JP2008272123A - Program, information memory medium and game apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a higher operability concerning a program for the execution of a prescribed game. <P>SOLUTION: A pointing function of a game controller makes a pointer move in a game screen while enabling the alteration of the direction of the line of vision of a player's character by pointing the peripheral area of the screen outside from the central region of the screen. The player's character shoots wherever the pointer directs. When an enemy character is pointed with the pointer to conduct a trigger operation, the direction of the line of vision is automatically controlled to catch the enemy character locked on within a visual field. The enemy character locked on is present and is located in a close attack possible range from the player's character while a button A is depressed to carry out an operation of demanding the input of a controller working operation. At this point, the input of an operation of swinging the game controller is received, and the player's character starts a close attack to the character locked on with the swinging operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a program or the like for controlling a player character placed in a game space based on an operation input made by a computer to a game controller and executing a predetermined game.

  Popular genres of action games in video games include FPS (First Person Shooter) games and TPS (Third Person Shooter) games. The former is a type of shooting game in which a game screen in which a three-dimensional game world is viewed from the viewpoint of a player character (first person viewpoint) is displayed and an enemy character is attacked with a gun or a sword. The latter is a type in which a three-dimensional game world viewed from a viewpoint that follows the overhead position such as obliquely behind the player character is displayed as a game screen. Some games allow switching between FPS and TPS during the game.

  In the FPS game and the TPS game, the player character (own character) moves in the game space, the player's line-of-sight direction, and the attack operation separately by operating the direction input keys and levers provided in the game controller. It is common to input operations. The player character often has a gun, and the line-of-sight direction of the player character is the aiming direction. Then, an enemy character is caught in the aim and shot to play the game.

  In recent years, when there is an enemy character within the aiming frame when a bullet is fired, there is also one that supports operation input by correcting the bullet firing angle so that the attack is easy to hit (for example, (See Patent Document 1).

In addition to detecting the motion of the game controller with an acceleration sensor and realizing the operation input of the attack with the sword, the pointing function for pointing and inputting the position on the game screen to which the game controller is pointed is used. It is also known to improve the operability of the TPS game by realizing the input of the aiming position of a tool that puts a rubber string on the shaft and flies between pebbles etc. (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1) reference).
JP 2001-46743 A Nintendo Co., Ltd., Wii game software “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess” “Explanation”, 2006

As described above, in the FPS game and the TPS game, the player's operation input such as the movement of the player character, the line-of-sight direction, and the attack operation is various. As in Non-Patent Document 1, in a game in which a plurality of types of weapons such as swords with different attackable distances are used properly, the weapons must be changed according to the distance from the enemy character. As described above, in the FPS game and the TPS game, there is a problem that it takes time to play the game as if the operation is complicated.
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to further improve the operability of a game that requires high operability such as an FPS game and a TPS game.

  A first invention for solving the above-described problem is that the computer is composed of at least one of a tilt sensor, a speed sensor, and an acceleration sensor, and the detection result of the sensor is used as a motion state quantity in the real space of the game controller. Based on the player's operation input made by the game controller having a built-in motion state quantity detector (for example, the 3-axis acceleration sensor 1248 in FIG. 2), the player's own character (player character) to be operated is detected. A program for causing a game space image viewed from a given viewpoint to be generated and causing a predetermined game to be executed, wherein the player character in the game space and a given character other than the player character ( For example, determination to determine whether the positional relationship with the enemy character) satisfies a predetermined positional relationship condition 12 (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, the game calculation unit 210, the melee attack control unit 214, and the step S42 in FIG. 16), a controller that causes the player character to perform a specific action based on the detection result of the motion state quantity detector. The controller does not execute the exercise operation control if it is not determined to be satisfied by the determination means, and executes controller exercise operation control execution control means (for example, the processing unit in FIG. 12) that is determined to be satisfied. 200, a game calculation unit 210, a melee attack control unit 214, and steps S63 to S68 in FIG.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a motion state quantity detector comprising at least one of a tilt sensor, a speed sensor, and an acceleration sensor, and detecting a detection result of the sensor as a motion state quantity in a real space of the game controller. Based on the player's operation input made by the built-in game controller, the player's operation target character is controlled, and an image of the game space viewed from a given viewpoint is generated to execute a predetermined game. A determination device for determining whether a positional relationship between the player character in the game space and a given character other than the player character satisfies a predetermined positional relationship condition; Based on the detection result of the detector, controller movement operation control for causing the character to perform a specific action is satisfied by the determination means. Not performed if it is not determined to be a game device provided with a controller exercise operation control execution control unit to run if it is determined to be satisfied.

  According to the first and seventeenth inventions, when the positional relationship between the player character operated by the player and the given character satisfies a predetermined positional relationship condition, the acceleration detected by the motion state quantity detector It is possible to cause the player character to perform a specific action by an operation input (controller motion operation control) using motion state quantities such as speed, angular velocity, and angular acceleration, and to prevent the specific action from being performed when the positional relationship condition is not satisfied. .

Therefore, for example, in the case of an FPS game or a TPS game, the positional relation condition is obtained by associating the specific action with the attack action and associating the position relation condition with the possible attack range of the weapon used in the attack action by the specific action. If the above is satisfied, a specific attack action can be immediately launched with a simple operation such as swinging the game controller without inputting a weapon change operation as in the game of Non-Patent Document 1, and high operability that has not been achieved in the past Can be realized. Further, it is possible to prevent the controller motion operation control from being erroneously performed against the intention of the player during another operation input and causing the specific action to be activated.
It should be noted that the subject of the player character is not limited to a humanoid character, and includes any object whose motion is controlled in accordance with a player's operation input. For example, a self-character can be a turret or virtual camera equipped on a machine such as a tank or an aircraft, a battleship, or the like.

  A second invention is a program according to the first invention, wherein the game controller is a pair of one-handed gripping controllers (for example, the game controller 1230 and the sub-controller 1231 in FIG. 1) gripped by the left and right hands. Each of the controllers has a built-in motion state quantity detector, and the controller motion operation control execution control means is one or any of a predetermined one of the pair of one-hand holding controllers. It is a program for causing the computer to function so as to control execution of the controller motion operation control based on the detection result of the motion state quantity detector built in the controller.

  According to the second invention, the same effect as that of the first invention is achieved, and one of the motion state quantity detectors provided in each of the pair of one-handed gripping controllers gripped by the left and right hands is determined in advance. Alternatively, it is possible to control execution of the controller motion operation control based on the detection result of the motion state quantity detector built in either one of the controllers.

  A third invention is a program according to the first or second invention, and is a request instruction operation detecting means for detecting a request instruction operation for requesting execution of the controller motion operation control (for example, the processing unit 200, FIG. The computer is caused to function as the game calculation unit 210, step S63 in FIG. 16, and the controller motion operation control execution control means determines that the request instruction operation detection means is detected and is satisfied by the determination means. A program for causing the computer to function so as to execute the controller motion operation control.

  According to the third invention, the controller exercise operation control can be performed by adding the request instruction operation of the controller exercise operation control to the execution condition of the controller exercise operation control while having the same effect as the first or second invention. It is possible to more reliably prevent erroneous execution and improve operability.

  A fourth invention is a program according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the character selecting means for selecting one character from a plurality of characters arranged in the game space (for example, as shown in FIG. 12). The computer is made to function as the processing unit 200, the game calculation unit 210, and step S40 in FIG. 16, and the determination unit sets a predetermined distance condition for the distance between the self character and the one character as the positional relationship condition. A program for causing the computer to function so as to determine whether or not the condition is satisfied.

By selecting one character from a plurality of characters arranged in the game space, the player can select and attack the desired enemy character.
According to the fourth invention, the same effect as any of the first to third inventions is achieved, and the controller exercise operation control is executed / not executed based on the positional relationship between the character selected by the player and the player character. Since it can be managed, high operability can be obtained in situations where enemy characters such as FPS games and TPS games are attacked.

  5th invention is a program of 4th invention, Comprising: The said character selection means makes the said computer function so that one character may be selected according to a player's selection operation, The said determination means WHEREIN: The said character When one character is not selected by the selecting means, the character positioned within a predetermined range with respect to the self character and closest to the self character is selected as the one character. It is a program for causing a computer to function.

  According to the fifth invention, the same effect as in the fourth invention is obtained, and even if the player does not select one character by the character selection means, the nearest character within a predetermined range based on the player character Can be automatically selected, and execution / non-execution of the controller motion operation control can be managed based on the positional relationship between the selected character and the player character.

  For example, consider application to a game in which multiple enemy characters may attack in real time. In this case, if the attacking action or the defensive action is associated as a specific action, even if the player fails to select an enemy character in a situation where the enemy character is approaching, the position with the nearest enemy character is automatically set. Based on the relationship, the controller motion operation control can be executed. Therefore, even in a situation where the enemy is surprised to jump into the pocket, the player can cope with it as if it were a reflection action, and can obtain a high operability that has not been achieved in the past.

  A sixth invention is a program according to any of the fourth and fifth inventions, wherein the orientation of the player character is adjusted so that the player character is captured within a field of view predetermined for the player character. To cause the computer to function as capture continuation direction control means that automatically controls (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, the game calculation unit 210, the line-of-sight direction control unit 216, step S62 in FIG. 16, and step S112 in FIG. 18). It is a program.

  According to the sixth invention, the same effects as those of the fourth or fifth invention can be obtained, and control can be performed so that one character is automatically and continuously captured within the field of view of the own character. That is, it is possible to automatically keep one character in the game screen without separately inputting the direction of the character as in the prior art, so that the operation burden on the player can be reduced. By releasing the operation of placing the enemy character in the field of view, the player can obtain a high operability such as being able to concentrate on the operation input related to the attack, for example, the operation of specifying the weapon to attack, the type of magic and the location to attack. it can. Such an effect is particularly effective in a real-time FPS game or TPS game.

