JP2002018135A - Game device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the game of a form which does not reflect a simple intention such as that of whether or not to operate a controller but reflects the psychological and mental states of a user. SOLUTION: This game device develops the game by executing a game program. The controllers 3 and 4 for receiving instruction inputted from the user to the developed game are provided. Delicate change of the user mind or behavier are detected so that development of the game is changed. For instance, change of the user mind delicately recognized by the difference of the strength and speed of pressing a controller button 7 due to the degree of user positiveness is detected so that the change is reflected on the game being excuted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game technique called a so-called video game developed by executing a game program by using computer hardware resources, and more particularly, to a game story which describes a psychological change of a user playing the game. The present invention relates to a technique for reflecting the game development mode such as development and game screen display.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Game machines called video games are widely used. The main body of such a game device is a simple computer. The main body of the game device is connected to a display device such as a television device, and a storage medium such as a CDROM or a memory cartridge storing a game program is loaded into the main body of the game device. , C of the game device body
A game is developed on a screen of a display device by executing a game program using hardware resources such as a PU and a memory.

FIG. 1 shows an example of such a game device. The game device main body 1 is connected to a television device 2, and the game device main body 1 receives an instruction input from a user who plays a game. A controller such as a button operation type 3 or a joystick type 4 is connected. The game apparatus main body 1 has a CDROM loading section 5, and a CDROM storing a game program in a readable manner is loaded into the loading section 5, and when the game apparatus main body 1 and the television apparatus 2 are powered on, the CDROM is loaded into the CDROM. The stored game program is executed by the game device main body 1, and the game is developed on the screen of the television device 2.

For example, in the case of a battle-type game, the main character in the game competes with the enemy character in response to an instruction input (operation) from the user received by the controller 3 or 4. When the user operates the buttons and joystick of the controller, as in the case of the main character acting in response to the instruction input (operation) from the user received in step 3 or 4 and the story is developed,
A game can be played by inputting an instruction for a game developed on the screen.

[0005] In recent years, a game device that accepts such an instruction from a user by voice has appeared. For example, a controller having a microphone 6 is connected to the game device main body 1 and a voice generated by the user is used. An instruction is input by the microphone 6, and the voice instruction is analyzed by a voice recognition function of the game machine main body 1 or the like, and a character displayed on the screen is operated according to the voice instruction. In addition, the game machine body 1 develops a game by executing a game program. In recent years, the game machine body 1 distributes the game program via a communication line such as the Internet, and has a communication function. However, a game that receives this and executes a game has been developed.

[0006]

A game device which develops a game in response to a user's instruction input is operated by a user operating a joystick 8 provided on the controller 4 by pressing a button 7 provided on the controller 3. In this case, an instruction input from the user has been received in a manner that the user inputs the microphone 6 with voice. That is, according to the on / off state of the button 7, the falling direction of the joystick 8, and the content of the voice input from the microphone 6, a character on the screen is operated, a story is developed, or the screen is switched. The game development was changing.

[0007] Here, in such a game device, how to give the game a reality, that is, how to give the user a simulated experience with the reality in a virtual space such as a battle or a story formed by the game is an issue. is there. In view of such a problem, in the conventional game device, as described above, the user's intention (instruction input) for the game can only be accepted by the game device with simple information such as yes or no. However, the delicate intention of the user cannot be reflected in the game, and a game virtual space in which the user can have a simulated experience with reality cannot be realized.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and is not a simple expression of intention such as yes or no, that is, a user who is experiencing the game virtual space is not so conscious. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game device capable of reflecting an intention in a game, a storage medium storing a game program in a readable manner, and a game controller. A further object of the present invention is to
It is clear in the following description.

[0009]

A game device according to the present invention is a game device that develops a game by executing a game program, and includes input means for receiving an instruction input from a user for the developed game, and an input device. Detecting means for detecting a change in the action of the user who has given the instruction input received from the means, and control means for changing a mode of development of the execution game in accordance with the change in the action detected from the detecting means. .

That is, according to the present invention, for example, the strength, speed, and frequency of pressing the controller button differ depending on the degree of aggressiveness even if the user playing the game is the same for the game scene, and the strength of holding the joystick is low. On the other hand, a change in the user's operation, which is manifested by an unconsciously strong intention, such as a difference in the intensity or tone of the voice input to the microphone, is detected and reflected in a game that is executing the change. Therefore, even if the user performs the same instruction input, the game can be operated as an instruction input reflecting the user's mental state at that time, and a deeper, that is, a more realistic game space can be realized.

