  On the other hand, the adjustment unit reduces the contrast of the generated image for a predetermined period of use when a predetermined usage condition is satisfied, and maintains the contrast of the generated image otherwise. Adjust the contrast of the image.

  As described above, in a game in which a character uses an item, setting is made so that the usage status of the stored item is required to be unused as a predetermined usage condition is satisfied. If the character is an NPC, the CPU of the game device determines whether or not the unused item is being used by appropriately setting the character action selection algorithm.

  In the real world, if the smoke screen is thrown or the light-emitting bomb explodes, the field of view becomes temporarily invisible temporarily. This is because the difference in brightness and the difference in color are reduced, that is, the contrast is lowered. Therefore, when an item is used, the player is notified that the item has been used by reducing the contrast of the image for a certain period of use.

  The predetermined use conditions can be appropriately determined according to the rules and types of the game. In conventional RPG, AVG, STG, and the like, since the game system determines which item is used at which timing, based on a predetermined algorithm, the same technique can be applied in the present invention. .

  Further, the position update unit sets the character movable range when the predetermined usage period is longer than the character movable range when the predetermined usage period is not, and stores the character The position of the character stored in the part is updated.

  If you are using an item, for example, if you are using a smoke screen, the player will be blinded, so the player will have an unnatural impression even if the character movement range is widened. I do not receive it. For this reason, the game system can select the movement destination of the enemy character more freely. As a result, the difficulty level of the game can be changed.

  On the other hand, the display unit displays an image with adjusted contrast.

  Therefore, if the item is not used, the image itself generated by the generator is displayed on the screen. If the item is used, the image generated by reducing the contrast of the image generated by the generator is displayed on the screen. Will be displayed.

  According to the present invention, the restriction due to the upper limit of the moving speed of the character is relaxed during the period in which the character is not visible to the player, so that the player does not feel unnaturalness while appropriately adjusting the difficulty level of the game. be able to.

  In addition, the game device can further include a usage status update unit and can be configured as follows.

  Here, the storage unit further stores the usage status of the item.

  The position of the character stored in the storage unit is updated by switching whether or not a predetermined upper limit is set for a change in the position of the character per unit time depending on whether or not it is the predetermined use period.

  In the present invention, the range of the character's movable range is changed by switching the upper limit of the character's moving speed.

  That is, in the normal state where the item is not used, the enemy character moves in the virtual world while keeping the upper limit speed, but is not bound by the upper limit speed for a certain period immediately after the item is used. For this reason, the game system can select the movement destination of the enemy character more freely. As a result, the difficulty level of the game can be changed.

  On the other hand, the limitation due to the upper limit speed of the enemy character is eliminated as long as the contrast of the image displayed on the screen is lowered, that is, the movement of the enemy character cannot be recognized by the player. Therefore, even if the contrast returns to normal and the appearance of the enemy character becomes clear, the player does not feel unnatural movement of the enemy character.

  Then, the usage status update unit updates the usage status of the item stored in the storage unit to “used” during the predetermined usage period.

  The timing for updating the item usage information may be the beginning of the usage period (the moment when the usage conditions are satisfied) or the end of the usage period (the moment when the contrast of the image is not reduced).

  The present invention relates to a preferred embodiment of the above invention, and when the character uses an item such as a smoke screen in the virtual space, it provides a dazzling effect to the player and the movement speed of the character at that time. By changing the upper limit, the difficulty level of the game can be adjusted while giving a natural impression to the player.

  The game device of the present invention can be configured as follows.

  That is, the storage unit further stores the position of the viewpoint arranged in the virtual space and the direction of the line of sight, and the position of the item in the virtual space, and the generation unit stores the virtual space in the direction of the line of sight from the viewpoint. The image seen in is generated.

  This is because the state of the virtual world is presented to the player by 3D graphics as described above.

  On the other hand, when the predetermined usage condition is satisfied for the unused item, the adjusting unit determines that the unused viewpoint is matched with the distance between the viewpoint and the unused item, and the direction of the line of sight and the viewpoint. The angle formed with the direction to the item is calculated, and the smaller the distance and the angle, the longer the predetermined use period and the greater the degree of contrast reduction.

