JP2008284085A - Game control method, game control program, and game apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a characteristic game control technique appealing to the visual sense of a user. <P>SOLUTION: An initial image Ii is displayed on a display (S10). The initial image Ii is deformed with time (S14) to assimilate the initial image Ii to the final image If based on mapping data MD describing the correspondence between a final image If and the initial image Ii. A command input from the user is monitored (S16) during the deformation step and, when a prescribed command input from the user is detected (Y in S16), a plurality of alternatives including one alternative Af corresponding to the final image If are displayed on the display (S20). Whether the alternative Au selected by the user is accorded with the alternative Af corresponding to the final image If or not is determined. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game control technique.

In the past, computer games, which were mainly entertainment for young people, have recently tended to be developed with the aim of acquiring new users including a wide range of people such as elderly people and women. Under these circumstances, a game that stimulates the right brain, which is known for its anti-aging effects, is gaining popularity.
JP 2004-181234 A

  There are many such games on the market, but the basic concepts are the same, with the theme of inputting English words, the theme of reading and writing kanji, and performing simple four arithmetic operations. There are many things, and there are many games that can be executed on paper without using electronic devices. Under such circumstances, it is desired to develop a unique game that can take advantage of the features of the hardware of the game machine and enjoy the freshness that appeals to the user's vision.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a more characteristic game control technique.

  In a game control technique according to an aspect, two images, an initial image and a final image, are prepared. Mapping data describing the correspondence between the initial image and the final image is calculated. An initial image is displayed on the display, mapping data is used to generate an intermediate image connecting the initial image and the final image by interpolation, and the initial image is deformed so as to approach the final image. The game user estimates the final image in the process of deformation.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the user can enjoy a mode that an image deform | transforms, and the characteristic game control technique which utilizes a brain, stimulating vision is provided.

  The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted as appropriate. The embodiments do not limit the invention but are exemplifications, and all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention.

(First embodiment)
First, an outline of the game control program and method according to the first embodiment will be described.

The game control technique of the present embodiment is executed on various computers including an arithmetic processing unit and a display such as a game dedicated terminal, a personal computer, and a mobile phone terminal. This game executes the following processes a to e.
a. The initial image Ii is displayed on the display.
b. Based on the mapping data MD describing the correspondence between the final image If and the initial image Ii, the initial image Ii is deformed with time so as to approach the final image If and displayed. The mapping data MD may be read from data calculated in advance, or may be calculated from two images prior to the deformation process. The transformation process is performed by interpolating the image using a matching file that associates the final image with the initial image, instead of reproducing the prepared video data.

c. An instruction input from the user is monitored during the deformation process.
d. When a predetermined instruction input by the user is detected during monitoring, the user is prompted to select any one option from a plurality of options including one option Af corresponding to the final image If displayed on the display. The display of the options may be performed after a predetermined instruction is input or may be performed before the predetermined instruction is input.
e. It is determined whether the option Au selected by the user matches the option Af corresponding to the final image.
The option may be an image, the name of an object included in the image, or information that can be associated with an image on a one-to-one basis.

  In this game control technique, the user estimates the final image If by looking at an image that gradually changes from the initial image Ii to the final image If. When the final image If can be estimated, the user inputs a predetermined instruction via the user interface, and selects an option Au corresponding to the estimated image from the options. As a result, whether the option Au matches the option Af corresponding to the final image If is compared, and the correct answer and the incorrect answer are determined.

  According to the game according to the embodiment, it is possible to provide a characteristic game control technique that allows the user to enjoy the state in which the initial image Ii is deformed through an unexpected image by image processing and to estimate the final image If.

  Moreover, since the initial image Ii and the final image If are deformed by the interpolation process instead of playing a moving image prepared in advance as a deformation process, even if the combination of the initial image Ii and the final image If increases, it is necessary for the game. Large data volume can be suppressed. Furthermore, it is possible to easily cope with an option such as a user adding a new image.

Furthermore, this game control technique may execute the process f.
f. If the option selected by the user in the input step matches the option corresponding to the final image, a score corresponding to the elapsed time from the start time of image deformation in the deformation step to the detection time of a predetermined instruction input in the input step Calculate

  It is difficult to estimate the final image If in a short time after the start of the deformation process, that is, in a state close to the initial image Ii. Therefore, gameability can be further improved by setting a score according to the length of elapsed time.

