JP3606370B2 - GAME DEVICE AND INFORMATION STORAGE MEDIUM - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a game device that changes the movement speed of a character, and an information storage medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a sports game such as a conventional soccer game, each player character (hereinafter referred to as a character) performs various actions by rotating each joint (having a joint structure). When such a character is moved, the movement is performed according to motion data (rotation angle data of each joint) stored in advance for each movement. That is, if only one motion data is stored for each motion, the motion of all characters is the same motion. For example, in the case of running motion, even if the character's physique and moving speed when running are different, the motion (how to move the foot and the speed to move the foot) is the same.
[0003]
Also, for example, when changing the motion of each action (for example, running action) for each character (eg, how to move the foot, the speed of moving the foot), the number of characters equal to the number of characters for each action. Each had to store different motion data.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when there are many characters as in a soccer game, storing different motion data for each action for each action means that rotation angle data for each joint of all characters is stored for each action. Therefore, there is a problem that a very large storage capacity is required. Further, if all characters are operated according to the same motion data, all the character motions are the same motion, and thus there is a problem that the character motion cannot be characterized. For example, since all the characters have the same motion speed, there is a problem that it is not possible to express a motion that indicates the quickness specific to the character.
[0005]
An object of the present invention is to realize various movements of a character with a smaller amount of data.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided storage means for storing action pattern data that is a basis for actions of a character having a joint structure, and reproducing the action pattern according to the action pattern data stored in the storage means. Reproduction means for causing the character to move, movement speed setting means for setting the movement speed of the character, image generation means for generating an image of the character, and the character at the movement speed set by the movement speed setting means A game device for executing a given sports game in which the character appears, comprising: a changing unit that changes a playback speed of the action pattern that the playback unit plays when the player moves.
Further comprising an operation input means, the change means is the set While maintaining the moving speed, When a given operation input is made by the operation input means while the character is moving at a moving speed, the reproduction speed of the action pattern during the movement of the character at the set moving speed is set. It is characterized by having manual changing means for changing.
[0007]
The invention according to claim 8 is for storing movement pattern data that is a basis of movement of a character having a joint structure and causing a computer to function as a means for executing a given sports game in which the character appears. A computer-readable information storage medium for storing the program, wherein the program reproduces an action pattern according to the action pattern data to cause the character to perform an action, and a moving speed of the character Moving speed setting means for setting the image, image generating means for generating an image of the character, and when the character is moving at the moving speed set by the moving speed setting means, the reproduction means reproduces the reproduction The change means for changing the reproduction speed of the operation pattern and the operation input means are combined with each other. And the change means is provided with a given operation input by the operation input means when the character is moving at the set moving speed. If set While maintaining the moving speed, It is a program for causing the computer to function so as to have manual change means for changing the reproduction speed of the action pattern during the movement of the character at a movement speed.
[0008]
Here, the action of the character having a joint structure refers to the action of the character by the rotation of each joint. For example, when a character having a joint structure moves a hand (changes the position of the hand), the position of the hand is changed by rotating a shoulder joint, an elbow joint, a wrist joint, or the like.
[0009]
The motion pattern is a type (motion) of a series of motions (changes in the rotation angle of each joint) in each motion. For example, in the case of a kick action, the action pattern is a series of movement patterns in which the kicking foot is swung back, the foot is moved forward to kick the ball, and the foot is further swung forward. That is, even with the same kicking motion, if the height and direction of the foot swinging up are different (for example, the rotation angle of the hip joint or knee joint is different), the motion pattern will be different. The operation pattern may be set by a plurality of key frames (reference frames).
[0010]
Further, the reproduction is to make the character perform an action according to the action pattern. For example, when the motion pattern is set by a plurality of key frames, the character is moved by interpolating the frames between the key frames. In this case, changing the playback speed means changing the number of frames when interpolating between key frames. For example, if the number of interpolated frames between key frames is increased (the playback speed is reduced), the change in motion between one frame (for example, 1/60 seconds) decreases, and the character moves slowly.
[0011]
The motion speed indicates the speed of movement of the character, that is, the speed of movement of the character. In addition, the computer according to claim 9 includes not only a so-called computer such as a personal computer but also an electronic device incorporating the computer, such as a game device.
[0012]
Claim 1 or Claim 8 According to the described invention, it is possible to easily change the motion speed of the character while moving by changing the playback speed of the motion pattern. In other words, since the motion speed of the character can be changed without requiring a large number of motion patterns, the motion of the character can be provided with features such as quickness with less data.
[0013]
Furthermore, it is possible to change the movement of an object that moves with the action of the character (for example, a ball or the like when the character performs a ball game). For example, in the case of soccer, the speed of the character's kick (motion) can be changed, so the timing at which the character's feet hit the ball can be changed (the faster the character, the faster the ball You can kick (hit)).
[0014]
In addition, since the character can change the movement speed while moving, various settings can be made for the movement of the character by changing the combination of the movement speed and the movement speed. For example, for a character with short legs, the movement is fast (the movement speed is fast) but the actual running speed (movement speed) may be slow. The character or the like does not move very quickly, but can set the moving speed faster. Here, the moving speed is a speed at which the position of the character changes.
