JP2012101026A - Program, information storage medium, game device, and server system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program, an information storage medium, a game device, a server system or the like, which generate, with an appropriate viewpoint, an image when a moving body is moved to a destination target.SOLUTION: The game device includes an operation information acquiring section, a virtual camera control section, a moving body calculation section, and an image generation section. The operation information acquiring section acquires motion detection information from a motion sensor as operation information, and the virtual camera control section controls so that a direction of a line of sight of the virtual camera is directed to a destination target side of a moving body based on the motion detection information. The moving body calculation section performs process in which the moving body is moved to the destination target having come in sight of the virtual camera by directing a line of sight of the virtual camera.

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, an information storage medium, a game device, a server system, and the like.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, game devices that can virtually play a ball game are known. Taking a baseball game as an example, a defensive player (or computer) operates a pitcher character to throw a ball. The attacking player (or computer) operates the batter character, hits the thrown ball, and the defensive player operates the fielder character to catch the hit ball, thereby playing the baseball game. have fun. As a conventional technique of such a baseball game, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

  However, in baseball games, for example, when the player is on the defensive side, most of the games generate images with a viewpoint set near the back net or near the home base, not the viewpoint of the defensive character. For this reason, it was not possible to represent a scene in which the ball hit by the batter was caught and thrown out to the outside and displayed with an image viewed from the viewpoint of the fielder. For this reason, it is difficult to give the player a virtual reality feeling as if playing a real baseball game.

JP 2001-137554 A

  According to some aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a program, an information storage medium, a game device, a server system, and the like that can generate an image of a scene in which a moving object is moved to a destination target from an appropriate viewpoint.

  One embodiment of the present invention performs an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information of a player, a virtual camera control unit that controls a virtual camera based on the acquired operation information, and a moving object movement calculation process A moving body calculation unit; and an image generation unit that generates an image that can be seen from the virtual camera in an object space, wherein the operation information acquisition unit acquires motion detection information from a motion sensor as the operation information, and The control unit performs control to direct the visual line direction of the virtual camera toward the destination target side of the moving body based on the motion detection information, and the moving body calculation unit is directed to the visual line direction of the virtual camera. This relates to a game device that performs a process of moving the moving body with respect to the destination target that falls within the visual field range of the virtual camera.The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units, or a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, motion detection information from a motion sensor is acquired as operation information. Then, based on this motion detection information, control is performed to direct the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera toward the destination target side of the moving body, thereby moving the moving body relative to the destination target that has entered the visual field range of the virtual camera. A move process is performed. Accordingly, it is possible to generate an image of a scene in which the moving body is moved to the destination target from an appropriate viewpoint, and it is possible to generate an image of a viewpoint that is linked to the motion detected by the motion sensor.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the motion sensor is a sensor provided in a portable game device or a game controller, and the operation information acquisition unit is configured so that the player moves the portable game device or the game controller. The obtained motion detection information is acquired from the motion sensor, and the virtual camera control unit is configured to change the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera toward the direction in which the portable game device or the game controller is moved. The moving body computing unit applies the destination target that has entered the visual field range of the virtual camera by changing the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera toward the direction in which the portable game device or the game controller is moved. On the other hand, you may perform the process which moves the said mobile body.

  In this way, when the player moves the portable game device or the game controller, the direction of the line of sight of the virtual camera changes to the moved direction side, and thereby the destination target that has entered the visual field range of the virtual camera is changed. Thus, a moving process for moving the moving body is performed. Therefore, when the player moves the portable game device or the game controller, it is possible to generate a viewpoint image that is linked to the movement.

  In one aspect of the present invention, when the axis along the horizontal direction is the X axis and the axis along the vertical direction is the Y axis, the virtual camera control unit is configured to connect the portable game device or the game controller. When the operation of rotating around the Y axis is performed, the control unit performs the control of rotating the visual line direction of the virtual camera around the YC axis of the camera coordinate system corresponding to the Y axis. You may perform the process which moves the said moving body with respect to the said destination target which entered into the visual field range of the said virtual camera because the visual line direction of the said virtual camera rotates around the said YC axis | shaft.

  In this way, when the player performs an operation of rotating the portable game device or the game controller about the Y axis along the vertical direction, the visual line direction of the virtual camera rotates about the YC axis. A process of moving the moving object is performed on the destination target that has entered the visual field range of the virtual camera. Therefore, when the player rotates the portable game device or the game controller around the Y axis, it is possible to generate a viewpoint image that is linked to the rotation movement.

  Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, a determination unit that determines whether or not the mobile object has been successfully caught is included (a computer functions as the determination unit), and the virtual camera control unit includes the portable game device or the When an operation to rotate the game controller around the X axis is performed, the control unit performs control to rotate the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera around the XC axis of the camera coordinate system corresponding to the X axis. If the capturing condition for capturing the moving object is satisfied by the virtual camera whose visual line direction rotates about the XC axis, and the catching condition for the moving object is satisfied, the moving object is successfully caught. The mobile body computing unit determines that the mobile body has been successfully caught, and when a given feed condition is satisfied, the mobile body that has been caught is sent to the destination. The process of moving to the Getto may be performed.

  In this way, when the player rotates the portable game device or game controller around the X axis, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera rotates around the XC axis, and the moving body is captured by the virtual camera. It is determined whether the condition is met. When the catch condition is satisfied and the catch condition is satisfied, it is determined that the mobile object has been successfully caught. When the given feed condition is satisfied, the movement that moves the caught mobile object to the destination target. Processing is performed. Therefore, it is possible to give the player a sense of operation such as actually catching the moving body with the eyes, and it is possible to realize a catch operation with a high virtual reality.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the amount of change in the rotation angle around the YC axis in the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera with respect to the amount of change ΔθY around the Y axis of the portable game device or the game controller. An adjustment unit that adjusts ΔθYC may be included (a computer may function as the adjustment unit).

  In this way, it becomes possible to adjust the correspondence between the change amount of the rotation angle of the portable game device or the game controller and the change amount of the rotation angle of the virtual camera in the line-of-sight direction, thereby improving the player's game operability and the like. I can plan.

  In the aspect of the invention, the adjustment unit may perform the adjustment process of the change amount ΔθYC with respect to the change amount ΔθY based on operation information of the player or a game situation.

  In this way, it is possible to adjust the correspondence between the change amount of the rotation angle of the portable game device or the game controller and the change amount of the rotation angle in the visual line direction of the virtual camera according to the player operation information and the game situation. Thus, the game operability of the player can be improved.

  Moreover, in one aspect of the present invention, the moving body calculation unit determines that the moving body has been successfully caught, and when the given feeding condition is satisfied, the caught moving body is used as the destination target. You may perform the process to move.

  In this way, after a mobile object is successfully caught, if the given feed condition is satisfied, the caught mobile object will move to the destination target, and the mobile object that has been successfully caught will be moved to the destination target. It becomes possible to move appropriately.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the moving body computing unit moves the caught moving body to the destination target when it is determined that the moving body has been successfully caught and the player performs a feed instruction operation. You may perform the process to make.

  In this way, after the moving body is successfully caught, it is possible to move the caught moving body to the destination target using the player's feed instruction operation as a trigger.

  Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the moving body calculation unit determines that the moving body has been successfully caught, and when the player performs an operation to turn the sight line direction of the virtual camera toward the destination target side, You may perform the process which moves the made said moving body to the said destination target.

  If it does in this way, after succeeding in the catch of a moving body, it becomes possible to move the caught moving body to a destination target by using the operation which turns the line-of-sight direction of a virtual camera to the destination target side as a trigger.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the moving body computing unit determines that the moving body has been successfully caught, and the player performs an operation of directing the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera toward the destination target side. When the feed instruction operation is performed using the, the process of moving the caught moving body to the destination target may be performed.

  In this way, after the player successfully catches the moving body, the player performs an operation to turn the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera toward the destination target side, and then performs a feed instruction operation using the operation unit. The moving object moves to the destination target.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the moving body computing unit performs a process of moving the moving body to a first destination target, and the movement that has reached after the moving body has reached the first destination target. A process of moving the body to the second destination target may be performed.

  In this way, the moving body moved to the first destination target can be further moved to the second destination target, and various game images can be generated.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the moving body computing unit may select the second destination target selected based on a game situation after the moving body has reached the first destination target. You may perform the process to move to.

  In this way, it is possible to move the moving body that has reached the first destination target to the second destination target according to the game situation, and realize the moving process of the moving body that reflects the game situation. it can.

  In the aspect of the invention, the moving body calculation unit may be configured such that after the moving body reaches the first destination target, the moving body that has reached the second destination that is instructed by a player's instruction operation is displayed. You may perform the process moved to a target.

  In this way, it is possible to move the mobile body that has reached the first destination target to the second destination target that is instructed by the player's operation, and the mobile body that reflects the player's operation instruction can be moved. Move processing can be realized.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the virtual camera control unit sets the viewpoint position of the virtual camera to a position corresponding to the first destination target when the moving body moves to the first destination target. And controlling the direction of the line of sight of the virtual camera toward the second destination target side, and the moving body computing unit enters the visual field range of the virtual camera when the line of sight of the virtual camera is directed In addition, a process of moving the moving body may be performed on the second destination target.

  In this way, when the moving body moves to the first destination target, the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera are switched, and a more realistic image or the like can be generated.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the virtual camera control unit performs control to direct the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera toward the source side of the moving object until the moving object reaches the first destination target. May be.

  In this way, until the moving object reaches the first destination target, an image that reflects the source side of the moving object is generated, and a more realistic image or the like can be generated. Become.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the virtual camera control unit performs control to direct the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera toward the destination target side of the moving body based on the motion detection information with a given reference direction as a reference. Also good.

  In this way, it becomes possible to change the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera based on the motion detection information with the reference direction as a reference, and direct it toward the destination target.

  In the aspect of the invention, the virtual camera control unit may set a direction from the viewpoint position of the virtual camera to a predetermined position on the game field as the reference direction.

  In this way, the direction toward the predetermined position on the game field can be set as the reference direction, and the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera can be changed based on the motion detection information.

  In the aspect of the invention, the virtual camera control unit may set a direction selected from a plurality of candidate reference directions as the reference direction.

  In this way, it is possible to set, for example, a direction desired by the player as a reference direction from among a plurality of candidate reference directions, and change the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera based on the motion detection information.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the virtual camera control unit may set the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera when the player performs an operation for setting a reference direction to the reference direction.

  In this way, the reference direction can be set by the player's reference direction setting operation, and the game operability of the player can be improved.

  In the aspect of the invention, the moving body calculation unit performs a process of moving the player character based on the operation information of the player, and the virtual camera control unit sets a direction corresponding to the moving direction of the player character. The reference direction may be set.

  In this way, the direction in which the player character is moving is set as the reference direction. For example, when a movement that turns from the moving direction is performed, this is detected and the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is changed. It can be changed.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information of a player, a virtual camera control unit that controls a virtual camera based on the acquired operation information, and a movement calculation process of a moving object A moving body calculation unit that performs image generation, and an image generation data generation unit that generates image generation data for generating an image that can be viewed from the virtual camera in an object space. The motion detection information is acquired as the operation information, and based on the motion detection information, the virtual camera control unit performs control to direct the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera toward the destination target side of the moving object, and the movement The body calculation unit is directed to the destination target that has entered the visual field range of the virtual camera by directing the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera. It related to the server system which performs a process of moving the serial mobile.

The structural example of the game device of this embodiment. 2A and 2B are configuration examples of a portable game device to which the present embodiment is applied. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C are explanatory diagrams of a method for controlling the viewing direction of a virtual camera using a motion sensor. FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are explanatory diagrams of the method of this embodiment. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are also explanatory diagrams of the method of this embodiment. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams of the ball catching process. FIGS. 7A and 7B are also explanatory diagrams of the ball catching process. FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are examples of images generated by the present embodiment at the time of infield. The example of the image produced | generated by this embodiment at the time of pitching after catching infield Goro. FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are examples of images generated by this embodiment during outfield fly. 11A to 11C show application examples of the method of the present embodiment to a ball game other than the baseball game. 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams of a method for adjusting the rotation angle in the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera. FIGS. 13A and 13B are also explanatory diagrams of a method for adjusting the rotation angle in the viewing direction of the virtual camera. FIGS. 14A and 14B are explanatory diagrams of a method for moving a moving body from a first destination target to a second destination target. FIGS. 15A and 15B are also explanatory diagrams of a method for moving the moving body from the first destination target to the second destination target. Explanatory drawing of the method of selecting the 2nd destination target by instruction | indication operation of a player. FIGS. 17A and 17B are explanatory diagrams of a method for moving a moving body to a destination target with reference to a reference direction. 18A and 18B are explanatory diagrams of a method for setting a direction selected from a plurality of candidate reference directions as a reference direction. 19A and 19B are explanatory diagrams of a method for setting a reference direction by a player's reference direction setting operation. 20A and 20B are explanatory diagrams of a method for setting a direction corresponding to the moving direction of the player character as a reference direction. FIGS. 21A to 21C are explanatory diagrams of a first determination method using a hit volume. 22A and 22B are also explanatory diagrams of the first determination method using the hit volume. FIG. 23A and FIG. 23B are explanatory diagrams of modified examples of the hit volume setting method. FIGS. 24A to 24C are explanatory diagrams of a second determination method using a supplemental determination range set corresponding to the visual field range of the virtual camera. FIG. 25A to FIG. 25C are explanatory diagrams of a method for controlling the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera. The flowchart explaining the detailed process of this embodiment. The flowchart explaining the detailed process of this embodiment. The flowchart explaining the detailed process of this embodiment. The structural example of the server system 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 FIG. 1 shows an example of a block diagram of a game apparatus (image generation system, game system) of the present embodiment. Note that the configuration of the game device of the present embodiment is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1, and various modifications such as omitting some of the components (each part) or adding other components are possible.

