JP2008237691A - Game program, game device and game control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily indicate the path to a target location to a character. <P>SOLUTION: According to the game program, a reference line in the game space is recognized by a control part 1, and a reference region KR1 including the reference line is recognized by the control part 1. Then, whether the character performing motions is located inside the reference region KR1 or not is determined by the control part 1. If the control part 1 determines that the character performing motions is located inside the reference region KR1, a first announcement image 80 which announces that the character is located inside the reference region KR1 is displayed in an image display part 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game program, and more particularly to a game program for realizing a game in which a character moves in a game space. The present invention also relates to a game apparatus capable of executing a game realized by the game program, and a game control method for controlling the game realized by the game program by a computer.

  Conventionally, various video games have been proposed. These video games are executed in a game device. For example, a general game device has a monitor, a game machine main body separate from the monitor, and an input device such as a controller separate from the game machine main body. The controller has a plurality of input buttons.

  As one of the games realized by such a game device, for example, a baseball game is known (see Non-Patent Document 1). In such a baseball game, when a game event is executed, a pitcher character, a fielder character, a batter character, and the like are displayed on the monitor. In this state, when the player instructs various characters to each character displayed on the monitor, each character can be caused to perform an action corresponding to the instructed command.

  Here, for example, consider a case where the player gives various commands to the fielder character on the defensive side. For example, when a ball is returned by a batter character of an enemy team and the returned ball flies, a yellow triangle symbol is displayed on the monitor above the fielder character (operation target character) that can be operated by the player. The When the cross key of the controller is operated, the operation target character moves in the operation direction of the operated cross key. When the operation target character is located in an area where the ball can be caught (ball catching area), the color of the triangle symbol changes from yellow to purple. By this color change, the player can know that the operation target character has reached the catching area.

In general, the player can arbitrarily select whether or not to display the catching area. However, in a state where the catching area is displayed, the operation target character can be positioned in the catching area very easily. For this reason, the operation target character is often operated with the catching area hidden.
Jikkyou Powerful Pro Baseball 13 Final Edition, Konami Digital Entertainment, PS2 Edition, July 13, 2006

  In the conventional baseball game, when the ball bounced back by the batter character flies, the change in the color of the triangle symbol above the operation target character indicates that the player has reached the catching area. I can know.

  However, in order to move the operation target character to the catching area, the player needs to instruct the fielder character on the route to the catching area by eye measurement. For this reason, even if the distance from the fielder character to the catching area is short (even if it is a very easy fly), there is a problem that it is difficult to position the fielder character in the catching area. In particular, this problem became more important as the player was a beginner.

  Further, even when the ball hit back by the batter character becomes a goro, the player needs to instruct the fielder character the path to the golo's catching position by eye. In this case as well, there is a problem that it is difficult to position the fielder character at the catching position even if the distance from the fielder character to the catching area is short (even if it is very easy). .

  An object of the present invention is to enable a character to be easily instructed a route to a target position.

A game program according to claim 1 is a program for causing a computer capable of executing a game in which a character operates in a game space to realize the following functions.
(1) A reference line recognition function for causing the control unit to recognize a reference line in the game space.
(2) A reference area recognition function for causing the control unit to recognize a reference area including a reference line.
(3) A first character position determination function that causes the control unit to determine whether or not the character is positioned inside the reference area.
(4) A first notification image that displays on the image display unit a first notification image that notifies that the character is positioned inside the reference region when the control unit determines that the character is positioned inside the reference region. Display function.

  In this game program, the reference line in the game space is recognized by the control unit in the reference line recognition function. In the reference area recognition function, the reference area including the reference line is recognized by the control unit. In the first character position determination function, the control unit determines whether or not the character is positioned inside the reference area. In the first notification image display function, when the control unit determines that the character is located inside the reference region, a first notification image that notifies that the character is located inside the reference region is displayed on the image display unit. Is displayed.

  For example, when this game program is applied to a baseball game, a reference line on the ground is recognized by the control unit in the baseball game space. Then, the reference area including the reference line is recognized by the control unit. Then, the control unit determines whether or not the fielder character is located inside the reference area. Then, when the control unit determines that the fielder character is located inside the reference region, a first notification image that notifies that the fielder character is located inside the reference region is displayed on the image display unit.

  In this case, when the fielder character is positioned inside the reference area including the reference line, a first notification image that notifies that the fielder character is positioned inside the reference area is displayed on the image display unit. Therefore, after confirming the first notification image, the player moves the fielder character while maintaining the state where the fielder character is positioned inside the reference area so that the fielder character is not positioned outside the reference area. Thus, the fielder character can be guided to the target position. That is, the path to the target position can be easily instructed to the character.

A game program according to claim 2 is a program for causing the computer to further realize the following functions in the game program according to claim 1.
(5) A crossing line recognition function for causing the control unit to recognize a crossing line that crosses the reference line.
(6) A crossing area recognition function for causing the control unit to recognize a crossing area including a crossing line.
(7) A second character position determination function that causes the control unit to determine whether or not the character is positioned inside the intersection area.
(8) A second notification image for displaying, on the image display unit, a second notification image for notifying that the character is positioned inside the intersection region when the control unit determines that the character is positioned inside the intersection region. Display function.

  In this game program, in the intersection line recognition function, an intersection line that intersects the reference line is recognized by the control unit. In the intersection area recognition function, the intersection area including the intersection line is recognized by the control unit. In the second character position determination function, the control unit determines whether or not the character is located inside the intersection area. In the second notification image display function, when the control unit determines that the character is located inside the intersection area, a second notification image that notifies that the character is located inside the intersection area is displayed on the image display section. Is displayed.

  For example, when this game program is applied to a baseball game, an intersection line that intersects a reference line in the baseball game space is recognized by the control unit. And the intersection area | region containing an intersection line is recognized by the control part. Then, the control unit determines whether or not the fielder character is located inside the intersection area. Then, when the control unit determines that the fielder character is located inside the intersection area, a second notification image for notifying that the fielder character is located inside the intersection area is displayed on the image display unit.

  In this case, when the fielder character is located inside the intersection area including the intersection line, a second notification image for notifying that the fielder character is located inside the intersection area is displayed on the image display unit. Therefore, after confirming the second notification image, the player moves the fielder character while maintaining the state where the fielder character is positioned inside the intersection area so that the fielder character is not located outside the intersection area. Thus, the fielder character can be guided to the target position. That is, the path to the target position can be easily instructed to the character.

A game program according to claim 3 is a program for causing a computer to further realize the following functions in the game program according to claim 2.
(9) If the control unit determines that the character is located inside the reference area and determines that the character is located inside the intersection area, the inside of the overlapping area where the character overlaps the reference area and the intersection area A third notification image display function for displaying on the image display unit a third notification image for notifying that the user is positioned at the position.

  In this game program, in the third notification image display function, when the control unit determines that the character is located inside the reference region, and the control unit determines that the character is located inside the intersection region, the character is displayed in the reference region. A third notification image is displayed on the image display unit for notifying that the region is located within the overlapping region where the intersection region and the intersection region overlap.

  For example, when this game program is applied to a baseball game, the control unit determines that the fielder character is located inside the reference area, and the fielder character determines that the fielder character is located inside the intersection area. Is displayed on the image display unit to notify that the image is located inside the overlapping region.

  In this case, when the fielder character is positioned inside the reference area, the control unit determines that the fielder character is positioned inside the intersection area. A third notification image for notification is displayed on the image display unit. Therefore, the player can know that the fielder character has arrived at the target position when confirming the third notification image. That is, it can be easily perceived that the character has arrived at the target position.