As a modification of the process f, the following process f ′ may be executed.
f '. When the option selected by the user in the input step matches the option corresponding to the final image, a score corresponding to the image deformation rate in the deformation step is calculated. The deformation rate may be a numerical value corresponding to a coefficient when performing the interpolation process.
The above is the outline of the first embodiment. Arbitrary combinations of the above-described constituent elements and expressions obtained by converting the expression of the present invention among methods, apparatuses, systems, programs, storage media thereof, and the like are also effective as an aspect of the present invention.
Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to specific drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of game device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of game control. In addition, the order of each process of FIG. 4 can be changed suitably.
The game apparatus 100 includes an operation input unit 1, a display 2, a memory 4, a storage unit 6, and a control unit 10. The control unit 10 includes arithmetic means such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The control unit 10 can execute a predetermined process by executing the loaded program. FIG. 1 shows functions executed by a combination of a program and an arithmetic processing unit as function blocks.

  The display 2 is a liquid crystal panel and is built in the game apparatus 100. When the game apparatus 100 is a stationary game machine or computer, a liquid crystal display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or a plasma display externally attached to the game apparatus 100 may be used. Display data stored in the frame buffer of the memory 4 is displayed on the display 2 by a display controller (not shown).

  The operation input unit 1 is a device for a user of the game apparatus 100 to input an instruction, and is a controller, a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. The memory 4 is a work area for various arithmetic processes of the game apparatus 100, or is used as an area for loading a program. The memory 4 includes a frame buffer. The storage unit 6 is a hard disk or an optical disk device, and stores a large amount of data. The storage unit 6 stores a plurality of pieces of image data that can be used as the initial image Ii and the final image If described above, and mapping data MD between the two images. The mapping data MD may be calculated in advance for all combinations of images in the creation stage of the game control program. Alternatively, calculation may be performed each time a combination of the initial image Ii and the final image If is selected using the arithmetic processing means of the control unit 10.

  The control unit 10 includes an image selection unit 12, a mapping data acquisition unit 14, an initial image display unit 16, an image transformation unit 18, an input monitoring unit 20, an option display unit 22, a determination unit 24, a score calculation unit 26, and a text display unit 28. including. Each block will be described together with the operation of the game control program executed by this game machine.

  The image selection unit 12 selects a set of an initial image Ii and a final image If from a plurality of images recorded in the storage unit 6. The initial image Ii may be selected based on a user instruction input from the operation input unit 1, but the final image If is selected so that the user does not know. The selection may be based on a predetermined rule or by random means.

  The mapping data acquisition unit 14 reads the mapping data MD describing the correspondence between the initial image Ii and the final image If from the storage unit 6 (S12 in FIG. 4). The mapping data MD may be calculated by the mapping data acquisition unit 14 based on the images Ii and If. The mapping data MD is used to generate an intermediate image Im (interpolated image) between images Ii and If described later. The content of the matching calculation itself does not matter, such as optical flow, block matching, and the method of Japanese Patent No. 2927350 proposed by the present applicant. The method of generating an interpolated image based on the matching result is not particularly limited, such as the method of Japanese Patent No. 2927350.

  The initial image display unit 16 writes the initial image Ii selected by the image selection unit 12 in the frame buffer of the memory 4. As a result, the initial image Ii is displayed on the display 2 (S10 in FIG. 4). 2A to 2C are diagrams showing a transition process of the display 2 of the game apparatus 100 of FIG. FIG. 2A shows a state where the initial image Ii is displayed by the initial image display unit 16. In the present embodiment, the initial image Ii is a cat and the final image If is a dog.

When an instruction to start the game is received from the user via the operation input unit 1, deformation processing for the image displayed on the display 2 is started. The elapsed time t from the start of deformation is measured and managed by the score calculation unit 26.
The image deforming unit 18 receives the mapping data MD and the initial image Ii. Based on the mapping data MD, the image deformation unit 18 deforms the initial image Ii with time so as to gradually approach the final image If (S14 in FIG. 4). FIG. 2C shows a state where the deformation process is completed and the final image If is displayed. FIG. 2B shows an intermediate image Im at a certain time during the deformation process. That is, the image deformation unit 18 performs deformation processing from FIG. 2A through FIG. 2B to (c).

  The text display unit 28 displays arbitrary text in an arbitrary area of the display 2. In the middle of the deformation process, the text display unit 28 draws, for example, the text “What is it?” In the text area 40 set in the display 2. Instead of text, an image with the same content may be displayed. The text display unit 28 displays the elapsed time t counted by the score calculation unit 26 in the text area 42 and updates it with time. 2A to 2C, the elapsed time t is counted up, but may be counted down.