  If the place where the smokeballs and luminous bullets of the smoke screen explode is close to your line of sight, the degree of dizziness will increase accordingly. That is, smoke and light are also “darker” and the time until the field of view is restored is longer. The present invention responds to such a situation. The closer the item usage location is to the viewpoint, and the closer the item usage location is to the line of sight, the longer the predetermined usage period is. The degree of decline is also increased.

  According to the present invention, the degree and duration of contrast reduction can be appropriately determined according to the place where an item is used, and a player can present a natural virtual space image. .

  Further, in the game device of the present invention, the position update unit switches whether to set a predetermined upper limit for the change per unit time of the position of the character, “whether it is the predetermined use period” Instead of the above, it can be configured to be based on “whether or not the degree of reduction in the contrast is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value”.

  In the above invention, the period during which the restriction due to the upper limit of the character moving speed is relaxed is during a predetermined use period, but in the present invention, the degree of contrast reduction is during a predetermined threshold value or more. In the above example, the restriction on the movement speed of the enemy character is relaxed while it corresponds to the situation where the enemy's movement cannot be seen because the smoke is dark or the light is dazzling.

  The present invention is one of the modified embodiments of the above invention, and can appropriately determine a period during which the player does not feel unnatural even if the upper limit of the moving speed of the character is relaxed.

  Further, in the game device of the present invention, the generation unit is configured to determine, from the viewpoint, the character that is placed in the virtual space and the item that is not used among the items that are placed in the virtual space. An image viewed in the direction of the line of sight can be generated.

  The present invention is one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the player can recognize whether or not an item is unused depending on whether or not the item is displayed on the screen. In addition, when an item moves in the virtual space, such as when an enemy character launches or throws the item, the player can recognize the situation.

  According to the present invention, the player can appropriately grasp the usage status of the item and the current state from the screen display.

  A game control method according to another aspect of the present invention controls a game device including a storage unit, a generation unit, an adjustment unit, a position update unit, and a display unit, and includes a generation process, an adjustment process, a position update process, and a display process. The configuration is as follows.

  That is, the position of the character arranged in the virtual space is stored in the storage unit.

  On the other hand, in the generation step, the generation unit generates an image representing the virtual space including the character.

  Further, in the adjustment process, when a predetermined use condition is satisfied, the adjustment unit reduces the contrast of the generated image for a predetermined use period, and otherwise maintains the contrast of the generated image. , Adjust the contrast of the generated image.

  In the position update process, the position update unit switches whether to set a predetermined upper limit for the change per unit time of the position of the character depending on whether or not the predetermined use period, and stores it in the storage unit. Update the memorized character position.

  On the other hand, in the display step, the display unit displays an image with adjusted contrast.

  A program according to another aspect of the present invention is configured to cause a computer to function as the game device described above and to cause the computer to execute the game control method described above.

  The program of the present invention can be recorded on a computer-readable information storage medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory.

  The above program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. The information storage medium can be distributed and sold independently from the computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game device, a game control method, and a program that realizes these on a computer, which are suitable for preventing the player from feeling unnaturally the special movement of the character.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the following, for ease of understanding, an embodiment in which the present invention is realized using a game information processing device will be described. However, the embodiment described below is for explanation, and the present invention is described. It does not limit the range. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a typical information processing apparatus that performs functions of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention by executing a program. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an interface 104, a controller 105, an external memory 106, an image processing unit 107, and a DVD-ROM. (Digital Versatile Disc ROM) drive 108, NIC (Network Interface Card) 109, audio processing unit 110, and microphone 111.