  In the game program according to claim 4, in the game program according to claim 3, each of the first notification image, the second notification image, and the third notification image is an indicator that moves integrally with the character in the vicinity of the character. It has become. The display elements corresponding to the first notification image, the second notification image, and the third notification image have different color information.

  In this case, since the indicator moves integrally with the character in the vicinity of the character, the player can easily instruct the character to the path to the target position with reference to the indicator. . Further, it can be easily perceived that the character has arrived at the target position.

The game program according to claim 5 is the game program according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further realizing the following functions on a computer capable of executing a game in which a character moves in a game space and a moving body moves It is a program to make it.
(10) A reference surface recognition function for causing the control unit to recognize a reference surface in the game space.
(11) A reference position recognition function for causing the control unit to recognize a reference position on the reference plane.
(12) A drop position recognition function that causes the control unit to recognize the drop position of the moving body that moves above the reference plane onto the reference plane.

  In this game program, the reference plane is recognized by the control unit in the game space in the reference plane recognition function. In the reference position recognition function, the reference position on the reference surface is recognized by the control unit. In the drop position recognition function, the control unit recognizes the drop position of the moving body that moves above the reference plane onto the reference plane. Here, in the reference line recognition function, a passing line passing through the reference position and the drop position is recognized by the control unit as a reference line. In the intersection line recognition function, a line that intersects the reference line at the drop position is recognized by the control unit as an intersection line.

  For example, when this game program is applied to a baseball game, the ground plane is recognized by the control unit in the baseball game space. Then, the position of the home base on the ground surface is recognized by the control unit. Then, the control unit recognizes the drop position of the ball moving above the ground surface onto the ground surface. Here, a passing line connecting the position of the home base and the falling position is recognized by the control unit as a reference line. Further, a line that intersects the reference line at the fall position is recognized by the control unit as an intersecting line.

  In this case, a passing line connecting the reference position and the drop position is recognized by the control unit as a reference line, and a line that intersects the reference line at the drop position is recognized by the control unit as an intersection line. As a result, when the fielder character is located inside the reference area, the first notification image that notifies that the fielder character is located in the reference area that passes through the home base position and the ball drop position is displayed as an image. Displayed in the section. In addition, when the fielder character is located inside the intersection area, a second notification image for notifying that the fielder character is located in the intersection area (area including the ball drop position) intersecting the reference area is displayed as an image. Displayed in the section. Furthermore, when the fielder character is positioned inside the overlapping area, a third notification image that notifies that the fielder character is positioned inside the overlapping area is displayed on the image display unit.

  For this reason, after confirming the first notification image or the second notification image, the player positions the fielder character inside each region so that the fielder character is not positioned outside the reference region or outside the intersection region. The fielder character can be easily guided to the fall position by moving the fielder character to the target position, for example, the drop position while maintaining the state. When the player confirms the third notification image, the player can know that the fielder character has arrived at the fall area. That is, the path to the target position can be easily instructed to the character, and it can be easily perceived that the character has arrived at the target position.

A game program according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the game program according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further realizing the following functions on a computer capable of executing a game in which a character moves in a game space and a moving body moves. It is a program to make it.
(13) A reference surface recognition function for causing the control unit to recognize a reference surface in the game space.
(14) A trajectory recognition function that causes the control unit to recognize the trajectory of the moving object that moves on the reference plane.

  In this game program, the reference plane is recognized by the control unit in the game space in the reference plane recognition function. In the locus recognition function, the locus of the moving body that moves on the reference plane is recognized by the control unit. Here, in the reference line recognition function, the trajectory of the moving object is recognized as a reference line by the control unit.

  For example, when this game program is applied to a baseball game, the ground plane is recognized by the control unit in the baseball game space. The trajectory of the ball moving on the ground plane is recognized by the control unit. Here, the trajectory of the ball moving on the ground plane is recognized by the control unit as a reference line.

  In this case, the trajectory of the ball moving on the ground surface is recognized by the control unit as a reference line. As a result, when the fielder character is positioned inside the reference area, a first notification image for notifying that the fielder character is positioned in the reference area including the trajectory of the ball is displayed on the image display unit.

  Therefore, after confirming the first notification image, the player sets the fielder character to the target while maintaining the state where the fielder character is positioned inside the reference area so that the fielder character is not located outside the reference area. By moving to a position, for example, a position in the movement direction of the ball, the fielder character can be easily guided to a position in the movement direction of the ball. That is, the path to the target position can be easily instructed to the character.

  A game device according to a seventh aspect is a game device capable of executing a game in which a character moves in a game space. The game apparatus includes a reference line recognition unit that causes the control unit to recognize a reference line in the game space, a reference region recognition unit that causes the control unit to recognize a reference region including the reference line, and whether the character is located inside the reference region. First character position determining means for causing the control unit to determine whether or not, and a first notification for notifying that the character is positioned inside the reference region when the control unit determines that the character is positioned inside the reference region First notification image display means for displaying an image on the image display unit.

  The game control method according to claim 8 is a game control method in which a game in which a character moves in a game space can be controlled by a computer. In this game control method, a reference line recognition step for causing the control unit to recognize a reference line in the game space, a reference region recognition step for causing the control unit to recognize a reference region including the reference line, and a character is located inside the reference region. A first character position determination step for causing the control unit to determine whether the character is located within the reference region, and a first notification that the character is located within the reference region when the control unit determines that the character is located within the reference region. A first notification image display step of displaying the notification image on the image display unit.

  In the present invention, when the character is positioned inside the reference area including the reference line, a first notification image that notifies that the character is positioned inside the reference area is displayed on the image display unit. Therefore, after confirming the first notification image, the player moves the character while maintaining the state where the character is positioned inside the reference area so that the character is not positioned outside the reference area. The character can be guided to the target position. That is, the path to the target position can be easily instructed to the character.

[Configuration and operation of game device]
FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of a game device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, as an example of the video game apparatus, a home video game apparatus will be described. The home video game apparatus includes a home game machine body and a home television. The home game machine body can be loaded with a recording medium 10, and game data is read from the recording medium 10 as appropriate to execute the game. The contents of the game executed in this way are displayed on the home television.

  The game system of the home video game apparatus includes a control unit 1, a storage unit 2, an image display unit 3, an audio output unit 4, an operation input unit 5, and a communication unit 23, each of which is a bus 6 Connected through. The bus 6 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like. Here, the control unit 1, the storage unit 2, the audio output unit 4, and the operation input unit 5 are included in the home game machine body of the home video game apparatus, and the image display unit 3 is included in the home television. It is.

  The control unit 1 is provided mainly for controlling the progress of the entire game based on the game program. The control unit 1 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 7, a signal processor 8, and an image processor 9. The CPU 7, the signal processor 8, and the image processor 9 are connected to each other via the bus 6. The CPU 7 interprets instructions from the game program and performs various data processing and control. For example, the CPU 7 instructs the signal processor 8 to supply image data to the image processor. The signal processor 8 mainly performs calculation in the three-dimensional space, position conversion calculation from the three-dimensional space to the pseudo three-dimensional space, light source calculation processing, and in the three-dimensional space or the pseudo three-dimensional space. Image and sound data generation / processing based on the result of the calculation performed is performed. The image processor 9 mainly performs a process of writing image data to be drawn into the RAM 12 based on the calculation result and the processing result of the signal processor 8. Further, the CPU 7 instructs the signal processor 8 to process various data. The signal processor 8 mainly performs calculations corresponding to various data in the three-dimensional space and position conversion calculation from the three-dimensional space to the pseudo three-dimensional space.

