JP2006068376A - Game device, control method of the same, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game device or the like quickly changing reproduced moving image information according to the kind or presence/absence of the input of an instruction by a player. <P>SOLUTION: A moving picture reproducing section 305 of the game device 301 reproduces the moving image information stored in a first moving image storage section 302 reading out moving image information slowly after readout requirement thereof or a second moving image storage section 303 reading out the moving image information quickly after the readout requirement thereof. When an input receiving section 306 receives the input of the instruction from the player until the finish of the reproduced moving image information, an update section 307 determines to reproduce the following moving image information to be reproduced at a moving image reproducing section 305 according to the kind or the like of the input of the instruction. A predicting section 308 predicts the following moving image information to be reproduced and requires readout thereof at a suitable timing, when no instruction is input from the player until the finish of the reproduced moving information. When no instruction is input from the player after all, the moving image reproducing section 305 reproduces the predicted moving image information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a game device suitable for making a change of a moving image display as quickly as possible to an instruction input in a game in which moving image information to be reproduced is changed depending on the type or presence of a player's instruction input, a control method thereof, and The present invention also relates to a program for realizing these on a computer.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which various screen displays are configured by appropriately combining short videos in a game device and displaying them on a screen. For example, in the following document, when a game demonstration screen is displayed by a combination of short videos, various weights are given according to the players appearing in the game and the competition that is the target of the game, and the videos used for the demonstration screen display are A technique for deciding how to make a selection is disclosed.
Japanese Patent No. 3417918

However, in a game in which the moving image used for the screen display is changed depending on the type and presence of the player's instruction input, there is a need for a technique for making the moving image display change as quickly as possible to the instruction input.
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. In a game in which video information to be played is changed depending on the type and presence of a player's instruction input, the change of the video display is used as an instruction input. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game device suitable for making it as quick as possible, a control method thereof, and a program for realizing these on a computer.

In order to achieve the above object, the following invention is disclosed in accordance with the principle of the present invention.
A game device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first moving image storage unit, a second moving image storage unit, a designation storage unit, a moving image playback unit, an input reception unit, an update unit, and a prediction unit, and is configured as follows. To do.

  That is, the first moving image storage unit stores a plurality of pieces of moving image information, and the second moving image storage unit stores a plurality of pieces of moving image information, but it is necessary until the moving image information is read after the moving image information is requested to be read by the moving image reproducing unit. The time is longer in the first moving image storage unit than in the second moving image storage unit.

  Typically, the first moving image storage unit is a hard disk, a CD mounted on a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) drive, a DVD mounted on a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk ROM) drive, a network drive, or the like. It takes a long time for the head to seek or to connect to the network until data transfer is actually started after a read request is made. On the other hand, the second moving image storage unit, such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM provided in the game apparatus, has a short time from when a read request is made until data transfer is actually started.

On the other hand, the designation storage unit stores designation information for designating moving picture information to be reproduced.
Typically, the moving image information to be reproduced is either stored in the first moving image storage unit or stored in the second moving image storage unit. Since the designation storage unit is frequently updated as will be described later, typically, a predetermined area of the RAM, a register of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or the like is used. Further, as a specific format of the designation information, a combination of an identifier indicating whether the storage location is the first moving image storage unit or the second moving image storage unit and the file name of the moving image information is typical.

Then, when the moving image information specified in the stored designation information among the moving image information stored in either the first moving image storage unit or the second moving image storage unit is updated, The moving image information read request is performed, and the moving image information read by the read request is reproduced.
As described above, since the video information specified in the specified information is played back, as will be described later, when the specified information is updated, the video playback unit performs the update specification after each update. The reproduction of the moving image information specified in the information is to be started.

On the other hand, the input receiving unit receives instruction inputs from a plurality of players.
The present invention is typically used in a battle game of two or more players, and can be applied to a game in which one's own moving image display is changed by an instruction input by the opponent. However, one of the plurality of players includes a case where a computer operating according to a predetermined algorithm simulates a human player and gives an instruction input.

  Furthermore, the update unit receives the designation information stored when the instruction input from any of the plurality of players is received before the reproduction of the moving image information currently reproduced by the moving image reproduction unit is completed. The moving image information to be reproduced next is determined from the type of instruction input, and the designation information is updated so as to designate the decided moving image information.

  As described above, in the competitive game, when one player inputs some instruction, the screen display for both players changes. For example, in a battle-type game, a video of a character is assigned to each player, and when no instruction is input, a video for waiting for observing the opponent's movement is used to display the video of each character. .

  Here, when one player makes an attack, the video display of the character corresponding to that player changes to an attack video, and the video display of the character corresponding to the other player who receives the attack is damaged by the attack. It changes to a video when you receive it. Similarly, when a defense instruction is input for a situation where an attack is likely to occur, the animation display of the character changes to a defense one. As described above, when the designation information is updated, the displayed moving image information is also changed.

Then, the prediction unit determines the video information to be reproduced next when the instruction input is not received from any of the plurality of players until the reproduction of the video information currently reproduced by the video reproduction unit is completed. Predict.
In the above example, if the video display of the character is a standby video for observing the opponent's movement, when the video is finished playing, the next video to be played is also standby for observing the opponent's movement. It is a video for. When there is only one kind of standby moving image, the moving image information to be reproduced next when the instruction input is not accepted from any of the plurality of players is also the standby moving image. In addition, when there are a plurality of types of standby moving images, any of the standby moving images is played in order according to a predetermined order, so that the moving image information to be played next can be predicted from the predetermined order.

