JP2006061716A - Game device and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a desired view point in an object space and to improve a visual effect. <P>SOLUTION: A player freely selects a view point to be used during a game, and in the case that there is no desired view point, sets/uses it as the desired view point by editing the parameter of the view point on a viewpoint editing image 204. Also, since the player can arbitrarily decide the allocation of buttons or the like at the time of switching the view point, operability in viewpoint changeover can be improved as well. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a game device that generates an image at a given viewpoint in an object space in a given game, displays the image on a given display unit, and executes the given game.

  A game device that enjoys a given game has been developed and put into practical use by arranging a plurality of objects in an object space, which is a virtual three-dimensional space, and generating an image that can be viewed from a given viewpoint in the object space. ing. For example, in this game apparatus, when enjoying a racing car game, a player operates a racing car to run in an object space, and competes with a racing car operated by another player or a computer to play a three-dimensional game. Enjoy.

Now, in such a game device, how to effectively control the viewpoint is an important technical problem. For example, a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known as a conventional technique related to such viewpoint control. In this prior art, so-called viewpoint switching becomes possible by the player pressing a viewpoint switching button provided on the operation unit. That is, it is possible to switch between a first person viewpoint (a viewpoint in which a moving body operated by the player is not displayed on the screen) and a third person viewpoint (a viewpoint in which the moving body operated by the player is displayed on the screen).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-116343

  However, in this prior art, the viewpoints that can be used by the player are fixed, and it is only possible to switch which viewpoint is used.

  Therefore, for example, a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-347249 has been developed as a technique for increasing the variety of viewpoint setting. In this prior art, a player can select a desired switching pattern from among a plurality of switching patterns, and after selecting one switching pattern, it is possible to switch a plurality of viewpoints included in the selected switching pattern. It becomes. For example, a first switching pattern in which a first-person viewpoint and a third-person viewpoint are set, and a second switching pattern in which a first-person viewpoint and a helicopter viewpoint (viewpoint of a moving body operated by a player as viewed from above) are set. After selecting the second switching pattern, the first person viewpoint and the helicopter viewpoint included in the second switching pattern can be switched.

  However, in this prior art, since viewpoints that can be used by the player are determined in advance, a complicated operation is required to switch to a desired viewpoint. For example, in the above-described example, in order to switch from the third person viewpoint of the first switching pattern to the helicopter viewpoint, it is necessary to first select the second switching pattern and then switch to the helicopter viewpoint.

  For this reason, it takes a certain amount of time to switch to a desired viewpoint during play. In addition, since the game is progressing during this time, a situation such as an unexpected game situation may occur due to the time and effort required to switch the viewpoint, which is unfriendly to the player.

  Further, since the position, direction, rotation angle, angle of view, etc. of the viewpoint are determined in advance, the player cannot arbitrarily edit the viewpoint.

  In addition, since the viewpoint to be switched in the conventional technique is a steady viewpoint during the game, the image that can be seen from the viewpoint is constant, and the effect is naturally limited. Therefore, a viewpoint and an image having an effect that cannot be obtained by steady viewpoint switching have been desired.

  The object of the present invention has been made in view of the problems as described above, and the object is to provide a desired viewpoint in the object space and to improve the visual effect.

  In order to solve the above problems, the first invention generates an image at a given viewpoint in an object space in a given game, displays the image on a given display unit, and In the game device that executes the game, the parameters of the given viewpoint in the object space (for example, each parameter in the upper right portion 204a of the viewpoint editing screen 204 in FIG. 6) are edited to become desired parameters. It is a game device provided with a viewpoint editing means (for example, the viewpoint editing part 114 of FIG. 2).

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information storage medium storing information for generating an image at a given viewpoint in an object space in a given game and executing the given game, Information for editing the parameters of the given viewpoint in the object space (for example, each parameter in the upper right portion 204a of the viewpoint editing screen 204 of FIG. 6) to be a desired parameter (for example, FIG. 2). An information storage medium including the viewpoint editing program (viewpoint editing process of FIG. 10) may be configured.

  According to the first aspect and the like, since the viewpoint parameter can be edited, it is possible to obtain a desired viewpoint according to the player's preference.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the game device for generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space in a given game, displaying the image on a given display unit, and executing the given game A pattern determining means (for example, a combination of the first viewpoint and the second viewpoint on the viewpoint selection screen 206 in FIG. 4) by selecting one or a plurality of desired viewpoints from a plurality of viewpoints (for example, 2 and a selection unit for selecting one viewpoint from a plurality of viewpoints included in the switching pattern determined by the pattern determination unit (for example, the viewpoint switching unit 122 in FIG. 2). ) And image generation means (for example, the image generation unit 150 in FIG. 2) for generating an image in the object space viewed from the viewpoint selected by the selection means. It is a device.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information storage medium storing information for generating an image at a given viewpoint in an object space in a given game and executing the given game, Pattern determination information for determining a switching pattern (for example, a combination of the first viewpoint and the second viewpoint in the viewpoint selection screen 206 in FIG. 4) by selecting one or a plurality of desired viewpoints from a plurality of viewpoints ( For example, step S300 in FIG. 9 in the viewpoint setting program 44 in FIG. 2 and selection information for selecting one viewpoint from a plurality of viewpoints included in the switching pattern determined by the pattern determination information, An information generation medium including image generation information for generating an image in the object space viewed from the viewpoint selected by the selection information. It is also possible to be formed.