Moreover, according to the invention of claim 1 or claim 8, according to a given operation input during play, While maintaining the movement speed of the character at the movement speed set for the character, The operation speed can be changed. That is, for example, during a game play by two players, one player can change the motion speed while the character is running, that is, the foot rotation speed can be changed. Then, the moving speed of the character at that time Without change , The rotation speed of the foot is changed. For this reason, the other player has an illusion that the moving speed has changed. That is, it is possible to apply a faint to the opponent player.
[0015]
Further, as in the invention according to claim 2, in the game device according to claim 1, The changing means The rotation speed of the joint of the character by changing the playback speed of the motion pattern But Change Is It's also good.
[0016]
Also, Claim 9 Like the described invention, Claim 8 In the information storage medium of the invention described above, the program causes the computer to function so that the rotation speed of the joint of the character is changed by the change means changing the playback speed of the motion pattern. It may be a program for this purpose.
[0017]
Claim 2 or claim 9 According to the described invention, since the rotation speed of the joint of the character is changed by changing the movement speed of the character, a large number of rotation angle data of each joint is not required as the movement pattern, and less data is required. The speed of the character's movement can be changed.
[0021]
Also, Claim 3 Like the described invention, Claim 1 or 2 In the game device according to the invention described above, the changing means may include means for changing the reproduction speed of the action pattern in accordance with a value representing the state of the character.
[0022]
Also, Claim 10 Like the described invention, Claim 8 or 9 In the information storage medium according to the invention, the program causes the computer to change the reproducing speed of the action pattern according to a value representing the character state. It may be a program for functioning.
[0023]
Here, the character state includes, for example, states such as the degree of fatigue of the character (the amount of exercise up to now), the number of contacts with the opponent character, the number of fouls of the character up to the present, and the like.
[0024]
Claim 3 or Claim 10 According to the described invention, the movement speed can be changed according to the character state, so that the player can easily grasp the character state.
[0025]
Also, Claim 4 Like the described invention, Claims 1 to 3 The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising setting means for setting a playback speed of the motion pattern before the start of game play execution of the sports game, wherein the changing means is set by the setting means Means for changing the reproduction speed of the operation pattern based on the reproduced reproduction speed may be provided.
[0026]
Also, Claim 11 Like the described invention, Claims 8 to 10 In the information storage medium according to any one of the above, the program causes the computer to further function setting means for setting the playback speed of the motion pattern before starting the game play execution of the sports game. In addition, the changing means may be a program for causing the computer to function so as to have means for changing the reproduction speed of the operation pattern based on the reproduction speed set by the setting means. .
[0027]
Claim 4 or claim 11 According to the described invention, since the player can arbitrarily set the motion speed of the character before play, it is possible to set a character or team that moves at a desired quickness of the player. Therefore, the degree of attachment to the character or team operated by the player can be increased.
[0028]
Also, Claim 5 Like the described invention, Claims 1 to 4 In the game device according to any one of the above, the storage unit stores a plurality of operation pattern data, and the reproduction unit stores an operation pattern according to each of the plurality of operation pattern data stored in the storage unit. The characters may be continuously switched and played to cause the character to perform a continuous motion, and the switching timing may be changed based on the playback speed of the motion pattern.
[0029]
Also, Claim 12 Like the described invention, Claims 8 to 11 In the information storage medium of the invention according to any one of , In addition to storing a plurality of motion pattern data, the program continues to the character by sequentially switching and playing back the motion patterns according to each of the plurality of motion pattern data stored in the storage device. The program may be a program for causing the computer to function so that the operation is performed and the switching timing is changed based on the reproduction speed of the operation pattern.
[0030]
When the operation speed is low, the acceleration at the start of running is lower than when the operation speed is high, and it takes time to reach the top speed. However, for example, when you start running, if you do not change the timing of switching from walking to running depending on the playback speed of the operation pattern, you can run at the same time, whether it is slow or fast The acceleration at the start of running will be the same for both.
[0031]
To solve this problem, Claim 5 or claim 12 According to the described invention, the switching timing of the continuous operation is changed according to the reproduction speed of the operation pattern. In other words, for example, when starting to run, the timing for switching from walking to running is slower when the motion speed is slow, and faster when the motion speed is fast. Can be done.
[0032]
Also, Claim 6 Like the described invention, Claims 1 to 5 In the game device of any one of the above, a plurality of given action pattern data are combined to generate one new action pattern data and stored in the storage means; and a plurality of the generation means It is good also as providing the ratio change means which changes the synthetic | combination ratio at the time of synthesize | combining these operation pattern data.
[0033]
Also, Claim 13 Like the described invention, Claims 8 to 12 In the information storage medium according to any one of the above, the program includes a generating unit that synthesizes a plurality of given operation pattern data to generate one new operation pattern data, and the generation unit has a plurality of operations. Ratio change means for changing the composition ratio when the pattern data is synthesized is further made to function on the computer, and the reproduction means operates according to the new action pattern data generated by the generation means. It is good also as a program for making the said computer function so that it may reproduce | regenerate.
[0034]
Claim 6 or Claim 13 According to the described invention, a plurality of operation patterns can be combined to generate a single operation pattern, and the combination ratio can be changed. Therefore, even if a large number of different operation patterns are not stored. For example, by changing the composition ratio from the two motion patterns, a large number of different motion patterns can be generated, and the motion of the character can be changed more variously.
[0035]
In addition, for example, when a motion is switched from a walking motion to a running motion, the motion pattern is generated by combining the walking motion pattern and the running motion pattern while gradually changing the composition ratio, thereby allowing the character to run from walking to running. It is possible to make the movement gradually change to a more natural movement of the character.