  The input monitoring unit 20 monitors the instruction input input to the operation input unit 1 from the user during the deformation (S16 in FIG. 4). When a predetermined instruction input by the user is detected (Y in S16), the detection is notified to the option display unit 22. If not detected (N in S16), the process waits as it is.

  The option display unit 22 displays a plurality of (hereinafter, four) options A1 to A4 including one option Af corresponding to the final image If on the display 2 in response to detection of a predetermined instruction input (FIG. 4). S20). The predetermined instruction input is, for example, pressing of a predetermined button of the operation input unit 1. In response to the detection of a predetermined instruction input, the score calculation unit 26 stops counting the elapsed time t, and the image transformation unit 18 stops the transformation process (S18 in FIG. 4).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the display 2 on which options A1 to A4 are displayed. The four options A1 to A4 in FIG. 3 are shown as image data, and one of them is an option corresponding to the final image If. Other options A1, A2, and A4 correspond to images other than the final image If recorded in the storage unit 6. The text display unit 28 may display text prompting an answer in the text area 42. With the screen of FIG. 3, the option display unit 22 prompts the user to select one of the options.

  The user selects one option Au considered to correspond to the final image If from the options A1 to A4. The selection may be accepted by operating the cross key of the operation input unit 1 to move the cursor 44 and pressing the enter button at a position close to one option. As a result, the option Au selected by the user is acquired (S22 in FIG. 4).

  The determination unit 24 receives the option Au selected by the user and the option Af corresponding to the final image If. The determination unit 24 determines whether the two options match (S24 in FIG. 4). If they match (Y in S24), the final image If estimated by the user matches the actual final image If, so that the text or image indicating the correct answer is displayed on the display 2, and the game ends.

  If the score is correct, the score calculator 26 calculates a score according to the elapsed time t and displays it on the display 2. The score calculation unit 26 increases the score as the elapsed time t is shorter.

  If the result of determination by the determination unit 24 is a mismatch (N in S24 in FIG. 4), text or an image indicating an incorrect answer is displayed on the display 2. If the answer is incorrect, the deformation process stopped halfway may be resumed (S26 in FIG. 4). Then, a predetermined instruction input may be waited again from the user (S16), and an opportunity for an answer may be given again.

(Second Embodiment)
The game processing technology according to the embodiment may be executed in the first and second terminals used by the first and second users. In the game control according to the second embodiment, the following processing is executed in a situation where the displays of the first terminal and the second terminal are not visible to the user of another terminal. From this point of view, the game system according to the second embodiment is preferably composed of two portable game devices, mobile phone terminals, or the like, or a plurality of computers connected via a network, a stationary type You may comprise with a game terminal.

The following processes A to E executed in the second embodiment correspond to the processes a to e in the first embodiment described above.
A. The first initial image Ii1 is displayed on the display of the first terminal, and the second initial image Ii2 is displayed on the display of the second terminal. For the first terminal, the second initial image Ii2 corresponds to the final image, and for the second terminal, the first initial image Ii1 corresponds to the final image.
B. Based on the mapping data describing the correspondence between the first initial image Ii1 and the second initial image Ii2, time is set so that the first initial image Ii1 displayed on the display of the first terminal asymptotically approaches the second initial image Ii2. And deform together. In synchronism with this, the second initial image Ii2 displayed on the display of the second terminal is deformed with time so as to approach the first initial image Ii1.

  C. During the transformation step, the instruction input from the first user at the first terminal and the instruction input from the second user at the second terminal are monitored. Each monitoring is performed at each terminal.

  D. When a predetermined instruction input by the user of one of the terminals is detected during monitoring, a plurality of options including one option corresponding to the initial image initially displayed on the other terminal is displayed on the display of the one terminal. indicate. Then, the user of the one terminal is prompted to select one of the options. That is, an answer right is given to a user who has previously input a predetermined instruction.

  E. It is determined whether the option selected by the user matches the option corresponding to the initial image displayed on the other terminal.

  The game control method according to the second embodiment is performed by competing that the first and second users each estimate the initial image displayed on the partner terminal before the partner. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the game performance as compared with the first embodiment executed by a single user.