  In addition, when a video other than standby is displayed, such as when you are currently attacking, taking damage, or defending, it will be displayed next when the video is displayed. Since this is a standby moving image according to the physical strength of the current character, the moving image information to be reproduced next can be predicted from various parameters of the current character.

Here, when the instruction input is not received from any of the plurality of players until the reproduction of the moving image information currently being reproduced by the moving image reproducing unit is completed, the update unit specifies the predicted moving image information. Update the specified information as follows.
In the above example, if there is no instruction input from any player, the game proceeds in the standby state. Therefore, the moving image information predicted as described above is repeatedly displayed.

  Note that, as described above, when the update information is updated by the updating unit, the video playback unit starts playback of the video information specified by the update unit. It is also included when updating to the same specified information. In this case, the same moving image information is repeatedly reproduced.

The first moving image storage unit stores moving image information predicted by the prediction unit, and the second moving image storage unit stores moving image information determined by the update unit.
As described above, the video information predicted by the prediction unit is reproduced when there is no instruction input from the player for a certain period of time. The moving image information determined by the section is reproduced when an instruction is input by the player, and it is often desired to respond as quickly as possible to the instruction input. Therefore, in consideration of the time required for reading, the first moving image storage unit and the second moving image storage unit store moving image information corresponding to each application in groups.

  According to the present invention, in a game device in which moving image information to be reproduced is changed depending on the type and presence of a player's instruction input, it is possible to respond as quickly as possible to a change in moving image display when there is an instruction input. Thus, the player can easily know that his / her instruction input has been accepted by the change in the moving image display.

  Further, in the game device of the present invention, the moving image reproduction unit receives an instruction input from any of the plurality of players by a predetermined preparation time before the reproduction of the currently reproduced moving image information is completed. If not, the first moving image storage unit is requested to read the predicted moving image information to be reproduced next, and the predetermined moving time is requested to read the moving image information from the first moving image storage unit. It can be configured to be longer than the time required for this to be read.

As described above, for the first moving image storage unit, a certain amount of time (from the case of the second moving image storage unit) after the read request is made until the data is actually read and the moving image reproduction is started. Take a long time). Therefore, a time length equal to or longer than the “certain time” is defined as “predetermined preparation time”. Then, a read request is made at least a predetermined preparation time before the end of reproduction.
According to the present invention, even when moving image information stored in a storage area that does not have an instruction from the player and takes a long time to read is sequentially reproduced, moving image reproduction is smoothly transferred without interruption.

  Further, in the game device of the present invention, the designation storage unit stores designation information for each of the plurality of players, and the moving image reproduction unit stores the designation information in an area assigned to each of the plurality of players in the screen. The video information specified in the specified information stored for the player is reproduced, the updating unit updates the specified information for each of the plurality of players, and the prediction unit updates the video information for each of the plurality of players. Can be configured to predict.

  As described above, when the present invention is applied to a competitive game, characters assigned to each player are displayed in, for example, the right and left areas of the screen. When the player inputs instructions for each character, the various parameters of the character change and the winning or losing is determined. However, because the instruction input was made for each character, and the other party received an instruction input ( For example, when your character is affected (for example, attack, etc.), the fact is displayed to the player in an easy-to-understand manner by displaying a video of the area assigned to each character. Will be.

  In the game device of the present invention, the first moving image storage unit stores the plurality of moving image information in a computer-readable information recording medium, and causes the moving image information to be read from the information recording medium when there is a read request. The second moving image storage unit is configured to read and store the plurality of moving image information from the information recording medium in the volatile storage device, and to read the moving image information from the volatile storage device when there is a read request. can do.

  Typically, moving image information is recorded on an information recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, and in this game apparatus, moving image information that needs to be immediately responded to a user's instruction input is read in advance from a RAM or the like. However, moving images that are copied to a high-speed storage device and that do not require relatively quick response, such as moving images in a standby state, are read directly from the information recording medium.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide moving image information to be played back in a game on a single information recording medium, using a high-speed storage area prepared by the hardware of the game apparatus, or using an information recording medium as it is. It is possible to use hardware efficiently by properly using cases.

In the game device of the present invention, the second moving image storage unit stores a part of moving image information stored in the first moving image storage unit, and the moving image reproduction unit includes the first moving image storage unit and the second moving image storage unit. The read request for the moving image information stored in both can be configured to be made to the second moving image storage unit.
The moving image information stored in the first moving image storage unit is copied to the second moving image storage unit that can respond more quickly to the read request, and when the moving image information is reproduced, the first moving image storage is performed. Instead of making a read request to the part, a read request is made to the second moving image storage part.
According to the present invention, moving image information reproduced in a game can be copied according to the storage capacity of a RAM or the like, and moving image reproduction can be performed more smoothly.

  A game apparatus control method according to another aspect of the present invention includes a first moving image storage unit that stores a plurality of moving image information, a second moving image storage unit that stores a plurality of moving image information, and designation information that specifies moving image information to be reproduced. Is controlled by a game device including a designation storage unit, a video reproduction unit, an input reception unit, an update unit, and a prediction unit, and includes a video reproduction step, an input reception step, an update step, and a prediction step, and is configured as follows. .

That is, in the video playback process, the video playback unit updates the video information specified in the stored specification information among the video information stored in either the first video storage unit or the second video storage unit. In this case, a request for reading the updated moving image information is made, and the moving image information read by the reading request is reproduced.
On the other hand, in the input receiving step, the input receiving unit receives instruction inputs from a plurality of players.

