JP2011197246A - Simulation device, program and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a simulation device capable of prompting a user to perform predetermined driving while prompting the user to perform a simulated operation having a game property.SOLUTION: The simulation device performs simulation in which a moving body UC moving by operations by the user acquires items disposed in a virtual space. An object space setup part 111 disposes the items IT1-IT3 based on the location or orientation of the moving body UC.

Description

  The present invention relates to a simulation apparatus, a program, and an information storage medium.

Conventionally, an apparatus for evaluating whether a driver is driving safely or driving friendly to the global environment is known (Patent Document 1). According to this prior art, by notifying the driver of the actual driving state of the vehicle, the driver can be encouraged to perform safe driving or driving friendly to the global environment.
JP 2000-247162 A

  In the above-described conventional technology, the driver can be prompted to perform a predetermined driving in actual driving, but if the driver can be prompted to perform the predetermined driving also in driving in the virtual space by the driving simulation device. It is effective to improve the driving skills of the driver. An object of the present invention is to provide a simulation device capable of prompting a user to perform a predetermined driving while performing a simulated driving having a game characteristic unique to driving simulation.

  (1) The first, eleventh and twelfth inventions for solving the above problems are simulation devices for executing a simulation acquired by a moving body that moves an item arranged in a virtual space by a user operation. The operation unit, the object space setting unit that arranges the item and the moving body in the virtual space, the moving body control unit that moves the moving body based on the operation of the operation unit, and the contact between the item and the moving body are determined. And an item processing unit that performs an item acquisition process when it is determined that the item and the moving body are in contact with each other, and the object space setting unit determines whether the item is based on the position or orientation of the moving body. , A program for causing the simulation apparatus to function as described above, and information recorded with the program It is a storage medium.

  Thereby, it is possible to cause the user to perform a simulation having a game characteristic of moving the moving body while acquiring the item in the virtual space. And since the user tries to move the moving body so as to pass through the position where the item is arranged in order to acquire the item, by changing the arrangement of the item based on the position or orientation of the moving body, The user can be prompted to pass different positions through the moving body depending on the position or orientation of the moving body.

  Here, when the object space setting unit first arranges an item in the virtual space, the object space setting unit may determine the arrangement position based on the position or orientation of the moving object, or the object space setting unit has already been arranged in the virtual space. You may change the arrangement position of an item based on the position or direction of a moving body.

  In addition, the item processing unit performs a discharging process for discharging the item from the moving body when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the object space setting unit sets the position of the discharged item to the position of the moving body or You may make it determine based on direction.

  In this way, it is possible to produce an effect that the items to be acquired are discharged from the moving body and increase, and even when the discharged items are acquired, different positions are set according to the position or orientation of the moving body. The user can be prompted to go through.

  (2) The second invention is dependent on any one of the first, eleventh, and twelfth inventions, and the object space setting unit selects the item based on the direction related to the item and the direction of the moving object. It is characterized by arranging.

  In this way, it is possible to prompt the user to pass the position corresponding to the relationship between the item and the moving body through the moving body.

  Here, the direction related to the item is information on the direction included in the item arrangement information. For example, the direction information set individually for the item, the direction information set commonly for a plurality of items, and the plurality of items Are arranged side by side, for example, the arrangement direction.

  For example, when a plurality of items are arranged side by side along a road set in the virtual space, the direction related to the item is a direction along the road. In this case, if the arrangement position of the item is determined based on the direction related to the item and the direction of the moving object, the item can be arranged on the side corresponding to the direction of the moving object on the road.

  In this way, the items are arranged in the lane to be traveled on the road (for example, the left lane), so that the user can be urged to pass the lane to travel to the moving body.

  (3) The third invention is dependent on the second invention, and the object space setting unit calculates the distance based on the direction related to the item and the direction of the moving object, and determines a predetermined value in the virtual space. The item is arranged at a position away from the reference position in the direction having a predetermined relationship with the direction related to the item by the distance.

  In this way, it is possible to prompt the user to pass a position away from the reference position by a distance corresponding to the relationship between the item and the direction of the moving body.

  (4) The fourth invention is dependent on any one of the first to third, eleventh and twelfth inventions, and the object space setting section is arranged at a predetermined distance or less from the moving body. The position of is changed.

  In this way, the processing load is reduced compared to a case where the positions of all items arranged in the virtual space are changed.

  (5) The fifth invention is dependent on any one of the first to fourth, eleventh and twelfth inventions, and the item processing unit counts the number of items acquired, and the number of items acquired. When a predetermined number is reached, the apparatus further includes an end position setting unit that sets a simulation end position in the virtual space, and an end determination unit that ends the simulation when the moving body moves to the simulation end position.

  In this way, the simulation end position can be set as the simulation progresses.

  (6) The sixth invention is dependent on the fifth invention, wherein the object space setting unit arranges a plurality of items in the virtual space, and the end position setting unit is included in the plurality of items. One is selected as a simulation end item, and the end determination unit ends the simulation when the simulation end item is acquired.

  In this way, the simulation can be terminated when a predetermined item determined according to the progress of the simulation is acquired.

  (7) The seventh invention is dependent on the sixth invention, further includes an image generation unit that generates an image of the virtual space viewed from a virtual camera arranged in the virtual space, and an end position The setting unit selects an item arranged outside the field of view of the virtual camera among the plurality of items as a simulation end item.

  This increases the possibility that the item acquired at the end of the plurality of items arranged in the virtual space is selected as the simulation end item. In particular, if you want to end the simulation when all the items placed in the virtual space are acquired, the last acquired item needs to be selected as the simulation end item. It is effective.

  (8) The eighth invention is dependent on any of the sixth and seventh inventions, and the end position setting unit is arranged at a position farthest from the moving body among the plurality of items. Is selected as a simulation end item.

  This increases the possibility that the item acquired at the end of the plurality of items arranged in the virtual space is selected as the simulation end item.

  (9) The ninth invention is dependent on any one of the fifth to eighth inventions, and the object space setting unit arranges the end position object at the simulation end position.

  In this way, the simulation end position can be notified to the user.

  (10) The tenth invention is according to the ninth invention, and the object space setting unit arranges the end position object when the moving body approaches a predetermined distance or less from the simulation end position. It is characterized by that.

  In this way, it is possible to produce an effect that the end position object appears when the moving body comes close to the simulation end position.