[0036]
Also, Claim 7 Like the described invention, Claims 1 to 6 In the game device according to any one of the above, the given sports game may be a sports game related to a ball game.
[0037]
Also, Claim 14 Like the described invention, Claims 8 to 13 In the information storage medium according to any one of the above, the given sports game may be a sports game related to a ball game.
[0038]
Claim 7 or claim 14 According to the described invention, in a sports game related to a ball game in which the quickness of the movement of the character affects the development of the game, the quickness of the character can be changed by changing the action speed of the character. Development (game development) can be realized.
[0039]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, a case where the present invention is applied to a soccer game will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, for the sake of simplicity, only three actions of a running action, a walking action, and a kick action will be described as character actions in the present embodiment.
[0040]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example when the present invention is applied to a home game device. In FIG. 1, the player enjoys a game such as a soccer game by operating the game controllers 1202 and 1204 while watching the game image displayed on the display 1200. In this case, information necessary for playing a game such as a game program is stored in a CD-ROM 1206, an IC card 1208, a memory card 1212, etc., which are information storage media detachable from the main unit 1210.
[0041]
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the principle of changing the reproduction speed of a character motion in the present embodiment. Here, a case where the reproduction speed of the motion of the kick operation is changed will be described as an example. The motion of the kick motion has three reference frames (so-called key frames), a frame in which the foot is swung back, a frame at the moment of kicking, and a frame in which the foot is swung forward.
[0042]
FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating the motion progress m of each reference frame. The motion progress m is a parameter that represents how much the motion has progressed. For example, in the case of a kicking motion, as a flow of one motion, the kicking foot is swung back, the foot is moved forward to kick the ball, and the motion is finished by swinging the foot forward. In this case, the motion progress m (c2) at the moment of kicking the ball is higher than the motion progress m (c1) at the moment of kicking the kicking foot backward (the motion progress is higher). It becomes. That is, the motion approaches the end as the motion progress m increases.
[0043]
In FIG. 2, the operation approaches the end as it proceeds to the right in the figure. That is, the degree of motion progress is high (m (c1) <m (c2) <m (c3)). The reference frame c1 is a reference frame at the start of the motion, and the reference frame c3 is a reference frame at the end of the motion.
[0044]
FIG. 2B is a diagram showing motion interpolation when the reproduction speed is high. When the motion playback speed is high, the degree of progress of motion that progresses between frames (hereinafter referred to as the degree of progress of one frame) is a large value. The degree of progress for one frame at this time is represented by a code 'm0f'. As shown in FIG. 2B, when the motion is started from the motion progress m (c1) of the reference frame c1, the image of the next frame is the progress of one frame from the motion progress m (c1). An image (frame) having a motion progression m (f) advanced by m0f is obtained. In FIG. 2B, the motion progress m (f) is between the motion progress m (c2) of the reference frame c2 and the motion progress m (c3) of the reference frame c3. Therefore, the image generated (interpolated) as the next frame of the reference frame c1 is an image between the reference frame c2 and the reference frame c3, and is interpolated and generated as follows.
[0045]
That is, (1) the difference between the motion progress m (f) and the motion progress m (c2) of the immediately preceding reference frame (reference frame c2) (m (f) -m (c2)), and (2) the motion The motion progress m (f) according to the ratio between the progress m (f) and the difference (m (c3) -m (f)) between the motion progress m (c3) of the immediately following reference frame (reference frame c3). ) Is interpolated.
[0046]
More specifically, it is as follows. In each reference frame, rotation angle data of each joint of the character is set as later-described motion data 520 (FIG. 9B). For example, it is assumed that the rotation angle data of the joint a (eg, knee) of the reference frame c2 is (x21, y21, z21), and the rotation angle data of the joint a of the reference frame c3 is (x31, x32, x33). . Here, if the rotation angle of the joint a in the image of the motion progression m (f) is (xf, yf, zf), the value of the x-axis rotation angle xf is (m (f) −m (c2)): ( m (c3) -m (f)) = (xf-x21): A value satisfying (x31-xf). That is, xf = ((m (f) −m (c2)) × x31 + (m (c3) −m (f)) × x21) / (m (c3) −m (c2)).
[0047]
The y-axis rotation angle yf and the z-axis rotation angle zf of the joint a in the image of the motion progress m (f) can be obtained similarly. Similarly, not only the joint a but also the rotation angles of the other joints are obtained from the ratio of the difference between the rotation angle of each joint of the reference frame c2 and the reference frame c3 and the motion progress degree, and the motion progress m ( The image in f) is interpolated and generated.
[0048]
Further, when the reproduction speed is low, as shown in FIG. 2C, the degree of progress between frames becomes a small value. The degree of progress between one frame at this time is represented by a code 'm0d'. In FIG. 2C, when the motion is started from the motion progress m (c1) of the reference frame c1, the motion progress m (d1) of the next frame is m (c1) and m (c2). It can only go to between. That is, the image generated (interpolated) as the next frame of the reference frame c1 is: (1) the difference between the motion progress m (d1) and the motion progress m (c1) of the reference frame (reference frame c1) immediately before it. (M (d1) −m (c1)) and (2) the difference (m (c2) −m) between the motion progress m (d1) and the motion progress m (c2) of the immediately following reference frame (reference frame c2). (D1)) is interpolated and generated according to the ratio.