  The operation unit 160 is for a player to input operation data, and functions thereof are direction instruction keys, operation buttons, analog sticks, levers, various sensors (such as an angular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor), a microphone, or a touch panel type. This can be realized with a display.

  The motion sensor of the operation unit 160 detects the movement of a device such as a game controller or a portable game device, and the operation motion of the player can be detected by detecting the movement of such a device. This motion sensor can be realized by various sensors such as an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor), and an image sensor of a camera. The acceleration sensor detects each piece of acceleration information in three orthogonal directions. Specifically, when the coordinate axes orthogonal to each other are the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis, the first acceleration information along the X axis direction, the second acceleration information along the Y axis direction, and the Z axis direction The third acceleration information along is detected and output as sensor detection information. This acceleration sensor can be realized by, for example, a piezoresistive or capacitive sensor having a MEMS structure. The angular velocity sensor is a sensor that detects angular velocity information about a predetermined rotation axis. Specifically, the angular velocity sensor is a sensor that detects angular velocity information about three orthogonal axes, and detects angular velocity information about the X, Y, and Z axes. For example, if the rotation angle around the X axis is α, the rotation angle around the Y axis is β, and the rotation angle around the Z axis is γ, the angular velocities for these α, β, and γ are detected and output as sensor detection information. To do. This angular velocity sensor can be realized by, for example, a multi-axis angular velocity sensing gyroscope having a MEMS structure. When an image sensor (CCD, CMOS sensor, etc.) is used as a motion sensor, the movement of a device such as a game controller or a portable game device can be detected based on pixel movement information of a captured image captured by the image sensor. That's fine.

  The motion sensor may be built in the game device or may be prepared as an optional external part of the game device.

  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 (DRAM, VRAM) or the like. Then, the game program and game data necessary for executing the game program are held in the storage unit 170.

  The information storage medium 180 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions as an optical disk (DVD, CD, etc.), HDD (hard disk drive), memory (ROM, etc.), etc. Can be realized. The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, in the information storage medium 180, a program for causing a computer (an apparatus including an operation unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, and an output unit) to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing the computer to execute processing of each unit). Is memorized.

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by an LCD, an organic EL display, a CRT, a touch panel display, an 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 auxiliary storage device 194 (auxiliary memory, secondary memory) is a storage device used to supplement the capacity of the storage unit 170, and can be realized by a memory card such as an SD memory card or a multimedia card.

  The communication unit 196 communicates with the outside (for example, another game device, a server, or a host device) via a wired or wireless network, and functions as a communication ASIC or a communication processor. It can be realized by hardware or communication firmware.

  Note that a program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment is obtained from an information storage medium of a server (host device) via an information storage medium 180 (or storage unit 170, auxiliary storage) via a network and communication unit 196. May be distributed to the device 194). Use of an information storage medium by such a server (host device) can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs game processing, image generation processing, sound generation processing, and the like based on operation data from the operation unit 160, a program, and the like. The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the storage unit 170 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, GPU, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes an operation information acquisition unit 102, a game calculation unit 104, an object space setting unit 106, a virtual camera control unit 108, an adjustment unit 109, a moving body calculation unit 110, a determination unit 112, a difficulty level setting unit 114, and image generation. Unit 120 and sound generator 130. Various modifications may be made such as omitting some of these components or adding other components.

  The operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires operation information of the player. For example, when the player performs various operations using the operation unit 160, the operation information is acquired. When the player moves the game controller as the operation unit, the motion detection information from the motion sensor built in the game controller is acquired as the operation information. Alternatively, in the case where a motion sensor is built in the portable game device, when the player moves the portable game device, the motion sensor built in the portable game device detects the movement. Then, the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires motion detection information from the motion sensor as operation information. The acquired operation information is temporarily stored in the storage unit 170.

  The game calculation unit 104 performs a game calculation process. Here, as a game calculation, a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, a process for calculating a game result, or a process for ending a game when a game end condition is satisfied and so on.

  The object space setting unit 106 performs an object space setting process in which a plurality of objects are arranged. For example, various objects (polygon, free-form surface or sub) representing display objects such as characters (people, animals, robots, cars, ships, airplanes, etc.), balls, maps (terrain), buildings, courses (roads), trees, walls, etc. The object is configured to place and set objects (objects composed of primitive surfaces such as division surfaces) in the object space. In other words, the position and rotation angle of the object in the world coordinate system (synonymous with direction and direction) are determined, and the rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y, and Z axes) is determined at that position (X, Y, Z). Arrange objects. Specifically, the object data storage unit 172 of the storage unit 170 stores object data such as the position, rotation angle, moving speed, moving direction, etc. of the object (part object) in association with the object number. . The object space setting unit 106 performs a process of updating the object data for each frame, for example.

  The virtual camera control unit 108 performs control processing of a virtual camera (viewpoint, reference virtual camera) for generating an image that can be seen from a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. Specifically, processing for controlling the position (X, Y, Z) or rotation angle (rotation angle about the X, Y, Z axis) of the virtual camera (processing for controlling the viewpoint position, the line-of-sight direction or the angle of view) I do.

  The adjustment unit 109 performs an adjustment process of the change amount of the rotation angle in the visual line direction of the virtual camera with respect to the change amount of the rotation angle of the portable game device or the game controller. Details of the adjustment unit 109 will be described later.

  The moving object calculation unit 110 performs an operation for moving a moving object such as a character or a ball. Also, a calculation for operating the moving object (moving object) is performed. That is, based on operation information input by the player through the operation unit 160, a program (movement / motion algorithm), various data (motion data), etc., a moving object (object, model object) is moved in the object space, Performs processing to move the moving body (motion, animation). Specifically, a simulation process for sequentially obtaining movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) and motion information (part object position or rotation angle) of a moving body for each frame (1/60 second). I do. A frame is a unit of time for performing a moving / movement process (simulation process) and an image generation process of a moving object.

  The determination unit 112 performs various determination processes. For example, processing for determining whether or not a ball capturing condition is satisfied, processing for determining whether or not the ball has been successfully captured, and the like are performed. Details of the determination unit 112 will be described later.

  The difficulty level setting unit 114 performs a game difficulty level (handy) setting process. For example, difficulty levels such as an elementary level, an intermediate level, and an advanced level are set. The difficulty level may be set based on information input by the player using an option screen or the like, or the computer may automatically set it according to a game situation such as a score or a game scene.

  The image generation unit 120 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processing (game processing and simulation processing) performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image and outputting the image to the display unit 190. Specifically, geometric processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source processing is performed. Based on the processing result, drawing data (the position of the vertex of the primitive surface) Coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, α value, etc.) are created. Based on the drawing data (primitive surface data), the object (one or a plurality of primitive surfaces) after perspective transformation (after geometry processing) is converted into image information in units of pixels such as a drawing buffer 178 (frame buffer, work buffer, etc.). Draw in a buffer that can be stored. Thereby, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the object space is generated. Note that the rendering process can be realized by a vertex shader process, a pixel shader process, or the like.

  Note that the image generation unit 120 may generate a so-called stereoscopic image. In this case, the left-eye virtual camera (first viewpoint virtual camera) and the right-eye virtual camera (second viewpoint virtual camera) are determined using the position of the reference virtual camera and the inter-camera distance. Set the placement. The image generation unit 120 then displays a left-eye image (first viewpoint image) seen from the left-eye virtual camera in the object space, and a right-eye image (second viewpoint image) seen from the right-eye virtual camera in the object space. ) Is generated. Then, using these left-eye image and right-eye image, stereoscopic vision may be realized by an eye separation spectacle method, a naked eye method using a lenticular, or the like.

  The sound generation unit 130 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, or sounds, and outputs the game sounds to the sound output unit 192.

  In this embodiment, the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires the operation information of the player. Specifically, motion detection information (acceleration information, angular velocity information, image information, etc.) from the motion sensor is acquired as operation information. Further, operation information obtained by the player operating the operation unit 160 is acquired.

  The virtual camera control unit 108 controls the virtual camera based on the acquired operation information. For example, the visual line direction and viewpoint position of the virtual camera are controlled. Specifically, based on the motion detection information from the motion sensor, control is performed to direct the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera (player character) toward the destination target side of the moving object. Alternatively, the virtual camera control unit 108 performs control to change the viewing direction of the virtual camera or move the viewpoint position of the virtual camera according to the operation information of the player. Control of the viewing direction and viewpoint position of the virtual camera based on the operation information includes a case where the player character is moved according to the operation information and the viewing direction and viewpoint position of the virtual camera are controlled according to the movement of the player character.

  Note that the player character may be a character whose whole or a part is actually displayed in the game image, or may be a virtual character that is not displayed in the game image.

  The moving body calculation unit 110 performs a movement calculation process for a ball that is a play target. For example, a process of moving the moving body is performed with respect to the destination target that has entered the visual field range of the virtual camera when the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is directed. In addition, for example, when the ball is hit by a hit body such as a bat or a character part, the moving body calculation unit 110 obtains the trajectory (movement trajectory) of the ball based on a given algorithm or table data. Perform arithmetic processing.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, control is performed so that the viewing direction of the virtual camera is directed toward the destination target based on the motion detection information from the motion sensor, and the viewing direction of the virtual camera is directed by directing the viewing direction of the virtual camera. A process of moving the moving object is performed on the destination target that has entered the range. By doing in this way, the scene which moves a moving body to a destination target can be produced | generated with the image of a suitable viewpoint, and can be displayed on the display part 190 now.

  Here, the moving body is, for example, a ball in a ball game. The moving body is not limited to the ball in the ball game, and can be applied to various objects as long as the destination target is determined and the object is moved to the destination target. The destination target is, for example, a ball sending target in a ball game. For example, in a baseball game, the pitching target is a fielder (塁) who receives a pitching, and in a soccer game or American football, a player who receives a pitching pass or a goal in which a pitching shot is shot. In a tennis game, it is a place where a ball thrown back by a racket flies. However, the destination target is not limited to the ball target in the ball game, and may be a destination target in a game other than the ball game. Further, when the visual line direction of the virtual camera is directed to the destination target side based on the motion detection information, the line-of-sight direction may not be completely directed to the destination target direction. In addition, when the condition that the destination target is within the visual field range of the virtual camera is satisfied, the moving body may be moved to the destination target, or when the moving body is instructed to be sent by the player, the destination is The moving body may be moved to the target.

  The motion sensor is a sensor provided in a portable game device or a game controller, for example. The operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires motion detection information obtained by the player moving the portable game device or the game controller from the motion sensor. The virtual camera control unit 108 performs control to change the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera toward the direction in which the portable game device or the game controller is moved. Then, the moving object calculation unit 110 moves the moving object with respect to the destination target that has entered the visual field range of the virtual camera when the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera changes to the direction in which the portable game device or game controller is moved. To perform the process.

  For example, an axis along the horizontal direction is defined as an X axis (first coordinate axis), and an axis along the vertical direction is defined as a Y axis (second coordinate axis). Then, when an operation for rotating the portable game device or the game controller around the Y axis (an operation for rolling) is performed, the virtual camera control unit 108 changes the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera to the camera coordinate system corresponding to the Y axis. Control to rotate around the YC axis (control to roll). Then, the moving object calculation unit 110 performs a process of moving the moving object with respect to the destination target that has entered the visual field range of the virtual camera by rotating the viewing direction of the virtual camera around the YC axis. For example, it is assumed that the player performs an operation of rolling the portable game device or the game controller about the Y axis that is an axis along the vertical direction. In this case, control is performed to roll the visual line direction of the virtual camera around the YC axis of the camera coordinate system corresponding to the Y axis in real space. For example, when the player performs an operation of rotating (rolling) the portable game device or the game controller leftward or rightward in real space, the visual line direction of the virtual camera changes leftward or rightward in the object space. And a moving body is moved with respect to the destination target reflected in the visual field range of the virtual camera from which a gaze direction changes in this way.

  Further, the determination unit 112 determines whether or not the moving object has been successfully caught. When the moving body is a ball, it is determined whether or not the ball has been successfully caught. Then, when an operation of rotating the portable game device or the game controller around the X axis is performed, the virtual camera control unit 108 changes the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera in the camera coordinate system corresponding to the X axis in real space. Control to rotate around the XC axis. For example, when the player performs an operation of rotating (rolling) the portable game device or the game controller upward or downward in real space, the visual line direction of the virtual camera changes upward or downward in the object space. In addition, the determination unit 112 moves when the capturing condition for capturing the moving object is satisfied by the virtual camera whose line-of-sight direction rotates around the XC axis, and the catching condition (catching condition) for the moving object is satisfied. It is determined that the body has been successfully caught. Then, the moving object calculation unit 110 determines that the moving object has been successfully caught, and moves the caught moving object to the destination target (ball destination target) when a given feeding condition (ball sending condition) is satisfied. To perform the process.