  According to the second or eleventh aspect, the viewpoint serving as the switching pattern can be set as a desired viewpoint, and the operability in switching the viewpoint can be improved.

  Also, as a third invention, in the game device of the second invention, viewpoints that can be selected by the pattern determining means (for example, (1) driver viewpoint to (6) helicopter viewpoint on the viewpoint selection screen 206 in FIG. 4) May be changed according to the progress of the given game, and as a fourth invention, in the game device of the second or third invention, the viewpoint that can be selected by the pattern determining means is It is good also as comprising the game device changed according to the play time of a given game.

  Further, as a twelfth invention, the information storage medium of the eleventh invention may include information for changing a viewpoint that can be selected by the pattern determination information according to the progress of the given game. Well, as a thirteenth invention, in the information storage medium of the eleventh or twelfth invention, information for changing the viewpoint that can be selected by the pattern determination information according to the play time of the given game is provided. An information storage medium may be configured.

  Here, changing the viewpoint means that the number of viewpoints is increased or decreased, or the positions of the viewpoints are different. Further, the progress of the game means not only the clearing of the game stage, the discovery of a special item, but also the number of times that the stage cannot be cleared and the same stage is played repeatedly.

  According to the third, fourth, twelfth, or thirteenth invention, the selectable viewpoint changes according to the progress of the game and the play time of the game, so that the player can acquire an item for changing the viewpoint. It is possible to change the viewpoint as a prize that wants or clears the game stage. Therefore, even if it is the same game, the visual effect by changing a viewpoint can be acquired and the interest of a game can be improved.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the second to fourth aspects, a viewpoint editing unit that edits viewpoint parameters that can be selected by the pattern determination unit to be a desired parameter is provided. It may be configured.

  Further, as a fourteenth invention, in any one of the eleventh to thirteenth inventions, it is configured to include information for editing viewpoint parameters selectable by the pattern determination information so as to become desired parameters. May be.

  According to the fifth or fourteenth aspect, since the viewpoint parameters can be edited, it is possible to obtain a desired viewpoint according to the preference of the player.

  As a sixth invention, in the game device according to any one of the second to fifth inventions, an operation button of a given operation unit corresponding to each of the viewpoints included in the switching pattern determined by the pattern determining means And assigning means (for example, the viewpoint assigning unit 116 in FIG. 2), and when the operation button assigned by the assigning means is input, the viewpoint corresponding to the operation button is selected by the selecting means. The image in the object space viewed from the viewpoint may be generated by the image generation means. As a seventh invention, in the game device according to any one of the second to fifth inventions , Analog operation values of a given operation unit (for example, the operation shown in FIG. 3) corresponding to each viewpoint included in the switching pattern determined by the pattern determination means. 2) assigning means (for example, the viewpoint assigning unit 116 in FIG. 2) for assigning an analog operation value input from the given operation unit is assigned by the assigning means. If the selected analog operation value is selected, a viewpoint corresponding to the analog operation value is selected by the selection unit, and an image in the object space viewed from the viewpoint is generated by the image generation unit. It may be configured.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the information storage medium of any one of the eleventh to fourteenth aspects, an operation of a given operation unit corresponding to each viewpoint included in the switching pattern determined by the pattern determination information 2 includes assignment information for assigning a button (for example, step S400 in FIG. 9 in the viewpoint setting program 44 in FIG. 2), and when the operation button assigned by the assignment information is input, A corresponding viewpoint may be selected based on the information, and the information storage medium may be configured such that an image in the object space viewed from the viewpoint is generated based on the image generation information. In the information storage medium of any one of the eleventh to fourteenth aspects, the switching pattern determined by the pattern determination information is included. Assignment information (for example, the viewpoint setting program of FIG. 2) for assigning analog operation values of a given operation unit (for example, the angle at which the analog direction key 14 of the operation unit 10 of FIG. 3 is tilted) corresponding to each viewpoint. If the analog operation value input from the given operation unit is the analog operation value assigned by the assignment information, the step corresponds to the analog operation value. The information storage medium may be configured such that a viewpoint is selected based on the selection information, and an image in the object space viewed from the viewpoint is generated based on the image generation information.

  According to the sixth, seventh, fifteenth, or sixteenth invention, since the operation of the operation unit corresponding to each viewpoint to be switched can be assigned, the viewpoint can be switched with an operation that is easy for the player to operate. Is possible.