Functional block diagram of the simulation apparatus of this embodiment The figure for demonstrating the simulation of this embodiment The figure for demonstrating the simulation of this embodiment The figure for demonstrating the simulation of this embodiment The figure for demonstrating the simulation of this embodiment Flow chart showing the flow of processing of this embodiment The figure for demonstrating the simulation of this embodiment The figure for demonstrating the simulation of this embodiment The figure for demonstrating the simulation of this embodiment The figure for demonstrating the simulation of this embodiment Flow chart showing the flow of processing of this embodiment The figure for demonstrating the simulation of this embodiment The figure for demonstrating the simulation of this embodiment The figure for demonstrating the simulation of this embodiment Flow chart showing the flow of processing of this embodiment Flow chart showing the flow of processing of this embodiment

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Configuration The configuration of the driving simulation apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an example of a functional configuration in the driving simulation apparatus of the present embodiment. Further, the driving simulation apparatus of the present embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) illustrated in FIG. 1 are omitted.

  The operation unit 160 (simulation controller) is used by the user to input operation data, and functions thereof are a direction key, an analog stick, a button, a lever, a steering, a pedal, a microphone, a touch panel display, or a housing. realizable.

  The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like, and its function can be realized by a RAM or the like. In particular, the storage unit 170 includes a main storage unit 172 used as a work area by the processing unit 100 and a drawing buffer 174 used when generating an image. The main storage unit 172 stores various types of information such as parameters necessary for executing the simulation, and these information are updated as the simulation progresses.

  The information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions as an optical disk (CD, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, and magnetic tape. Alternatively, it can be realized by a memory (ROM). The information storage medium 180 stores a program (data) for the processing unit 100 to perform various processes of the present embodiment. That is, the information recording medium 180 stores a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing a computer to execute processing of each unit).

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, HMD (head mounted display), or the like.

  The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, or the like.

  The portable information storage device 194 stores user personal data, simulation save data, and the like. Examples of the portable information storage device 194 include a memory card and a portable simulation device.

  The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, a host device or other driving simulation device), and functions thereof include hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, It can be realized by a program.

  Note that a program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment is distributed from the information storage medium of the host device (server) to the information storage medium 180 (storage unit 170) via the network and communication unit 196. May be. Use of the information storage medium of such a host device (server) can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs a simulation process, an image generation process, a sound generation process, or the like based on operation data from the operation unit 160, a program, or the like. The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main storage unit 172 of the storage unit 170 as a work area. The function of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), a program, and the like. The processing unit 100 includes a simulation processing unit 110, an image generation unit 140, and a sound generation unit 150.

  The simulation processing unit 110 performs a simulation process based on operation data, a program, or the like input from the operation unit 160 or set in the simulation processing unit 110.

  This simulation process includes a process for starting a simulation when a simulation start condition is satisfied, a process for proceeding with a simulation, a process for placing an object such as a vehicle or a map, a process for displaying an object, and a process for calculating a simulation result. Alternatively, there is a process of ending the simulation when the simulation end condition is satisfied.

  Further, the simulation processing unit 110 according to the present embodiment performs various processes for executing a driving simulation of a moving object such as a vehicle, a ship, or an airplane. And the simulation process part 110 of this embodiment controls the movement of the above-mentioned moving body object based on a user's operation, and performs a driving simulation according to a course formed in an object space by a single user or a plurality of users. Various processes are performed.

  The simulation processing unit 110 includes an object space setting unit 111 that sets an object group including a moving object in the object space, an input processing unit 112 that performs processing for receiving input data from the operation unit 160, a moving object, The moving body control unit 113 that performs the movement / motion calculation of the object in the object space, and the contact determination that performs the contact determination (hit check) between the moving body object and other objects (including other moving body objects) during the simulation. Unit 114, an item processing unit 115 that performs acquisition processing of items arranged in the virtual space, an end position setting unit 116 that sets an end position of the simulation, an end determination unit 117 that determines the end of the simulation, and a virtual camera Control unit 118 and driving A timing control unit 119 that performs various timings in the simulation, an instruction object control unit 120 that switches between a movement instruction state and a stop instruction state of the instruction object, and a determination that a predetermined condition that affects the state of the instruction object is satisfied A condition determining unit 121 that performs the simulation, a region setting unit 122 that sets a predetermined region that affects the simulation in the virtual space, and a communication control unit 130 that controls transmission and reception of data by the communication unit 196. Note that some of these may be omitted.

  The object space setting unit 111 includes various objects (polygons, free objects) representing display objects such as characters, vehicles, ships, buildings, trees, pillars, walls, maps (terrain), roads, signals (an example of pointing objects), and items. A process of placing and setting an object (an object composed of a primitive surface such as a curved surface or a subdivision surface) in the object space is performed. That is, the object space setting unit 111 determines the position and rotation angle (synonymous with orientation and direction) of an object (model object) in the world coordinate system, and sets the rotation angle (X, Y, Z) to the position (X, Y, Z). The object is arranged at a rotation angle around the X, Y, and Z axes. The object space setting unit 111 performs a process of changing the position of the placed object.

  The input processing unit 112 is linked with the operation unit 160 and performs processing (monitoring and detection processing) for receiving an operation input input by the user operating the operation unit 160. Specifically, the input processing unit 112 receives a user operation input for controlling movement of the moving object such as a steering wheel operation, an accelerator operation, or a brake operation in a vehicle, for example.

  The moving body control unit 113 performs a movement / motion calculation (movement / motion simulation) on an object, for example, each moving body object such as a car, a ship, or an airplane. That is, the moving body control unit 113 moves the moving body object in the object space based on operation data, a program (movement / motion algorithm) input by the user through the operation unit 160, various data (motion data), and the like. Performs processing to stop, stop, or operate (motion, animation). Specifically, the moving body control unit 113 according to the present embodiment stores movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) and movement information (part object position or rotation angle) of the moving object in one frame. A simulation process is sequentially performed every (1/60 seconds). This frame is a unit of time for performing object movement / motion calculation (simulation processing) and image generation processing.

  In addition, the moving body control unit 113 of the present embodiment makes contact with each moving body object or another moving body object or an object that becomes an obstacle such as a wall or a block of a course (hereinafter referred to as “obstacle object”). In some cases, a simulation process for moving / moving the moving object is performed based on the contact state.

  The contact determination unit 114 performs contact determination (hit check) for detecting contact between mobile objects or between a mobile object and another object. In the present embodiment, when contact determination (hit check) is performed, a hit volume (hit box, hit area, simple object) that simplifies the shape of each moving object and is represented by a vehicle, A hit volume that simplifies the trajectory drawn by a part of an object such as a bumper can be used.

  The item processing unit 115 performs an item acquisition process when it is determined that the item and the moving object are in contact with each other. In the item acquisition process, the item acquisition information stored in the storage unit 170 (information including information on the number of items acquired or not acquired), the score information stored in the storage unit 170 is also updated. And the process of deleting the acquired item from the virtual space.

