JP2009028188A - Program, information storage medium and game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method which easily realizes control of a virtual camera so that the image of a character model can be an intended one and enables a reduction in manufacture processes concerning the motion of the character model and the virtual camera. <P>SOLUTION: A subjective camera CM0 and an objective camera CM1 are incorporated as a part of the frame of a skeleton model MS of a character, motion of the subjective camera CM0 and the objective camera CM1 is controlled by motion data same as the parts, such as the arms and the legs. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a program for causing a computer to generate a virtual three-dimensional space image and execute a predetermined game.

In video games using computer graphics in recent years, when an articulated character such as a human being or an animal represented by a polygon model is moved, a motion model (for example, a skeleton) in which character bodies are connected by a joint structure. Model), moving each part of the motion model associated in advance according to the motion data, and placing a part object for display based on the motion model, thereby causing the character to perform a series of actions. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent No. 3380158

  In the case of a first-person viewpoint type video game represented by, for example, FPS (First Person Shooting), the game screen is generally generated based on a game space viewed from the subjective viewpoint of the player character. In addition, in an action game such as FPS, the appearance of another player character is often reflected in the subjectivity of a certain player character, so that the appearance and motion (motion) when the character is viewed objectively Is well known.

  However, a character model (including part objects and motion models) and motion data for realizing a good-looking appearance and movement are produced, and a virtual camera (subjective camera) for a subjective viewpoint is simply created in this character model. ) Is fixed, the parts of the body / body that are unnecessary for the field of vision are reflected, or the virtual camera shakes because of the flashy movement that looks good, making the game screen difficult to see and the operability deteriorated. There are many cases where this happens.

  Therefore, in the past, the game screen with good appearance of the character model when the character model is objectively viewed and the visibility of the game screen when viewing the game space with the subjective view that is the viewpoint of the character model itself are compatible. Therefore, both the subjective and objective motion models for each character model and the motion data for each motion model are both produced, and the camera work for each of the virtual cameras for the subjective viewpoint and the objective viewpoint is added separately. The technique of making has been taken. The number of man-hours for production increases as the number of characters appearing in the game increases, which is a heavy burden in game production.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to easily realize control of a virtual camera such that a photographed image of a character model becomes a desired image, It is to realize a technique capable of reducing the manufacturing process related to the camera motion.

A first invention for solving the above problem is a program for causing a computer to generate a virtual three-dimensional space image and to execute a predetermined game,
A model having a joint structure (for example, a hierarchical structure of one player character CP1 and two player characters CP2 in FIG. 3 and one player character CP1 and two player characters CP2 in FIG. 4) and a virtual camera (subjective camera CM0 and objective camera in FIG. 3). CM1) as a part of the skeleton, model forming means for forming a model having a joint structure corresponding to the virtual camera (for example, character model data 514 in FIG. 12),
Model placement means for placing the model formed by the model formation means in the virtual three-dimensional space (for example, the processing unit 200, the model placement control unit 212 in FIG. 12, step S4 in FIG. 15),
Model motion control means (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, the model motion control unit 218, and step S16 in FIG. 15) for controlling the motion of the model placed by the model placement means integrally with the plurality of virtual cameras.
A program for causing a computer to function as image generation means (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, the image generation unit 260, and step S22 in FIG. 15) that generates an image of the virtual three-dimensional space viewed from the virtual camera. is there.

  A fourteenth aspect of the invention is a game apparatus for generating a virtual three-dimensional space image and executing a predetermined game, wherein a virtual camera is incorporated as a part of a skeleton in a model having a joint structure, and the virtual camera is incorporated into the virtual camera. Model forming means for forming a model having a corresponding joint structure, model placing means for placing the model formed by the model forming means in the virtual three-dimensional space, and the plurality of models placed by the model placing means A model motion control means for controlling the movement integrally with the virtual camera, and an image generation means for generating an image of the virtual three-dimensional space viewed from the virtual camera.

According to the first and fourteenth inventions, since the virtual camera is incorporated into a part of the skeleton of the model having a joint structure, the motion of the virtual camera is controlled in the same manner as operating the arms and legs. Can be controlled. Thus, an image (game space image) in a virtual three-dimensional space can be generated with this virtual camera as a viewpoint.
Therefore, since each virtual camera can be controlled as a part of the character model, the control of the virtual camera can be simplified, and the production process relating to the motion of the character model and the virtual camera can be reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the model forming means causes the computer to function so that a plurality of virtual cameras are incorporated as part of the skeleton of the model and formed as a model having a joint structure corresponding to each virtual camera. Virtual camera selection means (for example, the processing unit 200 of FIG. 12, virtual camera selection) that selects a virtual camera that captures the virtual three-dimensional space from a plurality of virtual cameras that are part of the skeleton of the arranged model. Unit 222, step S20) of FIG.
The program according to the first invention for causing the computer to function so that the image generation means generates an image of the virtual three-dimensional space viewed from the selected virtual camera.

  According to the second invention, the same effect as the first invention can be obtained, and a virtual camera is selected from a plurality of virtual cameras incorporated in a part of the model to generate an image in the virtual three-dimensional space. It can be a viewpoint. By simply changing the position, orientation, movement, shooting angle of view, etc. for each virtual camera and selecting the appropriate virtual camera, the angle and composition for shooting the model can be switched freely.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided switching status detecting means for detecting that the current progress status of the game satisfies a camera switching status condition for detecting that the game is in a status of switching to a specific virtual camera (for example, FIG. 12). The processing unit 200, step S10 in FIG. 15) causes the computer to function, and the virtual camera selection means causes the computer to function so as to select the specific virtual camera in response to detection by the switching status detection means. This is a program of the second invention.

  According to the third aspect, the same effect as the second aspect can be achieved, and a specific virtual camera can be selected according to the current progress of the game. In other words, even if the motion of the model is the same, it is possible to set how to copy the model according to various situations. Therefore, it is possible to increase the variation of how to show the image with fewer steps without providing a model motion for each situation.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of types of motion data in which movement of each joint structure of the model including joint structures corresponding to each of the plurality of virtual cameras is defined are prepared in advance, and the model motion control unit is Motion data selection means for selecting motion data to be applied to the model from the plurality of types of motion data in accordance with the model operation instruction input by the player input to the controller (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, motion data) 15 is a program according to the second or third aspect of the invention for causing the computer to function so as to control the operation of the model in accordance with the selected motion data.

In the conventional game production process, the motion of a character is set by a specialized motion designer with a rich visual sense, and the camera work of a virtual camera that shoots it is usually produced by another staff in a separate process.
However, according to the fourth invention, the same effects as those of the second or third invention can be obtained, and a plurality of types of motion data can be prepared and a motion can be selected according to an operation input from the game controller. , Character movement can be controlled by selecting motion data. That is, the motion of the virtual camera can be set for each motion of the character. Therefore, when setting the motion of the character, it is possible to set the motion of the virtual camera that reflects the motion of the character more effectively, which can further reduce the game production man-hours and improve the game performance quality. Can be increased.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the model motion control means determines whether or not there is motion data being applied to the model when the model motion instruction is input to the controller. Means (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, the game calculation unit 210, step S12 in FIG. 15),
When it is determined by the applying motion presence / absence determination means that the motion data being applied and the motion data selected as the motion data to be applied by the motion data selection means, Motion interpolation control means (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, the motion interpolation unit 216, and step S14 in FIG. 15) for controlling the operation of the model by interpolating the movement of the model including each of the plurality of virtual cameras; A program according to a fourth aspect of the invention for causing the computer to function.

