JP5843217B2 - GAME PROGRAM, GAME DEVICE, AND RECORDING MEDIUM CONTAINING GAME PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  One embodiment of the present invention relates to a game program, a game device, and a recording medium on which the game program is recorded.

  In a game in which a player operates a player character and proceeds through a map in which a plurality of patterns composed of a plurality of rooms and passages are arranged, the player himself / herself selects a room / passage pattern and designates its size. Thus, there is known a method for creating a map and enabling a game development with a high degree of freedom (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

JP-A-9-140933

  However, in the method as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the player must specify all the patterns and sizes of the rooms and passages to be arranged on the map. For this reason, it takes much time and effort when the player creates the map.

  One of the objects of the present invention is to make it easy to create a game map.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described object, and other effects of the present invention can be achieved by the functions and effects derived from the respective configurations shown in the embodiments for carrying out the invention which will be described later. It can be positioned as one of

  One aspect of the game program of the present invention is a game program that causes a computer to execute a game that moves or acts a character object in a game map based on an input operation from a player, and the computer is placed in the game map. Storage means for storing a map piece forming a part of a map object to be arranged, luminance image generating means for reading image data and generating a luminance image from the image data, a predetermined number of divisions set in advance for the game map For each region, the detection unit that detects the value of the luminance image, and an arrangement unit that arranges the map piece in any one of the predetermined regions based on the value detected by the detection unit.

  Here, the map piece comprises a plurality of types, and the arrangement means determines the type of the map piece according to the detection status of the value of the predetermined area around the predetermined area corresponding to the map piece to be arranged. You may do it.

  Further, the game program further causes the computer to function as a difficulty level determination unit that determines the difficulty level, and the arrangement unit determines the type of the map piece according to the difficulty level. Good.

  Further, the arrangement means may arrange the map piece group and the other in a predetermined area at a position corresponding to the shortest distance between the one map piece group and the other map piece group in which the map pieces are arranged adjacent to each other. You may make it arrange | position the map piece which connects these map piece groups.

  The game program further causes the computer to function as setting means for setting a start point at which the character object starts moving or taking action and a goal point at which moving or taking action ends in the game map, The setting means searches for a set of map pieces that are the farthest among the arranged map pieces, sets the start point on one map piece, and sets the goal point on the other map piece You may do it.

  Further, the game program further causes the computer to function as a fitting unit that applies the luminance image generated by the luminance image generation unit to the predetermined areas of different numbers of divisions, and the fitting unit includes the difficulty level determination unit. The predetermined area of the number of divisions used for the fitting may be selected according to the difficulty level determined by.

  The game program further causes the computer to function as acceleration detection means for detecting acceleration, and the difficulty level determination means determines the difficulty level as the acceleration value detected by the acceleration detection means increases. You may do it.

  Furthermore, one aspect of the game apparatus of the present invention is a game apparatus for executing a game for moving or acting a character object in a game map based on an input operation from a player, and a map arranged in the game map Storage means for storing a map piece that forms a part of an object, luminance image generation means for reading image data and generating a luminance image from the image data, and a predetermined number of predetermined areas for the game map In addition, there are provided detection means for detecting the value of the luminance image, and arrangement means for arranging the map piece in any one of the predetermined areas based on the value detected by the detection means.

  One aspect of the recording medium of the present invention is a recording medium that records the above-described game program.

  Furthermore, one aspect of the game program of the present invention is a game program for causing a computer to execute a game for moving or acting a character object on a course set in a game field based on an input operation from a player, Storage means for dividing the image data into a predetermined number and storing color information of the image data for each of the sections, associating each area provided on the map representing the game field with a plane with the sections, Based on the color information of the division, it functions as a setting means for setting a piece that forms a part of the course in an area corresponding to the division.

  Here, the setting means may set a piece connecting one piece group obtained by combining a plurality of pieces and another piece group.

It is a top view which shows the example of a front external appearance of the game device which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the example of a back external appearance which shows the external appearance of the game device illustrated in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic hardware configuration of the game device illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of contents of a memory module illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the game device illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. It is a flowchart explaining the procedure which produces a game map in the game device of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the game map creation procedure of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the game map creation procedure of this embodiment. (A) And (B) is a figure for demonstrating the game map creation procedure of this embodiment. (A) And (B) is a figure for demonstrating the game map creation procedure of this embodiment. (A) And (B) is a figure for demonstrating the game map creation procedure of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the game map creation procedure of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the game map creation procedure of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the game map creation procedure of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the game map creation procedure of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the game map creation procedure of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the game map creation procedure of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a list of the map piece of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a list of the map piece of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a list of the map piece of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a list of the map piece of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a list of the map piece of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a list of the map piece of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a list of the map piece of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example (inclination of a course) of the map piece of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example (step: unevenness of a course) of the map piece of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example (step difference: level difference of a course) of the map piece of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example (gimmic: moving floor) of the map piece of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example (gimmick: bumper) of the map piece of this embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications and technical applications that are not explicitly described below. In other words, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications (combining the embodiments, etc.) without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily match actual dimensions and ratios. In some cases, the dimensional relationships and ratios may be different between the drawings.

(Configuration example of game device)
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a front appearance of a game apparatus according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a rear appearance example of the game apparatus. The game apparatus 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is substantially defined in appearance by a housing 110. In this example, a super-oval-shaped housing 110 is employed, and the housing 110 is designed to have a size that allows a user to easily hold it with both hands. Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a computing device 210, which is an example of a control unit that comprehensively controls the game apparatus 100, is housed inside the housing 110.