  The storage unit 2 is provided mainly for storing program data and various data used in the program data. The storage unit 2 includes, for example, a recording medium 10, an interface circuit 11, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12. An interface circuit 11 is connected to the recording medium 10. The interface circuit 11 and the RAM 12 are connected via the bus 6. The recording medium 10 is for recording operation system program data, image data, audio data, game data including various program data, and the like. The recording medium 10 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) cassette, an optical disk, a flexible disk, or the like, and stores operating system program data, game data, and the like. The recording medium 10 also includes a card type memory, and this card type memory is mainly used for storing various game parameters at the time of interruption when the game is interrupted. The RAM 12 is used for temporarily storing various data read from the recording medium 10 and temporarily recording the processing results from the control unit 1. The RAM 12 stores various data and address data indicating the storage position of the various data, and can be read / written by designating an arbitrary address.

  The image display unit 3 is provided mainly for outputting image data written in the RAM 12 by the image processor 9 or image data read from the recording medium 10 as an image. The image display unit 3 includes, for example, a television monitor 20, an interface circuit 21, and a D / A converter (Digital-To-Analog converter) 22. A D / A converter 22 is connected to the television monitor 20, and an interface circuit 21 is connected to the D / A converter 22. The bus 6 is connected to the interface circuit 21. Here, the image data is supplied to the D / A converter 22 via the interface circuit 21, where it is converted into an analog image signal. The analog image signal is output as an image to the television monitor 20.

  Here, the image data includes, for example, polygon data and texture data. Polygon data is coordinate data of vertices constituting a polygon. The texture data is for setting a texture on the polygon, and is composed of texture instruction data and texture color data. The texture instruction data is data for associating polygons and textures, and the texture color data is data for designating the texture color. Here, the polygon data and the texture data are associated with the polygon address data indicating the storage position of each data and the texture address data. In such image data, the signal processor 8 coordinates the polygon data in the three-dimensional space indicated by the polygon address data (three-dimensional polygon data) based on the movement amount data and the rotation amount data of the screen itself (viewpoint). Conversion and perspective projection conversion are performed, and the data is replaced with polygon data (two-dimensional polygon data) in a two-dimensional space. Then, a polygon outline is formed by a plurality of two-dimensional polygon data, and texture data indicated by the texture address data is written in an internal area of the polygon. In this way, an object in which a texture is pasted on each polygon, that is, various characters can be expressed.

  The audio output unit 4 is provided mainly for outputting audio data read from the recording medium 10 as audio. The audio output unit 4 includes, for example, a speaker 13, an amplifier circuit 14, a D / A converter 15, and an interface circuit 16. An amplifier circuit 14 is connected to the speaker 13, a D / A converter 15 is connected to the amplifier circuit 14, and an interface circuit 16 is connected to the D / A converter 15. The bus 6 is connected to the interface circuit 16. Here, the audio data is supplied to the D / A converter 15 via the interface circuit 16, where it is converted into an analog audio signal. This analog audio signal is amplified by the amplifier circuit 14 and output from the speaker 13 as audio. Examples of the audio data include ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation) data and PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) data. In the case of ADPCM data, sound can be output from the speaker 13 by the same processing method as described above. In the case of PCM data, by converting the PCM data into ADPCM data in the RAM 12, the sound can be output from the speaker 13 by the same processing method as described above.

  The operation input unit 5 mainly includes a controller 17, an operation information interface circuit 18, and an interface circuit 19. An operation information interface circuit 18 is connected to the controller 17, and an interface circuit 19 is connected to the operation information interface circuit 18. The bus 6 is connected to the interface circuit 19.

  The controller 17 is an operation device used by the player to input various operation commands, and sends an operation signal according to the operation of the player to the CPU 7. The controller 17 includes a first button 17a, a second button 17b, a third button 17c, a fourth button 17d, an up key 17U, a down key 17D, a left key 17L, a right key 17R, and an L1 button 17L1, L2. A button 17L2, an R1 button 17R1, an R2 button 17R2, a start button 17e, a select button 17f, a left stick 17SL and a right stick 17SR are provided.

  The up direction key 17U, the down direction key 17D, the left direction key 17L, and the right direction key 17R are used, for example, to give the CPU 7 a command for moving a character or cursor up, down, left, or right on the screen of the television monitor 20. .

  The start button 17e is used when instructing the CPU 7 to load a game program from the recording medium 10.

  The select button 17f is used when instructing the CPU 7 to make various selections for the game program loaded from the recording medium 10.

  The left stick 17SL and the right stick 17SR are stick type controllers having substantially the same configuration as a so-called joystick. This stick type controller has an upright stick. The stick is configured to be tiltable from an upright position around the fulcrum in a 360 ° direction including front, rear, left and right. The left stick 17SL and the right stick 17SR pass through the operation information interface circuit 18 and the interface circuit 19 with the values of the x-coordinate and the y-coordinate having the upright position as the origin as operation signals according to the tilt direction and tilt angle of the stick. To the CPU 7.

  The first button 17a, the second button 17b, the third button 17c, the fourth button 17d, the L1 button 17L1, the L2 button 17L2, the R1 button 17R1, and the R2 button 17R2 correspond to the game program loaded from the recording medium 10. Various functions are allocated.

  Each button and each key of the controller 17 except for the left stick 17SL and the right stick 17SR are turned on when pressed from the neutral position by an external pressing force, and return to the neutral position when the pressing force is released. It is an on / off switch that turns off.

  The communication unit 23 includes a communication control circuit 24 and a communication interface 25. The communication control circuit 24 and the communication interface 25 are used to connect the game machine to a server, another game machine, or the like. The communication control circuit 20 and the communication interface 21 are connected to the CPU 11 via the bus 16. The communication control circuit 20 and the communication interface 21 control and transmit a connection signal for connecting the game machine to the Internet in accordance with a command from the CPU 11. The communication control circuit 20 and the communication interface 21 control and transmit a connection signal for connecting the game machine to a server or another game machine via the Internet.

  The schematic operation of the home video game apparatus having the above configuration will be described below. When a power switch (not shown) is turned on and the game system 1 is turned on, the CPU 7 reads image data, audio data, and a program from the recording medium 10 based on the operating system stored in the recording medium 10. Read data. Some or all of the read image data, audio data, and program data are stored in the RAM 12. Then, the CPU 7 issues a command for outputting the image data and sound data stored in the RAM 12 as an image and sound to the television monitor 20 and the speaker 13 based on the program data stored in the RAM 12.

  In the case of image data, based on a command from the CPU 7, first, the signal processor 8 performs character position calculation and light source calculation in a three-dimensional space. Next, the image processor 9 performs a process of writing image data to be drawn into the RAM 12 based on the calculation result of the signal processor 8. Then, the image data written in the RAM 12 is supplied to the D / A converter 22 via the interface circuit 21. Here, the image data is converted into an analog video signal by the D / A converter 22. The image data is supplied to the television monitor 20 and displayed as an image.

In the case of audio data, first, the signal processor 8 generates and processes audio data based on a command from the CPU 7. Here, processing such as pitch conversion, noise addition, envelope setting, level setting, and reverb addition is performed on the audio data, for example. Next, the audio data is output from the signal processor 8 and supplied to the D / A converter 15 via the interface circuit 16. Here, the audio data is converted into an analog audio signal. The audio data is output as audio from the speaker 13 via the amplifier circuit 14.

[Outline of various processes in game devices]
The game executed on the game machine is, for example, a baseball game. In this game machine, a game in which a player character moves and a ball object moves in a baseball game space can be executed. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining functions that play a major role in the present invention.

  The reference plane recognition unit 50 has a function of causing the CPU 7 to recognize the ground plane in the baseball game space. In the reference plane recognizing means 50, the CPU 7 recognizes the ground plane in the baseball game space.

