JP2005095438A - Game device, controlling method and program for game device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game device which can realize a natural orientation action of a game character by a comparatively simple constitution. <P>SOLUTION: An orientation objective position acquiring section 60 acquires the position of an orientation objective object. The orientation objective object is constituted by containing a master object and a slave object. An orientation target position acquiring section 62 acquires the position of an orientation target object. An orientation angle acquiring section 64 acquires an orientation angle which is an angle formed by the orientation direction of the master object and a direction from the position of the orientation objective object to the position of the orientation target object. An orientation controlling section 66 makes the master object orient by a first speed pattern, and the slave object by a second speed pattern in the direction of the orientation target object when the orientation angle which is acquired by the orientation angle acquiring section 64 is larger than a specified angle. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a game apparatus, a game apparatus control method, and a program.

  A three-dimensional game such as a role-playing game or an action game is gaining popularity, in which a player character moves through the three-dimensional game space and captures various game events in accordance with the operation of the controller. In such a game, it is desirable to cause the game character to perform a natural pointing action.

  In order to realize the natural pointing action of the game character, motion data that defines the posture of each part of the game character during the pointing action is prepared, and the game character is directed integrally based on the motion data. There was a way. However, in such a method, if the game character is to be directed in an arbitrary direction with a natural directing action, motion data must be prepared for each direction (angle).

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game device, a game device control method, and a program capable of realizing a natural directional action of a game character with a relatively simple configuration. There is to do.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a game device according to the present invention is a game device that displays a state of viewing a three-dimensional game space from a given viewpoint on a game screen. And a pointing target character position acquisition means for acquiring a position in the three-dimensional game space of a pointing target object configured to include a slave object that is joined to the main object and is rotatable with respect to the main object. Directional target object position acquisition means for acquiring the position of the directional target object arranged in the three-dimensional game space in the three-dimensional game space, the directional direction of the main object, and the directional target from the position of the directional target object Directional angle to obtain the directivity angle that is the angle formed by the direction to the position of the object When the directivity angle acquired by the acquisition means and the directivity angle acquisition means is greater than a predetermined angle, the main object is directed in the direction of the directivity target object with a first directivity speed pattern, and the subobject is directed to the directivity target Pointing control means for directing in the direction of the object with a second directivity speed pattern different from the first directivity speed pattern.

  The game device control method according to the present invention is a game device control method for displaying on a game screen a view of a 3D game space viewed from a given viewpoint. A pointing target character position acquiring step for acquiring a position in the three-dimensional game space of a pointing target object configured to include a slave object joined to the main object and rotatable with respect to the main object; A pointing target object position acquisition step for acquiring a position of the pointing target object arranged in the three-dimensional game space in the three-dimensional game space, a pointing direction of the main object, and a position of the pointing target character. A finger that obtains the direction angle that is the angle between the direction to the position of the object and When the directivity angle acquired in the angle acquisition step and the directivity angle acquisition step is larger than a predetermined angle, the main object is directed in the direction of the directivity target object with a first directivity speed pattern, and the sub object is directed to the directivity A directing control step of directing in a direction of a target object with a second directivity speed pattern different from the first directivity speed pattern.

  A program according to the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as a game device that displays a state of viewing a three-dimensional game space from a given viewpoint on a game screen, and is arranged in the three-dimensional game space. A pointing target character position for acquiring a position in the three-dimensional game space of a pointing target object configured to include a main object and a slave object joined to the main object and rotatable with respect to the main object. An acquisition means, a pointing target object position acquisition means for acquiring a position of the pointing target object arranged in the three-dimensional game space in the three-dimensional game space, a pointing direction of the main object, and the pointing from the position of the pointing target character Directional angle, which is the angle formed by the direction to the target object's position When the directivity angle acquired by the directivity angle acquisition means is larger than a predetermined angle, the main object is directed in the direction of the directivity target object with a first directivity speed pattern, As a directing control means for directing the sub-object in the direction of the pointing target object with a second directivity speed pattern different from the first directivity speed pattern, a home game machine, a portable game machine, an arcade game machine, A program for causing the computer such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a personal computer to function.

  A program distribution apparatus according to the present invention is a program distribution apparatus that includes an information storage medium storing the above-described program, reads the program from the information storage medium, and distributes the program.