  Further, the adjustment unit 109 adjusts the amount of change ΔθYC in the rotation angle around the YC axis in the viewing direction of the virtual camera with respect to the amount of change ΔθY in the direction of the virtual camera around the Y axis of the portable game device or game controller. For example, the ratio (ratio information) of the change amount ΔθYC with respect to the change amount ΔθY is adjusted. Specifically, the adjustment unit 109 performs adjustment processing of the change amount ΔθYC with respect to the change amount ΔθY based on the operation information of the player or the game situation. For example, the player performs adjustment processing of the change amount ΔθYC with respect to the change amount ΔθY based on information input using the operation unit 160 on an option screen for game setting or the like. Alternatively, the amount of change ΔθYC is adjusted with respect to the amount of change ΔθY according to the game situation such as the positional relationship information between the virtual camera and the destination target, the game scoring situation, the game scene, or the difficulty setting state.

  In addition, the moving object calculation unit 110 determines that the moving object (ball) has been successfully caught (catch), and when the given sending condition (sending condition) is satisfied, the caught moving object is sent to the destination target. Process to move to.

  Specifically, the moving object calculation unit 110 determines that the moving object has been successfully caught, and when the player performs a feed instruction operation (ball throwing instruction operation), the caught moving object is sent to the destination target (ball throwing target). To move (send ball) to Here, the feed instruction operation is realized by operating an operation member such as an operation button corresponding to the feed instruction, for example.

  Alternatively, the moving object calculation unit 110 determines that the moving object has been successfully caught, and moves the caught moving object to the destination target when the player performs an operation of directing the viewing direction of the virtual camera toward the destination target side. To perform the process. For example, when a player who has succeeded in catching performs an operation of directing a portable game device or game controller with a built-in motion sensor toward a destination target located on the left side, a process of moving the moving body to the destination target on the left side is performed. Do. On the other hand, when the portable game device or the game controller is directed to the destination target located on the right side, a process of moving the moving body to the right destination target is performed.

  In addition, the moving object calculation unit 110 determines that the moving object has been successfully caught, and the player performs an operation to turn the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera toward the destination target, and the player performs a sending instruction operation using the operation unit. In this case, a process of moving the caught moving body to the destination target is performed. For example, the player who succeeds in the catching operation performs an operation of directing the portable game device or game controller incorporating the motion sensor toward the destination target side, so that the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is directed toward the destination target side. Then, for example, when the player performs a feed instruction operation using the operation unit 160 (for example, when the operation button for the feed instruction is pressed), the moving body is moved with respect to the destination target to which the line-of-sight direction is directed. Process.

  In addition, the moving object calculation unit 110 performs a process of moving the moving object to the first destination target, and after the moving object reaches the first destination target, the process of moving the reached moving object to the second destination target. May be performed. Taking a baseball game as an example, in a double play (getz) situation, the ball is sent to the second destination, which is the first destination target. After being sent to the second base, the ball is sent to the second destination target. A process of sending a ball to a certain base is performed.

  Specifically, the moving body computing unit 110 performs a process of moving the reached moving body to the second destination target selected based on the game situation after the moving body has reached the first destination target. For example, when there are a plurality of destination target candidates, a process of moving the moving body is performed with the destination target automatically selected from the plurality of destination targets as the second destination target. Taking a baseball game as an example, in a game situation where a runner is hit with a runner at a glance, the ball is thrown to a second base, and then the ball is automatically selected and the ball is sent. Process.

  Alternatively, the moving body computing unit 110 may perform a process of moving the reached moving body to the second destination target instructed by the player's instruction operation after the moving body has reached the first destination target. For example, when there are a plurality of destination target candidates, the destination is selected from the plurality of destination targets by the player's instruction operation using the operation unit 160 as the second destination target. Process to move.

  In addition, when the moving body moves to the first destination target, the virtual camera control unit 108 sets the viewpoint position of the virtual camera to a position corresponding to the first destination target, and sets the viewing direction of the virtual camera to the first destination target. You may perform control which turns to the 2 destination target side. Then, the moving body computing unit 110 performs a process of moving the moving body with respect to the second destination target that has entered the visual field range of the virtual camera when the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is directed. For example, after the moving body reaches the first destination target, the viewpoint position is set to a position corresponding to the first destination target, and an image in which the line-of-sight direction is directed to the second destination target side is generated. Taking a baseball game as an example, after the ball has been sent to the second baseball, an image of the first base side viewed from the second baseball's viewpoint is generated. As a result, a more realistic image can be generated.

  In this case, the virtual camera control unit 108 may perform control so that the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is directed toward the moving source side until the moving body reaches the first destination target. In this way, until the moving body reaches the first destination target, an image viewed from the direction of the source side is generated, and a more realistic image can be generated.

  Further, the virtual camera control unit 108 may perform control for directing the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera toward the destination target side of the moving object based on the motion detection information with a given reference direction as a reference. That is, when changing the visual line direction of the virtual camera based on the motion detection information, the visual line direction is changed with reference to the reference direction. For example, a case where the rotation angle around the Y axis of the portable game device or game controller is changed by ΔθY is detected from the motion detection information, and the visual line direction of the virtual camera is changed by ΔθYC at the rotation angle around the YC axis. Suppose. In this case, the viewing direction of the virtual camera is rotated by ΔθYC with respect to the reference direction.

  At this time, the virtual camera control unit 108 may set the direction from the viewpoint position (player character position) of the virtual camera to a predetermined position on the game field as the reference direction. Taking a baseball game as an example, the direction toward the home base position is set as the reference direction. Taking a soccer game or the like as an example, the direction toward the goal position is set as the reference direction.

  The virtual camera control unit 108 may set a direction selected from a plurality of candidate reference directions as the reference direction. For example, a direction selected by a player's instruction operation using the operation unit 160 from among a plurality of candidate reference directions is set as the reference direction.

  Further, the virtual camera control unit 108 may set the visual line direction of the virtual camera when the player performs an operation for setting the reference direction as the reference direction. That is, when the player performs the reference direction setting operation, the visual line direction of the virtual camera at that time is set as the reference direction. When the player rotates the portable game device or the game controller, for example, around the Y axis from the setting operation of the reference direction, the visual line direction of the virtual camera is rotated around the YC axis with reference to the reference direction.

  Alternatively, when the moving body calculation unit 110 performs processing for moving the player character based on the operation information of the player, the virtual camera control unit 108 sets the direction corresponding to the moving direction of the player character as the reference direction. Also good. For example, when a player character runs by a player operation, a direction corresponding to the running direction is set as the reference direction. In this state, when the player rotates the portable game device or the game controller, for example, about the Y axis, the viewing direction of the virtual camera is rotated about the YC axis with the direction in which the player is running as a reference direction.

  Moreover, the determination part 112 performs the determination process about whether the catch of the moving body was successful. For example, when the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera changes based on the operation information, the condition for capturing the moving object by the virtual camera whose line-of-sight direction changes is satisfied, and when the condition for catching the moving object is satisfied, Judge that the catch was successful. For example, when the capturing condition and the catching condition of the moving object are satisfied (when the moving object is caught while satisfying the capturing condition), it is determined that the capturing of the moving object is successful. Then, the image generation unit 120 generates an image that can be seen from the virtual camera in the object space. For example, an image is generated from the viewpoint of the virtual camera whose line-of-sight direction changes based on the operation information, and when the catch is successful, an image indicating the success of the catch is generated and displayed on the display unit 190.

  Here, the capture condition is a condition that the virtual camera whose line-of-sight direction changes according to the operation information captures the moving object. When the virtual camera determines that the moving object is in the capture state (capture determination range) In the case where it is determined that there is a moving object. The catch condition is a condition that is satisfied when it is determined that the moving object is actually caught by the player character. For example, a catched object such as a grab, a foot or a hand, or a racket (corresponding to the caught object) It is possible to determine that the catch condition is satisfied when a moving body such as a ball contacts the hit volume.

  More specifically, the determination unit 112 sets a hit volume (hit box, hit area, hit range) that follows the virtual camera (or a player character operated by the player). If it is determined that the moving object hits (contacts) the set hit volume, it is determined that the capturing condition and the catching condition of the moving object are satisfied. For example, when the line-of-sight direction and viewpoint position of the virtual camera change based on the operation information, the position, direction, shape, etc. of the hit volume are set so as to follow the change in the line-of-sight direction and line-of-sight position. If it is determined that the hit has occurred, it is determined that the capturing condition and the catching condition of the moving object are satisfied.

  For example, the determination unit 112 variably controls at least one of the shape of the hit volume, the hit effective range, the position, and the direction (the direction in which it faces). Specifically, at least one of the shape of the hit volume, the hit effective range, the position, and the direction is changed according to the trajectory of the moving body. For example, depending on whether the trajectory of the moving body is a low trajectory or a high trajectory, the shape of the hit volume, the hit effective range, the position, or the direction is changed. The hit effective range is the range where the hit check is effective, and even if the hit volume has the same shape, the range in which the hit check with the moving object can be made variable by changing the setting of the hit effective range. You will be able to control.

  Further, the determination unit 112 performs a process of deforming the hit volume or a process of changing the hit effective range according to the direction instructed by the player when the moving object is caught (catch timing, catch period). For example, a deformation process for extending the hit volume in the direction indicated by the player, a process for changing the hit effective range, and the like are performed. Alternatively, the determination unit 112 changes at least one of the shape of the hit volume, the hit effective range, the position, and the direction according to the game condition setting. Specifically, when the difficulty level of the game is set by the difficulty level setting unit 114, at least one of the shape of the hit volume, the hit effective range, the position, and the direction is changed according to the setting of the difficulty level of the game. Let For example, the shape of the hit volume, the hit effective range, the position, the direction, or the like is different depending on whether the game difficulty level is the first difficulty level (for example, beginner level) or the second difficulty level (for example, advanced level). The game condition for changing the shape of the hit volume or the like is not limited to the difficulty level of the game, and may be status information such as the number of items possessed by the player character (player), experience value, or physical strength value.

  The determination unit 112 determines that the capture condition for capturing the moving object by the virtual camera is satisfied when the moving object is within the capture determination range set corresponding to the visual field range of the virtual camera. When the catching condition of the moving object is satisfied in a state where the capturing condition is satisfied, it may be determined that the catching of the moving object is successful. For example, in a given period before the catch timing, the moving object is in the capture determination range corresponding to the visual field range of the virtual camera, and the catch condition is satisfied while the capture condition of the moving object by the virtual camera is satisfied. When is satisfied, it is determined that the catch is successful. The catch condition in this case can be realized, for example, by hit check processing using a player character or a hit volume set for the part. Further, the visual field range and the capture determination range may be a range such as an area, or may be an angle range specified by the line-of-sight direction and the angle of view. Further, the capture determination range may be the visual field range itself or a range included in the visual field range. The visual field range may be slightly wider than the strict visual field range defined by the viewing direction and the angle of view of the virtual camera.

  The determination unit 112 may variably control the capture determination range. Specifically, the capture determination range is changed in accordance with the setting of game conditions such as the difficulty level of the game. For example, the size, shape, or position of the capture determination range is different depending on whether the game difficulty level is the first difficulty level (for example, beginner level) or the second difficulty level (for example, advanced level).

  The determination unit 112 may set a moving object hit volume that follows the moving object, and may determine whether the moving object catch condition is satisfied using the moving object hit volume. For example, a relatively large size hit volume for a moving body that includes the moving body is set. A hit check is performed between the moving body hit volume and the position of the player character or virtual camera. If it is determined that the hit has occurred, it is determined that the catch condition is satisfied. It is also possible to determine the capture condition using the mobile hit volume. In addition, depending on the game conditions such as the trajectory of the moving object, the direction of the trajectory (the direction of the trajectory in the horizontal direction), and the game difficulty level, the shape or effective range of the hit volume for the moving object is changed. Also good.

  In addition, when the moving body moves in the first trajectory, the determination unit 112 satisfies the capture condition when the line-of-sight direction range (the range including the line-of-sight direction) of the virtual camera is the first line-of-sight direction range. It is determined that On the other hand, when the moving body moves in a second trajectory different from the first trajectory (a trajectory higher than the first trajectory; a trajectory having a direction different from the first trajectory), the visual line direction range of the virtual camera However, in a second gaze direction range (a gaze direction range higher than the first gaze direction range. A gaze direction range in which the gaze direction is different from the first gaze direction range). In some cases, it is determined that the capture condition is satisfied. For example, when the moving body moves in a low trajectory, it is determined that the capturing condition is satisfied when the moving camera is in the line-of-sight direction when viewing a place where the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is low. On the other hand, when the moving body moves in a high trajectory, it is determined that the capture condition is satisfied when the moving camera is in the line-of-sight direction when viewing a place where the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is high. Alternatively, when the moving body moves in a leftward trajectory, it is determined that the capture condition is satisfied when the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is the line-of-sight direction when viewing the left direction. On the other hand, when the moving body moves in a rightward trajectory, it is determined that the capture condition is satisfied when the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is the line-of-sight direction when viewing the right direction.