Further, in the update process, when an instruction input from any of the plurality of players is received before the reproduction of the currently reproduced moving image information is completed, the update unit receives the designation information stored. The moving image information to be reproduced next is determined from the type of instruction input, and the designation information is updated so as to designate the decided moving image information.
On the other hand, in the prediction process, when the prediction unit determines that the instruction input has not been received from any of the plurality of players until the reproduction of the currently reproduced moving image information is completed, the moving image information to be reproduced next is displayed. Predict.

Further, in the update process, if the instruction input is not received from any of the plurality of players until the reproduction of the currently reproduced moving picture information in the moving picture reproduction process is completed, the predicted moving picture information is designated. Update the specified information.
Then, after the moving image reproduction process requests reading of moving image information, the time required for the moving image information to be read is longer in the first moving image storage unit than in the second moving image storage unit.
On the other hand, a 1st dynamic storage part memorize | stores the moving image information estimated at a prediction process, and a 2nd moving image memory | storage part memorize | stores the moving image information determined at an update process.

A program according to another aspect of the present invention is configured to cause a computer to function as the game device, or to cause the computer to execute a control method for the game device.
The program of the present invention can be recorded on a computer-readable information storage medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory.
The above program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. The information storage medium can be distributed and sold independently from the computer.

  According to the present invention, in a game in which moving image information to be reproduced is changed depending on the type and presence of an instruction input by a player, a game device suitable for making a change in moving image display as quickly as possible to an instruction input, and a control method thereof And a program for realizing them on a computer can be provided.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the following, for ease of understanding, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a game device that displays three-dimensional graphics will be described. However, information on various computers, PDAs (Personal Data Assistants), mobile phones, and the like is described. The present invention can be similarly applied to a processing apparatus. That is, the embodiment described below is for explanation, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a typical information processing apparatus in which the game apparatus of the present invention is realized. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

The information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, an interface 104, a controller 105, an external memory 106, an image processing unit 107, a DVD-ROM drive 108, and a NIC (Network Interface Card). 109.
When a DVD-ROM storing a game program and data is loaded into the DVD-ROM drive 108 and the information processing apparatus 100 is turned on, the program is executed and the game apparatus of the present embodiment is realized. The

  The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 100 and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data. Further, the CPU 101 uses arithmetic operations such as addition / subtraction / multiplication / division, logical sum, logical product, etc. using an ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) (not shown) for a storage area called a register (not shown) that can be accessed at high speed. , Logic operations such as logical negation, bit operations such as bit sum, bit product, bit inversion, bit shift, and bit rotation can be performed. In addition, the CPU 101 itself is configured so that saturation operations such as addition / subtraction / multiplication / division for multimedia processing, vector operations such as trigonometric functions, etc. can be performed at a high speed, and those provided with a coprocessor. There is.

  The ROM 102 records an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that is executed immediately after the power is turned on, and when this is executed, the program recorded on the DVD-ROM is read out to the RAM 103 and execution by the CPU 101 is started. The The ROM 102 stores an operating system program and various data necessary for operation control of the entire information processing apparatus 100.

  The RAM 103 is for temporarily storing data and programs, and holds programs and data read from the DVD-ROM and other data necessary for game progress and chat communication. Further, the CPU 101 provides a variable area in the RAM 103 and performs an operation by directly operating the ALU on the value stored in the variable, or temporarily stores the value stored in the RAM 103 in the register. Perform operations such as performing operations on registers and writing back the operation results to memory.

  The controller 105 connected via the interface 104 receives an operation input performed by the user when executing a game such as a battle game.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the controller 105. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  On the left side of the controller 105, there are arranged an ↑ button 201, a ↓ button 202, a ← button 203, and a → button 204 that are used to perform an operation input indicating up, down, left, and right.

  On the right side, a ○ button 205 used to input a decision operation, a × button 206 used to input a cancel operation, a Δ button 207 used to input an instruction such as a menu display, A square button 208 used for inputting other instructions is arranged.

  In the center, in addition to the SELECT button 209 and the START button 210, an ANALOG button 211 for instructing start / stop of analog input and an indicator 212 for displaying whether the analog input is valid or invalid are arranged. .

  In addition, joysticks 213 and 214 for inputting an instruction with a size in a direction not limited to up, down, left, and right are arranged at the lower center.

  Further, an L1 button 215, an L2 button 216, an R1 button 217, and an R2 button 218 that can be used for inputting various instructions are disposed above.

  Each button 201-208, 215-218 of the controller 105 is provided with a pressure sensor, and when analog input is enabled, it can detect which button is pressed, The magnitude of the pressure of the user's pressing operation can be obtained in 256 steps from 0 to 255.

  The joysticks 213 and 214 of the controller 105 are provided with strain gauges and can detect how much they are bent in which direction.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the external memory 106 detachably connected via the interface 104 stores data indicating the play status (such as past results) of the battle game, data indicating the progress of the game, and chat associated with the battle. Communication log (record) data and the like are stored in a rewritable manner. The user can record these data in the external memory 106 as appropriate by inputting an instruction via the controller 105.

  A DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 108 stores a program for realizing the game and image data, audio data, and moving image information data associated with the game. Under the control of the CPU 101, the DVD-ROM drive 108 performs a reading process on the DVD-ROM loaded therein, reads out necessary programs and data, and these are temporarily stored in the RAM 103 or the like.