  When a DVD-ROM storing a game program and data is loaded into the DVD-ROM drive 108 and the information processing apparatus 100 is turned on, the program is executed and the apparatus according to the present embodiment is realized. The

  The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 100 and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data. Further, the CPU 101 uses arithmetic operations such as addition / subtraction / multiplication / division, logical sum, logical product, etc. using an ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) (not shown) for a storage area called a register (not shown) that can be accessed at high speed. , Logic operations such as logical negation, bit operations such as bit sum, bit product, bit inversion, bit shift, and bit rotation can be performed. In addition, the CPU 101 itself is configured so that saturation operations such as addition / subtraction / multiplication / division for multimedia processing, vector operations such as trigonometric functions, etc. can be performed at a high speed, and those provided with a coprocessor. There is.

  The ROM 102 records an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that is executed immediately after the power is turned on, and when this is executed, the program recorded on the DVD-ROM is read out to the RAM 103 and execution by the CPU 101 is started. The The ROM 102 stores an operating system program and various data necessary for operation control of the entire information processing apparatus 100.

  The RAM 103 is for temporarily storing data and programs, and holds programs and data read from the DVD-ROM and other data necessary for game progress and chat communication. Further, the CPU 101 provides a variable area in the RAM 103 and performs an operation by directly operating the ALU on the value stored in the variable, or temporarily stores the value stored in the RAM 103 in the register. Perform operations such as performing operations on registers and writing back the operation results to memory.

  The controller 105 connected via the interface 104 receives an operation input performed when the user executes the game.

  The external memory 106 detachably connected via the interface 104 stores data indicating game play status (past results, etc.), data indicating game progress, and log of chat communication in the case of a network match ( Data) is stored in a rewritable manner. The user can record these data in the external memory 106 as appropriate by inputting an instruction via the controller 105.

  A DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 108 stores a program for realizing the game and image data and audio data associated with the game. Under the control of the CPU 101, the DVD-ROM drive 108 performs a reading process on the DVD-ROM loaded therein, reads out necessary programs and data, and these are temporarily stored in the RAM 103 or the like.

  The image processing unit 107 processes the data read from the DVD-ROM by an image arithmetic processor (not shown) included in the CPU 101 or the image processing unit 107, and then processes the processed data on a frame memory ( (Not shown). The image information recorded in the frame memory is converted into a video signal at a predetermined synchronization timing and output to a monitor (not shown) connected to the image processing unit 107. Thereby, various image displays are possible.

  The image calculation processor can execute a two-dimensional image overlay calculation, a transmission calculation such as α blending, and various saturation calculations at high speed.

  In addition, when the virtual space is configured in three dimensions, polygon information that is arranged in the three-dimensional space and to which various texture information is added is rendered by the Z buffer method, and a predetermined viewpoint position is used. It is also possible to perform a high-speed execution of a calculation that obtains a rendering image obtained by looking down at a polygon arranged in the virtual space in the direction of a predetermined line of sight.

  Further, the CPU 101 and the image arithmetic processor operate in a coordinated manner, so that a character string can be drawn as a two-dimensional image in a frame memory or drawn on the surface of each polygon according to font information that defines the character shape. is there.

  The NIC 109 is used to connect the information processing apparatus 100 to a computer communication network (not shown) such as the Internet, and is based on the 10BASE-T / 100BASE-T standard used when configuring a LAN (Local Area Network). To connect to the Internet using an analog modem, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) modem, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modem, cable television line A cable modem or the like, and an interface (not shown) that mediates between them and the CPU 101 are configured.

  The audio processing unit 110 converts audio data read from the DVD-ROM into an analog audio signal and outputs the analog audio signal from a speaker (not shown) connected thereto. Further, under the control of the CPU 101, sound effects and music data to be generated during the progress of the game are generated, and sound corresponding to this is output from the speaker.

  When the audio data recorded on the DVD-ROM is MIDI data, the audio processing unit 110 refers to the sound source data included in the audio data and converts the MIDI data into PCM data. If the compressed audio data is in ADPCM format or Ogg Vorbis format, it is expanded and converted to PCM data. The PCM data can be output by performing D / A (Digital / Analog) conversion at a timing corresponding to the sampling frequency and outputting it to a speaker.