  The operation information acquisition unit 102 may acquire first operation information and second operation information input by the player as operation information. For example, motion detection information from a motion sensor is acquired as first operation information, and direction instruction information from a direction instruction unit (direction instruction key, analog tick) of the operation unit 160 is acquired as second operation information. The virtual camera control unit 108 controls the visual line direction of the virtual camera based on the first operation information, and controls the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera or the movement of the player character based on the second operation information. . For example, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is controlled based on the motion detection information that is the first operation information, and the viewpoint position of the virtual camera or the player character is moved based on the direction instruction information that is the second operation information. To control. In this case, the control of the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera based on the first operation information controls the direction (line-of-sight direction) that the player character faces based on the first operation information, and the virtual camera follows the direction that the player character faces. This includes the case of controlling the viewing direction of the camera. Further, the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera based on the second operation information is controlled by controlling the movement of the player character based on the second operation information and following the movement of the player character. Including the case of controlling movement. Conversely, the first operation information may be direction instruction information, and the second operation information may be motion detection information. In this case, the visual line direction of the virtual camera is controlled based on the direction instruction information, and the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera or the movement of the player character is controlled based on the motion detection information.

  When the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires motion detection information from the motion sensor as operation information, the virtual camera control unit 108 controls the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera (player character) based on the motion detection information. To do. Then, the determination unit 112 determines whether a capture condition for capturing the moving object by the virtual camera whose line-of-sight direction changes is satisfied when the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera changes based on the motion detection information. Specifically, the motion sensor is a sensor provided in the portable game device or game controller, and the operation information acquisition unit 102 uses the motion detection information obtained by the player moving the portable game device or game controller, Obtain from motion sensor. Then, the virtual camera control unit 108 controls the virtual camera so that the visual line direction of the virtual camera changes according to the movement of the portable game device. For example, when the player performs an operation of rolling the portable game device or the game controller around the X axis that is an axis along the horizontal direction, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is changed in the vertical direction. When the portable game device or the game controller is operated to roll around the Y axis that is an axis along the vertical direction, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is changed in the left-right direction. Then, the determination unit 112 determines whether the capture condition for capturing the moving object by the virtual camera whose line-of-sight direction changes is satisfied when the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera changes according to the movement of the portable game device.

  Note that the method of this embodiment may be realized by a server system. FIG. 29 shows a configuration example when realized by a server system.

  Server system 500 is communicatively connected to terminal apparatuses TM1 to TMn via network 510. For example, the server system 500 is a host, and the terminal devices TM1 to TMn are clients. The server system 500 can be realized by, for example, one or a plurality of servers (authentication server, game server, communication server, billing server, etc.). The network 510 (distribution network, communication line) is a communication path using, for example, the Internet or a wireless LAN. In addition to a LAN using a dedicated line (dedicated cable) or Ethernet (registered trademark) for direct connection, telephone communication is also possible. A communication network such as a network, a cable network, or a wireless LAN can be included. The communication method may be wired / wireless.

  The terminal devices TM1 to TMn are realized by, for example, a portable game device, a stationary home game device, an arcade game device, or the like. The portable game device may be a dedicated game device or a general-purpose device capable of executing a game program such as a mobile phone or a portable information terminal.

  The server system 500 includes a processing unit 600, a storage unit 670, an information storage medium 680, and a communication unit 696. The processing unit 600 includes an operation information acquisition unit 602, a game calculation unit 604, an object space setting unit 606, a virtual camera control unit 608, an adjustment unit 609, a moving body calculation unit 610, a determination unit 612, a difficulty level setting unit 614, and an image generation. Data generator 620 and sound generator 630 for sound generation. The functions, operations, etc. of these units (blocks) are the same as those of the units (blocks) in FIG.

  For example, the operation information acquisition unit 602 of the server system 500 acquires player operation information, and the virtual camera control unit 608 controls the virtual camera based on the acquired operation information. In addition, the moving object calculation unit 610 performs a moving object movement calculation process, and the image generation data generation unit 620 generates image generation data for generating an image that can be seen from the virtual camera in the object space.

  In this embodiment, the operation information acquisition unit 602 acquires motion detection information from the motion sensor as operation information, and the virtual camera control unit 608 determines the visual line direction of the virtual camera based on the motion detection information. Controls to the destination target side. Then, the moving body computing unit 610 performs a process of moving the moving body with respect to the destination target that has entered the visual field range of the virtual camera when the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is directed.

  Note that the image generation data for generating the image is data for displaying the image generated by the method of the present embodiment on each of the terminal devices TM1 to TMn, and may be the image data itself. In addition, various data (object data, control result data, determination result data, display screen setting data, etc.) used by each terminal device to generate an image may be used. For example, the server system 500 acquires operation information from the operation unit of each terminal device, performs various control processes and various determination processes, generates images, and distributes them to the terminal devices TM1 to TMn (stream distribution) Etc.), the image generation data described above is the image data itself. On the other hand, the server system 500 acquires operation information from the operation unit of each terminal device, performs various control processes and various determination processes, and the terminal devices TM1 to TMn are based on the control results and determination results. When an image is generated, the above-described image generation data is control result data, determination result data, object data, or the like. The same applies to the sound generation data generated by the sound generation data generation unit 630.

  The operation information acquisition unit 602, the game calculation unit 604, the object space setting unit 606, the virtual camera control unit 608, the adjustment unit 609, the moving body calculation unit 610, the determination unit 612, the difficulty level setting unit 614, and the image generation data generation unit Detailed functions and operations of the storage unit 620, the storage unit 670, the information storage medium 680, the communication unit 696, and the like are the same as those described above with reference to FIG.

2. Next, the method of this embodiment will be described in detail. In the following, the case where the method of the present embodiment is applied to a baseball game will be mainly described. However, the game to which the method of the present embodiment is applied is not limited to a baseball game. For example, soccer, American football, volleyball, tennis It can also be applied to various ball games such as badminton, and various games other than ball games (action games, role-playing games, music games, etc.).

2.1 Moving process of moving object to destination target In conventional baseball games, when the player is on the defensive side, most of the games generate images from the viewpoint set near the back net or near the home base. there were. For this reason, there has been a problem that it is difficult to give the player an operation feeling of catching the ball hit by the batter, turning the line of sight to the first target, etc., and throwing the ball.

  In order to solve such a problem, the present embodiment adopts the method described below. For example, in this embodiment, when the player is on the defensive side (in the defensive mode), the viewpoint of the virtual camera is set not to the vicinity of the back net or the home base but to the position of the fielder performing the defensive. Further, before the batter hits the ball, the direction of the line of sight of the virtual camera is set to the direction facing the home base where the batter is located, as in actual baseball. Then, the player operates the fielder performing the defense as a player character.

  In this embodiment, when the ball (moving body in a broad sense) is hit and the ball is successfully captured (catch in a broad sense), the player moves the portable game device to the pitching target (in a broad sense). The operation is directed to the first side, which is the destination target. Specifically, an operation of rotating the portable game device to the left around the Y axis is performed. Then, in conjunction with this rotation operation, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera in the object space is also rotated to the left around the Y axis, so that a glance comes into the visual field range. Then, when the player performs a pitching operation in a state where the first pitch as a pitching target is in the field of view in this way, the ball is pitched all at once. If the ball is thrown into the baseball before the runner who is the batter reaches the base, the runner goes out.

  By doing this, the player can catch the ball from the viewpoint of the fielder side, and turn the portable game device to the left side so that his / her face is directed, so that the player can send the ball toward the first glance. It becomes like this. Therefore, it is possible to give the player a sense of operation as if they were catching a ball and sending it all at once as in real baseball, and the virtual reality of the player can be greatly improved compared to the conventional method. It becomes like this.

  Next, the determination method of the present embodiment will be described more specifically. In the following, a method using a motion sensor provided in a portable game device will be described as an example of a method for controlling the viewing direction of the virtual camera. Note that the visual line direction of the virtual camera may be controlled using a motion sensor provided in the game controller.

  2A and 2B show a configuration example of a portable game device to which the method of this embodiment is applied. This portable game device has a main display portion 190M and a sub display portion 190S. The sub display unit 190S is realized by, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display, and is provided in the housing 10 of the game apparatus. The main display unit 190M is a display having, for example, a larger number of pixels than the sub display unit 190S, and is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display. The main display unit 190M is a display that can display, for example, a stereoscopic image with naked eyes, and the game image is displayed in stereoscopic view.

  A case 10 and a case 20 of the portable game device are provided so as to be freely rotatable, and the case 10 is provided with a direction instruction key 12, an analog stick (joystick) 14, and operation buttons 16. As shown in FIG. 2B, first and second cameras CM1 and CM2 are provided on the back side of the housing 20 (the side opposite to the main display portion 190M). By photographing the subject using the first and second cameras CM1 and CM2, it is possible to obtain a left-eye image and a right-eye image with parallax, and stereoscopic display is possible.

  Further, the portable game device has a built-in motion sensor (6-axis sensor) not shown. When the player moves the hand-held game device with his / her hand, using this motion sensor, the acceleration in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions in FIG. Angular velocities around the Y axis and Z axis can be detected. This makes it possible to detect translational movement operations in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, and rotation angles (roll operation, roll angle) around the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. Note that the X axis (first coordinate axis in a broad sense) is an axis along the horizontal direction (horizontal direction of the screen of the display unit), and the Y axis (second coordinate axis in a broad sense) is the vertical direction (of the display unit). Z-axis (third coordinate axis in a broad sense) is a direction (depth direction) orthogonal to the X-axis and Y-axis.

  Next, control of the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC based on the motion detection information will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 (A) to 3 (C).

  For example, as indicated by D1 and D2 in FIG. 3A, the player can perform an operation of rotating (rolling) the portable game device (or game controller) about the X axis. In this case, the rotation operation (roll operation) around the X axis is detected by the angular velocity sensor of the motion sensor.

  Then, as indicated by D1 in FIG. 3A, the portable game device is rotated (rolled) counterclockwise on the X axis (counterclockwise when viewed from the positive side of the rotating shaft, rotating in the negative direction). In this case, as indicated by E1 in FIG. 3B, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC rotates counterclockwise on the XC axis of the camera coordinate system. As a result, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC can be set to a line-of-sight direction suitable for catching a fly with a high orbit as described later, for example.

  On the other hand, as shown by D2 in FIG. 3 (A), when the portable game device is rotated clockwise on the X axis (clockwise as viewed from the positive side of the rotation axis, rotation in the positive direction), As indicated by E2 in FIG. 3B, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC rotates clockwise about the XC axis of the camera coordinate system. Thereby, it becomes possible to set the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC to a line-of-sight direction suitable for catching a goro with a low trajectory as described later.

  Also, as indicated by D3 and D4 in FIG. 3A, when the player rotates the portable game device (or game controller) about the Y axis, the angular velocity sensor of the motion sensor causes the Y axis to be rotated. A rotation operation at is detected.

  When the portable game device is rotated counterclockwise on the Y axis as indicated by D3 in FIG. 3A, the YC axis of the camera coordinate system is indicated as indicated by E3 in FIG. The visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC rotates counterclockwise.

  On the other hand, when the portable game device is rotated clockwise on the Y axis as indicated by D4 in FIG. 3A, the YC axis of the camera coordinate system is indicated as indicated by E4 in FIG. The visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC rotates in the clockwise direction.

  In this embodiment, the motion detection information from the motion sensor is acquired as operation information, and based on this motion detection information, control is performed to direct the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera toward the destination target side of the moving object. For example, the rotation about the Y axis of the portable game apparatus as indicated by A1 in FIG. 4A is detected by the motion detection information. And as shown to A2 of FIG. 4 (B), based on motion detection information, control which orient | assigns the gaze direction VL of virtual camera VC to the destination target TG of the mobile body MOB is performed. And the process which moves the mobile body MOB is performed with respect to the destination target TG which entered into the visual field range of the virtual camera VC because the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC was turned.

  In this way, in the case of a baseball game, for example, when the ball is thrown after the ball is caught, the line of sight VL of the virtual camera VC is directed toward the first base, which is a ball throwing target (destination target). Can be sent, and more realistic baseball game images can be generated.

  Note that, as a motion sensor, an image sensor may be used instead of an angular velocity sensor or the like to detect a rotation operation of the portable game device and control the visual line direction or the like of the virtual camera. In other words, a rotation operation of the portable game device is detected using an image picked up by an image sensor of the camera, and the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is controlled. For example, the scenery around the portable game device is photographed with the cameras CM1 and CM2 as shown in FIG. 2B, and image processing is performed on the captured images of the obtained cameras CM1 and CM2, thereby A rotation operation of the portable game device is detected from the pixel movement information. In this way, the image sensor of the portable game device can be used as a motion sensor to detect the rotation operation of the portable game device and control the visual line direction of the virtual camera.

  The game device to which the method of the present embodiment is applied is not limited to a portable game device, and may be a stationary home game device, for example. In this case, for example, using a motion sensor (angular velocity sensor, acceleration sensor, camera, etc.) provided in the game controller of the home game device, the rotation with respect to the game controller is performed in the same manner as in the case of the portable game device. The operation may be detected and the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera may be controlled.

  Next, details of the pitching process when the method of the present embodiment is applied to a baseball game will be described. In this embodiment, when a ball has been successfully caught (catch of a moving body in a broad sense) and a given ball throwing condition (feed condition in a broad sense) is satisfied, A moving process is performed (moving process). For example, when a ball is successfully captured and the player performs a pitching instruction operation using the operation unit, or when the player performs an operation to turn the sight line direction of the virtual camera toward the pitching target, The ball is sent to the pitching target.