  The end position setting unit 116 sets the simulation end position in the virtual space when the number of acquired or unacquired items included in the item acquisition information reaches a predetermined number. When selecting any of the items in the virtual space as the simulation position, the simulation position setting unit updates the end flag included in the item arrangement information stored in the storage unit 170.

  The virtual camera control unit 118 performs a virtual camera (viewpoint) control process for generating an image that can be seen from a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. Specifically, a process (viewpoint position or line of sight) that controls the setting of the virtual camera in the object space, the position (X, Y, Z) or the rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y, Z axes) of the virtual camera. Process to control the direction).

  The clock control unit 119 performs a process of measuring a reference time that elapses in a virtual space where the driving simulation is performed, based on a clock signal from the CPU or a clock circuit (RTC) (not shown). This reference time is used for signal control, for example. Specifically, the timing control unit 119 starts measuring the reference time when the driving simulation is started. That is, the update of the time information stored in the storage unit 170 is started. In a normal simulation state, the timing control unit 119 causes the reference time to elapse at a constant speed. That is, the time information is updated so as to increase at a constant increase amount (normal time measurement process).

  The instruction object control unit 120 switches a movement instruction state and a stop instruction state of an instruction object such as a signal arranged in the virtual space based on time information.

  The condition determination unit 121 determines that a predetermined condition that affects the state of the pointing object such as a signal is satisfied. When the condition determination unit 121 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the timing control unit 119 updates the time information by performing a special timing process that changes the reference time in a manner different from the normal timing process. .

  The area setting unit 122 sets various areas that affect the simulation on the road. The various areas are, for example, a state change area that affects the signal state such as a stop area and a forced stop instruction control area set before the signal, and a CPU car control area that affects the control of the CPU car, For example, a gravity region set on a slope.

  The communication control unit 130 transmits data and commands (commands) necessary for executing each simulation when the driving simulation is executed with the server device or another communication terminal device such as a simulation device or a personal computer. Control to transmit and receive via 196 is performed.

  The image generation unit 140 performs a drawing process based on the results of various processes (simulation processes) performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image and outputting it to the display unit 190.

  In the case of generating a so-called three-dimensional simulation image, the image generation unit 140 according to the present embodiment first performs geometric processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, or perspective transformation. Based on the processing result, drawing data (position coordinates of the vertex of the primitive surface, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, α value, etc.) is created.

  The image generation unit 140 then draws an object (one or a plurality of primitive surfaces) after perspective transformation (after geometry processing) based on the created drawing data (primitive surface data), as a drawing buffer 174 (frame buffer, work buffer). ) To draw. Accordingly, the image generation unit 140 generates an image that can be seen from a given viewpoint (virtual camera) in the object space.

  The sound generation unit 150 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates simulation sound such as BGM, sound effects, or sound, and outputs the simulation sound to the sound output unit 192.

  Note that the driving simulation apparatus of the present embodiment may be a system dedicated to the single user mode that can be operated by only one user, or may be a system that includes a multi-user mode that can be operated by a plurality of users.

  In addition, when a plurality of users operate, simulation images and simulation sounds provided to the plurality of users may be generated using one terminal, or connected via a network (transmission line, communication line), etc. It may be generated by distributed processing using a plurality of terminals (simulation machines, mobile phones).

2. Overview of Driving Simulation An overview of driving simulation executed by the driving simulation apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The driving simulation according to the present embodiment causes a user to drive a vehicle on a road set in a virtual space by an operation input and acquire an item imitating a lump of carbon dioxide arranged on the road. Further, in this driving simulation, it is evaluated whether or not the vehicle traveling by the user's operation input is environmentally friendly.

  FIG. 2 is an overhead view of a virtual space where a driving simulation is performed. A road, signals SG1 to SG5, a building BD1, and the like are arranged in the virtual space. On the road, there are arranged a car UC that is moved by a user operation, a plurality of CPU cars CC1, CC2, and the like that are moved by CPU control. The user is required to move the vehicle in compliance with traffic rules on the road. For example, a driving operation that ignores a red light, runs in an oncoming lane, or does not collide with a CPU car is required.

  On the road, a plurality of items IT1 to IT4 and the like simulating a mass of carbon dioxide are also arranged. The user moves the vehicle and acquires the item by bringing the vehicle UC into contact with the item. In the present embodiment, the simulation ends by acquiring all items arranged in the virtual space.

  In the present embodiment, the virtual camera is arranged behind the car UC and moves so as to follow the movement of the car UC. And the image of the virtual space within the predetermined visual field range centering on the direction where the car UC is facing is generated.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a simulation screen displayed on the display unit 190 of the driving simulation apparatus. The simulation screen 10 displays an image of an object placed in the virtual space as viewed from a virtual camera, and various parameters and notification information are displayed in a predetermined area.

  In the score display area 12, the current score of the user is displayed. The score is added by acquiring an item or the like.

  The fuel gauge 14 indicates the current remaining fuel. In the simulation of this embodiment, it is necessary to consume fuel in order to drive the vehicle. The fuel is consumed based on the accelerator operation amount of the user and the travel distance of the car UC. Further, when it is evaluated that the vehicle UC is operating in an environment not friendly as described later, a predetermined fuel is subtracted from the remaining fuel. As a result, it is possible to realistically represent a real-world relationship in which fuel consumption is degraded when driving that is not friendly to the environment. In the vicinity of the fuel gauge, the current instantaneous fuel consumption and the average fuel consumption from the start of the simulation to the present are also displayed.

  The ecometer 16 is a display indicating whether or not the user is driving friendly to the environment. For example, a plant as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. This plant grows when the user performs an environmentally friendly operation. In order to evaluate environmentally friendly driving, in addition to such plants, a dialogue that gives up the user's driving may be displayed, or voice output may be performed. For example, when the car UC continues to drive at a constant speed over a certain distance, the characters “Tosoku Unten” as shown in FIG. 3 may be displayed. Further, when an environment-friendly driving is performed, a fruit object 18 as shown in FIG. 3 is generated, and when this is acquired, a score may be added.

  Advice is displayed on the simulation screen of the present embodiment so that the user can succeed in environmentally friendly driving. For example, if a situation occurs in which the user has to step on the brake slowly during the simulation, an instruction to slowly step on the brake is displayed immediately before the situation occurs. Furthermore, immediately after it is determined whether or not the user has succeeded in environmentally friendly driving, operation advice is displayed so that environmentally friendly driving can be performed from the next time onward.

  The transformation power gauge 20 indicates the value of transformation parameters that increase when the user performs an environmentally friendly driving operation. When the transformation parameter reaches a certain amount, the car UC can be transformed into an electric vehicle. While the vehicle UC is an electric vehicle, a display or sound that gives up being friendly to the environment continues to be output.