[0049]
Further, the next frame is an image having the motion progress m (d2) obtained by adding the motion progress m0d to the motion progress m (d1). The image of this motion progress m (d2) is: (1) the difference (m (d2) −m) between the motion progress m (d2) and the motion progress m (c2) of the immediately preceding reference frame (reference frame c2). (C2)) and (2) the difference (m (c3) −m (d2)) between the motion progress m (d2) and the motion progress m (c3) of the immediately following reference frame (reference frame c3). Interpolated and generated according to the ratio.
[0050]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of images of the reference frames c1, c2, and c3 illustrated in FIG. Based on the reference frames c1, c2, and c3, a frame (image) generated when the reproduction speed shown in FIG. 2B is high is an image as shown in FIG. In this case, the second frame image is generated, but the third frame image cannot be generated from the reference frames c1 to c3. That is, since the motion of the kick operation is completed in about 2.5 frames, the motion of the operation that follows the kick operation is generated (interpolated) in the third frame.
[0051]
In addition, when the reproduction speed is low as illustrated in FIG. 2C, the frames generated based on the reference frames c1 to c3 illustrated in FIG. 3 are frames as illustrated in FIG. In this case, the kicking operation does not end even in the third frame.
[0052]
For example, when a kick motion instruction is input from the operation unit 10 and the character's motion playback speed is fast (in the case of a character with a quick motion), as shown in FIG. The ball is kicked until the frame (2/60 seconds later if the frame is updated every 1/60 seconds). However, in the case of a character with a slow motion (slow motion playback speed), as shown in FIG. 5, the second and third frames (after 3/60 seconds) after the kick motion instruction is input. During this time, the ball will be kicked.
[0053]
Therefore, for example, a case where the opponent team character (hereinafter referred to as an opponent character) tries to take away the ball held by the character operated by the player and the opponent character touches the ball at about the second frame. Think. Assuming that the player inputs a kick instruction, the ball is kicked between the second and third frames after instructing the kick action when the motion playback speed is slow. For this reason, when the opponent character touches the ball for a moment earlier, the ball is taken away by the opponent character. On the other hand, when the motion playback speed is high, since the ball is kicked in the second frame, it is possible to reliably prevent the opponent character from taking the ball.
[0054]
In addition, when the character performs a running motion or a walking motion, the character position changes with the motion (the character moves). Therefore, for example, while the character is running, the speed of rotation of the character's feet is changed by changing the motion playback speed. Even if the moving speed does not change, the opponent player can be given an illusion that the running speed (moving speed) has become slower or faster, and a faint can be applied.
[0055]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks according to the present embodiment. The functional blocks according to the present embodiment include an operation unit 10, a processing unit 200, a display unit 30, and an information storage medium 500. Composed.
[0056]
The operation unit 10 includes operation buttons and the like for inputting an instruction for a moving direction of the player character in the game, a kick operation, a walking operation, a running operation, and the like, and the input instruction signal is output to the processing unit 200. . The game controllers 1202 and 1204 shown in FIG.
[0057]
The processing unit 200 mainly includes a game calculation unit 210, an image generation unit 230, and a timer 240. The game calculation unit 210 performs processing such as processing for progressing the game based on the game program 510, processing for setting a given viewpoint when the image generation unit 230 generates an image, and the like.
[0058]
Further, the game calculation unit 210 performs a process of determining a combination of character actions based on the operation instruction input from the operation unit 10 and the game program 510. For example, when a free kick operation instruction is input, the three actions of the walking action, the running action, and the kick action are determined in order as the action of the character.
[0059]
In addition, the game calculation unit 210 refers to the moving speed data 530 to process each character according to the process of determining the moving speed according to the determined action, the motion generated by the motion generating unit 214, and the determined moving speed. Processing such as processing to operate in space is performed.
[0060]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the moving speed data 530. As shown in the figure, the moving speed is set according to each operation. For example, in the case of a running operation, the moving speed is set to n1, and in the case of a kick operation, the moving speed is not set. For example, when the character runs and kicks, the game calculation unit 210 determines the moving speed of the running action as the moving speed of the kick action. Since the character does not move, the moving speed is determined to be “0”. Since the movement speed data 530 has a movement speed corresponding to each operation, even if the motion reproduction speed for each operation is changed by the reproduction speed setting unit 212 described later, the movement speed for the operation is not changed. .
[0061]
In addition, the game calculation unit 210 includes a playback speed setting unit 212, a motion generation unit 214, and a motion switching unit 216. The playback speed setting unit 212 performs a process of determining the playback speed of the motion and the degree of progress between frames based on the playback speed data 542 stored in the information storage medium 500.
[0062]
In addition, when an instruction for a feint action is input from the operation unit 10, the playback speed setting unit 212 changes the playback speed of the character operated by the player (specifically, the playback speed data 542 is played back). The degree of progress for one frame set corresponding to the speed is changed.) When the timer 240 is activated and the timer 240 inputs a signal indicating the lapse of a given time, the changed playback speed is restored to the original playback speed. Process to return to speed.
[0063]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the reproduction speed data 542. As shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, a reproduction speed (that is, quickness of movement) is set for each character. For example, the reproduction speed s1 is set for the character k1. The playback speed setting unit 212 changes the playback speed of motion data 520 described later according to the playback speed data 542.