  For example, in FIG. 5A, the catching condition and catching condition of the ball BL are satisfied, and the catching of the ball BL is successful. Then, in this way, the catching is successful, and within the throwing determination period, the player performs an operation of rotating the portable game device counterclockwise (left side) on the Y axis as indicated by D3 in FIG. Suppose you went. Then, as shown in FIG. 5 (B), the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed toward the first base FBF that is the ball-throwing target, and the ball BL throwing process is performed. Specifically, after successfully catching the ball, when the pitching instruction button in the operation button 16 in FIG. 2A is pressed within the pitching determination period, the ball BL is pitched all at once. Alternatively, after the ball has been successfully captured, by rotating the hand-held game device, the virtual camera VC can be automatically operated without turning the ball-throwing instruction button if the operation is directed to the gaze direction VL. The ball is sent all at once.

  In this way, it is possible to give the player an operational feeling similar to an actual baseball pitching play, such as catching the ball BL and then throwing it toward the first base. As a result, the virtual reality of the player can be further improved.

2.2 Ball catching process Next, the details of the ball catching process will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 (A) to 10 (B).

  In most baseball games, when the player is on the defensive side, most of the games generate images from the viewpoint set near the back net or near the home base, so follow the ball hit by the batter with your eyes. However, there is a problem that it is difficult to give the player an operational feeling of catching the ball and making it out. Therefore, in this embodiment, a catching process as described below is adopted.

  For example, suppose a ball is hit and an outfield fly flies. At this time, if the player does not perform an appropriate operation, the higher fly ball is out of the visual field range of the virtual camera, and the ball disappears from the visual field range.

  In such a situation, in the present embodiment, the player performs an operation of changing the viewing direction of the virtual camera or the like so that the ball falls within the visual field range. That is, an operation is performed such that the ball is captured by the virtual camera, and the ball is chased with the eyes. Then, if the player character moves to the point of falling of the ball and catches the ball (catch) in a state where the ball is in the visual field range (capture determination range) in this way, it is determined that the ball has been successfully captured, It is determined that the outfield fly was caught.

  On the other hand, if the ball hit by the batter is a ball, the player must change the line of sight direction of the virtual camera, etc. and do not capture the ball by pointing the line of sight of the virtual camera downward. Make it impossible to catch. That is, when the ball is caught while satisfying the condition for catching the ball by the virtual camera, it is determined that the ball has been successfully caught.

  In this way, when the player actually catches and catches the ball and moves to the catching point and catches the ball, it is determined that the catch has been successful. Therefore, it is possible to give the player an operational feeling as if he was catching the ball as in actual baseball, and the player's virtual reality can be greatly improved compared to the conventional method.

  For example, in FIG. 6A, the ball BL hit by the batter is rough. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6B, the player rotates the portable game device in the clockwise direction of the X axis when viewed from the positive side of the X axis. Then, the clockwise rotation of the X axis is detected by a motion sensor (angular velocity sensor). Then, the virtual camera VC is controlled by the motion detection information in the clockwise direction of the X axis so that the line-of-sight direction VL is directed downward as shown in FIG. That is, the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC rotates clockwise around the XC axis of the camera coordinate system, and an image in the visual line direction VL is generated and displayed on the display unit 190. As a result, the ball BL is captured and seen within the player's field of view, and the capture condition that the virtual camera VC captures the ball BL is satisfied. In this state, for example, when the player character CHP (virtual camera) operated by the player moves to an appropriate catching point and the catching condition is satisfied, it is determined that the Goro ball BL has been successfully caught. The

  On the other hand, in FIG. 7A, the ball BL hit by the batter is fly. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7B, the player rotates the portable game device in the counterclockwise direction of the X axis when viewed from the positive direction side of the X axis. Then, the counterclockwise rotation of the X axis is detected by a motion sensor (angular velocity sensor). Then, based on the X-axis counterclockwise motion detection information, the virtual camera VC is controlled such that the line-of-sight direction VL is directed upward as shown in FIG. That is, the viewing direction VL of the virtual camera VC rotates counterclockwise about the XC axis of the camera coordinate system, and an image in this viewing direction VL is generated and displayed on the display unit 190. As a result, the ball BL is captured and seen within the player's field of view, and the capture condition that the virtual camera VC captures the ball BL is satisfied. In this state, for example, when the player character CHP (virtual camera) operated by the player moves to an appropriate catching point and the catching condition is satisfied, it is determined that the catching of the fly ball BL is successful. The

  FIG. 8A to FIG. 9 are examples of game images generated at the time of the goro process described with reference to FIG. 6A and FIG.

  FIG. 8A is a game image of a scene where the batter hits Goro's ball BL. In this way, when the ball BL is Goro, as shown in FIG. 6B, the player performs an operation of rotating the portable game device in the clockwise direction of the X axis, as shown in FIG. As described above, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed downward. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 8B, a game image is generated in which the low-orbit Goro ball BL falls within the visual field range of the virtual camera VC. That is, the capture condition for the ball BL on the low trajectory is satisfied, and a game image in which the ball BL is captured by the virtual camera VC is generated.

  In FIG. 8B, in such a state that the capture condition is satisfied, the position of the ball BL matches the position of the player character CHP (virtual camera), and the capture condition is satisfied. It is determined that the ball was successfully caught.

  In FIG. 8A, a so-called first-person game image is generated, and a grab of the player character CHP is displayed at the catching timing of FIG. 8B. However, in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, the entire player character CHP may be displayed. In this case, in order to prevent a situation in which the ball BL is obstructed by the player character CHP and becomes difficult to see, it is desirable to make the player character CHP semi-transparent display or the like.

  FIG. 9 is a game image of a scene in which after the successful catching of FIG. 8 (B), a pitching instruction is given by the player, and the caught ball is sent all at once. For example, when the player performs a roll operation to rotate the portable game device about the Y axis during the pitching determination period set corresponding to the catching timing, and the line of sight of the virtual camera VC is directed to the first side. Is determined that the pitching condition is satisfied. Then, a process of sending the caught ball BL to a glance which is a pitching target is performed. Alternatively, when the direction of the line of sight of the virtual camera VC is directed to the first side, and the pitching instruction button (the button assigned to the pitching operation) in the operation button 16 in FIG. 2A is pressed during the pitching determination period. Then, it is determined that the pitching condition is satisfied. Then, a process of sending the caught ball BL at a glance is performed. If both catching and throwing are successful, the result of “out” is displayed as shown in FIG.

  FIGS. 10A and 10B are examples of game images generated during the fly processing described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

  FIG. 10A is a game image of a scene where the batter hits the fly ball BL. In this way, when the ball BL is a fly, as shown in FIG. 7B, the player performs an operation of rotating the portable game device counterclockwise on the X-axis, thereby FIG. As shown, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC faces upward. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10B, a game image is generated in which a fly ball BL having a high trajectory falls within the visual field range of the virtual camera VC. That is, the capture condition for the ball BL on the high trajectory is satisfied, and a game image in which the ball BL is captured by the virtual camera VC is generated.

  In FIG. 10B, in such a state that the capture condition is satisfied, the position of the ball BL and the position of the player character CHP (virtual camera) match, and the capture condition is satisfied. It is determined that the ball was successfully caught.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when an operation of rotating the portable game device (or game controller) around the X axis is performed, the XC axis of the camera coordinate system corresponding to the X axis is the visual line direction of the virtual camera. Control to rotate around. When the capture condition for capturing the ball (moving body) is satisfied by the virtual camera whose line-of-sight direction rotates around the XC axis, and the ball capture condition (catch condition) is satisfied, Is determined to be successful. Then, when it is determined that the ball has been successfully caught and a given throwing condition (sending condition) is satisfied, a process of moving the caught ball to the throwing target (destination target) is performed. Specifically, when it is determined that the ball (moving body) has been successfully caught (catch), and the player performs a throw instruction operation (send instruction operation), the caught ball is sent to the throw target (destination target). ) Is moved. Alternatively, when it is determined that the ball has been successfully captured and the player performs an operation of directing the viewing direction of the virtual camera toward the throwing target, a process of moving the caught ball to the throwing target is performed.

  More specifically, after the player has successfully caught the ball, the player rotates the portable game device so as to direct the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC to the first glance side. Then, after the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed to the first base side, when the player presses the pitching instruction button, the ball is sent to the first base. In this case, for example, when it is determined that the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is appropriately oriented toward the first base (destination target side), an instruction display (for example, “send OK” May be performed). In this way, after the player confirms the instruction display, the ball is sent all at once by pressing the pitching instruction button.

  According to the method of the present embodiment as described above, when the player catches the ball while performing an operation that causes the ball to enter the visual field range, it is determined that the catching is successful, and then the throwing condition is satisfied. Then the ball is sent. Therefore, the player can catch the ball and send the caught ball with the same operation feeling as in the real world baseball, such as chasing after catching the actual ball with his eyes. Therefore, the virtual reality of the player can be significantly improved as compared with the conventional method. The player performs different operations to catch the ball depending on whether the hit ball is a goro as shown in FIG. 6A or when the hit ball is a fly as shown in FIG. 7A. Accordingly, it is possible to give the player a sense of operation as if they are actually catching a goro or fly.

  In particular, if the gaze direction of the virtual camera is controlled by the motion sensor of the portable game device, in the case of Goro, the player sets the direction (screen direction) of the portable game device to the lower side as shown in FIG. In the case of a fly, in the case of a fly, an operation of turning the portable game device upward is performed to catch a ball of a golo or a fly. Therefore, the player can play the game as if there is a real ball on the other side of the screen and catch and send the ball, so that the virtual reality of the player can be further improved. .

  In addition, although the case where the method of this embodiment was applied to the baseball game was demonstrated above, the method of this embodiment is applicable to various ball game etc. other than a baseball game.

  For example, FIGS. 11A to 11C are examples in which the method of the present embodiment is applied to a soccer game. In FIG. 11A, the opponent character CHE controlled by a computer or the like passes the ball BL against the player character CHP operated by the player. In FIG. 11B, the player character CHP has succeeded in catching (keeping) the passed ball BL. In FIG. 11C, processing such as passing the caught ball BL to another character or kicking the goal is performed as the ball BL throwing processing. Even in such a soccer game, by adopting the method of the present embodiment, the virtual reality of the player can be greatly improved compared to the conventional soccer game. Note that a heading shoot in soccer centering may be realized by the method of this embodiment. In this case, the centered ball hits the player's head corresponds to catching, and the ball hitting the head bounces back and jumps corresponds to throwing.

  Furthermore, the method of this embodiment can be applied to various games such as American football, volleyball, basketball, tennis, table tennis, and badminton in addition to baseball and soccer games. For example, in the case of American football, catching a ball thrown by a quarterback by a running bag jumping or the like corresponds to catching. In the case of volleyball, the receive is equivalent to catching the ball, and the toss and attack are equivalent to throwing the ball. In the case of tennis or table tennis, the ball hitting the racket corresponds to catching the ball, and the ball hitting the racket flies in the hit direction corresponds to pitching. In the case of badminton, the shuttle corresponds to a ball.

2.3 Rotation Angle Adjustment Processing Now, if the gaze direction of the virtual camera is changed by rotating the hand-held game device, the gaze direction unintended by the player will change unless the device is modified. There is a possibility that unnaturalness may be felt or that the player's game play may be hindered.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, a method of adjusting the rotation angle change amount ΔθYC in the visual line direction of the virtual camera with respect to the rotation angle change amount ΔθY of the portable game device is adopted.

  For example, in F1 of FIG. 12A, the player rotates the portable game device around the Y axis at a rotation angle of the change amount ΔθY1, and thus in F2, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is the change amount ΔθYC1. It is rotating at a rotation angle. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12B, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed toward the pitch destination target (send destination target) TG, and the ball BL is sent to the pitch destination target TG.

  On the other hand, for example, in F3 of FIG. 13A, the player rotates the portable game device around the Y axis at a rotation angle of the change amount ΔθY2 <ΔθY1, so that in F4, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is The rotation amount is ΔθYC2 = ΔθYC1. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13B, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed toward the throwing destination target TG, and the ball BL is sent to the throwing destination target TG.

  Thus, in FIG. 13A, compared to FIG. 12A, the rotation angle ΔθYC about the YC axis in the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera VC with respect to the change amount ΔθY of the rotation angle about the Y axis of the portable game device. The ratio ΔθYC / ΔθY of the amount of change is different. That is, in FIG. 13A, the ratio ΔθYC / ΔθY is large, and even if the amount of change in the rotation angle of the portable game device is small, the virtual camera VC is the same as the amount of change in the rotation angle as in FIG. The visual line direction VL can be rotated.

  For example, in a baseball game, in order to turn the line of sight toward the home base to a glance when catching a ball and sending it to the baseball, if no adjustment processing is performed, the portable game device is For example, it is necessary to rotate 90 degrees around the Y axis.

  However, if the player is requested to perform an operation of rotating the portable game device by 90 degrees in this way, the player is forced to perform a large operation, which may deteriorate the game operability of the player.