  The game apparatus 100 includes a touch screen 220 (touch panel) disposed at a substantially central portion of the front surface of the housing 110. The touch screen 220 is, for example, a device having a display and input function in which a transparent touch sensor 222 is disposed on a display (screen) 221. An example of the touch screen 220 is an organic EL display that supports multi-touch. However, it is not limited to this.

  A plurality of operation buttons 260 may be disposed at both left and right ends of the housing 110. The operation button placement positions correspond to, for example, the left and right positions where the thumb abuts when the user holds the housing 110 with both hands. As an example of the operation button 260, a cross button and a round button are disposed on the left and right sides of the housing 110. Further, the audio output unit 230 may be arranged in the vicinity of the left and right operation button sets.

  The game apparatus 100 may include an external media unit 240 (see FIG. 3) for accessing an external storage medium. An example of the external storage medium is a memory card, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or the like, and can record a game program and various data. Various media with various standards may be adopted as the storage medium. In order to attach / detach the external storage medium, the housing 110 of the game apparatus 100 may be provided with an external media slot suitable for connection of the external storage medium.

  The game apparatus 100 may include a communication unit 250 that implements network communication. An example of network communication is communication compliant with a wireless communication standard such as 3G or WiFi. However, it is not limited to these.

  Further, the game apparatus 100 may include a front (inner) camera 270 as illustrated in FIG. 1, and may include a rear (outer) camera 290 as illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, the front camera 270 is provided in the vicinity of one of the operation button sets (the right side in FIG. 1). The front camera 270 can shoot a shooting target (for example, the player himself) in the shooting direction with the normal direction of the plane forming the front surface of the housing 110 as the shooting (imaging) direction.

  On the other hand, the rear camera 290 is exemplarily provided near the center of the edge of the housing 110 in FIG. The rear camera 290 can capture a subject to be photographed in the photographing direction with the normal direction of the plane forming the back of the housing 110 as the photographing direction.

  Note that one or both of the cameras 270 and 290 may be a 2D camera that captures a shooting target in a planar manner, or may be a so-called 3D camera that can capture a shooting target in a three-dimensional manner.

  Next, FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic hardware configuration of the game apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the game apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment exemplarily includes a computing device 210, a touch screen 220, an audio output unit 230, an external media unit 240, a communication unit 250, an operation button 260, and a front camera 270. , An acceleration sensor 280, and a rear camera 290.

  The computing device 210 controls the game apparatus 100 in an integrated manner.

  For example, the touch screen 220 displays an image (for example, a still image, a moving image, a video, or the like) for expressing or producing a game, and accepts an input by a user (player) touch operation.

  The audio output unit 230 outputs, for example, a sound (for example, music, voice, sound effect, etc.) for expressing or producing a game.

  The external media unit 240 allows access to an external storage medium.

  The communication unit 250 enables network communication with the server computer and other game apparatuses 100.

  The operation button 260 is used in place of or supplementing the user input by the touch screen 220.

  The computing device 210 is a computer circuit element that includes various processors, a memory, and the like, and includes, for example, a chip set. The computing device 210 of this embodiment illustratively includes a processor core 211, a memory module 212, a graphics engine 213, a sound engine 214, an I / O controller 215, and a system bus 216 connecting them. including. The computing device 210 may include a media engine for processing moving images at high speed.

  The processor core 211 is a chip that functions as a main processor of a computing device. Here, the term “processor core” can be treated as synonymous with a processor, CPU, MPU or the like that means a main processor.

  For example, the processor core 211 executes a game program developed on the memory module 212 and causes the computing device 210 to realize various functions. In other words, the computing device 210 executes a game program under the control of the processor core 211 to realize a game in the game apparatus 100 in cooperation with other hardware units / components.

  For example, the game program may be executed under the control of an operating system (OS) that is realized under the control of the processor core 211. The processor core 211 may be a single core or a multi-core. The processor core 211 may include a plurality of data caches not shown.

  Further, the processor core 211 may be configured to connect a floating point processor (FPU), a vector floating point processor (VFPU) or the like (not shown) and to execute a game program in cooperation with them.

  The memory module 212 stores various programs and data used for executing the game. FIG. 4 shows an example of the contents of the memory module 212.

  The memory module 212 is, for example, one of a volatile memory typified by a DRAM, a non-rewritable nonvolatile memory typified by a mask ROM, and a rewritable nonvolatile memory typified by a flash memory. You may comprise in combination.

  The volatile memory is illustratively provided for the main memory of the processor core 211, and stores, for example, part or all of the game program and game data as necessary.

  The nonvolatile memory stores, for example, a BIOS, an OS program, a device driver, system data necessary for controlling the game apparatus 100, graphic data, image data captured by the cameras 270 and / or 290, and the like.

  The graphic data may include one or more “map pieces (or map parts)”. The “map piece” is a piece object that forms a part of the game map set (or arranged) in the game field displayed on the touch screen 220. By connecting a plurality of map pieces in combination, a game course (hereinafter also simply referred to as “course”) in which the character object moves or acts in response to an operation input by the player of the game apparatus 100 can be set on the game map. .

  One or more map pieces may be used. If there are multiple types, the variation of the course can be increased. Non-limiting examples of the types of map pieces include a rectangular shape, an I shape, an L shape, a V shape, a Y shape, and shapes with different thicknesses (widths) in plan view. . Details will be described later with reference to FIGS. The character object may be expressed by simulating a person, an animal, an object, or the like.