  A program distribution method according to the present invention is a program distribution method including an information storage medium storing the above-described program, reading the program from the information storage medium, and distributing the program.

  In the present invention, the position in the three-dimensional game space of the pointing target object arranged in the three-dimensional game space is acquired. The pointing target object is an object configured to include a main object and a slave object joined to the main object and rotatable with respect to the main object. Further, the position of the pointing target object arranged in the three-dimensional game space is acquired in the three-dimensional game space. Further, a directivity angle that is an angle formed by the directivity direction of the main object and the direction from the position of the directivity target object to the position of the directivity target object is acquired. When the directivity angle acquired by the directivity angle acquisition means is larger than the first angle and equal to or smaller than the second angle, the main object is directed in the direction of the directivity target object with the first directivity speed pattern, The pointing target object is directed with a second directivity speed pattern different from the first directivity speed pattern.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the predetermined angle is a first angle, and the directivity control means directs the main object in the direction of the directivity target object with the first directivity speed pattern. First updating means for updating the directivity direction of the master object and the slave object so that the slave object is directed in the direction of the pointing target object with the second directivity speed pattern; and the master object and the slave object Second update means for updating the directivity direction of the main object and the sub-object so that the object is directed in the direction of the directivity target object with a third directivity speed pattern; The directivity angle acquired by the directivity angle acquisition means is greater than the first angle. Means for updating by the first update means when the angle is less than 2, and means for updating by the second update means when the directivity angle is larger than the second angle, the directivity angle The acquisition means includes means for re-acquiring the directivity angle based on the updated directivity direction of the main object when the directivity direction of the main object is updated by the second update means. To do.

  In the aspect of the invention, the first directivity speed pattern may indicate a first directivity speed, and the second directivity speed pattern may indicate a second directivity speed that is faster than the first directivity speed. Features.

  Also, in one aspect of the present invention, the directivity control means is configured such that when the directivity angle acquired by the directivity angle acquisition means is equal to or less than the predetermined angle, the slave object is moved in a predetermined directivity speed pattern toward the directivity target object. It is characterized by directing.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the sub-object is driven by the main object.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a game device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The game apparatus 10 shown in the figure is configured by mounting a DVD-ROM 25 and a memory card 28 as information storage media on a consumer game machine 11 and further connecting a monitor 18 and a speaker 22. The monitor 18 is a home television receiver, and the speaker 22 is a built-in speaker. Further, although the DVD-ROM 25 is used here to supply the program to the consumer game machine 11, any other information storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a ROM card may be used. Further, the program may be supplied to the consumer game machine 11 from a remote place via a data communication network such as the Internet.

  The home game machine 11 is a known computer game including a microprocessor 14, an image processing unit 16, a main memory 26, an input / output processing unit 30, an audio processing unit 20, a controller 32, and a DVD-ROM playback unit 24. System. The microprocessor 14, the image processing unit 16, the main memory 26, and the input / output processing unit 30 are connected to each other via the bus 12 so that mutual data communication is possible. The input / output processing unit 30 includes a controller 32, an audio processing unit 20, a DVD. A ROM playback unit 24 and a memory card 28 are connected. Each component of the consumer game machine 11 other than the controller 32 is housed in a housing.

  The microprocessor 14 controls each part of the consumer game machine 11 based on an operating system stored in a ROM (not shown), a program read from the DVD-ROM 25, and save data read from the memory card 28, and allows the player to play a game. I will provide a. The bus 12 is for exchanging addresses and data among the units of the consumer game machine 11. The main memory 26 includes, for example, a RAM, and a program read from the DVD-ROM 25 and save data read from the memory card 28 are written as necessary. The main memory 26 is also used for work of the microprocessor 14. The image processing unit 16 includes a VRAM. The image processing unit 16 receives image data sent from the microprocessor 14, draws a game screen on the VRAM based on the image data, converts the contents into a video signal, and converts the content into a video signal. Output to the monitor 18 at timing.