  An eighth invention is a game device for generating an image at a given viewpoint in an object space in a given game, displaying the image on a given display unit, and executing the given game A game apparatus comprising: selection means for selecting an object in the object space; and change means for changing a display mode of the object selected by the selection means.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information storage medium storing information for generating an image at a given viewpoint in an object space in a given game and causing the given game to be executed. An information storage medium including selection information for selecting an object in space and change information for changing a display mode of an object selected by the selection information.

  Here, the display mode refers to the shape, color, transparency, and the like of the object in the object space, and may be configured so that the display mode can be specified. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which can switch whether the display mode is changed.

  According to the eighth or seventeenth invention, it is possible to make a visual effect on the object, such as making it easier to find an object whose display mode has changed in the object space, or making it difficult to find the object in reverse. Can be changed.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the game device for generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space in a given game, displaying the image on a given display unit, and executing the given game A game device comprising: selection means for selecting an object in the object space; and change means for changing the given viewpoint with respect to the object selected by the selection means.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information storage medium that stores information for generating an image at a given viewpoint in an object space in a given game and executing the given game. An information storage medium including selection information for selecting an object in space and change information for changing the given viewpoint with respect to the object selected by the selection information.

  Here, the change in viewpoint means that viewpoint parameters such as the position, rotation, and angle of view of the viewpoint change, and the contents (parameters) of the change may be specified. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which can switch whether a viewpoint is changed.

  According to the ninth or eighteenth aspect, the visual effect on the object, such as making the object easy to find or making it difficult to find it, can be changed by changing the viewpoint.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a desired viewpoint according to the player's preference and change the visual effect on the object. Even if it is the same game, the visual effect by changing a viewpoint etc. can be acquired and the interest of a game can be improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, the case where the present invention is applied to a racing car game (hereinafter referred to as a racing game) in a home game device will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to apply to an arcade game device or other games.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example when the present invention is applied to a home game device.
In FIG. 1, the player operates a game controller 2010 while viewing a game image displayed on the display 2020, thereby meaning a virtual vehicle (a vehicle (moving body) in the object space). A car is called a self-vehicle) and enjoys a racing game in which players compete with the order of cars driven by a computer. At this time, the player can view the game image at a desired viewpoint by switching the viewpoint by pressing a given button of the game controller 2010 or the like.

  Further, the player can assign a switching button operation to set the switching to a desired viewpoint by a desired button operation, or edit the viewpoint itself such as the viewpoint position.

  Information necessary for playing a game such as a game program is stored in a CD-ROM 2040, an IC card 2032, a memory card 2034, and the like, which are information storage media detachable from the main unit 2010.

  Also, play data including information on the progress of the game is written to the memory card 2034 at a given timing in the game after the end of one race or after the end of the stage, or by a save instruction from the player. Information on the viewpoint set by the player is also written in the memory card 2034 at a given timing during the game or by the player's save instruction.

  An example of functional blocks in the home game device of this embodiment is shown in FIG. The functional block includes an operation unit 10, a processing unit 100, a display unit 20, a portable information storage device 30, and an information storage medium 40.

  The operation unit 10 corresponds to the game controller 2010 in FIG. 1, and includes a button 12 and an analog direction key 14 as shown in FIG. Then, when the player operates the operation unit 10, an analog operation value indicating the depression signal of the button 12, the angle / amount of the analog direction key 14 being tilted, or the like is output to the processing unit 100 as operation data.

  The processing unit 100 arranges an object in the object space based on the operation data and the game program 42 stored in the information storage medium 40, and generates an image at a given viewpoint in the object space. I do. The function of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as a CPU (CISC type, RISC type), DSP, ASIC (gate array, etc.), memory, and the like.

  The processing unit 100 includes a game calculation unit 110 and an image generation unit 150. The game calculation unit 110 performs a game progress process, a process for determining the position and direction of a moving body, a process for determining a viewpoint position and a line-of-sight direction, a process for placing an object in the object space, and the like.

  The image generation unit 150 performs a process of generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space set by the game calculation unit 110. The image generated by the image generation unit 150 is displayed on the display unit 20.

  The game calculation unit 110 includes a switching pattern determination unit 112, a viewpoint editing unit 114, a viewpoint assignment unit 116, a moving body calculation unit 118, and a viewpoint control unit 120.

  The switching pattern determination unit 112 selects a viewpoint to be used during the game from a plurality of viewpoints according to a player instruction, and determines a combination of the viewpoints as a switching pattern. Specifically, the viewpoint selection screen 206 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display unit 20 to prompt the player to select a viewpoint to be used, and a viewpoint selection process for determining a switching pattern is executed.

  In FIG. 4, the player has (1) driver viewpoint, (2) own vehicle rear view (near), (3) own vehicle rear view (far), (4) own vehicle rear view (right), and (5) own view. From the six viewpoints of the vehicle rear viewpoint (left) and (6) helicopter viewpoint, the two viewpoints of the first viewpoint and the second viewpoint can be selected as a viewpoint to be switched (used during the game). The combination of the first viewpoint and the second viewpoint is a switching pattern, but the viewpoint of the switching pattern may be 3 or more, and one viewpoint (for example, (1) driver viewpoint) is always set in a fixed manner. As a result, another viewpoint to be switched may be selectable. Note that the viewpoint selection screen 206 in FIG. 4 is a screen example in which (1) the driver viewpoint is selected as the first viewpoint and the second viewpoint is being selected.