  All of the nonvolatile memories may be configured by a flash memory without using a mask ROM. Further, all of the memory module 212 may be constituted by a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory. An external media slot external storage medium of game device 100 may also be provided as part of memory module 212.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the graphics engine 213 performs various graphics processing under the control of the processor core 211. The graphics engine 213 may illustratively include a graphics core 2131 and a graphics memory 2132.

  The graphic core 2131 is an example of a graphic processor having a function of generating and rendering 2D and / or 3D computer graphics (CG), and is referred to as a video display processor (VDP) or a graphic processing unit (GPU). There is also.

The graphic core 2131 can read the graphic data stored in the graphic memory 2132 and perform various graphic processing (for example, geometry processing, rendering processing, texture mapping processing, etc.) to generate image data.
Illustratively, the graphics core 2131 may include a geometry processor that calculates polygon geometry (coordinates) and a rendering processor that rasterizes / renders (renders) the geometry-calculated polygons. In addition, the graphic core 2131 may include a video encoder, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), or the like in order to output a drawn image to the touch screen 220 or the like.

  For example, the geometry processor performs affine transformation or the like on the coordinates of the polygon in the two-dimensional or three-dimensional game space, and performs affine transformation or the like to obtain the coordinates of the polygon. The geometry processor may include a “geometry shader” (or vertex shader) that performs tessellation such as polygon division and spline interpolation.

  For example, the rendering processor pastes image data called a texture on a polygon whose coordinates are calculated, and draws it in the graphic memory with various effects. Examples of various effects include calculation of light spot / shadow (shading), expression of light and darkness, translucency, blur, fog, blur, HDR (high dynamic range composition), etc. using a programmable shader. .

  Examples of polygon types include point polygons (points), line polygons (line list), surface polygons such as triangles and quadrangles, and a collection of surface polygons. In addition, when the rendering processor performs rendering using ray tracing or the like, it is possible to render an object defined by a region such as a circle, an ellipse, a sphere, or a metaball.

  A part or all of the image processing by the graphic core 2131 may be processed by the processor core 211. Image data generated by the graphic core 2131 is converted into a predetermined video signal by a video interface circuit such as a video encoder, and is output to the touch screen 220.

  The sound engine 214 appropriately performs various sound processing (for example, effect processing, mixing processing, etc.) on sound data stored in a sound memory (not shown) under the control of the processor core 211. The sound engine 214 may be a digital signal processor (DSP) or the like equipped with a PCM (Wave) sound source for outputting music, voice, and sound effects, etc., and calculates a physical calculation sound source, FM sound source, etc. Various audio effects such as reflection and reflection can also be calculated. The sound data processed by the sound engine 214 is converted into a predetermined audio signal by a sound interface circuit (not shown) and output to the audio output unit 230. The sound engine 214 may support recognition of voice input from a microphone (not shown).

  The I / O controller 215 is an example of an interface circuit that controls input / output with various external units. A touch sensor 222, operation buttons 260, an external media unit 240, and a communication unit 250 can be connected to the I / O controller 215. The I / O controller 215 converts external signals given from various connected units into internal data in the computing device 210, and converts the internal data into external signals suitable for the various units.

  The touch screen 220 is an example of a user interface device, and may include a display (screen) 221 and a transmissive touch sensor 222 formed to substantially match the size of the display 221. The touch screen 220 displays a game image under the control of the computing device 210 and can accept an interactive touch operation by the user.

  The display 221 displays an image (for example, a still image, a moving image, a video, etc.) on the display 221 based on the video signal from the graphics engine 213. The display 221 may correspond to 2D display or may correspond to 3D display.

  The touch sensor 222 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the touch operation by the user. The user's touch operation may be performed by the user's finger, a stylus, or the like. The touch sensor 222 can employ, for example, a capacitance type, but is not limited thereto.

  The operation signal output from the touch sensor 222 is input to the computing device 210. When the computing device 210 detects an operation signal from the touch sensor 222, the computing device 210 interprets the operation signal as an operation for the game, and a process corresponding to the operation is executed.

  For example, the computing device 210 calculates position information on the display 221 based on an operation signal from the touch sensor 222, and is used to determine an operation action in combination with a game image and time information. The game apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can accept a multi-touch operation with a plurality of fingers (or styluses).

  The audio output unit 230 is an example of an audio output device, and provides game sounds to the user in accordance with the progress of the game. The audio output unit 230 generates sound (for example, sound, music, sound effect, etc.) based on the audio signal from the sound engine 214.

  The external media unit 240 is an example of a media interface device and allows the computing device 210 to access an external storage medium. The external storage medium may be a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory, an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a magnetic tape device, an optical disk device, or the like in addition to the memory card and USB memory described above. The external storage medium can store various data such as game programs and parameters used for game execution. The game apparatus 100, which is an example of a computer, reads a game program or the like from an external storage medium, transfers it to the memory module 212, stores it, and uses it.

  The game program or the like can be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Recording media include, for example, a hard disk, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a BD (Blue-ray Disk), a ROM cartridge, and a battery-backed RAM cartridge. , Flash memory cartridges, non-volatile RAM cartridges, and the like. Further, the game program or the like may be provided to the game apparatus 100 by the communication unit 250 via a communication network.