The image processing unit 107 processes the data read from the DVD-ROM by an image arithmetic processor (not shown) included in the CPU 101 or the image processing unit 107, and then processes the processed data on a frame memory ( Buffering recording (not shown). The image information recorded in the frame memory is converted into a video signal at a predetermined synchronization timing and output to a monitor (not shown) connected to the image processing unit 107. Thereby, various image displays are possible. Such processing of the image processing unit 107 can be performed in parallel with the arithmetic processing of the CPU 101.
The image calculation processor can execute a two-dimensional image overlay calculation, a transmission calculation such as α blending, and various saturation calculations at high speed.

Also, polygon information arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space and added with various texture information is rendered by the Z buffer method, and the polygon arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space from the predetermined viewpoint position is determined in the direction of the predetermined line of sight It is also possible to perform high-speed execution of operations for obtaining rendered images.
Further, the CPU 101 and the image arithmetic processor operate in a coordinated manner, so that a character string can be drawn as a two-dimensional image in a frame memory or drawn on the surface of each polygon according to font information that defines the character shape. is there. The font information is recorded in the ROM 102, but it is also possible to use dedicated font information recorded in the DVD-ROM.

  In addition, the moving image information recorded on the DVD-ROM and the moving image information when this is transferred to the RAM 103 or the like in advance are superimposed on a predetermined area of the screen by the image processing unit 107, Movie display can be performed.

  The NIC 109 is used to connect the information processing apparatus 100 to a computer communication network (not shown) such as the Internet, and is used in configuring a LAN (Local Area Network). 10BASE-T / 100BASE- Connect to the Internet using an analog modem, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) modem, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modem, or cable television line to connect to the Internet using a telephone line. For example, and an interface (not shown) that mediates between them and the CPU 101.

  The current date and time information can be obtained by connecting to an SNTP server in the Internet via the NIC 109 and obtaining information therefrom. In addition, various network game server devices may be configured and configured to perform the same functions as the SNTP server.

The audio processing unit 110 converts audio data read from the DVD-ROM into an analog audio signal and outputs the analog audio signal from a speaker (not shown) connected thereto. Further, under the control of the CPU 101, sound effects and music data to be generated during the progress of the game are generated, and sound corresponding to this is output from the speaker.
When the audio data recorded on the DVD-ROM is MIDI data, the audio processing unit 110 refers to the sound source data included in the audio data and converts the MIDI data into PCM data. If the compressed audio data is in ADPCM format or Ogg Vorbis format, it is expanded and converted to PCM data. The PCM data can be output by performing D / A (Digital / Analog) conversion at a timing corresponding to the sampling frequency and outputting it to a speaker.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 100 uses a large-capacity external storage device such as a hard disk so as to perform the same function as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the external memory 106, the DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 108, and the like. You may comprise.

  Further, it is possible to adopt a form in which a keyboard for accepting a character string editing input from a user, a mouse for accepting various position designations and selection inputs, and the like are connected. In addition, a general-purpose personal computer can be used instead of the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment.

  Similar to the information processing apparatus 100, a general computer includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, DVD-ROM drive, and NIC, and includes an image processing unit that is not necessarily specialized for screen display in a game. In addition to having a hard disk as a storage device, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, or the like is generally available. In addition, a keyboard, a mouse or the like is used as an input device instead of a controller.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of control of the game control method executed by the game device. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.
The game device 301 according to the present embodiment includes a first moving image storage unit 302, a second moving image storage unit 303, a designation storage unit 304, a moving image playback unit 305, an input reception unit 306, an update unit 307, and a prediction unit 308.

  First, the first moving image storage unit 302 and the second moving image storage unit 303 store a plurality of pieces of moving image information. Of the moving image information stored in the first moving image storage unit 302 and the moving image information stored in the second moving image storage unit 303 during actual operation in the game apparatus 301 to which the present invention is applied, there is an overlap in what is reproduced. Typically, there is no overlap, but there may be overlap.

  Then, after the moving image information is requested to be read by the moving image reproducing unit 305, the time required for reading the moving image information is longer in the first moving image storage unit 302 than in the second moving image storage unit 303.

  Typically, the first moving image storage unit 302 has a read request such as a CD-ROM attached to a hard disk or a CD-ROM drive, a DVD-ROM attached to the DVD-ROM drive 108, or a network drive. It takes a long time to seek the head or connect to the network before the actual data transfer starts.

  On the other hand, the second moving image storage unit 303, such as the RAM 103, the ROM 102, and the hard disk provided in the game apparatus 301, has a short time from when a read request is made until data transfer is actually started.

  Note that the length of the reading time depends on the characteristics of the hardware, so whether the first moving image storage unit 302 or the second moving image storage unit 303 is used is relatively long as described above. It is determined by. For example, since the read time of the hard disk is longer than that of the RAM 103, the hard disk can be the first moving image storage unit 302 and the RAM 103 can be the second moving image storage unit 303.

  In a typical game device 301, a plurality of pieces of moving image information are stored in advance on a computer-readable information recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM, and a part of the moving image information is stored in the first moving image storage unit 302. It functions as moving image information (hereinafter referred to as “first moving image information”), and the other part functions as moving image information stored in the second moving image storage unit 303 (hereinafter referred to as “second moving image information”). .

  Note that the moving image stored in the first moving image storage unit 302 may be so-called streaming reproduction, and the moving image stored in the second moving image storage unit 303 may be considered as so-called on-memory reproduction. . That is, the essential difference between the first moving image information and the second moving image information is that there is a difference in the time from when a read request is made until the actual reproduction is started.