[0011] For example, the pressing force of the button or the holding force of the joystick can be detected by a pressure sensor attached to the button or the joystick, and the pressing speed of the controller button is detected by a speed detecting sensor attached to the button. Or by measuring the time from when the instruction input is permitted on the program until the button is actually pressed and the instruction input is input, the frequency of pressing the controller button is also within a certain time It can be detected by measuring the number of times the button is actually pressed and the instruction input is input, and the strength of the input voice from the user can be detected by measuring the sound pressure. The tone can be detected based on where the accent position of the audio waveform is, how long the audio waveform is, and the like.

A game device according to the present invention is a game device that develops a game by executing a game program. The game device detects a physical change of a user with respect to the developed game, and detects the change from the sensor. Control means for changing the mode of development of the execution game in accordance with a physical change.

That is, according to the present invention, when a user playing a game is excited or nervous, the pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure value, amount of sweat, body temperature, viewpoint and gaze of the user are considered. Utilizing the fact that the degree of determination changes, such a physical change is detected and reflected in the game executing the change. Therefore, the game can be operated by reflecting the user's psychological state, mental state, health state, and the like at that time, and a deeper, that is, more realistic, game space can be realized.

For example, the user's pulse rate, blood pressure value,
The amount of sweating and body temperature can be detected by providing a known sensor for detecting these values to a controller touched by the user playing the game, or when playing a game by providing such a sensor separately from the controller. The sensor may be detected so as to be touched by the user, and the respiratory rate of the user may be detected by a mask type sensor, and the viewpoint and the line of sight may be detected by an eye camera type sensor.

One of the methods for changing the development mode of the execution game performed by the control means is to change the story development of the game. The game space can be changed in accordance with the mental state or the like to further increase the user's fear or enhance the enjoyment, thereby realizing a deeper, that is, more realistic, game space. The change in the mode of development of the execution game performed by the control means is, as one method, to change the display mode of the game displayed on the screen of the display means. Depending on the state and mental state, for example, the form and behavior of the character that appears,
Change the background image to excite the user's fear,
It is possible to realize a deeper, that is, more realistic, game space by further promoting fun.

One of the methods of changing the mode of development of the execution game performed by the control means is to change the output sound during the game output from the sound output means. Depending on the user's mental state and mental state, for example, the type of sound effect suddenly changes in size, and excites the user's fear and encourages more pleasure, and provides a deeper, more realistic A certain game space can be realized. In addition,
In the present invention, in addition to these, images, game stories,
The game development mode may be changed by variously changing the game configuration such as the ability of the character and the output sound and the like constituting the game.

The present invention is also a storage medium which stores a game program constituting the above-described game device by executing hardware resources such as a processor and a memory, and provides an instruction input for a developed game. A game program having a function of detecting a change in the movement of the user who has performed the game, and changing the mode of development of the execution game in accordance with the detected change in the movement of the user, or a user corresponding to the developed game detected from the sensor. A storage medium such as a CDROM or a memory cartridge that stores a game program having a function of changing the mode of development of an execution game in accordance with a physical change of the game.

Further, the present invention is a controller which is used in a game device in which the mode of game development changes due to a change in the operation of the user who plays the game as described above, and which receives an instruction input from the user for the game. It has a sensor for detecting a change in the operation of the operating user. Further, the present invention is a controller that is used in a game device in which the mode of game development changes due to a physical change of a user who plays the game as described above, and that receives an instruction input from the user for the game. It has a sensor for detecting any change.

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be specifically described with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings. The game device of this example has an overall configuration as shown in FIG. The detailed description is the same as above, and will not be repeated to avoid duplication. The game machine according to the present invention will be described with a functional configuration as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 as typical examples. That is, the game program 10 stored in a storage medium such as a CDROM is transferred to the processor 1 of the game machine body 1.
And an input unit for receiving an instruction input from the user to the game by a button-type controller 3, a joystick-type controller 4, a voice input controller including a microphone 6, or the like. And a display unit including a screen for displaying a game by the television device 2 is configured.