  The input / output processing unit 30 is an interface for the microprocessor 14 to access the controller 32, the sound processing unit 20, the DVD-ROM playback unit 24, and the memory card 28. The sound processing unit 20 is configured to include a sound buffer, and reproduces various sound data such as game music, game sound effects, and messages read from the DVD-ROM 25 and stored in the sound buffer, from the speaker 22. Output. The DVD-ROM playback unit 24 reads a program recorded on the DVD-ROM 25 in accordance with an instruction from the microprocessor 14. The memory card 28 includes a non-volatile memory (for example, EEPROM) and is configured to be detachable from the consumer game machine 11. The memory card 28 stores save data for various games. The controller 32 is general-purpose operation input means for the player to input various game operations. The input / output processing unit 30 scans the state of each operation member of the controller 32 at regular intervals (for example, every 1/60 seconds), and passes an operation signal representing the scan result to the microprocessor 14 via the bus 12. The microprocessor 14 determines the player's game operation based on the operation signal.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the controller 32. The controller 32 shown in the figure is a general-purpose game controller, and has a direction button 34, a start button 36, a select button 37, and buttons 38X, 38Y, 38A, 38B on the surface as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5B, buttons 39L, 39R, 41L, 41R are further provided on the back side surface. That is, on the back side surface of the controller 32, buttons 41L and 41R are provided on the left and right sides of the front side, respectively, and buttons 39L and 39R are provided on the left and right sides of the back side. The direction button 34 has a cross shape, and is usually used to set a moving direction of a character or a cursor. The start button 36 is a small push button having a triangular shape, and is usually used for starting a game or forcibly ending a game. The select button 37, buttons 38X, 38Y, 38A, 38B, 39L, 39R, 41L, 41R are used for other game operations. The controller 32 has a built-in vibrator 35. The vibrator 35 is configured by, for example, a piezoelectric element or a motor with an eccentric weight, and operates according to a vibration on command supplied from the microprocessor 14 to the controller 32 so as to vibrate the controller 32. It has become. Further, the operation is stopped according to the vibration off command supplied from the microprocessor 14 to the controller 32, and the vibration of the controller 32 is stopped.

  The game apparatus 10 having such a configuration provides a three-dimensional game such as a role playing game or an action game in which the player character moves through the three-dimensional game space and captures various game events in accordance with the operation of the controller. In the game apparatus 10, a virtual game space, that is, a three-dimensional game space (virtual three-dimensional space) is constructed in the main memory 26. The monitor 18 displays a state in which the three-dimensional game space is viewed from a given viewpoint. The viewpoint is arranged, for example, in the sky above the player character and follows the player character.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a part of the three-dimensional game space. As shown in the figure, a player character 52 and other game characters 54 are arranged in the three-dimensional game space 50. The player character 52 and the game character 54 are objects formed including a head object (secondary object). The head object is joined to the trunk object (main object). The head object is rotatable with respect to the trunk object. The head object is preferably configured to be rotatable only within a predetermined angle range with respect to the front direction of the trunk object. In addition to the head object, an arm object (including a hand object), a leg object (including a foot object), and the like are joined to the trunk object. Hereinafter, the body object is mainly regarded as an arm object, a leg object, or the like joined to the body object, and is referred to as a body object (main object).

  In this three-dimensional game, the player character 52 can talk to other game characters 54. The player can obtain information and the like for capturing various game events by bringing the player character 52 close to another game character 54 and talking with the game character 54. The game character 54 (directing target character) spoken to the player character 52 changes its direction toward the player character 52. In this three-dimensional game, in particular, when the direction of the game character is changed by a predetermined angle or more, the direction of the head object and the body object is changed independently, thereby realizing the natural pointing action of the game character. Yes.

  The pointing action of the pointing target character in the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 4 shows a state in which the player character 52 and the game character 54 are viewed from above in the three-dimensional game space 50 shown in FIG.

  As shown in these drawings, in the present embodiment, the direction of the pointing target character is the front direction (directing direction) of the trunk object of the pointing target character when the pointing target character is spoken. And the angle (directivity angle) θa formed by the direction of the pointing target character and the direction of the player character 52 is different depending on which angle range is included.