  In the map area 22, a map overlooking the virtual space is displayed. The map displays the location of roads, traffic lights, items, and the like. Below the map, the number of unacquired items existing in the entire virtual space (the number of items that need to be acquired before the end of the simulation) is displayed.

  The violation mark 24 is displayed when the vehicle UC has committed a traffic rule violation (red signal ignorance, oncoming lane driving, speed violation, collision with a CPU vehicle, etc.). The simulation screen 10 also displays the current speed of the car UC.

3. Item 3.1. Item Arrangement The item arrangement will be described with reference to FIG. The driving simulation of the present embodiment is intended to allow the user to learn a technique for driving friendly to the environment while following the traffic rules. Therefore, it is desirable to guide the vehicle operated by the user to travel in the driving lane defined in the traffic rules (left lane in the case of Japan). Therefore, in the driving simulation of the present embodiment, items that should be acquired by the user are always arranged in the left lane of the road on which the user runs.

  Specifically, in the simulation of this embodiment, the arrangement position of the items arranged in the virtual space is changed based on the direction of the car UC. 4 (A) to 4 (G) show how the item arrangement position is changed when the car UC rotates. As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, a plurality of items IT1 to IT3 are arranged on a directed line segment (for example, the directed line segment V1 in FIG. 4) as one item group. Then, the position of the directed line segment V1 is changed according to the angle formed by the directed line segment V1 and the direction V2 of the vehicle UC, and accordingly, the arrangement positions of the items IT1 to IT3 in the same item group are simultaneously changed. The

  FIG. 4A shows a case where the direction of the directed line segment V1 is the same as the direction V2 of the car UC, that is, the angle formed by the directed line segment V1 and the direction V2 of the car UC is 0 degree. In this case, the items IT1 to IT3 are arranged at positions separated from the center (reference position) of the road by a distance a in the left direction when the direction in which the directed line segment V1 faces is the front. Here, the distance a may be half the width L of the one-side lane of the road. In this way, when the direction of the directed line segment V1 and the direction V2 of the vehicle UC are the same, the items IT1 to IT3 are arranged in the center of the lane in which the vehicle UC should travel.

  FIG. 4B shows a case where the angle formed by the directed line segment V1 and the direction V2 of the vehicle UC is 60 degrees. In this embodiment, the arrangement positions of the items IT1 to IT3 are also arranged at the same positions as in the case of FIG. That is, in this embodiment, when the angle formed by the directed line segment V1 and the direction UC of the vehicle UC is in the range of 0 degrees to 60 degrees, the direction in which the straight line V1 is facing from the center of the road is the front. Items IT1 to IT3 are arranged at positions separated by a distance a in the left direction. Therefore, even if the vehicle UC rotates within this range, the arrangement positions of the items IT1 to IT3 are not changed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the state in which the items IT1 to IT3 are moving from entering the field of view of the virtual camera and generating an image that makes the user feel uncomfortable.

  FIG. 4C shows a case where the angle formed by the directed line segment V1 and the direction V2 of the vehicle UC is 75 degrees. In this case, items IT1 to IT3 are arranged at positions separated from the center of the road by a distance b (a> b) in the left direction when the direction in which the directed line segment V1 faces is the front.

  FIG. 4D shows a case where the angle formed by the directed line segment V1 and the direction V2 of the vehicle UC is 90 degrees. In this case, the items IT1 to IT3 are arranged at the center of the road.

  FIG. 4E shows a case where the angle formed by the directed line segment V1 and the direction V2 of the vehicle UC is 105 degrees. In this case, items IT1 to IT3 are arranged at positions separated from the center of the road by a distance b (a> b) in the right direction when the direction in which the directed line segment V1 faces is the front.

  FIG. 4F shows a case where the angle formed by the directed line segment V1 and the direction V2 of the vehicle UC is 120 degrees. In this case, the items IT1 to IT3 are arranged at positions separated from the center of the road by a distance a (a> b) in the right direction when the direction in which the directed line segment V1 faces is the front.

  FIG. 4G shows a case where the angle formed by the directed line segment V1 and the direction V2 of the vehicle UC is 180 degrees. In this case, as in the case of FIG. 4F, the distance a (a> b) is away from the center of the road in the right direction when the direction in which the directed line segment V1 is facing is the front. Items IT1 to IT3 are arranged.

  Thus, in this embodiment, when the angle formed by the directed line segment V1 and the direction V2 of the vehicle UC is 0 to 60 degrees, and in the range of 120 to 180 degrees, the distance a from the center of the road Items IT1 to IT3 are arranged at positions separated by a distance. When the angle formed by the directed line segment V1 and the direction V2 of the vehicle UC is 60 degrees to 120 degrees, the items IT1 to IT3 are arranged at positions corresponding to the angles.

  In the present embodiment, when the angle formed by the directed line segment V1 and the direction V2 of the car UC is 0 degree to 90 degrees, the direction in which the directed line segment V1 faces from the center of the road is the front. If the items IT1 to IT3 are arranged at a predetermined distance in the left direction and the angle between the directed line segment V1 and the direction V2 of the car UC is 90 degrees to 180 degrees, the direction from the center of the road is directed. Items IT1 to IT3 are arranged at positions separated by a predetermined distance in the right direction when the direction in which the line segment V1 is facing is the front. That is, the direction in which the items IT1 to IT3 as viewed from the center of the road are switched, when the angle formed by the directed line segment V1 and the direction V2 of the car UC is 90 degrees.

  The manner in which the arrangement positions of a plurality of item groups arranged in the virtual space change according to the change in the vehicle direction V2 will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, for a plurality of item groups arranged in the virtual space, an arrangement process based on the direction of the directed line segment of each item group and the angle of the direction of the car is performed.

  In FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the direction V2 of the vehicle UC changes, but the positions of the item groups IG1, IG2, IG3, IG4, etc. change accordingly. On the other hand, the position of the item group IG5 has not changed despite the change in the direction V2 of the car UC. This is because the arrangement position of the item group IG5 is far from the car compared to the item groups IG1 to IG4. In this embodiment, the arrangement position of the item group arranged within a predetermined distance from the car UC is changed according to the change in the direction V2 of the car UC. Thereby, processing load can be reduced compared with the case where the arrangement position of all the item groups arrange | positioned in virtual space is changed according to direction V2 of the vehicle UC. The distance between the car UC and the item group can be the distance between the coordinates of the car UC and the representative point of the item group. The representative point of the item group can be a center point of the item group, a predetermined item in the group (for example, an item closest to the car UC), or the like.