  According to the fifth invention, the same effect as that of the fourth invention is achieved, and when there is motion data being applied to the model, the motion data selection unit selects the motion data currently being applied. The model movement can be complemented and linked to the next movement based on the motion data. This motion interpolation naturally includes “motion (conventional camera work)” of a virtual camera which is a part of the joint structure. Therefore, even if the character motion is switched, the motion of the virtual camera is automatically interpolated accordingly, so that free camera work without failure can be realized even across the motion switching. Such an effect cannot be realized by the conventional configuration in which the motion of the character and the camera work of the virtual camera are controlled by different systems.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided interference between the virtual camera whose operation is controlled as a part of the model by the model motion control unit according to the selected motion data, and another object arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space. Interference determination means for determining (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, the camera position correction unit 220, step S50 in FIG. 16), and the position of the virtual camera that avoids interference when it is determined by the interference determination means Non-interference position search calculation means (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, the camera position correction unit 220, step S54 in FIG. 16), and when the interference determination means determines that interference occurs, Camera position correction for correcting the position based on the motion data to the position searched by the non-interference position search calculation means Stage (e.g., processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, camera position correcting unit 220, step S56 in FIG. 16) is the fourth or fifth program invention for the computer to function as a.

  According to the sixth invention, the same effect as that of the fourth or fifth invention is achieved, and the virtual camera interferes with another object arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space as a result of the operation being controlled as a part of the model. In this case, the position of the virtual camera that avoids the interference can be obtained by searching for and corrected to that position. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a polygon or the like of another object that interferes with the virtual camera appears on the screen.

  In a seventh aspect, the computer functions so that the non-interference position search calculation means searches and calculates a position that satisfies a predetermined empty space condition as a free space condition from a predetermined range around the virtual camera. The program of the 6th invention for this.

  According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to correct the position of the virtual camera by searching for an empty space that has the same effect as the sixth aspect and satisfies a predetermined condition. Therefore, it can correct | amend to an appropriate position by imaging | photography by setting the condition of empty space appropriately.

  In an eighth aspect of the invention, the plurality of virtual cameras include at least two of a subjective camera corresponding to at least a first-person viewpoint of the model and an objective camera that captures the model from a third-person viewpoint. The motion control means sets the position of the subjective camera in or near a first-person viewpoint part predetermined as a first-person viewpoint part of the model among the parts constituting the model, When the subjective camera is selected by the virtual camera selection unit, the image generation unit controls an operation of the virtual three-dimensional space image viewed from the subjective camera without displaying the first-person viewpoint part. A program according to any one of the second to seventh inventions for causing the computer to function.

  According to the eighth invention, the same effects as those of the second to seventh inventions are achieved, and an unnecessary part is not captured in the photographed image while setting the subjective camera in a more suitable first person viewpoint. can do.

  According to a ninth aspect, the plurality of virtual cameras include at least two of a subjective camera corresponding to at least a first-person viewpoint of the model and an objective camera that captures the model from a third-person viewpoint. As the situation condition match detection means (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12 and step S20 in FIG. 15) for detecting that the situation matches a situation condition predetermined as a condition of an advantageous or disadvantageous situation for the model. The computer is caused to function, and the virtual camera selection unit selects the objective camera in response to the detection by the situation condition match detection unit (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12 and the processing unit 200 in FIG. 15). Step S20, the invention according to any one of the second to eighth inventions for causing the computer to function so as to have the advantage / disadvantage state 532p) of FIG. Is a program.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the same effects as in any of the second to eighth aspects of the invention can be achieved, and a camera screen with an objective viewpoint according to the situation can be realized to realize a camera work that makes it easier to grasp the situation. can do.

In a tenth aspect of the invention, the game is a game whose progress is controlled by the model attacking or receiving an attack,
The plurality of virtual cameras include at least a subjective camera corresponding to the first person viewpoint of the model (for example, subjective camera CM0 in FIG. 5), and an objective camera at the time of attack that captures the model from the third person viewpoint when the model is attacked (for example, 5 and objective camera at the time of attack (for example, objective camera CM1 in FIG. 5) that captures the model from a third person viewpoint when the model is attacked. And
Attack detection means for detecting that the model attacks (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, step S10 in FIG. 15),
Attack detection means for detecting that the model is attacked (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, step S10 in FIG. 15),
The virtual camera selection unit selects the objective camera at the time of attack in response to detection by the attack detection unit, and functions the computer to select the objective camera at the time of attack in response to detection by the attacked detection unit. This is a program according to any one of the second to eighth inventions.

  According to the tenth invention, the objective camera has the same effects as any of the second to eighth inventions, and according to the time when the character is attacking and when the character is under attack. Therefore, camera work suitable for the situation related to the attack can be realized.

In an eleventh aspect of the invention, the first game controlled according to the operation input of the first player and the second model controlled or computer controlled according to the operation input of the second player attack each other to play a battle. A game,
For each of the first model and the second model, the model forming unit captures a subjective camera corresponding to the first person viewpoint of the model and a third person viewpoint when the model is attacked. Make the computer function to form a model by incorporating at least two objective cameras as part of the skeleton,
Causing the computer to function as first model attack detection means (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, step S10 in FIG. 15) for detecting an attack on the second model by the first model;
Any one of the second to tenth functions for causing the computer to function so that the virtual camera selection means selects the second model attacked objective camera in response to the detection by the first model attack detection means It is a program of the invention.

  According to the eleventh invention, the same effects as those of the second to tenth inventions can be obtained, and the second model that has been attacked is attacked even though the first model is attacking. A game screen from the viewpoint of the objective camera is displayed. Since the situation where the second model is being played is displayed on the game screen, it is possible to produce a video effect that makes the first player on the attacking side feel refreshed.

In a twelfth aspect of the invention, the game is controlled by a first model controlled according to the operation input of the first player and a second model controlled or computer controlled according to the operation input of the second player attacking each other. A game in which the model formation means takes a subjective camera corresponding to a first person view of the model and an objective object during an attack in which the model is photographed from a third person view when the model is attacked, for each of the first model and the second model Causing the computer to function as a model by incorporating at least two cameras (for example, objective camera CM1 in FIG. 7) as part of the skeleton;
Causing the computer to function as second model attack detection means (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12 and step S10 in FIG. 15) for detecting an attack on the first model by the second model;
Any one of the second to eleventh inventions for causing the virtual camera selection means to function the computer so as to select the objective camera at the time of attack of the second model in response to the detection by the second model attack detection means. It is a program.

  According to the twelfth invention, the same effects as those of the second to eleventh inventions can be obtained, and the objective camera on the side of the first model that has made the attack is pointed out even though the first model was attacked. Will be displayed. The game screen shows an image of the attacking first model seen from an objective viewpoint, so that the first player on the attacked side can enjoy a more humiliating feeling, You can improve the emotion during the battle.