  Furthermore, a microphone 111 can be connected to the information processing apparatus 100 via the interface 104. In this case, the analog signal from the microphone 111 is subjected to A / D conversion at an appropriate sampling frequency so that processing such as mixing in the sound processing unit 110 can be performed as a PCM format digital signal.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 100 uses a large-capacity external storage device such as a hard disk so as to perform the same function as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the external memory 106, the DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 108, and the like. You may comprise.

  The information processing apparatus 100 described above corresponds to a so-called “consumer video game apparatus”, but the present invention can be realized as long as it performs image processing to display a virtual space. Therefore, the present invention can be realized on various computers such as a mobile phone, a portable game device, a karaoke apparatus, and a general business computer.

  For example, a general computer, like the information processing apparatus 100, includes an image processing unit that includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, DVD-ROM drive, and NIC and has simpler functions than the information processing apparatus 100. In addition to having a hard disk as an external storage device, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, and the like can be used. Further, not the controller 105 but a keyboard or a mouse is used as an input device.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is realized on the information processing apparatus 100. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The game device 201 according to the present embodiment includes a storage unit 202, a generation unit 203, an adjustment unit 204, a display unit 205, a position update unit 206, and a usage status update unit 207.

The storage unit 202 includes the RAM 103 and stores the following information.
(A) Position of enemy character and upper limit speed (b) Usage status of item owned by enemy character and position of the item (c) Viewpoint, line of sight, distance between projection plane and viewpoint (d) Current item in use The intensity parameter p and the elapsed time t since it was used

  Such information may be updated by an element of the present invention as described later, or may be updated by a known game progress technique.

  In this embodiment, the enemy character is an NPC, and moves in the virtual space or uses an item according to an algorithm realized by a program prepared in advance. For example, use random numbers to determine the direction of movement, determine the direction of movement to approach the position of the viewpoint (corresponding to the vicinity of your character), or increase the probability of using the item as the distance from the viewpoint gets closer Such as using random numbers, and so on.

  Items possessed by enemy characters are equivalent to smoke balls for smoke screens and light emitting bullets for dizziness. In the real world, when these items are used, the field of view is obstructed by smoke or the eyes are dazzled by brightness, and the surroundings become invisible. In the present embodiment, this situation is expressed by adjusting the contrast of an image when an image presenting a virtual space is displayed on the screen.

  Further, from the intensity parameter p and the elapsed time t, it is possible to calculate the current state of the item (smoke density, glare of light emission, etc.). In the following description, for ease of understanding, it is assumed that there is only one item. However, in a situation where a plurality of items are used at the same time, these items are managed by an array. What is necessary is just to perform the process mentioned later about an item.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control flow of the game control process executed by the game apparatus 201. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  First, when this process is started, the CPU 101 reads various numerical parameters for initialization from the DVD-ROM loaded in the DVD-ROM drive 108 and initializes the storage unit 202 prepared in the RAM 103. (Step S301). Various parameters recorded on the DVD-ROM may be used as they are, or may be generated by random numbers based on the settings recorded on the DVD-ROM.

  In this embodiment, the strength parameter p is initialized to “0” and the elapsed time t is initialized to “−1”. These all mean that the item is not currently in use.

  Next, the CPU 101 refers to the storage unit 202 prepared in the RAM 103 and uses the three-dimensional graphics function prepared by the image processing unit 107 to use the virtual space when viewed from the viewpoint in the direction of the line of sight. An image representing the situation is generated (step S302). The image includes at least an enemy character, but may include an item (particularly, an “unused” item) or a self-character. In this embodiment, three-dimensional graphics using perspective projection based on one-point perspective is adopted. However, parallel projection may be used, and map display or bird's-eye view using a grid or hexagon as seen in SLG (SimuLation Game). It is also possible to adopt expressions.

  Therefore, the CPU 101 functions as the generation unit 203 in cooperation with the RAM 103 and the image processing unit 107. The generated image is stored in an image buffer in the RAM 103.

