JP3377272B2 - Multiplayer game device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-player type game device in which a plurality of players can play a game in a predetermined game space.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 16 shows an example of an external view of a conventional multi-player game device.

A multi-player type game realized by the game device shown in FIG. 16 includes players 509a to 509.
f is a racing car game in which the steering wheels 512a to 512f are operated to drive a predetermined racing course. The CRTs 510a to 510f include a racing car 520 operated by each player 509a to 509f.
a to 520f are displayed. Player 509a-
509f operates his / her racing car while watching his / her own racing car, racing course, opponent's racing car, computer car, etc., and competes with the opponent player for ranking and lap time. And
CRT at each player's ranking and lap time
The images are displayed on 510a to 510f, which ends the game.

FIG. 17 shows an example of the configuration of such a multi-player game device. As shown in FIG. 17, such a multi-player type game device includes a plurality of game machines 501a to 501f operated by players 509a to 509f, respectively, and a game communication line 507 is connected between the game machines. Has been done. The game communication line 507 is a communication line for communicating setting information of the game space formed by the conventional example device. In the conventional example device, the game communication line 507 has a ring shape in each of the game machines 501a to 501a. It is formed so as to connect between 501f. Here, the game space setting information is information for setting the game space formed by the present device, for example, each racing car 520.
It is information such as at what position and at which angle a to 520f are arranged, or in what shape and how the terrain map arranged around the racing course and the racing course is arranged. By sharing all or part of the game space setting information among the game machines 501a to 501f by communication, each player can enjoy a racing car game in the same game space. Specifically, for example, if the player 509a operates the steering wheel 512a to curve the racing car 520a, the information that the racing car 520a has curved is transmitted to the other game machines 501b to 501f via the game communication line 507. Be communicated. As a result, the CRT 510b of each game machine 501b-501f
The image displayed in ~ 510f may be changed. Alternatively, when the racing car 520a and the racing car 520b come into contact with each other by curving in this way, a process corresponding to the contact, for example, the racing car 52
Processing such as flipping 0b outside the racing course is performed.

[0005]

In the conventional multi-player game device shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the information communicated between the game machines 501a to 501f is only the game space setting information. Therefore, for example, the player 50
In the case of having a conversation between 9a to 509f, it was necessary to directly speak with a real voice. Therefore, the conventional multi-player game device has the following problems.

That is, since these game machines are usually arranged in a game center or the like, the noise around them is very high under the present circumstances, and the game sound effects generated from the game machines themselves also hinder the conversation. . Therefore, the players 509a-
It is difficult to have a normal conversation between 509f, and for example, it is almost impossible for the players 509a and 509f to have a conversation in FIG. For this reason, it is difficult for the players to have a conversation and play a game with each other, or to play a game while exchanging excitement between the players, which can further enhance the fun of the multi-player type game. could not.

Further, in the conventional multi-player type game device, the conversation between the players must be performed directly by the real voice, and the positional relationship between the players is fixed. For example, in FIG. 16, player 509b is sitting to the right of player 509a, and therefore player 509b
The sound of the player 509b heard from a is always heard from the right side. However, in this type of game device, the racing car 520a, which is a moving body operated by the player 509a, and the racing car 520b operated by the player 509b are not necessarily in such a positional relationship. For example, consider a case where the racing car 520b overtakes the racing car 520a. In such a case, the player 509b calls out to the player 509a, "I will overtake this," and the player 50
If 9a can respond to this, such as "is it overtaken and accumulated?", The effect effect of the game can be greatly enhanced. However, in the conventional multi-player game device, conversation can be performed only with a real voice, and the positional relationship between the players is fixed as shown in FIG. Therefore, the voice of the player 509b is heard from the right of the player 509a, not from behind, and it is not possible to further enhance the fun of the multi-player type game. Furthermore, for example, the player 50
Since the distance between the player 9a and the player 509f is very large, it is impossible to have such a conversation such as “overtake” or “overtake and accumulate”.

Further, for example, in the conventional multi-player type game machine, even if the players 509a to 509f are simply attached with the microphone and the headphone and talk with each other, for example, wirelessly, the following problems occur.

That is, first, in such a wireless conversation, the positional relationship between the racing cars 520a to 520f operated by the player is not taken into consideration, as described above. Therefore, the opponent's voice can be heard from a direction completely unrelated to the racing car operated by the wireless opponent, and the reality of the game cannot be further enhanced.

Further, for example, when the players 9b to 9f talk to the player 9a at one time, the voices interfere with each other, and the player 9a cannot recognize which voice is which voice. It will be.
As a result, it becomes difficult to have a smooth conversation, and it becomes difficult for many players to discuss the strategy at the same time and to convey the excitement of each other, and it is impossible to further enhance the fun of the multi-player type game. .

The present invention has been made in view of the above technical problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable smooth conversation by voices of a plurality of players, and to have high reality and virtual reality. It is to provide a multi-player game device.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above object, a multi-player type game device according to the invention of claim 1 is a multi-player type game device in which a plurality of players can play a game in a predetermined game space. In the game device,
The player listens based on information including at least audio input means for inputting the audio of each player, game space setting means for forming setting information of the game space, and information including at least audio information input by the audio input means. A sound field forming means for forming a sound field capable of forming a sound field, and an output sound forming means for forming an output sound for each player based on the sound field forming information formed by the sound field forming means, It is characterized in that the sound field forming means forms a sound field for the voice of the player based on the game space setting information about the player or a moving body operated by the player.

Further, according to the invention of claim 2, a plurality of independent game machines are provided corresponding to the respective players, and
Communication means for communicating between these game machines is provided, and each game machine includes at least the voice input means, the game space setting means, the sound field forming means, and the output sound forming means. The communication means communicates the game space setting information set by each game space setting means of each game machine and the voice information input to each voice input means of each game machine. To do.

According to the invention of claim 3, a single host game machine corresponding to the plurality of players is provided.
The host game machine includes at least the voice input means, the game space setting means, the sound field forming means, and the output sound forming means, and the game space setting means in the host game machine includes a plurality of game space setting means. A game space common to the players is set, and the sound field forming means in the host game machine forms a sound field common to a plurality of players.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the formation of the sound field for the voice of the player in the sound field forming means is performed between the players based on the game space setting information about the player or a moving body operated by the player. Alternatively, the distance between the moving bodies operated by the player is obtained, and the sound of another player is reduced as the distance increases.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the formation of the sound field for the voice of the player in the sound field forming means is performed by another player based on the game space setting information about the player or a moving body operated by the player. Is obtained or the direction of the moving body operated by another player is obtained, and the voice of the other player can be heard from the obtained direction.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the formation of the sound field of the player's voice in the sound field forming means is virtual based on the game space setting information about the player or a moving body operated by the player. Forming a three-dimensional sound field space,
It is characterized in that it is formed by obtaining audio information to be heard at the position of each player or the position of the moving body operated by each player in the formed virtual three-dimensional sound field space.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the output sound forming means forms two-channel output sounds, and the sound field formed by these two-channel output sounds is a two-dimensional localized sound field. It is characterized by being.

According to the present invention of claim 8, the output sound forming means forms two-channel output sounds, and the sound field formed by these two-channel output sounds is a three-dimensional localized sound field. It is characterized by being.

According to the invention of claim 9, the output sound forming means forms an output sound of at least three channels,
The sound field formed by the output sounds of these three or more channels is a sound field of three-dimensional localization.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, the sound information of each player includes a game sound effect in each of the game machines, and the sound field forming means determines the player based on the sound information including the game sound effect. It is characterized in that a sound field is formed for the voice.

[0022]

According to the multi-player type game device of the present invention, at least the sound input means, the game space setting means, the sound field forming means, and the output sound forming means are provided, and the player or the moving body operated by the player. A sound field for the player's voice is formed based on the game space setting information about. As a result, not only a real voice but a conversation through the voice input unit and the output sound forming unit is possible, and since the game space setting information is used for forming the sound field, the opponent player is talking in the game space. It is possible to have a conversation that reflects the position, the direction in which the opponent player is having a conversation, and the like.

Further, in this case, according to the invention of claim 2, a plurality of independent game machines corresponding to each player are provided and a communication means is provided, and the communication space setting information and the voice are provided by the communication means. Information is communicated. By providing a plurality of independent game machines in this way, it becomes possible for each game machine to share and bear the processing load for forming the game screen, the game sound, and the like.

In this case, according to the invention of claim 3, a single host game machine corresponding to a plurality of players is provided, and the game space setting means and the sound field forming means in the host game machine are provided. In, a game space common to a plurality of players and a sound field are formed. As a result, the processing load imposed on the host game machine increases, but it is possible to share the hardware for forming the game space setting unit and the sound field forming unit.

Further, in this case, according to the invention of claim 4, the distance between the players or the moving body operated by the player is obtained based on the game space setting information, and the sound of the player becomes smaller as the distance becomes longer. The sound field is formed so that This allows the actual distance in the game space to be reflected in the conversation between the players.

In this case, according to the invention of claim 5, the direction of the other player or the direction of the moving body operated by the other player is obtained based on the game space setting information.
The sound field is formed so that the sound of another player can be heard from this direction. This allows the actual direction of another player in the game space to be reflected in the conversation between the players.

Further, in this case, according to the invention of claim 6, a virtual three-dimensional sound field space is formed based on the game space setting information, and each player or moving body in this virtual three-dimensional sound field space is formed. The formation of the audio sound field is performed by determining the audio information to be heard at the position. As a result, it becomes possible to have a conversation in a sound field that is extremely close to the sound field that the player should actually hear in the game space.

Further, in this case, according to the invention of claim 7, the sound field formed by the output sound of the two channels of the output sound forming means can be a two-dimensional localized sound field. Thus, for example, it is possible to make the player feel a sound field in which the sound of the player located on the right side in the game space is heard from the left of the sound of the player located from the right to the left.

In this case, according to the invention of claim 8, the sound field formed by the output sound of the two channels of the output sound forming means can be a three-dimensional localized sound field. This allows the player to feel a sound field that is extremely close to the sound field that the player should actually hear in the game space.

Further, in this case, according to the invention of claim 9, the output sound of the output sound forming means is at least three channels or more, whereby a three-dimensional localized sound field can be formed. This allows the player to feel a sound field that is extremely close to the sound field that the player should actually hear in the game space.

In this case, according to the invention of claim 10, the sound information of each player includes the game sound effect,
An audio sound field is formed based on audio information including the game sound effects. This makes it possible to hear not only the sound of the other player but also the game sound effect corresponding to the position of the other player.

[0032]

【Example】

1. Basic Configuration of Multiplayer Game Device FIG. 1 shows the basic configuration of a multiplayer game device according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the multi-player game device according to the present invention includes a voice input section 92 for inputting the voice of each player, a game space setting section 104 for forming game space setting information, and It is configured to include at least a sound field forming unit 110 that forms a sound field that can be heard by the player and an output sound forming unit 94 that forms an output sound for each player.

Here, the voice input section 92 and the output sound forming section 9
A microphone, a headphone, a speaker, etc. can be considered as 4, and these are provided corresponding to each player. In addition, the game space setting unit 104
A moving body such as a racing car operated by the player, an object such as a mountain or a road is arranged in the game space, and position information, direction information and the like of these are formed as game space setting information. Further, in the present invention, the sound field forming unit 110 also forms a sound field for the player's voice. Then, in forming the sound field of the voice of the player, the game space setting information about the player or the moving body operated by the player is used.

With the above configuration, in the multi-player game device according to the present invention, not the real voice but the voice input section 9 is used.
2. It becomes possible to have a conversation through the output sound forming unit 94. Moreover, since the game space setting information is used in forming the sound field, it is possible to form a sound sound field that reflects the position where the opponent player is talking or the direction in which the opponent player is talking. . As a result, the reality of the game can be greatly enhanced, and the fun of the multi-player type game can be significantly enhanced.

2 and 3 show modified examples of the basic structure of the multi-player game device according to the present invention. The multi-player type game device according to the present invention can be a multi-player type game device of a type in which a plurality of game machines are independently provided for each player.
It is also possible to provide a multi-player type game device of a type in which a single host game machine corresponding to a plurality of players is provided. An example of the former configuration is shown in FIG. 2, and an example of the latter configuration is shown in FIG. 2 and 3, the description will be given by taking a multi-player type game device corresponding to six players as an example.

In the case of FIG. 2, each of the game machines 1a to 1f
Are voice input units 92a to 92f, game space setting units 104a to 104f, and sound field forming units 110a to 110, respectively.
f and the output sound forming units 94a to 94f are included at least. In addition to these configurations, each of the game machines 1a to 1f further includes communication means for communicating the game space setting information and the voice information input to the voice input units 92a to 92f between the game machines. It is composed. This communication means is, for example, as shown in FIG.
96f and a communication line 98. In this way, if multiple independent game machines are provided, the game screen,
The processing load for forming the game sound or the like is shared among the game machines. Therefore, it is possible to form a high-quality game screen, game sound, etc. without increasing the processing capability of each game machine so much.

In the case of FIG. 3, a single host game machine 96 corresponding to a plurality of players is provided. The host game machine 96 includes audio input units 92a to 92f and output sound formations 94a to 9 corresponding to the respective players.
It has 4f. Furthermore, the host game console 96
It has a game space setting unit 104 for setting a game space common to a plurality of players and a sound field forming unit 110 for forming a sound field common to a plurality of players. If a single host game machine is provided in this way, the processing load imposed on the host game machine will increase, but the hardware for forming the game space setting section and the sound field forming section will increase. Since the hardware can be shared, the processing can be simplified and the hardware can be downsized.

2. Outline of Game First, an example of a multi-player type game realized by a multi-player type game device according to the present embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the present game device) will be briefly described.

The multi-player type game realized by the present game device is a future tank game spread in a near future city where various races are gathered. In this futuristic tank game, fighters gathered for huge prizes play in a death match game format in a game field surrounded by squares that cannot be escaped. Then, each fighter is divided into an arbitrary group according to his / her own selection, and a competitive game is played between the groups to compete for a win / loss between the groups.

FIG. 4 shows an external view of the game device. As shown in the figure, the present game device is a multi-player type game device in which a game can be played by six players 9a to 9f, and includes game machines 1a to 1f. Then, the players 9a to 9f operate the analog levers 14a to 14f, which are operation units, to perform CR.
The future tanks 20a to 20f, which are the moving objects shown in T10a to 10f, are operated. In addition, the analog levers 14a to 14f are provided with machine gun and missile triggers, which enable them to attack enemies. In addition, as shown in FIG.
Aims 40a to 40f and enemy position detection radars 50a to 50f are displayed on a to 10f, and players 9a to 10f are displayed.
9f is this aim 40a-40f, enemy position detection radar 5
The enemy will be attacked using 0a to 50f.

Now, as shown in FIG. 4, each player 9a
9f are equipped with the headphones 2a to 2f, so that the voices of other players can be heard. In this case, the headphones 2a to 2f are headphones excellent in sound insulation and airtightness, and the human voices spoken by other players are hardly heard. Further, microphones 4a to 4f are integrally provided on the headphones 2a to 2f.
The players 9a to 9f can talk to other players via a to 4f. As described above, the players 9a to 9f can speak to the other players via the microphones 4a to 4f, and the real voice cannot be heard by the other players. On the other hand, the voice input to the microphones 4a to 4f will be heard by another predetermined player via the headphones 2a to 2f.

FIG. 5 shows an overall view of the game field 60. As shown in the figure, the game field 6
Within 0, various terrains formed in three dimensions and set by the game program are formed. That is, in the game field 60, walls 62, plateaus 76 and 78, obstacles 8
Various three-dimensional topography such as 0 and 82 is formed.

In the present game device, the game machines 1a to 1f operated by the players 9a to 9f are divided into arbitrary groups. For example, now players 9a-9c
Are grouped (hereinafter referred to as group R), and the players 9d to 9f are grouped (hereinafter referred to as group S). In this case, the selection of this group is performed by the group selection button provided on each of the game machines 1a to 1f, or the player operates the analog levers 14a to 14f in accordance with the instruction from the game machine displayed on the CRTs 10a to 10f. It is done by doing. Also, grouping may be performed according to the timing when each player inserts a coin. And each future tank 20a
The body color of ~ 20f is changed to a predetermined color to identify the group to which the future tank belongs (for example, R
Group is red, S group is blue). At the start of the game, future tanks 20a belonging to the groups R and S
.About.20c and 20d to 20f face each other on the game field 60 as shown in FIG. Each group includes headphones 2a to 2f and microphones 4a to 4f.
While using each other to keep in touch with each other, make a strategy and attack the enemy group. In this case, the enemy position is detected by the above-mentioned enemy position detecting radars 50a-5
0f will be performed.

In FIG. 6A, the future tank 20a operated by the player 9a is a future tank 2 operated by the enemy player 9d.
An example of a display image displayed on the CRT 10a when approaching 0d is shown. Here, the shield display part 5
In 4a, for example, the shield amounts of the own future tank 20a and the enemy future tank 20d are displayed. In addition, the remaining number of missiles display section 43a shows the number of remaining missiles of the current aircraft. As shown in the shield display portion 54a and the missile remaining number display portion 43a, the shield amount (defense) of the own aircraft is now far larger than the shield amount of the enemy future tank 20d, and the missile is 3 It is left over. Therefore, this is an opportunity for the player 9a to attack, and, conversely, the player 9 who operates the enemy future tank 20d.
The d player must avoid this critical situation and find an item that restores the shield amount.

In FIG. 6B, after such a situation, the own future tank 20a chased the enemy future tank 20d.
An example of a display image when the above situation is reversed is shown. That is, in the situation shown in FIG. 6 (B), as shown in the shield display portion 54a, the shield amount of the future tank 20a of the player's own aircraft is greatly reduced by being attacked by the enemy future tank 20d. On the other hand, the shield amount of the enemy future tank 20d has been recovered by obtaining the predetermined item, and greatly exceeds the shield amount of the own-machine future tank 20a.
Further, as shown in the missile remaining amount display portion 43a, the remaining number of missiles of the own-machine future tank 20a is "0" because the enemy chasing after the enemy has fired. Therefore, in this case, the situation reverses, and the enemy future tank 20d has an opportunity to attack, while the own future tank 20a falls into a critical situation.

In such a situation, for example, when the present game device is a two-player competitive game, there is almost no win. However, the present game device is a multi-player type game device, and in such a case, it is possible to ask the players of the ally group R for help. Then, in FIG. 6B, the player 9a asks the players 9b and 9c of the ally group R for help via the microphone 4a.

Now, in this case, the ally players 9b, 9c
The future tanks 20b and 20c operated by are located on the right side and the left side of the future tank 20a operated by the player 9a, respectively. The future tank 20c operated by the ally player 9c is hidden by the obstacle 82 and cannot be seen by the enemy player 9d.

Since the missiles of the future tank 20a of the player 9a are already exhausted, the player 9a asks the player 9b for a cover shooting. Then, in this case, the conversation between the player 9a and the player 9b is conducted via the microphone and the headphones. On the other hand, the player 9a has a conversation with the player 9c hidden in the obstacle 82 through a microphone and a headphone, and makes a strategy to suddenly attack the enemy future tank 20d from behind the obstacle.

In such a situation, in the conventional device, the players could talk only with their real voice.
Therefore, there is a problem in that the voice spoken by the player 9a may not be heard by a friend due to noise or may be heard by the enemy player 9d.

Further, while the players 9a, 9b, 9c are actually positioned side by side in the arrangement shown in FIG. 4, the future tanks 20a operated by the players 9a, 9b, 9c, 20b and 20c are arranged in an array as shown in FIG. 6 (B). Therefore, in the conventional device which can talk only with the real voice, the voice of the player 9b who should be located on the right front side on the game screen can be heard from the immediate right next to the player 9b which can be located on the left front side on the game screen.
The voice of "c" was heard from the right side of the player 9b, and there was a lack of reality in the game. This is the same, for example, when the player simply wears a microphone and headphones in the conventional apparatus and has a conversation by radio or the like. In particular, in the case where the conventional device is used for wireless communication in this manner, the player 9
When b and the player 9c talk to the player 9a at the same time, there arises a problem that interference occurs. That is, in this case, the player 9a cannot recognize whether the voice spoken to is the voice of the player 9b or the voice of the player 9c. Therefore, it is not possible to smoothly carry out the operation conversation between the players 9b and 9c, in which the player 9b performs the support shooting and the player 9c is abruptly attacked, so that the interestingness of the multi-player type game can be enhanced. It will not be possible.

On the other hand, in this game device, a sound field for the voice of the player is also formed. Therefore, the voice of the player 20b can be heard from the front right direction and the voice of the player 20c can be heard from the front left direction as in the actual arrangement of the future tanks in the game space. Also, player 2
The voice of 0b is heard from a relatively short distance, and the voice of the player 20c is heard from a relatively long distance. As a result, the position / direction / distance of the actual player (future tank) displayed on the game screen, and the position / direction / direction from which the sound is heard are displayed.
Since the distance and the distance match, the reality of the multi-player game can be extremely increased. Also,
The virtual reality felt by the player can be greatly enhanced.

Further, by forming a sound field for voices as described above, for example, the players 9b and 9c
Even if the two talk to the player 9a at the same time, no interference occurs in the voice. That is, the player 9a can recognize the voice heard from the front right as the voice of the player 9b,
The voice heard from the front left can be recognized as the voice of the player 9c. Therefore, a smooth conversation can be held between the teammate players, and a smooth strategy can be established.

It is also assumed that the enemy future tank 20d counterattacks and the ally future tank 20b is attacked by a missile. In such a case, the player's 20b voice is heard by the player 20b saying, "She has hit a missile."
By including the missile explosion sound at b, the reality of the game can be further enhanced.

In this way, the player 9a cooperates with the players 9b and 9c to attack the enemy future tank 20d operated by the player 9d. And the enemy future tank 2
When 0d is destroyed by an attack, the destruction sound is transmitted to the players 9e and 9f of the enemy group through the microphone and the headphones together with the voice of the player 9d, "I was helped". When the rescue voices are heard at a distance, the enemy players 9e and 9f go straight to the destroyed position of the future tank 20d by using the direction and distance of the voice as a clue.

As described above, according to this game device, not only the virtual three-dimensional space formed in the screen but also the virtual sound field of the sound of the player's voice is formed. Therefore, the position / direction of the player (futuristic tank) in the virtual three-dimensional space formed on the screen and the position / direction of the virtual three-dimensional sound field space match, and the player is immediately immersed in the game. Is possible. As described above, it is understood that the present game device is particularly effective in a three-dimensional game in which the player can freely move in any direction in the virtual three-dimensional space and can attack from any direction as in the present game. It

3. Description of Each Game Machine FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a multi-player game apparatus according to this embodiment, and FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of each game machine 1a to 1f constituting the multi-player game apparatus. Shown.

First, the structure of each of the game machines 1a to 1f shown in FIG. 8 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, each of the game machines 1a to 1f has an operation unit 1 through which a player inputs an operation signal.
2. A game calculation unit 100 that calculates a game space by a predetermined game program, an image composition unit 200 that forms a pseudo three-dimensional image at the player's viewpoint position, and a CRT
0, a headphone 2, and a microphone 4 are included.

The operation unit 12 is connected with, for example, an analog lever 14 for operating a future tank, a trigger for firing a machine gun, a missile, etc.

The game calculation unit 100 includes a central processing unit 10.
2, the game space setting unit 104, the movement information calculation unit 106,
The object information storage unit 108 and the sound field forming unit 110 are included. Here, the central processing unit 102 controls the entire game device, and a storage unit provided in the central processing unit 102 stores a predetermined game program for game calculation.

In the movement information calculation unit 106, according to the operation signal from the operation unit 12 and the instruction from the central processing unit 102, the movement information of the future tank, that is, 1 of the frame concerned.
The distance, the direction, etc. of the future tank moved from the previous frame to the frame are calculated.

The object information storage unit 108 stores position information of three-dimensional objects forming a virtual three-dimensional space.
The direction information and the object number of the three-dimensional object to be displayed at this position are stored (hereinafter, the stored three-dimensional position information / direction information and the object number are referred to as object information). An example of these pieces of object information is shown in FIG.

The object information stored in the object information storage unit 108 is read by the game space setting unit 104. In this case, the object information storage unit 108 stores the object information of the frame immediately preceding the frame. Then, the game space setting unit 104 obtains the object information (position information, direction information) in the frame based on the read object information and the movement information calculated by the movement information calculation unit 106. These pieces of object information are output to the image composition unit 200 as game space setting information.

In this way, the game space setting section 104
Then, the object information of all three-dimensional objects forming the virtual three-dimensional space in the frame is set. Then, the object information set in this way is written back to the object information storage unit 108.

In the sound field forming unit 110, for example, missile launch sound, missile destruction sound, machine gun launch sound,
All kinds of game sounds necessary for the game, such as a sound generated by the movement of the future tank, a sound generated by the collision of the future tank, and a background sound are formed.

Now, the sound field forming unit 1 in this game device
Unlike the conventional game device, in 10, a predetermined process is performed on not only the game sounds such as the missile sounds described above but also the sounds of the players 9a to 9d to form a sound sound field. The sounds of these players are directly input to the sound field forming unit 110 via the microphone 4 for the sounds of the player's own player. On the other hand, regarding the voices of other players,
As will be described later, it is input to the sound field forming unit 110 via a predetermined voice communication line or the like. Sound field forming unit 110
Then, the sound field is formed by performing a predetermined process on the game sound, the player's voice, and the like. Then, the output sound to the headphones 2 is calculated according to the formed sound field, and the player can listen to the output sounds by the headphones 2. In this case, in the present game machine, the object information, that is, the game space setting information set by the game space setting unit 104 is referred to when forming the sound field. The method of forming these audio sound fields will be described in detail later.

In the image synthesizing unit 200, a pseudo three-dimensional image that can be seen from an arbitrary viewpoint position of the player in the virtual three-dimensional space is image-synthesized. In this image composition, the game space setting information set by the game space setting unit 104 is referred to. And the formed pseudo three-dimensional image is a CRT
An image is output according to 10.

4. Description of Entire Multi-Player Game Device Next, the entire multi-player game device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

The present game device is configured to include a plurality of the game machines 1 described above, and includes six game machines 1a to 1f in FIG.

Now, in the present game device shown in FIG. 7, the players are divided into arbitrary groups, and the conversation by the voices of the players can be performed only within the same group. Therefore, the game machines 1a to 1f shown in FIG.
In addition to the game machine 1 shown in FIG.
0a to 120f and voice information selection units 138a to 138f. Further, in FIG. 7, in order to simplify the description, of the configuration of the game machine 1 shown in FIG. 8, the game space setting units 104a to 104f and the sound field forming unit 110 are included.
Only a to 110f are shown.

In the present game device, data in the format shown in FIG. 9 flows as communication information on the communication line 8. As shown in FIG. 9, the communication information includes group setting information including game machine ID information and group ID information, game space setting information, and voice information of each player. Here, the game machine ID information is information for specifying the game machine to which the communication information belongs, and the group ID information is information for specifying the group to which each game machine belongs. Then, the communication information for each of these game machines flows in the communication line 8 in series as shown in FIG.

The game space setting units 104a to 104f in the respective game machines 1a to 1f take out the game space setting information from the communication information flowing through the communication line 8. As a result, the game space setting information can be communicated between the game machines 1a to 1f. Here, as the game space setting information to be communicated, for example, enemy object information, enemy object position information, ally object information, ally object position information, etc. can be considered. Communication line 8
By extracting the game space setting information from, the game space setting units 104a to 104f can know the game space setting information of the game machines of other players, and the game spaces set in the respective game machines 1a to 1f are the same. It becomes possible to Specifically, for example, if the player 9a operates the analog lever 14a to curve the future tank 20a, the information that the future tank 20a has been curved is transmitted via the communication line 8 to the other game machines 1b-1.
communicated to f. As a result, the images displayed on the CRTs 10b to 10f of the game machines 1b to 1f are changed.

With the present game device, unlike the conventional example shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the voice information of each player 9a to 9f can also be communicated between each game machine. Therefore, the voice information selection unit 138a, which is a communication unit,
~ 138f and the above-mentioned communication line 8 are provided.
Further, in this game device, voice communication can be performed only within the same group. Therefore, the group setting units 120a to 120f for performing the group setting
Is provided. Group setting units 120a to 120f
Reads out the group setting information (game machine ID information, group ID information) flowing through the communication line 8 and instructs the voice information selecting units 138a to 138f to select. As a result, the voice information selection units 138a to 138f select only the voice information of the players belonging to the same group from the communication information flowing through the communication line 8. Then, the selected voice information is output to the sound field forming units 110a to 110f.

For example, in the future tank game described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the players 9a to 9c are set to the group R and the players 9d to 9f are set to the group S. Then, in this case, among the communication information shown in FIG. 9, the group setting information of the game machines 1a to 1c includes "" a "," R "", "" b "," R "", and "", respectively. c "
, "R"", and the group setting information of the game machines 1d to 1f are""d","S"",and""e", respectively.
, "S"",""f","S"". Then, the voice information selection units 138a to 138c
Selects only the voice information of the communication information whose group ID information is "R" among the respective communication information. Similarly, the voice information selection units 138d to 138f indicate that the group ID information is "
Only the voice information of the communication information which is S "is selected. As a result, the players 9a to 9c can talk only within the players 9a to 9c, and the players 9d to 9f are the players 9d.
Conversation is possible only within ~ 9f. Therefore, for example, the conversation that the player 9a talks to the player 9c cannot be heard by the player 9d. In this way, by allowing conversation only within the same group, in a game where groups compete with each other, the operations within the group can be communicated only within the group, which is a multiplayer type game that has never existed before. Can be realized.

5. Description of formation of voice sound field in sound field forming unit Next, a method of forming a voice sound field in the sound field forming unit 110 will be described.

First, the distance between the player or the future tanks operated by the player is obtained based on the game space setting information,
A method of forming an audio sound field that reflects the obtained distance will be described. For example, consider a case where the players 9a and 9b have a conversation in FIG. 6B.
In this case, the sound field forming unit 110 first refers to the game space setting information (position information, direction information) of the own-machine future tank 20a and the ally future tank 20b. For example, in this case, as shown in FIG. 11 (A), the position information of the own future tank 20a is (Xa, Ya, Za), and the position information of the ally future tank 20b is (Xb, Yb, Zb). To do. Then,
As shown in FIG. 11A, these positional information (Xa,
The distance d between the future tanks 20a and 20b can be easily obtained from (Ya, Za), (Xb, Yb, Zb). The sound field forming unit 110 adjusts the volume of the conversation voice of the players 9a and 9b based on the obtained distance D. That is, the volume is adjusted so that the conversation voice becomes smaller as the distance D increases. This adjustment of the volume is actually performed by adjusting the electronic volume of the headphones 2 based on the sound field forming information from the sound field forming unit 110. From the above, for example, in the case shown in FIG. 6B, the voice of the player 9c is heard by the player 9a as a small voice and the voice of the player 9b is heard by the player 9a as a loud voice, so that the reality of the game and the virtual reality are very high. It is possible to raise it.

Next, based on the game space setting information, the direction between the player or the future tank operated by the player is obtained,
A method of forming a voice sound field that reflects the obtained direction will be described. In this case, similarly to the above, the sound field formation unit 110 first determines the future tank 20a for the player and the future tank 2 for the ally.
Position information (X which is one of the game space setting information of 0b
a, Ya, Za), (Xb, Yb, Zb).
Then, as shown in FIG. 11B, the direction α between the future tanks 20a and 20b can be easily obtained from the position information (Xa, Ya, Za) and (Xb, Yb, Zb). The sound field forming unit 110 determines the direction in which the sounds of the players 9a and 9b are heard based on the obtained direction α, and forms the sound field according to the direction. From the above, for example, in the case shown in FIG.
It is possible to form a sound field in which the sound of the player 9c is heard from the front left direction and the sound of the player 9b is heard from the front right direction. This makes it possible to greatly enhance the reality and virtual reality of the game.

As a method of forming a sound field, FIG.
Not only the distance and direction shown in (A) and (B) are reflected in the sound field formation, but both the distance and the direction may be reflected.

Next, a virtual three-dimensional sound field space is formed on the basis of the game space setting information, and sound information to be heard at the position of each player or future tank in this virtual three-dimensional sound field space is obtained. A method of forming will be described. Consider, for example, the case where the player 9b makes a sound. In this case, first, the audio information of the player 9b is converted into digital information by an A / D converter or the like. Then, a virtual three-dimensional sound field space is obtained based on the converted digital information. That is, as shown in FIG. 11C, a virtual simulation calculation is performed assuming that a voice according to the digital information is generated from the position (Xb, Yb, Zb) of the future tank 20b operated by the player 9b. A virtual three-dimensional sound field space is obtained. Then, the virtual three-dimensional sound field space thus obtained and the player 9a
Based on the position information (Xa, Ya, Za) of, the audio information of the digital information of the player 9c that should be heard at the position of the player 9a is obtained. Then, the obtained voice information of the digital information is converted into analog information by the D / A converter or the like and output by the headphone or the like.

According to the method for forming the virtual three-dimensional sound field space as described above, it is possible to form a more realistic sound field than the method for reflecting the distance and direction in the sound field formation as described above. Become. For example, the obstacle 82 is the future tank 20.
Consider the case where it is placed between a and the future tank 20c. In this case, according to the method of reflecting only the distance and the direction, the sound of the same volume is transmitted to the player 9a regardless of the presence or absence of the obstacle 82. On the other hand, in the method of forming the virtual three-dimensional sound field space, the sound volume, direction, etc. of the voice are changed depending on the presence or absence of the obstacle 82, and it is possible to form a sound field full of reality. In this case,
When forming the sound field in the sound field forming unit 110, the game space setting information (position information, direction information) of the obstacle 82 is referred to. Further, in this case, by referring to the size information and the shape information of the obstacle 82, or the material information indicating the sound absorption, reflectance, and transmittance, it is possible to form a more realistic sound field. Becomes

According to the method of reflecting only the distance and the direction, the direction in which the player 9a utters the voice (the direction in which the player is facing or the direction in which the future tank is facing) is reflected in the formation of the audio sound field. Will not be done,
This is reflected in the method of forming the virtual three-dimensional sound field space. Furthermore, in the method of forming the virtual three-dimensional sound field space, since the sound field is formed three-dimensionally, for example, the future tank 20a
It is also possible to reflect the difference in the heights of 20 and 20b in the sound field formation. This makes it possible to create an audio sound field in which, for example, the voice of another player is heard from above.

In this embodiment, the headphone 2 is used as the output sound forming section 94. This headphones 2
Forms a two-channel output sound, and a two-dimensional localization sound field can be formed by these two-channel output sounds. In such a two-dimensional localization sound field, for example, as shown in FIG.
In the case as shown in (B), the sound of the player 9b is heard from the right side instead of the right front, and the sound of the player 9c is heard from the left side rather than the left front. Therefore, it is not possible to convey the sense of the front and rear sound fields to the player. However, as in the conventional device, the sound of the player 9c located on the left side of the player 9a on the screen is actually the player 9c.
There is no such thing as coming from the right side of a. Further, even if the player 9b and the player 9c talk to each other at the same time, their voices do not interfere with each other.
It is possible to recognize which voice is which player's voice. Therefore, in this sense, even if the sound field formed by the output sound is a two-dimensional localization sound field, it is possible to obtain a reality that the conventional device does not have.

In order to form a three-dimensional localized sound field, a speaker having three or more channels may be provided. For example, in FIG. 12, four-channel speakers 430 to 436 are provided to form a three-dimensional localization sound field. In this case, by increasing the voice output from the speakers 430 to 436, it is possible to block noises such as the voice of another player heard from the surroundings, and it becomes possible to talk only within the group.

Further, in FIG. 13, the future tanks 440a to 440f, which are made to look very similar to the real ones, are shown to the players 9a to 9f.
An example is shown in which the player boarded and played a game. In this example, future tanks 440a-440f have windshields 442a-4.
42f is provided, and the windshields 442a to 442f are provided.
As a result, the sound heard from the outside is blocked. With such a configuration, the speakers 430a to
Even if the voice output of 430f, 432a to 432f is not strengthened, it is possible to block the noise such as the voice of another player heard from the outside, and it becomes possible to talk through the speaker and the microphone only within the group. Also in this case, a three-dimensional localization sound field can be obtained by providing three or more speakers.

In order to obtain a three-dimensional localization sound field by using the two-channel output sound from a headphone, a speaker, etc., for example, the following method can be considered.

For example, the positions of the sound sources of the sounds coming from the front, back, up, down, left and right can be recognized although the human ear has two left and right ears. This is the time difference of sound reaching the left and right ears, phase difference, wraparound of sound waves on the surface of the head, reflection and phase rotation of sound by the outer ear, earlobe and shoulder, reflection of sound on the floor and walls and change in sound quality. This is because the brain can instantly judge the situation and generate a sound source stereoscopic map in the head to feel a stereoscopic effect.

By electronically simulating such various environments as they are, it becomes possible to obtain a stereophonic sound with a two-channel headphone, that is, to obtain a three-dimensional localization. In this case, it is possible to obtain such three-dimensional localization by using, for example, a 2-channel speaker instead of the 2-channel headphone. In this case, the sound of the right speaker reaches only the right ear and the sound of the left speaker reaches only the left ear. Specifically, for example, when it is desired to reach the left ear only, the left speaker first outputs the desired sound. This sound reaches the right ear as well, so try to make a sound with the opposite phase to the sound from the left speaker from the right speaker. As a result, the sounds in the right ear cancel each other out, and the sound from the left speaker disappears. However, in practice, it is necessary to make a time difference by the distance between the left and right ears or adjust the cancellation level to make detailed settings so that the desired sound can be delivered well.

Various methods other than the above can be considered as a method for obtaining a three-dimensional localization (stereophonic sound) from the output sound of two channels. For example, a microphone is embedded in the ear of a mannequin designed to simulate the sound heard by a human, and the sound to be heard can be recorded, or by recording with a micro microphone in the human ear. If the reproduced sound is reproduced, it is possible to obtain a three-dimensional localization with the output sound of 2 channels. By applying this method, the overall acoustic characteristics until the sound reaches the eardrum, including the human head and ears, are simulated, and the output sound of each channel is processed to be output from the headphones or speakers. A method of outputting it is also conceivable. in this case,
When the sound is output from the speaker, it is possible to use the method of outputting the opposite phase sound from the opposite speaker as described above.

Now, in this game device, the voice communication line 5 is used.
The player's voice information flows through R to 5T, and the sound field forming units 110a to 110f form a voice sound field based on this voice information. However, in order to further enhance the reality of the game, it is desirable to include the game sound effect of each game machine in the voice information of the player. That is,
The communication partner's player hears the missile sound when the future tank of the communication partner player fires a missile, the explosion sound when the future tank is attacked by the missile, and the sound heard at the position of the future tank. Communicate by including all kinds of possible game sound effects in audio information.
In this way, for example, when the future tank of the communication opponent player is destroyed, the explosion sound information of the missile or the like is communicated together with the sound information of "I was done", and it is possible to hear the information. Reality and virtual reality can be greatly enhanced.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

For example, although the CRT 10 is used as the image display device in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and an image display device called a head mounted display device (hereinafter referred to as an HMD device) may be used. Absent.

Further, as a multi-player type game to which the present invention is applied, all kinds of games can be considered, and for example, an RPG as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B.
It can also be applied to games and the like. FIG. 14 (A),
As shown in (B), in this RPG game, players 9a to 9f equipped with a helmet 410, a radio device 420, a ray gun 422, etc. are divided into predetermined groups (groups R and S), and enemies in a maze. It is a game of exploring while defeating. As shown in FIG. 14A, a helmet 410 worn by the player is integrally provided with a headphone 2 and a microphone 4 for conversation within a group. Further, the helmet 410 is provided with an HMD device 412 so as to cover the field of view of the player, and the player performs exploration while watching the image displayed on the LCD display in the HMD device 412. Further, the helmet 410 is provided with a space sensor 414, which detects the viewpoint position of the player, the direction of the line of sight, and the like. Then, the detected viewpoint position information,
A pseudo three-dimensional image displayed on the HMD device 412 is formed based on the line-of-sight direction information. In addition, the player is equipped with a ray gun 422, which is a weapon, to attack the enemy. Then, as shown in FIG. 14B, the player is divided into, for example, two groups, and explores the maze. A door 424 and an elevator 42 are provided in this maze.
A diorama such as 6 is provided, and players 9a to 9f are provided.
Can open these doors 424, elevators 426, etc. with their own hands. In this way, the group can play a competitive game or can enjoy the maze game only within the group.

Now, the games shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 are games that the player operates by operating the future tank 20 (moving body) in the virtual three-dimensional space. Therefore, the sound field forming unit 1
In forming the sound field in 10, the game space setting information of the future tank 20 is referred to. On the other hand, in the games shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the player himself walks and plays in the virtual three-dimensional space. Therefore, in this case, in forming the audio sound field in the sound field forming unit 110, the game space setting information (position information, direction information) of the player itself is referred to. Then, as the game space setting information in this case, the viewpoint position information and the line-of-sight direction information detected by the space sensor 414 or the like as described above are used.

It should be noted that voice information in the headphones 2 and the microphone 4, image information displayed on the HMD device 412,
The viewpoint position information, the line-of-sight direction information, and the operation information of the light gun 422 detected by the space sensor 414 are communicated by the wireless device 420. As described above, the communication means in the present invention includes not only wired communication means but also communication means using a wireless device.

In the present embodiment, the multi-player type game apparatus of the type in which the players are divided into groups and the voice information can be communicated only between the players in the group has been described, but the present invention is limited to such a type. Instead, it can be applied to any type of multi-player game device. Also, the configuration of the communication means is not limited to that shown in FIG. 7, and various configurations can be considered. For example, in FIG.
Then, the communication information transmitting / receiving unit 134 is provided, and the voice communication lines 5a to
5f and game communication lines 7a to 7f are provided. Then, the connection switching unit 121 switches the connection of the communication line between the game machines. As a result, it is possible to realize a multi-player type game in which the players are divided into groups according to the difference in the time when coins or the like are inserted, and the game spaces formed in each group are different between the groups.

Further, the present invention can be naturally applied not only to a game device for business use but also to a game device for home use.

Further, the connection of the communication line between the game machines in the present invention is not limited to the ring-shaped one, but any kind of connection can be considered.

The structure of the game machine according to the present invention is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 8, and any kind of structure can be considered. For example, the movement information calculation unit 106,
Any one of the central processing unit 102, the game space setting unit 104, the sound field forming unit 110, the object information storage unit 108, the image composition unit 200, and the like may be shared by a plurality of game machines. .

[0099]

According to the multi-player type game device of the first aspect of the present invention, since the voice sound field of the player is formed based on the game space setting information, not the real voice but the voice input means and the output sound formation. It becomes possible to have a conversation through the means, and at the same time, it becomes possible to have a conversation in which the position where the opponent player is having a conversation in the game space, the direction in which the opponent player is having a conversation, etc. are reflected. As a result, the player can feel as if he / she is actually playing in the game space, and the reality and virtual reality of the game can be greatly enhanced. Further, even when a plurality of players talk to each other at the same time, it is possible to prevent interference and the like, and a smooth conversation between the players becomes possible.

Further, in this case, according to the invention of claim 2, a plurality of independent game machines are provided corresponding to each player, and the game space setting information and the voice information are communicated by a predetermined communication means. Therefore, the processing load for forming the game screen, the game sound, and the like can be shared by the game machines. As a result, high-quality game screens can be displayed without increasing the processing capability of each game console.
It is possible to form a game sound or the like.

In this case, according to the invention of claim 3, a single host game machine corresponding to a plurality of players sets a common game space for a plurality of players and forms a sound field. Therefore, the hardware for forming the game space setting unit and the sound field forming unit can be shared. This makes it possible to simplify the processing such as forming the game screen and game sound, and reduce the size of the hardware.

In this case, according to the invention of claim 4, the voice sound field of the player is reduced so that the player's voice becomes smaller as the distance between the players or the moving bodies obtained using the game space setting information becomes longer. Since the formation is performed, the actual distance in the game space can be reflected in the conversation between the players. As a result, the voice of the player far away in the game space can be made softer and the voice of the player nearer can be made louder.
It is possible to greatly enhance the virtual reality.

In this case, according to the invention of claim 5, the sound field of another player can be heard from the direction of the other player or the direction of the moving body obtained using the game space setting information. Is formed, it is possible to reflect the actual direction of another player in the game space in the conversation between the players. As a result, the voice of the player located on the right can be heard from the player of the player located on the right to the left, and the reality and virtual reality of the game can be greatly enhanced.

Further, in this case, according to the invention of claim 6, the virtual three-dimensional sound field space is formed based on the game space setting information, and the voice sound field is formed based on the virtual three-dimensional sound field space. Since this is performed, it is possible to have a conversation in a sound field that is extremely close to the sound field that the player should actually hear in the game space. As a result, for example, even if there is an obstacle between the players, it is possible to form a sound field close to the actual game space. Further, it is possible to reflect the direction in which the player utters sound, or the difference in height at which the player and the moving body are located, in the formation of the sound field.

Further, in this case, according to the invention of claim 7, since the sound field of the two-dimensional localization can be formed by the output sound of the two channels, the sound of the player located on the right is located from the right to the left. The player's voice can make the player feel a sound field that is heard from the left. Further, interference of voice and the like can be effectively prevented, and above all, the output sound forming means having a very simple structure can form a localized sound field.

Further, in this case, according to the invention of claim 8, since the sound field of three-dimensional localization can be formed by the output sound of the two channels, the sound field that the player should actually hear in the game space. It is possible to make the player feel a sound field extremely close to And in this case, 3
Although it is possible to form a three-dimensional localization sound field, the output sound forming means can have two channels. Therefore, it is possible to use the output sound forming means such as a headphone which has a high airtightness and can block noise and sound of other players. However, in this case, not only the headphone but also output sound forming means such as a speaker can be used by performing a predetermined audio processing.

Further, in this case, according to the invention of claim 9, it is possible to form a three-dimensional localization sound field by the output sounds of at least three channels or more. This allows
With a very simple configuration, it is possible to make the player feel a sound field that is extremely close to the sound field that the player should actually hear in the game space.

Further, in this case, according to the tenth aspect of the invention, since the sound field can be formed based on the sound information including the game sound effect, not only the sound of the other player but also the position of the other player can be obtained. It is possible to hear the game sound effect according to. With this, for example, it is possible to hear the explosive sound and the like together with the voice of "commenced" of the communication partner,
It is possible to greatly enhance the reality and virtual reality of the game.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a basic configuration of a multi-player game device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a modification example in which a plurality of independent game machines are provided in the basic configuration.

FIG. 3 is a modified example of a case where a game machine for a single host is provided in the above basic configuration.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of this embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a game field realized by this embodiment.

6A and 6B are schematic diagrams showing an example of a display image which is image-synthesized according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of each game machine constituting the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a data format of communication information flowing through a communication line.

FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining object information stored in an object information storage unit.

11 (A), (B), and (C) are schematic explanatory diagrams for explaining a method of forming a sound field in the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining a case where a 4-channel speaker is used as an output sound forming unit.

FIG. 13 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining a case where a player boards a future tank made to look like a real thing and plays a game.

14A and 14B are schematic explanatory diagrams for explaining a case where the present invention is applied to an RPG game.

FIG. 15 is an example of a block diagram of a multi-player game device in which a communication information transmitting / receiving unit is provided as a communication unit.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an appearance of a conventional multi-player game device.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of a conventional multi-player game device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1a-1f Game machine 2, 2a-2f Headphone 4, 4a-4f Microphone 5, 5R-5T, 5a-5f Voice communication line 7, 7a-7f Game communication line 8 Communication line 9, 9a-9f Player 10 10a to 10f CRT 12 Operation unit 20, 20a to 20f Future tank 90 Multiplayer type game device 92, 92a to 92f Voice input unit 94, 94a to 94f Output sound forming unit 96 Host game machine 98 Communication line 100 Game operation unit 102 central processing unit 104, 104a to 104f game space setting unit 106 movement information calculating unit 108 object information storage unit 110, 110a to 110f sound field forming unit 120, 120a to 120f group setting unit 134 communication information transmitting / receiving unit 136, 136a to 136f Game space setting information selection unit 138, 138a ~ 138f Audio information selection unit 200 Image synthesis unit

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. A multi-player type game device in which a plurality of players can play a game in a predetermined game space, and voice input means for inputting the voice of each player, and formation of setting information of the game space. A game space setting means for performing a sound field, a sound field forming means for forming a sound field which can be heard by a player based on information including at least audio information input by the audio input means, and a sound field forming means. Output sound forming means for forming an output sound for each player based on the formed sound field forming information, wherein the sound field forming means is the game space setting information for the player or a moving body operated by the player. performs formation of a sound field, a plurality of game machines independently corresponding to each player settings for audio player on the basis of
Communication between these game machines.
A communication means is provided to allow the plurality of game machines to be divided into arbitrary groups.
Communication means only between game machines of the same group
A multi-player game device characterized by performing voice communication . 2. The formation of the sound field for the voice of the player in the sound field forming means according to claim 1, based on the game space setting information about the player or a moving body operated by the player, between the players or the players. A multi-player type game device characterized in that a distance between moving bodies operated by is calculated, and the sound of another player becomes smaller as the distance becomes longer. 3. The sound field formation for the voice of the player in the sound field formation means according to claim 1 or 2, based on the game space setting information about the player or a moving body operated by the player. And a direction of a moving body operated by another player, and a voice of another player can be heard from the obtained direction. 4. The formation of the sound field of the player's voice in the sound field forming unit according to claim 1, based on the game space setting information about the player or a moving body operated by the player. A multiplayer, which is characterized by forming a field space and obtaining audio information to be heard at a position of each player or a position of a moving body operated by each player in the formed virtual three-dimensional sound field space. Type game machine. 5. The sound information of each player according to claim 1, wherein the sound information of each player includes a game sound effect in each of the game machines, and the sound field forming means converts the sound information including the game sound effect. A multi-player type game device characterized by forming a sound field for a player's voice based on the above. 6. A sound field forming method of a multi-player type game in which a plurality of players play a game in a predetermined game space, wherein the voice of each player is input by a voice input means, and the setting information of the game space is set in the game. A sound field that is formed by the space setting means and that can be heard by the player is formed by the sound field forming means based on the information including at least the voice information input by the voice input means, and is formed by the sound field forming means. Based on the sound field formation information, the output sound for each player is formed by the output sound forming means, and the sound about the player's sound is formed based on the game space setting information about the player or the moving body operated by the player. Form a field and set up multiple independent game machines corresponding to each player.
Communication between these game consoles.
A communication means is provided to divide the plurality of game machines into arbitrary groups,
By means, only between game machines of the same group
A sound field forming method for a multi-player type game, which is characterized by performing voice communication . 7. The distance according to claim 6, wherein the distance between the players or the moving body operated by the player is calculated based on the game space setting information about the player or the moving body operated by the player. A sound field forming method for a multi-player game, wherein a sound field for the player's sound is formed so that the player's sound becomes low. 8. The direction of another player or the direction of a moving body operated by another player according to claim 6 or 7, based on the game space setting information about the player or the moving body operated by the player, A sound field forming method for a multi-player type game, wherein a sound field for a player's sound is formed so that the sound of another player can be heard from the obtained direction. 9. The virtual three-dimensional sound field space according to claim 6, wherein a virtual three-dimensional sound field space is formed based on the game space setting information about the player or a moving body operated by the player. A sound field forming method for a multi-player type game, wherein a sound field of a player's sound is formed by obtaining sound information to be heard at the position of each player or the position of a moving body operated by each player. 10. The sound information of each player according to claim 6, wherein the sound information of each player includes a game sound effect in each game machine, and based on the sound information including this game sound effect, the sound of the player A sound field forming method for a multi-player game, which comprises forming a sound field.