  Moreover, when FIG. 5 (A) and FIG. 5 (B) are compared, the positions of the item group IG6 and the like that are closer to the position of the car UC than the item group IG4 are not changed. This is because the item group IG6 or the like is set as an item group whose arrangement position does not change according to the direction V2 of the vehicle UC. For example, an item group arranged on a road or the like where there is no distinction between a lane in which the vehicle UC should travel and a lane in which it should not travel, such as a one-way road, is an item whose arrangement position does not change according to the direction V2 of the vehicle UC Can be set as a group.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the item arrangement process of this embodiment.

  The simulation apparatus first selects an item group arranged within a predetermined distance from the position of the car UC (step S10).

  Next, the simulation apparatus changes the arrangement position of the item group based on the angle formed by the directed line segment V1 of the selected item group and the direction V2 of the car UC (step S12).

  Then, the simulation apparatus determines whether or not the arrangement positions of all the selected item groups have been changed (step S14), and ends the item arrangement process when the arrangement positions of all the item groups have been changed.

3.2. Acquisition of Item FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining contact determination between a car and an item in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, a contact determination area 30 is set around the car UC. And if the arrangement position of an item (for example, the point where an item contacts the ground) enters this contact determination area 30, it will be determined that the item has been acquired. It is desirable that the diameter of the contact determination area 30 is less than the width L of one side lane of the road. In that case, when the item is placed in the center of the lane, the item cannot be acquired if the vehicle UC runs in the opposite lane, and the user is prompted to drive the lane in which the item is placed. it can.

  When the item is acquired, the image of the acquired item moves toward the car UC and is not displayed thereafter. When an item is acquired, a score is added and 1 is added to the total number of items already acquired. Alternatively, 1 is subtracted from the total number of items arranged in the virtual space.

3.3. End of Simulation The end of simulation according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the simulation end position setting in the present embodiment. As described above, in this embodiment, the simulation ends when all items arranged in the virtual space are acquired. Therefore, the simulation end position is the position of the last item (simulation end item) to be acquired from among the plurality of items arranged in the virtual space. In the present embodiment, when the number of unacquired items in the virtual space is 10 or less, a process for predicting the item to be acquired last is started.

  Specifically, when the number of unacquired items in the virtual space becomes 10 or less, an item outside the field of view of the virtual camera CA that follows the vehicle is first selected as the item candidate to be acquired last. VA in FIG. 8 indicates the field of view of the virtual camera CA. The field of view VA of the virtual camera CA may be the same as the clipping range at the time of image generation. In the case shown in FIG. 8A, since the items IT10, IT11, IT12, IT13, IT14, IT15 are outside the field of view of the virtual camera CA, these items are selected.

  Next, an item arranged at a position farthest from the car UC is selected from the selected items, and the arrangement position of the item is set as a simulation end position. In the case shown in FIG. 8A, the item IT10 arranged at the position farthest from the car UC is selected from the selected items, and the arrangement position is set as the simulation end position.

  In the case shown in FIG. 8B, the items IT15 and IT16 are selected as items outside the field of view of the virtual camera CA. And item IT15 arrange | positioned in the position far from the vehicle UC is selected among the selected items, The arrangement position is set as a simulation end position.

  In the case shown in FIG. 8C, there is no item arranged outside the field of view of the virtual camera CA. In such a case, among the items arranged in the field of view of the virtual camera, the item arranged at the position farthest from the car UC is selected, and the position of the item is set as the simulation end position. In the case shown in FIG. 8C, the item IT10 is selected, and its arrangement position is set as the simulation end position.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the item outside the field of view of the virtual camera CA and the item arranged farthest from the car UC are preferentially selected as the simulation end item. The possibility of being selected as an end item increases.

  In the present embodiment, an item list arranged in the virtual space is stored in the storage unit 170 as item arrangement information. In the item list, the arrangement coordinates, the belonging item group, and the end item flag are set for each item. Then, “1” is set to the end item flag of the item selected as the simulation end item, and “0” is set to the end item flag of the other items.

  When the simulation end item set in this way is acquired, it is determined that the simulation is ended.

  9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining a goal gate (an example of an end position object) arranged in the vicinity of the simulation end position.

  In the present embodiment, when an item to be a simulation end position is selected by the above simulation end position setting process, the goal gate 40 is displayed in the vicinity of the item. Specifically, the goal gate 40 is arranged such that the midpoint of the line segment AB connecting the grounding points of the goal gate 40 overlaps the arrangement position of the simulation end item IT20. Further, the goal gate 40 always rotates so as to face the car UC. That is, the vehicle UC rotates so that the direction V2 and the line segment AB are always perpendicular.

  The goal gate 40 is displayed when the distance between the vehicle UC and the simulation end item is equal to or less than a predetermined value. FIG. 10 shows a case where the distance between the vehicle UC and the simulation end item is not less than a predetermined distance. In FIG. 10, as in FIG. 9, the number of unacquired items in the virtual space is nine. Therefore, the simulation end position setting process has already been performed, and the item IT20 is selected as the simulation end item. However, in FIG. 10, the goal gate is not displayed because the distance between the car UC and the simulation end item IT20 is not less than or equal to the predetermined value. When the car UC moves from the position shown in FIG. 10 to the position shown in FIG. 9, the distance between the car UC and the simulation end item IT20 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, so that the goal gate 40 is displayed. In this way, when the car UC comes near the simulation end item, it is possible to produce an effect that the goal gate 40 suddenly appears.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, different distances are used for determining the appearance of the goal gate depending on whether the simulation end item is in front of or behind the vehicle UC. For example, when the simulation end item is in front of the car UC, the goal gate appears when the distance between the car UC and the simulation end item is within 50 m, whereas the simulation end item is behind the car UC. In this case, the goal gate appears when the distance between the car UC and the simulation end item is within 10 m. Whether the simulation end item is in front of or behind the car UC is determined based on the direction V2 of the car UC and the angle of the direction from the car UC toward the simulation end item.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the simulation end position setting process of the present embodiment.

  First, the simulation apparatus determines whether or not the number of unacquired items arranged in the virtual space is 10 or less (step S20). If it is determined that the number of unacquired items arranged in the virtual space is 10 or less (step S20: Y), the simulation apparatus selects an item outside the field of view of the virtual camera as a simulation end candidate item ( Step S22). Further, the simulation apparatus sets an item with the longest distance from the car among the simulation end candidate items as the simulation end item (step S24).

  Next, the simulation apparatus determines whether the simulation end item is arranged within a predetermined distance from the vehicle (step S26). If it is determined that the simulation end item is arranged within a predetermined distance from the vehicle (step S26: Y), a goal gate is arranged in the vicinity of the simulation end item (step S28).