  In other words, in this embodiment, the direction of the pointing target character is such that the position of the player character 52 when speaking to the pointing target character is within the range of the predetermined angle θ1 that spreads in the front direction of the pointing target character. The case differs from the case where it is within the range of the predetermined angle θ2 extending in the front direction of the pointing target character (excluding the case where it is within the range of the predetermined angle θ1 extending in the front direction of the pointing target character) and other cases. It is like that.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when the directivity angle θa is 0 <θa ≦ θ1 / 2, only the direction of the head object of the pointing target character is changed to the player character 52. If θ1 / 2 <θa ≦ θ2 / 2, the direction of the head object and the direction of the trunk object of the pointing target character are changed to the player character 52 separately. In this case, the directivity speed of the head object is set to be higher than the directivity speed of the trunk part object so that the head object faces the player character 52 faster than the trunk object. Further, when θ2 / 2 <θa, the head object and the torso part object are integrated (that is, the head object follows the torso part object), and the orientation of the directional target character as a whole is determined. Change to 52. However, each time the orientation of the pointing target character is updated, it is confirmed whether or not the directing angle θb at that time is θ1 / 2 <θb ≦ θ2 / 2, and θ1 / 2 <θb ≦ θ2 / 2. Then, change the orientation of the head object and the orientation of the torso object separately. In this case as well, the head object is directed faster than the trunk object so that the head object faces the player character 52 faster than the trunk object.

  θ1 is preferably set to an angle that does not give the player the impression that the head is forcibly moved when only the orientation of the head object is changed without changing the orientation of the body object. . θ1 may be, for example, a range in which the head object can rotate with respect to the trunk object. That is, the range in the case where the rotation of the head object is limited to a certain range from the front direction of the trunk object to the left and right may be used. θ2 indicates an angle at which the direction of the trunk must be changed considerably when the pointing target (player character 52) is located in a range exceeding the angle.

  Here, functional blocks implemented in the game apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram mainly showing those related to the present invention among the functional blocks realized in the game apparatus 10. As shown in the figure, the game apparatus 10 includes a pointing target position acquisition unit 60, a pointing target position acquisition unit 62, a pointing angle acquisition unit 64, and a pointing control unit 66. These functions can be performed by a computer (DVD-ROM or other information storage medium such as a home-use game machine, arcade game machine, portable game machine, mobile phone, portable information terminal, or personal computer). This is realized by executing (provided to the computer by the communication network).

  The pointing target position acquisition unit 60 acquires position data indicating the position in the three-dimensional game space 50 of the pointing target character (directing target object) spoken to the player character 52. The pointing target position acquisition unit 62 acquires position data indicating the position of the player character (directing target object) 52 in the three-dimensional game space 50. The position data indicates position coordinates in a three-dimensional game space, for example.

  The directivity angle acquisition unit 64 determines the front direction (directivity direction) of the trunk object of the pointing target character and the direction from the position of the pointing target character to the position of the player character 52 when the pointing target character is spoken. The formed angle (directivity angle) θa is acquired.

  When the directivity angle θa acquired by the directivity angle acquisition unit 64 is larger than θ1 / 2 (first angle), the directivity control unit 66 sets the trunk object of the directing target character in the direction of the player character 52 as the first directivity. The head object is directed in the direction of the player character 52 with the second directivity speed pattern (directivity speed pattern different from the first directivity speed pattern). Here, the directivity speed pattern may be that the directivity speed of the head object or the torso object is constant, and changes depending on, for example, the angle at which these objects have already been rotated (or the remaining directivity angle). It means that you may do it.

  When the directivity angle θa acquired by the directivity angle acquisition unit 64 is larger than θ2 / 2 (second angle), the directivity control unit 66 determines the head object and the body object of the directing target character as the player character 52. You may make it direct in a direction with a 3rd directivity speed pattern. The third directivity speed pattern may be the same as the first speed pattern or may be different from the first directivity speed pattern.

  In this case, the directivity angle acquisition unit 64 is made to acquire the current value θb of the directivity angle, and it is monitored whether the directivity angle θb is greater than θ1 / 2 and equal to or less than θ2 / 2, and is included in the range. In this case, the trunk object of the pointing target character is directed in the direction of the player character 52 with the first pointing speed pattern (or the third pointing speed pattern), and the head object of the pointing target character is set to the player character 52. You may make it direct in the direction of 2 with a 2nd directivity speed pattern.