  With this means, the CPU 7 recognizes the ground plane in the three-dimensional game space. For example, by defining the ground plane on the xy plane where the z coordinate is zero in the three-dimensional game space, the ground plane is set in the three-dimensional game space and recognized by the CPU 7. The set position of the ground plane is defined in advance in the game program.

  The reference position recognition unit 51 has a function of causing the CPU 7 to recognize the position of the home base on the ground surface. In the reference position recognition means 51, the CPU 7 recognizes the position of the home base on the ground plane.

  With this means, the position of the home base on the ground plane is recognized by the CPU 7. For example, the home base position is set by defining the home base position at the origin G of the three-dimensional game space where the x coordinate, the y coordinate, and the z coordinate are zero. Thereby, the position coordinate data indicating the position of the home base is recognized by the CPU 7. The home base setting position is defined in advance in the game program.

  The drop position recognition means 52 has a function of causing the CPU 7 to recognize the drop position of the ball object that moves above the ground plane onto the ground plane. In the drop position recognition means 52, the CPU 7 recognizes the drop position of the ball object moving above the ground plane onto the ground plane.

  With this means, the CPU 7 recognizes the drop position of the ball object moving above the ground plane onto the ground plane, for example, the drop position where the hit ball hit by the batter character falls onto the ground plane. Specifically, when the hit ball returned to the batter character is a fly, the trajectory equation indicating the trajectory of the ball object returned to the batter character is recognized by the CPU 7. Then, the CPU 7 executes a process of calculating the intersection point between the trajectory indicated by the trajectory equation and the ground plane. Then, the intersection coordinate data indicating the intersection is recognized by the CPU 7. Then, the intersection point coordinate data is recognized by the CPU 7 as position coordinate data indicating the drop position where the ball object falls on the ground plane.

  The locus recognition means 53 has a function of causing the CPU 7 to recognize the locus of the ball object moving on the ground surface. In the locus recognition means 53, the locus of the ball object moving on the ground surface is recognized by the CPU 7.

  With this means, the CPU 7 recognizes the trajectory of the ball object rolling on the ground plane. For example, when the hit ball returned to the batter character is a ball, the trajectory equation indicating the trajectory of the ball object returned to the batter character is recognized by the CPU 7. Here, in the case of Goro, since the ball trajectory is positioned on the ground plane, the trajectory equation of the ball whose z-component value is zero indicating the trajectory of the ball positioned on the ground plane is It is recognized by the CPU 7 as an equation indicating the trajectory of the ball object.

  The reference line recognition means 54 has a function of causing the CPU 7 to recognize a reference line in the baseball game space. Specifically, the reference line recognition means 54 has a function of causing the CPU 7 to recognize a passing line passing through the home base position and the ball drop position as a reference line. More specifically, the reference line recognition unit 54 has a function of causing the CPU 7 to recognize the trajectory of the ball object as a reference line.

  In the reference line recognition means 54, the reference line in the baseball game space is recognized by the CPU 7. Specifically, in the reference line recognition unit 54, the CPU 7 recognizes a passing line passing through the home base position and the ball drop position as a reference line. In the reference line recognition means 54, the locus of the ball object is recognized by the CPU 7 as a reference line.

  In this means, the CPU 7 recognizes a passing line passing through the home base position and the ball dropping position as a reference line. For example, based on position coordinate data indicating the position of the home base and position coordinate data indicating the drop position of the ball, a process of calculating a passage equation indicating a passage line passing through the position of the home base and the drop position of the ball is performed. , Executed by the CPU 7. Then, the passage equation indicating the passage line is recognized by the CPU 7 as an equation of the reference line.

  In the reference line recognition means 54, the locus of the ball object is recognized by the CPU 7 as a reference line. For example, the CPU 7 recognizes an equation indicating the trajectory of the ball object, that is, a ball trajectory equation in the case of Goro whose z component value is zero, as an equation of the reference line.

  The intersection line recognition means 55 has a function of causing the CPU 7 to recognize an intersection line that intersects the reference line. Specifically, the intersection line recognition means 55 has a function of causing the CPU 7 to recognize a line that intersects with the reference line at the ball drop position as an intersection line.

  In the intersection line recognition means 55, the intersection line that intersects the reference line is recognized by the CPU 7. Specifically, in the intersection line recognition means 55, the CPU 7 recognizes a line that intersects the reference line at the ball drop position as an intersection line.

  With this means, the line that intersects the reference line at the position where the ball falls is recognized by the CPU 7 as an intersecting line. For example, a line orthogonal to the reference line at the position where the ball falls is recognized by the CPU 7 as an intersection line. Specifically, the CPU 7 executes a process of calculating an orthogonal equation (crossing equation) indicating an orthogonal line orthogonal to the reference line at the ball falling position by using position coordinate data indicating the ball falling position. . Then, the orthogonal equation (intersection equation) indicating the orthogonal line is recognized by the CPU 7 as an equation of the intersection line.

  The reference area recognition means 56 has a function of causing the CPU 7 to recognize a reference area including a reference line. In the reference area recognition means 56, the CPU 7 recognizes the reference area including the reference line.

  With this means, the CPU 7 recognizes a reference area including a passing equation indicating a passing line passing through the home base position and the ball falling position, or a ball trajectory equation in the case of Goro. For example, the CPU 7 recognizes, as a reference area, a region inside the boundary that is a predetermined distance away from the trajectory indicated by the pass equation or the trajectory indicated by the ball trajectory equation in the case of Goro.

  The intersection area recognition means 57 has a function of causing the CPU 7 to recognize an intersection area including an intersection line. In the intersection area recognition means 57, the intersection area including the intersection line is recognized by the CPU 7.

  With this means, the CPU 7 recognizes an intersecting region including an orthogonal line orthogonal to the reference line at the ball drop position. For example, the CPU 7 recognizes an area inside the boundary at a predetermined distance from the orthogonal line indicated by the orthogonal equation as an intersection area.

  The first player character position determining means 58 has a function of causing the CPU 7 to determine whether or not the player character is located inside the reference area. In the first player character position determining means 58, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the player character is positioned inside the reference area.

  With this means, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the player character is located inside the reference area. For example, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the position coordinate data indicating the position of the player character matches the position coordinate data inside the reference area. Here, it is determined whether or not the player character is located inside the reference area by comparing the position coordinate data of the player character and the position coordinate data inside the reference area. The determination as to whether or not the character is located inside the reference area may be made in any manner. For example, the CPU 7 may determine whether the value of the position coordinate data indicating the position of the player character is within the range of the position coordinate data that defines the boundary of the reference area.

  When the CPU 7 determines that the player character is located inside the reference area, the first notice image display means 59 displays a first notice image that informs that the player character is located inside the reference area on the television monitor. 20 is provided. In the first notification image display means 59, when the CPU 7 determines that the player character is located inside the reference region, the first notification image that notifies that the player character is located inside the reference region is a television monitor. 20 is displayed.

  In this means, when the CPU 7 determines that the position coordinate data indicating the position of the player character matches the position coordinate data inside the reference area, the first notification is made to notify that the player character is located inside the reference area. A notification image is displayed on the television monitor 20. For example, when the position coordinate data indicating the position of the player character matches the position coordinate data inside the reference area, the CPU 7 determines that the player character is located inside the reference area. Is displayed on the television monitor 20.

  The second player character position determining means 60 has a function of causing the CPU 7 to determine whether or not the player character is located inside the intersection area. In the second player character position determining means 60, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the player character is located inside the intersection area.