4). Environmental Driving Evaluation As described above, the simulation of the present embodiment is intended for the user to learn environmentally friendly driving. In the present embodiment, the above object is solved by evaluating that the traveling state of the vehicle traveling in the virtual space is various environmentally friendly traveling states. This evaluation includes a real-time evaluation in which the evaluation is performed in real time while the vehicle is traveling, and a comprehensive evaluation in which the traveling state through the entire traveling period is evaluated after the traveling is completed. When it is evaluated that the driving is friendly to the environment by the real-time evaluation, as described above, a display giving up the user's driving is displayed on the display screen during driving, or a transformation parameter is added. On the other hand, the comprehensive evaluation is notified to the user by displaying the comprehensive evaluation screen after the driving simulation is completed. Hereinafter, specific evaluation methods will be described for various traveling states to be evaluated in the present embodiment.

4.1. Soft accelerator The soft accelerator is an operation of gradually increasing the strength of stepping on the accelerator when the vehicle starts moving from a stopped state. When such an operation is performed, the engine can be accelerated without excessively rotating the engine, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness.

  In the present embodiment, the evaluation of the soft accelerator is performed by determining whether or not the acceleration exceeds a predetermined reference value while the speed of the vehicle increases from 0 km to 25 km per hour, for example.

  In real-time evaluation, if the acceleration exceeds the reference value even once while the vehicle speed increases from 0 km / h to 25 km / h, it is determined that the accelerator has failed softly at that time. On the other hand, if the acceleration never exceeds the reference value while the vehicle speed increases from 0 km / h to 25 km / h, it is determined that the accelerator is softly successful when the vehicle speed reaches 25 km / h. In the case of success determination, it may be further set as a condition that the vehicle speed reaches 25 km / h within a predetermined time after the accelerator operation is started.

  The comprehensive evaluation is determined based on the number of times of successful acceleration or failure of the soft accelerator from the start to the end of the driving simulation.

  In addition to the above, as a condition for soft accelerator success, it may be determined whether or not the accelerator operation is performed within a predetermined area set in the virtual space (for example, within a stop area before the signal). Good.

4.2. Soft brake The soft brake is an operation of gradually increasing the strength of stepping on the brake when the vehicle stops from a running state. When such an operation is performed, the engine can be decelerated without excessively rotating the engine, which improves fuel efficiency and is environmentally friendly.

  In this embodiment, the evaluation of the soft brake is performed by determining whether or not the deceleration (negative acceleration) is below a predetermined reference value while the vehicle speed is lowered from 30 km / h to 2 km / h, for example. Done.

  In real-time evaluation, if the deceleration falls below the reference value even once while the vehicle speed drops from 30 km / h to 2 km / h, it is determined that the brake has failed softly at that time. On the other hand, if the deceleration never falls below the reference value while the vehicle speed drops from 30 km / h to 2 km / h, it is determined that the soft braking is successful when the vehicle speed reaches 2 km / h. In the case of success determination, it may be further set as a condition that the vehicle speed reaches 2 km / h within a predetermined time from the start of the brake operation.

  The comprehensive evaluation is determined based on the number of times of successful braking or the number of failures from the start to the end of the driving simulation.

  In addition to the above, as a condition for the successful brake success, it may be determined whether the brake operation is performed within a predetermined area set in the virtual space (for example, within a stop area before the signal).

4.3. Constant speed driving Constant speed driving means running a vehicle at a substantially constant speed for a predetermined time or distance. When such an operation is performed, the vehicle can travel without excessively rotating the engine, which improves fuel efficiency and is environmentally friendly.

  In the present embodiment, in real-time evaluation, it is determined that constant-speed driving has been successful when the vehicle has traveled at a speed of 35 km / h or more and for 8 seconds or more and within a speed change width of 3 km / h or less.

  The comprehensive evaluation is performed based on the total distance traveled from the start to the end of the driving simulation and the number of times that the acceleration exceeds a preset upper limit or the number of times that the acceleration falls below a preset lower limit.

4.4. Slope driving A slope is set in the virtual space of this embodiment. The slope may be realized simply by arranging a road model having a difference in height, and further, gravity may be applied in the downward direction on the slope.

  On slopes, the vehicle usually travels with a low gear to increase the traction force, but when the gear becomes low, the fuel consumption becomes worse. Therefore, if the accelerator operation is performed immediately before the hill and the vehicle is driven without lowering the gear in the middle of the hill, fuel efficiency is improved.

  In this embodiment, in order to recommend such a driving | operation, when driving | running a hill without lowering | hanging a gear, it determines with a hill driving success.

  In addition, if the accelerator operation is performed immediately before the hill to make the hill drive successful, the evaluation of the constant speed operation may be lowered. In order to prevent such a situation, in this embodiment, an area immediately before a slope on the map is set as a slope accelerator area, and even if an operation of stepping on the accelerator strongly in the area is performed, the evaluation of constant speed driving is not affected. I am doing so. Alternatively, when the accelerator operation is performed in the region (when a predetermined acceleration is applied), it may be determined that the hill driving is successful.

4.5. Early accelerator off When a car moves from a stopped state, a lot of fuel is required. Deceleration is started before reaching just before the red signal, and if it changes to a green signal when reaching just before the signal, the signal can pass without stopping, so that it is not necessary to consume fuel when starting. In the present embodiment, when the brake determination area is set at a position a predetermined distance from the signal and the signal can pass without stopping due to the start of the brake operation from the area, it is determined that the early accelerator-off operation is successful. Is done.

5. Signals The signal control of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

5.1. Control of a plurality of signals First, control of a plurality of signals arranged in the virtual space of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a simulation screen of a scene in which the car UC is stopped in front of the red light at the intersection. As shown in FIG. 12, four signals of signals SG10 to SG13 are arranged at the intersection. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining control of a plurality of signals including SG10 to SG13. As shown in FIG. 13, in the present embodiment, a plurality of signals arranged in the virtual space are controlled on the same time axis.

  For example, the signals SG10 and SG11 are two aircraft signals that face the same direction at the intersection. As shown in FIG. 13, the signals of the two aircraft are blue (moving instruction state) at time t0 (simulation start time), then yellow at time t1, and red (stop instruction state) at time t2. Then, it returns to blue again at time t3. Then, after t3, the color change to be displayed is repeated at the same cycle as t0 to t3.

  On the other hand, the signals SG12 and SG13 are two signals that face the direction perpendicular to the signals SG10 and SG11 at the intersection. The signals of these two aircraft are displayed in red at time t0, then turn blue at time t4, turn yellow at time t5, and return to red again at time t6.

  As shown in FIG. 13, switching timings t1, t2, t3, etc. are preset in the signals SG10 and SG11 so that the signals SG12 and SG13 are always red when the signals SG12 and SG13 are blue or yellow. In addition, the switching timings t3, t4, t5, etc. are preset in the signals SG12 and SG13 so that the signals SG10 and SG11 are always red when the signals SG10 and SG11 are blue or yellow.