  A thirteenth invention is a computer-readable information storage medium storing a program according to any one of the first to twelfth 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 thirteenth invention, by causing a computer to read and execute the program of any one of the first to twelfth inventions, the computer exhibits the same effect as any one of the first to twelfth inventions. Can be made.

  According to the present invention, since a virtual camera is incorporated into a model having a joint structure to form the model, the motion of the virtual camera can be controlled in the same manner as operating the arms and legs. . Therefore, since the virtual camera can be controlled as a part of the model, it is not necessary to separately produce the virtual camera motion separately from the character motion as in the conventional case, and the control of the virtual camera can be simplified. At the same time, it is possible to reduce the production process related to the motion of the character model and the virtual camera.

  Hereinafter, as an embodiment to which the present invention is applied, an example will be described in which an action game based on a first person viewpoint is executed in a battle format in which two players participate simultaneously in a home game device.

[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 game device main body 1201 of the home game device 1200 includes, for example, a control unit 1210 in which a CPU, an image processing LSI, an IC memory, and the like are mounted, and information storage medium reading devices 1206 and 1208 such as an optical disk 1202 and a memory card 1204. Prepare. Then, the home game device 1200 reads the game program and various setting data from the optical disk 1202 and the memory card 1204, and performs various game calculations and game images in the control unit 1210 based on operation inputs made to the game controller 1230. And a game sound generation process, and a given video game is executed.

  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), electrical and electronic equipment such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an IC memory, and the like. Each part of the game device 1200 is controlled.

  The control unit 1210 includes a communication device 1212. The communication device 1212 is connected to a communication line 1 such as the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a WAN (Wide Area Network) by a wired connection or a wireless connection, and realizes data communication with an external device.

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

  The game controller 1230 includes a plurality of push button switches 1232 provided on the upper surface of the controller used for determination and cancellation of selection, timing input, and the like, push button switches 1233 provided on the side surfaces, and up, down, left, and right as illustrated. Are provided with a direction input key 1234 for inputting each of these directions independently, a right analog lever 1236, and a left analog lever 1238.

  The right analog lever 1236 and the left analog lever 1238 are direction input devices capable of simultaneously inputting the two axial directions of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction as shown in the figure. Normally, the game controller 1230 is held with the left and right hands, and the levers 1236a and 1238a are operated with their thumbs attached. By tilting the levers 1236a and 1238a, it is possible to input an arbitrary direction including a biaxial component and an arbitrary operation amount corresponding to the tilting amount of the lever. In addition, any analog lever can be used as a push switch by pushing it in the axial direction of the lever from a neutral state where no operation is input.

  In this embodiment, the right analog lever 1236 is used to operate the first-person viewpoint of the player character, and the left analog lever 1238 is used to operate the player character's front / back / left / right movement. Further, the left and right horizontal movements are operated with the push buttons 1233 and 1233, respectively, and an instruction operation for attacking with a sword against enemies within a predetermined attack possible range is input from the player character with a predetermined switch of the push button switches 1232. . In another switch, an instruction operation for firing a machine gun forward is input, and in another switch, an instruction operation for performing a defensive operation by a defense posture is input.

  The game program and various setting data necessary for game execution may be connected to the communication line 1 via the communication device 1212 and downloaded from an external device. Here, the communication line means a communication path through which data can be exchanged. That is, the communication line includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), and a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet. In addition, the communication method may be wired or wireless.

[Description of game outline]
Next, an outline of the game in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 2 is a game screen diagram showing a screen display example in the present embodiment. The video game of this embodiment is a battle-type action game based on a first-person viewpoint game screen. Various obstacle objects 4 are arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space to form a game space. One player character PC1 (for example, a battle robot) operated by one player and two player characters PC2 (for example, operated by two players) And a polygon model of a plurality of enemy characters EC controlled by a computer. Then, a game image is generated based on a game space image obtained by photographing a state in the game space with a virtual camera, and is displayed on the image display device 1222.

  In the present embodiment, on the image display device 1222, a first game image W1 for one player is displayed in the upper half of the screen divided into two vertically, and a second game image W2 for two players is displayed in the lower half. . Since the video game of the present embodiment is an action game from the first person perspective, as shown in the figure, basically, the subjective viewpoint of one player character PC1 is displayed on the first game screen W1, and the two player character PC2 is displayed on the second game screen W2. Various information displays necessary for the progress of the game such as the radar display 6 and the remaining stage number display 8 of the machine gun are added to the game space images photographed by the respective virtual cameras serving as the subjective viewpoints.

  Both players operate each other's player characters and respond to the attack from the enemy character EC with a sword or machine gun (a weapon that has a wider attack range than the sword but with a small amount of damage that can be done at a time). If you search and attack and defeat the opponent first, the game is cleared. If the opponent is defeated or the damage received by the attack of the enemy character EC exceeds the hit point, the game is over.

[Principle of character and virtual camera control]
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of the character model of the player character in this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hierarchical structure example of the skeleton model in the present embodiment.
As shown in these figures, the character models of both player characters are parts of parts such as the torso, arms, and head that make up the appearance of the character's enclosure 20 based on a skeleton model MS that is hierarchically structured based on the route 22. Objects are arranged and formed. Furthermore, the character model in the present embodiment includes a plurality of virtual cameras such as the subjective camera CM0 and the objective camera CM1 in the skeleton model MS as a layer next to the root as a part of the skeleton. Yes. That is, the character model is a model having a joint structure, and a virtual camera is incorporated as a part of the skeleton, and is formed as a model including a joint structure corresponding to each virtual camera.

  The movement of the chassis 20 of each player character is realized in the same manner as an action game using known motion data. Specifically, the type of motion is selected based on the operation input from the game controller 1230 and the progress of the game, and the skeleton model MS operates in units of frames based on the motion data associated with the selected motion. Be controlled. Each part object is arranged at a corresponding position in the skeleton model, so that the character represented by the polygon performs a series of motions (motion) in the game space. In addition, in the present embodiment, the virtual cameras (subjective camera CM0, objective camera CM1) are also structured by being incorporated into a part of the skeleton model, so that the motion of the character's arms and legs is controlled in the same manner. The motion of the virtual camera is also controlled with the same motion data.

  Conventionally, the virtual camera is treated as an independent entity that is not linked to the character model, and the camera's own movement and posture change camera work is defined separately from the character's motion in a separate process from the character model production process. In this embodiment, the virtual camera is also managed with one motion data in the same manner as the operation of each part of the character. Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of virtual cameras are incorporated in a part of the skeleton model, and therefore, in the motion data in the present embodiment, a use camera that designates a virtual camera to be used for generating a game screen for each motion frame Contains configuration information. Note that the number and use of virtual cameras that are hierarchically structured together with the character model can be set as appropriate.

  For example, FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the motion setting of the player character in this embodiment, and shows an example of walking motion. FIG. 6 is a data configuration diagram illustrating an example of motion data of walking motion.