  When the game apparatus 301 starts operating, the second moving image information is read from the information recording medium and stored in a high-speed storage device such as the RAM 103 or the hard disk (step S401).

  After that, when both the first moving image storage unit 302 and the second moving image storage unit 303 are requested to read out the moving image information by the moving image reproducing unit 305, the first moving image information or the second moving image information is reproduced. To the part 305.

  As for the proper use of such storage media and storage devices, it is assumed that the moving image information stored in the second moving image storage unit 303 needs to respond immediately to an instruction input from the player, and is stored in the first moving image storage unit 302. The moving image information is intended to make relatively quick response unnecessary, such as a moving image in a standby state.

  Accordingly, in the present embodiment, moving image information to be played back in the game can be provided by one information recording medium, and a case where a high-speed storage area prepared by the hardware of the game apparatus 301 is used, and an information recording medium It is possible to use the hardware efficiently by appropriately using the case of using as it is.

On the other hand, the designation storage unit 304 stores designation information that designates moving image information to be reproduced.
In the present embodiment, the moving image information to be reproduced is either the first moving image information or the second moving image information. In the present embodiment, a predetermined area of the RAM 103 is used as the designation storage unit 304. Further, as designation information, a combination of an identifier indicating whether the location to be stored is the first moving image storage unit 302 or the second moving image storage unit 303 and the file name of the moving image information (hereinafter collectively referred to as “file name”). Is used.

  Therefore, after step S401, the CPU 101 stores the file name of the standby moving image, which is one of the first moving image information, in an area corresponding to the designation storage unit 304 in the RAM 103 (step S402).

Then, the moving image reproducing unit 305 updates the moving image information specified in the stored designation information among the moving image information stored in either the first moving image storage unit 302 or the second moving image storage unit 303. A request for reading the updated moving image information is made, and the moving image information read by the read request is reproduced.
As described above, since the moving image information specified in the specified information is played back, as described later, when the specified information is updated, the moving image playback unit 305 updates the updated information every time it is updated. The reproduction of the moving image information specified in the specified information is to be started.

  Therefore, after step S <b> 402, the moving image playback unit 305 tries to start playback of the moving image specified by the file name stored in the area corresponding to the specification storage unit 304 in the RAM 103. As described above, since the moving image specified by the file name is the first moving image information, the first moving image storage unit 302 is requested to read the first moving image information specified by the file name (step S403). ) Wait until the first moving image information is read (step S404). When the first moving image information is actually read, that is, the first moving image information is expanded and a predetermined amount or more is loaded in the moving image reproduction buffer. When the moving image data is filled, the reproduction of the first moving image information is started (step S405), and the process proceeds to step S408.

  Therefore, the CPU 101 functions as the moving image playback unit 305 by controlling the image processing unit 107 in cooperation with the RAM 103, the DVD-ROM drive 108, and the like.

  This completes the initial setting of the game, and the main part of the game is started by the processing. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the game is a two-player game, and the display of the moving image changes according to the input of the opponent, as well as the display of the moving image of the player. However, one of the plurality of players includes a case where a computer operating according to a predetermined algorithm simulates a human player and gives an instruction input.

  In the following description, it is assumed that “attack” is indicated when the O button 205 of the controller 105 is pressed, and “defense” is indicated when the X button 206 is pressed. Such allocation of various buttons can be appropriately changed according to the contents of the game.

  FIG. 5 is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the designation information in this embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG. Of course, even if a state transition other than this is considered according to the content of the game, it is included in the scope of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the following states are assumed as the states of the designation information. In order to facilitate understanding, since the parameters such as physical strength (the parameters are stored in the RAM 103 or the like) are decreased due to the attack of the player or the opponent's character, the transition when winning or losing is decided. About is omitted.

  In addition, in this figure, when there is no instruction input, the transition when the moving image reproduction in the current state is completed is indicated by a double arrow, and the transition when there is an instruction input is indicated by a single arrow. Furthermore, when the moving image information associated with the state is the first moving image information, the ellipse representing the state is single, and when the moving image information is the second moving image information, the ellipse representing the state is doubled. Show.

  In addition, the own attack operation, the own defense operation, and the opponent's attack operation are respectively expressed as “O”, “Ox”, and “Ai”.

(1) Waiting. The moving image information that is reproduced in this state while watching the movements of each other is the first moving image information.
(2) Attack. The moving image information reproduced in this state in a state where an attack is made on the opponent from here is second moving image information.
(3) Rigid. The moving image information reproduced in this state in an unprotected state after attacking from here is the first moving image information.
(4) Defense. The moving image information reproduced in this state in the state where the opponent's attack is predicted and the defense is taken is the second moving image information.
(5) Damage. The moving image information reproduced in this state in a state where the opponent is attacked without defense is second moving image information.

  As shown in this figure, if neither the user nor the other party inputs any instructions, after the video playback in the current state is completed, the current state shifts to the standby state, and if there are no further instruction inputs, The standby state will be continued.

  On the other hand, when the user makes an attack, the state shifts to the attack state, and after the reproduction of the attack state movie is completed, the state shifts to the rigid state. You can attack yourself only when you are on standby.

  On the other hand, when the opponent attacks during the standby state or the rigid state, the state shifts to the damaged state, and after the reproduction of the damaged state video is completed, the state shifts to the standby state.

  When shifting to the damage state, the physical strength parameter is decreased, and when the physical strength parameter becomes zero, the game is never lost (not shown).