  In this means, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the player character is located inside the intersection area. For example, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the position coordinate data indicating the position of the player character matches the position coordinate data inside the intersection area. Here, it is determined whether or not the player character is located inside the intersection area by comparing the position coordinate data of the player character and the position coordinate data inside the intersection area. The determination as to whether or not the character is located inside the intersection area may be made in any manner. For example, the CPU 7 may determine whether the value of the position coordinate data indicating the position of the player character is within the range of the value of the position coordinate data that defines the boundary of the intersection area.

  When the CPU 7 determines that the player character is located inside the intersection area, the second notice image display means 61 displays a second notification image for notifying that the player character is located inside the intersection area on the television monitor. 20 is provided. In the second notification image display means 61, when the CPU 7 determines that the player character is located inside the intersection area, the second notification image that notifies that the player character is located inside the intersection area is displayed on the television monitor. 20 is displayed.

  In this means, when the CPU 7 determines that the position coordinate data indicating the position of the player character matches the position coordinate data inside the intersection area, the second notification is made to notify that the player character is located inside the intersection area. A notification image is displayed on the television monitor 20. For example, when the position coordinate data indicating the position of the player character matches the position coordinate data inside the intersection area, the CPU 7 determines that the player character is located inside the intersection area. Is displayed on the television monitor 20.

  The third notification image display means 62 determines that the CPU 7 determines that the player character is located inside the reference area, and the CPU 7 determines that the player character is located inside the intersection area. Is provided with a function of displaying on the television monitor 20 a third notification image for notifying that it is located inside the overlapping region.

  In the third notification image display means 62, the CPU 7 determines that the player character is located inside the reference area, and the CPU 7 determines that the player character is located inside the intersection area. A third notification image is displayed on the television monitor 20 to notify that it is located inside the overlapping region where and overlap.

  In this means, it is determined that the position coordinate data indicating the position of the player character matches the position coordinate data inside the reference area, and the position coordinate data indicating the position of the player character matches the position coordinate data inside the intersection area. If it is determined, a third notification image for notifying that the player character is located inside the overlapping area is displayed on the television monitor 20. For example, it is determined that the position coordinate data indicating the position of the player character matches the position coordinate data inside the reference area, and the position coordinate data indicating the position of the player character matches the position coordinate data inside the intersection area. When this is done, a purple triangle symbol indicating that the player character is located inside the overlapping area is displayed on the television monitor 20.

[Processing flow and explanation of catching assist system in baseball game]
Next, a ball catching assist system in a baseball game will be described. The flow shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 will also be described at the same time. 5 is a flow for explaining the overall outline of the baseball game, and FIG. 6 is a flow for explaining the catching assist system.

  First, when the game machine is turned on and the game machine is activated, the baseball game program is loaded from the recording medium 10 into the RAM 12 and stored. At this time, various basic game data necessary for executing the baseball game are simultaneously loaded from the recording medium 10 into the RAM 12 and stored (S1).

  For example, the basic game data includes image data for a three-dimensional game space, and image data for a three-dimensional game space stored in the RAM 12, such as image data for a stadium, image data for a ball, The image data for the player character and the like are recognized by the CPU 7. The basic game data includes position coordinate data for arranging image data for the three-dimensional game space in the three-dimensional game space, and the position coordinate data is recognized by the CPU 7.

  Here, the ground plane in the three-dimensional game space is recognized by the CPU 7. For example, the ground plane is set in the three-dimensional game space by defining the ground plane on the xy plane where the z coordinate is zero in the three-dimensional game space. In addition, the ground plane area (range) is set in the three-dimensional game space by defining the stadium fence position on the xy plane where the z coordinate is zero. The position and area for setting the ground plane shown here are defined in advance in the game program, and data indicating the position and area for defining the ground plane are stored in the RAM 12.

  When the ground plane is set in this way, the position of the home base on the ground plane is recognized by the CPU 7. For example, by causing the CPU 7 to recognize the position coordinate data indicating the origin G of the three-dimensional game space and having the x, y, and z coordinates of zero as the position coordinate data indicating the position of the home base, Set to a three-dimensional game space. Note that the position of the home base, that is, the position of the origin G in the three-dimensional game space is defined in advance in the game program.

  Subsequently, the baseball game program stored in the RAM 12 is executed by the CPU 7 based on the basic game data (S2). Then, the start screen of the baseball game is displayed on the television monitor 20. Then, various setting screens for executing the baseball game are displayed on the television monitor 20. Here, for example, a selection screen for selecting a team and a player character is displayed on the television monitor 20. On this selection screen, the controller 17 is operated to select a team and a player character.

  Subsequently, a command for starting a game in the baseball game (game start command) is issued from the CPU 7 (S3). Then, the image data for the three-dimensional game space stored in the RAM 12 is recognized by the CPU 7. Then, a command for placing the image data for the three-dimensional game space at the position indicated by the position coordinate data in the game space is issued from the CPU 7, and various images are displayed on the television monitor 20 (S4).

  For example, stadium image data or the like is recognized by the CPU 7. Then, the stadium image is displayed on the television monitor 20 using the stadium image data. Specifically, the stadium image is displayed on the television monitor 20 by causing the CPU 7 to issue a command to arrange the stadium image data at the position indicated by the stadium position coordinate data in the game space.

  The stadium image data includes, for example, field image data, that is, ground image data, base image data, and the like. The stadium position coordinate data includes ground position coordinate data, base position coordinate data, and the like. By using the image data and the position coordinate data, the ground is displayed on the television monitor 20, and the base object arranged on the ground is displayed on the television monitor 20.

  One of the player characters of the team instructed by the player (own team) and the team instructed by another player or the AI program (Artificial Intelligence program) (enemy team) is placed at the defensive position. This state is displayed on the television monitor 20 using the image data for the player character. In addition, a state in which the other player character of the teammate player character and the opponent team player character is arranged at the bat position is displayed on the television monitor 20 using the image data for the player character. For example, when a command for placing image data for a player character is issued from the CPU 7 at a position indicated by position coordinate data for the player character, an image for the player character is displayed on the television monitor 20.

  Subsequently, a command (attack event execution command) for executing an attack event of either the own team or the enemy team is issued from the CPU 7 (S5). In other words, the CPU 7 issues a command (defense event execution command) for executing a defensive event of either the own team or the enemy team. As a result, the attack event of one of the own team and the enemy team and the defense event of the other team of the own team and the enemy team are executed. At this time, a command that the player or another player (including the AI program) instructs the player character is recognized by the CPU 7. Then, according to each command recognized by the CPU 7, the state in which the player characters of each team perform at least one of the pitching action, the striking action, the defensive action, the striking action, etc. And displayed on the television monitor 20.

  Then, when an attack event or a defensive event for a predetermined number of times, for example, 9 times, is finished for each team, a command (game end command) for ending the game is issued from the CPU 7. Then, the process which preserve | saves a game result in RAM12 is performed by CPU7. That is, it is determined by the CPU 7 whether or not a game end command has been issued (S6), and when a game end command is issued (Yes in S6), a process for ending the game, for example, a process of storing the game result in the RAM 12 Is executed by the CPU 7 (S7). On the other hand, when the game end command has not been issued (No in S6), the process of step 4 (S4) is re-executed.

  In the following, an example in which the catching assist system is executed in a defensive event of a baseball game is shown. Here, it is assumed that the player character of the own team, that is, the fielder character 70 (including the pitcher character and the catcher character) is arranged at each defensive position, and the batter character of the enemy team is arranged at the batting position. In addition, an instruction for each player character of the enemy team is instructed based on the AI program.