  The “computer” is a concept including, for example, hardware and an operating system (OS), and may mean hardware that operates under the control of the OS. Further, when the OS is unnecessary and the hardware can be operated by the program alone, it can be considered that the hardware corresponds to a computer. The hardware can include an arithmetic device such as a CPU and a reading device that can read a program recorded on a recording medium.

  The game program or the like includes program code that causes the computer as described above to realize the function as the game apparatus 100. Some of the functions may be realized by the OS instead of the program.

  The communication unit 250 enables the game apparatus 100 to communicate with other game apparatuses and computers through a communication network. The communication network may be a wireless network or a wired network. Examples of communication networks include wireless LAN, 3G, WiMax (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), c. Examples of the network include Link (registered trademark), HDMI (registered trademark), wired LAN, telephone line, mobile phone network, PHS network, power line network, IEEE 1394, and the like.

  Via the communication unit 250, the game apparatus 100 can appropriately communicate with other game apparatuses 100 and servers (not shown). Thereby, for example, a battle game with a player of another game device connected so as to be communicable (a game in which a competition such as a battle is performed; the same applies hereinafter) or a joint game (a game that solves a problem in cooperation with each other). The same shall apply hereinafter). In addition, by connecting a plurality of game devices 100 so as to communicate with each other, the game score such as the score and the score can be totaled through the server, and a battle game can be played with game devices arranged in other play facilities. It is also possible to perform or totalize rankings.

  The operation button 260 is illustratively composed of a plurality of buttons (keys), but is not limited thereto. In the example of FIG. 1, left and right operation button sets including a cross button and a round button are provided.

  The acceleration sensor 280 detects the acceleration given to the game apparatus 100 (housing 110). The detected acceleration can be used to change the difficulty level of the course arranged on the game map (or game field) as will be described later.

  Next, the game provided to the user by the game device 100 of the present embodiment will be briefly described. Such a game is realized by the game device 100 executing a game program under the control of the computing device 210.

  The game provided by the game apparatus 100 exemplarily shows that the player character has a pattern such as a passage (course) by controlling the movement and action of the player character (character object) through the operation buttons 260 and the touch screen 220. It is a game that progresses from the start point to the goal point in the placed game map. The game screen displayed on the display 221 is, for example, a game image representing a virtual three-dimensional space. During play, the visual line direction and visual field area of the virtual camera are controlled, and the game image representing the virtual three-dimensional space changes according to the control.

  The player can create a unique game map. The game map can be created from an image taken by the camera 270 and / or 290 of the game apparatus 100, for example. Note that the user of the game device 100 (the user who creates the game map using the game device 100) and the player who plays the game on the created game map may be the same or different.

(Functional configuration example of game device 100)
Next, FIG. 5 shows a functional configuration example of the game apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 5 shows various functional means realized in the game apparatus 100 in cooperation with other hardware and / or software by the processor (processor core 211) of the computing device 210 executing the game program. The example of a structure is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the game apparatus 100 includes, for example, functional means as a storage unit 502, a luminance image generation unit 504, a value detection unit 506, and a map piece arrangement unit 508. In addition, the game apparatus 100 may additionally include functional means as an acceleration detection unit 510, a game difficulty level determination unit 512, a grid division unit 514, and a start / goal setting unit 516.

  The storage unit 502 can correspond to, for example, the memory module 212 illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, and is a map piece candidate that forms part of a map object arranged in a game map that represents a game field in a planar manner. Is stored. As described above, the “plurality of map pieces” may be one type or a plurality of types. Non-limiting examples of “map piece types” include a rectangular shape, an I shape, and an L shape in plan view. , V-shape, Y-shape, and shapes with different thicknesses (widths). An example of “map piece” will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  An image used for creating the game map is, for example, a color image, and may include color information. The color information may include information such as RGB (red / green / blue), CMY (cyan / magenta / yellow), luminance, hue, vividness, brightness, etc., and the average value and representative pixel of each. May be included. In this case, the storage unit 502 may divide the image data into a predetermined number and store color information of the image data for each division.

  The luminance image generation unit 504 reads the image data and generates a luminance image (data) from the image data. The luminance image may be generated by binarizing the read image data, or by generating a gray scale.

  The value detection unit 506 is a value of the luminance image generated by the luminance image generation unit 504 for each predetermined area of a predetermined number of divisions for the game map (a grid described below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12 is an example). (For example, 1 and 0 for a binarized image) are detected. For example, if the detected value is “1”, a map piece is arranged in the corresponding grid (with a map piece), and if the detected value is “0”, no map piece is arranged in the corresponding grid (no map piece). ).

  The map piece arrangement unit 508 arranges map pieces for each grid based on the values detected by the value detection unit 506. In other words, the map piece placement unit 508 associates each area (grid is an example) provided on the game map with the section, and stores the color information for each section of the image data. Based on the color information of the division, it functions as a setting unit that sets a piece that forms a part of the course in an area corresponding to the division.

  The map piece placement unit 508 determines the type of map piece to be placed (for example, rectangular) according to the detection status of the value (for example, 1/0) by the grid value detection unit 506 around the grid corresponding to the map piece to be placed. Shape, I-shape, Y-shape, L-shape, etc.). Thereby, a variation can be given to the course which a map piece group comprises, and the interest property of a game can be improved. For example, if the value of the grid of interest is “1” (with a map piece) and the values of all eight neighboring grids adjacent to the focus are also “1” (with a map piece), the grid of interest has a rectangular shape. Map pieces are selected. Further, if the value of the grid of interest is “1” (with map piece) and the values of the upper and lower two grids adjacent to the grid of interest are “1” (with map piece), the grid of interest has an I-shape. A map piece is elected. If the value of the grid of interest is “1” (with map piece) and the values of the upper left, upper right, and lower three grids adjacent to the grid of interest are “1” (with map piece), A Y-shaped map piece is selected. If the value of the grid of interest is “1” (with a map piece) and is adjacent to the grid of interest and the values of the two right grids are “1” (with a map piece), the grid of interest has an L-shape. A map piece is selected.