As means for detecting a change in the movement or physical change of the user playing the game, as shown in FIG. 2, the pressing speed and strength of the user's controller button, the gripping strength and operating speed of the joystick, The input unit (controller) may be provided with a sensor 12 as hardware for detecting a sound pressure of a voice instruction input or the like,
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the input timing of the instruction input received from the input unit without such a special hardware sensor, the number of inputs per unit time, the duration of one instruction input, the sound It is assumed that a software-type sensor (detection unit) 13 for detecting a waveform characteristic or the like of an instruction input is configured by executing the game program 10 by hardware resources. In addition, the game execution unit 1 changes the mode of development of the game being executed according to a change in user's operation detected by the sensor 12 or the detection unit 13 or a physical change of the user according to the game program to be executed. A function (control unit) for performing the setting is also configured.

FIG. 4 shows a sectional structure of a main part of the button type controller 3 (input unit) according to the present invention. The controller 3 of this example is provided with a button 7 which is pressed by a finger of a user who inputs an instruction by pressing a return spring 14, and when the button 7 is pressed, an electric contact is pressed and the button pressing operation is performed. Is transmitted as an instruction input to the game execution unit 1 as an electric signal. The controller 3 is provided with a pressure sensor 12 that is pressed by the pressed button 7. The pressure sensor 12 detects the pressing strength of the button 7 of the user who has input the instruction,
The pressing strength is transmitted to the game execution unit 1 as an electric signal, and is used for changing the mode of game development as described later.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, two threshold values th1 and th2 are set in the control unit of the game execution unit 1, and the detected button pressing strength P is set to these threshold values th1 and th1.
What is necessary is just to determine by comparing with th2. In the case of the joystick type, for example, the operation strength when the joystick is tilted may be detected by a similar pressure sensor.

More specifically, the detected button pressing strength P
Is between the thresholds th1 and th2, the operation in the normal state, and if it is less than the threshold th1, the user is in an inactive state with respect to the instruction (for example, yes), the threshold th
If the number exceeds 2, the user can determine that the instruction (for example, yes) is an operation in a positive state, so that the main character operated by the user to invite an opponent character (NPC) in the game is called. In the game scene in which the character agrees, in the case of an instruction input with a strength P less than the threshold th1 (yes), the motion of the hero character nodding is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG.
In the case of inputting an instruction with a strength P between the first character and the th2 (yes), a skip operation of the main character is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 19, and an instruction with a strength P exceeding the threshold th2 is displayed. In the case of input (yes), as shown in FIG. 20, the action of the hero character turning over with a smile is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 20. The degree is changed to a different degree, whereby the mode of movement of the main character displayed on the screen is changed according to the degree of aggressiveness with respect to the user's instruction.

Further, according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6, the user in the game being executed can enter any instruction (for example, a point at which an attack on an enemy character can be started). The aggressiveness of the user's instruction input may be detected as described above based on the time T until the instruction input is made, and the result may be reflected in the development mode of the game. For example, a game execution unit (control unit) 1 that executes a game program has two threshold times t1 and t2.
Is set, and the game execution unit (control unit) 1
In the game, from the point in time at which the user can input an instruction (the point at which input can be performed), the point in time at which the user actually operates the controller to input the instruction (that is, the point at which the input is accepted: input 1 or input 2 or input 3) ) May be measured as a timer count, and the measured time may be compared with these threshold times t1 and t2 to determine the operation speed (ie, difference in operation) when the user inputs an instruction.

Specifically, when the measured operation speed is equal to the threshold value t
If it is between 1 and t2, it is an operation in a normal state, if it is less than the threshold value t1, it is an operation in a state where the user immediately responds to the instruction, and if it exceeds the threshold value t2, the user is lost in the instruction. It is possible to determine as if the operation was performed in a certain state, so that the user's instruction such as changing the mode of operation of the main character displayed on the screen as described above according to the determined mental state of the user, etc. Is changed in accordance with the degree of aggressiveness to the game.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the joystick controller 4. In this example, a sensor 18 is provided on the grip portion of the joystick 8, and the sensor 18 is held by a user who holds and operates the joystick 8.
, A change in the user's motion or a physical change is detected, and this detection information is sent as an electric signal to the game execution unit 1 and used for a change in the mode of game development as described later. The joystick-type controller 4 may be provided with the operation button 19 as described above. In such a case, the operation of the user on the operation button 19 is detected as described above. May be used to change the development mode of the game.