  A signal SG14 shown in FIG. 13 is a signal arranged at a predetermined position in the virtual space not shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, signals that are not at the same intersection, such as the signal SG14, are also controlled based on the same time information as the signals SG10 to SG13. Further, the signal SG15 is also a signal that is not displayed in FIG. 12 and is a pedestrian signal paired with the signal SG14. This signal SG15 is also controlled based on the same time information as the signals SG10 to SG14.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, it is possible to easily control many signals by setting the switching timing on the same reference time axis for a plurality of signals arranged in the virtual space.

5.2. Forced stop instruction The signal forced stop instruction control of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

  In order to evaluate the environmentally friendly driving as described above, especially the soft accelerator and the soft brake, it is necessary to create a situation in which the car must stop during the simulation. In order to achieve this object, in the present embodiment, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the signal arranged in the virtual space is made red, thereby creating a situation where the car must stop.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, a forced stop instruction control region (an example of a state change region) is set in association with a specific signal, and from the time when the vehicle enters or passes through the region. After a predetermined time, the time information is updated so that the signal associated with the area turns red (an example of special timing processing).

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the forced stop instruction control region. As shown in FIG. 14, in the present embodiment, a predetermined area in the virtual space is set as the forced stop instruction control area 70. The forced stop instruction control area 70 is associated with the signal SG14, and the time information is updated so that the signal SG14 becomes red after a predetermined time when the vehicle UC enters the area.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, assuming that the time when the vehicle UC entered the stop instruction control area 70 is t7, the time information is skipped from t7 to t8 at a moment when the vehicle UC enters. By doing in this way, when the vehicle UC moves to the stop area 72 in front of the signal SG14 shown in FIG. 14, the signal SG14 turns red, and the user can perform a brake operation. The skip destination of the time information may be a few seconds before the latest red switching timing (the switching timing immediately after the time when the vehicle entered the stop instruction control area, and the switching timing at which the signal changes to red). The number of seconds before the most recent red switching timing may be changed according to the speed of the vehicle.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of signal forced stop instruction processing according to the present embodiment.

  The simulation apparatus determines whether or not the vehicle has entered the forced stop instruction area (step S30). When it is determined that the vehicle has entered the forced stop instruction area (step S30: Y), the simulation apparatus skips the reference time a predetermined time before the red switching timing of the signal associated with the forced stop instruction area. The time information is updated (step S32).

5.3. Reduction of stop instruction time As described above, in this embodiment, the user needs to stop the vehicle in front of the red light. If the vehicle UC travels beyond the stop area 72 set in front of the signal during the red signal, the red signal is ignored, and a penalty is imposed such that the score is subtracted. Thereby, the simulation of this embodiment can make a user learn the traffic rule of stopping in front of a red light.

  However, for the purpose of letting the user learn the traffic rule of stopping in front of the red light, or for the purpose of operating the soft accelerator and soft brake described above, the user stops the car UC from the moving state. It is enough to perform the operation, and it is not necessary to stop for a long time before the red light. If the time that the vehicle UC must be stopped in front of the red light is too long, it will only be a stress for the user. For this reason, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the vehicle UC is stopped in the stop region 72 (an example of the state change region), the speed at which the reference time in the virtual space elapses compared to the normal state. It is faster and reduces the time that the user must stop before the red light (an example of special timekeeping). For example, in such a case, the speed at which the reference time elapses doubles. For example, it is assumed that the car UC stops in the stop area 72 before the red signal at the time t9 in FIG. In the normal state, the user must stop the vehicle UC for a period of Δt until the signal becomes blue at time t10. However, if the speed at which the reference time elapses doubles, the period during which the user must stop the car UC becomes Δt / 2, which reduces the stress caused by the user waiting for a signal.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of a signal stop instruction time reduction process according to this embodiment.

  The simulation apparatus determines whether or not the vehicle has stopped in a stop area before the red light (step S40). When it is determined that the car has stopped in the stop area before the red light, the simulation apparatus performs a time measurement process so that the speed at which the reference time elapses is twice that of the normal time (step S42).

5.4. Forced Movement Instruction As described above, in the present embodiment, when the value of the transformation parameter becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the user can transform the vehicle into an electric vehicle for a certain period of time (an example of a special state change event). While the car is transforming into an electric vehicle, all signals arranged in the virtual space or signals within a predetermined distance from the electric vehicle are blue regardless of the passage of time in the virtual space.

6). CPU Car Hereinafter, control of the CPU car of this embodiment will be described.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when a predetermined condition that affects the signal state, such as entering the forced stop instruction control region or stopping in the stop region, is satisfied, the elapsed time of the reference time is normally counted. A special timing process different from the process is performed. Here, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of signals arranged in the virtual space are controlled based on a single time information, and therefore the influence of changes in the passage of the reference time. Will span multiple signals. For this reason, for example, when time information is skipped by the forced stop instruction process, a signal at a position unrelated to the vehicle operated by the user may suddenly turn red without passing yellow. In addition, there may be a problem in the control of the CPU car that is controlled based on the change of the signal. In the present embodiment, in order to prevent a problem from occurring in the progress of the simulation, a process for forcibly rearranging the CPU car in which the above-described problem has occurred to an initial position or a time while the CPU car is in the intersection. If the signal in front of the CPU car suddenly turns red due to the skipping of information, processing such as passing the intersection through the CPU car is performed regardless of the red signal.

  In order to increase the difficulty of simulation, in this embodiment, when a car operated by the user enters a predetermined CPU car control area set in the virtual space, a CPU car in the vicinity of the car faces the car. It is controlled so that it can run. By doing in this way, the user can practice the driving | running which avoids the CPU car which approaches. When a car operated by the user enters the CPU car control area and the CPU car already in the field of view of the virtual camera is controlled in this way, an image in which the direction of the CPU car changes unnaturally is displayed. May end up. In order to prevent such a situation, in this embodiment, when a car operated by the user enters the CPU car control area, the CPU car that is out of sight moves so as to run toward the car operated by the user. Control to change the direction is performed.

7). Modified example 7.1. Applicable object In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the present invention is applied to the driving simulation apparatus has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to apparatuses other than the driving simulation apparatus. For example, in an action game, the present invention can be applied to the arrangement of items collected by characters operated by a player.

  In the above embodiment, an example of 3D simulation using a third person viewpoint has been described. However, the viewpoint may be a first person viewpoint. The present invention can also be applied to 2D simulation instead of 3D.

7.2. Item 7.2.1. Item Arrangement In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the arrangement position of an item that has already been arranged is changed has been described. May be applied.