  The viewpoint editing unit 114 performs processing for editing the viewpoint position, direction, rotation angle, angle of view, and the like as viewpoint parameters in the object space. Specifically, a viewpoint editing process (FIG. 10) to be described later is executed. First, the editing viewpoint selection screen 202 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 20, and the player selects the viewpoint to be edited. After the viewpoint to be edited is selected, the viewpoint editing screen 204 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 20 to edit the viewpoint.

  In the viewpoint editing screen 204 of FIG. 6, the viewpoint is expressed as a camera for the sake of simplicity (in the following description, it is also expressed as a camera as appropriate for the sake of simplicity). As shown in FIG. 6, the viewpoint editing screen 204 displays an image viewed from the camera (viewpoint) being edited in the lower right portion 204b, and the player refers to this image while viewing the camera in the upper right portion 204a (viewpoint). ) To adjust to the desired viewpoint.

  There are roughly three parameters: camera position, camera angle, and other settings. In the camera position, there are parameters of the distance from the own vehicle, the latitude with respect to the rear of the own vehicle, and the longitude with respect to the horizontal. The camera angle includes an angle X representing a vertical swing, There are parameters for angle Y that represents the head swing in the horizontal direction and angle Z that represents the rotation angle around the line-of-sight direction. Other settings include the angle of view that represents the field of view (zoom rate) and the tracking of the vehicle. There are parameters of degree, follow-up ON / OFF for road surface roll (left and right slope), and follow-up ON / OFF for road surface unevenness.

  Here, “following” refers to causing the vehicle to follow the viewpoint with a virtual spring provided between the vehicle and the viewpoint, and the spring constant of the virtual spring is changed according to the parameter of the degree of tracking. . When the degree of following is strong, image blurring when the host vehicle accelerates or decelerates decreases. On the other hand, when the degree of following is weak, the image blur increases when the vehicle accelerates or decelerates. For this reason, although the difficulty level of a game play becomes high, on the other hand, powerful realistic images can be provided.

  Similarly, with respect to following of the road surface rolls and unevenness, it is possible to obtain a real image of fluctuations such as traveling on an inclined road surface or riding on a rattling road. That is, when follow-off is selected, the angle of the camera (viewpoint) is always fixed in the local coordinate system of the own vehicle, so the own vehicle in the screen is fixed and the background (horizontal line or topography) changes. It becomes only. For this reason, it is difficult for the player to convey a visual sense when traveling on an inclined road surface or a rattling road. On the other hand, when Follow On is selected, the angle of the camera (viewpoint) is fixed with respect to the horizontal plane of the background (horizon or terrain), so the vehicle tilts on an inclined road surface, and on an uneven road surface. An image that vibrates the vehicle is obtained.

  In addition, it is possible to provide a more realistic feeling as an image by changing the degree of follow-up by setting the follow-up to the roll and unevenness of the road surface not only to ON / OFF but to follow X%.

  In FIG. 6, the camera position corresponding to the set parameter is shown as a perspective view in relation to the own vehicle in the upper left portion 204c of the viewpoint editing screen 204, and set in the lower left portion 204d. The camera angle corresponding to the selected parameter is represented as a perspective view of the camera.

  Here, the player operates the operation unit 10 to move the camera shown in the upper left portion 204c or the lower left portion 204d, thereby changing parameters such as the camera position and angle, and the changed parameter value is It is good also as displaying on the upper right part 204a. In that case, since it is not necessary to input as a numerical value, the parameter can be set easily and intuitively.

  Further, each parameter of the viewpoint (camera) set by the player is stored in the portable information storage device 30 as viewpoint setting data 34 shown in FIG. 7 at a given timing in the game or a save instruction of the player. The In FIG. 7, viewpoint setting data 34 is a data table that stores, for each viewpoint (camera), the viewpoint number of the viewpoint and the parameters of the camera position, camera angle, and other settings in association with each other.

  In FIG. 2, the viewpoint assignment unit 116 performs a switching viewpoint assignment process for assigning an operation of the operation unit 10 corresponding to the viewpoint of the switching pattern. Specifically, the viewpoint of the switching pattern is set by digital operation, that is, the button 12 (pressing) of the operation unit 10 in FIG. 3A or the analog operation, that is, the analog direction key 14 is tilted. The process of assigning to the angle to be performed is performed.

  For example, it is possible to assign the first viewpoint of the switching pattern to the L button of the operation unit 10 and the second viewpoint to the R button.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the analog direction key 14 is assigned to four angles of 0 to 90 degrees, 90 degrees to 180 degrees, 180 degrees to 270 degrees, 270 degrees to 360 degrees, as shown in FIG. This can be realized by assigning the viewpoint to be switched to one angle range. Note that the angle range itself can be changed. For example, by setting two angle ranges of 0 to 180 degrees and 180 degrees to 360 degrees, the viewpoint may be switched when tilted to the left or right.