  In this regard, if the adjustment process as in the present embodiment is performed, as shown in FIG. 13A, the virtual camera VC can be obtained simply by rotating the portable game device at a rotation angle of a small change amount ΔθY2 of 90 degrees or less. The line-of-sight direction VL is rotated 90 degrees so that the ball can be sent all at once. Therefore, the player can turn the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC at a glance with a small operation, and the game operability of the player can be improved. For example, even when the first runner is out by throwing the ball to the second base, the visual game direction VL of the virtual camera VC is rotated 180 degrees by simply rotating the portable game device at a rotation angle smaller than 180 degrees. It is possible to send a ball to the game, and the operability of the game can be improved.

  Note that the adjustment process of the ratio ΔθYC / ΔθY of the rotation angle change amount ΔθYC of the virtual camera VC with respect to the rotation angle change amount ΔθY of the portable game device may be performed based on the operation information of the player or the game. You may do it based on the situation.

  For example, when the adjustment process is performed based on the operation information of the player, for example, the player performs an operation input on the option screen before starting the game, and ΔθYC / ΔθY is adjusted. For example, when it is desired to rotate the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera VC with a small change in the rotation angle of the portable game device, ΔθYC / ΔθY is set to a large value. Note that ΔθYC / ΔθY may be adjusted by the player performing a predetermined operation during the game.

  When the adjustment process is performed based on the game situation, ΔθYC / ΔθY is set to the first ratio RT1 in the first game situation, and ΔθYC / ΔθY is set to the second ratio RT2 in the second game situation. That's fine. For example, in the first game situation in which the batter runner who hit the ball is out at a glance, ΔθYC / ΔθY is set to the first ratio RT1, and the second runner out at the first glance is a second. In the game situation, ΔθYC / ΔθY is set to a second ratio RT2> RT1. In this way, the ratio of ΔθYC / ΔθY can be set to a larger value when the ball is sent to two baseballs than when the ball is sent to the first baseball. Therefore, for example, when sending a ball to the baseball, it is necessary to rotate the portable game device by 90 degrees, for example, but when sending a ball to the baseball, the portable game device is rotated at a rotation angle smaller than 180 degrees. It is only necessary to make it possible to improve the game operability.

  For example, when the ball is sent to the first base, the ratio ΔθYC / ΔθY = 2 is set, for example, so that the direction of the line of sight is directed to the first base at a rotation angle of 45 degrees, for example. For example, the line-of-sight direction may turn to 2 ° at a rotation angle of 60 degrees.

  12A to 13B, the method for adjusting the rotation angle around the Y axis has been described, but the rotation angle around the X axis described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 7B is also applicable. A similar adjustment process may be performed. Specifically, the rotation angle change amount ΔθXC around the XC axis in the visual line direction of the virtual camera is adjusted with respect to the rotation angle change amount ΔθX around the X axis of the portable game device (game controller). In this case, adjustment processing of the change amount ΔθXC with respect to the change amount ΔθX is performed based on the operation information of the player or the game situation.

  In this way, by increasing the value of the ratio ΔθXC / ΔθXC, for example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the portable game device does not rotate much downward in FIG. 6B, for example. It becomes possible to catch Goro. Further, in FIG. 7B, it is possible to catch a fly as shown in FIG. 7A even if the portable game device is not rotated so much in the upward direction.

2.4 Throwing to the Second Throwing Target For example, in a baseball game, it is desirable that a pitching process such as double play (gettsu) or triple play can be realized realistically. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a process of moving a moving body such as a ball to the first destination target is performed, and after the ball reaches the first destination target, the reached moving body is moved to the second destination target. Process.

  For example, in FIG. 14A, the viewing direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed toward the home base HBS. For example, in a situation where there is a runner on the first base FBF, the batter hits the ball and the player character CHP succeeds in catching the ball. In this case, when the player rotates the portable game device by, for example, 180 degrees as described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the line of sight of the virtual camera VC as illustrated in FIG. The direction VL faces the double base SBF. Then, when the pitching condition is satisfied by the player performing a pitching instruction operation or the like, the ball BL is pitched to the second base SBF that is the first pitching target (first destination target).

  Then, after the ball BL reaches the second base SBF that is the first pitch target, the reached ball BL is pitched to the second pitch target selected based on the game situation or designated by the player's instruction operation. The

  Specifically, in FIG. 15A, when the ball is sent to the second base SBF, the viewpoint position of the virtual camera VC is set to a position corresponding to the second base SBF that is the first throw target. For example, in FIG. 15A, the viewpoint position of the virtual camera VC is set at a position behind the second base SBF as viewed from the player character CHP. In this case, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed toward the source side of the ball BL until the ball reaches the second base SBF. Thereby, the player can see the player character CHP that has sent the ball BL in the viewpoint image on the second base SBF side.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 15B, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed toward the first base FBF that is the second pitching target. And the ball | bowl BL is sent with respect to the glance which entered the visual field range of the virtual camera VC because the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC was turned.

  In this way, it is possible to realize a double-play ball-sending process in which the first runner is out in two bases and the batter runner is out in one base. The double play realized by the present embodiment is not limited to such a double play. For example, various double plays such as a second base runner out with a third base and a first base runner out with two bases. It can also be applied to triple play.

  Further, after the ball reaches the first pitching target, the second pitching target for moving the reached ball may be selected based on the game situation.

  For example, in a first game situation in which a runner is at a glance, after the ball has been sent to the second base, the first base may be automatically selected as the second throwing target and the ball may be sent. Further, in the second game situation where the runners are in the first and second bases, after the ball is sent to the third base, the second base or the first base may be automatically selected as the second target and the ball may be sent. In this case, for example, after the ball has been sent to the second base, the first base may be automatically selected as the third throwing target and the ball may be sent. Or, in the third full game situation where runners are all in the first to third base, after the ball is sent to the home base, the first, second or third base is automatically selected as the second target and the ball is You can send a ball. Also in this case, after the ball has been sent to the first base, the second base, or the third base, the other base may be automatically selected as the second pitching target and the ball may be sent.

  In the automatic selection of the pitching target, it is desirable to select the kite based on the positional relationship information between the fielder and the kite, the ability parameter of the runner in each kite, and the like. For example, when there are a plurality of kites that are candidate pitching targets, the kite closest to the fielder who throws the ball may be automatically selected.

  In addition, after the ball reaches the first pitching target, the second pitching target for moving the reached ball may be selected based on an instruction operation of the player.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 16, each operation button of the portable game device is assigned to each progressive (each destination target). In FIG. 16, for example, the A button, the B button, the C button, and the D button are assigned to the home base HBF, the first base FBF, the second base SBF, and the third base TBF, respectively.

  Then, for example, in a double-play game situation, when the player turns the portable game device to the second base and the ball is sent to the second base, when the player presses the B button corresponding to the first base FBF, the second base The ball will be sent to.

  Also, for example, in a game situation where there are runners on the first and second base, after the player rotates the hand-held game device to the third base and the ball is sent to the third base, the player determines the next second throw target and Select one or two bases. For example, after the ball is sent to the third base, when the player presses the B button corresponding to the first base FBF, the ball is sent to the first base. On the other hand, when the C button corresponding to the second base SBF is pressed, the ball is sent to the second base. In this way, the player can experience a more realistic defense in a baseball game.

2.5 Reference direction For example, when a motion sensor such as an angular velocity sensor or an acceleration sensor is used, the rotation angle, velocity, or distance is obtained by integrating the detected angular velocity or acceleration. For this reason, for example, when the rotation angle of the portable game device is detected by an angular velocity sensor, it is desirable to set a reference direction (reference rotation angle) that serves as a reference for the rotation angle in the viewing direction of the virtual camera. In this way, it becomes possible to specify the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera based on the change in the rotation angle of the portable game device obtained by integrating the angular velocity and the reference direction.

  For example, in FIG. 17A, DRF is set as the reference direction of the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC. In this state, when the player rotates the portable game device around, for example, the Y axis as indicated by G1, the rotation angle around the Y axis is detected as motion detection information. Then, as shown in FIG. 17B, the control for directing the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC toward the destination target side of the moving body based on the motion detection information with reference to the reference direction DRF set in FIG. Do. That is, the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC is rotated from the reference direction DRF by a rotation angle corresponding to the rotation angle of the portable game device. In this way, the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC changes with the reference direction DRF as a reference, and even when a motion sensor such as an angular velocity sensor is used, the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC is set appropriately. Will be able to control.

  In this case, various methods can be adopted as a method for setting the reference direction DRF. For example, the direction from the viewpoint position of the virtual camera to a predetermined position on the game field is set as the reference direction. Taking a baseball game as an example, the direction from the viewpoint position of the virtual camera toward the home base is set as the reference direction. In this way, as shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, until the ball is caught, the viewing direction of the virtual camera is set in the reference direction toward the home base where the batter is located. And an image is generated. Then, when the player rotates the portable game device in the left direction to send the ball at a glance, the viewing direction of the virtual camera changes from the reference direction of the home base direction in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Then, it turns to the first glance direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, an image in which the first glance is in the visual field range is generated, and an image in which the ball is thrown at a glance is generated. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately control the viewing direction of the virtual camera in the baseball game pitching.

  For example, in a game where a goal is placed on the game field, such as a soccer game or a handball game, the direction from the viewpoint position of the virtual camera (the position of the player character) toward the goal may be set as the reference direction.

  In addition, a direction selected from a plurality of candidate reference directions may be set as the reference direction. For example, in the soccer game of FIGS. 18A and 18B, there are enemy goals and friendly goals. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18A, the direction connecting the viewpoint position VP of the virtual camera VC and the enemy goal position GP1 becomes the first candidate reference direction DRF1, and the viewpoint position VP of the virtual camera VC and the friendly goal The direction connecting the positions GP2 is the second candidate reference direction DRF2. Then, the player selects a direction desired by the player from the first and second candidate reference directions DRF1 and DRF2, and sets it as a reference direction.

  For example, in a situation where the own team is attacking, the player selects the first candidate reference direction DRF1 toward the enemy goal position GP1 as the reference direction. As a result, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC changes based on the motion detection information with the reference direction DRF1 as a reference. Then, it is possible to realize a ball-sending process such as changing the line-of-sight direction VL with reference to the reference direction DRF1 and passing the ball to a teammate character or the like that has entered the visual field range of the virtual camera VC. Therefore, it is possible to realize optimal gaze direction control during an attack.

  On the other hand, in a situation where the team is defending, the player selects the second candidate reference direction DRF2 toward the team goal goal position GP2 as the reference direction. As a result, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC changes based on the motion detection information with the reference direction DRF2 as a reference, and optimal line-of-sight control can be realized during defense.

  Alternatively, the visual line direction of the virtual camera when the player performs an operation for setting the reference direction may be set as the reference direction. For example, in the state of FIG. 19A, when the player performs a reference direction setting operation with an operation button or the like of the operation unit of the portable game device, the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC at that time is set to the reference direction DRF. Is done. Then, when the portable game device is rotated after the reference direction DRF is set in this way, as shown in FIG. 19B, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC changes with the reference direction DRF as a reference. As a result, the player can send the ball to the desired pitching target. In this way, the direction that the player desires to set as the reference direction can be set as the reference direction, and the game operability of the player can be improved.

  In FIG. 20A, processing for moving the player character CHP is performed based on the operation information of the player. For example, processing in which the player character CHP runs in the direction instructed by the player is performed.

  In this case, for example, a direction corresponding to the moving direction DCH (traveling direction) of the player character CHP is set as the reference direction DRF. When the player rotates the portable game device, as shown in FIG. 20B, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC changes with reference to the reference direction DRF that is the moving direction DCH of the player character CHP. .

  In this way, the direction in which the player character CHP is moving is always set to the reference direction DRF. Therefore, for example, by rotating the portable game device to the left or right so that the player turns around, an operation of passing the ball to a teammate character on the left or right of the player character CHP can be easily realized. Therefore, an operation interface environment suitable for the player can be provided.

  It should be noted that an auto-initialization process that automatically initializes the reference direction may be performed at regular intervals or when a given event occurs. For example, a process of automatically setting the reference direction to the initial direction is performed at regular intervals (periodically). Or, for example, when an event occurs in which a batter enters a bat or throws a ball in a baseball game, a goal event occurs in a soccer game, or a shot event occurs in a basketball game, the reference direction is automatically set to the initial direction. Perform the setting process. For example, in a baseball game, the direction toward the home base is set as the initial direction, and the reference direction is set as the initial direction at regular intervals or when a given event occurs. In this way, even if the player does not perform an operation, the reference direction is automatically set to the initial direction at regular intervals or when a given event occurs. Mitigation can be achieved.

2.6 Specific examples of determination method of catching condition and catching condition Next, a specific example of the judging method of catching condition and catching condition will be described. In the first determination method, a hit volume controlled by the player operation information and following the virtual camera is set, and when the ball hits the hit volume, it is determined that the capture condition and the catch condition are satisfied.

  For example, in FIG. 21A, the hit volume HV is set to follow the virtual camera VC when the line-of-sight direction VL, the viewpoint position, etc. of the virtual camera VC change according to the operation information of the player. In FIG. 21A, a hit volume HV is arranged on the front side of the virtual camera VC (the Z-axis side of the camera coordinate system), for example, on the front side of the player character CHP. Then, a hit check with the ball BL of the hit volume HV is performed. Specifically, a hit check is performed using the first plane on the front side and the second plane on the rear side of the hit volume HV. For example, the trajectory of the ball BL intersects both the first and second planes. If it is, it is determined that the ball BL has been hit and caught.