  In addition, when the opponent attacks during the defense state, the defense state is continued, and after the reproduction of the defense state movie is completed, the state shifts to the standby state. Therefore, in this case, the defense is successful and there is no decrease in the physical strength parameter.

  For example, when the opponent has attacked in the attack state, the state transition is added in consideration of the strength of both attacks, or the opponent is instructed after the attack is instructed. Various modes such as changing the state transition according to the current value of the physical strength parameter of the character, such as taking time to be damaged, can be considered.

  Further, the file name of the moving image information specified in the specification information can be associated with each of the above states. Therefore, the designation information is substantially stored even if the current state of the game state transition is held in some form, rather than storing the file name itself of the moving picture information as the designation information in the RAM 103. Will be the same.

  Based on such state transitions, processing in the game apparatus 301 will be further described below. After the video display in the standby state at the start of the game is started (step S405), the input receiving unit 306 determines whether or not there are instruction inputs from a plurality of players (step S408).

  Therefore, the controller 105 functions as the input receiving unit 306 under the control of the CPU 101. In addition, the type of various instruction inputs can be determined according to the type of the target subject to the pressing operation such as the circle button 205 and the x button 206.

  When there is an instruction input (step S408; Yes), the update unit 307 determines the type of the instruction input (step S409), and the designation information currently stored in the RAM 103 and the received instruction input. The moving image information to be reproduced next is determined from the type (step S410), and the designation information stored in the RAM 103 is updated (step S411).

  As described above, in the competitive game, when one player inputs some instruction, the screen display for both players changes. For example, in a battle-type game, a video of a character is assigned to each player, and when no instruction is input, a video for waiting for observing the opponent's movement is used to display the video of each character. .

  On the other hand, as a case where the process has proceeded as in steps S408 to S411, a case where one player has attacked can be considered. The moving image display of the character corresponding to the player changes to an attacking moving image, and the moving image display of the character corresponding to the other player who has received the attack changes to a moving image when damaged by the attack. Similarly, when a defense instruction is input for a situation where an attack is likely to occur, the animation display of the character changes to a defense one. As described above, when the designation information is updated, the displayed moving image information is also changed.

  In step S 410, what is determined as the moving image information to be reproduced next is second moving image information, which is moving image information stored in a high-speed storage device such as the RAM 103.

According to the state transition diagram according to this embodiment,
(1) If “standby” or “own ○”, transition to “attack” (2) If “standby” or “self ×”, transition to “defense” (3) If “standby” or “phase ○”, proceed to “damage” Transition (4) If it is “rigid” or “phase ○”, state transition is determined as transition to “damage”, and moving image information associated with the transition destination state is determined as moving image information to be reproduced next. Will be.

  What is determined as the moving image information to be reproduced next in steps S409 to S410 is the second moving image information. That is, in the state transition diagram, the state indicated by the single arrow is a state corresponding to the second moving image information.

  Then, the second moving image storage unit 303 is requested to read the second moving image information of the file name specified in the specified information (step S412), and waits until the moving image information is read (step S413). When the moving image information is read out, the reproduction of the currently reproduced moving image information is stopped (step S414), the reproduction of the moving image information is started (step S415), and the process returns to step S408. As described above, the standby time in step S413 is shorter than when the first moving image storage unit 302 is requested to read (step S404).

  Thus, the CPU 101 functions as the update unit 307 in cooperation with the RAM 103 and the like.

  On the other hand, when there is no instruction input (step S408; No), the prediction unit 308 receives an instruction input from any of the plurality of players until the reproduction of the moving image information currently reproduced by the moving image reproduction unit 305 is completed. If not accepted, the moving image information to be reproduced next is predicted (step S416).

  Here, according to the state transition diagram of this embodiment, when the playback of the currently playing video is completed without any instruction input, the current state is any of “standby”, “rigid”, “defense”, and “damage”. In this case, the next state is predicted to be “waiting”, and if the current state is “attack”, the next state is predicted to be “rigid”. .

  Generally, what is predicted as the moving image information to be reproduced next in step S416 is the first moving image information. That is, in the state transition diagram, the state indicated by the double arrow is a state corresponding to the first moving image information.

  Thus, the CPU 101 functions as the prediction unit 308 in cooperation with the RAM 103 and the like.

And
(1) Time T from when a read request is made to the first moving image storage unit 302 until the moving image information is actually read.
(2) Sum t of time a required to expand the video data and fill the video playback buffer and a predetermined margin time b
(3) Time R to complete playback of currently playing video information
In the previous iteration (when the processing of step S417 was performed immediately before), R> T + t, and whether or not R ≦ T + t was obtained in this iteration, that is, the remaining reproduction time and a predetermined threshold It is checked whether or not the magnitude relationship with time has been switched (step S417). Since there are errors in the times T, a, and R, a margin time b is employed to absorb the errors and the comparison is performed.

  As a specific condition determination method, for example, R-T-t is calculated every time, the previous calculation result is separately stored in the RAM 103, and the signs thereof are compared. After the comparison, the calculated R-T-t is stored in the RAM 103 as the “previous calculation result”. In addition, various modes such as storing all the previous values of R, T, and t can be adopted.

  If this condition is satisfied (step S417; Yes), if the time R has passed as it is, the predicted first moving image information is required, so a read request is made to the first moving image storage unit 302 in advance. (Step S418), the process returns to Step S408.