When a pressure sensor is used as the sensor 18, as shown in FIG. 8, the strength G at which the user holds the joystick 8 can be detected.
For example, a threshold th is set in the game execution unit (control unit) 1, and the game execution unit (control unit) 1 compares the detected grip strength G with the threshold th to determine the grip strength G. Is equal to or smaller than the threshold th, the user is determined to be in a normal state, and if the threshold is greater than the threshold th, the user is determined to be in an excited state. Change the deployment mode.

When a humidity sensor is used as the sensor 18, the sweating degree M of the user holding the joystick 8 can be detected as shown in FIG.
For example, the threshold value th is set in the game execution unit (control unit) 1, and the game execution unit (control unit) 1 compares the detected sweat amount M with the threshold value th, and determines the sweat amount M as the threshold value. t
h, it is determined that the user is nervous if the threshold value th is exceeded, and the game is developed in accordance with the determination result relating to the physical change of the user who said that he is sweating. Change the mode.

When a pulse sensor (for example, a combination of a pressure sensor for detecting a pulse pulse and a counter function for counting the detected pulse) is used as the sensor 18, as shown in FIG. The pulse B per unit time of the user holding the device can be detected. For example, the threshold value th is set in the game execution unit (control unit) 1, and the game execution unit (control unit) 1 Compared pulse rate B with threshold th,
If the pulse rate B is equal to or less than the threshold value th, it is determined that the user is in a calm state, and if the pulse rate B exceeds the threshold value th, the user is in a thrilling state. The development mode of the game is changed according to the determination result. Similarly, if a temperature sensor is used, a change in the user's body temperature can be detected and determined, and the development mode of the game can be changed in accordance with the body temperature that changes according to the degree of excitement or tension of the user.

When a voice input controller that receives a user's instruction voice from the microphone 6 is used, the user's operation and physical changes reflecting the user's mental state and mental state are determined from differences in the tone of the input voice. Upon detection, the mode of development of the game can be changed according to the detection result. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a game execution unit (control unit) 1 captures a user's instruction voice waveform input from a microphone, and sets a peak value (peak sound pressure) SP of the voice waveform to a set threshold th. If the threshold is less than the threshold th, it is determined that the user is in a normal state, and if the threshold th is exceeded, the user is in an excited state. The development mode of the game is changed according to the result of the determination relating to the action that changes reflecting the mental state.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the game execution unit (control unit) 1 captures the instruction voice waveform of the user input from the microphone, and determines the time of the instruction voice (the length of a certain instruction word). ) Is compared with the set threshold value t, and if it is less than or equal to the threshold value t, the user speaks very quickly and is in a panic,
If the value exceeds the threshold value t, it is determined that the user has spoken slowly and said that the user is calm. To change the mode of development of the game.

As shown in FIG. 13, the game execution section (control section) 1 captures the instruction voice waveform of the user input from the microphone and sets a pattern (inflection of voice) of the instruction voice waveform. Compared to the basic pattern p1,
If the pattern p1 has a larger intonation than the basic pattern, it is determined to be in a very positive state, and if the pattern p2 has a smaller intonation than the basic pattern p, it is determined to be in a very passive state. The development mode of the game is changed in accordance with the determination result of the operation that reflects the psychological state and mental state of the user that has changed.

In the present invention, the game executing section (control section) 1 executes the operation and the physical change which reflect the psychological state and mental state of the user detected as described above. The mode of development of the game is changed, for example, as shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, but another example may be as follows.

As shown in FIG. 14, in a story-based game program or the like, for example, a message such as "Let's start an adventure!" , Several stories of different types (story 1, 2, 3) due to differences in stage settings, character settings, etc.
Is prepared, and a story to be developed thereafter depending on whether the input operation strength P of the user's instruction (yes) to this event is large, medium, or small is set to one of these stories 1, 2, and 3. I do. That is, even when the user inputs an instruction (yes) having the same content from the controller, a game story to be subsequently developed is different due to a difference in the input method depending on a mental state, a mental state, and the like. Therefore, for example, when the user's aggressiveness is low, the difficulty of the game to be developed later is reduced so that the game can be easily performed according to the user's ability, or when the user's tension is high, the game story to be developed thereafter is changed. Just like thrilling and giving more power, story development can improve the fun of the game.

As shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of hero character data (1 to 3) are prepared in the game program, and if the user is playing the game in a very nervous state, the hero character data is switched. Being
The image of the main character displayed on the screen 2 may be changed from a human to a horse. Therefore,
Unlike conventional games, where the game can be performed simply by simply saying that the button operation is good, the user who cannot play the game unless the user who controls the game controls his or her own mental state can use the game. A fused space can be formed.

Also, as shown in FIG. 16, the development mode of the game may be changed by changing the ability data of the main character appearing in the game or the enemy character of the opponent. Thus, when the user's aggressiveness is low, the attack ability value of the enemy character can be increased, and a highly realistic game space can be formed in which if the morale is low, the player loses the battle. Also, as shown in FIG. 17, the development mode of the game is changed by changing the interval time t between events (events 1 to 3...) That occur continuously in the game and the duration time T of each event. For example, in a shooting game in which the user operates a controller to shoot a target appearing on the screen, when the mental state of the user is not stable, the interval time may be short (the target to be shot may be one after another). Or a game that requires the same skills as those required for actual shooting, such as a target appearing on the screen disappearing immediately and a high score cannot be obtained in the game. can do.

The present invention can be implemented in various modes other than the above examples. As is already known in the fields of medicine, psychology and the like, the human mental state and psychological state (such as In other words, it is possible to detect various actions and physical changes reflecting unconscious consciousness) and reflect them in the game development. Further, in the present invention, how the detected change of the user is reflected in the game development may be arbitrarily set. For example, if the user is not aggressive, the screen display color of the game may be changed to a cool color system or the enemy character may be displayed. Conversely, if the user does not have aggressiveness, the screen display color of the game will be warmer to enhance the user's mood or reduce the enemy character's attacking ability, depending on the mood at that time if the user is not aggressive The game may be enjoyed. In addition, in addition to the above-described example, the development mode of the game is changed by changing various elements such as the brightness of the screen, the size of the output sound, the size of the character displayed on the screen, and the difficulty of the game. be able to.

[0038]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the mode of game development is changed in consideration of the mental state and mental state of the user, the user can enjoy the game in the game virtual space with a feeling closer to the actual experience.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of a game device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of a game device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram showing another example of the game device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a structure of an operation button portion of the button type controller.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating detection of a button operation force.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating detection of a button operation speed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a joystick-type controller.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating detection of grip strength of a joystick.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating detection of a user's perspiration amount.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating detection of a user's pulse.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating detection of an input voice sound pressure.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating detection of an input voice speed.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating detection of intonation of an input voice.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a change of a story.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a change in the type of a display character.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a change in character ability.

FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a change in event time.

FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a change in the motion of a character.

FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a change in the motion of a character.

FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a change in the motion of a character.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Game console, 2: Display screen, 3, 4: Controller, 6: Microphone, 7: Operation button, 8: Joystick,

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A game device for developing a game by executing a game program, comprising: input means for receiving an instruction input from a user for the developed game; and operation of the user who has received the instruction input received from the input means. A game device comprising: a detection unit that detects a change; and a control unit that changes a mode of development of an executed game in accordance with a change in an operation detected by the detection unit. 2. A game device for developing a game by executing a game program, comprising: a sensor for detecting a physical change of a user with respect to the developed game; and a game device for executing the game in response to the physical change detected from the sensor. A game device, comprising: control means for changing a mode of development. 3. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the control means changes a story development of the game. 4. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the control means changes a display mode of the game displayed on a screen of the display means. 5. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the control means changes an output sound during the game output from the sound output means. 6. A storage medium storing a game program to be executed by a computer for developing a game, wherein a change in the operation of a user who has given an instruction input for the developed game is detected, and the detected operation of the user is detected. A storage medium storing a game program having a function of changing a mode of development of an execution game according to a change. 7. A storage medium storing a game program to be executed by a computer for developing a game, wherein the execution game is developed according to a physical change of the user with respect to the developed game detected from the sensor. A storage medium storing a game program having a function of changing the game program. 8. A controller that is used in a game device in which a mode of game development changes due to a change in an operation of a user who plays a game, wherein a controller that receives an instruction input from the user for the game detects a change in an operation of a user operating the controller A game controller, comprising: 9. A game apparatus in which the mode of game development changes according to a physical change of a user who plays the game,
A controller for a game, which receives an instruction input from a user for a game, the sensor having a sensor for detecting a physical change of the user.