  Furthermore, when the directivity angle θa acquired by the directivity angle acquisition unit 64 is equal to or smaller than θ1 / 2, the directivity control unit 66 moves only the head object of the directing target character in the direction of the player character 52 (for example, the first speed pattern). 2 directivity speed patterns).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the directivity control unit 66 in the present embodiment includes a directivity angle condition indicating a condition related to the directivity angle θa acquired by the directivity angle acquisition unit 64, and the directivity speed of the head object of the directivity target character. And the combination of the directivity speed of the body part object are stored in association with each other. The pointing speed indicates the speed at which the head object and the torso part object are directed toward the player character 52. For example, it indicates how much the front direction of the head object or the body part object is directed to the direction of the player character 52 per unit time or every predetermined time. In the present embodiment, the front direction of the head object and the torso object is updated every 1/60 seconds. In the figure, ω1 and ω2 are rotation angles (rotational speeds) every 1/60 seconds. ).

  Note that ω1 and ω2 are predetermined and have a relationship of ω1 <ω2. Also, ω1 and ω2 indicate that the head object and the body object are rotated in the same direction by θ2 / 2 from the same direction at the same time, and the front direction of the head object and the body object before the rotation of the head object is completed. It is preferable that the angle formed by the front direction is set so that it is not more than θ1 / 2. In this way, it is possible to prevent the player from giving the impression that the head is forcibly moved. If ω1 and ω2 are not set in this way, the angle formed by the front direction of the head object and the front direction of the torso object when the front direction of the head object or the torso object is updated. Is determined to be equal to or smaller than θ1 / 2, and when the angle is larger than θ1 / 2, the heading object and the body part object may have the same directivity speed, It is preferable to temporarily stop the directional movement of the object. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the player from giving the impression that the head is forcibly moved. In this embodiment, ω1 and ω2 are determined in advance, but these may be determined each time according to the directivity angle θa. Even in this case, it is preferable to determine ω1 and ω2 so as to have the relationship described above.

  Next, processing executed in the game apparatus 10 will be described. 8 to 10 are flowcharts showing processes related to the present invention among the processes executed in the game apparatus 10. This process is realized by the game apparatus 10 executing a program supplied to the computer via a computer-readable information storage medium such as a DVD-ROM or a communication network.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processes related to the present invention among the processes executed every 1/60 seconds in the game apparatus 10. As shown in the figure, the game apparatus 10 determines whether or not there is a game character 54 spoken to the player character 52 (S101). In the present embodiment, when another game character 54 exists in a predetermined range based on the position of the player character 52, when a predetermined operation is performed by the player (a predetermined operation signal is input from the controller 32). The game apparatus 10 determines that the game character 54 is spoken to the player character 52. That is, the game apparatus 10 specifies the game character 54 as a pointing target character. Here, the “predetermined operation” is an operation of pressing a predetermined button of the controller 32, for example. The “predetermined range based on the position of the player character 52” may be, for example, a range within a predetermined distance from the position of the player character 52, a range within a predetermined distance from the position of the player character 52, and It may be within a predetermined angle range extending in the front direction of the player character 52.

  When it is determined that there is a game character 54 spoken to the player character 52 (when the pointing target character is specified), the game apparatus 10 executes an update start process of the pointing direction of the pointing target character (S102). In this process, the directivity speed of the head object and the directivity speed of the body part object when the player character 52 is directed to the directivity target character are determined.

  Here, the update start process of the pointing direction of the pointing target character will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining this process. As shown in the figure, the game apparatus 10 calculates a directivity angle θa (S201). The directivity angle is an angle formed by the front direction of the trunk object of the pointing target character and the direction from the position of the pointing target character to the position of the player character 52. The directivity angle θa is a directivity angle when the directivity target character is spoken to the player character 52. In other words, the directivity angle θa is an initial value (reference value) of the directivity angle.

  Next, the game device 10 determines whether or not the directivity angle θa satisfies θa ≦ θ1 / 2 (S202). When determining that the directivity angle θa satisfies this condition, the game apparatus 10 determines the directivity speed (head directivity speed) of the head object as ω2 based on the data shown in FIG. The speed (body part directing speed) is determined to be 0 (S206).