In the walking motion in the present embodiment, the movement of the player character's body for one step on the right foot and one step on the left foot is defined. While the predetermined forward operation is input from the game controller 1230, the player character can walk forward by repeatedly executing this walking motion.
Similar to the conventional action game, this walking motion is set with appearance priority in order to make the robot walk with a heavy feeling when the player character is viewed objectively. For example, there is a slight up-and-down movement (image of the arrow line L1 in the figure) rather than a live human walk, and an action effect is provided so as to have a slight awkwardness.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the motion data 532 in this embodiment is prepared for each motion data type 532a, and in order to define a series of operations of the housing 20, the frame number 532b and the joint angle for each joint at the time of the frame 532c is stored. The format of the motion data 532 is not limited to the format for defining the angle of the joint, but may be a configuration defined by coordinate values such as a three-dimensional relative position coordinate with respect to the route 22 of each joint or other formats.

  The subjective camera CM0 is a camera that becomes a subjective viewpoint for realizing the first person viewpoint game, and is set in or near the head of the player character that is the first person viewpoint part. In the subjective camera CM0, photographing conditions are set so as to photograph with a wide-angle lens so as to obtain a relatively wide field of view in order to secure a field of view. In the present embodiment, the motion data 532 is the subjective non-display part 532d and the subjective camera CM0 so that the shoulder and chest are not captured and the screen becomes difficult to see as the subjective camera CM0 captures a wide angle. A part object that hides a polygon when a game space image is generated based on the above is defined.

The movements of the subjective camera CM0 up and down and back and forth are set independently regardless of the up / down, left / right and front / back swings of the housing 20 symbolized by the arrow line L1 in FIG. In principle, as shown in FIG. 4, the subjective camera CM0 and the objective camera CM1 are located in a layer immediately below the root 22 of each joint of the character, and are not located in a layer subordinate to the character's chassis 20. . For this reason, in the subjective camera CM0 and the objective camera CM1, it is possible to set a motion that is separated from the motion of the housing 20 and is not driven by the motion of the housing 20. In the example of walking this time, a movement like the arrow line L2 in FIG. 5 is set.
Of course, what is set here is the three-dimensional position of the subjective camera CM0 from the route 22. The orientation of the subjective camera CM0 is the target of the line-of-sight direction operation from the game controller 1230 as in the known first-person viewpoint game. Therefore, the motion data 532 associates the frame number 532a with the three-dimensional relative to the route 22 at the time of the frame. The motion of the camera is defined by the position coordinate Pc0 (FIG. 6; 532e).

  The objective camera CM1 is set so as to photograph the whole body and its surroundings from obliquely upward. The objective camera CM1 is a camera that is used as an objective viewpoint in which the line-of-sight direction is not changed in accordance with the player's operation input, so that the objective camera CM1 is arranged toward the line-of-sight direction designed at the position designed with respect to the route 22. The vertical movement and the forward / backward movement are not generated. The design of the line-of-sight direction means that the posture is determined by the intention of the game producer, and in the motion data 532, the three-dimensional relative position coordinate Pc1 with respect to the route 22 is associated with the frame number 532a. It is defined by a posture angle θc1 around three axes (FIG. 6; 532f).

In addition, the motion data 532 according to the present embodiment is used to define which virtual camera is used at which timing among virtual cameras included in the skeleton model MS as a viewpoint for generating a game space image at the time of executing the motion. It includes camera setting information 532g.
In the present embodiment, the use camera setting information 532g stores a plurality of settings corresponding to different camera motion selection conditions, and the game progress status and the player character status are either in light of the preset selection conditions. Is selected. In the example of the figure, the subjective camera CM0 is set over all frames as a standard setting (standard 532n). Further, the objective camera CM1 is set over the entire frame as a setting for selecting the player character in an advantageous or unfavorable situation (advantageous / disadvantaged state 532p).

  In this embodiment, the “advantageous or unfavorable situation” referred to here is a setting in which the character is under a machine gun attack and the objective camera is used as the objective camera at the time of attack. However, it is not limited to this, and other situations such as a situation where the enemy character EC is approaching a predetermined distance, a situation where a specific item to be protected is carried, and a battle must be carried while covering the item. An unfavorable state (situation) may be a condition. It is also possible to increase the number of virtual cameras and set the objective camera increased in an advantageous situation to be used as an objective camera during an attack. On the other hand, as advantageous situations, for example, when you are walking with a machine gun attack, or when you are higher than the enemy, if there is an ally character in the game settings, the ally character is nearby Etc. may be set.

  As described above, as the selection setting of the virtual camera incorporated in the skeleton model, the setting of the motion data is performed by setting the objective camera CM1 as the viewpoint when the specific situation condition (camera switching situation condition) is met. As a result, it is possible to realize a mechanism for notifying the player that the situation has changed from the standard time as a change in viewpoint, so that a change or addition of conditions can be realized without increasing the man-hours for changing the program.

  In addition, when using a cut that the player character walks when the player character is automatically operated away from the player operation, such as a movie cut (movie scene) inserted during the game, the character model is already set. By simply selecting the objective camera CM1 as a viewpoint, it is possible to easily generate a cut that objectively captures the walking of the player character without separately preparing a dedicated model or dedicated motion (including both character and virtual camera). Can do.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a special attack (SP attack) motion in the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a data configuration diagram showing a setting example of corresponding motion data.
The special attack motion is activated when a special attack operation is input from the game controller 1230 and it is determined that the attack is hit. The player character slashes the attack target with a sword and makes it a one-shot killing technique. Defeat.

  The subjective camera CM0 is given a motion so as to move forward from the player character's head toward the assumed attack target position 26 while keeping an eye on the attack target. The objective camera CM1 corresponds to an objective camera at the time of an attack, and shoots the whole body while turning from the right side of the character to the left through the rear, and further licks the attack target from behind the assumed position of the attack target and displays the player character. Motion is added to move to a position where you can shoot.

  The video shot by the subjective camera CM0 zooms up with an appropriate shake while the sword is swung down on the attack target, and it is possible to produce an effect that causes the player to watch the attack target to be destroyed. In addition, the video shot by the first subjective camera CM1 is a shot of a player character pose over an attacking object that collapses (for example, over the shoulder), with a flashy sword swinging around the attacking object. , Can produce a powerful special attack.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the motion data 532 of the SP attack motion, for each frame number 532b, the joint angle 532c, the position coordinate Pc0 (532e) of the subjective camera CM0, the position coordinate Pc1 of the objective camera CM1, and the three axes The attitude angle θc1 (532f) is stored in association with each other.
In the use camera setting 532g, the subjective camera CM0 is selected from the start to the 90th frame, and the objective camera CM1 is selected after the 90th frame. In other words, the camera is switched while the SP attack motion is applied, and the SP attack can be rendered more suitably.

  FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a player character motion setting in the present embodiment, and an example of a “momented motion” that is applied when an action becomes impossible due to damage exceeding a predetermined hit point. Is shown. FIG. 10 is a data configuration diagram illustrating an example of the motion data of the beat motion.

  In the done motion, the frame 20 is given a motion so as to express a state in which the body 20 is damaged so as to be incapable of action, and is broken as if it is folded back while folding the knee. The subjective camera CM0 is set at the head or in the vicinity thereof, but the camera motion is set apart from the shaking that the housing 20 collapses violently. The objective camera corresponds to the objective camera at the time of attack, and is moved from an obliquely forward position of the character to a position where the entire body of the side is photographed, and further moved downward to fall with the housing 20 while falling.