[0064]
In the playback speed data 542, the degree of progress between frames is set according to the playback speed.
[0065]
The playback speed data 542 is stored in the information storage medium 500 in advance. For example, the playback speed setting unit 212 generates the playback speed data 542 in accordance with an operation instruction from the operation unit 10 on an editing screen before play. It's also good. In that case, since the player can determine the speed of the action of the character on the editing screen before play, the player's attachment to the operation character or team can be enhanced.
[0066]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the motion data 520. As shown in FIG. 5A, motion data of a plurality of reference frames is set as motion data corresponding to each operation, and the degree of motion progress is set for each reference frame. Here, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that five reference frames are set for the motion of the running motion and the walking motion, and three reference frames are set for the motion of the kick motion.
[0067]
FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of one reference frame among the reference frames set in the motion data 520 illustrated in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9B, rotation angle data of each joint of the character is set as the reference frame motion data. For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, (x11, y11, z11) is set as the rotation angle data of the joint a (for example, a joint such as a knee) in the reference frame c1. Here, x11 is a rotation angle around the x axis, y11 is a rotation angle around the y axis, and z11 is a rotation angle around the z axis.
[0068]
The motion generation unit 214 generates motion data of each frame according to the playback speed set by the playback speed setting unit 212 from each reference frame of the motion data 520 corresponding to the action determined by the game calculation unit 210. Perform processing. Specifically, in the playback speed data 542, the motion progress of a frame to be generated is determined in accordance with the progress between 1 frame set corresponding to the playback speed. Then, based on the rotation angle data of each joint of the reference frame that falls before and after the determined motion progress, according to the ratio of the difference between the motion progress of each reference frame and the motion progress of the generated frame, Generate motion data.
[0069]
The motion switching unit 216 performs a process of switching motion at a timing according to the playback speed determined by the playback speed setting unit 212 when switching motion according to the combination of operations determined by the game calculation unit 210.
[0070]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the motion switching timing according to the playback speed. This figure shows a case where the character performs a free kick, and d is the distance between the position P at which the character starts the free kick action and the position B of the ball. FIG. 10A shows a case where the reproduction speed is low, and FIG. 10B shows a case where the reproduction speed is high. For example, the motion switching unit 216 switches the motion to the motion of the running motion after reproducing the walking motion as one motion as the motion of the character starting to run. That is, when the playback speed is slow, the time required for one motion of the walking motion is longer than when the playback speed is fast, so that the switching position is further away from the motion start position P.
[0071]
Therefore, when the operation speed is low, it is possible to express a situation in which the acceleration when accelerating after starting running is lower than when the operation speed is high, and it takes time to reach the top speed. That is, the character's movement can be made more natural.
[0072]
In addition, when the character is operated at a slow playback speed, the motion switching unit 216 switches from the running motion motion to the kick motion motion at a position farther from the ball position B than when the character is operated at a high playback speed. . This is because, in a kick operation, when the playback speed is slow, it takes more time to touch the ball than when the playback speed is fast. Therefore, if the movement speed is the same between the case where the playback speed is fast and the case where the playback speed is slow, in order to match the position of the ball with the position of the kick, the motion of the kick action is started according to the playback speed. Because you have to do it.
[0073]
The image generation unit 230 performs processing for generating an image such as a game screen, and performs processing for generating an image viewed from a given viewpoint in the object space set by the game calculation unit 210. In addition, the frame set / generated by the game calculation unit 210 is displayed on the display unit 30 as an image.
[0074]
The timer 240 operates in accordance with an operation instruction from the reproduction speed setting unit 212 and measures a given time. That is, the timer 240 is set with a given time at the start of the operation, subtracts the time from the start of the operation, and a signal indicating that the time has passed after the lapse of the given time (the value of the timer 240 at this time is “ 0 ”) is output to the playback speed setting unit 212.
[0075]
The functions of the processing unit 200 described above can be realized by hardware such as a CISC type or RISC type CPU, DSP, image capture dedicated IC, memory, timer circuit, and the like.
[0076]
The display unit 30 displays the image generated by the image generation unit 230 and is realized by, for example, a CRT, LCD, plasma display, and the like, and the display 1200 of FIG. 1 corresponds to this.
[0077]
In addition to the game program 510, the information storage medium 500 stores the above-described motion data 520, movement speed data 530, and character data 540. The functions of the information storage medium 500 can be realized by hardware such as a CD-ROM, game cassette, IC card, MO, FD, DVD, memory, and hard disk.
[0078]
The character data 540 is data relating to each character such as the body shape and ability, and includes the reproduction speed data 542 described above.
[0079]
Next, an operation related to the reproduction speed changing process in the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.
[0080]
First, the game calculation unit 210 determines the action of the character in accordance with an operation instruction from the game program 510 or the operation unit 10 (step S1). Then, the playback speed setting unit 212 determines the playback speed corresponding to the character based on the playback speed data 542 (step S2).
[0081]
Next, each frame from the reference frame, which is the motion data of the operation determined in step S1, in the motion data 520 according to the degree of progress between frames corresponding to the playback speed set in the playback speed data 542 by the motion generation unit 214. Motion data is generated (motion generation processing (FIG. 12)) (step S3). Then, the game calculation unit 210 moves the character according to the moving speed data 530, moves the character according to the generated motion data of each frame (plays back the motion) (step S4), and ends the process.