  When a defensive event execution command is issued from the CPU 7, when the player operates the controller 17 to instruct the pitcher character at the time of pitching, the CPU 7 recognizes the ball type data indicating the ball type at the time of pitching. . When the player operates the controller 17 to instruct the pitcher character to start the pitching motion, a pitching motion start command is issued from the CPU 7. Then, the pitching motion of the pitcher character is displayed on the television monitor 20 using motion data composed of image data for the pitcher character. Then, when the player operates the controller 17 to instruct the pitcher character on the pitching course, pitching position data indicating the pitching course at the time of pitching is recognized by the CPU 7. In this way, an instruction regarding pitching is given to the pitcher character (S50). Then, the ball object 71 moving to the pitching course while changing by the change amount corresponding to the ball type data is displayed on the television monitor 20 (S51).

  The display of the ball object 71 released from the pitcher character is executed based on a pitching trajectory equation defined in advance in the game program. The position coordinate data of the ball object 71 is defined in the trajectory equation for pitching. When the CPU 7 recognizes the position coordinate data of the ball object 71 defined by the trajectory equation for pitching, the CPU 7 performs processing for arranging the image data for the ball at the position indicated by the position coordinate data of the ball object 71. Executed. Then, the ball object 71 moving on the trajectory defined by the pitching trajectory equation is continuously displayed on the television monitor 20 using pitching motion data composed of a plurality of ball image data.

  Subsequently, when the position of the batter character's meet cursor is designated based on the command from the AI program, the CPU 7 recognizes meet position data indicating the position coordinates of the meet cursor. Then, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the batter character has been instructed to start the swing based on a command from the AI program. In other words, the CPU 7 determines whether or not a swing start command is issued from the AI program (S52). Then, when a swing start command is issued from the AI program (Yes in S52), the swing motion of the batter character is displayed on the television monitor 20 using motion data including image data for a plurality of batter characters.

  Then, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the ball object 71 is captured by the meet cursor defined by the meet position data (S53). Specifically, the CPU 7 determines whether or not there is an overlapping portion between the display area of the meet cursor whose position is defined by the meet position data and the display area of the ball object 71. The determination of the overlapping portion is performed based on whether or not at least one of the plurality of coordinate data in the area of the meet cursor matches the plurality of coordinate data in the area of the ball object 71. When the ball object 71 is captured by the meet cursor (Yes in S53), the trajectory equation of the ball object 71 is recognized by the CPU 7, and the trajectory of the ball object 71 is set using this trajectory equation (S54). The trajectory equation of the ball object 71 is defined in advance in the game program and is stored in the RAM 12.

  Subsequently, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the coordinate data inside the central portion of the meet cursor or the coordinate data inside the meet cursor and the coordinate data in the area of the ball object 71 match. Specifically, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the ball object 71 is captured at the center of the meet cursor or at the top of the meet cursor. More specifically, it is determined whether or not the ball hits the center or upper side of the bat, that is, whether or not the ball trajectory becomes a liner or a fly (S55).

  When the ball object 71 is captured at the center or top of the meat cursor, that is, when the ball trajectory becomes a liner or fly, the position of the ball object that moves above the ground plane falls to the ground plane, for example, a batter character The CPU 7 recognizes the drop position where the hit ball hit back to the ground surface falls to the ground surface (S56). Specifically, when the hit ball returned to the batter character becomes a fly, the CPU 7 executes a process of calculating the intersection of the trajectory indicated by the trajectory equation and the ground plane. Then, the intersection coordinate data indicating the intersection is recognized by the CPU 7. Then, the intersection point coordinate data is recognized by the CPU 7 as position coordinate data indicating the drop position where the ball object falls on the ground plane.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, based on the position coordinate data indicating the position of the home base and the position coordinate data indicating the ball drop position, the passage passing through the home base position and the ball drop position is performed. The CPU 7 executes processing for calculating a passage equation indicating a line. Then, the passage equation indicating the passage line is recognized by the CPU 7 as the equation of the reference line (S57). Here, the equation indicating the pass line, that is, the reference line equation is a linear equation connecting the home base position and the ball drop position.

  Then, the line that intersects the passing line (reference line) at the position where the ball falls is recognized by the CPU 7 as an intersecting line. For example, a line orthogonal to the passing line at the ball drop position is recognized by the CPU 7 as an intersection line. Specifically, a process for calculating an orthogonal equation (crossing equation) indicating an orthogonal line (straight line) orthogonal to a passing line at the ball falling position is performed by the CPU 7 using position coordinate data indicating the ball falling position as an initial condition. Executed. Then, the orthogonal equation indicating the orthogonal line is recognized by the CPU 7 as an equation of the intersecting line (S58).

  Then, the CPU 7 recognizes the reference region KR1 including a passage equation indicating a passage line passing through the home base position and the ball drop position (S59). For example, the CPU 7 recognizes a region inside the boundary at a predetermined distance from the passing line indicated by the passage equation as the reference region KR1. At this time, the position coordinate data inside the reference area KR1 is recognized by the CPU 7.

  Then, the intersecting region KR2 including the orthogonal line orthogonal to the reference line at the ball drop position is recognized by the CPU 7 (S60). For example, the CPU 7 recognizes an area inside the boundary at a predetermined distance from the orthogonal line indicated by the orthogonal equation as the intersection area KR2. At this time, the position coordinate data inside the intersection area KR2 is recognized by the CPU 7.

  When the reference line equation is expressed by the equation “Y = A · X + B1”, the boundary of the reference region KR1 is “Y = A · X + (B1 + k1)” or “Y = A · X + (B1−k1)”. ". “K1” used here is a constant corresponding to the predetermined distance. Similarly, when the equation of the intersection line is expressed by the equation “Y = X / A + B2”, the boundary of the intersection region KR2 is “Y = X / A + (B2 + k2)” and “Y = X / A + (B2−k2). ) ". “K2” used here is a constant corresponding to the predetermined distance. “A” and “B (B1, B2)” are constants, and these constants are determined when the equations of the respective straight lines are calculated. Here, since the position of the home base is the origin, the constants “B1” and “B2” constituting the above general equation are zero.

  When such a series of processing is executed by the CPU 7, the ball object 71 returned by the batter character is displayed on the television monitor 20 using the image data for the ball (S61). At this time, a yellow triangle symbol 80 (standard notification image) for informing a fielder character (target fielder character) capable of catching the ball is displayed above the target fielder character (S62).

  On the other hand, when the ball object 71 is captured below the meat cursor, that is, when the ball trajectory becomes rough, the trajectory of the ball object 71 moving on the ground surface, for example, the trajectory of the hit ball returned to the batter character, Recognized by the CPU 7 (S63). Specifically, when the hit ball hit back to the batter character becomes a ball, the ball trajectory equation defined on the ground plane, for example, the trajectory equation of the ball whose z component value is zero is The CPU 7 recognizes the trajectory equation indicating the trajectory of the object 71, that is, the equation of the reference line. Here, for example, the equation indicating the trajectory of the ball object 71, that is, the reference line equation, is a straight line equation in which the moving direction of the ball when the ball hits the bat is inclined. The linear equation passes through the position of the home base.

  Then, the CPU 7 recognizes the reference region KR3 including the trajectory equation for the ball for goro (S64). For example, the CPU 7 recognizes, as the reference region KR3, a region inside the boundary that is separated from the trajectory indicated by the trajectory equation of the ball for goro. For example, the CPU 7 recognizes, as the reference region KR3, a region inside the boundary that is separated from the trajectory indicated by the trajectory equation of the ball for goro. At this time, the position coordinate data inside the reference area KR3 is recognized by the CPU 7.

  When the reference line equation is expressed by the equation “Y = A ′ · X + B ′”, the boundary of the reference region KR3 is “Y = A ′ · X + (B ′ + k3)” or “Y = A”. X + (B′−k3) ”. “K3” used here is a constant corresponding to the predetermined distance. Here, the inclination “A ′” is calculated based on the moving direction of the hit ball when the ball hits the bat. Since the home base position is the origin, the constant “B ′” constituting the above general equation becomes zero.