  A seventh invention is the program according to any one of the fourth to sixth inventions, wherein the determination means determines whether or not a distance between the own character and the one character is within a predetermined distance. The computer is caused to function, and the controller exercise operation control execution control means controls the execution of the controller exercise operation control with a predetermined proximity action with respect to a character adjacent to the character as the specific action. Is a program that allows

  According to the seventh invention, the same effect as any of the fourth to sixth inventions can be obtained, and the proximity motion can be set as the controller motion operation control target as the specific motion. Therefore, in the case of an action game, the player only performs a controller motion operation such as swinging the game controller even in a situation where the enemy is surprised to jump into the pocket by associating a proximity attack as a proximity action. Now that the melee attack is triggered automatically, you can respond to this enemy immediately. The ability to quickly respond to a crisis situation as described above is a tremendous advantage for a player, for example, in a real-time FPS game or a TPS game.

  An eighth invention is a program according to any one of the first to seventh inventions, wherein it is determined whether or not the controller motion operation control is being executed, and if not, the viewpoint is normally displayed. The first view switching means (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12 or FIG. 15) that switches the viewpoint with the view point as the first view angle view point for enlargement display. A program for causing the computer to function as step S12).

  According to the eighth invention, the same effect as any of the first to seventh inventions can be obtained, and the game screen can be indirectly shown to the player by an enlarged display that the controller exercise operation control is being executed. it can. In addition, the enlarged display allows the player to more clearly understand that the predetermined positional relationship is satisfied, and to clearly see the state of execution of the specific operation.

  A ninth invention is the program according to any one of the first to eighth inventions, wherein the game controller has a pointing mechanism capable of indicating an arbitrary position on the game screen by an operation of the player, Pointed position recognizing means (for example, the processing unit 200, the game calculating unit 210, and the pointed position recognizing unit 211 in FIG. 12) for recognizing the pointed position on the game screen (for example, the pointing coordinates 526 in FIG. 12) designated by the pointing mechanism. Step S8 in FIG. 15), outer area instruction detection means for detecting that the recognized instruction position is outside the predetermined center area of the game screen (for example, the processing unit 200, line of sight in FIG. 12). Direction control unit 216, step S116 in FIG. 18), and the indicated position with respect to the central area in response to detection by the outer area instruction detecting means. Direction change control means (for example, the process of FIG. 12) that controls the change of the direction of the player character in a direction corresponding to the relative direction of the player character, with the current direction of the player character in the game space as a reference. 18 is a program for causing the computer to function as the unit 200, the line-of-sight direction control unit 216, and steps S124 to S126 in FIG.

  According to the ninth invention, the same effect as any of the first to eighth inventions can be obtained, and a specific position on the game screen can be instructed and input by the pointing mechanism. Then, when this designated position goes out of a predetermined central area of the game screen, the direction (= forward direction) of the player character is automatically changed and controlled in a direction relative to the designated position with respect to the central area. Can do. That is, the player can realize high operability such that the player can point his / her character in the direction only by pointing outside the center area of the game screen with the game controller.

  A tenth invention is a program according to the ninth invention, in which an injection direction calculating means for calculating an injection direction based on the indicated position recognized by the indicated position recognizing means (for example, the processing unit 200 of FIG. Calculation unit 210, shooting control unit 212, step S72 in FIG. 16, injection instruction operation detecting means for detecting input of a predetermined injection instruction operation by the player (for example, processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, game calculation unit 210, shooting control) Unit 212, step S70 of FIG. 16), an injection attack control means for causing the player character to perform a predetermined injection attack in the injection direction calculated by the injection direction calculation means in response to detection by the injection instruction operation detection means ( For example, the computer functions as the processing unit 200, the game calculation unit 210, the shooting control unit 212, and the step S72 in FIG. It is because of the program.

  The tenth invention has the same effects as the ninth invention, and can cause the player character to shoot at the location designated by the pointing mechanism of the game controller. That is, the indicated position serves as an aiming position. Therefore, the player can change the direction of the player character by shooting the player character in the direction of the pointing position by the pointing operation and moving the pointing position to the outside of the central area of the game screen.

  An eleventh invention is the program according to the tenth invention, wherein the second viewpoint switching means for switching between the normal display angle of view and the second enlarged view angle of view as the viewpoint, the second viewpoint When switching to the normal viewing angle of view is performed by the switching means, the vibration control of the vibrator built in the game controller is performed, but switching to the second enlarged viewing angle of view is performed. In this case, it is a program for causing the computer to function as vibration control means that does not perform the vibration control (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, the sensation output control unit 218, and steps S22 to S26 in FIG. 15).

  According to the eleventh aspect, the same effect as in the tenth aspect is achieved, and when the viewpoint is switched to the second enlarged display angle of view, the player aims at a more precise position by pointing with the game controller. Can be fired (precision shooting). In this case, it is possible to limit the bodily sensation output of the occurrence of vibration by the vibrator. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which attention is distracted or difficult to aim by vibration during precise operation.

  A twelfth aspect of the invention is the program of any one of the ninth to eleventh aspects of the invention, wherein the second viewpoint switching means switches between the normal display angle of view viewpoint and the second enlarged display angle of view viewpoint as the viewpoint. When the direction change control means is switched to the view angle viewpoint for enlargement display by the second viewpoint switching means, the direction change control of the own character is not performed, This is a program for causing the computer to function so as to perform the direction change control of the player character (for example, step S114 in FIG. 18) when the view angle for normal display is switched.

  According to the twelfth invention, the same effect as any of the ninth to eleventh inventions can be obtained, and when the viewpoint is set to the second view angle viewpoint for enlarged display, the direction change control of the own character is performed. By not performing it, it is possible to prevent a sudden change in the game screen.

  A thirteenth invention is the program according to any one of the ninth to twelfth inventions, wherein the orientation change control means is executed when the controller motion operation control is executed by the controller motion operation control execution control means. Is a program for causing the computer to function so as to perform the direction change control of the own character (for example, step S113 in FIG. 18) when the direction change control of the own character is not performed and is not executed. .

  According to the thirteenth invention, the same effect as any of the ninth to twelfth inventions can be obtained, and the direction of the player character can be prevented from changing while the controller exercise operation control is being executed. Therefore, when the game controller is moved in the real space by shaking the game controller (controller motion operation), the game controller's indicated position goes out of the center area of the screen and the player does not intend. It is possible to prevent a situation in which the orientation of the player character changes.

  A fourteenth aspect of the invention is the program according to any one of the ninth to thirteenth aspects of the invention, wherein during the change control of the direction of the player character by the direction change control unit, the designated position recognition unit displays the game character on the game screen. The computer is caused to function as direction change indicating position non-recognition detecting means (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, the line-of-sight direction control unit 216, and step S118 in FIG. 18) for detecting that the designated position is no longer recognized. The direction change control means is a program for causing the computer to function so as to stop the change of the orientation of the character being executed after a predetermined time in response to the detection by the indication position non-recognition detecting means during the direction change. .

  According to the fourteenth invention, the same effect as in any of the ninth to thirteenth inventions can be obtained, and even if the designated position is not recognized on the game screen during the change control of the direction of the player character, the fixed time has elapsed. Can continue the direction change control. Therefore, for example, even if the player suddenly tries to change the direction of the player's character and accidentally moves the indicated position of the game controller outside the game screen, the direction of the player's character is changed even if the indicated position goes out of the screen. In addition to preventing an unnatural movement that does not stop, it is possible to improve operability by allowing an operation error of the player.

  A fifteenth aspect of the invention is the program according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects of the invention, wherein the sound for controlling the sound output from the speaker built in the game controller based on the detection result of the motion state quantity detector. This is a program for causing the computer to function as output control means (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, the sensation output control unit 218, and steps S22 to S26 in FIG. 15).

  According to the fifteenth invention, the same effect as any of the first to fourteenth inventions can be obtained, and sound output from a speaker built in the game controller can be obtained based on the detection result of the motion state quantity detector. Can be controlled. Therefore, the sound effect of the specific operation can be controlled.

  A sixteenth invention is a computer-readable information storage medium storing any one of the programs of the first to fifteenth inventions. The “information storage medium” mentioned here includes, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, an IC memory, and the like. According to the sixteenth invention, by causing a computer to read and execute the program of any of the first to fifteenth inventions, causing the computer to exhibit the same effects as any of the first to fifteenth inventions. Can do.

  According to the present invention, the operation using the motion state quantity detected by the motion state quantity detector when the positional relationship between the player character operated by the player and the given character satisfies a predetermined positional relation condition. It is possible to cause the player character to perform a specific action by input (controller exercise operation control), and to prevent the specific action from being performed when the positional relationship condition is not satisfied. Therefore, for example, in the case of an FPS game or a TPS game, the positional relation condition is obtained by associating the attacking action with the specific action and associating the possible attack range of the weapon used in the attack action by the specific action with the positional relation condition. If the above is satisfied, a specific attack action can be immediately launched with a simple operation such as swinging the game controller without inputting a weapon change operation as in the game of Non-Patent Document 1, and high operability that has not been achieved in the past Can be realized. Further, it is possible to prevent the controller motion operation control from being erroneously performed against the intention of the player during another operation input and causing the specific action to be activated.

  Next, as an embodiment to which the present invention is applied, a case where an FPS game is executed in a consumer game device will be described as an example. Note that the game genre to which this embodiment can be applied is not limited to the FPS game, but may be a TPS game or another game. The game can be similarly applied to any game that uses both an operation input based on pointing by the game controller 1230 and an operation input based on acceleration acting on the game controller 1230.

[Configuration of game device]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating a configuration example of a consumer game device according to the present embodiment. The home-use game device described here is realized by, for example, “Wii (registered trademark)” manufactured by Nintendo Co., Ltd.

  As shown in the figure, a game device main body 1201 of a home game device 1200 includes a control unit 1210 on which, for example, a CPU, an image processing LSI, an IC memory, and the like, and an information storage medium such as an optical disk 1202 and a memory card 1204. Readers 1206 and 1208 are provided. Then, the home game device 1200 reads out the game program and various setting data from the optical disk 1202 and the memory card 1204, and performs control based on the operation input made by the main game controller 1230 and the sub controller 1231 attached thereto. Unit 1210 performs various game operations and executes a given video game.