[0082]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation related to the motion generation process (FIG. 11; step S3). Note that the operation shown in FIG. 12 is an operation of processing relating to motion generation of one frame.
[0083]
First, the motion generation unit 214 uses the frame generated immediately before as the current frame, acquires the motion progress m of the current frame, and proceeds for one frame according to the playback speed determined by the playback speed setting unit 212. The degree m0 is added to the motion progression degree m of the current frame (step S21). Then, it is determined whether or not the motion progress (m + m0) at that time matches any of the plurality of reference frames of the motion set in the motion data 520 (step S22).
[0084]
If it matches the progress of the reference frame, the process proceeds to step S24 as it is. If they do not match, the difference between the motion progress (m + m0) and the motion progress of the immediately preceding reference frame, and the difference between the motion progress (m + m0) and the motion progress of the immediately following reference frame Based on the above, the motion at the motion progression degree (m + m0) is interpolated (interpolated) (step S23), and the process proceeds to step S24.
[0085]
In step S24, the motion generation unit 214 updates the progress m of the current frame to m + m0. That is, the current frame is updated to the frame generated in step S23, and the process ends. By repeating the processing from step S21 to step S24, the motion of each frame (more precisely, motion data) is generated.
[0086]
Next, an operation related to the reproduction speed changing process when a faint instruction is input from the operation unit 10 will be described based on a flowchart shown in FIG.
[0087]
First, the playback speed setting unit 212 determines whether a faint instruction is input while the character is moving (step S31). If it is input, it is determined whether or not the value of the timer 240 is greater than “0”, that is, whether or not the current character is performing a faint motion (step S32). If the value of the timer 240 is greater than “0”, the process proceeds to step S34. If the value of the timer 240 is not greater than “0”, that is, “0” (the current character is not performing a feint action), the timer 240 is set to a given time (step S33), and step S34. Migrate to
[0088]
In step S34, the playback speed setting unit 212 changes the progress of one frame based on the playback speed data 542 (adds a given value to the progress of one frame set according to the playback speed, or Subtract a given value from the progress for one frame). Next, the playback speed setting unit 212 acquires the count of the timer 240 (step S35). Then, the motion generation unit 214 generates a motion, the game calculation unit 210 reproduces the motion (step S37), and the process returns to step S31.
[0089]
On the other hand, if no faint instruction is input in step S31, it is determined whether or not the value of the timer 240 is greater than “0”. That is, it is determined whether or not a faint operation is currently being performed (step S36). When the value of the timer 240 is greater than “0”, since the faint operation is still in progress, the playback speed setting unit 212 changes the degree of progress for one frame based on the playback speed data 542 (step S34). The timer count is acquired (step S35). Then, the motion generation unit 214 generates a motion, and the game calculation unit 210 reproduces the motion (step S37).
[0090]
If the value of the timer 240 is not greater than “0” in step S <b> 36, the playback speed setting unit 212 determines the degree of progress for one frame according to the playback speed in the playback speed data 542 as it is. Then, the motion generation unit 214 generates a motion based on the degree of progress between the frames, and the game calculation unit 210 reproduces the motion (step S37).
[0091]
Next, an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the apparatus shown in the figure, a CPU 1000, a ROM 1002, a RAM 1004, an information storage medium 1006, a timer 1026, a sound generation IC 1008, an image generation IC 1010, and I / O ports 1012, 1014 are connected to each other via a system bus 1016 so that data can be input / output to / from each other. Has been. A display device 1018 is connected to the image generation IC 1010, a speaker 1020 is connected to the sound generation IC 1008, a control device 1022 is connected to the I / O port 1012, and a communication device 1024 is connected to the I / O port 1014. Has been.
[0092]
The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores a program, image data for expressing a display object, sound data, play data, and the like, and corresponds to the information storage medium 500 in FIG. For example, when the computer realizing the present embodiment is a computer, a CD-ROM, DVD, or the like as an information storage medium for storing a game program or the like is a home game device. A cassette or the like is used. Further, when realized as an arcade game device, a memory such as a ROM or a hard disk is used. In this case, the information storage medium 1006 is a ROM 1002.
[0093]
The control device 1022 corresponds to a game controller, an operation panel, or the like, and is a device for inputting a result of a determination made by the player in accordance with the progress of the game to the device main body.
[0094]
In accordance with a program stored in the information storage medium 1006, a system program stored in the ROM 1002 (such as device initialization information), a signal input from the control device 1022, the CPU 1000 controls the entire device and performs various data processing. . The RAM 1004 is a storage means used as a work area of the CPU 1000 and stores the given contents of the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002 or the calculation result of the CPU 1000.
[0095]
Further, this apparatus is provided with a sound generation IC 1008 and an image generation IC 1010 so that game sounds and game images can be suitably output. The sound generation IC 1008 is an integrated circuit that generates game sounds such as sound effects and BGM music based on information stored in the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002, and the generated game sounds are output by the speaker 1020. The image generation IC 1010 is an integrated circuit that generates pixel information to be output to the display device 1018 based on image information sent from the RAM 1004, the ROM 1002, the information storage medium 1006, and the like. The display device 1018 is realized by a CRT, LCD, TV, plasma display, liquid crystal plasma display, projector, or the like.
[0096]
The communication device 1024 exchanges various types of information used inside the device with the outside. The communication device 1024 is connected to other devices to send / receive given information according to a game program or the like, or via a communication line. It is used to send and receive information such as game programs.