  When such a series of processing is executed by the CPU 7, the ball object 71 returned by the batter character is displayed on the television monitor 20 using the image data for the ball (S65). At this time, a yellow triangle symbol 80 (standard notification image) for informing a fielder character (target fielder character) capable of catching the ball is displayed above the target fielder character (S66).

  Here, among the plurality of fielder characters 70, each fielder character 70 closest to the trajectory of the ball is recognized by the CPU 7 as a target player character. For example, the CPU 7 executes a process of calculating the length of the perpendicular drawn from the position indicated by the position coordinate data of each fielder character 70 to the trajectory indicated by the trajectory equation. Then, the fielder character 70 having the minimum perpendicular line is recognized by the CPU 7 as the target player character.

  Further, when the ball object 71 is displayed on the television monitor 20, the position coordinate data of the ball object 71 is required. The position coordinate data is defined based on the ball trajectory equation.

  In the following, the case where the target fielder character 70 capable of catching the ball object 71 is a short fielder character 70a will be described as an example. In FIG. 3, only the short fielder character 70 a and the ball object 71 are shown to make the figure easy to see. However, in an actual baseball game, fielder characters and batter characters other than short are also displayed on the television monitor 20. Has been.

  After step 62 is executed with the hit ball in the liner or fly state, any one of the up direction key 17U, the down direction key 17D, the left direction key 17L, and the right direction key 17R of the controller 17 is operated. A state in which the fielder character 70a moves in the operation direction of the controller 17 is displayed on the television monitor 20 using the image data for the fielder character (S67). When the fielder character 70a moves, the position coordinate data indicating the position where the fielder character 70a has moved is recognized by the CPU 7 (S68).

  For example, when any one of the up key 17U, down key 17D, left key 17L, and right key 17R of the controller 17 is operated, an operation signal corresponding to the operated key is issued from the controller 17. The operation signal is recognized by the CPU 7. Then, the movement command corresponding to this operation signal is recognized by the CPU 7. When this movement command is issued from the CPU 7, the fielder character 70a moving in the operation direction of the controller 17 is displayed on the television monitor 20 using the image data for the fielder character. When a move command is issued from the CPU 7 and the fielder character 70a moves, the position coordinate data indicating the position where the fielder character 70a has moved is recognized by the CPU 7.

  When the fielder character 70a is moving in this way, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the fielder character 70a is located inside the reference area KR1 (S69). Here, for example, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the position coordinate data indicating the position of the fielder character 70a matches the position coordinate data inside the reference area KR1.

  When the CPU 7 determines that the position coordinate data indicating the position of the fielder character 70a does not match the position coordinate data inside the reference area KR1 (No in S69), the position coordinate data indicating the position of the fielder character 70a is obtained. The CPU 7 determines whether or not the position coordinate data within the intersection area KR2 coincides (S70). Then, when the CPU 7 determines that the position coordinate data indicating the position of the fielder character 70a does not match the position coordinate data inside the intersection area KR2 (No in S70), the fielder character 70a is located inside and intersects the reference area KR1. The yellow triangular symbol 80 indicating that it is not located in both of the areas KR2 is maintained in the state displayed on the television monitor 20 (S71). On the other hand, when the CPU 7 determines that the position coordinate data indicating the position of the fielder character 70a matches the position coordinate data inside the intersection area KR2 (Yes in S70), the fielder character 70a is located inside the intersection area KR2. Thus, the blue triangle symbol 80b (second notification image, indicator) for notifying this position information is displayed on the television monitor 20 (S72).

  On the other hand, if the CPU 7 determines that the position coordinate data indicating the position of the fielder character 70a matches the position coordinate data inside the reference area KR1 (Yes in S69), the position coordinate data indicating the position of the fielder character 70a is obtained. Then, the CPU 7 determines whether or not it matches the position coordinate data inside the intersection area KR2 (S73). When the CPU 7 determines that the position coordinate data indicating the position of the fielder character 70a does not match the position coordinate data inside the intersection area KR2 (No in S73), the fielder character 70a is positioned in the reference area KR1. Then, the pink triangle symbol 80a (first notification image, indicator) for informing the position information is displayed on the television monitor 20 (S74). On the other hand, when the CPU 7 determines that the position coordinate data indicating the position of the fielder character 70a matches the position coordinate data inside the intersection area KR2 (Yes in S73), the fielder character 70a is in the reference area KR1 and the intersection area KR2. And the purple triangle symbol 80c (third notification image, indicator) for notifying this position information is displayed on the television monitor 20 (S75).

  Then, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the ball object 71 has reached the drop position (S76). When the CPU 7 determines that the ball object 71 has reached the drop position (Yes in S76), the CPU 7 determines whether or not the fielder character 70a is positioned in the overlapping area KRC (S77). When the fielder character 70a is located in the overlap area KRC (Yes in S77), a CPU 7 issues a ball catching completion command indicating that the fielder character 70a has caught the ball object 71. Then, the action of the fielder character 70a catching the ball object 71 is displayed on the television monitor 20 using the image data for the fielder character (S78). If the ball object 71 has not reached the drop position (No in S76), for example, if the ball object 71 is positioned above the grant surface, the processing from step 67 to step 75 is re-executed. The

  On the other hand, when the fielder character 70a is not located in the overlapping area KRC (No in S77), the ball object 71 has passed the fielder character 70a, and the short fielder character 70a catches the ball object 71. Can not be. Then, the CPU 7 issues a command for ending the defensive event for the short fielder character 70a. Then, another target player character is recognized by the CPU 7, and a process for controlling a defensive event for the other fielder character is executed by the CPU 7.

  After step 66 is executed in a state where the hit ball is in the groovy state, if any one of the up direction key 17U, the down direction key 17D, the left direction key 17L, and the right direction key 17R of the controller 17 is operated, the fielder The state in which the character 70a moves in the operation direction of the controller 17 is displayed on the television monitor 20 using the image data for the fielder character (S79). When the fielder character 70a moves, the position coordinate data indicating the position where the fielder character 70a has moved is recognized by the CPU 7 (S80).

  For example, when any one of the up key 17U, down key 17D, left key 17L, and right key 17R of the controller 17 is operated, an operation signal corresponding to the operated key is issued from the controller 17. The operation signal is recognized by the CPU 7. Then, the movement command corresponding to this operation signal is recognized by the CPU 7. When this movement command is issued from the CPU 7, the fielder character 70a moving in the operation direction of the controller 17 is displayed on the television monitor 20 using the image data for the fielder character. When a move command is issued from the CPU 7 and the fielder character 70a moves, the position coordinate data indicating the position where the fielder character 70a has moved is recognized by the CPU 7.

  When the fielder character 70a is moving in this way, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the fielder character 70a is located inside the reference area KR3 (S81). Here, for example, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the position coordinate data indicating the position of the fielder character 70a matches the position coordinate data inside the reference area KR3. When the CPU 7 determines that the position coordinate data indicating the position of the fielder character 70a does not match the position coordinate data in the reference area KR3 (No in S81), the fielder character 70a is positioned in the reference area KR3. The yellow triangle symbol 80 indicating that the image is not displayed is maintained in a state displayed on the television monitor 20 (S82). On the other hand, when the CPU 7 determines that the position coordinate data indicating the position of the fielder character 70a matches the position coordinate data inside the reference area KR3 (Yes in S81), the fielder character 70a is located inside the reference area KR3. A pink triangle symbol 80d (first notification image, indicator) indicating that the image is to be displayed is displayed on the television monitor 20 (S83).