Further, the CPU 101 refers to the storage unit 202 prepared in the RAM 103 to determine whether or not the enemy character uses the item (step S303). In order to use items, the following conditions must be satisfied.
(A) the item is "unused" and
(B) Satisfy predetermined usage conditions.

The predetermined use conditions are determined by the NPC behavior algorithm, and for example, the following conditions can be adopted.
(1) When the distance between the enemy character and the viewpoint is close.
(2) The enemy character's health parameter is less than a predetermined threshold.
(3) The difference between the physical strength parameters of the enemy character and the own character is less than the threshold value.
(4) The generated random number is included in a predetermined range.
(5) When the character reaches a predetermined place in the virtual space.
(6) When the time in the virtual space reaches a predetermined time.
(7) An item launched and thrown by an enemy character reaches a predetermined location.
(8) Appropriate combination of the above.

  When the item is not used (step S303; No), the CPU 101 determines whether or not t ≧ 0 with respect to the elapsed time t of the item stored in the RAM 103 (step S306). Otherwise (step S306; No), it means that the current item is not used. Therefore, the CPU 101 calculates the destination of the enemy character so that the enemy character is moved at a speed equal to or lower than the upper limit speed assigned to the enemy character (step S307).

  Unless the item is used, the calculation in step S307 is performed at the vertical synchronization interrupt interval. Therefore, when the enemy character is moved in real time, the movement amount of the enemy character is the vertical synchronization interrupt at the upper limit speed. Conditioning is performed so that the value is equal to or less than the value multiplied by the interval. Such conditioning is incorporated into the above NPC behavioral algorithm.

  Then, the position of the enemy character stored in the storage unit 202 of the RAM 103 is updated to the movement destination calculated in step S307 (step S308). Therefore, the CPU 101 functions as the position update unit 206 in cooperation with the RAM 103.

  Then, it waits until the next vertical synchronization interrupt occurs (step S304). During this standby, other processes necessary for the game can be appropriately executed in a coroutine manner.

  When the vertical synchronization interrupt occurs, the CPU 101 instructs the image processing unit 107 to display the image stored in the image buffer in the RAM 103 on the monitor (step S305), and returns to step S302. As a result, the image stored in the image buffer is displayed on the screen of the monitor, and the player can know the state of the virtual space.

  Therefore, the CPU 101 functions as the display unit 205 in cooperation with the RAM 103, the image processing unit 107, and the like.

  On the other hand, if t ≧ 0 (step S306; Yes), it means that the item is in use, that is, the current time is during the usage period of the item. Therefore, in the following, description will be made along the case where it is determined that an item is used (step S303; Yes).

  When it is determined that the item is to be used (step S303; Yes), the CPU 101 calculates the strength parameter of the item (step S309), substitutes the calculated value for p, and the elapsed time t of using the item. 0 is substituted into (Step S310).

  The item strength parameter may always be a predetermined constant, but the position of the item and the position of the viewpoint (or the position of the player's own character, which will be described below using "viewpoint" as an example) and the direction of the line of sight It may be determined by relationship.

  For example, this is a technique in which the smaller the distance d between the item position and the viewpoint position, the larger the value. In addition to this, the angle θ formed by the direction from the viewpoint to the item and the direction of the line of sight is set to a larger value as the angle θ is smaller. Moreover, you may combine these.

In general, when there are monotonically decreasing functions f (・) and g (・),
p = f (d) × g (θ)
Then, the intensity parameter can be easily calculated. These intensity parameters typically use floating point or fixed point calculations with a predetermined accuracy.

For example, the following function h (•) can be selected as the monotonically decreasing function f (•) or g (•). Here, L and M are appropriate positive constants.
(1) h (z) = 1 (z <L);
h (z) = 1- (Mz) / (ML) (L <z ≦ M);
h (z) = 0 (M <z)
(2) h (z) = exp (-z / L)
(3) h (z) = exp (-z ² / L)
(4) h (z) = 1-2 x atan (z / L) / π
(5) Function h (z) using an array table. The array table is set so that the element value h [z] of the array table decreases as the index z increases, and h (z) = h [z]. However, h [0] is 1 and h [z] = 0 for sufficiently large z.