  The control unit 1210 includes various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and electrical and electronic equipment such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and an IC memory. Processing and the like are performed to control each unit of the home game device 1200. In this embodiment, the control unit 1210 is connected to a communication device 1212 that is connected to a communication line 1 such as the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), and a WAN (Wide Area Network), and realizes data communication with an external device. A distance wireless communication module 1214.

  The short-range wireless communication module 1214 receives an operation input signal transmitted from each of the plurality of game controllers 1230 via the short-range wireless or transmits a predetermined signal to the game controller 1230. As a short-range wireless format, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), UWB (ultra-wide band wireless), wireless LAN, or the like can be applied as appropriate.

  The control unit 1210 of the game apparatus main body 1201 generates a game image and game sound based on the detection signal and the operation input signal received from the game controller 1230, and executes the video game. The generated game image and game sound are output to a display monitor 1220 connected by a signal cable 1209. The display monitor 1220 is provided with an image display device 1222 that displays an image and a speaker 1224 that outputs sound, and the player emits sound from the speaker 1224 while watching the game image displayed on the image display device 1222. Enjoy the game while listening to the game sound.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the game controller 1230 used in the present embodiment, where (a) is a front view, (b) is a right side view as viewed from the front, and (c) is a bottom view. Equivalent to. As shown in the figure, the game controller 1230 has a substantially quadrangular columnar bar-like outer shape having a cross-section with chamfered left and right lower ends. A grip portion 1232 is formed on the lower side of the rod shape, and a main operation portion 1234 is formed by narrowing the cross section from a position slightly above the center. The player holds the grip portion 1232 in the manner of gripping the stick, and operates various input devices provided in the main operation portion 1234 and the grip portion 1232 with the thumb or index finger of the handle.

  As input devices, a direction input key 1242 and an A button 1244 are provided on the front side of the game controller 1230, and a trigger 1246 is provided on the back side. The direction input key 1242 is a kind of push button that has an integral cross-shaped shape, but can input the vertical and horizontal directions independently. The A button 1244 and the trigger 1246 are realized by, for example, a push button switch, but can also be realized by using a touch sensor, a lever, a dial, or the like that detects finger contact.

  The game controller 1230 includes a three-axis acceleration sensor 1248 and an image sensor 1256 that are means for detecting the amount of motion state in the real space of the controller. Also provided are an expansion terminal 1250, a vibrator 1251, a speaker 1254, a short-range wireless communication module 1252, a built-in battery 1258, and a controller control unit 1260.

  The triaxial acceleration sensor 1248 detects the acceleration in the triaxial direction with the longitudinal direction of the game controller 1230 in FIG. 2A as the X axis, the horizontal direction as the Y axis, and the front and back directions as the Z axis, thereby detecting the game controller 1230. Is detected and output to the controller control unit 1260. The triaxial acceleration sensor 1248 can be realized by a triaxial acceleration sensor that detects acceleration in the orthogonal XYZ axis directions. Further, by adding a gyroscope to this, a six-axis acceleration sensor that can detect the angular velocity around the three axes of XYZ can be obtained. Further, when acceleration for three axes is not necessary for game operation, an element of acceleration that can be detected as appropriate may be omitted. Moreover, it can replace with the detection of an acceleration and can substitute the sensor which detects an inclination angle or speed.

  The extension terminal 1250 is a terminal for electrically connecting an external signal cable, and transmits an external signal to the controller control unit 1260. The extension terminal 1250 is provided, for example, below the game controller 1230, and can be electrically and physically connected to another controller or the like by connecting a cable or the like. In this embodiment, the connector 1257 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) of the sub-controller 1231 can be connected to the extension terminal 1250.

  The short-range wireless communication module 1252 wirelessly communicates with the short-range wireless communication module 1214 of the game apparatus body 1201 and realizes data communication between the game controller 1230 and the game apparatus body 1201. For example, an operation input signal corresponding to an operation input made to the input device, a detection signal based on a detection result by the triaxial acceleration sensor 1248, or a signal input from the expansion terminal 1250 is output to the game apparatus main body 1201, and The game sound data is received from the game apparatus main body 1201.

  The imaging element 1256 is an optical sensor that outputs an imaging signal in accordance with the intensity of received light, and is realized by an image sensor such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor and a driver circuit thereof. The imaging element 1256 is fixed to the front end of the game controller 1230 in the longitudinal direction. The light receiving surface is directed to the upper end surface, and receives light from the tip direction of the game controller 1230 in a predetermined field angle range θvy, θvz, and outputs an imaging signal (image data) to the controller control unit 1260.

  Further, the home game device 1200 includes an optical signal output device 1226 that outputs an optical signal in the image display direction of the image display device 1222 (the direction in which the image display device 1222 emits display light) in the vicinity of the display monitor 1220. (See FIG. 1). Then, an optical signal emitted from the optical signal output device 1226 is photographed by the image sensor 1256, and information such as a relative position between the game controller 1230 and the display monitor 1220 is acquired based on the photographed image. The pointer 10 can be displayed (see FIG. 3).

  The controller control unit 1260 mounts electronic components such as various microchips and IC memories, for example, and executes processing related to data communication with the game device 1200 mainly via the short-range wireless communication module 1252, Each part of the controller 1230 is controlled. As an object of data communication, for example, an operation input signal corresponding to an operation input made to an input device such as a direction input key 1242 or an A button 1244, an acceleration detection signal detected by a triaxial acceleration sensor 1248, and an expansion terminal 1250 are used. The operation signal of the sub controller 1231 input via the control signal, the control signal instructing the operation of each part of the sub controller 1231, the sound data to be output from the speaker 1254, the vibration control signal of the vibrator 1251, This includes signal or image data of a captured image and various signals and data related to game execution. The electric power required by the controller control unit 1260 and each unit is supplied from the built-in battery 1258.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the principle of acquiring relative position information between the game controller 1230 and the display monitor 1220 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3A, the optical signal output device 1226 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of light emitting elements that project light of a specific wavelength (for example, infrared rays) to the front side at both the left and right ends. Then, the light projecting direction of the light emitting element is directed to the front of the image display device 1222, that is, the player 2 side, the left / right direction is aligned with the left / right direction of the image display device 1222, and the left / right center is aligned with the left / right center of the display screen. It is arranged on the monitor 1220 and is wired to the game apparatus main body 1201.

  The player 2 uses the game controller 1230 in front of the display monitor 1220 while being separated from the image display device 1222 by a distance suitable for game play (for example, about 1 m to 3 m). Here, the game controller 1230 will be described on the assumption that the front of the controller is used vertically upward.

  Now, the image pickup device 1256 provided in the game controller 1230 is suitable for efficiently receiving and photographing light of a specific wavelength emitted from the optical signal output device 1226 at a distance suitable for game play. An angle of view range, a filter, and the like are set. By directing the tip of the game controller 1230 toward the display monitor 1220, the light emitted from the optical signal output device 1226 is imaged by the image sensor 1256. Information on the captured image is transmitted to the game apparatus main body 1201 via the short-range wireless communication module 1252 as an output signal of each element of the image sensor 1256 or image data formed by the controller control unit 1260.

FIG. 3B is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the image 5 captured by the image sensor 1256.
In the photographed image 5, light emitted from both ends of the optical signal output device 1226 appears as two light spots P1 and P2. The control unit 1210 of the game apparatus main body 1201 performs image processing on the captured image 5, and obtains a line segment connecting the light spots P1 and P2 and an orthogonal line L1 orthogonal to the midpoint P3 of the line segment. Then, a point separated from the intermediate point P3 by a predetermined distance Dy on the image is obtained. This point is set as a position corresponding to the virtual center point P6 of the game image 6 (rectangle indicated by a two-dot chain line in the figure) in the photographed image 5.

The predetermined distance Dy assumes a standard size of a display monitor used at home in advance, and assumes that the optical signal output device 1226 is installed on the display monitor of the assumed size. It is determined in advance so as to match.
Further, since the distance between the light emitting elements of the optical signal output device 1226 is a specified value, the distance between the light spots P1 and P2 in the photographed image 5 is associated with the distance in the photographed image 5 and the distance on the actual game screen. Can do. For example, a distance of one pixel in the captured image 5 corresponds to a distance of one pixel on the game screen.

  Therefore, the game apparatus main body 1201 can display the pointer 10 at a given position from the center point of the game screen corresponding to the deviation between the virtual center point P6 and the shooting center point P5 of the shot image 5. Then, the player 2 sees the pointer 10 displayed on the screen, and performs an operation of changing the direction of the tip of the game controller 1230 so as to move the pointer 10 to a position that the player 2 wants to point to. Accordingly, the positions of the light spots P1 and P2 in the captured image 5 change accordingly. As a result, the game apparatus main body 1201 obtains a new position of the virtual center point P6 and performs display control so that the pointer 10 is moved to the game screen coordinates corresponding to the shooting center point P5 with respect to the new virtual center point P6. By repeating this, it is possible to realize a function as if the game controller 1230 points to a point on the game screen. This is a pointing mechanism.

  Further, the twist about the longitudinal axis (X axis) of the game controller 1230 can be detected from the inclination of the captured image 5 of the line segment connecting the light spots P1 and P2 with respect to the horizontal direction.

  Note that a method for obtaining the relative distance and the relative posture between the image display device 1222 and the game controller 1230 by photographing the image display device 1222 and its surroundings with an image sensor provided in the game controller 1230 uses other known techniques. Of course, it may be realized.

FIG. 4 is an external view showing an example of the sub-controller 1231 in the present embodiment, and corresponds to (a) a front view and (b) a right side view as seen from the right toward the front.
As shown in the figure, the sub-controller 1231 includes a lever 1272 that can simultaneously input two axial directions orthogonal to the front side, and includes a C button 1274 and a D button 1276 on the upper end surface. A three-axis acceleration sensor 1278 and a vibrator 1280 are incorporated. The lever 1272 is also called a so-called “joystick” or the like. The C button 1274 and the D button 1276 are input devices similar to the A button 1235 of the game controller 1230.