  The game space image based on the subjective camera CM0 is a video in which the state of the field of view that collapses due to damage exceeding the limit is projected with appropriate vibration that does not cause screen sickness. The game space image based on the objective camera CM1 is an objective image of the character falling down like a collapsed character, but it turns into a video that turns around behind and the frame 20 falls forward, and visually displays the powerful “being” Can be directed.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the motion data 532 of “Yeared motion” in the present embodiment, a plurality of types of use camera settings are defined, and the situation conditions predetermined as the conditions for the advantageous or unfavorable situation of the character are defined. Any one setting is selected when a match is detected.

  In this embodiment, two camera settings are set. One is a setting that is applied in a standard state in which the accumulation of fine damage finally exceeds the hit point and becomes inoperable (standard 532h). In the example of the figure, the subjective camera CM0 is set up to 89 frames from the start, and the objective camera CM1 is set up from the 90th frame. Based on the use camera setting (standard 532h) in the standard state, the video can be switched so that the camera can be objectively viewed from the subjectivity in which the field of view collapses.

  The other is a setting that is applied in an SP attack state in which the player character receives a special attack as in the previous SP attack and is shot down with a single blow (SP attack 532j). ). In the SP attack state, the objective camera CM1 in the SP attack motion of the character on the attack side is set to be selected.

  In this way, the virtual camera that becomes the viewpoint of the attacked side in a specific situation condition can be selected from the objective camera of the attacking side, so that it can be freely controlled regardless of the relative positional relationship between the attacking character and the attacking character. It is possible to realize a camera work and produce a scene desired to be shown by, for example, an SP attack.

  For example, FIG. 11 shows a specific example related to the SP attack. This figure is a conceptual diagram for explaining the setting of the camera to be used in the case of receiving an SP attack, and shows a situation where it is determined that the SP attack of one player character PC1 hits the two player character PC2. One player character PC1 and attached virtual cameras (CM0, CM1) are moved in accordance with the SP attack motion described above, and a video based on the viewpoint based on the SP attack motion use camera setting 532g is displayed on the game screen for one player. (See FIG. 8). On the other hand, the two-player character PC2 and the attached virtual camera CM (not shown) are controlled to move according to the previously performed motion. Since the SP attack 532j with the use camera setting 532g is applied to the game screen for two players, the video is viewed from the objective camera CM1 defined by the motion of the attacking character.

  As described above, the SP attack motion objective camera CM1 captures the front of the player character with the attack target assumed position 26 in between. Therefore, a specific effect is realized such that the two player character PC2 is licked and the determined pose of the one player character PC1 is photographed while the SP player is subjected to the SP attack regardless of the orientation of the two player character PC2 when subjected to the SP attack. One player can feel refreshed, two players can feel humiliated, and the game can be raised.

  In this embodiment, the setting of the use camera setting 532g is selected under an unfavorable situation condition. However, an advantageous situation condition (for example, equipped with special weapons, located at a position higher than the attacking opponent, predetermined around when attacking) The setting of the used camera setting 532g may be selectable depending on the presence of an ally character in the range. The situation condition may be configured to be stored separately as table data and referred to, or may be determined to branch in the program.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in a game in which a character is controlled using motion data, the character model is hierarchically structured including the virtual camera. Can be controlled.
In the first place, it has been necessary to prepare different character models with different types of part objects arranged corresponding to the skeleton model MS for the subjective viewpoint and the objective viewpoint, and to set motion data corresponding to each. The reason is that if the virtual camera for the subjective viewpoint is simply fixed to the motion of the character's skeleton that has been flashyly produced as if it was viewed objectively, the subjective video will shake greatly, or part of the skeleton will be unnecessarily This is because there was a problem of being reflected.

  However, according to the present embodiment, by setting the motion of the subjective camera appropriately, it is possible to set the motion at a position where the reflection is avoided without being moved by shaking the housing. Therefore, as in the past, a character model for an objective viewpoint and a camera work of a virtual camera for an objective viewpoint are prepared, and a model for a subjective viewpoint and a virtual camera for a subjective viewpoint in which a portion that may be reflected is deleted. It is not necessary to prepare the camera work, so the man-hours for game production can be greatly reduced.

  In addition, the structure of the character model including the virtual camera is hierarchically structured, and the virtual camera is also controlled by motion data in the same way as the chassis, so that the motion of the chassis and the motion of the virtual camera can be created in the same process. become. In other words, it is possible to set the motion (camera work) of the virtual camera how the motion designer will add the motion of the body and show it. Therefore, compared to the case where the motion of the virtual camera that captures the motion of the chassis produced by the motion designer in a separate process is set by another staff as before, the production intended by the motion designer is easier and higher quality. Can be realized.

  In addition, the processing load can be reduced during the game. In other words, if a video game is performed in which the screen is divided into two and played by two players at the same time as in the present embodiment, the other player character can be objectively viewed on one subjective game screen. . In this case, in the conventional processing, it is necessary to move a total of four character models with different motion data, resulting in a high processing load.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, it is only necessary to move two bodies of one player character and two player characters with respective motion data and display images of respective subjective cameras on respective divided screens. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of man-hours for model production and the setting of motion to half, and the processing load during game execution can be greatly improved. Even if there is a case where the viewability of the screen cannot be ensured only by setting the motion of the subjective camera, the motion of the chassis and the motion of the camera part will be set at the same time, so the motion designer will Since the motion can be partially changed to balance the production purpose and the visibility of the screen, the labor of the work can be reduced.

[Description of functional block]
Next, a functional configuration for realizing the video game as described above will be described.
FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the present embodiment includes an operation input unit 100, a processing unit 200, a sound emitting unit 350, an image display unit 360, a communication unit 370, and a storage unit 500.

  The operation input unit 100 outputs an operation input signal to the processing unit 200 in accordance with various operation inputs made by the player. In FIG. 1, the game controller 1230 corresponds to the operation input unit 100.

The processing unit 200 is realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and an IC memory, for example. Data is exchanged with each function unit of the game apparatus 1200 including the operation input unit 100 and the storage unit 500. Are input and output, and various arithmetic processes are executed on the basis of predetermined programs and data and operation input signals from the operation input unit 100 to control the operation of the game apparatus 1200. In FIG. 1, the control unit 1210 built in the game apparatus main body 1201 corresponds to the processing unit 200.
The processing unit 200 in this embodiment includes a game calculation unit 210, a sound generation unit 250, an image generation unit 260, and a communication control unit 270.

  Specifically, the game calculation unit 210 includes a model arrangement control unit 212, a motion data selection unit 214, a motion interpolation unit 216, a model motion control unit 218, and a virtual camera selection unit 222. Various processes are performed.

  The model arrangement control unit 212 executes processing related to model arrangement and movement. For example, in the present embodiment, a process of forming the obstacle object 4 or the like in the virtual three-dimensional space that is the game space, a process of moving the player character in the game space in response to an operation input from the game controller 1230, a predetermined A process of moving the enemy character in the game space according to the thinking routine is executed.

  The motion selection unit 214 selects the type of motion applied to each character. The motion selection method can be realized in the same manner as a video game using a known first-person viewpoint.