  The acceleration detection unit 510 corresponds to the acceleration sensor 280 illustrated in FIG. 3 and detects an acceleration given to the game apparatus 100.

  The game difficulty level determination unit 512 can determine the game difficulty level higher as the acceleration value detected by the acceleration detection unit 510 is larger. In accordance with the difficulty level determined by the game difficulty level determination unit 512, the map piece arrangement unit 508 can also determine the type of map piece to be arranged (for example, inclination, unevenness, step, gimmick, etc. described later). Details will be described later.

  Therefore, since further variations can be given to the course, the interest of the game can be further improved. Moreover, since the difficulty level of a game can be adjusted by giving acceleration to the game apparatus 100 by shaking the game apparatus 100 or the like, it is possible to improve the interest in creating a game map.

  The grid fitting unit 514 applies (corresponds) the luminance images generated and converted by the luminance image generation unit 504 to grids of different sizes (see, for example, FIGS. 9 and 10). Which size grid is finally applied (selected) can be determined according to the difficulty level determined by the game difficulty level determination unit 512.

  Note that the map piece placement unit 508 is located at a position corresponding to the shortest distance between one map piece group (for example, “island” described below) in which the map pieces are arranged adjacent to each other and another map piece group. A map piece (hereinafter also referred to as “connected piece”) for connecting (or connecting) the one map piece group and the other map piece group (in other words, “islands”) may be arranged on the grid. it can. Therefore, it is possible to uniquely define the map piece group to be connected and place the connected pieces, which contributes to reducing the processing load of the game apparatus 100.

  The start / goal setting unit 516 sets a start point at which the character object starts moving or taking action and a goal point at which moving or taking action ends in the game map. At that time, the start / goal setting unit 516 searches for one set of map pieces that are farthest from each other in the arranged map pieces, sets the start point on one map piece, and sets the start point on the other map piece. You can set a goal point.

  This makes it difficult for the player character to set the course so that the player character can easily reach the goal point, thereby improving the interest of the game. Further, since the search condition is “the farthest distance”, the processing load of the game apparatus 100 can be reduced.

(Operation example of game device 100)
Hereinafter, a game map creation method will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 to 29 as an operation example of the game apparatus 100 (computing device 210) configured as described above.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for creating a game map in the game apparatus 100. First, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the user of the game apparatus 100 shoots a shooting target to be converted into a game map using, for example, the rear camera 290 of the game apparatus 100 (process P110).

  The object to be imaged may be an object, a person, a landscape, or the like. The captured image is temporarily stored as image data in the memory module 212 through the system bus 216 of the computing device 210 (see FIG. 3) (see FIG. 4). The photographed image is a color image, for example, and may include color information. The color information may include information such as RGB (red / green / blue), CMY (cyan / magenta / yellow), luminance, hue, vividness, brightness, etc., and the average value and representative pixel of each. May be included.

  Next, the computing device 210 (for example, the processor core 211. The same applies hereinafter) reads the captured image data from the memory module 212 and cuts the image data into a predetermined size (for example, 400 × 400 pixels) (Process P120). ). An example of the cut image (data) is illustrated in FIG. In the example of FIG. 7, three types of objects (rectangle, ellipse, etc.) are included in the image. For example, the rectangle includes color information such as blue, the ellipse is red, and the background is light blue.

  Further, the computing device 210 adjusts the color information (for example, luminance information) of the clipped image (data) by using the function as the luminance image generation unit 504 (see FIG. 5), for example, so as to make two gradations (binary). Image (luminance image) is generated (process P130).

  An example of the binarized image (data) is shown in FIG. By binarizing the color image data, for example, even if the image data is corrected by an automatic correction function such as a white balance function of the camera 290, the influence is reduced or eliminated, and for example, an object included in the captured image The image can be clearly distinguished from the background.

  The luminance image (data) thus generated (hereinafter also referred to as “binarized image”) is then subjected to the first image analysis process (P140). In the image analysis processing, the computing device 210 calculates a median value of the luminance of the binarized image, for example, using a function as the value detection unit 506 (see FIG. 5), and includes a pixel having a luminance less than the median value Is determined to be a portion where a map piece (or map part) is to be arranged, and a portion not including pixels having luminance less than the intermediate value is determined to be a portion where no map piece is to be arranged. The “map piece” means an object that forms part of a game map (object) to be created (for example, a course on which the player character proceeds).

  Next, the computing device 210 uses, for example, the function as the grid fitting unit 514 (see FIG. 5) so that, for example, the binarized image illustrated in FIG. 8 is illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Fitting or associating with grids (cells) of two types of divisions set in advance (for example, 20 × 20 and 16 × 16) (process P150). One grid exemplarily corresponds to the number of sections (hereinafter also referred to as “size”) of 5 (m) × 5 (m) in the virtual game space. Accordingly, the “20 × 20 grid” and the “16 × 16 grid” have sizes of “100 (m) × 100 (m)” and “80 (m) × 80 (m)”, respectively, in the virtual game space. Equivalent to. However, it is not limited to the size. In this example, it is assumed that the grid of 16 × 16 size is the minimum size that can represent the original image to be photographed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the probability that a game map unintended by the user will be finally generated. However, the minimum size is not limited to this. Depending on the processing capability of the computing device 210, if the processing capability is high, the minimum size may be made smaller as long as the prototype of the object to be photographed can be expressed.