In this way, the intensity parameter p is always
0 ≦ p ≦ 1
Will be established.

  After initializing the strength parameter p and the elapsed time t (step S310), the CPU 101 updates the usage status of the item stored in the storage unit 202 of the RAM 103 to “used” (step S310). S311), the process proceeds to step S306. That is, the CPU 101 functions as the usage status update unit 207 in cooperation with the RAM 103.

  Now, it is determined whether or not t ≧ 0 (step S306), but after passing through step S310, t ≧ 0 (step S306; Yes), so the item is in use. .

  Therefore, the elapsed time t is increased by 1 (step S312). That is, the elapsed time t is in units of the vertical synchronization interrupt interval.

  Next, the CPU 101 calculates a parameter value α of the degree of contrast reduction from the intensity parameter p and the elapsed time t (step S313).

  In general, the smoke screen and the light emitted from the light emitting bombs are attenuated over time, so that any of the above functions h (•) can be adopted as the function q (•) applied to the elapsed time t. . Of course, any function may be adopted as long as the association is performed so that q (t) approaches 0 asymptotically as t increases.

Then, the parameter value α is calculated as follows.
α = p × q (t)

The parameter value α is a parameter indicating the degree of decrease in contrast, and when obtained by performing the above calculation,
0 ≦ α ≦ 1

  Is established.

  That is, α = 0 corresponds to not changing the contrast of the image, and α = 1 corresponds to making the image completely out of contrast (all the same color).

  In this embodiment, α blending with a predetermined color is performed in order to express a decrease in contrast.

In other words, the color of light from smoke screens and light emitting bullets is expressed in RGB.
(R, G, B)
And These pieces of information are read from the DVD-ROM or the like to the RAM 103 or the like and initialized.

  The CPU 101 repeats the following processing for each pixel of the image generated in the image buffer in the RAM 103 (steps S314 to S316).

That is, the pixel value of the pixel is
(r, g, b)
The pixel value of the pixel is
(r, g, b) ← α × (R, G, B) + (1-α) × (r, g, b)
In this way, linear synthesis is performed and substitution is performed (step S315). This process is repeated for each pixel (step S316).

  By performing such processing, while α> 0, the pixel value of the generated image changes so that the contrast is lowered. Further, when α = 0, there is no change in the contrast of the generated image.

  Therefore, the CPU 101 functions as the adjustment unit 204 in cooperation with the RAM 103.

  In the above method, α blending is performed so that the entire screen is close to a certain color (R, G, B), but a light image of a smoke screen or luminous bullet is prepared in advance and α blending is performed with this image. Various aspects may be adopted.

  It is also possible to present more realistic situations such as smoke screens and explosions of light emitting bullets by moving the composite position of these α-blended images according to the location of the perspective projection of the item position in the virtual space. .

  When the adjustment of the pixel value of each pixel is completed (step S316), the CPU 101 calculates the movement destination of the enemy character without imposing any restriction on the “upper limit speed” (step S317).

  As mentioned above, unless an item is used, it will be performed at the vertical synchronization interrupt interval, so if the enemy character moves in real time, the enemy character's movement amount will be vertically synchronized with the upper limit speed. Conditioning will be performed so that the value is equal to or less than the value multiplied by the interval. However, in step S317, since the contrast is reduced, even if the enemy character is moved at a speed higher than the set upper limit speed, That figure is invisible to the player. Therefore, even if the movement speed is increased to increase the difficulty level of the game, the player does not feel unnatural.

  At this time, only when the parameter value α is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (only when the degree of decrease in contrast of the screen is a certain level or more), the enemy character is moved without imposing a limit on the “upper speed”. It is also good.

  Further, the enemy character may be moved without imposing a restriction on the “upper limit speed” when the parameter value α is maintained at a predetermined threshold value or more and the elapsed time t becomes equal to a certain constant value. This relaxes restrictions on the movement of enemy characters when the screen is difficult to see due to smoke screens or light for a certain period of time.