  The position and direction of the player character CHP may be controlled by the player operation information, and the hit volume HV may be set so as to follow the player character CHP. The shape of the hit volume HV is not limited to the rectangular parallelepiped shape as shown in FIG. 21A, and various shapes such as an ellipsoid (including a sphere) and a column can be employed.

  In FIG. 21B, the ball BL has a low trajectory. In this case, the hit volume HV is set to a shape having a short length and is arranged at an upper position. That is, the hit volume HV is set in the area corresponding to the upper half of the player character CHP, but the hit volume HV is not set in the area corresponding to the lower half.

  In FIG. 21B, since the player is not performing the roll operation of the portable game apparatus as shown in FIG. 6B, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is set to the horizontal direction. Accordingly, the hit volume HV is arranged so that its long side direction is the vertical direction without tilting.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 21C, the player performs an operation of rolling the portable game device downward about the X axis with respect to the low-orbit ball BL as shown in FIG. 6B. . Thereby, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed downward. Then, in conjunction with the change in the direction of the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC, as shown in FIG. 21C, the lower end of the hit volume HV is on the front side (front side when viewed from the virtual camera). Approach and tilt it so that its upper end is farther away (back side as viewed from the virtual camera). That is, the hit volume HV is arranged so that the long side direction is inclined from the vertical direction to the back side.

  In this way, since the lower part of the hit volume HV approaches the ground (game field), it becomes easy to hit the ball BL on the hit volume HV even if the ball BL is a goro with a low trajectory. Therefore, the player can catch the Goro ball BL without tunneling.

  For example, when the ball BL is Goro and the hit volume HV does not tilt without performing the roll operation of the portable game device as shown in FIG. 21B, the ball BL hits the hit volume HV. Instead, it becomes a tunnel.

  In this regard, as shown in FIG. 21C, if the hit volume HV is tilted in conjunction with the change in the direction of the visual line VL of the virtual camera VC, such a tunnel does not occur, and the player properly You can catch the BL. That is, when the player performs an operation of rolling the portable game device in the downward direction with respect to the ball BL of the low trajectory, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed downward. Thus, the ball BL enters the visual field range of the virtual camera VC, and the ball BL is captured by the virtual camera VC, so that the capture condition is satisfied. If the ball BL hits the hit volume HV in this state, the catching condition is also satisfied. Accordingly, when the hit volume HV is set as shown in FIGS. 21 (A) to 21 (C) and the ball BL hits the set hit volume HV, both the capture condition and the catch condition of the ball BL are set. Can be determined to be satisfied.

  In FIG. 22A, the ball BL is a fly with a high trajectory. In this case, the hit volume HV is set to have a longer shape than that of the case where the length is Goro. Then, the hit volume HV is set in the area corresponding to both the upper body and the lower body of the player character CHP.

  In FIG. 22B, the player performs an operation of rolling the portable game device upward about the X axis with respect to the high-orbit ball BL as shown in FIG. 7B. Thereby, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed upward. Then, in conjunction with the change in the direction of the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC, the hit volume HV is tilted so that the upper end portion approaches the near side and the lower end portion moves away from the back side. When the ball BL hits the hit volume HV, it is determined that both the capturing condition and the catching condition are satisfied, and it is determined that the catching is successful.

  In this case, by setting the hit volume HV as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the fly ball BL having a high trajectory can easily hit the hit volume HV. For example, when the ball BL is a fly and the length of the hit volume HV is short as shown in FIGS. 21B and 21C, the range in which the fly can be caught is narrowed, and the difficulty of the game is increased. End up. In this regard, as shown in FIGS. 22 (A) and 22 (B), if the hit volume HV is made long in the case of a fly with a high trajectory, the range in which the ball BL can be caught is widened. You can catch the ball easily. In FIGS. 21B to 22B, the shape of the hit volume HV is changed according to the trajectory of the ball BL, etc., but the shape of the hit volume HV is not changed and the shape of the hit volume HV is changed. The effective hit range may be changed according to the trajectory of the ball BL. For example, in the case of a low trajectory goro, the hit effective range of the hit volume HV is set to a small range. On the other hand, in the case of a fly with a high trajectory, the hit effective range of the hit volume HV is set to a large range. In this way, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the method of changing the shape according to the trajectory of the ball BL.

  As described above, in the first determination method of the ball catching process according to the present embodiment, at least one of the shape, effective range, position, and direction of the hit volume HV is changed according to the trajectory of the ball BL. For example, when the ball BL has a low trajectory (first trajectory) like a ball, the hit volume HV is set to a short shape as shown in FIGS. 21 (B) and 21 (C). Set the effective range of hits to a small range without changing. The arrangement position of the hit volume HV is also set on the upper side. On the other hand, when the ball BL has a high trajectory (second trajectory) like a fly, the hit volume HV is set to a long shape as shown in FIGS. 22 (A) and 22 (B). The hit effective range is set to a large range without changing. Further, the arrangement position of the hit volume HV is set to the lower side compared to the case of Goro. Thus, if the shape, hit effective range, position, etc. of the hit volume HV are set according to the trajectory of the ball BL, it is only necessary to determine whether or not the ball BL has hit the hit volume HV. It becomes possible to determine whether or not is satisfied. Therefore, it is possible to determine the capturing condition and the catching condition with a simple determination process. Further, in the first determination method of the present embodiment, when the ball BL moves along the first trajectory as shown in FIGS. 21B and 21C, the line-of-sight direction range of the virtual camera VC is It is determined that the capture condition is satisfied when the range is the low first line-of-sight direction range. On the other hand, when the ball BL moves in the second trajectory higher than the first trajectory as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the visual line direction range of the virtual camera VC is the first visual line. When the second viewing direction range is higher than the direction range, it is determined that the capturing condition is satisfied. Alternatively, when the ball BL moves in the first trajectory which is the left trajectory, it is determined that the capturing condition is satisfied when the line-of-sight range is the range of the line-of-sight direction facing the left direction, and the ball BL is moved to the right When moving in the second trajectory which is a direction trajectory, it may be determined that the capture condition is satisfied when the line-of-sight direction range is the range of the line-of-sight direction facing the right direction. In this way, it is possible to determine the capture condition in the situation where the player character CHP flies in the horizontal direction and catches the ball BL.

  The method for setting the hit volume HV is not limited to the method described with reference to FIGS. 21A to 22B, and various modifications can be made.

  For example, in FIG. 23 (A), when the player performs the operation as shown in FIG. 6 (B) with respect to the ball BL of the low trajectory and the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed downward, In conjunction with this, the hit volume HV also moves downward. As a result, the player can easily catch the ball BL of the low trajectory.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 23B, when the player performs an operation as shown in FIG. 7B on the fly ball BL in the high trajectory, and the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed upward, In conjunction with this, the hit volume HV also moves upward. As a result, the player can easily catch the fly ball BL of a high orbit. In FIGS. 23A and 23B, not only the position (representative position) of the hit volume HV but also the direction (arrangement direction) may be changed according to the height of the trajectory of the ball BL. .

  In the present embodiment, the hit volume HV may be deformed or the hit effective range may be changed according to the direction instructed by the player at the time of catching the ball BL.

  In the present embodiment, the hit volume may be set according to the difficulty level of the game. For example, at least one of the shape of the hit volume, the hit effective range, the position, and the direction may be changed according to the setting of the difficulty level of the game.

  Next, a second determination method for the catching process according to the present embodiment will be described. In the second determination method, a capture determination range is set corresponding to the visual field range of the virtual camera, and when the ball is in the capture determination range, it is determined that the condition for capturing the ball by the virtual camera is satisfied. To do. When the ball catching condition is satisfied in a state where the catching condition is satisfied, it is determined that the ball catching is successful.

  For example, in FIGS. 24 (A) to 24 (C), the player moves the portable game device as shown in FIG. 7 (B) so that the ball BL falls within the visual field range (capture determination range) of the virtual camera VC. Perform the operation to roll. Accordingly, when the height of the ball BL gradually decreases as shown in FIGS. 24A to 24C, the line of sight of the virtual camera VC is set so that the ball BL falls within the visual field range of the virtual camera VC. The direction VL and the like are controlled. When the ball BL is within the capture determination range set corresponding to the visual field range, it is determined that the capture condition for the ball BL is satisfied. Then, in a state where such capture conditions are satisfied, as shown in FIG. 24C, the ball BL hits a simple hit volume HV set in the virtual camera VC (player character), and catches the ball. If the condition is satisfied, it is determined that the player has successfully caught the ball BL. As described above, in the second determination method of the catching process of the present embodiment, when the ball BL moves in the first trajectory with a low level, the visual line direction range of the virtual camera VC is the low first visual line direction range. In some cases, it is determined that the capture condition is satisfied. On the other hand, when the ball moves in a second trajectory higher than the first trajectory, the visual line direction range of the virtual camera VC is a second visual line direction range higher than the first visual line direction range. , It is determined that the capture condition is satisfied.

  According to the second determination method of the present embodiment described above, the capture condition can be determined simply by determining whether or not the ball is in the capture determination range corresponding to the visual field range, and the processing is simplified. Can be achieved. Further, since the capture condition and the catching condition are determined separately, the capture condition determination process and the catching condition determination process can be simplified.

  Various modifications can be made as a method for determining the catching condition and a method for setting the hit volume for determining the catching condition. For example, a hit volume for determining the catching condition may be set for a part such as the left hand of the player character. The visual field range of the virtual camera and the capture determination range corresponding thereto may be set by an angle based on the visual line direction of the virtual camera. In this way, it is possible to realize a determination process such as a capture condition by a simple determination process using an angle. Further, the period for determining whether or not the capture condition is satisfied may be a short period immediately before the catching timing or may be a long period.

  Also, if you set a ball hit volume that follows the ball, instead of a hit volume that follows the virtual camera or character, you can use this ball hit volume to determine whether the ball catching condition is satisfied. Good. A technique using this ball hit volume is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-3055891. In this method, a hit check is performed between the ball hit volume and the position of the player character or virtual camera, and if it is determined that the ball has been hit, it is determined that the ball has been successfully captured. In this case, for example, the shape or effective range of the hit volume for the ball may be controlled according to the height of the trajectory of the ball, the direction of the trajectory, the game conditions, and the like. It is also possible to determine the ball capture condition using the ball hit volume.

  Further, the process for determining the catch of the ball is not limited to the method using the hit volume. For example, a gauge or the like may be displayed on the game image, and the success of the input in the gauge input area may be determined to determine whether or not the ball has been successfully captured. For example, the player may input a catching operation at a determination timing represented by a gauge, and it may be determined that the catch has been successful when the determination timing and the input timing match.

  As a modification of the first and second determination processes described above, when the ball is in the field of view (capture determination range) of the camera, the hit check between the ball and the hit volume is set to the valid state. If the ball hits the hit volume, it may be determined that the catch has been successful. If the ball is not within the visual field range (capture determination range) of the camera, the hit check between the ball and the hit volume is set to an invalid state so that the ball passes through the hit volume. In this way, it is possible to determine that the ball has been successfully captured when both the capture condition and the catch condition are satisfied.

2.7 Virtual Camera Control Next, a specific example of virtual camera control processing based on operation information will be described. In the present embodiment, the first operation information and the second operation information input by the player are acquired, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is controlled based on the first operation information, and the virtual operation is performed based on the second operation information. The movement of the viewpoint position of the camera or the movement of the player character is controlled.

  For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 7B, in this embodiment, motion detection information from the motion sensor is acquired as first operation information, and motion detection information that is first operation information is acquired. Based on this, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is controlled. For example, when a first operation for rolling the portable game device in the left or right direction around the Y axis is performed as shown in FIGS. 4A to 5B, information on the first operation is performed. Based on the motion detection information, the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC is rotated around the YC axis. In addition, when the first operation for rolling the portable game device downward or upward around the X axis is performed as shown in FIGS. 6B and 7B, the first operation is performed. Based on the motion detection information, which is information, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is rotated around the XC axis as shown in FIGS. 6 (A) and 7 (A).

  In this embodiment, the direction instruction information from the direction instruction unit is acquired as the second operation information, and the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera VC or the player character CHP is based on the direction instruction information that is the second operation information. Control the movement of.

  For example, as shown in B1 to B4 in FIGS. 25A and 25B, a direction instruction operation in the vertical and horizontal directions is performed using the direction instruction key 12 or the analog stick 14 (joystick) which is a direction instruction unit. Suppose. In this case, the viewpoint position (player character position) of the virtual camera VC is moved in a direction corresponding to the instructed direction.

  Specifically, when a direction instruction as shown in B1 to B4 in FIGS. 25A and 25B is given, the virtual camera VC is moved in the direction shown in C1 to C4 in FIG. (Player character) is moved. For example, when the direction instruction unit 12 such as the direction instruction key 12 or the analog stick 14 gives a direction instruction in the vertical direction as shown in B1 and B2 of FIGS. 25A and 25B, FIG. As indicated by C1 and C2 in (C), the virtual camera VC is moved in the front-rear direction.