  Then, the computing device 210 discriminates (or detects), for each grid, a grid on which the map piece is arranged and a grid on which the map piece is not arranged in the binarized image by using a function as the map piece arrangement unit 508 (see FIG. 5). )

  At this time, it is assumed that a grid including even a small number of pixels less than the intermediate luminance value is a grid on which map pieces are arranged. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the computing device 210 determines (detects) a grid including pixels with luminance less than the intermediate value as a grid on which a map piece is arranged (“1: with map piece”), and A grid that does not include pixels with luminance less than the intermediate value is determined (detected) as a grid in which no map piece is arranged (“0: no map piece”).

  In the above-described example, the binarized image is generated. However, the following method that does not generate the binarized image may be adopted. That is, in the process P130, a grayscale image (hereinafter also referred to as “grayscale image”) is generated (not binarized) based on the color information of the captured image. Next, in process P140, all pixels of the grayscale image are scanned, and an average value of the luminance of the grayscale image is calculated (for example, 100). Then, in process P150, it is assumed that the grid that is applied to the grid and includes any pixel that is less than the average value of luminance is a grid on which map pieces are arranged.

  Next, when the user of the game apparatus 100 performs an operation such as swinging the housing 110, acceleration is applied to the game apparatus 100, which is detected by the acceleration sensor 280. The computing device 210 determines the difficulty level based on the detected acceleration by the function as the game difficulty level determination unit 512 (process P160). As a non-limiting example, the degree of difficulty can be set in ten stages from 0 to 9 according to the acceleration value. It should be noted that the higher (or lower) the value of “0-9”, the higher (or lower) the difficulty level can be.

  At this time, the computing device 210 may display the state of difficulty changing in the form of a difficulty meter (or gauge) on the touch screen 220. Thereby, the user can adjust the acceleration given to the game apparatus 100 while confirming the change of the difficulty level. Therefore, the user can adjust the magnitude and number of accelerations given to game device 100 aiming at a desired difficulty level.

  For example, if the determined difficulty level is “0 to 4”, the computing device 210 applies (selects) the “16 × 16 grid” shown in FIG. For example, “20 × 20 grid” shown in FIG. 11A is applied (selected) (process P170). In other words, a grid with a smaller number of grids is selected as the difficulty level is lower, and a grid with a larger number of grids is selected as the difficulty level is higher. This can be understood that the distance between the start point and the goal point finally set on the generated game map changes according to the degree of difficulty. That is, if the number of grids is small, the distance between the start point and the goal point is likely to be relatively short as compared to the case where the number of grids is large.

  Next, the computing device 210 checks, for example, by the function as the map piece placement unit 508 (see FIG. 5) whether or not the number of “islands” formed by the map pieces to be placed is within 5 (process P180). Here, the “island” may be a group of two or more map piece groups arranged in adjacent grids, or may be an independent map piece that is not adjacent to any map piece.

  As a result of the check, if the number of “islands” exceeds five (in the case of No in process P180), the computing device 210 sets the “island” having the largest size (temporarily “island A”). ) Is detected (process P190), and four “islands” are selected in order of distance from the “island A” (process P200). The computing device 210 may delete the “island” that was not selected to reduce the processing load, but may leave it as an object (OBJ) as illustrated in FIG. 15 for example. Good. The distance between “islands” and “islands” can be identified by the number of grids, for example.

  Then, the computing device 210 places map pieces (for example, rail objects) that connect (link) the plurality of selected “islands” between the “islands”, and the player character moves from “islands” to “islands”. ”Is set to a course that can move across the rail object (process P210). One rail object can be preferentially set between “islands” at the shortest distance. However, setting a plurality of rail objects between “islands” is not excluded.

  On the other hand, if there are five or less “islands” in process P180, the computing device 210 connects (links) the “islands” by the process P210. As a non-limiting example, in FIG. 15, among the five islands A to E, islands B and D that are close to the island A are connected by rail objects 320 and 330, respectively, and the island B and the island C are rails. An example is shown in which a course in which a player character can move on five islands A to E is set by being connected by an object 310 and connecting an island D and an island E by a rail object 340. As another non-limiting example, FIG. 17 shows that islands B and C, which are close to island A, are connected by rail objects 350 and 360, respectively, and the player character moves on the three islands A to C. It illustrates how possible courses are set.

  When there is no “island”, the computing device 210 is, for example, a minimum size or more (for example, a size of 5 (m) × 5 (m) or more) that becomes an “island” (ground or floor) in the virtual game space. This map piece is placed in the game map as a course. This can avoid the inconvenience that a course is not set in the game map (in other words, at least one course is always set in the game map). In addition, when the distance between the “islands” is the same or when there are a plurality of “islands” having the largest size as a reference, the computing device 210 randomly selects any “island” using, for example, a random number. It may be selected or selected according to a predetermined condition (priority order, etc.).

  Next, the computing device 210 pseudo-outlines the map, for example, as shown in FIG. 12 (process P220). FIG. 12 illustrates an example of pseudo-outlining when “20 × 20 grid” is applied in process P170. In “pseudo-outlining”, values other than the grid corresponding to the outline such as “island” as a course are converted from “1” to “0”.