  The motion interpolation unit 216 creates motion data of interpolated motion from different motion data before and after switching, in order to smoothly connect and move from the middle of the motion being applied to the character to another different motion. In the present embodiment, since the character model includes a virtual camera, the motion of the virtual camera is also subject to motion interpolation in the same manner as the case portion. It should be noted that known techniques can be used as appropriate for the motion interpolation method and the interpolation motion format.

  The model motion control unit 218 controls the motion of the character's body and the virtual camera based on the motion data of the selected motion and the interpolation motion. The present embodiment further includes a camera position correction unit 220 that corrects the position when the virtual camera interferes with another object.

  The virtual camera selection unit 222 refers to the use camera setting 532g of the motion data 532 selected by the motion data selection unit 214, and generates a game space image while a motion based on the motion data is activated. Select a virtual camera to use as a viewpoint. At this time, when the use camera setting 532g includes a plurality of settings, such as the above-described walking motion and beating motion, the state of the operation input from the operation input unit 100 or the character is placed. Select one of a plurality of settings depending on whether the game progress status including the situation meets the selection conditions of each setting, and select the virtual camera defined in the currently executing frame with the selected setting .

  The sound generation unit 250 is realized by a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or its control program, for example, and generates sound signals of game sound effects, BGM, and various operation sounds based on the processing result of the game calculation unit 210. And output to the sound emitting unit 350.

  The sound emitting unit 350 is realized by a device that outputs sound effects, BGM, and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generating unit 250. In FIG. 1, the speaker 1224 of the video monitor 1220 corresponds to this.

  The image generation unit 260 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP), its control program, a drawing frame IC memory such as a frame buffer, and the like. The image generation unit 260 generates a game image based on the game space photographed by the virtual camera selected by the virtual camera selection unit 262 at one frame rate (for example, 30 fps) based on the processing result by the game calculation unit 210, The image signal of the generated game image is output to the image display unit 360 to display the image.

  The image display unit 360 displays various game images 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 image display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted image display device. In FIG. 1, the image display device 1222 of the video monitor 1220 corresponds.

  The communication control unit 270 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 370.

  The communication unit 370 connects to the communication line 2 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a cable communication cable jack, a control circuit, and the like, and the communication device 1212 corresponds to this in FIG.

  The storage unit 500 stores 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 necessary for executing a game, various data, and the like. . Further, it is used as a work area of the processing unit 200, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the processing unit 200 according to various programs, input data input from the operation unit 100, and the like. 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 stores game space setting data 510, character initial setting data 512, and a motion data library 522 as data prepared in advance. When the motion selection unit 214 refers to the table data in which the selection condition and the motion type are previously associated with the motion selection, the motion selection condition TBL (table) 524 may be appropriately prepared and stored in advance. . Furthermore, character status data 526 and motion management data 528 are stored as data that can be rewritten as the game progresses. Further, a timer value necessary for executing a process related to the progress of the game, various parameter values necessary for calculating the game result, and the like are also stored.

The game space setting data 510 stores various data for forming a game space in the virtual space. For example, model data, texture data, and motion data relating to an arrangement including a ground surface, a building, and an obstacle on which the player character PC moves are included.
The character initial setting data 512 stores various initial parameter values and character model data 514 relating to the player character and the enemy character, respectively.
The motion data library 522 stores the motion data 532 so as to be freely searchable and readable according to the character type and the motion type.

  The character status data 526 stores the current parameter values of the current position, motion state, and ability value of each character. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the route coordinates 526b of each character, the route speed 526c that is the current moving speed of the route, the current hit point 526d, the remaining number of bullets 526e, and the like are stored in association with the character identification information 526a. . In addition, model management information 526f including information such as the position and orientation of the part object and virtual camera that form the body of each character is stored as appropriate.

  The motion management data 528 stores information for managing the motion being applied to each character. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, information such as the motion type 528b and the execution frame number 528c applied to each character is stored in association with the character identification information 528a. In addition, when switching to another motion during the application of motion, information necessary for motion management, such as storing the type of motion to be applied next, is stored as appropriate.

[Description of operation]
Next, the operation of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the present embodiment. The processing described here is realized by the processing unit 200 reading and executing the system program 501 and the game program 502.

  As shown in the figure, the processing unit 200 first refers to the game space setting data 510 and the character initial setting data 512 to arrange the obstacle object 4 and the like in the virtual three-dimensional space to form a game space (step S2), 1 player character PC1, 2 player character PC2 and enemy character EC are arranged in the formed game space (step S4). At this time, for the 1-player character PC1 and the 2-player character PC2, the housing 20, the subjective camera CM0, and the objective camera CM1 are arranged based on one route 22, respectively. However, since the virtual camera is not a display target, it is a matter of course that objects as specific display objects of the subjective camera CM0 and the objective camera CM1 are not arranged.

Next, if the game is started (YES in step S6), the processing unit 200 executes a process of loop A for each character (steps S8 to S18).
In the process of Loop A, first, a motion selection process is performed for the target character to select which motion is to be applied to each character among various motions such as movement, rotation, jump, attack, defense, and bullet (step). S10).
Specifically, for example, for the 1-player character PC1 and the 2-player character PC2, a motion is selected based on an operation input from the corresponding game controller 1230. The enemy character moves / searches in accordance with a predetermined action routine in the same manner as the known non-player character control, and the action is determined so as to attack the player character, and the corresponding motion is selected.

Next, the processing unit 200 refers to the motion management data 528 of the target character and determines whether there is a motion currently being applied. Then, when there is a motion being applied and the type is different from the type of motion selected in the previous step S10 (YES in step S12), a motion interpolation process is executed (step S14).
The motion interpolation process is a process for creating motion data of an interpolated motion in order to smoothly connect the motion in the middle of the applied motion to the next applied motion in a predetermined frame. Can be applied. In this embodiment, motion data of interpolation motion is created for a virtual camera structured together with a character model as well as part objects constituting a character's body. In the interpolation, the joint structures of the models before and after the interpolation need only be the same. In other words, since the virtual camera is also included as the joint structure, an interpolation motion is also generated for the motion (camera work) of the virtual camera by the interpolation process. The generated motion data of the interpolated motion is stored in the storage unit 500 as appropriate.
On the other hand, if there is no motion being applied, and there is a motion being applied, if it is the same type as the motion selected in the previous step (NO in step S14), the motion interpolation process is not performed. That is, the previously selected motion is applied as it is from the beginning, or the motion currently being applied is continuously applied.

  If the motion applied to each character is determined, the processing unit 200 performs a model motion control process for controlling the motion of each model according to the motion applied to each character (step S16).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the model motion control process in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the model movement control process, the processing unit 200 first changes the root position in the game space of the character to be processed in accordance with an operation input from the game controller 1230 or a predetermined thinking routine, so that the game space The inside is moved (step S40). Next, referring to the motion data 532 of the motion selected in step S10 or the motion data of the interpolated motion generated in step S14, the position of each part of the skeleton model MS of the processing target character is changed to thereby change the body 20 Then, the positions and orientations of the subjective camera CM0 and the objective camera CM1 are changed (step S42).