  On the other hand, when this condition is not satisfied (step S417; No), it is not necessary to make a read request for prefetching. This is because the remaining time of the moving image information currently being reproduced is sufficiently long, or a read request for prefetching has already been made.

  Therefore, it is checked whether or not R ≦ 0, that is, whether or not the reproduction of the current moving image information has been completed (step S419). If completed (step S419; Yes), since the read request for the first moving image information to be reproduced is completed in step S418, the first moving image information to be reproduced from now on (this is The video information is updated in advance in step S418) (step S420), and the video playback unit 305 immediately starts the first video playback (step S421), and then returns to step S408.

  On the other hand, if R> 0, that is, if the reproduction of the current moving image information is not completed regardless of whether or not the next moving image information is predicted (step S419; No), the process returns to step S408. .

  Even if a read request is made to the first moving image storage unit 302 in step S418, if there is an instruction input from the player after that and a state transition is made, the process of steps S409 to S411 is immediately performed. Since the reproduction of the moving image information stored in the second moving image storage unit 303 is started, the read request to the first moving image storage unit 302 is cancelled.

  If the information processing apparatus 100 has a hardware configuration in which the read request to the DVD-ROM drive 108 needs to be stopped by explicit processing, the read to the first moving image storage unit 302 has already been performed in steps S409 to S411. It is only necessary to start the reading of moving image information from the second moving image storage unit 303 and the moving image reproduction process after performing a process of explicitly canceling the request when requested.

  According to the present embodiment, in the game device 301 in which the moving image information to be reproduced is changed depending on the type and presence of the instruction input by the player, the change of the moving image display can be made as quickly as possible when there is an instruction input. As a result, the player can easily know that his / her instruction input has been accepted by changing the video display.

  Further, even when moving image information stored in a storage area that takes a long time to read without any instruction from the player is sequentially reproduced, the moving image reproduction is smoothly transferred without interruption.

  When there is a sufficient storage capacity of the RAM 103 or the like used for the second moving image storage unit 303, a part of the first moving image information stored in the first moving image storage unit 302 is stored in the second moving image storage unit 303. It is also good to do. In this case, for the read request of the first moving image information stored in the second moving image storage unit 303 in addition to the first moving image storage unit 302, the moving image reproduction unit 305 is not the first moving image storage unit 302 but the second moving image information. This is performed for the moving image storage unit 303.

  Since the second moving image storage unit 303 can respond more quickly to the read request than the first moving image storage unit 302, a smoother transition is possible by performing such processing.

  Up to this point, the explanation has been made focusing on the processing related to one of the players. However, in a competitive game, it is necessary to perform the same processing as the processing described above for each player.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a screen in such a battle game. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The screen 601 includes a moving image display area 611 and a physical strength parameter display area 612 for the first character operated by the first player, and a moving image display area 621 and a physical strength parameter display area 622 for the second character operated by the second player. Has been.

  The RAM 103 stores the current state of each of the first player and the second player, thereby designating moving image information to be reproduced.

  The moving image playback unit 305 performs the above-described processing for both the first player and the second player. That is, the moving image for the first player is superimposed on the moving image display area 611, and the moving image for the second player is displayed superimposed on the moving image display area 621.

  In addition, the update unit 307 and the prediction unit 308 also perform the above-described processing for each player in the same manner.

  On the other hand, in the physical strength parameter display areas 612 and 622, the physical strength parameters of the characters designated and operated by the respective players are displayed as bar graphs. As described above, when this physical strength parameter becomes zero, the victory or defeat is decided, and the player who instructs the character that has become zero loses.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the characters assigned to each player are displayed in the right and left areas of the screen. When the player inputs instructions for each character, the various parameters of the character change and the winning or losing is determined. However, because the instruction input was made for each character, and the other party received an instruction input ( For example, if your character is affected (for example, attack, etc.) (such as damage), that fact is displayed in an easy-to-understand manner to the player by displaying a video of the area assigned to each character. Will be.

  As described above, in a game in which moving image information to be played is changed depending on the type and presence of the player's instruction input, a game device suitable for making the change in the moving image display respond as quickly as possible to the instruction input, and its control method In addition, for example, in a competitive game, the player's instruction input is accepted and how the game situation has changed due to the instruction input. , Can be applied when it is desired to be presented to the player in an easy-to-understand manner.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the typical information processing apparatus with which the game device which concerns on one of embodiment of this invention is implement | achieved. It is explanatory drawing which shows the external appearance of the controller utilized with the game device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a mimetic diagram showing an outline composition of one game device of an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of control of the game control method performed with the game device which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state transition of a certain player in the game device which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display in the game device which concerns on this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100 Information processing apparatus 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Interface 105 Controller 106 External Memory 107 Image Processing Unit 108 DVD-ROM Drive 109 NIC
110 Audio processing unit 111 Microphone 201 ↑ button 202 ↓ button 203 ← button 204 → button 205 ○ button 206 × button 207 Δ button 208 □ button 209 SELECT button 210 START button 211 ANALOG button 212 indicator 213 joystick 214 joystick 215 L1 button 216 L2 button 216 L2 Button 217 R1 button 218 R2 button 301 Game device 302 First moving image storage unit 303 Second moving image storage unit 304 Designated storage unit 305 Movie playback unit 306 Input reception unit 307 Update unit 308 Prediction unit 601 Screen 611 Movie display for first character Area 612 Health parameter display area for the first character 621 Video display area for the second character 622 For the second character Health parameter display area

Claims (7)