  Further, the above allocation is stored in the portable information storage device 30 as allocation data 36 shown in FIG. 8 at a given timing during the game or a player save instruction. As the allocation data 36 in FIG. 8, the first viewpoint is allocated to the L button, and the second viewpoint is allocated to the R button. The first viewpoint is in the angle range 0 to 90 degrees of the analog direction key 14, the first viewpoint is in the range 90 to 180 degrees, and the second viewpoint is 270 to 360 in the degrees 180 to 270 degrees. A second viewpoint is assigned each time.

  Based on the operation data input from the operation unit 10 and a given program, the moving body calculation unit 118 selects a moving body (own vehicle) operated by the player or a moving body whose movement is controlled by a given control program, Performs an operation to move in the object space.

  The viewpoint control unit 120 obtains the viewpoint position, the line-of-sight direction, and the like based on the position and direction data of the moving object obtained by the moving object calculation unit 118 and the parameters of each viewpoint set by the viewpoint editing unit 114. Process. Specifically, processing such as determining the position of the viewpoint, etc., and moving the viewpoint so as to follow the moving body (own vehicle) operated by the player is performed. Then, an image that can be seen at the viewpoint controlled by the viewpoint control unit 120 is generated by the image generation unit 150.

  The viewpoint control unit 120 includes a viewpoint switching unit 122, and the viewpoint switching unit 122 has a viewpoint corresponding to the operation assigned by the viewpoint assignment unit 116 based on operation data input from the operation unit 10. In this case, a process for switching to the corresponding viewpoint is performed.

  The portable information storage device 30 stores the play data 32 in the race game, the above-described viewpoint setting data 34, the allocation data 36, and the like, and can be realized by an IC card, a memory card, a portable game device, or the like. .

  The information storage medium 40 stores data such as a game program 42 relating to a racing game, a viewpoint setting program 44 for performing viewpoint setting processing, and game default values. The function of the information storage medium 40 can be realized by hardware such as CD-ROM, game cassette, IC card, MO, FD, DVD, hard disk, and memory. The processing unit 100 performs various processes based on programs and data read from the information storage medium 40.

  Here, although the game program 42 and the viewpoint setting program 44 are separate programs, the viewpoint setting program 44 may be described in the game program 44 as a subroutine of the game program 42 and may be an integrated program.

  If the information storage medium 40 is a rewritable medium, the viewpoint setting data 34 and the allocation data 36 described as being stored in the portable information storage device 30 may be stored in the information storage medium 40. .

  Next, viewpoint setting processing according to the viewpoint setting program 44 read and executed by the game calculation unit 110 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

  First, for example, when an input to display a so-called option screen for setting a viewpoint is made at a given timing in the game, such as before starting a race or while moving to the next stage, The calculation unit 110 reads the viewpoint setting program 44 from the information storage medium 40 and starts executing the viewpoint setting process.

  Then, the game calculation unit 110 displays, via the image generation unit 150, a screen that prompts a selection input as to which of the viewpoint editing process, the viewpoint selection process, and the switching viewpoint assignment process is performed as the viewpoint setting. 20 (step S100). Then, after executing the selected process, the viewpoint setting process is terminated.

  When execution of the viewpoint editing process is selected in step S100, the viewpoint editing unit 114 of the game calculation unit 110 performs the next viewpoint editing process (step S200). That is, first, the viewpoint editing unit 114 displays the editing viewpoint selection screen 202 on the display unit 20, and substitutes “1” for the work variable N (step S201). Next, the Nth viewpoint is selected (step S202), and a message as to whether or not to edit the Nth viewpoint is displayed on the display unit 20 (step S203). When an instruction to edit is input, the viewpoint editing unit 114 displays the viewpoint editing screen 204 on the display unit 20, and changes / edits the parameter related to the selected viewpoint according to the player's instruction input. (Step S204)

  After editing of the Nth viewpoint or when an instruction input not to edit the Nth viewpoint is made in step S203, the viewpoint editing unit 114 allows N to be selected by the user, that is, the maximum number of viewpoints set. It is determined whether or not the maximum viewpoint number of the correct viewpoint (step S205). If it is determined that the value is not the maximum value, the viewpoint editing unit 114 adds “1” to N (step S206), and then proceeds to step S202. The process proceeds to steps S202 to S206 until N reaches the maximum value. Repeat the process.

  If it is determined in step S205 that N is the maximum value, the viewpoint editing unit 114 ends the viewpoint editing process.

  In addition, when execution of the viewpoint selection process is selected in step S100, the switching pattern determination unit 112 of the game calculation unit 110 displays the viewpoint selection screen 206 on the display unit 20 and selects the viewpoint that becomes the switching pattern. A viewpoint selection process for causing the player to select is performed (step S300).