Next, the process of loop B is executed for all virtual cameras (steps S44 to S58). In the process of Loop B, it is determined whether or not the processing target virtual camera interferes with another object such as contact with or embedded in the other object at the changed position (step S46).
If it is determined that interference occurs (YES in step S46), the position of the processing target virtual camera is corrected and changed again (step S48). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, for example, when the virtual camera CM is used as a game space image generation viewpoint, polygons of other objects 30 may appear on the screen. The polygon of the other object 30 that interferes (contacts) with the processing target virtual camera CM is extracted from the changed position, and is corrected by moving it by a predetermined distance D in the normal direction of the extracted polygon.

  Next, the processing unit 200 determines whether or not the other object and the virtual camera interfere with each other even at the position after the re-change (step S50). If it is determined that interference occurs again even at the position after the rechange (YES in step S50), and the position after the rechange, the processing target virtual camera approaches the character's chassis 20 that has the same route 22 beyond the reference value. If it is determined that photographing cannot be performed correctly (YES in step S52), the processing unit 200 searches for an empty space that satisfies a predetermined empty space around the character to be processed (step S54).

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, a vector 32 having a predetermined size outward at every predetermined angle from the center position of the character's enclosure 20 that shares the route 22 with the processing target virtual camera CM in all directions. The process of determining whether or not this vector 32 collides with another object 30 is repeated to obtain a map of empty space in all directions. Then, based on the map of the free space, the continuous free space 34 corresponding to the shooting angle of view of the processing target virtual camera CM is searched spirally around the position of the virtual camera CM after the re-change. Of course, the direction of space search is not limited to a spiral, and can be set as appropriate, such as upward or random. Further, the size of the continuous free space 34 may be a spindle shape as shown in the figure, or the distance from the processing target virtual camera CM to the center of the casing is the depth length, which corresponds to the shooting field angle of the processing virtual camera CM. It can be appropriately set such as a pyramid shape.

  Then, the position of the processing target virtual camera CM is changed again in the searched continuous free space 34, and the shooting direction is changed to be directed to the housing 20 (step S56), and the loop B is ended (step S58). ). If the process of loop B is executed for all the virtual cameras, the model operation control process is terminated, and the flow returns to the flow of FIG.

  If the processing of loop A is executed for all characters, the virtual camera selection unit 222 of the processing unit 200 refers to the used camera setting 532g of the motion data 532 currently being executed for each player character, and sets each virtual camera. Select (step S20).

  Specifically, when there are a plurality of settings in the camera setting 532g used, such as the walking motion or the beat motion of the present embodiment, the camera motion selection condition associated with each setting is currently The virtual camera is selected with reference to the setting that matches the current progress of the game including the status of the character. For example, in the beat motion, when a more disadvantageous situation condition of the character, such as an SP attack, is met, the currently used frame is set in the used camera setting (SP attack 532j in FIG. 10) applied to the SP attack state. Select a configured virtual camera.

  Then, a game space image is generated from the selected virtual camera as a viewpoint, and various information displays such as the number of damages, the number of remaining stages, and a radar image are combined with the generated game space image to generate a game screen and display the image ( Step S22, see FIG.

  Next, the processing unit 200 executes a game result determination process. Specifically, the calculation of the damage number of each character, the hit point subtraction process, the remaining stage number calculation process, and the like are executed. If the determined game result does not satisfy the game end condition (NO in step S24), the process proceeds to step S8. On the other hand, if the determined game result satisfies a predetermined game end condition (YES in step S24), a game end process is executed and a series of processes is ended. For example, in this embodiment, when the hit points of all enemy characters are “0”, it is determined that the game is cleared and the game is ended by displaying an ending for clearing the game. On the contrary, when the hit points of both the 1-player character PC1 and the 2-player character PC2 become “0”, it is determined that the game is over and the game is ended by displaying an ending for the game over.

[Modification]
The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the application form of the present invention is not limited to this, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  For example, although a video game is executed on a home game device as an example, it is needless to say that a game can be executed on an arcade game device, a personal computer, a portable game device, or the like.

  In the above embodiment, the character model has a joint structure. However, the character model may have no joint structure, and the virtual camera is structured in the next layer of the route. It is also possible to form a hierarchical structure by branching from a part of (for example, the waist). The number of virtual cameras included in the hierarchical structure can be set as appropriate, and a different number of virtual cameras can be set in all character models.

  Further, the play mode of the game is not limited to the battle play, but may be a one-player play where a player enjoys the game alone or a cooperative play by a plurality of players via a network.

In addition, a plurality of different settings are prepared for the use camera setting 532g and can be selected according to the selection condition of the camera motion, but the contents of the selection condition can be set as appropriate.
For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the use camera setting 532g in the SP attack motion can be divided into a single play 532k and a battle play 532m on the condition of the play form. In this example, the setting of the camera to be used applied to the battle play 532m is that the player who is the attacking character (= the attacked character) from the 90th frame onward is the viewpoint of the subjective camera of the attacking side up to 89 frames. The objective camera of the character is set as the viewpoint. Therefore, on the game screen of the player who activated the SP attack during the match play, a subjective video looking at the opponent is displayed immediately after the start of the motion, and then the camera is switched, and the objective camera of the attack destination (attacked side) Since the character that was attacked in is cut, and it appears that it is cut and collapsed, it is possible to realize a camera work that makes the attacking side feel superior. On the other hand, by applying the broken motion described in the above embodiment, the attacking player's game screen is displayed on the game screen of the attacked player immediately after the motion starts, and then the camera cuts off. In other words, it is possible to realize a camera work that makes the player on the side of the attack see a cool video that objectively views the character on the attack side and feels humiliation.
In addition, by using the virtual camera that is set for both the use camera setting 532g and the attacking character / attacked character, it is possible to use more complex and flexible with fewer character models and motion data. It is possible to achieve high performance.

Similarly, when the present invention is applied to a soccer game, the current progress of the game is selected as described in the situation where the character keeps the ball (the state where the player can control the ball by dribbling or lifting). It can be a condition. The use camera setting 532g is a first setting that is selected when the ball is not kept and the subjective camera is selected, and a second setting that is selected when the ball is kept and the objective camera is selected. And prepare. Then, when the character keeps the ball, it is possible to easily realize a video effect such that the game screen automatically switches from the subjective video to the objective video.
If the present invention is applied to RPG (Role Playing Game), the relative distance between character and attack target, the stretch (body length) ratio, etc. are used as camera motion selection conditions, and when a large attack target is approached by more than a reference value. It is preferable that the use camera setting 532g is set by condition so that the subjective camera can be automatically switched to the objective camera.

  Furthermore, the selection conditions for the camera settings to be used are not limited to the progress of the game, but the game mode (for example, one-player, two-player, online battle, etc.) and the game level (for example, EASY, HARD, etc.) ).