  These input devices and output devices are connected to the sub-controller board 1282. The sub-controller board 1282 is electrically connected to the controller control unit 1260 when the connector 1257 of the signal cable 1271 is connected to the expansion terminal 1250 of the game controller 1230. That is, input / output devices of the sub-controller 1231 are input / output controlled by the controller control unit 1260 as in the game controller 1230.

[Game Overview]
Next, the outline of the game in this embodiment will be described.
The game according to the present embodiment is an FPS game in which a soldier of a player character having a gun and a saber and a plurality of robots as enemy characters face each other in a game space formed in a three-dimensional virtual space. The player character is a character (self character) operated by the player in the present embodiment. The enemy robot is a so-called NPC (non-player character) controlled by a computer.

  FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of the player character, the relative position of the virtual camera, and the assignment of the player character movement operation. As shown in the figure, the virtual camera 2 is fixed to the head of the player character 4 and always faces the front direction of the player character 4 and shoots the game space. The image photographed by the virtual camera 2 is displayed in the game image as a first person viewpoint game space image as in the conventional FPS game.

  The player character 4 is equipped with a gun 6 for shooting a remote enemy and a saber 8 for fighting an enemy character approaching a short distance. Then, the player can move the player character 4 by moving forward / backward / leftward / rightward by tilting the lever 1272 of the sub-controller 1231 in the up / down / left / right directions. it can.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the pointer 10 displayed in the image display range W1 of the image display device 1222 is moved outside the screen center region 12 by the pointing function using the game controller 1230, so that the screen center The viewing direction of the virtual camera 2 and the direction (forward direction) of the player character 4 can be changed in the direction in which the pointer 10 is viewed. That is, if the pointer 10 is moved to the right from the screen center area 12, the player character 4 is controlled to turn right around the body axis 14, and the field of view is directed to the right. When the player character 4 is moved to the left, the player character 4 is controlled to turn left about the body axis 14, and the field of view is directed to the left. Similarly, if the pointer 10 is moved above the screen center area 12, the player character 4 faces upward and the line-of-sight direction is upward, and if it is moved downward, the player character 4 faces downward and the line-of-sight direction is downward. Be controlled.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in the transition diagram of FIG. 7, on the condition that the enemy character is locked on, the locked-on enemy character is always in view from the view direction change control shown in FIG. Transition to control to track to fit.

  If the player character 4 encounters an enemy character, the player can perform a melee melee attack (one of close-up actions) using the saber 8 that can be performed only when approaching the enemy character to a specific short distance, and a saber. Attack and shoot down enemy characters while properly using three types of attacks: normal shooting with a gun 6 with an attackable distance greater than 8 and precision shooting with the same attackable distance as normal shooting but with more precise selection of shooting points To do.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen in the present embodiment, and corresponds to an example of a game screen during normal shooting. As shown in the figure, a game space image 9 mainly from the first person viewpoint is displayed on the game screen W2. Various HUD displays (head-up display displays) 16 such as a damage gauge and an orientation gauge are synthesized at the edge of the screen center region 12. Further, enemy identification markers 20A and 20B are synthesized and displayed on the enemy characters 18 in the game space image 9 that are present within a predetermined search range.

Next, normal shooting will be described.
On the game screen W2, the pointer 10 is displayed at a position indicated by the game controller 1230. The pointer 10 also serves as the aim of the gun 6. When the trigger 1246 of the game controller 1230 is operated, the player character 4 is controlled to shoot in the direction indicated by the pointer 10. Sensory output control in which the vibrator 1251 is activated at the same time as the shooting is performed, and a pseudo sensory feeling as if a gun was shot is given to the hand holding the game controller 1230.

  Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to perform so-called “lock-on” in which the enemy character 18 within the search range is fixedly registered as an attack target. In the example of FIG. 8, since the enemy character at the right end is not locked on, the standard enemy identification mark (standard mark) 20A is composited and displayed. However, the enemy character at the center is locked on and is locked on. A special enemy identification mark (lock-on mark) 20B indicating that it is present is compositely displayed. Since the enemy character at the left end is outside the search range, no enemy identification mark is given.

  When the enemy character is locked on, the direction of the player character 4 is automatically controlled so as to face the enemy character that is locked on, without moving the pointer 10 outside the screen center region 12. Therefore, by locking on the enemy character, it is not necessary to change the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera 2 or the direction of the player character 4, and the player always shoots with the pointer 10 placed on the enemy character captured on the screen. I can concentrate on it.

Next, precision shooting will be described.
As shown in the transition diagram of FIG. 9, the precision shooting and the normal shooting are sequentially switched every time the cross direction key 1242 is input in the left direction. In the precision shooting mode, the shooting condition of the virtual camera 2 is changed to a telephoto shooting condition as if looking through a rifle scope of a sniper rifle.

  For example, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen when switching to the precision shooting mode in the same state as FIG. As shown in the figure, the shooting angle of view of the virtual camera 2 is narrowed and a black frame 22 (the shaded area in FIG. 10 is a black frame) is displayed on the outer periphery of the screen, and a concentric circle is formed at the center of the screen as a part of the HUD display 16. A reticle 17 is displayed. Thus, in the precision shooting mode, even the same target is displayed larger on the screen than in the normal shooting mode, so that the player can perform precision shooting aiming at a more precise portion of the target. Further, in the present embodiment, in order to make it easier to adjust the fine shooting position for precise shooting, the movement of the player character 4 is restricted, and the vibration generation conditions such as shooting and damage are satisfied. Even if it exists, it is controlled to stop the vibration generation in the vibrator 1251 or reduce the vibration amount.

Next, a melee attack that is a melee operation in the present embodiment will be described.
In the present embodiment, as shown in the transition diagram of FIG. 9, when a locked-on enemy character exists within a predetermined melee attack range from the player character and the A button 1244 is pressed, The game controller 1230 makes it possible to input a controller motion operation from a state where it can shoot to a state where a close attack is possible. That is, it can be said that the A button 1244 is a request instruction operation for inputting an instruction to use a controller motion operation using the acceleration detected by the three-dimensional acceleration sensor 1248. When the game controller 1230 detects a swing motion above the reference by the three-axis acceleration sensor 1248, it is determined that a melee attack operation input has been made, and the player character is controlled to make a melee attack. Of course, the operation input of the melee attack can be switched to the triaxial acceleration sensor 1278 of the sub-controller 1231 by a known operation key assignment setting (so-called “controller setting” “key configuration setting”). . In this case, since the player's favorite operation system can be obtained, the operability can be further improved.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen in the present embodiment, and corresponds to an example of a game screen at the time of a melee attack. When the locked-on enemy character enters a range in which a close attack is possible, a special enemy identification mark 20C indicating that it is a lock-on target capable of close attack is given. The player can recognize that there is an enemy character that has approached a close attackable distance by changing the display form of the enemy identification mark. Here, when the game controller 1230 is swung, it is determined that a proximity attack operation input has been made when the triaxial acceleration sensor 1248 detects an acceleration equal to or higher than a reference value that is reversed at 1 Hz or higher. The melee attack operation input is accepted when the locked-on enemy character is within a predetermined melee attack range from the player character.

Therefore, even if the pointer is reciprocated left and right in order to shoot the enemy character, if the locked-on enemy character does not enter the melee attack possible range, the melee attack is not performed and the normal fire is performed as it is. In other words, the player character is controlled so as not to make a melee attack even if the lock-on is not performed or if the enemy character is not in close proximity, even if the operation input of the melee attack is performed. Therefore, it is prevented that the operation of moving the pointer 10 to the left or right is erroneously determined as an operation input of a melee attack.
Furthermore, if the distance between the player character and the locked-on enemy character approaches a distance that allows a close attack, such as by moving the player character, the player can hold a weapon as in a conventional FPS game. Even if the replacement operation is not performed, it is possible to promptly perform a melee attack by swinging the hand operating the pointer 10 as it is.

  The request instruction operation is not limited to the operation on the A button 1244 but may be an operation on the D button 1276 provided in the sub-controller 1231 or an operation on the three-dimensional acceleration sensor 1278. Further, the request instruction operation can be omitted.

[Description of functional block]
Next, a functional configuration for executing the FPS game as described above will be described.
FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the consumer game device 1200 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, the operation input unit 100, the position reference information providing unit 130, the processing unit 200, the sound output unit 350, the image display unit 360, the communication unit 370, and the storage unit 500. With.

  The operation input unit 100 is realized by input devices and sensors such as a push button, a lever, a touch pad, a dial, a keyboard, a mouse, an acceleration sensor, a tilt sensor, a speed sensor, and an image sensor, and various operations performed by a player. An operation input signal is output to the processing unit 200 according to the input. The game controller 1230 and the sub controller 1231 in FIG. 1 correspond to this.

  The operation input unit 100 of the present embodiment includes an indicated position specifying information generation unit 102, an exercise state amount detection unit 104, a sensation output unit 106, and a communication unit 108.

  The designated position specifying information generation unit 102 is realized by, for example, a joystick, a touch pad, a trackball, an image sensor that captures a predetermined reference point, a distance measurement sensor that measures a distance to the predetermined reference point, and the like on the game screen. The specified position specifying information for specifying the specified position is generated. In the present embodiment, the reference position specifying information is generated by detecting information serving as a reference for relative position change detection such as light and radio wave signals provided from the position reference information providing unit 130. The indicated position specifying information generation unit 102 corresponds to the image sensor 1256 of FIG. 2, and the position reference information providing unit 130 corresponds to the optical signal output device 1226 of FIG.

  The motion state quantity detection unit 104 is realized by, for example, an acceleration sensor, a tilt sensor, a speed sensor, an angular speed sensor, and the like. The speed, acceleration, and tilt angle associated with the operation input unit 100 being moved in the real space are used as the motion state quantity. To detect. In the present embodiment, this corresponds to the triaxial acceleration sensor 1248 of FIG.