  At this time, in order to facilitate the operation of the player, when a specific button is pressed after a single viewpoint is selected on the viewpoint selection screen 206, the viewpoint editing unit 114 displays the viewpoint editing screen 204. It is also possible to display and perform viewpoint editing processing for the viewpoint.

  As described above, by performing the viewpoint editing process and the viewpoint selection process, the player can set a desired viewpoint as a switching pattern. In other words, the viewpoint is not a fixed fixed point, and can be freely set by the player, and the combination can be arbitrarily determined by the player.

  When execution of the switching viewpoint assignment process is selected in step S100, the viewpoint assignment unit 116 of the game calculation unit 110 performs the following switching viewpoint assignment process. That is, based on the player's instruction input, processing is performed to determine which operation button 12 of the operation unit 10 the switch pattern viewpoint is assigned to, or in which angle range the analog direction key 14 is tilted. For example, when there are an L button and an R button as the operation buttons, the first viewpoint is assigned to the L button, the second viewpoint is assigned to the R button, or the analog direction key is tilted to the left. When it is tilted to the right, the second viewpoint is assigned according to the player's instruction (step S400).

  By performing this switching viewpoint assignment process, the viewpoint of the switching pattern can be assigned to a button that is easy to operate as a viewpoint switching operation in the game, and thus convenience and operability in the viewpoint switching operation can be improved.

  This switching operation (assignment) has been described as pressing a single button, but is not limited to this. For example, when the L button and R button are pressed simultaneously, the viewpoint is switched, or the R button is used as a toggle button. The viewpoint may be switched according to the number of times the R button is pressed.

  In addition, the player stores the viewpoint parameters set in the viewpoint editing process and the buttons assigned in the switching viewpoint allocation process in the portable information storage device 30 so that the same viewpoint and the same allocation are used at the next play. You can play with

  Examples of viewpoint switching patterns edited and selected by the player as described above are shown in FIGS. As the switching pattern in FIG. 11, viewpoint 1-A (driver viewpoint) and viewpoint 1-B (helicopter viewpoint) are selected and set, and as the switching pattern in FIG. (Far)) and viewpoint 2-B (own vehicle rear viewpoint (right)) are selected and set. Thus, the player can select a preferred viewpoint as the switching pattern.

  Further, the switching operation between the viewpoint 1-A and the viewpoint 2-A and the switching operation between the viewpoint 1-B and the viewpoint 2-B can be assigned to a player's favorite button or an angle of a favorite analog direction key.

  Next, an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the apparatus shown in the figure, a CPU 1000, a ROM 1002, a RAM 1004, an information storage medium 1006, a sound generation IC 1008, an image generation IC 1010, and I / O ports 1012, 1014 are connected to each other via a system bus 1016 so as to be able to input and output data. . A display 1018 is connected to the image generation IC 1010, a speaker 1020 is connected to the sound generation IC 1008, a control device 1022 is connected to the I / O port 1012, and a communication device 1024 is connected to the I / O port 1014. ing.

  The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data for expressing display objects, sound data, play data, and the like. For example, in a home game device, a CD-ROM, game cassette, DVD, or the like is used as an information storage medium for storing a game program or the like, and a memory card or the like is used as an information storage medium for storing play data. In the arcade game machine, a memory such as a ROM or a hard disk is used. In this case, the information storage medium 1006 is the ROM 1002.

  In this embodiment, in addition to the game program 42, the viewpoint setting program 44 is stored in an information storage medium composed of a removable CD-ROM. The play data 32, the viewpoint setting data 34, and the allocation data 36 are described as being stored in a removable memory card.

  The control device 1022 corresponds to a game controller, an operation panel, or the like, and is a device for inputting a result of determination made by the user in accordance with the progress of the game to the device main body.

  In accordance with a program stored in the information storage medium 1006, a system program stored in the ROM 1002 (such as device initialization information), a signal input by the control device 1022, the CPU 1000 controls the entire device and performs various data processing. . The RAM 1004 is a storage means used as a work area of the CPU 1000 and stores the given contents of the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002 or the calculation result of the CPU 1000.

  Further, this type of apparatus is provided with a sound generation IC 1008 and an image generation IC 1010 so that game sounds and game images can be suitably output. The sound generation IC 1008 is an integrated circuit that generates game sounds such as sound effects and background music based on information stored in the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002, and the generated game sounds are output by the speaker 1020. The image generation IC 1010 is an integrated circuit that generates pixel information to be output to the display 1018 based on image information sent from the RAM 1004, the ROM 1002, the information storage medium 1006, and the like. Note that the display 1018 needs to have a light emitting function, and for example, a CRT, LCD, plasma display, or the like is suitable.

  The communication device 1024 exchanges various types of information used inside the game device with the outside. The communication device 1024 is connected to other game devices to send and receive given information according to the game program, or via a communication line. It is used to send and receive information such as game programs.

  Various processes such as a game viewpoint setting process and the like are realized by an information storage medium 1006 storing a game program 42 and a viewpoint setting program 44, and a CPU 1000, an image generation IC 1010, a sound generation IC 1008, and the like that operate according to the program. Is done. The processing performed by the image generation IC 1010, the sound generation IC 1008, and the like may be performed by software using the CPU 1000 or a general-purpose DSP.