  On the other hand, when determining that the directivity angle θa does not satisfy θa ≦ θ1 / 2, the game device 10 determines whether the directivity angle θa satisfies θ1 / 2 <θa ≦ θ2 / 2 (S203). When determining that the directivity angle θa satisfies this condition, the game apparatus 10 determines the directivity speed of the head object as ω2 and determines the directivity speed of the body part object as ω1 based on the data shown in FIG. (S205). On the other hand, when the game apparatus 10 determines that the directivity angle θa does not satisfy θ1 / 2 <θa ≦ θ2 / 2, the game apparatus 10 determines the directivity speeds of the head object and the torso object based on the data shown in FIG. Is determined (S204).

  When the game device 10 determines the directivity speeds of the head object and the torso object in step S204, S205, or S206, the game device 10 stores them in the storage unit as part of the game data (S207). In this case, information for specifying the pointing target character, the pointing angle θa, and the like are also held. Thus, the update start process for the pointing direction of the pointing target character is completed.

  If the game apparatus 10 determines in S101 that there is no character spoken by the player character 52, or if the pointing direction character update start process is completed, there is a pointing target character whose direction is being updated. It is determined whether or not to perform (S103). This determination can be made based on the information stored in the storage unit in S207.

  When it is determined that there is a pointing target character whose pointing direction is being updated, the game apparatus 10 executes a process for updating the pointing direction of the pointing target character for the pointing target character (S104). In this process, the pointing direction of the head object and the torso part object of the pointing target character is updated based on the head pointing speed and the torso part pointing speed held in the storage unit in S207.

  Here, the update process of the pointing direction of the pointing target character will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining this process. As shown in the figure, the game apparatus 10 determines whether or not the directivity angle θa satisfies θa> θ2 / 2 (S301). Here, a determination is made regarding the type of pointing action of the pointing target character. More specifically, it is determined whether or not the mode of the pointing motion of the pointing target character is the third mode in FIG.

  When it is determined that the directivity angle θa satisfies θa> θ2 / 2, the game apparatus 10 calculates the directivity angle θb at that time (S302). That is, the angle formed by the current front direction of the trunk object of the pointing target character and the direction from the position of the pointing target character to the position of the player character 52 is calculated. Then, the game device 10 determines whether or not the directivity angle θb satisfies θ1 / 2 <θb ≦ θ2 / 2 (S303). When it is determined that the directivity angle θb satisfies θ1 / 2 <θb ≦ θ2 / 2, the game apparatus 10 changes the directivity speed of the trunk object of the target character from ω1 to ω2 (S304). In this case, the storage content held in the storage unit is updated in S207.

  The game apparatus 10 determines in S301 that the directivity angle θa does not satisfy θa> θ2 / 2, determines in S303 that the directivity angle θa does not satisfy θ1 / 2 <θb ≦ θ2 / 2, or completes the process of S304. In this case, the front direction of the head object and the body part object of the pointing target character is updated (S305). More specifically, the front direction of the head object is rotated toward the player character 52 by the angle (ω1 or ω2) indicated by the head pointing speed. Further, the front direction of the body part object is rotated toward the player character 52 by an angle (ω1) indicated by the body part directivity speed.

  In this case, it is preferable that the leg object and the foot object included in the trunk object perform a stepping motion based on the stepping motion data. Note that the motion data for stepping may be prepared as stepping motion data directed to the left or right, or may be substituted with normal walking motion data. A standing motion may be used until the pointing target character starts a directional motion, a transition to a stepping motion is performed when the directional motion is started, and a standing motion is returned when the directional motion is completed. In this case, when the motion is transferred, it is preferable to complement the motion in order to smooth the transfer.

  Next, the game device 10 determines whether or not the updating of the pointing direction of the pointing target character may be terminated (S306). In the case of the first mode in FIG. 5, the front direction of the head object of the pointing target character matches the direction from the position of the pointing target character to the position of the player character 52 (or there is a shift in these directions). If it is within the predetermined range, it is determined that the updating of the pointing direction may be terminated. In the case of the second mode or the third mode in FIG. 5, the front direction of the trunk object matches the direction from the position of the pointing target character to the position of the player character 52 (or a deviation between these directions). Is within the predetermined range), it is determined that the updating of the pointing direction may be terminated. In the case of the second mode or the third mode, the front direction of the head object of the pointing target character and the direction from the position of the pointing target character to the position of the player character 52 coincide in this step (or It is also determined whether or not the deviation in these directions is within a predetermined range. When it is determined that they match (or the deviation of these directions is within a predetermined range), the head object's pointing action is stopped (that is, the head object's pointing speed is updated to zero). ).