A first moving image storage unit for storing a plurality of moving image information;
A second moving image storage unit for storing a plurality of moving image information;
A designation storage unit for storing designation information for designating video information to be reproduced;
Of the moving image information stored in either the first moving image storage unit or the second moving image storage unit, when the moving image information specified in the stored specified information is updated, the updated moving image information A moving image reproduction unit that performs a read request and reproduces the moving image information read by the read request;
An input receiving unit for receiving instruction inputs from a plurality of players (including a case where any one of the players is simulated by a computer);
When an instruction input from any of the plurality of players is received before the reproduction of the moving image information currently being reproduced by the moving image reproduction unit is completed, the stored designation information and the received instruction input An update unit that determines the video information to be reproduced next and updates the designation information so as to designate the decided video information.
A prediction unit for predicting video information to be reproduced next when no instruction input is received from any of the plurality of players until the reproduction of the video information currently reproduced by the video reproduction unit is completed; Prepared,
The update unit specifies the predicted video information when an instruction input is not received from any of the plurality of players until the playback of the video information currently being played back by the video playback unit is completed. Update the specified information as
After the moving image information is requested to be read by the moving image reproducing unit, the time required for the moving image information to be read is longer in the first moving image storage unit than in the second moving image storage unit.
The first moving image storage unit stores moving image information predicted by the prediction unit,
The second moving image storage unit stores moving image information determined by the updating unit. The game device according to claim 1,
If the instruction input is not received from any of the plurality of players by a predetermined preparation time before the reproduction of the currently reproduced moving image information is completed, the moving image reproduction unit Making a read request of the predicted video information to be reproduced next to the storage unit;
The predetermined preparation time is equal to or longer than a time required for reading the moving image information after the first moving image storage unit is requested to read the moving image information. The game device according to claim 1 or 2,
The designation storage unit stores designation information for each of the plurality of players,
The moving image reproduction unit reproduces the moving image information designated in the designation information stored for the player in an area allocated to each of the plurality of players in the screen,
The update unit updates the designation information for each of the plurality of players,
The prediction unit predicts the moving image information for each of the plurality of players. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The first moving image storage unit stores the plurality of moving image information in a computer-readable information recording medium, and when there is a reading request, causes the moving image information to be read from the information recording medium,
The second moving image storage unit reads and stores the plurality of moving image information from the information recording medium in a volatile storage device, and causes the moving image information to be read from the volatile storage device when there is a read request. Things to do. The game device according to claim 4,
The second moving image storage unit stores a part of moving image information stored in the first moving image storage unit,
The moving image reproducing unit makes a read request for moving image information stored in both the first moving image storage unit and the second moving image unit to the second moving image storage unit. A first video storage unit that stores a plurality of video information, a second video storage unit that stores a plurality of video information, a designation storage unit that stores designation information that designates video information to be played back, a video playback unit, an input reception unit, A control method for controlling a game device including an update unit and a prediction unit,
When the moving image information specified by the stored designation information is updated among the moving image information stored in either the first moving image storage unit or the second moving image storage unit, A video playback process for making a request to read the updated video information and playing back the video information read by the read request;
An input receiving step in which the input receiving unit receives an instruction input from a plurality of players (including a case where any one of the players is simulated by a computer);
When the update unit receives an instruction input from any of the plurality of players until the reproduction of the currently reproduced moving image information is completed, the stored designation information and the received instruction input An update step of determining the moving image information to be reproduced next from the type of information and updating the specified information so as to specify the determined moving image information;
A predicting step in which the predicting unit predicts video information to be reproduced next if no instruction input is received from any of the plurality of players until the reproduction of the currently reproduced video information is completed. Prepared,
In the updating step, when the instruction input is not received from any of the plurality of players until the reproduction of the moving image information currently reproduced in the moving image reproducing step is completed, the predicted moving image information is designated. Update the specified information as
After the moving image information is requested to be read out by the moving image reproduction step, the time required for the moving image information to be read is longer in the first moving image storage unit than in the second moving image storage unit,
The first moving image storage unit stores moving image information predicted in the prediction step,
The second moving image storage unit stores moving image information determined in the updating step. Computer
A first moving image storage unit for storing a plurality of moving image information;
A second moving image storage unit for storing a plurality of moving image information;
A designation storage unit for storing designation information for designating video information to be reproduced;
Of the moving image information stored in either the first moving image storage unit or the second moving image storage unit, when the moving image information specified in the stored specified information is updated, the updated moving image information A moving image reproduction unit that performs a read request and reproduces the moving image information read by the read request;
An input receiving unit for receiving instruction inputs from a plurality of players (including a case where any one of the players is simulated by a computer);
When an instruction input from any of the plurality of players is received before the reproduction of the moving image information currently being reproduced by the moving image reproduction unit is completed, the stored designation information and the received instruction input An update unit that determines the video information to be reproduced next and updates the designation information so as to designate the decided video information.
As a prediction unit for predicting video information to be reproduced next when no instruction input is received from any of the plurality of players until the reproduction of the video information currently reproduced by the video reproduction unit is completed. In the computer,
The update unit specifies the predicted video information when an instruction input is not received from any of the plurality of players until the playback of the video information currently being played back by the video playback unit is completed. Update the specified information as
After the moving image information is requested to be read by the moving image reproducing unit, the time required for the moving image information to be read is longer in the first moving image storage unit than in the second moving image storage unit.
The first moving image storage unit stores moving image information predicted by the prediction unit,
The second moving image storage unit functions to store moving image information determined by the updating unit.

Images