  In the present embodiment, the item is discharged from the car when a predetermined condition is satisfied (when the driving of the car is a traffic violation, an environment-friendly one, or a collision with a CPU car, etc.). The discharged items may also be arranged on the road based on the principle of the above embodiment. In that case, the discharged item may be arranged on the directed line segment of the item group existing in the vicinity of the position where the item is discharged. Also, a new item group may be formed with only the discharged items.

  Moreover, although the example which arrange | positions an item on the road of each one lane each was demonstrated in the said embodiment, you may make it arrange | position an item on the road of one side multiple lanes. In this case, the item may be arranged in the leftmost lane among the plurality of lanes. Moreover, you may determine the lane which arrange | positions an item according to a user's level.

  Moreover, although the example which arrange | positions an item in the left lane was demonstrated in the said embodiment, you may make it arrange | position an item in the right lane. Moreover, it is possible to select a country by simulation setting, and to determine which lane the item is to be arranged in accordance with the selected country.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which one user performs a simulation, that is, only one vehicle operated by the user in the virtual space has been described. However, in the present invention, a plurality of users virtualize each vehicle. It can also be applied when operating in space. In that case, you may determine which item to arrange | position based on the direction of a user's car according to a user's level.

  Moreover, although the example which changes the arrangement | positioning of an item according to the angle which the directed line segment of an item group and the direction of a car demonstrated was demonstrated in the said embodiment, the method which does not use a directed line segment is also possible. For example, the road map may be divided into predetermined sections, and when a vehicle enters a certain section, it is determined from which position the vehicle has entered, and the arrangement of items may be changed based on the determination result.

7.2.2. Acquisition of Item In the above embodiment, an example in which the contact determination area is fixed has been described. However, the contact determination area may be changed dynamically. For example, the size of the contact determination area may be changed depending on whether the vehicle is on a straight portion of a road or on a curve. Further, the size of the contact determination area may be changed according to the width of the road on which the vehicle travels. In addition, when a specific event (for example, transformation into an electric vehicle) occurs, the size of the contact determination area may be changed. In addition, when the number of items arranged in the virtual space is one, the size of the contact determination area may be reduced. In this way, when acquiring an item set as the simulation end position, the item cannot be acquired unless it is closer to the item, and the simulation ends at a position shifted from the goal gate display position. Can be prevented.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the contact determination area is set around the vehicle has been described. However, the contact determination area may be set around the item. In this case, the contact determination area around the item set as the simulation end position may be reduced.

7.4. Signal In the above embodiment, a signal is described as an example of the pointing object, but the pointing object is not limited to a signal. For example, a CPU car that has failed and stopped on the road, or a CPU car that travels toward a car operated by the user by mistake may be used as the instruction object.

  In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the reference time elapses faster when the vehicle stops in the stop area before the red signal. In addition to the vehicle stopping in the stop area, the soft brake operation described above is performed. The passage of the reference time may be accelerated on the condition that it is determined that has succeeded.

  Further, the rate of increase in the speed at which the reference time elapses may be changed according to the time from when the vehicle stops until the vehicle switches to the green signal (the remaining time of the red signal). For example, the rate of increase in speed may be increased as the remaining red signal time is longer.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the reference time is skipped in the case of the forced stop instruction control has been described. However, in this case, the reference time may be accelerated. Similarly, the reference time may be skipped in the case of the stop instruction time reduction control.

100 processing unit,
110, simulation processing unit, 111 object space setting unit,
112 input processing unit, 113 moving body control unit, 114 contact determination unit,
115 item processing unit, 116 end position setting unit, 117 end determination unit,
118 virtual camera control unit, 119 timing control unit, 120 pointing object control unit,
121 condition determination unit, 122 area setting unit, 130 communication control unit,
140 image generator, 150 sound generator,
160 operation unit,
170 storage unit, 172 main storage unit, 174 drawing buffer,
180 information storage medium, 190 display unit, 192 sound output unit,
194 portable information storage medium, 196 communication unit,

Claims (12)

A simulation device for executing a simulation acquired by a moving object that moves an item placed in a virtual space by a user operation,
An operation unit;
An object space setting unit for arranging the item and the moving body in the virtual space;
A moving body control unit that moves the moving body based on an operation of the operation unit;
A contact determination unit for determining contact between the item and the moving body;
When it is determined that the item and the moving body are in contact with each other, an item processing unit that performs an acquisition process of the item,
The said object space setting part arrange | positions the said item based on the position or orientation of the said mobile body, The simulation apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. In claim 1,
The said object space setting part arrange | positions the said item based on the direction regarding the said item, and the direction of the said mobile body, The simulation apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. In claim 2,
The object space setting unit calculates a distance based on an orientation relating to the item and an orientation of the moving body, and from a predetermined reference position in the virtual space, the orientation in a predetermined relationship with the orientation relating to the item. A simulation apparatus, wherein the items are arranged at positions separated by a distance. In Claims 1-3,
The object space setting unit changes a position of the item arranged at a predetermined distance or less from the moving body. In claims 1 to 4,
The object space setting unit arranges a plurality of the items in the virtual space,
The item processing unit counts the number of items acquired,
When the number of items acquired reaches a predetermined number, an end position setting unit that sets a simulation end position in the virtual space;
The simulation apparatus further comprising: an end determination unit that ends the simulation when the moving body moves to the simulation end position. In claim 5,
The end position setting unit selects one of the items as a simulation end item,
The simulation apparatus characterized in that the termination determination unit terminates the simulation when the simulation termination item is acquired. In claim 6,
An image generation unit that generates an image of the virtual space viewed from a virtual camera disposed in the virtual space;
The end position setting unit selects, as a simulation end item, an item arranged outside the field of view of the virtual camera among the plurality of items. In claim 6 or 7,
The end position setting unit selects, as a simulation end item, an item arranged at a position farthest from the moving body among the plurality of items. In claims 5-8,
The simulation apparatus, wherein the object space setting unit arranges an end position object at the simulation end position. In claim 9,
The simulation apparatus, wherein the object space setting unit arranges the end position object when the moving body approaches a predetermined distance or less from the simulation end position. A program for causing a simulation apparatus to execute a simulation acquired by a moving body that moves an item arranged in a virtual space by a user operation,
An operation unit;
An object space setting unit for arranging the item and the moving body in the virtual space;
A moving body control unit that moves the moving body based on an operation of the operation unit;
A contact determination unit for determining contact between the item and the moving body;
When it is determined that the item and the moving body are in contact with each other, the simulation apparatus functions as an item processing unit that performs an acquisition process of the item,
The object space setting unit arranges the items based on the position or orientation of the moving body.   An information storage medium on which the program according to claim 11 is recorded.