  If the game apparatus 10 determines that the updating of the pointing direction of the pointing target character has been completed, the game apparatus 10 resets information such as the head pointing speed and the trunk pointing speed stored in the storage unit in S207. That is, by deleting these pieces of information or by setting 0 to the head pointing speed or the trunk pointing speed, it is determined that the pointing target character whose pointing direction is being updated is not determined in S103. The updating process of the pointing direction of the pointing target character ends here.

  As described above, according to the game apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the player character 52 and the head object of the game character 54 normally follow the body part object. When the player character 52 is directed to the spoken game character 54 (directing target character) and the orientation of the pointing target character is changed by a predetermined angle or more, the head object and the body part object are independently set. By directing, a natural pointing operation can be realized with a relatively simple configuration.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.

  For example, in the above description, the example in which the present invention is applied to the case where the spoken game character is directed toward the talking partner has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this case, and the game character is set to a predetermined target (direction). Can be applied to any case. Further, the object to be the pointing target is not limited to the game character, and any object arranged in the three-dimensional game space can be the pointing target.

  For example, motion data for changing the direction of the head object and the torso part object may be prepared, and the direction of the head object and the torso part object may be changed based on these motion data. In this case, motion data may be prepared for each object that is directed 180 degrees to the left and 180 degrees to the right. It is advisable that all motion data have the same pointing speed. When the head object or the torso object is oriented, the playback end position of the motion data may be controlled according to the orientation angle. In addition, when the head object is directed faster than the body object, the motion data playback speed may be controlled. For example, the playback speed of the motion data of the head object may be made faster than the playback speed of the motion data of the body object.

  For example, in the above description, the program is supplied from the DVD-ROM 25, which is an information storage medium, to the consumer game machine 11, but the program may be distributed to a home or the like via a communication network. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a program distribution system using a communication network. A program distribution method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the program distribution system 100 includes a game database 102, a server 104, a communication network 106, a personal computer 108, a consumer game machine 110, and a PDA (personal digital assistant) 112. Among these, the game database 102 and the server 104 constitute a program distribution device 114. The communication network 106 includes, for example, the Internet and a cable television network. In this system, a game database (information storage medium) 102 stores a program similar to the content stored in the DVD-ROM 25. Then, when a consumer makes a game distribution request using the personal computer 108, the home game machine 110, the PDA 112, or the like, it is transmitted to the server 104 via the communication network 106. Then, the server 104 reads the program from the game database 102 in response to the game distribution request, and transmits it to the game distribution request source such as the personal computer 108, the home game machine 110, the PDA 112, and the like. Here, the game is distributed in response to the game distribution request, but the server 104 may transmit the game unilaterally. Further, it is not always necessary to distribute (collectively distribute) all programs necessary for realizing the game at a time, and a necessary portion may be distributed (divided distribution) according to the situation of the game. If the game is distributed via the communication network 106 in this way, the consumer can easily obtain the program.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the game device which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a controller. It is a perspective view which shows typically the mode of a three-dimensional game space. It is the figure which looked at the player character from the upper part. It is a figure shown about the aspect of directional operation | movement. It is a functional block diagram of the game device concerning this embodiment. It is a figure shown about the relationship between directivity angle conditions and directivity speed. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the game device which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the game device which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the game device which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the program delivery system which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Game device, 11,110 Home-use game machine, 12 bus | bath, 14 Microprocessor, 16 Image processing part, 18 Monitor, 20 Sound processing part, 22 Speaker, 24 DVD-ROM reproduction | regeneration part, 25 DVD-ROM, 26 Main memory 28 memory card 30 input / output processing unit 32 controller 34 direction button 35 transducer 36 start button 37 select button 38A, 38B, 38X, 38Y, 39L, 39R, 41L, 41R button, 50 3D Game space, 52 player character, 54 game character, 60 directivity target position acquisition unit, 62 directivity target position acquisition unit, 64 directivity angle acquisition unit, 66 directivity control unit, 100 program distribution system, 102 game database, 104 server, 106 communication Network Click, 108 PC, 112 portable information terminal (PDA), 114 program delivery device.