  For example, if a “floor” exists around the grid of interest (with a map piece), the computing device 210 converts the value of the grid of interest from “1” to “0” to place the grid on the grid of interest. The process of removing (or decimating) the “floor” is performed. The pseudo-outlining process can reduce the processing load on the computing device 210 as compared to the case where the pseudo-outlining is not performed.

  Further, the computing device 210 detects the longest distance between two points on the course in the pseudo-outlined map by the function as the start / goal setting unit 516 (see FIG. 5). Search for a set of map pieces that are the farthest from each other. Then, the computing device 210 sets the start point 410 in one map piece, and sets the goal point 420 in the other map piece (see, for example, FIGS. 13 to 15 and FIG. 17) (process P230).

  The point at which the start / goal is set in the map piece may be determined at random using a random number, or may be determined according to a predetermined condition. Note that even when there is only one map piece that is an “island”, the computing device 210, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the start point 410 and the goal are two points that are the longest distance in the one map piece. A point 420 can be set. The search condition for the start point 410 and the goal point 420 may not be the “longest distance”, but the processing load on the computing device 210 can be reduced by setting the “longest distance”.

  The computing device 210 can change the difficulty level of the course by changing the type of the map piece based on the difficulty level determined in the process P160 (process P240; see, for example, FIG. 14). FIG. 14 shows, as a non-limiting example, a state in which the course width is partially narrowed and the difficulty level is higher than that in FIG.

  18 to 24 show, as a non-limiting example, a map piece candidate list selected according to the difficulty level. As illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 24, a plurality of types of map pieces are prepared, and are included in, for example, “graphic data” (see FIG. 4) of the memory module 212. 18 to 24, the higher the difficulty level, the easier it is to select a map piece with a higher “score”.

  For example, in FIG. 18, the first and second map pieces (“score” = 1) from the top are both “ground” (or “5”) in the virtual game space. The third and fourth map pieces from the top are “ground” (or “floor”, the same applies hereinafter) having a size of 5 (m) × 5 (m). This is an object expressing that it has a higher “score” than when there is no inclination. A plurality of degrees of inclination can be set. FIG. 18 shows that a map piece (ground) with a thick arrow is larger in inclination than a map piece (ground) with a thin arrow.

  In FIG. 18, the fifth to seventh map pieces from the top are all “ground” in a size of 5 (m) × 1 (m) in length and width, in other words, the first to fourth maps. An object that expresses the “ground” that is narrower than the “ground” that the piece represents. Like the above, the presence or absence of an inclination is indicated by the presence or absence of an arrow, and the degree of inclination is indicated by the thickness of the arrow. Yes.

  Similarly, FIG. 19 shows a list of objects representing six types of “ground” having different sizes (widths) and inclinations. FIG. 20 shows a list of objects representing nine types of “ground” in which the extending direction is different from the examples in FIGS. 18 and 19 (oblique direction) and each has a different size (width) and inclination. Yes. In addition, the map piece may have various shapes, sizes, inclinations, and the like as illustrated in FIGS.

  The computing device 210 combines a map piece arrangement as described above with the function as the map piece arrangement unit 508 (see FIG. 5), thereby creating a course having a slope, a step (unevenness) and a hole in the game map. Various courses can be generated and generated depending on the difficulty level, such as courses with steps, courses with steps (level differences), courses with gimmicks (floor moving left and right), courses with gimmicks (bumpers), etc. Process P250 of 6). The “bumper” is a gimmick (object) that realizes an action in which a player character repels when a player character moving on a course collides.

  In addition, as a non-limiting example of the course displayed on the touch screen 220, FIG. 25 shows a “course with an inclination”, FIG. 26 shows a “course with a step (irregularity) and a hole”, and FIG. 28 shows a display example of each of “Course with Bumper”, FIG. 29 and “Course with Bumper”.

  The “step (unevenness)” may be realized by a single map piece (for example, the sixth to eighth map pieces from the top in FIG. 23) expressing the unevenness, or the connection of the map pieces expressing the flat “floor”. It may be realized by slightly shifting the eyes up and down.

  In addition, when a plurality of “floors” having “level differences” are arranged, the color of the “floor” may be changed according to the height so that the player can easily recognize that there are “level differences”. . However, the “level difference” is preferably set under the condition that “the goal point is lower than the start point”, for example. Under these conditions, it is possible to set the course so that a player character (for example, a ball or the like) that moves while rolling on the course can reach the goal point. However, depending on the level of difficulty, the start point and the goal point may be set to the same height. In short, the goal point is placed (set) at a position that is the same height as the start point or lower.

  The “moving floor” may be any of the map pieces illustrated in FIGS. FIG. 28 illustrates a state in which a map piece (for example, the sixth map piece from the top in FIG. 23) expressing unevenness (pyramid shape) is arranged as a “moving floor”.

  The higher the difficulty level, the more variations of the map pieces to be arranged, and the passages become narrower, and slopes, holes, irregularities, etc. are arranged on the course. Therefore, the course is difficult for the player character to reach the goal point.