[0097]
The timer 1026 is a timer circuit for measuring a given time.
[0098]
Various processes described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 include an information storage medium 1006 storing a program for performing the processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 to 13, a CPU 1000 that operates according to the program, an image This is realized by the generation IC 1010, the sound generation IC 1008, and the like. Note that the processing performed by the image generation IC 1010 or the like may be performed by software using the CPU 1000 or a general-purpose DSP.
[0099]
FIG. 15 shows an example in which this embodiment is applied to a game device including a host device 1300 and terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n connected to the host device 1300 via a communication line 1302.
[0100]
In this case, the game program 510, the motion data 520, the moving speed data 530, and the character data 540 are stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic disk device, a magnetic tape device, or a memory that can be controlled by the host device 1300, for example. Yes. When the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n have a CPU, an image generation IC, and a sound generation IC and can generate game images and game sounds stand-alone, the host device 1300 receives a game program 510, Motion data 520, movement speed data 530, character data 540, and the like are distributed to terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n via communication line 1302. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated stand-alone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound, transmits them to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n, and outputs them at the terminals.
[0101]
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily change the motion speed during play of a character by simply changing the playback speed of one motion pattern without requiring a large number of motion patterns. In addition, the quickness of the character can be expressed by changing the motion speed of the character.
[0102]
In addition, since the movement speed of the character can be changed according to a given operation input during play, for example, when two players are playing a game, Change the character's movement speed while moving (moving). Then, even if the moving speed is not changed, the motion speed (foot rotation speed) is changed, so that the other player has an illusion that the moving speed has changed.
[0103]
The present invention is not limited to the one described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, when the motion switching unit 216 switches the motion from the walking motion to the running motion, the motion is changed gradually by synthesizing while changing the ratio of the walking motion to the running motion. May be. Based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, the operation | movement which concerns on the synthetic | combination process of a some motion is demonstrated.
[0104]
First, the motion generation unit 214 determines the progress of one motion of two motions (motion A and motion B) (the motion progress at the end of one motion when the motion progress at the start of the motion is “0”). Are acquired respectively (step S101). Here, the progress of one motion of motion A is Len (A), and the progress of one motion of motion B is Len (B).
[0105]
Next, the inter-frame progress m0 corresponding to the playback speed is acquired from the playback speed data 542 (step S102), the inter-frame progress mB0 in motion B is set to m0, and the inter-frame progress m0 in motion A is ( Len (A) / Len (B)) × m0 is set (step S103).
[0106]
Then, the motion generation unit 214 generates motion data for each frame progress mB0 in motion B (step S104), and generates motion data for each frame progress mA0 in motion A (step S105). ).
[0107]
Then, the generated motion data is synthesized at a given ratio (step S106), and the process is terminated. When synthesizing motion data with a low degree of motion progress, the ratio of motion A is increased, and the motion data with the higher degree of motion progress is increased by increasing the ratio of motion B when compositing. It is possible to generate motion that changes to.
[0108]
For example, as shown in FIG. 17, it is possible to generate a motion that gradually changes from a walking motion to a running motion. 17A shows the motion of the walking motion as motion A (motion data generated for each degree of progress mA0 between frames), and FIG. 17B shows the motion of the running motion as motion B (between the frames). FIG. 17C shows motion (motion data) generated when the composition ratio of motion A and motion B is gradually changed. In FIG. 17 (c), the ratio of motion A is increased at the start of motion, and the ratio of motion B is gradually increased as the degree of motion progress increases.
[0109]
Further, for example, in the motion data 520, a plurality of motions may be set for one operation, and a plurality of different motions may be generated even for the same operation by combining the plurality of motions. . For example, even if it is a running motion, set the motion data 520 to be a motion that raises the foot high and a motion that runs almost without raising the foot, and by combining these motions, raise the foot slightly. A running motion can be generated. Further, by changing the composition ratio, a large number of motions with different foot lifts can be generated.
[0110]
In the above embodiment, a soccer game has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention is applicable to sports games such as various ball games such as basketball, baseball, tennis, hockey, and rugby.
[0111]
Further, in the above embodiment, the motion playback speed (that is, the quickness of the character movement) set in advance for each character is stored in the information storage medium or set on the editing screen before play. However, for example, the motion playback speed of the character operated by the player or the character of the team to which the character belongs may be changed as the game progresses. Further, for example, during the game, the motion playback speed may be changed according to the degree of fatigue of the character (the amount of exercise until now, the number of contacts, etc.), the number of fouls, and the like.
[0112]
In the above embodiment, the moving speed is fixed regardless of the character and the reproduction speed. For example, the moving speed may be set for each character. In this case, for example, for a character with short legs, the movement is fast (the movement speed is fast), but the actual running speed (movement speed) may be slow. On the other hand, for a character with long legs (large stride), the movement is not so quick, but the moving speed may be set fast.
[0113]
Further, for example, the moving speed or moving distance of the ball or the like may be changed according to the operation speed. That is, the ball kicked by a character with a fast motion speed may fly faster or fly far.
[0114]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to easily change the motion speed during play of a character by simply changing the playback speed of one motion pattern without requiring many motion patterns. In addition, the quickness of the character can be expressed by changing the motion speed of the character.
[0115]
In addition, since the character's motion speed can be changed in response to a given operation input during play, changing the motion speed without changing the movement speed while the character is running allows An illusion can be made as if the moving speed of the character has changed.