  Subsequently, a process of comparing the position coordinate data of the fielder character 70a with the position coordinate data of the ball object 71 is executed by the CPU 7 (S84). Specifically, the CPU 7 executes a process of calculating a first distance from the home base position to the position of the fielder character 70a based on the home base position coordinate data and the position coordinate data of the fielder character 70a. Further, the CPU 7 executes a process of calculating the second distance from the home base position to the ball object 71 based on the home base position coordinate data and the position coordinate data of the ball object 71. Then, the CPU 7 executes a process of comparing the first distance value and the second distance value. Here, for example, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the value of the first distance is greater than or equal to the value of the second distance.

  If the value of the first distance is equal to or greater than the value of the second distance (No in S84), the ball object 71 has not passed the fielder character 70a. Then, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the fielder character 70a is located in the reference area KR3 (S85). When the fielder character 70a is located in the reference area KR3 (Yes in S85), the CPU 7 determines whether or not a catching completion command indicating that the fielder character 70a catches the ball object 71 has been issued. (S86). When a catching completion command is issued, the action of the fielder character 70a catching the ball object 71 is displayed on the television monitor 20 using the fielder character image data (S87). On the other hand, when the ball catching completion command has not been issued (No in S86), the CPU 7 waits for the ball catching completion command to be issued until the ball object 71 arrives at the position of the fielder character 70a.

  On the other hand, if the value of the first distance is smaller than the value of the second distance (Yes in S84), the ball object 71 has passed through the short fielder character 70a, and the short fielder character 70a becomes the ball object. 71 cannot be caught. Then, the CPU 7 issues a command for ending the defensive event for the short fielder character 70a. Then, another target player character is recognized by the CPU 7, and a process for controlling a defensive event for the other fielder character is executed by the CPU 7. If the fielder character 70a is not located in the reference area KR3 (No in S85), the processes from step 79 to step 85 are re-executed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the notification image as described above is displayed on the television monitor 20, and thus it becomes easier to grasp the position of the fielder character 70 a operated by the user by referring to the notification image. The fielder character 70a can be easily moved in the ball drop position or the direction in which the ball moves. If a general expression is used, the path to the target position can be easily instructed to the character.

[Other Embodiments]
(A) In the embodiment, the baseball game is taken up as an example of the game to which the present invention is applied. However, the present invention can be applied to other than the baseball game. For example, for a game in which a flying object such as a ball sent from a certain character is received by another character when a certain character and another character are located at a relatively long distance, The present invention is applicable. Specifically, the present invention can be applied to games such as soccer, rugby, and American football.

  (B) In the embodiment, the colors of the triangle symbols corresponding to the first notification image, the second notification image, and the third notification image are different from each other. You can change the color of the hat.

  (C) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a home video game apparatus as an example of a computer to which a game program can be applied is used. However, the game apparatus is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and a monitor is separately provided. The present invention can be similarly applied to a game device configured in a body, a game device in which a monitor is integrated, a personal computer functioning as a game device by executing a game program, a workstation, and the like. Further, the game device is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be similarly applied to a portable computer, a portable game device, and the like.

  (D) The present invention includes a program for executing the game as described above and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded. Examples of the recording medium include a computer-readable flexible disk, a semiconductor memory, a CD-ROM, a DVD, an MO, a ROM cassette, and the like in addition to the cartridge.

1 is a basic configuration diagram of a video game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The functional block diagram of the said game device. Schematic for demonstrating the outline | summary of the reference | standard area | region and intersection area | region set to a ground plane. FIG. 5 is a detailed diagram for explaining details of a reference area and an intersection area set on the ground plane. Flow showing the overall outline of the baseball game. Flow about catching assist system. Flow about catching assist system. Flow about catching assist system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control part 2 Memory | storage part 3 Image display part 4 Audio | voice output part 5 Operation input part 7 CPU
12 RAM
17 controller 20 television monitor 23 communication unit 50 reference plane recognition means 51 reference position recognition means 52 drop position recognition means 53 trajectory recognition means 54 reference line recognition means 55 crossing line recognition means 56 reference area recognition means 57 crossing area recognition means 58 1 player character position determination means 59 first notification image display means 60 second player character position determination means 61 second notification image display means 62 third notification image display means 70 fielder character 71 ball object 80, 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d Notification image KR1, KR3 Reference area KR2 Intersection area KRC Overlap area

Claims (8)

In a computer capable of executing a game in which a character moves in a game space,
A reference line recognition function for causing the control unit to recognize a reference line in the game space;
A reference area recognition function for causing the control unit to recognize a reference area including the reference line;
A first character position determination function for causing a control unit to determine whether or not the character is positioned inside the reference area;
When the control unit determines that the character is located inside the reference region, a first notification image is displayed on the image display unit for notifying that the character is located inside the reference region. Image display function,
A game program to make it happen. In the computer,
A cross line recognition function for causing the control unit to recognize a cross line crossing the reference line;
A crossing area recognition function for causing the control unit to recognize a crossing area including the crossing line;
A second character position determination function for causing the control unit to determine whether or not the character is located within the intersection area;
When the control unit determines that the character is positioned inside the intersection area, a second notification image is displayed on the image display section for notifying that the character is positioned inside the intersection area. Image display function,
The game program according to claim 1 for further realizing the above. In the computer,
The control unit determines that the character is located inside the reference area, and the character overlaps the reference area and the intersection area when the control unit determines that the character is located inside the intersection area. A third notification image display function for displaying, on the image display unit, a third notification image for notifying that it is located inside the overlapping region;
The game program according to claim 2 for realizing further. Each of the first notification image, the second notification image, and the third notification image is an indicator that moves integrally with the character in the vicinity of the character, and the first notification image, the second notification image, and The indicator corresponding to each of the third notification images has different color information.
The game program according to claim 3. In a computer capable of executing a game in which a character moves and a moving body moves in a game space,
A reference surface recognition function for causing the control unit to recognize the reference surface in the game space;
A reference position recognition function for causing the control unit to recognize a reference position on the reference plane;
A drop position recognition function for causing the control unit to recognize a drop position of the moving body that moves above the reference plane onto the reference plane;
Realized,
In the reference line recognition function, a passing line passing through the reference position and the drop position is recognized by the control unit as the reference line,
In the intersection line recognition function, a line that intersects the reference line at the falling position is recognized by the control unit as the intersection line.
The game program according to claim 2. In a computer capable of executing a game in which a character moves and a moving body moves in a game space,
A reference surface recognition function for causing the control unit to recognize the reference surface in the game space;
A trajectory recognition function for causing the control unit to recognize the trajectory of the moving object moving on the reference plane;
Realized,
In the reference line recognition function, the trajectory of the moving body is recognized by the control unit as the reference line.
The game program according to claim 1. A game device capable of executing a game in which a character operates in a game space,
A reference line recognition means for causing the control unit to recognize a reference line in the game space;
Reference region recognition means for causing the control unit to recognize a reference region including the reference line;
First character position determining means for causing the control unit to determine whether or not the character is positioned inside the reference area;
When the control unit determines that the character is located inside the reference region, a first notification image is displayed on the image display unit for notifying that the character is located inside the reference region. Image display means;
A game device comprising: A game control method capable of controlling a game in which a character moves in a game space by a computer,
A reference line recognition step for causing the control unit to recognize a reference line in the game space;
A reference region recognition step for causing the control unit to recognize a reference region including the reference line;
A first character position determining step for causing the control unit to determine whether or not the character is positioned inside the reference area;
When the control unit determines that the character is located inside the reference region, a first notification image is displayed on the image display unit for notifying that the character is located inside the reference region. An image display step;
A game control method comprising:

Images