  In the process A, the first initial image Ii1 and the second initial image Ii2 displayed on the first and second terminals may be independently selectable by the first user and the second user, respectively. In this case, since the act of selecting the initial image Ii itself becomes an element that determines the outcome of the game, the game is further enhanced.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the game system 200 according to the second embodiment. The game system 200 includes a first terminal 100a and a second terminal 100b.

  Each of the terminals 100a and 100b has a configuration equivalent to that of the game apparatus 100 of FIG. Each terminal 100a, 100b includes a communication unit 3 for transmitting / receiving data to / from another terminal in addition to the configuration of FIG. Communication via the communication unit 3 may be wired or wireless.

  In the game system 200 of FIG. 5, a game control program is loaded on each of the terminals 100a and 100b. First, in each of the terminals 100a and 100b, the image selection unit 12 selects initial images Ii1 and Ii2. Information regarding the first initial image Ii1 selected by the first terminal 100a is transmitted via the communication unit 3 to be used as the final image If2 by another terminal 100b. Conversely, information regarding the second initial image Ii2 selected by the second terminal 100b is transmitted via the communication unit 3 in order to be used as the first final image If1 by another terminal 100a.

  According to this state, the initial image and the final image are determined in both the terminals 100a and 100b. The mapping data acquisition unit 14 of each terminal acquires mapping data between the initial image and the final image of that terminal. Of the matching methods, different mapping data may be generated when matching with the second image with the first image as a reference and when matching with the first image with the second image as a reference. is there. In this case, different mapping data may be used for each terminal. When the same mapping data is generated, the same mapping data may be used.

  With the above operation, each terminal 100a, 100b is ready to transform each initial image to be close to the final image using the mapping data. Next, the terminals 100a and 100b start the deformation process in synchronization. For example, it is assumed that the initial image Ii1 of the terminal 100a is a cat and the initial image Ii2 of the terminal 100b is a dog. In this case, a deformation state from FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C through FIG. 2B is drawn on the display 2 of the terminal 100a. On the other hand, a state of deformation from FIG. 2C to FIG. 2A through FIG. 2B is drawn on the display 2 of the terminal 100b.

  The users of the terminals 100a and 100b estimate their final images, and input predetermined instructions when they are known. When any user inputs an instruction first, the input monitoring unit 20 detects that. The input monitoring unit 20 transmits detection data indicating that an instruction input has been detected to the other terminal via the communication unit 3. The instruction data is also transmitted to the image deforming unit 18, and the image deforming unit 18 stops the deforming process when receiving the detection data. The detection data transmitted to the other terminal via the communication unit 3 is input to the image transformation unit 18 of the other terminal. When receiving the detection data, the image transformation unit 18 on the other terminal side stops the transformation process. A selection screen shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display of the terminal used by the user who has previously input the instruction. At this time, a similar selection screen may be displayed on the other terminal.

  If the option selected by the user matches the option corresponding to the final image, the user wins and points are added. The points may be based on the elapsed time t counted during the deformation process.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, a game with higher playability can be provided.

  As described above, the embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications can be considered for the configuration and processing steps. Examples are given below.

  In the embodiment, the case has been described where images belonging to the category of animals are used as the initial image Ii and the final image If, but the images are arbitrary. For example, various categories of images such as vehicles such as cars and trains, human faces, and the like may be used. Also, the initial image and the final image need not have the same category.

  In the second embodiment, the speed of the deformation process may be different between the two terminals 100a and 100b. By this processing, an advantage can be given to one user.

In the embodiment, the score calculation unit 26 calculates a score according to the elapsed time t and displays the score on the display 2. However, in the modification, the score calculation unit 26 calculates a score according to the deformation rate α of the image. Also good. Now, when the coordinates of a point in the initial image Ii are (xi, yi) and the coordinates in the final image If corresponding to the point are (xf, yf), the deformation is made in the range of time t = 0 to T. , The coordinates (xm, ym) of the point at any time
(Xm, ym) = (1−α (t)) × (xi, yi) + α (t) × (xf, yf)
Is calculated by interpolation. Here, the deformation rate α (t) is a function of the elapsed time t that satisfies α (0) = 0 and α (T) = 1. In this case, it is difficult to estimate the final image If when the deformation rate α is small, that is, when the deformation rate α is close to the initial image Ii. Therefore, by setting the score according to the deformation rate, it is possible to further improve the game play. In the simplest example, when α (t) is defined as α (t) = t × β using a proportional constant β, the score based on the deformation rate and the score based on the elapsed time t are equivalent.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the embodiments merely illustrate the principle and application of the present invention, and the embodiments are intended to include the idea of the present invention defined in the claims. Many modifications and changes in arrangement are possible within the range not leaving.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the game device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIGS. 2A to 2C are diagrams showing a display of the game apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the display on which the several choice was displayed. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of game control. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the game system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Game device, 1 Operation input part, 2 Display, 4 Memory, 6 Storage part, 10 Control part, 12 Image selection part, 14 Mapping data acquisition part, 16 Initial image display part, 18 Image transformation part, 20 Input monitoring part, 22 option display unit, 24 determination unit, 26 score calculation unit, 28 text display unit, 200 game system.