[0116]
Further, by changing the combination of the movement speed and the movement speed, or changing the composition ratio of the movement patterns, the movement of the character can be changed more variously.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example when the present invention is applied to a home game device.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the principle of changing the playback speed of motion.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference frame for a motion of a kick operation.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame that is interpolated when the motion playback speed is high.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame to be interpolated when a motion reproduction speed is low.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of functional blocks in the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of moving speed data.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of reproduction speed data.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of motion data.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of motion switching timing.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation related to a reproduction speed change process in the present embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation related to motion generation processing in the present embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation related to a reproduction speed change process by a feint instruction according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example when the present embodiment is applied to a game terminal connected to a host device via a communication line.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation related to a plurality of motion synthesis processes as a modification of the present embodiment;
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a motion generated by combining motions.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Operation part
200 processor
210 Game operation part
212 Playback speed setting section
214 Motion generator
216 Motion switching part
230 Image generator
240 timer
30 Display section
500 Information storage medium
510 game programs
520 motion data
530 Movement speed data
540 character data
542 Playback speed data

Claims (14)

Storage means for storing motion pattern data that is a basis for the motion of a character having a joint structure, and playback means for causing the character to perform a motion by playing back a motion pattern according to the motion pattern data stored in the storage means A moving speed setting means for setting the moving speed of the character, an image generating means for generating an image of the character, and when the character is moving at the moving speed set by the moving speed setting means, A game device for executing a given sports game in which the character appears, comprising: a changing unit that changes a playback speed of the motion pattern played by the playback unit;
It further comprises operation input means,
When the character is moving at the set moving speed and the operation input means performs a given operation input, the changing means maintains the set moving speed while maintaining the moving speed. A game apparatus, comprising: manual changing means for changing a reproduction speed of the action pattern during movement of the character at In claim 1,
The game apparatus, wherein the rotation speed of the joint of the character is changed by the change means changing the playback speed of the motion pattern. In claim 1 or 2,
The game device according to claim 1, wherein the changing means includes means for changing a reproduction speed of the action pattern in accordance with a value representing a state of the character. In any one of Claim 1 to 3,
Before starting the game play execution of the sports game, further comprising setting means for setting the playback speed of the motion pattern,
The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the changing means includes means for changing the reproduction speed of the motion pattern based on the reproduction speed set by the setting means. In any one of Claim 1-4,
The storage means stores a plurality of operation pattern data,
The reproduction means causes the character to perform a continuous action by sequentially switching and reproducing the action patterns according to each of the plurality of action pattern data stored in the storage means, and reproduces the action pattern at the switching timing. A game device that changes based on speed. In any one of Claim 1 to 5,
Generating means for synthesizing a plurality of given operation pattern data to generate one new operation pattern data, and storing it in the storage means;
A ratio changing means for changing a combining ratio when the generating means combines a plurality of operation pattern data;
A game apparatus further comprising: In any one of Claim 1 to 6,
The game apparatus, wherein the given sport game is a sport game related to a ball game. A computer-readable program that stores motion pattern data that is a basis for the motion of a character having a joint structure, and that stores a program for causing a computer to function as a means for executing a given sports game in which the character appears. Information storage medium,
The program is
Reproducing means for causing the character to perform an action by reproducing an action pattern according to the action pattern data;
Moving speed setting means for setting the moving speed of the character;
Image generating means for generating an image of the character;
Changing means for changing the reproduction speed of the action pattern reproduced by the reproduction means when the character is moving at the movement speed set by the movement speed setting means;
Operation input means;
Is a program for causing the computer to further function,
In the case where a given operation input is made by the operation input means while the character is moving at the set moving speed, the changing means keeps the set moving speed while maintaining the moving speed. An information storage medium, which is a program for causing the computer to function so as to have manual change means for changing the reproduction speed of the action pattern during movement of the character. In claim 8,
The program is
The information storage medium is a program for causing the computer to function so that the rotation speed of the joint of the character is changed by the change means changing the reproduction speed of the motion pattern . In claim 8 or 9,
The program is
The information storage is a program for causing the computer to function so that the changing means has means for changing the reproduction speed of the action pattern in accordance with a value representing the state of the character. Medium. In any of claims 8 to 10,
The program is
Before the game play execution of the sports game starts, the setting means for setting the playback speed of the motion pattern is further functioned on the computer,
The information is characterized in that the changing means is a program for causing the computer to function so as to have means for changing the reproduction speed of the operation pattern based on the reproduction speed set by the setting means. Storage medium. In any of claims 8 to 11,
Stores multiple motion pattern data,
The program causes the character to perform a continuous action by sequentially switching and reproducing action patterns according to each of the plurality of action pattern data stored in the storage means, and the switching timing is set. An information storage medium which is a program for causing the computer to function so as to change based on a reproduction speed of an operation pattern. In any of claims 8 to 12,
The program is
Generating means for synthesizing a plurality of given operation pattern data to generate one new operation pattern data;
A ratio changing means for changing a combining ratio when the generating means combines a plurality of operation pattern data;
And further function for the computer,
An information storage medium characterized by being a program for causing the computer to function so that the reproduction means reproduces an operation pattern according to new operation pattern data generated by the generation means. In any of claims 8 to 13,
An information storage medium, wherein the given sports game is a sports game related to a ball game.

Images