  The course generation (setting) according to the difficulty level may be realized by changing the grid size (in other words, the map piece size) where the map piece is arranged. For example, by increasing the grid size (map piece size), the path of the map piece to be arranged becomes wide, and a course setting with a low difficulty level can be realized. On the other hand, by reducing the grid size (map piece size), the path of the map piece to be arranged becomes narrow, and it is possible to realize a highly difficult course setting. Furthermore, course generation (setting) according to the degree of difficulty may be realized by changing the number of grids. For example, by reducing the number of grids, the total number of map pieces arranged can be reduced, and course setting with a low difficulty level can be realized. On the other hand, increasing the number of grids increases the total number of map pieces arranged, so that it is possible to realize a course setting with a high degree of difficulty.

  The player of the game apparatus 100 controls the movement and action of the player character (character object) through the operation buttons 260 and the touch screen 220, so that the player character can start the course of the game map generated as described above from the start point. A game of progressing to the goal point can be enjoyed (process P260 in FIG. 6).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a game map can be created on the basis of image data captured by the camera 270 or 290. Therefore, patterns and sizes of passages and the like arranged on the game map as in the past are used. It is not necessary to specify all of them, and a game map can be easily created. Therefore, it is possible to develop a game with a high degree of freedom and improve the interest of the game.

  In the above-described embodiment, the game map is created based on the image data captured by the camera 270 or 290. For example, the computing device 210 uses the image data acquired through the external media unit 240 or the communication unit 250. A game map may be created based on the above.

  In addition to the computer game device, the above-described embodiment can be widely applied to a game program executed by an intelligent device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet computer.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Game device, 110 ... Housing, 210 ... Computing device, 211 ... Processor core, 212 ... Memory module, 213 ... Graphics engine, 2131 ... Graphic core, 2132 ... Graphic memory, 214 ... Sound engine, 215 ... I / O controller, 216 ... system bus, 220 ... touch screen, 221 ... display, 222 ... touch sensor, 230 ... audio output unit, 240 ... external media unit, 250 ... communication unit, 260 ... operation button, 270 ... front (inside) Camera, 280 ... Acceleration sensor, 290 ... Rear (outside) camera, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 ... Rail object, 410 ... Start point, 420 ... Goal point, 502 ... Storage unit, 50 ... Luminance image generation unit, 506 ... Value detection unit, 508 ... Map piece arrangement unit, 510 ... Acceleration detection unit, 512 ... Game difficulty level determination unit, 514 ... Grid fitting unit, 516 ... Start / goal setting unit, A to E …island

Claims (11)

A game program for causing a computer to execute a game for moving or acting a character object in a game map based on an input operation from a player,
The computer,
Storage means for storing a map piece forming a part of a map object arranged in the game map;
Luminance image generation means for reading image data and generating a luminance image from the image data,
The predetermined number of predetermined areas set for the game map are respectively associated with the areas obtained by dividing the luminance image, and the pixel values of the divided areas of the luminance image corresponding to the predetermined areas are set for each predetermined area. Detecting means for detecting,
An arrangement means for deciding the predetermined area where the map piece is arranged based on the pixel value detected by the detection means, and arranging the map piece in the decided predetermined area ;
As a game program to function as. The map piece consists of multiple types,
The arrangement means includes
The game program according to claim 1, wherein the type of the map piece is determined according to a detection state of the value of the predetermined area around the predetermined area corresponding to the map piece to be arranged. The map piece consists of multiple types,
The computer,
It further functions as a difficulty level determination means for determining the difficulty level,
The arrangement means includes
The game program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a type of the map piece is determined according to the degree of difficulty. The arrangement means includes
The one map piece group and the other map piece group are connected to a predetermined region at a position corresponding to the shortest distance between the one map piece group and the other map piece group arranged adjacent to each other. The game program as described in any one of Claims 1-3 which arrange | positions the map piece to perform. The computer,
In the game map, the character object further functions as a setting means for setting a start point where movement or action starts and a goal point where movement or action ends,
The setting means includes
A set of map pieces that are the farthest among the arranged map pieces are searched, the start point is set on one map piece, and the goal point is set on the other map piece. The game program as described in any one of 1-4. The computer,
Further functioning as fitting means for fitting the images generated by the luminance image generating means to the different areas of the predetermined number of areas,
The fitting means is
The game program according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined area of the number of divisions used for the fitting is selected according to the difficulty level determined by the difficulty level determination unit. Before SL difficulty determination means is higher determines the extent difficulty large value of acceleration detected by the acceleration detecting means constituting a game device with said computer, a game program according to claim 3. A game device for executing a game for moving or acting a character object in a game map based on an input operation from a player,
Storage means for storing a map piece forming a part of a map object arranged in the game map;
Luminance image generation means for reading image data and generating a luminance image from the image data;
The predetermined number of predetermined areas set for the game map are respectively associated with the areas obtained by dividing the luminance image, and the pixel values of the divided areas of the luminance image corresponding to the predetermined areas are set for each predetermined area. Detecting means for detecting;
Based on the pixel value detected by the detecting means, the predetermined area for arranging the map piece is determined, and the arranging means for arranging the map piece in the determined predetermined area ;
A game apparatus comprising:   The recording medium which recorded the game program as described in any one of Claims 1-7. A game program for causing a computer to execute a game for moving or acting a character object on a course set in a game field based on an input operation from a player,
The computer,
Storage means for dividing the image data into a predetermined number and storing color information of the image data for each of the sections;
Each area provided on the map representing the game field in a plane is associated with the section, and the area on the map for setting the course is determined based on the color information of the section. Setting means for setting pieces that form part of the course;
As a game program to function as. The setting means includes
The game program of Claim 10 which sets the piece which connects one piece group which combined several said pieces, and another piece group.