Claims (8)

A display step for displaying an initial image on the display;
Based on mapping data that describes the correspondence between the final image and the initial image, a deformation step of deforming and displaying the initial image with time so as to be asymptotic to the final image;
A monitoring step of monitoring an instruction input from a user during the deformation step;
In the monitoring step, upon detecting a predetermined instruction input by the user, an input step for prompting the user to select one option from a plurality of options including one option corresponding to the final image;
A determination step of determining whether an option selected by the user matches an option corresponding to the final image;
A game control program for causing a computer to execute.   When the option selected by the user in the input step matches the option corresponding to the final image, the time from the start time of image deformation in the deformation step to the detection time of the predetermined instruction input in the input step The game control program according to claim 1, further comprising a step of calculating a score according to time.   The step of calculating a score according to the deformation rate of the image in the deformation step is further executed when the option selected by the user in the input step matches the option corresponding to the final image. The game control program according to 1. A game control program executed on a first terminal used by a first user and a second terminal used by a second user,
A display step of displaying a first initial image on the display of the first terminal and displaying a second initial image on the display of the second terminal;
Based on the mapping data describing the correspondence between the first initial image and the second initial image, the first initial image displayed on the display of the first terminal is asymptotic to the second initial image. A step of deforming with time and deforming the second initial image displayed on the display of the second terminal in synchronism with the time so that the second initial image is asymptotic to the first initial image;
A monitoring step of monitoring an instruction input from the first user at the first terminal and an instruction input from the second user at the second terminal during the transformation step;
In the monitoring step, when a predetermined instruction input by a user of one of the terminals is detected, a plurality of options including one option corresponding to the initial image initially displayed on the other terminal to the user of the one terminal An input step that prompts the user to select one option from
A determination step of determining whether an option selected by the user matches an option corresponding to an initial image displayed on the other terminal;
A game control program for causing a computer to realize the above. A game control program executed on a first terminal connected to a second terminal,
Displaying the first initial image on the display of the first terminal;
Transmitting information on the first initial image to the second terminal and receiving information on the second initial image displayed on the second terminal from the second terminal;
A deformation step of deforming the first initial image with time so as to be asymptotic to the second initial image based on mapping data describing a correspondence between the first initial image and the second initial image;
A monitoring step of monitoring an instruction input from a user of the first terminal during the transformation step;
An input step for urging the user of the first terminal to select one option from a plurality of options including one option corresponding to the second initial image when detecting a predetermined instruction input by the user in the monitoring step; ,
A determination step of determining whether an option selected by the user matches an option corresponding to the second initial image;
Is executed in synchronism with similar steps in the second terminal. Display,
An initial image display unit for displaying an initial image on the display;
Based on mapping data describing a correspondence between a final image and the initial image, an image deforming unit that deforms the initial image with time so as to be asymptotic to the final image and displays it on the display;
An input unit for receiving an instruction input from the user;
A monitoring unit that monitors an instruction input input to the input unit from the user during the deformation,
When detecting a predetermined instruction input by the user, an input unit that prompts the user to select one option from a plurality of options including one option corresponding to the final image;
A determination unit that determines whether an option selected by the user matches an option corresponding to the final image;
A game apparatus comprising: A display step for displaying an initial image on the display;
Based on mapping data that describes the correspondence between the final image and the initial image, a deformation step of deforming and displaying the initial image with time so as to be asymptotic to the final image;
A monitoring step of monitoring an instruction input from a user during the deformation step;
In the monitoring step, when detecting a predetermined instruction input by the user, an input step for prompting the user to select one option from a plurality of options including one option corresponding to the final image;
A determination step of determining whether an option selected by the user matches an option corresponding to the final image;
A game control method comprising:   A computer-readable storage medium in which the game control program according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is recorded.

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