  The bodily sensation output unit 106 outputs an output that allows the player's five senses to be experienced. For example, it is realized by a vibrator, a speaker, a light emitting element such as a flashlight or LED, a display element such as an LCD, a fragrance emitter, or the like. In the present embodiment, the vibrator 1251 and the speaker 1254 in FIG. 2 correspond to this.

  The communication unit 108 is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a wired communication cable jack, a control circuit, and the like, and realizes data communication with an external device. In the present embodiment, the short-range wireless communication module 1252 in FIG. 2 corresponds to the communication with the communication unit 370.

  The processing unit 200 is realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU, GPU, or I / O controller IC, an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), an IC memory, and the like. In addition to performing output, various arithmetic processes are executed based on predetermined programs and data and operation input signals from the operation input unit 100 to control the operation of the consumer game device 1200. In the present embodiment, the control unit 1210 in FIG.

  The processing unit 200 in the present embodiment includes a game calculation unit 210, a sound generation unit 250, an image generation unit 260, and a communication control unit 270.

  The game calculation unit 210 executes processing related to the progress of the game. For example, a process for forming a game space in a three-dimensional virtual space, an arrangement control process for an object such as a character arranged in the game space, a calculation process for a relative position between a player character and an enemy character, an NPC for an enemy character, etc. (Non-player character) automatic control processing, virtual camera shooting condition change processing, hit determination processing, physics calculation processing, determination processing of game results such as damage amount and game score, and the like are included in the execution targets.

  In addition, the game calculation unit 210 of the present embodiment includes an indicated position recognition unit 211, a shooting control unit 212, a proximity attack control unit 214, a gaze direction control unit 216, and a sensation output control unit 218.

  In particular, in this embodiment, the designated position recognition unit 211 obtains a designated position in the game screen coordinate system, that is, pointing coordinates in the game screen coordinate system, based on the designated position specifying information generated by the specified position specifying information generating unit 102. . Further, the three-dimensional pointing coordinate in the coordinate system of the three-dimensional virtual space is obtained from the pointing coordinate value in the game screen coordinate system. The three-dimensional pointing coordinate is a designated position on the clipping plane of the virtual camera.

  The shooting control unit 212 is related to the shooting operation of the player character, and executes control related to attack assisting control such as processing for performing shooting operation for modeling, control of fired bullets, and setting / release of lock-on. In the present embodiment, processing for switching between normal shooting mode and precision shooting mode, processing for restricting movement of the player character in the front and rear and left and right directions in the precise shooting mode, and direction change limitation for up and down and left and right are executed.

The melee attack control unit 214 executes control related to the melee attack. Specifically, firstly, it is determined whether or not a predetermined transition condition is satisfied, and when it is determined that the condition is satisfied, normal shooting and precision shooting are possible, but from a normal attack state in which a melee attack is not possible, shooting is started. In addition, a transition process to a special attack permission state in which a melee attack is possible is performed. In the present embodiment, the transition condition from the former to the latter is as follows: (1) the enemy character is locked on, (2) the enemy character that is locked on exists in a predetermined melee attack possible range, and (3) the A button 1244 Although described as an AND condition of three conditions in which there has been a requested operation for controller motion operation control by an operation, the condition (3) may be omitted.
Secondly, when the special attack permission state is set, a proximity attack operation input presence / absence determination process is executed based on the motion state quantity detected by the motion state quantity detection unit 104 to cause the player character to make a close attack. Execute the process.
Therefore, if there is no enemy character that is locked on by the function of the melee attack control unit 214, or there is an enemy character that is locked on but is not within the predetermined melee attack range, Even if it is determined that there is an operation input, it is possible to prevent the player character from performing the melee attack.

  The line-of-sight direction control unit 216 changes the shooting direction of the virtual camera fixed to the player character by executing a process for changing the orientation of the player character. More specifically, a specified area (in FIG. 6) where the indicated position (= pointer 10 position) on the game screen based on the indicated position specifying information generated by the specified position specifying information generating unit 102 is set at the center of the screen. When pointing outside the screen center area 12), the direction of the player character 4 is changed so as to face the direction of the pointer 10 viewed from the screen center area. Further, when the designated position of the pointer 10 has reached the outside of the display range of the game screen, a process of continuing the change of orientation based on the designated position immediately before deviating from the display range for a certain time is executed. Further, if the change of the line-of-sight direction based on the position of the pointer 10 in the screen is set to the normal mode, in this embodiment, when the specific condition is satisfied, the transition process is performed to a different tracking mode. The specific condition relating to the line-of-sight direction change in the present embodiment is the presence or absence of an enemy character that is locked on, but may be other conditions. In the tracking mode, the line-of-sight direction control unit 216 executes a process of changing the orientation of the player character so that the enemy character that is locked on falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 2.

  The sensation output control unit 218 executes a process of restricting this in the precise shooting mode even when the condition to be output by the sensation output unit 106 is satisfied. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the output condition of the sensation output unit 106 is that the player character is shot and attacked by an enemy character, and the control for generating and limiting the vibration is performed by the vibrator 1251 of the game controller 1230. As will be described, control for generating sound effects from the speaker 1254 and control for limiting the sound effects may be executed. In addition, other conditions can be appropriately set as appropriate, not limited to the conditions for the sensation output.

  The sound generation unit 250 is realized by a known technique such as a microprocessor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) and its control program, and based on the processing result by the game calculation unit 210, sound effects, BGM, and various operation sounds related to the game Is output to the sound output unit 350.

  The sound output unit 350 is realized by a device that outputs sound effects, BGM, and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 250. This corresponds to the speaker 1224 mounted on the video monitor 1220 in FIG.

  The image generation unit 260 is realized by a known technique such as a microprocessor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a control program thereof, a drawing frame IC memory such as a frame buffer, and the like. Then, the image generation unit 260 generates one game image 9 in one frame time (1/60 second) based on the processing result by the game calculation unit 210, and displays the HUD display 16 (see 82) on the game image 9. The final image of the game screen W2 is generated by combining and displaying the reticle 17, the enemy identification marker, and the like, and the image signal is output to the image display unit 360.

  The image display unit 360 displays various game screens W2 based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 260. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. The image display device 1222 mounted on the video monitor 1220 in FIG. 1 corresponds to the image display unit 360.

  The communication control unit 270 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with other home game devices via the communication unit 370.

  The communication unit 370 is realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a wired communication cable jack, a control circuit, and the like, and realizes data communication with an external device. In the present embodiment, data communication with the communication unit 108 of the operation input unit 100 is also realized. In FIG. 1, the communication device 1212 and the short-range wireless communication module 1214 correspond to this.

  The storage unit 500 stores pre-defined programs and data, and is also used as a work area of the processing unit 200 to store calculation results executed by the processing unit 200 according to various programs, input data input from the operation unit 100, and the like. Memorize temporarily. This function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM and a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM and DVD.

  The storage unit 500 in this embodiment includes a system program 501 for realizing various functions for causing the processing unit 200 to control the game apparatus 1200 in an integrated manner, a game program 502 and various data necessary for causing the game to be executed. Memorize etc. When the processing unit 200 reads out and executes the game program 502, the processing unit 200 can realize the function as the game calculation unit 210.

  The storage unit 500 also includes game space setting data 510, character initial setting data 514, shooting condition setting data 516, screen area setting data 518, enemy identification mark setting data 520, and HUD display setting data 522 as data prepared in advance. The mode switching condition TBL536 is stored.

  Furthermore, as the data generated as the game progresses and rewritten as needed, the character status data 524, pointing coordinates 526, lock-on target identification information 528, lock-on flag 530, melee attack possible flag 532, precision shooting mode flag 534, variable A direction vector 538 is stored. In addition, information necessary for execution of processing related to the progress of the game is stored as appropriate.

  The game space setting data 510 stores data for forming a game space in the three-dimensional virtual space. For example, model data such as the ground surface, obstacles, bridges, and texture data are included.

  The character initial setting data 514 stores initial setting data of the player character and the enemy character. For example, data such as model data, texture data, motion data, initial placement positions, initial values such as durability values and the number of remaining bullets are stored.

  The shooting condition setting data 516 stores the virtual camera angle of view, filter, motion data that simulates the slight movement of the camera accompanying the movement of the character, which is applied in the normal shooting mode and the precision shooting mode, and the like. Yes.

  The screen area setting data 518 defines an area of the screen coordinate system that is a reference for the gaze direction control unit 216 to change the gaze direction. In the present embodiment, the screen center area 12 is defined, and the area other than the screen center area 12 is regarded as the screen peripheral area, but the screen peripheral area may be defined. Of course, the shape and number of regions can be set as appropriate.

  The enemy identification mark setting data 520 defines different display forms for the standard mark (enemy identification mark) 20A, the lock-on mark (enemy identification mark) 20B, and the proximity attack possible mark (enemy identification mark) 20C as the enemy identification marks. . The display form includes a display operation such as a blinking pattern, rotation, slide, and enlargement / reduction, in addition to the shape, color, and transparency of the display body.

  The HUD display setting data 522 defines different display forms for the display objects combined and displayed in the normal shooting mode and the precision shooting mode, in addition to the game space image 9. In the present embodiment, the HUD display 16, reticle 17 and black frame 22 in FIGS. 8, 10, and 11 are defined.

  The character status data 524 stores information related to the action control of the character such as the player character, the enemy character, and the fired bullet. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the current position coordinates 524b in the three-dimensional virtual space, the line-of-sight direction 524c indicating the forward direction of the character, the speed and the acceleration are associated with the character type 524a of the player character and the enemy character. Various parameter values such as a movement vector 524d, the number of remaining bullets 524e, and a durability value 524f are stored. In addition, information relating to motion control can be stored in association with each other as appropriate. The endurance value 524f corresponds to a so-called hit point, and every time it is determined that the game result is determined to have been attacked, it is subtracted by a predetermined value and becomes “0”.

  The pointing coordinate 526 stores an instruction position on the game screen based on the instruction position specifying information generated by the instruction position specifying information generation unit 102, that is, a coordinate value of the pointer 10 in the screen coordinate system.

The lock-on target identification information 528 stores identification information of the enemy character that is locked on.
The lock-on flag 530 stores “1” when there is an enemy character that is locked on, and stores “0” when there is no enemy character.
The melee attack enable flag 532 stores “1” when the locked-on enemy character exists within a predetermined melee attack possible range where the saber 8 can attack, and “0” when it does not exist.
The precision shooting mode flag 534 stores “1” when the precision shooting mode is selected, and “0” when the normal shooting mode is selected.

  The mode switching condition TBL 536 defines conditions for switching / transition of various control modes. In this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, a switching condition (see FIG. 9) between a normal attack mode and a special attack permission mode related to the attack control of the player character is defined, and a special attack permission is defined. The first switching condition 536a that defines the condition for the state mode is defined by the lock-on flag state 536b, the melee attack possible flag state 536c, and the specific parameter use operation request 536d corresponding to whether or not the A button 1244 is input. . The specific parameter use operation request 536d can be set as appropriate. For example, in a configuration in which the game controller 1230 is provided with a microphone and the processing unit 200 is provided with a voice recognition processing function, it is also possible to make a condition that a predetermined shout is input from the microphone.

  The second switching condition 536e that defines the condition for switching / transition from the normal mode to the tracking mode of the line-of-sight direction control is such that the lock-on flag state 536f is set to “1” and the switching from the tracking mode to the normal mode is performed. In the third switching condition 536g that defines the transition condition, the lock-on flag state 536h is set to “0”.

  The direction vector 538 is a direction corresponding to the relative direction to the designated position (that is, the coordinates in the screen coordinate system pointed to by the pointer 10) recognized by the designated position recognition unit 211 with respect to the screen center area 12, and is in the game space. Stores a direction vector based on the current direction of the player character 4 of the player.

[Description of process flow]
Next, the flow of processing in this embodiment will be described. The processing described here is realized by the processing unit 200 executing the game program 502, and a predetermined cycle (for example, a display rate of the image display device 1222 (1/60 seconds)) until a predetermined game end condition is satisfied. Will be executed repeatedly.

  In addition, since a well-known technique can be applied suitably about automatic control of enemy characters, detailed description here is abbreviate | omitted. In the present embodiment, since there is little information defined by the mode switching condition TBL 536, it will be described that whether or not the switching condition is met by directly referring to various flags.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the main processing flow relating to the game progress in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, first, the game calculation unit 210 refers to the game space setting data 510 and the character initial setting data 514 to form a game space in the three-dimensional virtual space, and determines the player character 4 and the enemy character as predetermined. The virtual camera 2 is set at the initial position in the initial setting state, and is set at a predetermined position on the head of the player character 4 by setting the shooting condition of the normal angle of view (step S2). Along with this, character status data 524 is generated in the storage unit 500.

  Next, if a predetermined game start operation is input, the game is started (YES in step S4), and the action of the enemy character is automatically controlled (step S6). Specifically, it can be realized by appropriately applying known NPC control, which is also called “AI” or the like. Then, the character status data 524 of the enemy character is updated according to the result of the automatic control.

  Next, the game calculation unit 210 calculates the coordinates of the designated position of the current pointer 10 in the image coordinate system and stores them in the pointing coordinates 526 (step S8), and the player character based on the input made to the game controller 1230 An operation process is executed (step S10).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the player character operation process in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the player character operation process, first, the game calculation unit 210 performs a lock-on process for registering one of the enemy characters existing within a predetermined search range set in front of the player character as an attack target. Execute (Step S40).

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the lock-on process in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the lock-on process, first, the game calculation unit 210 determines whether or not there is a lock-on operation (step S80). In the present embodiment, when an operation input to the C button 1274 of the sub-controller is made, it is determined that there is a lock-on operation.

  If it is determined that there is a lock-on operation (YES in step S80), the game calculation unit 210 determines whether or not the current pointer 10 points to an enemy character (step S82). Specifically, for example, referring to the pointing coordinate 526, the three-dimensional pointing coordinate in the three-dimensional space is calculated from the geometric condition between the viewpoint position of the virtual camera 2 and the clipping plane. Then, a straight line passing through the three-dimensional pointing coordinates from the origin of the virtual camera 2 is obtained, and intersection determination between the straight line and the boundary box of the enemy character is performed. If the intersection is detected, it is determined that the pointer points to the enemy character. .

  When it is determined that the pointer is pointing to the enemy character (= pointing) (YES in step S82), the game calculation unit 210 adds the identification information (or the relevant character information) of the enemy character to the lock-on target identification information 528. An address pointer indicating the position of the enemy character) is stored, and the pointing enemy character is set as a lock-on target (step S84). Then, “1” is stored in the lock-on flag 530 (step S94).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the pointer does not point to the enemy character (NO in step S82), the game calculation unit 210 determines whether there is an enemy character within the search range that is set as the predetermined range in front of the player character 2. Is determined (step S86). If there is an enemy character in the search range (YES in step S86), the nearest enemy character in the search range is set as a lock-on target (step S88), and "1" is stored in the lock-on flag 530. (Step S94). On the other hand, if there is no enemy character in the search range (NO in step S86), “NULL” is stored in the lock-on target character identification information 528 to release the lock-on target (step S90), and lock-on is performed. “0” is stored in the flag 530 (step S92).

  Next, the game calculation unit 210 determines whether or not there has been a lock-on release operation (step S96). In this embodiment, an affirmative determination is made when an operation input is made to the D button 1276. When it is determined that there has been a lock-on release operation (YES in step S96), and when an enemy character set as a lock-on target in the lock-on target identification information 528 is shot down (in step S98). (YES), the lock-on target is released (step S100), “0” is stored in the lock-on flag 530 (step S102), and the lock-on process is terminated. Whether or not the enemy character set as the lock-on target in the lock-on target identification information 528 has been shot down is referred to the character status data 524 of the character, and the durability value 524f of the character is “0”. If it is, it is determined that it was shot down.

  On the other hand, if the lock-on release operation is not performed (NO in step S96) and the character set as the lock-on target is not shot down (NO in step S98), the lock-on target setting and the lock-on flag are set. In step 530, the lock-on process is terminated.

  When the lock-on process is completed, the flow returns to the flow of FIG. 16, and the game calculation unit 210 compares the position coordinates 524b of the character status data 524, and the enemy character locked on is set as a predetermined range in front of the player character. It is determined whether or not it exists in the melee attack possible range (step S42). If the determination is affirmative (YES in step S42), “1” is stored in the melee attack possible flag 532 (step S44). On the other hand, if there is no enemy character that is locked on in the first place, or if there is an enemy character that is locked on and the enemy character is located outside the melee attack possible range, a negative determination is made (NO in step S42), and the melee attack possible flag 532 is set. “0” is stored (step S46).

Next, the game calculation unit 210 determines whether or not there is a switching operation input for switching the shooting mode between normal shooting / precision shooting (step S48). In the present embodiment, when an operation is performed on the left direction key of the direction input key 1242, it is determined that there is a shooting mode switching operation input.
If it is determined that there has been a switching operation input for the shooting mode (YES in step S48), the game calculation unit 210 changes the precision shooting mode flag 534 from “1” to “0” each time a switching operation input is made. Or vice versa, switching from "0" to "1" (step S50). That is, the normal shooting mode and the precision shooting mode are sequentially switched in accordance with the switching operation of the shooting mode.

Next, the game calculation unit 210 determines whether or not there is an operation input by the lever 1272, that is, whether or not the player character has moved (step S56). If there is a moving operation (YES in step S58), the precision shooting mode flag 534 is referred to.
If the precision shooting mode flag 534 is “0” (YES in step S56), the player character is moved in the operation direction of the lever 1272 with the current line-of-sight direction as the front (step S60). On the other hand, when the precision shooting mode flag 534 is “1”, that is, in the precision shooting mode, movement control of the player character is not performed even if there is a movement operation input (NO in step S58).

Next, the game calculation unit 210 executes a line-of-sight direction changing process for changing the direction of the player character to change the line-of-sight direction (step S62).
FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the line-of-sight direction changing process in the present embodiment. In the line-of-sight direction changing process, first, the game calculation unit 210 refers to the lock-on flag 530 (step S110). That is, it is determined whether or not the second switching condition 536e of the mode switching condition TBL536 is satisfied.

  When the lock-on flag 530 is “1”, that is, when the enemy character is locked on and the second switching condition 536e is satisfied (“1” in step S110), the game calculation unit 210 moves in front of the player character. The direction is changed so as to face the enemy character (step S112), and the line-of-sight direction changing process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the lock-on flag 530 is “0”, that is, if no enemy character is locked on and the second switching condition 536e is not satisfied (“0” in step S110), then three-dimensional It is determined whether or not there has been a proximity attack operation input based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 1248 (step S113), and further, with reference to the precision shooting mode flag 534, it is determined whether or not the current precision shooting mode is in effect (step S114).

  When there is no melee attack operation input (NO in step S113) and the precise shooting mode flag 534 is in the normal shooting mode of “0” (“0” in step S114), the game calculation unit 210 With reference to the pointing coordinates 526 and the screen area setting data 518, it is determined whether or not the position pointed by the pointer 10 is outside the predetermined screen center area 12 (step S116).

  If the designated position of the pointer 10 is outside the screen center area 12 (YES in step S116), the game calculation unit 210 further determines whether or not the designated position is within the screen display range (step S118). Then, when the indicated position of the pointer 10 is outside the screen center range 12 and within the screen display range (YES in step S118), the game calculation unit 210 sets the indicated position of the pointer 10 with reference to the screen center area 12. The direction, more specifically, the direction from the screen center coordinate toward the pointing coordinate 526 is obtained, and the direction vector 538 is calculated and temporarily stored in the storage unit 500 (step S124), and the direction of the stored direction vector 538 is stored. The direction of the player character is changed toward (step S126).

  On the other hand, when the indicated position of the pointer 10 is outside the screen center region 12 and outside the screen display range of the image display device 1222 (YES in step S118), the game calculation unit 210 counts down the stop timer by a predetermined amount (step S120). If the stop timer is not “0” as a result of the countdown (NO in step S122), the direction of the player character is changed in the direction of the stored direction vector 538 (step S126). That is, even if the pointer 10 points outside the screen, the player character orientation changing process is continued for a certain period of time.

  However, if the stop timer becomes “0” as a result of the countdown (YES in step S122), the line-of-sight direction changing process is terminated without performing the player character direction changing process. In step S116, when the indicated position of the pointer 10 is inside the screen center range 12 (NO in step S116), the processing in steps S118 to S126 is skipped.

  Therefore, as the pointer 10 is moved inside the screen center area 12 by the processing in steps S116 to S126, the player character's orientation does not change and the line of sight does not change, so the player aims at the attack target. I can concentrate on it. On the other hand, if the player wants to change the direction of the line of sight, when the pointer 10 is moved to the outside of the screen center region 12 in the direction in which the player wants to change, the player character is automatically directed forward to change the direction of the line of sight. Therefore, the player can view the desired direction only by moving the pointer 10 in the direction desired to be viewed by the game controller 1230 without separately operating the direction of the virtual camera or the direction of the player character as in the conventional art. Moreover, since the pointer 10 also serves as an aim for shooting, it is possible to attack the enemy while turning around, so that the game can be enjoyed with a sensuous and light operation.

  Further, the player wants to change the line-of-sight direction and moves the pointer 10 to the outside of the center area of the screen in the direction in which he wants to change. However, even if the pointer 10 moves out of the screen display range, the stop timer While operating, changes in the line of sight and the orientation of the aircraft continue. Therefore, as soon as the pointer 10 goes out of the screen display range, it is possible to prevent the virtual camera from changing direction and causing a jerky display. On the other hand, when the pointer 10 is out of the screen display range and the predetermined time elapses, the change in the viewing direction of the virtual camera and the direction of the aircraft is automatically stopped, so that the pointer 10 is out of the screen display range. , It is possible to prevent a state in which the line of sight continues to change forever.

Next, the game calculation unit 210 refers to the precision shooting mode flag 534. When the precise shooting mode flag 534 is “0”, that is, in the normal shooting mode (“0” in step S130), the condition of the virtual camera 2 is set to the normal angle of view defined by the shooting condition setting data 516. (Step S132), and the line-of-sight direction changing process ends.
On the other hand, when the precise shooting mode flag 534 is “1”, that is, when the precise shooting mode is set (“1” in step S130), the telephoto angle of view defined by the shooting condition setting data 516 is the virtual camera 2 condition. The photographing condition set to (= viewing angle for enlarged display) is set (step S134), and the line-of-sight direction changing process is terminated.

If the line-of-sight direction change processing is completed, the flow returns to the flow of FIG. Next, the game calculation unit 210 determines whether or not there has been a request operation for performing the controller exercise operation (step S63). In the present embodiment, an affirmative determination is made when an operation input is made to the A button 1244.
If it is determined that there has been a controller exercise operation request operation (YES in step S63), it is further determined whether or not there is a proximity attack operation input based on the detected acceleration (step S64). In this embodiment, when the acceleration detected by the three-axis acceleration sensor 1248 is greater than the reference value and accompanied by an inversion period of 1 Hz or more, that is, when a reciprocating operation such as shaking the game controller 1230 is detected, the proximity is detected. It is determined that there was an attack operation input.

  If it is determined that there has been a melee attack operation input (YES in step S64), the game calculation unit 210 refers to the lock-on flag 530 and the melee attack possible flag 532 (step S66). If both of these flags are “1” (YES in step S66), the player character is controlled to make a close attack on the enemy character that is locked on (step S68). On the other hand, if there is no melee attack operation input (NO in step S64), and there is a melee attack operation input, but the lock-on flag 530 is “0”, or the melee attack enable flag 532 is “0”. In this case (NO in step S66), control for causing the player character to perform a melee attack is not performed even if a melee attack operation input is made.

Next, the game calculation unit 210 determines whether or not there has been an input of a shooting operation (step S70). In the present embodiment, when it is detected that an operation input has been made to the trigger 1236, it is determined that there has been a shooting operation input. If there is a shooting operation input (YES in step S70), the player character is controlled to shoot toward the position indicated by the pointer 10 as in the known FPS game (step S72).
Specifically, for example, the three-dimensional pointing coordinates in the three-dimensional coordinate system on the clip plane are calculated from the pointing coordinates 526. Then, an intersection position between the straight line passing through the three-dimensional pointing coordinates from the viewpoint position of the virtual camera 2 and the enemy character object set in the lock-on target identification information 528 is obtained, and shooting is performed using this intersection position as a target. The movement (shooting) of the player character is controlled.

  As described above, in the form based on the so-called pointing operation input in which the aiming position is input in the direction in which the game controller 1230 is directed, the acceleration accompanying the operation of changing the aiming direction is detected. Therefore, even if it is designed so that another operation input (in this embodiment, a close attack operation input) can be performed according to the acceleration applied to the game controller 1230, the operation input according to the acceleration cannot be correctly distinguished. Things could have happened. However, this can be made possible by receiving an operation input corresponding to the acceleration only when a specific condition that both the lock-on flag 530 and the melee attack possible flag 532 are both “1” is satisfied.

  When the player character operation process is completed, the process returns to the flow of FIG. 15, and the game calculation unit 210 next executes a process of changing the shooting condition of the virtual camera and the setting of the HUD display according to the shooting mode setting (step S100). S12). Specifically, when the precision shooting mode flag 534 is “1”, the shooting mode is set to precision shooting, and thus the telephoto shooting is performed with the angle of view of the virtual camera narrower than that in the case of normal shooting. Change to That is, the shooting conditions are set as if the user is looking through the rifle scope of the sniper rifle. Further, when the precision shooting mode flag 534 is “1”, the setting is changed to a special display form that makes the HUD display appear as if looking through the rifle scope (step S12).

  Next, the image generation unit 260 generates a game space image obtained by photographing the game space from the virtual camera (step S14). Then, referring to the enemy identification mark setting data 520, the enemy identification mark setting data 520 is used for each enemy character reflected in the generated game space image according to the current lock-on flag 530 and the melee attack possible flag 532. Any of the defined enemy identification marks 20A, 20B, and 20C is synthesized (step S16).

  Next, the image generation unit 260 generates a final game image by performing synthesis such as HUD display, and outputs and displays it on the image display unit 360 (step S18).

Next, the game calculation part 210 determines a game result (step S20). For example, the attack determination of the player character and the enemy character, damage determination, shooting down determination, calculation of remaining play time, calculation of game score, and the like are included.
Then, it is determined whether or not the game result satisfies a predetermined vibration generation condition (step S22). In the present embodiment, it is determined that the vibration generation condition is satisfied when there is a shooting operation input and when the player character is damaged (YES in step S22), and the precise shooting mode flag 534 is “0”. If this is the case ("0" in step S24), vibration is generated in the vibrator 1251 of the game controller 1230 (step S26). On the other hand, when the precision shooting mode flag 534 is “1” (“1” in step S24), the process proceeds to the next process without performing the process related to the vibration generation even if the vibration generation condition is satisfied.
Of course, when sound is output from the speaker 1254 as a bodily sensation output, it is preferable to output the sound in the same manner as the generation of vibration in steps S22 to S26.

  Next, the game calculation unit 210 determines whether or not a game end condition is satisfied (step S28). In this embodiment, when the player character is shot down, or when all enemy characters are shot down, and when the play time reaches the time limit, it is determined that the game end condition is satisfied, and the game ends (step S28). YES). On the other hand, when it is determined that the game end condition is not satisfied (NO in step S28), the process returns to step S6.

  By the processing in steps S22 to S26, even in the precision shooting mode in which fine aiming is desired, even if the vibration generation condition is satisfied, it is possible to realize an operation environment that easily concentrates on aiming by limiting the generation of vibration.

[Hardware configuration]
Next, a hardware configuration example according to this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example for realizing the consumer game device 1200 according to the present embodiment. In the consumer game device 1200, a CPU 1000, a ROM 1002, a RAM 1004, an information storage medium 1006, an image generation IC 1008, a sound generation IC 1010, and an I / O port 1014 are connected to each other via a system bus 1016 so that data can be input and output. A communication device 1024 is connected to the I / O port 1014, and the communication device 1024 and the control device 1022 are connected by communication.

  The CPU 1000 controls the entire apparatus and performs various data processing according to a program stored in the information storage medium 1006, a system program stored in the ROM 1002, a signal input by the control device 1022, and the like.

  The RAM 1004 is a storage unit used as a work area of the CPU 1000, and stores given contents in the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002, the calculation result of the CPU 1000, and the like.

  An information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data, sound data, play data, and the like, and as an information storage medium, an IC memory, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD, an IC card, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and the like. Etc. are used.

  The ROM 1002, the RAM 1004, and the information storage medium 1006 correspond to the storage unit 500 in FIG.

  In addition, the image generation IC 1008 and the sound generation IC 1010 provided in this apparatus can appropriately output sound and images.

  The image generation IC 1008 is an integrated circuit that generates pixel information based on information sent from the ROM 1002, the RAM 1004, the information storage medium 1006, and the like according to instructions from the CPU 1000, and the generated image signal is output to the display device 1018. . The display device 1018 is realized by a CRT, LCD, ELD, plasma display, projector, or the like, and corresponds to the image display unit 360 in FIG.

  The sound generation IC 1010 is an integrated circuit that generates sound signals in accordance with information stored in the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002 and sound data stored in the RAM 1004 according to instructions from the CPU 1000. Output from the speaker 1020. The speaker 1020 corresponds to the sound output unit 350 in FIG.

  The control device 1022 is a device for the player to input an operation related to the game, and its function is realized by hardware such as a lever, a button, a touch panel, a dial, and a pointing device. The control device 1022 corresponds to the operation input unit 100 in FIG.

  The communication device 1024 exchanges information used inside the device with the outside, and is used for transmitting / receiving given information to / from other devices. The communication device 1024 corresponds to the communication unit 370 in FIG.

  The above-described processing such as game processing is realized by the information storage medium 1006 storing the game program 502 and the like of FIG. 12, and the CPU 1000, the image generation IC 1008, the sound generation IC 1010 and the like that operate according to these programs. The CPU 1000, the image generation IC 1008, and the sound generation IC 1010 correspond to the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, and the CPU 1000 mainly generates the game calculation unit 210, the image generation IC 1008 the image generation unit 260, and the sound generation IC 1010 generates the sound. It corresponds to each part 250.

  Note that the processing performed by the image generation IC 1008, the sound generation IC 1010, and the like may be performed by software using the CPU 1000 or a general-purpose DSP. In this case, the CPU 1000 corresponds to the processing unit 200 in FIG.

[Modification]
As mentioned above, although embodiment which applied this invention was described, the form which can apply this invention is not limited to this.

  For example, although the configuration using the home game device 1200 has been described as an example, an arcade game device, a personal computer, a portable game device, or the like may be used instead. In addition to a game executed on a stand-alone game device, if the terminal device has a pointing function by the game controller 1230 and a controller motion operation input function based on acceleration acting on the game controller 1230, the game network game can be used. It can also be applied.

  In the above embodiment, the shooting game is taken as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to games of other genres such as soccer, baseball, and racing games. For example, when applied to a soccer game, if the player operates the subject (self character) as a single player, the specific action corresponding to the melee attack of the above embodiment, such as a pass or lifting of a specific technique, a feint action, etc. Can be associated with each other.

  Further, the target (self character) to be operated by the player is not limited to a human character such as a soldier in the above embodiment. For example, a tank or a fighter plane may be used, or a single turret provided in a battleship may be used. Also, for example, in a game played on a game screen with a first-person viewpoint, there should be a player character that is the main character based on the content of the game, but if the player character does not appear on the screen from the beginning to the end, the first-person viewpoint The virtual camera that is the basis of the self character instead of the player character can be used. Then, as a specific operation, instantaneous movement of the virtual camera or switching from the normal camera to the infrared camera or night vision camera may be assigned.

  In the above embodiment, the angle of view of the virtual camera 2 is changed between the normal shooting mode and the precision shooting mode. A configuration may be adopted in which a sub virtual camera serving as a viewing angle of view for display is prepared in advance and these are switched.

The system block diagram which shows the structural example of a household game device. The external view which shows the structural example of a game controller. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating the principle which acquires the relative position information of a game controller and a display monitor. The external view which shows the structural example of a subcontroller. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating the structure of a player character, the relative position of a virtual camera, and allocation of the movement operation of a player character. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating gaze direction operation. FIG. 6 is a mode transition diagram related to player character orientation change control. The figure which shows an example of the game screen at the time of normal shooting. Mode transition diagram related to attack control. The figure which shows an example of the game screen at the time of normal shooting. The figure which shows an example of the game screen at the time of a melee attack. The functional block diagram which shows the structural example of a functional block. The figure which shows the data structural example of character status data. The figure which shows the data structural example of mode switching condition TBL. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the main processes which concern on game progress. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a player character operation process. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a lock-on process. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a gaze direction change process. The figure which shows the hardware structural example for implement | achieving a consumer game device.

Explanation of symbols

2 Virtual camera 4 Player character 6 Gun 8 Saber 10 Pointer 12 Screen center area 100 Operation input unit １０２ 102 Pointed position specifying information generating unit 104 Motion state quantity detecting unit 106 Sensory output unit 130 Position reference information providing unit 200 Processing unit 210 Game calculation Unit 211 pointing position recognition unit 212 shooting control unit 214 proximity attack control 216 gaze direction control unit 218 sensation output control unit 500 storage unit 502 game calculation unit 518 screen area setting data 526 pointing coordinates 528 lock-on target identification information 536 mode switching condition TBL
1201 Game apparatus main body 1210 Control unit 1230 Game controller 1248 Triaxial acceleration sensor 1256 Image sensor 1260 Controller control unit 1226 Optical signal output apparatus

Claims (17)

A game controller that includes a motion state quantity detector that includes at least one of a tilt sensor, a speed sensor, and an acceleration sensor and detects a detection result of the sensor as a motion state quantity in a real space of the game controller. A program for controlling a player's own character as an operation target based on the player's operation input and generating a game space image viewed from a given viewpoint to execute a predetermined game. There,
Determining means for determining whether a positional relationship between the player character in the game space and a given character other than the player character satisfies a predetermined positional relationship condition;
Based on the detection result of the motion state quantity detector, the controller motion operation control for causing the player character to perform a specific motion is not executed when the determination means does not satisfy the determination, and is determined to be satisfied. Controller motion operation control execution control means to be executed when
A program for causing the computer to function as The game controller is a pair of one-handed gripping controllers that are gripped by left and right hands, and the motion state quantity detector is built in each controller,
The controller motion operation control execution control means is configured to control the controller motion based on a detection result of a motion state quantity detector built in one or any of the predetermined controllers of the pair of one-hand holding controllers. The program according to claim 1 for causing the computer to function to control execution of operation control. Causing the computer to function as request instruction operation detecting means for detecting a request instruction operation for requesting execution of the controller motion operation control;
When the controller motion operation control execution control means is detected by the request instruction operation detection means and is determined to be satisfied by the determination means, the computer is controlled to execute the controller motion operation control. Make it work,
The program of Claim 1 or 2 for. Causing the computer to function as character selection means for selecting one character from a plurality of characters arranged in the game space;
The determination means causes the computer to function so as to determine whether or not a distance between the character and the one character satisfies a predetermined distance condition as the positional relationship condition. The program as described in any one of. The character selection means causes the computer to function so as to select one character in accordance with a player's selection operation;
In the case where one character has not been selected by the character selection means, the determination means determines a character that is located within a predetermined range with the self character as a reference and is closest to the self character. Causing the computer to function as a character to select,
A program according to claim 4 for.   5. The computer according to claim 4, wherein the computer functions as a capture continuation direction control unit that automatically controls the direction of the self character so as to capture the one character within a field of view predetermined for the self character. 5. The program according to 5. The determination means causes the computer to function to determine whether or not a distance between the character and the one character is within a predetermined distance;
The controller exercise operation control execution control means causes the computer to function so as to control the execution of the controller exercise operation control by using a predetermined proximity action with respect to a character adjacent to the character as the specific action;
The program as described in any one of Claims 4-6 for.   It is determined whether or not the controller motion operation control is being executed. If it is not being executed, the viewpoint is set as a normal viewing angle of view, and if it is being executed, the viewpoint is used for a first enlarged display. The program as described in any one of Claims 1-7 for functioning the said computer as a 1st viewpoint switching means which switches the said viewpoint as a view angle viewpoint. The game controller has a pointing mechanism capable of instructing an arbitrary position on the game screen by a player's operation,
Pointing position recognition means for recognizing a pointing position on the game screen instructed by the pointing mechanism;
Outer area instruction detection means for detecting that the recognized instruction position is in an area outside a predetermined central area of the game screen;
In response to detection by the outer area instruction detecting means, a direction corresponding to a relative direction to the indicated position with respect to the central area, and a direction based on the current direction of the player character in the game space, Direction change control means for changing and controlling the direction of the player character;
The program as described in any one of Claims 1-8 for functioning the said computer as. An injection direction calculating means for calculating an injection direction based on the indicated position recognized by the indicated position recognizing means;
Injection instruction operation detecting means for detecting an input of a predetermined injection instruction operation by the player;
Injection attack control means for causing the player character to perform a predetermined injection attack in the injection direction calculated by the injection direction calculation means in response to detection by the injection instruction operation detection means;
The program according to claim 9 for causing the computer to function. Second viewpoint switching means for switching between the normal viewing angle of view and the second enlarged viewing angle of view as the viewpoint;
When the second viewpoint switching means switches to the normal viewing angle of view, the vibration control of the vibrator incorporated in the game controller is performed, but the second enlarged viewing angle of view is controlled. Vibration control means that does not perform the vibration control,
Function the computer as
A program according to claim 10 for. Causing the computer to function as second viewpoint switching means for switching between the normal viewing angle of view and the second enlarged viewing angle of view as the viewpoint;
When the orientation change control means is switched to the enlarged display angle of view by the second viewpoint switching means, the direction change control of the own character is not performed, and the normal display angle of view is changed. If it is switched, the direction change control of the character is performed.
The program according to any one of claims 9 to 11 for causing the computer to function as described above.   When the controller movement operation control is executed by the controller movement operation control execution control means, the direction change control means does not perform the direction change control of the own character, and when it is not executed, The program as described in any one of Claims 9-12 for functioning the said computer to perform direction change control of a character. As the direction change indicating position non-recognition detecting means for detecting that the indicated position is no longer recognized on the game screen by the indicated position recognition means during the change control of the direction of the player character by the direction change control means. Make the computer work,
The direction change control means for causing the computer to function so as to stop the direction change of the player character being executed after a predetermined time in response to the detection by the direction change indicating position non-recognition detecting means. The program according to any one of 9 to 13.   15. The computer according to claim 1, wherein the computer is caused to function as sound output control means for controlling sound output from a speaker built in the game controller based on a detection result of the motion state quantity detector. The listed program.   The computer-readable information storage medium which memorize | stored the program as described in any one of Claims 1-15. The game controller includes at least one of a tilt sensor, a speed sensor, and an acceleration sensor, and includes a motion state quantity detector that detects a detection result of the sensor as a motion state quantity in a real space of the game controller. A game device for controlling a player's own character as an operation target of the player based on an operation input of the player and generating a game space image viewed from a given viewpoint to execute a predetermined game,
Determining means for determining whether a positional relationship between the player character in the game space and a given character other than the player character satisfies a predetermined positional relationship condition;
Based on the detection result of the motion state quantity detector, the controller motion operation control for causing the player character to perform a specific motion is not executed when the determination means does not satisfy the determination, and is determined to be satisfied. Controller exercise operation control execution control means to be executed when
A game device comprising:

Images