In order to relax the restriction on the movement of the enemy character, for example, the following action form may be added to the NPC action algorithm employed in step S307.
(1) Move away from the line-of-sight direction.
(2) Move in a direction away from the viewpoint position.
(3) Move behind the player's own character.
(4) Combine the above processes with random numbers.

  Then, the position of the enemy character stored in the storage unit 202 of the RAM 103 is updated to the movement destination calculated in step S317 (step S318).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the parameter value α is equal to 0 with a predetermined accuracy (step S319). If it is equal to 0 (step S319; Yes), −1 is substituted for the elapsed time t (step S320). The item usage period ends, and the process returns to step S304.

  As another method, when the elapsed time t becomes longer than a predetermined upper limit time, t ← −1 may be executed in the same manner to end the item usage period.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing how the adjustment result changes depending on the parameter value α. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  This figure (a) is in the situation where the item has not been used yet, and the image 401 depicts the ground 402, the enemy character 403, the smoke ball item 404 thrown by the enemy character 403, and the own character 405. ing.

  This figure (b) shows the state of the image 401 generated in the image buffer immediately after the item 404 is used after this figure (a), and the smoke ball item 404 is included in the image 401. Not.

  This figure (c) shows the state of the image 401 after adjustment in the case of α = 1, which is displayed on the screen immediately after the item 404 has exploded. In this example, since white is adopted as (R, G, B), the entire image 401 is completely white.

  This figure (d) shows the state of the image 401 after adjustment when 0 <α <1, and the image 401 has a white haze and the contrast is lowered. Therefore, the appearance of the enemy character 403 is not clearly visible. For this reason, the code | symbol is not attached | subjected in this figure. This figure (d) is a display example with higher contrast than this figure (c), and the appearance of the enemy character 403 may not be seen somewhat, but this figure (d) and this figure (c). The contrast between the two may be employed, or immediately after the explosion, this figure (c) may be adopted, and the contrast may gradually decrease as shown in this figure (d).

  This figure (e) shows the state where α = 0 after the state shown in this figure (c) and this figure (d), and the position of the enemy character 403 has changed greatly. This is a display example that can be clearly seen by the user.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in order to relax the restriction due to the upper limit of the character moving speed during the period in which the character is not visible to the player, the player is made unnatural while appropriately adjusting the difficulty level of the game. It can be made not to feel.

  In this embodiment, the upper and lower limits of the character movement speed itself are switched to switch the range of movement of the character, but other modes can also be adopted.

  For example, when one item is used, it is a technique that allows a character to move instantaneously (sometimes referred to as “warp”) only once when the contrast of the screen becomes low. Since the instantaneous movement is performed while the contrast of the screen is low, it does not give the player the impression that the character is moving unnaturally.

  The destination of the instantaneous movement can be changed as appropriate according to the rules of the game, including those shown in (1) to (4) above. For example, a method such as selecting at random from an arbitrary place in the current game scene, making it a place that is advantageous to the enemy character 403 such as behind the player character 405, or making a place that is difficult to see from the player character 405, etc. Conceivable.

  When the instantaneous movement can be performed only once, the instantaneous movement timing may be the moment when the parameter value α becomes less than a predetermined threshold. Also, by monitoring the parameter value α and the time t, it is possible to measure the length of time for which the parameter value α has been equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. The range may be widened.

  In addition, since it can be considered that multiple instantaneous movements are equivalent to one instantaneous movement, in this embodiment, the number of instantaneous movements that can be performed for one item is set to one. Without being provided, it may be possible to move any number of times while the contrast is lower than a predetermined threshold.