The system block diagram which shows the structural example of a household game device. The figure which shows the example of a game screen. The conceptual diagram explaining the hierarchical structure of a player character. The conceptual diagram explaining the hierarchical structure of a player character. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating the example of a setting of a walk motion. The data block diagram which shows the example of the motion data of a walk motion. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating the example of a setting of a special attack (SP attack) motion. The data block diagram which shows the example of the motion data of a special attack motion. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating the example of a setting of a fired motion. The data block diagram which shows the example of the motion data of a done motion. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating the example of the use camera setting in the beaten motion at the time of receiving SP attack. Functional block diagram. The data block diagram which shows the example of character status data. The data block diagram which shows the example of motion management data. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the main processes. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a model operation | movement control process. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating the principle of position correction of a virtual camera. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating the principle of position correction of a virtual camera. The data block diagram which shows the example of the motion data of SP attack motion applicable to a battle play.

Explanation of symbols

20 frame 22 route 200 processing unit 210 game calculation unit 214 motion selection unit 216 motion interpolation unit 218 model motion control unit 220 camera position correction unit PC1 1 player character PC2 2 player character EC enemy character CM0 subjective camera CM1 objective camera

Claims (14)

A program for causing a computer to generate a virtual three-dimensional space image and execute a predetermined game,
Model forming means for incorporating a virtual camera as a part of a skeleton into a model having a joint structure, and forming as a model having a joint structure corresponding to the virtual camera;
Model placement means for placing the model formed by the model formation means in the virtual three-dimensional space;
Model motion control means for controlling motion of the model placed by the model placement means integrally with the plurality of virtual cameras;
Image generating means for generating an image of the virtual three-dimensional space viewed from the virtual camera;
As a program to make the computer function. The model forming means incorporates a plurality of virtual cameras as part of the skeleton of the model, and causes the computer to function as a model having a joint structure corresponding to each virtual camera;
Causing the computer to function as virtual camera selection means for selecting a virtual camera that captures the virtual three-dimensional space from a plurality of virtual cameras that are part of the skeleton of the arranged model;
The image generation means causes the computer to function to generate an image of the virtual three-dimensional space viewed from the selected virtual camera;
A program according to claim 1 for. Causing the computer to function as a switching status detecting means for detecting that the current progress status of the game is in a status of switching to a specific virtual camera and that satisfies a camera switching status condition;
The virtual camera selection means causes the computer to function to select the specific virtual camera in response to detection by the switching status detection means;
A program according to claim 2 for. A plurality of types of motion data in which movement of each joint structure of the model including joint structures corresponding to each of the plurality of virtual cameras is defined are prepared in advance.
The model motion control means has motion data selection means for selecting motion data to be applied to the model from the plurality of types of motion data in accordance with the model operation instruction input by the player input to a predetermined controller, The program according to claim 2 or 3, for causing the computer to function to control the operation of the model in accordance with the selected motion data. The model motion control means is
An applied motion presence / absence determining means for determining whether or not there is motion data being applied to the model when an operation instruction input of the model is made to the controller;
When it is determined by the applying motion presence / absence determination means that the motion data being applied and the motion data selected as the motion data to be applied by the motion data selection means, Motion interpolation control means for controlling the operation of the model by interpolating the movement of the model including each of the plurality of virtual cameras;
The program according to claim 4 for causing the computer to function. Interference determination means for determining interference between the virtual camera, the movement of which is controlled as part of the model by the model movement control means according to the selected motion data, and another object arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space;
A non-interference position search calculation means for searching and calculating the position of the virtual camera that avoids interference when it is determined by the interference determination means to interfere,
A camera position correcting unit that corrects the position based on the motion data of the virtual camera to the position searched by the non-interference position search calculating unit when it is determined that the interference is determined by the interference determining unit;
The program according to claim 4 or 5 for causing the computer to function.   7. The computer according to claim 6, wherein the non-interference position search calculation means causes the computer to search and calculate a position that satisfies a predetermined empty space condition as a free space condition from a predetermined range around the virtual camera. The program described. The plurality of virtual cameras include at least two of a subjective camera corresponding to at least a first person view of the model and an objective camera for photographing the model from a third person viewpoint,
The model motion control means sets the position of the subjective camera in or near a first-person viewpoint part predetermined as a first-person viewpoint part of the model among the parts constituting the model, Control the model,
The image generation means generates an image of the virtual three-dimensional space viewed from the subjective camera with the first-person viewpoint portion being hidden when the subjective camera is selected by the virtual camera selection means;
The program as described in any one of Claims 2-7 for making the said computer function like this. The plurality of virtual cameras include at least two of a subjective camera corresponding to at least a first person view of the model and an objective camera for photographing the model from a third person viewpoint,
Causing the computer to function as a situation condition coincidence detecting means for detecting that the game progress situation matches a situation condition predetermined as a condition of an advantageous or unfavorable situation for the model;
9. The computer according to claim 2, wherein the virtual camera selecting unit causes the computer to function so as to have a situation condition matching camera selection unit that selects the objective camera in response to detection by the situation condition matching detection unit. A program according to any one of the above. The game is a game whose progress is controlled by the model attacking or receiving an attack,
The plurality of virtual cameras include at least a subjective camera corresponding to a first-person view of the model, an objective camera at the time of shooting the model from a third-person view when the model is attacked, and the model when the model is attacked. It includes at least three cameras with an objective camera at the time of attack that shoots the model from the third person viewpoint,
Attack detection means for detecting that the model attacks,
Attack detection means for detecting that the model is under attack,
The virtual camera selection unit selects the objective camera at the time of attack in response to detection by the attack detection unit, and functions the computer to select the objective camera at the time of attack in response to detection by the attacked detection unit. The program as described in any one of Claims 2-8 for making it do. The game is a game in which a first model controlled according to the operation input of the first player and a second model controlled according to the operation input of the second player or computer-controlled attack each other and battle each other.
For each of the first model and the second model, the model forming unit captures a subjective camera corresponding to the first person viewpoint of the model and a third person viewpoint when the model is attacked. Make the computer function to form a model by incorporating at least two objective cameras as part of the skeleton,
Causing the computer to function as first model attack detection means for detecting an attack on the second model by the first model;
The virtual camera selection means causes the computer to function so as to select the second model attacked objective camera in response to detection by the first model attack detection means;
The program as described in any one of Claims 2-10 for. The game is a game in which a first model controlled according to the operation input of the first player and a second model controlled according to the operation input of the second player or computer-controlled attack each other and battle each other.
For each of the first model and the second model, the model forming means includes at least a subjective camera corresponding to a first-person view of the model and an objective camera at the time of shooting the model from a third-person view when the model is attacked. Make the computer work to form a model incorporating two as part of the skeleton,
Causing the computer to function as second model attack detection means for detecting an attack on the first model by the second model;
The virtual camera selection means causes the computer to function to select an objective camera at the time of attack of the second model in response to detection by the second model attack detection means;
The program as described in any one of Claims 2-11 for.   The computer-readable information storage medium which memorize | stored the program as described in any one of Claims 1-12. A game device that generates an image of a virtual three-dimensional space and executes a predetermined game,
Model forming means for incorporating a virtual camera as a part of a skeleton into a model having a joint structure, and forming as a model having a joint structure corresponding to the virtual camera;
Model placement means for placing the model formed by the model formation means in the virtual three-dimensional space;
Model motion control means for controlling motion of the model placed by the model placement means integrally with the plurality of virtual cameras;
Image generating means for generating an image of the virtual three-dimensional space viewed from the virtual camera;
A game device comprising: