JP2014184300A - Game program and game device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game program and a game device capable of preventing a virtual camera from entering an obstacle and capable of taking an image having a wide field of vision to the extent possible with the virtual camera.SOLUTION: When at least part of a camera area 50 overlaps with an entry forbidden area 42, virtual camera control means 33 of a game device 1 sets the camera area 50 including a candidate position at a position outside the entry forbidden area 42, and determines, as a position of a viewpoint 51 in the camera area 50 after the setting, a predetermined position in an area in a direction opposite to a direction of the viewpoint 51 with respect to the candidate position in the camera area.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game program and a game apparatus for controlling a virtual camera that is arranged in a virtual game space and shoots the virtual game space and moves with a player character or the like.

  Conventionally, there is a game program that causes a player character in a three-dimensional virtual game space to move in response to an operation of the player. In this type of game program, the state in the virtual game space including the player character is photographed from a viewpoint different from the player character by the virtual camera set in the virtual game space, and the image is displayed on the display of the game device. Some of them are displayed on the screen. In addition, the virtual game space is not only composed of flat terrain, but there are obstacles (virtual camera entry area) such as steep cliffs, huge rocks, and building walls. There has been proposed a method of controlling so as not to enter such an obstacle (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  Among them, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of performing a collision determination between a virtual camera and an obstacle and moving the virtual camera to the subject side until it comes out ahead of the obstacle when it is determined that the collision has occurred. . Patent Document 2 discloses a method for determining whether or not an obstacle exists in a predetermined area including a subject such as a player character and a virtual camera, and if so, brings the virtual camera closer to the subject. ing. Furthermore, in the virtual camera of Patent Document 2, a spherical camera peripheral area centered on the viewpoint is set as a target area for performing a collision determination with an obstacle, and the virtual camera is set as a subject due to the presence of the obstacle. The closer to the camera, the smaller the diameter of the peripheral area of the camera is controlled.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-137842 Japanese Patent No. 4489800

  However, as in Patent Documents 1 and 2, if the virtual camera is moved to the subject side due to the presence of an obstacle, it is located in front of the virtual camera before the movement and is included in the image taken by the virtual camera. The captured object may not be shot depending on the virtual camera after moving to the subject side. In addition, the ratio of the image area of the player character to the image captured by the virtual camera and displayed on the display unit of the game apparatus becomes larger than before the movement. Therefore, there is a possibility that an image with a sense of depth in the virtual game space cannot be taken, and a game image having a wide field of view cannot be provided to the player.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game program and a game apparatus capable of shooting an image having a field of view as wide as possible with the virtual camera while avoiding the virtual camera entering the obstacle. .

  A game program according to the present invention controls a game space generating means for generating a virtual game space, controlling at least the position and orientation of a viewpoint of a virtual camera in the game space so as to photograph the game space, Virtual camera control means for calculating a candidate position for setting the viewpoint of the virtual camera in accordance with the progress of the virtual camera, and the virtual camera control section that is set in the game space, the candidate position within the area Functioning as prohibition area duplication determination means for determining whether or not at least a part of camera areas set to include is duplicated, and the virtual camera control means is configured such that the camera area overlaps with the entry prohibition area. If not, the candidate position is determined as the position of the viewpoint, while at least a part of the camera area overlaps with the entry prohibition area. The camera area including the candidate position is set outside the entry prohibition area, and a predetermined position of the area opposite to the viewpoint direction with respect to the candidate position in the camera area is The position of the viewpoint is determined.

  The virtual camera control means may be configured to control the orientation of the viewpoint so that the visual axis of the viewpoint of the virtual camera passes through the gazing point set in the game space.

  The gazing point may be arranged at a predetermined position based on a player character operating in the game space, and may be set so as to move with the player character.

  Further, when it is determined that at least a part of the camera area overlaps the entry prohibition area, the virtual camera control unit determines the camera area including the candidate position as the candidate position and the gaze point. The camera area may be set to a position after being moved out of the entry prohibition area until the camera area is adjacent to the entry prohibition area.

  In addition, the virtual camera control means may determine from the gazing point among the intersections between the boundary of the camera area after moving out of the entry prohibition area and the straight line connecting the candidate position and the gazing point in the camera area. A distant intersection may be determined as the position of the viewpoint.

  Further, the virtual camera control means sets the camera area including the candidate position to a position after moving further downward by a predetermined distance from a position moved outside the entry prohibition area along the straight line. It may be configured as follows.

  The camera area may have a substantially spherical shape centered on the candidate position.

  A game device according to the present invention is a game device including a program storage unit that records the game program described above and a computer that executes the game program stored in the program storage unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game program which can image | photograph the image which has a visual field as wide as possible with a virtual camera can be provided, avoiding that a virtual camera penetrates into an obstruction.

It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the game device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the control part with which a game device is provided. It is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that the position of a virtual camera is changed with the movement of a player character by a side view. It is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that the vertical direction position of a virtual camera is changed with respect to a player character in a side view. It is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that the position of a virtual camera is changed around a player character in planar view. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the process performed for every flame | frame. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the camera process shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a camera position correction process according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of camera position correction processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aspect of camera position correction processing according to Embodiment 2. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of camera position correction processing according to the second embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the process of step S32 of FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a camera area movement process illustrated in FIG. 12. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a camera position correction process according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining camera position correction processing according to Embodiment 4. FIG.

  Hereinafter, a game program, a storage medium, and a game device according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The game realized by the game program according to the present embodiment is a so-called hunting action game, in which a player character is caused to act in a virtual game space by a predetermined operation by a player, and a mission for subjugating enemy characters such as monsters. Illustrate what accomplishes.

[Hardware configuration]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of game device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the game apparatus 1 includes a control unit 30. The control unit 30 includes a CPU 11, a drawing data generation processor 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 14, and a drawing process. A processor 15 and an audio processor 18 are included. The game apparatus 1 further includes a VRAM (Video-RAM) 16, an amplifier 19, a speaker 20, an earphone terminal 21, an operation unit 22, a media interface 23, a wireless LAN module 24, and a bus 25. Of these, the CPU 11, the drawing data generation processor 12, the RAM 13, the ROM 14, the drawing processing processor 15, the voice processing processor 18, the operation unit 22, the media interface 23, and the wireless LAN module 24 can mutually transmit data via the bus 25. It is connected to the.

  The operation unit 22 includes direction keys and other button groups (not shown), receives an operation by the player, and inputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation content to the CPU 11. In addition, various buttons included in the direction key and the button group are operators for instructing a specific action of the player character. The operation unit 22 includes a power switch for turning on / off the game machine 1 in addition to these operators.

  The media interface 23 accesses the game media 5 set in a media mounting unit (not shown) and reads the game program 5a and the game data 5b. Among these, the game program 5a causes the game apparatus 1 to execute the above-described action game. The game data 5b includes data necessary for executing the game, such as character and background image data, image data for displaying information such as status, sound data such as sound effects and BGM, characters and symbols. Message data etc. are included. Note that the game media 5 that is a storage medium may employ UMD (Universal Media Disc) (registered trademark), which is a kind of optical disc, in addition to a semiconductor memory.

  In the RAM 13, a load area for storing the game program 5a and game data 5b read from the game media 5 according to the progress of the game, and a work area for use when the CPU 11 processes the game program 5a are set. Has been. The ROM 14 stores a basic function of the game apparatus 1 such as a disk loading function, and a basic program for controlling the reading process of the game program 5a and game data 5b stored in the game media 5.

  The CPU 11 reads all or part of the game program 5a and game data 5b recorded in the game media 5 into the RAM 13 through the media interface 23, and executes them in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 22 by the player. To control. More specifically, when an operation signal is input from the operation unit 22 by being operated by the player, the CPU 11 performs a predetermined game progress process corresponding to the operation signal in accordance with the game program 5a, and displays the processing result. In addition, an image indicating the progress of the game (hereinafter also referred to as “game image”) is displayed on the display 2, and an audio signal indicating the progress of the game (hereinafter also referred to as “game sound”) is output to the speaker 20 and the earphone terminal 21. .

  Drawing of the game image is performed by the drawing processor 15 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 11. That is, the CPU 11 determines the content of the game image to be displayed on the display 2 based on the operation signal input from the operation unit 22 and causes the drawing data generation processor 12 to generate necessary drawing data for the content. Then, the drawing data is transferred to the drawing processor 15 to perform drawing processing. The drawing processor 15 generates a game image every 1/60 seconds based on the drawing data, and writes the generated game image in the VRAM 16. The display 2 has a transflective color liquid crystal display and a backlight LED (Light Emitting Diode), and displays a game image written in the VRAM 16.

  Further, the CPU 11 determines sound effects such as sound effects and BGM to be output from the speaker 20 in accordance with the progress of the game, reads out sound data for generating the sound from the RAM 13 and inputs the sound data to the sound processor 18. . That is, when a sound generation event occurs with the progress of the game, the CPU 11 reads out sound data corresponding to the sound generation event (voice data loaded from the game media 5) from the RAM 13 and inputs it to the sound processing processor 18. The audio processor 18 is constituted by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and after giving a predetermined effect (for example, reverb, chorus, etc.) to the audio data input by the CPU 11, it is converted into an analog signal, Output to the amplifier 19. The amplifier 19 amplifies the audio signal input from the audio processor 18 and then outputs it to the speaker 20 and the earphone terminal 21.

  The wireless LAN module 24 is a communication module for configuring a network by performing data communication with another game device 1 through a wireless LAN compliant with the communication standard IEEE802.11b (used frequency band 2.4 GHz, communication speed 11 Mbps). .

[Functional configuration of control unit]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the control unit 30 included in the game apparatus 1. The control unit 30 executes the game program 5a and the game data 5b read from the game media 5, and thereby functions such as a game space generation unit 31, a character control unit 32, a virtual camera control unit 33, and a prohibited area duplication determination unit 34. Demonstrate.

  The game space generation means 31 generates a virtual game space 40 (see FIG. 3) in which the player character C1 acts. The virtual game space 40 according to the present embodiment is set as a virtual game space having a predetermined three-dimensional extent, and the player character C1 can move. The virtual game space 40 includes, for example, a space on the ground 41, but is not limited to this, and may include underwater or air.

  The character control means 32 controls the actions of various characters including the player character C1 and the enemy character in the virtual game space 40. The player character C1 is a character that can directly control the movement in the virtual game space 40 when the player operates the operation unit 22. In this game, the player character C1 is a hunter. And subjugate enemy characters. However, the target operated by the player is not limited to a human-type object such as the player character C1, and may be an object such as a vehicle or an aircraft. The enemy character is a non-player character whose movement cannot be directly controlled by the operation of the operation unit 22 by the player, and the CPU 11 controls the movement according to the situation.

The virtual camera control means 33 controls the position and orientation of the virtual camera Ca (see FIG. 3) arranged in the virtual game space 40. The virtual camera Ca captures the state of the virtual game space 40 including the player character C1 and the enemy character, and the captured image (the image that is two-dimensionalized through perspective transformation of the virtual game space 40) is a game. It is output (displayed) on the display 2 of the apparatus 1. The virtual camera control means 33 sets the position and orientation of the virtual camera Ca (viewpoint) so that at least a part of the player character C1 is included in the shooting range, and
Control is performed so as to follow the player character C1. The virtual camera control means 33 also controls the position and orientation of the virtual camera Ca based on a camera operation (camera movement instruction) via the operation unit 22 by the player (see FIGS. 4 and 5). Specifically, the virtual camera control means 33 performs a “camera candidate position determination process” for determining a candidate position that is a candidate for a change destination (update destination) of the position of the virtual camera Ca. In this case, after performing “camera position correction processing”, the position of the virtual camera Ca is determined.

  Here, the configuration of the virtual camera and the “camera candidate position determination process” performed by the virtual camera control means 33 will be described with reference to FIGS. The “camera position correction process” will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS.

  3 to 5 are schematic diagrams showing the player character C1 and the virtual camera Ca located in the virtual game space 40 in order to explain the camera candidate position determination process for the virtual camera Ca. Among these, FIG. 3 shows a side view of how the position of the virtual camera Ca is changed (updated) in accordance with the movement of the player character C1. FIG. 4 shows a side view of how the vertical position of the virtual camera Ca is changed with respect to the stopped player character C1 when the player performs an operation of moving the virtual camera Ca. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state in which the position of the virtual camera Ca is changed around the player character C1 that is stopped when the player performs an operation of moving the virtual camera Ca.

  3 to 5, the player character C <b> 1 is located on the ground 41 in the virtual game space 40 in which a cliff standing on the flat ground 41 exists as an obstacle (prohibited entry area) 42. The situation is illustrated. The ground 41 is set as an area where both the player character C1 and the virtual camera Ca can move (hereinafter, the “ground 41” is also referred to as “movable area 41” as appropriate). The obstacle 42 is set as an entry prohibition area where entry of either the player character C1 or the virtual camera Ca is prohibited (hereinafter, the “obstacle 42” is also referred to as an “entry prohibition area 42” as appropriate). For example, an image obtained by photographing the virtual game space 40 from the inside of a steep cliff may cause the player to feel uncomfortable, so that the virtual camera Ca does not photograph such an image. Is preferred. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, an entry prohibition area 42 is set in the virtual game space 40 as an area that prohibits the virtual camera Ca from entering and shooting.

  The movable area 41 is not limited to a flat ground surface, but also includes a ground surface having a predetermined inclined surface. Further, the entry prohibition area 42 is not limited to a steep cliff, and may be a huge rock, a building wall, or another character such as an enemy character. Further, both the movable area 41 and the entry prohibition area 42 may be set separately for the player character C1 and the virtual camera Ca. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the obstacle 42 is drawn as an object having a predetermined appearance shape that can be visually recognized by the player, and the entry prohibition area is set to the same area as the appearance shape of the obstacle 42. Not limited to. That is, the entry prohibition region may be set as a region that does not match the appearance shape of the obstacle 42, for example, slightly larger or smaller than the obstacle 42.

  Next, the configuration (setting contents) of the virtual camera Ca will be described with reference to FIG. In this game, the virtual camera Ca has a viewpoint 51 and a camera area 50 set to include the viewpoint 51. Of these, the viewpoint 51 is literally the viewpoint of the virtual camera Ca, and the virtual camera Ca is set to shoot the virtual game space 40 from this viewpoint 51. The camera area 50 is an area used when determining whether or not the virtual camera Ca overlaps the obstacle (prohibition area) 42 (so-called “collision determination”). In the present embodiment, the camera area 50 is a predetermined area. It is set as a spherical region having a radius r.

  In the state where the camera area 50 is located away from the entry prohibition area 41 (hereinafter, also referred to as “separated state”) like the virtual camera Ca corresponding to the player character C1 at the position 100 in FIG. The spherical camera region 50 is set so that the viewpoint 51 is the center 50a. However, the position of the viewpoint 51 in the separated state may be set to a position other than the center 50 a in the camera region 50. The camera area 50 is not limited to a spherical shape, and may be another shape such as a polygonal shape. In this case, the viewpoint 51 can be set at an appropriate position in the area.

Viewpoint 51 of the virtual camera Ca is the gazing point X _A provided at a predetermined position relative to the player character C1 as a reference, it is placed in a predetermined position. That is, in this embodiment, the ground point X _B that the origin position of the player character C1 with respect to the ground 41, the fixation point X _A is provided at a position of a predetermined height H above the set height of the player character C1 . Then, at an angle (elevation angle) A3 with respect to the horizontal line passing through the fixation point X _A, and the distance R apart points X _C3 from the fixation point X _A is set as the initial position of the height of the viewpoint 51 ing. Regarding the horizontal direction, the initial position of the viewpoint 51 is set behind the player character C1 (that is, the direction opposite to the direction of the line of sight of the player character C1). That is, the viewpoint 51, from a position a predetermined distance apart of obliquely upward behind the player character C1, so that faces the gaze point X _A provided based on the player character C1, the initial position is set. In FIG. 3, the direction (orientation) of the line of sight of the player character C1 is indicated by the direction of the arrow attached to the illustration showing the player character C1 (the same applies to FIGS. 4 and 5).

As described above, when the camera area 50 is separated from the entry prohibition area 42, the viewpoint 51 is located at the center 50 a of the camera area 50, but at least a part of the camera area 50 is an entry prohibition area. When the “camera position correction process” to be described later is performed by overlapping with 42, the viewpoint 51 is set at a position different from the center 50a in the camera area 50, regardless of the above. Details will be described later). Then, even if the viewpoint 51 is located in any virtual camera control means 33, the axis along the direction of the visual point 51 through the viewpoint 51, i.e. the visual axis 52 is always passing through the fixation point X _B So that it is controlled.

Next, the “camera candidate position determination process” performed by the virtual camera control unit 33 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 taking as an example a case where the position of the virtual camera Ca is changed so as to move together with the player character C1. The “camera candidate position determination process” is a process for determining a position that is a candidate for a change destination of the position of the viewpoint 51 when the virtual camera Ca is moved. As shown in FIG. 3, the player character C1 is, from the position 100, if the camera region 50 is moved to a position 101 which does not overlap with the obstacle 42, the fixation point X _A is, as the player character C1 is moved, It moves horizontally while maintaining a height H from the ground point X _B. Then, with the movement of the gazing point X _A, the distance R as described above, the angle A3, and to maintain the horizontal position with respect to the direction of the player character C1, viewpoint to follow while maintaining the relative position with respect to the fixation point X _A The point to which 51 is moved is determined as a candidate position, and the position (coordinates) is acquired to complete the “camera candidate position determination process”.

  As described above, when the player character C1 moves from the position 100 to the position 101 where the camera area 50 does not overlap the obstacle 42, the position of the viewpoint 51 is changed to this candidate position, and the viewpoint 51 By setting the camera region 50 with the center 50a as the center, the change of the position of the virtual camera Ca is completed. Accordingly, when the player operates the operation unit 22 to move the player character C1, the position of the virtual camera Ca is also updated following this, so that the state in the virtual game space 40 including the moving player character C1. Can be displayed on the display 2.

On the other hand, when the player character C1 further moves and reaches the position 102 from the position 101, when the viewpoint 51 is changed to the candidate position determined in the same manner as described above, the camera area 50 having the viewpoint 51 as the center 50a becomes an obstacle. (Entry prohibited area) 42 and overlap. Therefore, if an image taken from the viewpoint 51 at the candidate position is displayed on the display 2 in this situation, an image viewed from within the obstacle 42 may be displayed, which is unnatural. Therefore, in this game, “camera position correction processing” described later is performed to solve this problem. Note that the change of the position of the virtual camera Ca accompanying the movement of the player character C1 from the position 100 to the position 101 and from the position 101 to the position 102 is performed by the player character C1 by the operation of the operation unit 22 by the player. not only when moving, the fixation point X _a attacks from the enemy character by the player character C1 is subjected also occurs in a case where moving.

Next, the “camera candidate position determination process” performed by the virtual camera control unit 33 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 as an example in which the vertical position of the virtual camera Ca is changed with respect to the player character C1. As shown in FIG. 4, the viewpoint 51 of the virtual camera Ca is adapted to be able to position at a predetermined point on the circumference C _R to the distance R as described above around the gazing point X _A and radius . In other words, a circumferentially _{C R,} note the perspective _X 5 a point _X to a predetermined angle A1~A5 respect to the horizontal line passing through the _A C1 _{to X C5,} to be able to selectively position the viewpoint 51 ing. In FIG. 4, the point X _C1 is located below the horizontal line and the other points X _{C2 to} X _C5 are located above the horizontal line. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Further, the number of positions that can be selected is not limited to the example (five) shown in FIG.

Of the points X _{C1 to} X _C5 , the point X _C3 forming the angle A3 is the initial position of the viewpoint 51 described above. Therefore, in this game, with reference to the point X _C3 at the initial position, the lower and upper points of the viewpoint 51 are divided into five stages, _ie , the lower two points (X _C1 and X _C2 ) and the upper two points (X _C4 and X _C5 ) The direction position can be changed. Moreover, each point X _C1 to X _C5 does not need to be set on the circumference C _R of constant radius R, for example, any one or a plurality of points of each point, the gaze point X _A May be different from other points.

A mode in which the position of the virtual camera Ca is changed in the vertical direction will be specifically described. Figure 4 As shown in, in a situation where the virtual camera Ca viewpoint 51 is located at the point X _C3, when a predetermined operation is performed with respect to the operation section 22 by the player, X _C2 point adjacent to the point X _C3, among X _C4, determined as a candidate position either one of the points corresponding to the operation of the player to end the "camera candidate position determining process" by obtaining the position (coordinates). When the viewpoint 51 is set at the determined candidate position and the camera area 50 does not overlap with the obstacle 42, the position of the viewpoint 51 is changed to the candidate position. In FIG. 4, a case where the position is changed to the upper point _XC4 is indicated by a white arrow. Then, the camera region 50 around 50a viewpoint 51 after the change is set, that the viewpoint 51 is directed to the fixation point X _A of the player character C1, changes the position of the virtual camera Ca is completed. Note that the position of the viewpoint 51 is obtained based on the operation of the virtual camera Ca by the player and information (position and orientation, etc.) of the player character C1, and the orientation of the viewpoint 51 is based on the viewpoint position and the information (position) of the player character C1. determined by the fixation point _{X A-based.}

Similarly, when the viewpoint 51 is at the point X _C2 , either one of the adjacent points X _C1 and X _C3 is determined as a candidate position according to the player's operation, and the viewpoint 51 is at the point X _C4. Similarly, one of the adjacent points X _C3 and X _C5 is determined as a candidate position in accordance with the player's operation. When the viewpoint 51 is set at the determined candidate position and the camera area 50 does not overlap the obstacle 42, the position of the viewpoint 51 is changed to this candidate position. Further, when the viewpoint 51 is at the lowermost point X _C1 , the point X _C2 immediately above is set as the candidate position, and when it is at the uppermost point X _C5 , the point X _C4 immediately below is set as the candidate position. In these cases as well, when the viewpoint 51 is set at the determined candidate position, if the camera area 50 does not overlap the obstacle 42, the position of the viewpoint 51 is changed to the candidate position. with camera region 50 is set as the center 50a and that viewpoint 51 is directed to the fixation point X _a, changing the position of the virtual camera Ca is completed.

Therefore, the player can change the vertical position of the virtual camera Ca by operating the operation unit 22, and can change the orientation (shooting angle) of the viewpoint 51 accordingly. The closer the point X _{C1 is} to the lowermost point, the closer the viewpoint 51 is to the ground 41 and the larger the elevation angle, and an image is taken that looks up at the player character C1 from below. On the contrary, the closer the point _XC5 is to the uppermost point, the farther the viewpoint 51 is from the ground and the depression angle becomes larger, and an image is taken that looks down on the player character C1 from above. Note that such a change in the vertical position of the virtual camera Ca can also be performed while the player character C1 is moving. In this case, the position in the vertical direction is changed together with the change in the position of the virtual camera Ca in the moving direction of the player character C1 described with reference to FIG.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, when there is an obstacle (prohibition area) 42 in the vicinity of the virtual camera Ca where the viewpoint 51 is located at the point _XC3 , an operation for positioning the virtual camera Ca further downward is performed. When performed by the player, the point _XC2 is set as a candidate position. When the position of the viewpoint 51 is changed to this candidate position, the camera area 50 centered on the updated viewpoint 51 and the center 50a overlaps the obstacle 42. It will be. Accordingly, in this game, the “camera position correction process” described later is also performed in this case.

Next, the “camera candidate position determination process” performed by the virtual camera control unit 33 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 taking as an example the case where the position of the virtual camera Ca is changed around the player character C1. As shown in FIG. 5, the virtual camera Ca can position the viewpoint 51 at an arbitrary point on the circumference C _X with the predetermined distance R _X as the radius around the gazing point X _A. Yes. The radius R _X, identified by angle A1~A5 defining the vertical position of the virtual camera Ca described above, specifically, a line segment connecting the gazing point X _A and the viewpoint 51 at each angular, plane ( For example, it is the length dimension of a line segment formed when projected onto the ground 41). Incidentally, in the description of FIG. 5 for convenience, the vertical position of the virtual camera Ca viewpoint 51 as an example a case in point X _C3 in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the player performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 22 in a situation where the viewpoint 51 of the virtual camera Ca is located at a point X _C31 (initial position) on the circumference C _X , In response to the operation, the virtual camera Ca can be moved on the circumference _CX . For example, when either the left or right of the cross button included in the operation unit 22 is pressed, a point moved along the circumference C _X in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the cross button is operated is determined as a candidate position. Then, the “camera candidate position determination process” is completed by acquiring the position (coordinates). When the viewpoint 51 is set at the determined candidate position and the camera area 50 does not overlap the obstacle 42, the position of the viewpoint 51 is changed to this candidate position. Results position is changed, if the viewpoint 51 is located at a point X _C32, with the camera region 50 is set as the center 50a viewpoint 51 therein, by convergent point 51 is directed to the fixation point X _A Then, the change of the position of the virtual camera Ca is completed. The same applies to the case where the vertical position of the viewpoint 51 of the virtual camera Ca is at the other points X _C1 , X _C2 , X _C4 , X _{C5 shown} in FIG.

Therefore, the player, by operating the operation section 22, (in other words, the fixation point X _A around the position) position of the player character C1 around the virtual camera Ca can change at any position, the player character C1 can be taken from an arbitrary horizontal direction, and the image can be displayed on the display 2. Such a change in the position of the virtual camera Ca can also be performed while the player character C1 is moving. In this case, the position around the player character C1 is changed together with the change of the position of the virtual camera Ca in the moving direction of the player character C1 described with reference to FIG.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when a part of the circumference _CX overlaps with the obstacle (entry prohibition area) 42 and the candidate position is determined as the point _XC33 by the operation of the player, this candidate position If the position of the viewpoint 51 is changed, the camera area 50 having the changed viewpoint 51 as the center 50a overlaps with the obstacle 42. Therefore, in this game, the “camera position correction process” described later is also performed in this case.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the virtual camera control means 33 is used when the player character C <b> 1 moves (see FIG. 3) or when the player performs a moving operation on the virtual camera Ca. In order to change the position (coordinates) of the virtual camera Ca (see FIGS. 4 and 5), a “camera candidate position determination process” is performed to determine a candidate position for changing the position of the viewpoint 51. When the position of the viewpoint 51 is changed to the determined candidate position, if the camera area 50 overlaps with the entry prohibition area 42, “camera position correction processing” described later is performed.

  Here, returning to the description of FIG. 2, the prohibited region duplication determination unit 34 determines whether or not the camera region 50 of the virtual camera Ca overlaps the entry prohibited region 42 described above. In this game, the virtual camera control means 33 executes a “camera position correction process” for the virtual camera Ca based on the result of the presence / absence determination of the overlap between the camera area 50 and the entry prohibition area 42.

In this game, based on a coordinate system (local coordinate system) with the position of the player character C1 (the position of the ground contact point on the ground 41) as a reference (origin), the gazing point X _A , the enemy character, the candidate position, Each position of the boundary (contour) of the viewpoint 51, the camera area 50, its center 50a, and the entry prohibition area 42 is acquired. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and these positions may be acquired based on a coordinate system (world coordinate system) fixed in the virtual game space 40.

[Operation flow for each frame]
As described above, the virtual camera control unit 33 performs “camera candidate position determination processing” and “camera position correction processing” when controlling the position of the virtual camera Ca. These processes are executed together with other processes when each frame is generated. Hereinafter, an outline of a series of processes executed for each frame in the game will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed for each frame. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the camera process (step S3) in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, in this game, player character processing (step S1), enemy character processing (step S2), camera processing (step S3), and drawing processing (step S4) are executed for each frame in this order. Is done.

  Among these, in the player character process (step S1), various processes necessary for the progress of the game are performed on the player character C1. For example, when an operation input for moving the player character C1 is performed by the player on the operation unit 22, data indicating the position and posture after the operation of the player character C1 is acquired according to the operation input. . For example, when the player operates the operation unit 22 to walk the player character C1, the walking player character C1 calculates and acquires data on the posture and position to be taken in the next frame. Such data acquisition is mainly performed by the character control means 32 (see FIG. 2). Even if the player is not operating the operation unit 22, the player character C1 may move due to, for example, a reaction caused by an attack from an enemy character. Therefore, even when the player character C1 moves in this way, data indicating the position and posture after movement is acquired. In addition to this, when the player character C1 collides with another object, a process for adjusting the position of the player character C1 so as not to overlap with the object, or a physical strength that changes as the game progresses The process of updating the status of the player character C1, such as stamina, is performed.

  In the enemy character process (step S2), various processes necessary for the progress of the game are performed for the enemy character. For example, data indicating the position and posture after the action of an enemy character that moves according to the action of the player character C1 and the surrounding situation in the virtual game space 40 (for example, the explosion of a bomb installed nearby). To get. For example, when the enemy character performs an action of spitting a flame on the player character C1, in addition to data indicating the position and posture of the enemy character, data indicating the shape and position of the flame is calculated and acquired. Such data acquisition is also mainly performed by the character control means 32. If there is no enemy character within the range photographed by the virtual camera Ca, only the data indicating the position of the enemy character need be acquired. In addition, a process for adjusting the position of the enemy character when colliding with another object, a process for updating the status of the enemy character such as a physical strength that changes as the game progresses, and the like are performed.

  In the camera process (step S3), the virtual camera control means 33 performs a process of changing the position of the virtual camera Ca. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 7, as described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, based on the operation of the operation unit 22 for moving the virtual camera Ca by the player and the movement (position information and orientation) of the player character C <b> 1. Then, camera candidate position determination processing is performed (step S11), and the position (coordinates) of the determined candidate position is acquired.

  Next, when the camera candidate position determination process (step S11) is completed, when the viewpoint 51 is set at the determined candidate position, the camera area 50 having the viewpoint 51 as the center 50a overlaps the entry prohibition area 42. It is determined whether or not. (Step S12). If it is determined that the area does not overlap with the entry prohibition area 42 (step S12: YES), a “camera position correction process” described later is performed (step S13), and data indicating the position of the corrected viewpoint 51 is acquired. This “camera position correction process” is a process for taking the virtual camera Ca out of the entry prohibition area 42 and ensuring the field of view of the virtual camera Ca as wide as possible, and will be described in detail later.

On the other hand, when it is determined that it does not overlap with the entry prohibition area 42 (step S12: NO), or when the camera position correction process (step S13) is completed, a process for determining the position of the virtual camera Ca is performed (step S14). This camera process is terminated. That is, in the case of NO in step S12, the candidate position acquired in step S11 is determined as the position of the viewpoint 51. If step S13 has been performed, a camera region 50 centered on the viewpoint 51 acquired by the camera position correction process is set. Further, based on the gaze point X _A and determined position of the viewpoint 51, the orientation of the viewpoint 51 is determined.

As described above, in the camera process, the camera candidate position determination process (step S11) is performed according to the game progress (position and orientation, etc.) updated every frame, and the camera position correction process (step S13) is further performed as necessary. To determine the viewpoint 51. Note that in FIG. 3 already described, the position of the center 50a of the camera area 50 shown corresponding to the player character C1 at the positions 100 to 102 is an example of the candidate position determined by the process of step S11. is there. Further, the points X _{C1 to} X _C5 in FIG. 4 and the points X _{C31 to} X _{C33 in} FIG. 5 are also examples of candidate positions determined by the process of step S11. Note that it is not necessary to update every frame. If there is no movement of the player character C1 and no operation of the virtual camera Ca by the player, the above steps S11 to S13 are not executed and the position of the virtual camera Ca in the previous frame is maintained. Good.

  Next, returning to the description of the flowchart of FIG. 6, in the drawing process (step S <b> 4) following the camera process described above, if an enemy character exists in the shooting range of the virtual camera Ca, the enemy character is also displayed. Is generated by the virtual camera Ca and is output to the display 2. More specifically, in this process, the position of the scene in which the player character C1 and the enemy character in the position and posture acquired in steps S1 and S2 are located in the virtual game space 40 is changed in step S3. Image data indicating an image taken by the virtual camera Ca is generated.

[Camera position correction processing]
Next, details of the “camera position correction process” shown in step S13 of FIG. 7 will be described. As described above, this camera position correction processing is performed when the camera area 50 of the virtual camera Ca based on the candidate position changed in step S11 overlaps the obstacle 42 (step S12 in FIG. 7: YES). In addition, this is a process for taking the virtual camera Ca out of the entry prohibition area 42 and securing the field of view of the virtual camera Ca as wide as possible. Here, as an aspect in which the camera area 50 of the virtual camera Ca overlaps with the obstacle (entrance prohibition area) 42, there are various situations as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. The camera position correction process can be performed.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a camera position correction process according to the first embodiment. Here, (a) in FIG. 8 shows a state in which the camera area 50 overlaps with the obstacle (entry prohibited area) 42, and (b) shows the camera area 50 in the state of the obstacle 42 from the state (a). (C) shows the state set to the position moved to the outside, and (c) shows the state where the viewpoint 51 is set to the position moved backward relative to the candidate position in the camera area 50, respectively. Show. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the camera position correction process according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 8, when the camera area 50 overlaps the obstacle 42 in a state where the viewpoint 51 of the virtual camera Ca is located at the point X _C3 that is the initial position (step S12 in FIG. 7: YES). The same applies to the case where the viewpoint 51 is at another position.

First, in the state shown in FIG. 8A, the candidate position is determined by the camera candidate position determination process (step S11 in FIG. 7) in the situation shown in FIGS. When the viewpoint 51 is set, the camera area 50 having the viewpoint 51 as the center 50a overlaps the obstacle 42 (step S12 in FIG. 7: YES). In the first embodiment, when the state shown in FIG. 8A is obtained, the processing shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C is executed as camera position correction processing (step S14 in FIG. 7). That is, in the camera position correction process, first, as shown in FIG. 8B, the camera region is moved to a predetermined position moved from the position shown in FIG. 50 is set (step S21 in FIG. 10). More specifically, along the visual axis 52 connecting the gazing point X _A and the candidate position shown in FIG. 8 (a), moved toward the fixation point X _A against the obstacle 42 to a position in contact from the outside The camera area 50 is set at the position after the movement at the time of the movement. The distance between this way the center 50a of the camera region 50 which is set gazing point X _A is a small distance R1 than the distance R between the candidate positions shown in FIG. 8 (a) and the fixation point X _A ing.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8C, the viewpoint 51 is moved rearward along the extension line of the visual axis 52 from the center 50a of the set camera area 50 shown in FIG. 8B. (Step S22 in FIG. 9). That is, the position of the camera area 50 set outside the obstacle 42 in step S21 is fixed, and the point from the center 50a toward the rear along the visual axis 52 and reaching the contour line of the camera area 50 is It is set (corrected) as the position of the viewpoint 51. Thus, the distance between the viewpoint 51 which is determined as shown in FIG. 8 (c) and the fixation point X _A is a distance greater R2 than the distance R1. Then, by executing the process of step S22, the camera position correction process according to the first embodiment is completed (see step S13 of FIGS. 9 and 7), and this position is the virtual camera Ca (viewpoint 51). The position is determined (step S14 in FIG. 7). Then, an image taken at the determined position of the virtual camera Ca (viewpoint 51) is output (displayed) on the display 2 of the game apparatus 1.

  In the process of setting the camera area 50 at the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 8B as described above, the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 8A is indicated by the solid line in FIG. 8B. It is not necessary to actually move the camera area 50 to the position. That is, when the viewpoint 51 is set “provisionally” to the candidate position determined by the camera candidate position determination process (step S11 in FIG. 7), the camera area 50 is set as shown in FIG. The camera region 50 may be directly set at the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 8B without setting the camera region 50 at the position indicated by the broken line shown in FIG. Similarly, in the process of setting the viewpoint 51 to the position shown in FIG. 8C as described above, the candidate position shown in FIG. 8A is passed through the position of the center 50a in FIG. It is not necessary to actually move the viewpoint 51 to the position shown in FIG. That is, when the viewpoint 51 is set “provisionally” to the candidate position determined by the camera candidate position determination process (step S11 in FIG. 7), the camera area 50 is set as shown in FIG. May be set directly at the position shown in FIG. 8C acquired by the above-described procedure.

  With the camera position correction process described above, it is possible to avoid the virtual camera Ca entering the obstacle 42 and displaying an image taken from the obstacle 42 on the display 2. Further, since the viewpoint 51 is set at the rear position in the camera area 50 while the virtual camera Ca is moved out of the obstacle 42, the visual field of the virtual camera Ca is prevented from being largely blocked by the player character C1. An image having a wide field of view can be taken.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a camera position correction process according to the second embodiment. 10 (a) and 10 (b) are the same as FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b), and FIG. 10 (c) moves the camera area 50 downward from the state of FIG. 10 (b). FIG. 10D shows a state in which the viewpoint 51 is moved backward in the camera area 50 from the state of FIG. 10C, respectively. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the camera position correction process according to the second embodiment. 10, similarly to FIG. 8, when the camera area 50 overlaps the obstacle 42 in a state where the viewpoint 51 of the virtual camera Ca is located at the point X _C3 which is the initial position (in FIG. 7). Step S12: YES), but the same applies when the viewpoint 51 is at another position.

First, in the state shown in FIG. 10A, the candidate positions are determined by the camera candidate position determination process (step S11 in FIG. 7) in the situations shown in FIGS. When the viewpoint 51 is set, the camera area 50 having the viewpoint 51 as the center 50a overlaps the obstacle 42 (step S12 in FIG. 7: YES). In the second embodiment, when the state shown in FIG. 10A is obtained, the processing shown in FIGS. 10B to 10D is executed as camera position correction processing (step S14 in FIG. 7). That is, in the camera position correction process, first, as shown in FIG. 10B, the camera region is moved to a predetermined position moved out of the obstacle 42 along the visual axis 52 from the position shown in FIG. The position of 50 is temporarily set (step S31 in FIG. 11). More specifically, along the visual axis 52 connecting the gazing point X _A and the candidate position shown in FIG. 10 (a), moved toward the fixation point X _A against the obstacle 42 to a position in contact from the outside The camera area 50 is provisionally set at the position after the movement when moved. Incidentally, the center 50a of the thus temporarily set camera area 50 distance between the gazing point X _A is a candidate position shown in FIG. 10 (a) and the fixation point X _A smaller distance R1 than the distance R of the It has become.

Next, the position of the camera area 50 is formally set to a position where the camera area 50 (and the viewpoint 51) temporarily set outside the obstacle 42 in step S31 is moved downward by a predetermined distance (FIG. 12). Step S32). At this point, the distance between the center 50a and the fixation point X _A in camera area 50 which is set formally becomes smaller distance R3 than the distance R, R1 described above. Finally, as shown in FIG. 11 (d), the viewpoint 51 is moved rearward along the extension line of the visual axis 52 from the center 50a of the formally set camera area 50 shown in FIG. 10 (c). The predetermined position in the case of being made is set (step S33 in FIG. 11). That is, the position of the camera area 50 formally set in step S32 is fixed, and the point from the center 50a toward the rear along the visual axis 52 and reaching the contour line of the camera area 50 is defined as the viewpoint. The position 51 is set. As a result, the distance between the gazing point X _A and viewpoint 51 is set, the greater the distance R4 than the distance R3. Then, by executing the process of step S33, the camera position correction process according to the second embodiment is completed (see step S13 of FIGS. 11 and 7), and this position is the virtual camera Ca (viewpoint 51). The position is determined (step S14 in FIG. 7). Then, an image taken at the determined position of the virtual camera Ca (viewpoint 51) is output (displayed) on the display 2 of the game apparatus 1.

  Here, the process of step S32 for officially setting the camera area 50 at the position shown in FIG. 10C will be described in more detail. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining the process of step S32 of FIG. 11 for officially setting the camera area 50 in the camera position correction process of the second embodiment. FIG. 13 shows the flow of this process. It is a flowchart.

In Figure 12, from the state in the position shown by the fixation point X _A is the point P _B at the beginning, which exemplifies the case of moving the point P _C by the movement of the player character C1. And in this case, when the gazing point X _A is positioned at the point P _B, the virtual camera Ca is a camera region 50 to the obstacle 42 is located the center 50a and the viewpoint 51 to P _D point at which the contact from the outside While in a state where there fixation point results X _a is moved to the point P _C, the camera candidate position determination process (step S11 in FIG. 7), that the obstacle 42 and the camera region 50 is to be duplicated _Assume that the candidate position of the viewpoint 51 is set to PE. Note that the intersection of the perpendicular dropped from the horizontal plane and the point P _D passing through the point P _B and the point P _A. Also, P _D point is the position of the viewpoint 51 of the virtual camera Ca when fixation point X _A is at point P _B is intended to camera position correction processing has not been performed, between the point P _B and the point P _D Is the distance R described above.

As described above, when the viewpoint is set at the candidate position (point P _E ) set by the movement of the player character C1, the camera region 50 overlaps the obstacle 42, as described above, first, the point P along the visual axis 52 connecting the fixation point X _a located in the candidate position and the point P _C located _E (straight line connecting the point P _C and the point P _E), moving the camera region 50 to the obstacle 42 outside Temporarily set to contact the obstacle 42 from the outside. That is, temporarily sets the camera region 50 so that the center 50a is positioned at the point _{P F} (see step S31 in FIG. 11). Incidentally, _{P C} and the distance between points _{P F} point at this time is the distance R1 and (<R) described above.

Thereafter, the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13 which is the detail of step S32 of FIG. 11 is performed. That is, the virtual camera control unit 33 calculates the distance _{D AC} ratio K1 between points _P point to the distance _{D AB} between _A and the point _{P B P A} and the point _{P C} (step S41). Then, it is determined whether or not the ratio K1 is larger than a predetermined maximum value K _MAX (step S42). The maximum value K _MAX can be appropriately set to a value smaller than 1, for example, 0.7. If it is determined in step S42 that the ratio K1 is greater than the maximum value K _MAX (step S42: YES), the maximum value K _MAX is used as the value of the ratio K1 instead of the value calculated in step S41 (step S43). ).

When it is determined in step S42 that the ratio K1 is equal to or less than the maximum value K _MAX (step S42: NO), or when step S43 is completed, the following formula is shown: ratio K2 = ratio K1 * (1-e)
To calculate the ratio K2 (<1) (step S44). Here, an e is smaller than 1 predetermined value in the formula is one factor that determines whether to move much the camera region 50 reference point 50a to the point P _F is positioned downward. The value of e can be set as appropriate, for example, 0.02.

Then, by multiplying the ratio K2 for the distance _{D AF} between points _{P A} and the point _{P F,} and calculates the distance _{D AG} (step S45). Since the ratio K2 is a value smaller than 1, this distance _DAG is smaller than the distance _DAF . The formal position of the camera region 50 center 50a is temporarily set to the point P _F, the position is moved downward so that the center 50a from the point P _A distance D _AG only above the point P _G is located (Step S46). As a result, the process shown in FIG. 13 ends, and the process shown in step S32 of FIG. 11 ends. In the camera position correction process according to the second embodiment, the process of step S33 in FIG. 11 is performed thereafter. That is, the center 50a of the camera region 50 which is formally set, here directed back along the viewing axis 52 (a straight line connecting the points P _C and the point P _G) in the case where there is a viewpoint 51, the outline of the camera region 50 the P _H point reached on the line is set as the position of the viewpoint 51.

As described with reference to FIG. 8, in the process of setting the camera region 50 at the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 10C, the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. It is not necessary to actually move the camera area 50 to the position indicated by the solid line in c). That is, in FIG. 12, a camera area 50, from the state where the center 50a is positioned at the point P _D, to the state which is located the center 50a to the point P _G, may be set by changing the direct position. Similarly, in the process of setting the viewpoint 51 to the position shown in FIG. 10D, from the candidate position shown in FIG. 10A through the position of the center 50a shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, It is not necessary to actually move the viewpoint 51 to the position shown in FIG. That is, in FIG. 12, from point P _D to the point P _H, may be set by changing the position of the direct-view 51.

  According to the camera position correction process according to the second embodiment described above, even if the virtual camera Ca enters the obstacle 42 as the player character C1 moves, the virtual camera Ca ( Since the camera region 50 and the viewpoint 51) are moved out of the obstacle 42, it is possible to avoid an image captured from within the obstacle 42 from being displayed on the display 2. Further, since the viewpoint 51 is set at the rear position in the camera area 50 while the virtual camera Ca is moved out of the obstacle 42, the visual field of the virtual camera Ca is prevented from being largely blocked by the player character C1. An image having a wide field of view can be taken. Furthermore, since the position of the viewpoint 51 is set lower than in the case of the first embodiment, an image overlooking the virtual game space 40 can be taken, and the player's field of view can be expanded.

Incidentally, change setting position of the viewpoint 51 from the point P _D to the point P _H may not to complete in 1 frame, through one or more points between the point P _D and the point P _H As described above, a plurality of frames may be used. In this case, from the point P _D, via the point P _F, the point P _G, as from the point P _H, the position of the viewpoint 51 may be sequentially set for each frame. Furthermore, the viewpoint 51 and change settings to point P _F from the point P _D, then, between extending from the point P _F to the point P _H, change setting by using a plurality of frames so as to pass through one or more points You may make it do.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining a camera position correction process according to the third embodiment. Until the camera area 50 is set outside the obstacle 42 so as not to overlap with the obstacle 42, the processing described in the first embodiment (steps in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 9). Since this is the same as (see S21), the description thereof is omitted. Here, a mode in which the viewpoint 51 is set after the state shown in FIG. 8B will be described.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, the camera region 50, with respect to the center 50a, the orientation of the convergent point 51 in the case where to position the viewpoint 51 to the central 50a (a direction from the reference point 50a to the fixation point _{X A)} On the opposite side, a semicircular rear region 60 is set. In the camera position correction process according to the third embodiment, the viewpoint 51 is set at an arbitrary position in the rear region 60.

  By setting the position of the viewpoint 51 in this way, the player character C1 sets the position of the virtual camera Ca while avoiding the image taken by the virtual camera Ca entering the obstacle 42 from being displayed on the display 2. It is possible to capture an image having a wide field of view by suppressing the field of view from being largely blocked. In order to secure the field of view of the virtual camera Ca as wide as possible, the extension line of the visual axis 52 intersects in the arc-shaped contour portion of the rear region 60, that is, FIG. It is preferable to set the viewpoint 51 at the same position as described with reference to c). In addition, in order to capture an image of the virtual game space 40 that is viewed farther, the viewpoint 51 may be set in a lower area when the rear area 60 is divided vertically by an extension line of the visual axis 52. preferable.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining camera position correction processing according to the fourth embodiment. Also in the fourth embodiment, the processing described in the first embodiment (FIG. 8A, FIG. 8A) until the camera area 50 is set outside the obstacle 42 so as not to overlap the obstacle 42. Since it is the same as (b) and step S21 in FIG. 9), the description thereof will be omitted. Here, a mode in which the viewpoint 51 is set after the state shown in FIG. 8B will be described.

In the example shown in FIG. 15, a straight line connecting the center 50a of the camera region 50 and the gazing point X _A is, among the points of intersection with the circumferential 61 forming the outline of the camera region 50, towards a point distant from the fixation point X _A Is set as the intersection 62. In the camera position correction process according to the fourth embodiment, the line segment 63 connecting the center 50a and the intersection point 62 on the circumference 61 is + 90 ° to −90 ° (reverse) around the center 50a. The viewpoint 51 is set at an arbitrary position having an angle within a range of (a clockwise direction is positive).

  By setting the position of the viewpoint 51 in this way, the player character C1 sets the position of the virtual camera Ca while avoiding the image taken by the virtual camera Ca entering the obstacle 42 from being displayed on the display 2. It is possible to capture an image having a wide field of view by suppressing the field of view from being largely blocked. In order to secure the field of view of the virtual camera Ca as wide as possible, the viewpoint 51 is set at the intersection 62, that is, the same position as described with reference to FIG. 8C of the first embodiment. preferable. Further, in order to capture an image overlooking the virtual game space 40, the viewpoint 51 is set at a position where the angle is larger among the positions where the angle with respect to the line segment 63 is in the range of 0 ° to 90 °. Is preferably set.

(Other embodiments)
Incidentally, in the above description, the gaze point X _A is although the fact that fixedly provided at a predetermined position above the player character C1, not limited to this. For example, if the camera region 50 becomes overlap with obstacles 42 from the position directly above the player character C1, by moving the position of the gazing point X _A in the direction of away from the obstacle 42 Also good. In this case, in accordance with the distance from the center 50a of the camera region 50 to the boundary of the obstacle 42, it is possible to vary the distance to move the gazing point X _A. Also, when moving in this way the position of the focus point X _A from the position directly above the player character C1, adopts the position of the gazing point X _A after movement, according to the first to fourth embodiments described above camera A position correction process may be performed.

The position of the fixation point X _A is not limited to above the player character C1, other predetermined position relative to the player character C1, for example, the position of the feet of the player character C1 (i.e., the origin coordinates of the player character C1 Point X _B ) may be set. Furthermore, the gaze point X _A is not positioned player character C1 as a reference, it is set from the viewpoint 51 to the position of a predetermined distance, virtual that can freely change the orientation of the viewpoint 51 by the operation of the player about the viewpoint 51 The present invention can also be applied to control of the camera Ca. Further, the present invention can also be applied to a game in which the position and orientation of the virtual camera Ca cannot be changed by a player's operation.

  The present invention can provide a game program and a game apparatus that can capture an image having a wide field of view with the virtual camera while avoiding the virtual camera from entering the obstacle.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game device 5a Game program 30 Control part 31 Game space production | generation means 32 Character control means 33 Virtual camera control means 34 Forbidden area duplication determination means 50 Camera area 50a Center 51 View point 52 Visual axis C1 Player character Ca Virtual camera X _A Gaze point

Claims (6)

Computer
Game space generation means for generating a virtual game space;
Virtual camera control that controls at least the position and orientation of the viewpoint of the virtual camera in the game space to capture the game space, and calculates a candidate position for setting the viewpoint of the virtual camera according to the progress of the game A prohibition area for determining whether at least a part of the camera area set to include the candidate position in the area is included in the entry prohibition area of the virtual camera set in the game space Function as duplication judgment means,
The virtual camera control means includes
If the camera area does not overlap with the entry prohibition area, the candidate position is determined as the viewpoint position,
When at least a part of the camera area overlaps with the entry prohibition area, the camera area including the candidate position is set outside the entry prohibition area, and the candidate position is set within the camera area. A game program configured to determine a predetermined position in an area opposite to the direction of the viewpoint as the position of the viewpoint.   2. The game according to claim 1, wherein the virtual camera control unit controls the orientation of the viewpoint so that the visual axis of the viewpoint of the virtual camera passes through the gazing point set in the game space. program.   The game program according to claim 2, wherein the gazing point is arranged at a predetermined position based on a player character that moves in the game space, and is set so as to move with the player character. .   If it is determined that at least a part of the camera area overlaps the entry prohibition area, the virtual camera control means connects the camera area including the candidate position to the straight line connecting the candidate position and the gazing point. 4. The game program according to claim 1, wherein the game program is set to a position after the camera area is moved to the position where the camera area is adjacent to the entry prohibition area.   The virtual camera control means sets the camera area including the candidate position to a position after moving further downward by a predetermined distance from the position moved outside the entry prohibition area along the straight line. The game program according to claim 4, wherein the game program is characterized.   A game apparatus comprising: a program storage unit that records the game program according to claim 1; and a computer that executes the game program stored in the program storage unit.

Images