  FIG. 14 shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a game device including a host device 1300 and terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n connected to the host device 1300 via a communication line 1302.

  In this case, the viewpoint setting program 44 is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic disk device, a magnetic tape device, or a memory that can be controlled by the host device 1300, for example. When the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n have a CPU, an image generation IC, and a sound generation IC and can generate game images and game sounds stand-alone, the host device 1300 receives the viewpoint setting program 44. Are distributed to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n via the communication line 1302. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated stand-alone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound, transmits them to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n, and outputs them at the terminals.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the player can freely select a viewpoint to be used during the game. If there is no desired viewpoint, the player can edit the viewpoint parameter to obtain a desired viewpoint. Can be set and used as a viewpoint. Further, since the player can arbitrarily determine the assignment of the buttons and the like of the operation unit 10 when switching the viewpoint, the operability in the viewpoint switching can be improved.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the content of the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation implementation is possible. For example, although the number of viewpoints that can be selected as the switching pattern has been described as a predetermined number (first viewpoint and second viewpoint), it may be changed according to the progress of the game and play time. In other words, in the courses and stages for beginners, many viewpoints that are easy to operate for beginners, such as helicopter viewpoints, are prepared. It is good also as preparing many viewpoints that seem easy.

  Alternatively, the number of viewpoints that can be selected may be increased or decreased every time a course or stage is cleared, or when a game play time reaches a given time.

  In the above embodiment, only the racing game has been described, but it can also be applied to role playing games (hereinafter referred to as RPG), adventure games, sports games such as baseball / soccer, fighting games, shooting games, and the like. is there. In other words, the game can be applied to any game as long as the game can make sense and effect in editing and switching the viewpoint.

  For example, in RPG and adventure games, the viewpoint of the hero character and the viewpoint of looking down on the hero from the sky, and in sports games such as baseball and soccer, fight the viewpoint of the character to be operated and the viewpoint from above the stadium. In a game or shooting game, the viewpoint of the player character or the viewpoint of the fighting / combat scene viewed from the side may be used as the viewpoint to which the present invention is applied, and the parameters of the viewpoint may be edited or switched.

  Examples of screens when the present invention is applied to a baseball game are shown in FIGS. 15A is a viewpoint behind the batter, FIG. 15B is a viewpoint behind the pitcher, and FIG. 16 is a viewpoint from above the stadium. Among these viewpoints, the player may select a viewpoint behind the batter (FIG. 15A) and a viewpoint from above the stadium (FIG. 16) as a switching pattern and perform an attack in the baseball game. In this case, since the player can select (switch) a user-friendly viewpoint according to various operations such as stealing, operability and convenience can be improved.

  In the above-described embodiment, the steady viewpoint change during the game has been described. However, the following may be used. That is, the viewpoint with respect to a specific object and the appearance of the specific object may be changed.

  For example, when a treasure object or a bomb object is specified as a specific object in an RPG or an adventure game, and the treasure object or the like exists in the field of view (in the field of view seen from the viewpoint), that is, in the display screen, May be moved to the opposite side of the treasure object or the like. As an implementation method, the specification of a specific object and the change of viewpoint for the specific object (change of viewpoint parameters such as position, rotation, and angle of view) are set in association with each other, and from the viewpoint in the object space based on the setting When generating a visible image, this can be realized by changing the viewpoint when a specific object exists in the field of view. As for the change of the viewpoint, an edit screen such as the viewpoint edit screen 204 is displayed to edit the value and amount of change, or a screen such as the viewpoint selection screen 206 is displayed to display various changes. This can be realized by selecting a desired change from the above.

  An example of such a viewpoint change for a specific object is shown in FIG. FIG. 17 shows that when a treasure object is designated as a specific object, the viewpoint is not changed (FIG. 17A), and the viewpoint is slightly shifted (FIG. 17B). In this case, three cases are shown (FIG. 3C). In this way, by changing the viewpoint of the specific object, when the specific object is hidden in the object space, or the presence of the specific object that is not visible from the viewpoint but exists in the field of view, The player can be made aware. That is, the player can recognize the specific object by setting the change of the viewpoint as shown in FIG.

  Further, as indicated by an arrow in the figure, a change in viewpoint may be configured to be switchable during the game. That is, on the normal play screen, the viewpoint as shown in FIG. 10A is switched to the viewpoint as shown in FIG. 10B or FIG. 10C by pressing a button or depressing an analog direction key. It is good. In this case, if there is no specific object in the field of view (in the field of view visible from the viewpoint), the viewpoint does not switch, and the player is informed whether the specific object exists in the field of view. It may be recognized.

  Further, the following processing may be performed without changing the viewpoint. That is, the display mode of the specific object itself may be changed without changing the viewpoint. FIG. 18 shows an example of a change in the display mode of the specific object in this case. In FIG. 18, the specific object is not a treasure object, but an obstacle object, that is, a hidden object that hides the treasure object is designated. In addition, the change of the display mode is designated to change the transparency.

  (A) in the figure is a normal display example, and (b) in the figure is a display example in a case where it is specified that the transparency of the specific object is increased, that is, the display is made so that the other side can be seen. c) is a display example when the transparency of the specific object is set to 100%, that is, the display is not specified.

  In FIG. 18, the specific object is an obstacle object, but the treasure object may be a specific object, and the color may be changed so as to be conspicuous.

  As an implementation method for changing the display mode of a specific object, when specifying the specific object and changing the display mode of the specific object (changes in shape, color, transparency, etc.) in association with each other, and generating an object space Alternatively, it can be realized by changing the display mode of a specific object when generating an image that can be seen from the viewpoint in the object space. As for the change in the display mode of the specific object, a screen such as the viewpoint editing screen 204 or the viewpoint selection screen 206 may be displayed to edit / select a desired change.

  Further, as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 18, a change in the display mode of the specific object may be switched during the game.

  The process for changing the viewpoint of the specific object and the process for changing the display mode of the specific object can be applied to other games such as a shooting game and a race game in addition to RPG and an adventure game. Needless to say. For example, in a shooting game, by changing the viewpoint with a specific enemy character as a specific object, an attack on the enemy character can be facilitated. Further, by changing the aspect of a specific car (moving body) as a specific object in the racing game, it is possible to realize a more exciting game such as trying to run fast toward the car.

  Further, the process for changing the viewpoint of the specific object and the process for changing the display mode of the specific object may be used according to the progress of the game. That is, for example, it may be a kind of magic in RPG or a prize in a race game. In addition, the above processing may be enabled or disabled depending on the beginner, intermediate, advanced player, etc. of the game.

It is a figure which shows an example at the time of applying this invention to a household game device. It is a figure which shows an example of the functional block in the home game device to which this invention is applied. FIG. 3A is an overview perspective view of the operation unit 10. (B) is a figure for demonstrating the angle which depresses the analog direction key 14 of the operation part 10. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a viewpoint selection screen 206. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an edit viewpoint selection screen 202. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a viewpoint editing screen 204. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of viewpoint setting data 34. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of the allocation data. It is a flowchart of a viewpoint setting process. It is a flowchart of a viewpoint edit process. It is a figure for demonstrating a switching pattern. It is a figure for demonstrating a switching pattern. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the hardware which can implement | achieve this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example at the time of applying this Embodiment to the game terminal connected via a communication line with a host apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where this invention is applied to a baseball game. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where this invention is applied to a baseball game. It is a figure which shows the example of the change of the viewpoint with respect to a specific object. It is a figure which shows the example of the change of the display mode of a specific object.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Operation part 100 Processing part 110 Game calculating part 112 Switching pattern determination part 114 Viewpoint editing part 116 Viewpoint assignment part 118 Mobile body calculation part 120 Viewpoint control part 122 Viewpoint switching part 150 Image generation part 20 Display part 30 Portable information storage device 40 Information storage medium 42 Game program 44 Viewpoint setting program

Claims (6)

In a game device that generates an image of an object space viewed from a given viewpoint and executes a game,
Switching means for selectively switching the viewpoint from a plurality of switching viewpoints according to the viewpoint switching operation of the player;
Image generating means for generating an image of the object space viewed from the viewpoint switched by the switching means;
In accordance with the progress of the game, the switching viewpoint number changing means for newly increasing the switching viewpoint or reducing the existing switching viewpoint;
A game apparatus comprising: The game is a game in which a plurality of stages or courses (hereinafter referred to as “stages” in the claims) are cleared,
The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switching viewpoint number changing unit newly increases a switching viewpoint or decreases an existing switching viewpoint in accordance with the progress of the game by clearing the stage or the like.   The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switching viewpoint number changing unit newly increases a switching viewpoint or decreases an existing switching viewpoint according to a play time of the game. A program for causing a computer to generate an image of an object space viewed from a given viewpoint and to execute a game,
Switching means for selectively switching the viewpoint from a plurality of switching viewpoints in accordance with the viewpoint switching operation of the player;
Image generating means for generating an image of the object space viewed from the viewpoint switched by the switching means;
According to the progress of the game, the switching viewpoint number changing means for newly increasing the switching viewpoint or reducing the existing switching viewpoint,
A computer-readable information storage medium storing a program for causing the computer to function as: The game is a game in which a plurality of stages are cleared,
The program is a program for causing the switching viewpoint number changing means to cause the computer to function to newly increase a switching viewpoint or reduce an existing switching viewpoint in accordance with the progress of the game by clearing the stage or the like. The information storage medium according to claim 4, wherein the information storage medium is provided.   The program is a program for causing the switching viewpoint number changing means to cause the computer to function so as to newly increase a switching viewpoint or reduce an existing switching viewpoint according to a play time of the game. The information storage medium according to claim 4 or 5.

Images