  According to the present embodiment, when an item is used, the behavior of the enemy character 403 can be temporarily made more advantageous than the player character 405, so that the player does not feel the behavior unnaturally. In addition, it is possible to attract the player's interest by changing the difficulty level of the game.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game device, a game control method, and a program for realizing these on a computer, which are suitable for preventing a player from feeling unnatural movement of a character. Can do.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the outline | summary structure of the typical information processing apparatus which performs the function of the game device of this invention by running a program. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the game device which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of control of the game control process performed in this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of the image produced | generated and adjusted in this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100 Information processing apparatus 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Interface 105 Controller 106 External Memory 107 Image Processing Unit 108 DVD-ROM Drive 109 NIC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110 Sound processing part 111 Microphone 201 Game device 202 Storage part 203 Generation part 204 Adjustment part 205 Display part 206 Position update part 207 Usage condition update part 401 Image 402 Ground 403 Enemy character 404 Item 405 Own character

Claims (7)

A storage unit for storing the positions of characters placed in the virtual space;
A generating unit that generates an image representing the virtual space including the character;
When a predetermined usage condition is met, the generated image contrast is reduced for a predetermined usage period, otherwise the generated image contrast is maintained and the generated image contrast is maintained. Adjustment part to adjust,
The character stored in the storage unit is set such that the movable range of the character in the predetermined usage period is wider than the movable range of the character in the predetermined usage period. A position update unit for updating the position of
A game device comprising: a display unit that displays the image with the contrast adjusted. The game device according to claim 1,
The storage unit further stores the usage status of items arranged in the virtual space,
In order for the predetermined usage condition to be satisfied, at least the usage status of the stored item needs to be unused,
The position update unit switches whether to set a predetermined upper limit for the change per unit time of the position of the character depending on whether or not it is the predetermined use period, and sets the movable range of the character. ,
A game device, further comprising: a usage status update unit that updates the usage status of the item stored in the storage unit to used during the predetermined usage period. The game device according to claim 1 or 2,
The storage unit further stores the position of the viewpoint and the direction of the line of sight arranged in the virtual space, the position of the item in the virtual space,
The generation unit generates an image of the virtual space viewed from the viewpoint in the direction of the line of sight,
When the predetermined use condition is satisfied for the unused item, the adjustment unit is configured to use the unused item from the viewpoint and the distance between the unused item and the direction of the line of sight and the viewpoint. A game device characterized in that an angle formed with a direction to the direction is calculated, and as the distance and the angle become smaller, the predetermined period of use is lengthened and the degree of decrease in contrast is increased. The game device according to claim 3,
The position update unit switches whether to set a predetermined upper limit to the change per unit time of the position of the character, depending on “whether it is the predetermined use period” or not. A game device, characterized in that it depends on whether or not the degree of contrast reduction is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. The game device according to claim 3 or 4,
The generation unit displays an image of the character arranged in the virtual space and an item that is not used among the items arranged in the virtual space as viewed from the viewpoint in the direction of the line of sight. The game device characterized by producing | generating. A game control method for controlling a game device having a storage unit, a generation unit, an adjustment unit, a position update unit, and a display unit for storing the positions of characters arranged in a virtual space,
A generating step in which the generating unit generates an image representing the virtual space including the character;
When a predetermined use condition is satisfied, the adjustment unit reduces the contrast of the generated image during a predetermined use period, and otherwise maintains the contrast of the generated image to generate the generation Adjustment process for adjusting the contrast of the captured image,
The position update unit is set so that the movable range of the character when the predetermined usage period is not larger than the movable range of the character when the predetermined update period is not used, and the storage unit A position update process for updating the position of the character stored in
The game control method, wherein the display unit includes a display step of displaying the image with the contrast adjusted. Computer
A storage unit for storing the positions of characters placed in the virtual space;
A generating unit that generates an image representing the virtual space including the character;
When a predetermined usage condition is met, the generated image contrast is reduced for a predetermined usage period, otherwise the generated image contrast is maintained and the generated image contrast is maintained. Adjustment part to adjust,
The character stored in the storage unit is set such that the movable range of the character in the predetermined usage period is wider than the movable range of the character in the predetermined usage period. A position update unit for updating the position of
A program that functions as a display unit that displays the contrast-adjusted image.

Images