Claims (7)

In a game device that displays a state in which a three-dimensional game space is viewed from a given viewpoint on a game screen,
A pointing object in the three-dimensional game space, which is arranged in the three-dimensional game space and includes a main object and a slave object joined to the main object and rotatable with respect to the main object. Directing target character position acquisition means for acquiring a position;
Pointing target object position acquisition means for acquiring the position of the pointing target object arranged in the three-dimensional game space in the three-dimensional game space;
A directional angle acquisition means for acquiring a directional angle that is an angle formed by the directional direction of the main object and the direction from the position of the directional target object to the position of the directional target object;
When the directivity angle acquired by the directivity angle acquisition means is larger than a predetermined angle, the main object is directed in the direction of the directivity target object with a first directivity speed pattern, and the sub object is directed in the direction of the directivity target object. Directivity control means for directing in a second directivity speed pattern different from the first directivity speed pattern;
A game apparatus comprising: The game device according to claim 1,
The predetermined angle is a first angle;
The directivity control means is
The main object is directed in the direction of the pointing target object with the first directivity speed pattern, and the slave object is directed in the direction of the pointing target object with the second directivity speed pattern. First updating means for updating the orientation direction of the object and the slave object;
Second update means for updating the directivity direction of the main object and the subordinate object so that the main object and the subordinate object are directed in the direction of the directivity target object with a third directivity speed pattern;
When the directivity angle acquired by the directivity angle acquisition means is greater than the first angle and equal to or less than the second angle, the directivity directions of the main object and the slave object are updated by the first update means, Means for updating by the second updating means when the directivity angle is larger than the second angle,
The directivity angle acquisition means includes means for re-acquiring the directivity angle based on the updated directivity direction of the main object when the directivity direction of the main object is updated by the second update means.
A game device characterized by that.   3. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first directivity speed pattern indicates a first directivity speed, and the second directivity speed pattern indicates a second directivity speed that is faster than the first directivity speed. A game apparatus characterized by showing. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The directivity control means directs the slave object in a direction of the directivity target object with a predetermined directivity speed pattern when the directivity angle acquired by the directivity angle acquisition means is equal to or less than the predetermined angle. apparatus. The game device according to claim 1,
The game apparatus, wherein the sub-object follows the main object. In a control method of a game device for displaying a state where a three-dimensional game space is viewed from a given viewpoint on a game screen,
A pointing object in the three-dimensional game space, which is arranged in the three-dimensional game space and includes a main object and a slave object joined to the main object and rotatable with respect to the main object. A target character position acquisition step for acquiring a position;
A pointing target object position acquisition step of acquiring a position in the three-dimensional game space of a pointing target object arranged in the three-dimensional game space;
A directional angle acquisition step of acquiring a directional angle that is an angle formed by the directional direction of the main object and the direction from the position of the directional target character to the position of the directional target object;
When the directivity angle acquired in the directivity angle acquisition step is larger than a predetermined angle, the main object is directed in the direction of the directivity target object with a first directivity speed pattern, and the sub object is directed in the direction of the directivity target object. A directivity control step for directing in a second directivity speed pattern different from the first directivity speed pattern;
A method for controlling a game device, comprising: A program for causing a computer to function as a game device that displays a state of viewing a three-dimensional game space from a given viewpoint on a game screen,
A pointing object in the three-dimensional game space, which is arranged in the three-dimensional game space and includes a main object and a slave object joined to the main object and rotatable with respect to the main object. Pointing target character position acquisition means for acquiring a position;
Pointing target object position acquisition means for acquiring a position of the pointing target object arranged in the three-dimensional game space in the three-dimensional game space;
A directional angle acquisition means for acquiring a directional angle that is an angle formed by a directional direction of the main object and a direction from the position of the directional target character to the position of the directional target object; and
When the directivity angle acquired by the directivity angle acquisition means is larger than a predetermined angle, the main object is directed in the direction of the directivity target object with a first directivity speed pattern, and the sub object is directed in the direction of the directivity target object. Directivity control means for directing in a second directivity speed pattern different from the first directivity speed pattern;
A program for causing the computer to function as

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