  On the other hand, when a direction instruction in the left-right direction is given as shown in B3 and B4 in FIGS. 25A and 25B, the virtual camera is shown in C3 and C4 in FIG. The VC is moved in the left-right direction. More specifically, for example, before catching the ball (before the ball is sent), the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is always directed toward the home base HBS as the reference position. Specifically, based on the operation information, the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC is changed around the X axis (around the first coordinate axis), and the visual line direction of the virtual camera VC around the Y axis (around the second coordinate axis). Fix VL. Then, when a direction instruction in the left-right direction is given, for example, the virtual camera VC is moved in the left-right direction on the arc line CT centered on the home base HBS.

  In this way, the virtual camera VC is always arranged facing the direction in which the ball flies. Therefore, when catching a ball of golo or fly, the player controls only the vertical change of the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC by the roll operation as shown in FIGS. 6B and 7B. do it. Then, the virtual camera VC corresponding to its own viewpoint is moved in the front / rear / left / right direction according to the directions in the up / down / left / right directions by the direction instructing unit, and moved toward the ball catching position to catch the ball. As a result, it is possible to simplify the game operation of the player and provide the player with a game operation interface environment that is easier to use than the method in which the player controls changes in the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC. become.

2.8 Detailed Processing Example Next, a detailed processing example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 26, 27, and 28.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining details of the pitching process of the present embodiment.

  First, it is determined whether or not the ball has been successfully caught (step S31). If successful, as shown in FIG. 4A, the mobile phone can be moved around the Y axis based on the motion detection information. The rotation angle information of the type game device is acquired (step S32).

  Next, as described in FIG. 4B, based on the acquired rotation angle information of the portable game device about the Y axis, the visual line direction of the virtual camera is rotated about the YC axis (step S33). In this case, the rotation angle adjustment process described with reference to FIGS. 12A to 13B is performed if necessary.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the pitching instruction button is pressed during the pitching period (step S34). If the pitching instruction button is not pressed within the pitching period, it is determined that the pitching is unsuccessful (step S35). On the other hand, if the pitching instruction button is pressed during the pitching period, it is determined that the pitching is successful, and a process of moving the ball to the pitching target is performed (step S36).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining details of the catching process of the present embodiment when the first determination method is used.

  First, a ball movement calculation process is performed to obtain a ball movement trajectory (step S1). This movement calculation processing is realized based on the hit direction and hit strength of the ball by a hit body such as a bat. Then, as described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 7B, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is set based on the operation information (step S2).

  Next, the trajectory of the ball (defense mode) is determined (step S3). If the trajectory is low (infielder mode), the hit volume for the low trajectory (infielder mode) is set as described with reference to FIGS. 21B and 21C (step S4). On the other hand, in the case of a high trajectory (outfielder mode), a hit volume for a high trajectory (for outfielder mode) is set as described with reference to FIGS. 22A and 22B (step S5). .

  Next, it is determined whether or not the ball has hit the hit volume (step S6). And when it is not hit, it determines with catching conditions and catching conditions not being satisfied, but catching was unsuccessful (Step S7). On the other hand, when the ball is hit, it is determined that the catching condition and the catching condition are satisfied, and the catching is successful (step S8).

  Next, it is determined whether or not a pitching operation that satisfies the pitching conditions has been performed (step S9). If the pitching operation satisfying the pitching condition is not performed, it is determined that the pitching was unsuccessful (step S10). For example, if a predetermined operation corresponding to the pitching is not performed within the pitching determination period, it is determined that the pitching was unsuccessful. On the other hand, if a predetermined operation corresponding to the pitching is performed within the pitching determination period, it is determined that the pitching was successful, and the ball pitching process is performed (step S11).

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the catching process of the present embodiment when the second determination method is used.

  First, a ball movement calculation process is performed to obtain a ball movement trajectory (step S21). Further, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is set based on the operation information (step S22).

  Next, as described with reference to FIGS. 24A to 24C, it is determined whether or not the ball is in the capture determination range set in the visual field range of the virtual camera (step S23). If no ball is contained, it is determined that the capturing condition is not satisfied and the capturing has failed (step S24).

  On the other hand, if the ball is in the capture determination range, it is determined whether or not the ball hits the hit volume (step S25). And when it is not hit, it determines with catching conditions not being satisfied but catching unsuccessfully (step S26). On the other hand, if the ball hits, it is determined that the catch was successful (step S27).

  Next, it is determined whether or not a pitching operation that satisfies the pitching conditions has been performed (step S28). If the pitching operation that satisfies the pitching condition is not performed, it is determined that the pitching was unsuccessful (step S29). On the other hand, for example, when a predetermined operation corresponding to the pitching is performed within the pitching determination period, it is determined that the pitching was successful and the ball pitching process is performed (step S30).

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as described above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made without departing from the novel matters and effects of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention. For example, in the specification or drawings, terms (balls, destination targets, catching, throwing conditions) described at least once with different terms (moving object, destination target, catch, feeding conditions, movement, etc.) in a broader sense or the same meaning , Throwing, etc.) may be replaced by the different terms anywhere in the specification or drawings. In addition, the control process of the visual line direction of the virtual camera, the moving process of the moving object to the destination target, the adjustment process of the rotation angle, the selection process of the destination target, the determination process of the capturing condition and the catching condition, the setting process of the view volume, etc. It is not limited to what was demonstrated by this embodiment, The method and process equivalent to these are also contained in the scope of the present invention. The present invention can be applied to various games. Further, the present invention can be applied to various game apparatuses such as a business game system, a home game system, a large attraction system in which a large number of players participate, a simulator, a multimedia terminal, a system board for generating a game image, and a mobile phone. . For example, the game device may be a mobile phone or a portable information terminal in which a game program is installed and executed.

VC virtual camera, VL line-of-sight direction, CHP player character, MOB moving object,
TG destination target, BL ball, DRF reference direction,
HV hit volume, RFV field of view range, RDT capture judgment range,
10, 20 housing, 12 direction instruction keys, 14 analog sticks,
16 operation buttons, 100 processing unit, 102 operation information acquisition unit, 104 game calculation unit,
106 object space setting unit, 108 virtual camera control unit, 109 adjustment unit,
110 moving body calculation unit, 112 determination unit, 120 image generation unit, 130 sound generation unit,
160 operation unit, 170 storage unit, 172 object data storage unit,
178 Drawing buffer, 180 information storage medium, 190 display unit, 192 sound output unit,
194 Auxiliary storage device, 196 communication unit,
500 server system, 510 network, TM1-TMn terminal device,
600 processing unit, 602 operation information acquisition unit, 604 game calculation unit,
606 Object space setting unit, 608 Virtual camera control unit, 609 adjustment unit,
610 moving object calculation unit, 612 determination unit, 614 difficulty level setting unit,
620 Image generation data generation unit, 630 Sound generation data generation unit

Claims (23)

An operation information acquisition unit for acquiring operation information of the player;
Based on the acquired operation information, a virtual camera control unit that controls the virtual camera;
A mobile object calculation unit for performing a mobile object movement calculation process;
As an image generator that generates an image visible from the virtual camera in the object space,
Make the computer work,
The operation information acquisition unit
Obtain motion detection information from the motion sensor as the operation information,
The virtual camera control unit
Based on the motion detection information, control the direction of the line of sight of the virtual camera toward the destination target side of the moving body,
The mobile object calculation unit is
The program which performs the process which moves the said mobile body with respect to the said destination target which entered into the visual field range of the said virtual camera because the visual line direction of the said virtual camera was turned. In claim 1,
The motion sensor is a sensor provided in a portable game device or a game controller,
The operation information acquisition unit
The motion detection information obtained by moving the portable game device or the game controller by the player is acquired from the motion sensor;
The virtual camera control unit
Performing control to change the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera on the direction side in which the portable game device or the game controller is moved;
The mobile object calculation unit is
Processing for moving the moving body with respect to the destination target that has entered the visual field range of the virtual camera by changing the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera toward the direction in which the portable game device or the game controller is moved The program characterized by performing. In claim 2,
When the axis along the horizontal direction is the X axis and the axis along the vertical direction is the Y axis,
The virtual camera control unit
Control for rotating the visual line direction of the virtual camera around the YC axis of the camera coordinate system corresponding to the Y axis when an operation of rotating the portable game device or the game controller around the Y axis is performed. And
The mobile object calculation unit is
A program for performing a process of moving the moving body with respect to the destination target that has entered the visual field range of the virtual camera by rotating the viewing direction of the virtual camera around the YC axis. In claim 3,
As a determination unit for determining whether or not the mobile object has been successfully caught,
Make the computer work,
The virtual camera control unit
Control for rotating the visual line direction of the virtual camera around the XC axis of the camera coordinate system corresponding to the X axis when an operation of rotating the portable game device or the game controller around the X axis is performed. And
The determination unit
When the capturing condition for capturing the moving object is satisfied by the virtual camera whose line-of-sight direction rotates around the XC axis, the moving object is successfully caught when the catching condition for the moving object is satisfied. And
The mobile object calculation unit is
A program for performing a process of moving the caught moving object to the destination target when it is determined that the moving object is successfully caught and a given sending condition is satisfied. In claim 3 or 4,
As an adjustment unit for adjusting a rotation angle change amount ΔθYC around the YC axis in the visual line direction of the virtual camera with respect to a change amount ΔθY around the Y axis of the portable game device or the game controller,
A program characterized by causing a computer to function. In claim 5,
The adjustment unit is
A program for performing an adjustment process of the change amount ΔθYC with respect to the change amount ΔθY based on operation information of a player or a game situation. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6.
The mobile object calculation unit is
A program for performing a process of moving the caught moving object to the destination target when it is determined that the moving object is successfully caught and a given sending condition is satisfied. In claim 7,
The mobile object calculation unit is
A program for performing a process of moving the caught moving body to the destination target when it is determined that the moving body is successfully caught and a player performs a feed instruction operation. In claim 7,
The mobile object calculation unit is
When it is determined that the moving body has been successfully caught and the player performs an operation of directing the sight line direction of the virtual camera toward the destination target side, a process of moving the caught moving body to the destination target is performed. A program characterized by that. In claim 7,
The mobile object calculation unit is
Caught when it is determined that the moving body has been successfully caught, the player performs an operation to turn the direction of the line of sight of the virtual camera toward the destination target, and the player performs a feed instruction operation using the operation unit. A program for performing a process of moving the moving body to the destination target. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 10.
The mobile object calculation unit is
Performing a process of moving the movable body to the first destination target, and performing a process of moving the reached movable body to the second destination target after the movable body has reached the first destination target. A featured program. In claim 11,
The mobile object calculation unit is
After the mobile body reaches the first destination target, the program performs a process of moving the reached mobile body to the second destination target selected based on a game situation. In claim 11,
The mobile object calculation unit is
A program for performing a process of moving the reached moving body to the second destination target instructed by a player's instruction operation after the moving body has reached the first destination target. In any of claims 11 to 13,
The virtual camera control unit
When the moving body moves to the first destination target, the viewpoint position of the virtual camera is set to a position corresponding to the first destination target, and the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is set to the second destination target. Control to the destination target side,
The mobile object calculation unit is
The program which performs the process which moves the said mobile body with respect to the said 2nd destination target which entered into the visual field range of the said virtual camera because the visual line direction of the said virtual camera was turned. In claim 14,
The virtual camera control unit
A program for controlling the direction of the line of sight of the virtual camera toward the source side of the moving body until the moving body reaches the first destination target. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 15,
The virtual camera control unit
A program for controlling a direction of a line of sight of the virtual camera toward a destination target side of the moving body based on the motion detection information with a given reference direction as a reference. In claim 16,
The virtual camera control unit
A program for setting a direction from a viewpoint position of the virtual camera to a predetermined position on a game field as the reference direction. In claim 16,
The virtual camera control unit
A program that sets a direction selected from among a plurality of candidate reference directions as the reference direction. In claim 16,
The virtual camera control unit
A program for setting a line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera when the player performs an operation for setting a reference direction to the reference direction. In claim 16,
The mobile object calculation unit is
Perform processing to move the player character based on the player operation information,
The virtual camera control unit
A program for setting a direction corresponding to a moving direction of the player character as the reference direction.   A computer-readable information storage medium, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 20 is stored. An operation information acquisition unit for acquiring operation information of the player;
Based on the acquired operation information, a virtual camera control unit that controls the virtual camera;
A mobile object calculation unit for performing a mobile object movement calculation process;
An image generation unit that generates an image visible from the virtual camera in an object space,
The operation information acquisition unit
Obtain motion detection information from the motion sensor as the operation information,
The virtual camera control unit
Based on the motion detection information, control the direction of the line of sight of the virtual camera toward the destination target side of the moving body,
The mobile object calculation unit is
A game device, wherein a process of moving the moving body is performed on the destination target that has entered the visual field range of the virtual camera when the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is directed. An operation information acquisition unit for acquiring operation information of the player;
Based on the acquired operation information, a virtual camera control unit that controls the virtual camera;
A mobile object calculation unit for performing a mobile object movement calculation process;
An image generation data generation unit for generating image generation data for generating an image visible from the virtual camera in the object space,
The operation information acquisition unit
Obtain motion detection information from the motion sensor as the operation information,
The virtual camera control unit
Based on the motion detection information, control the direction of the line of sight of the virtual camera toward the destination target side of the moving body,
The mobile object calculation unit is
The server system characterized by performing the process which moves the said mobile body with respect to the said destination target which entered into the visual field range of the said virtual camera because the visual line direction of the said virtual camera was turned.

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