JP3467773B2 - GAME DEVICE, GAME PROCESSING METHOD, GAME EXECUTION METHOD, AND GAME SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game processing method, a game device, and a game execution method. More specifically, for example, as in a driving (car racing) game, an object (object) such as a car is played by a player. Of the game which moves on the monitor in response to the operation of. Further, the present invention relates to a game system including a plurality of casings connected to each other via a communication unit, and a plurality of people compete with each other between the casings, for example, a driving (car racing) game and the like, and a game method thereof. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the progress of computer graphic technology in recent years, image processing apparatuses for providing various images have been proposed. Some of these are used in so-called video game devices and provide race games, shooting games, simulation games, action games, and the like.

There is a demand for a game device of this type capable of displaying clearer and more realistic images for both home and business use. Generally, a game device includes a game device main body having a built-in computer device for executing a game program stored in advance, an operation device for giving an operation signal for instructing a movement of an object expressed by the game to the computer device, and a computer device. And a sound device for generating sound associated with the game development.

In recent game devices, in order to make the screen of higher quality and more powerful, image data is defined in a virtual three-dimensional coordinate space and an object ("player character" or "player driver") is defined. ), And a background and the like are arranged, and an image of these viewed from a predetermined viewpoint is displayed on the display.

As one field of the game device having such a structure, there is a game device handling a driving game (car racing game). In this type of game device, there is a competition-type game in which a large number of people participate and compete with each other for rankings.

[0006]

By the way, in an existing competition-type game, for example, a drive game, once the game starts, it is impossible to participate in the middle of the game. For example, in a communicable system in which a plurality of game devices are connected to each other, a demo for recruiting participants is first displayed. Seeing this, a plurality of players start the game at the same time and compete with each other. In such a game device, simultaneous start is a principle in order to fairly determine the ranking among the players. For example, when four people first start playing normally and there is one of their mutual friends there, he will not be able to join the game that has already started. In this way, the conventional game device only plays in the group even if it is said that communication is possible,
It does not play the original "communication" role for playing with the general public. After all, it is not much different from the stand-alone.

Further, in the existing drive game, a time-over system is adopted as a method for judging the game over, in which the game is over unless the specified course is completed within a predetermined time. This time-over system is a method mainly suitable for stand-alone, has a communication function, and may not be suitable from the point of fun of the game in multi-play that an unspecified number of players can enjoy with a plurality of game devices. . For example, in a time-over system, is left is how the game extended only to the top of the player, resulting in the in the only single-mindedly top position of the race following the player's do not know when the end of the aim only to. If this happens, the game will continue regardless of the will of the player, or even if the player has an excellent technique, he / she will not be able to become the top due to an accidental accident, regardless of the will of the player. There could have been a pattern that the game was over.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and allows a player to participate at any time and to eliminate an inappropriate game over by making the game development depend on the skill and luck of the player himself. An object of the present invention is to provide a game processing method and a game device capable of playing the game.

As mentioned above, existing competition-type games,
For example, in a driving game, once the game started, participation from the middle was impossible. For example, in a communicable game system in which a plurality of game devices are connected to each other, a demo for recruiting participants is first displayed. Seeing this, a plurality of players start the game at the same time and compete with each other. In such a game system, the game is usually started by simultaneous start. For this reason, for example, if four people first start a match play based on communication and another one participant appears there,
The participant cannot participate in games that have already started.
In order for this participant to participate in the competitive game, they must wait for the end of the competitive play.

In this competitive game, in the case of a driving game, a time-over system is adopted as a method of determining a game over, in which the game ends if the specified course is not completed within a predetermined time. When the game is over in accordance with this condition, the race ranking and the like are displayed.
At this stage, new participants join the game (or
You can replace the losing player), and you will be able to play a new match by playing with multiple new players.
That is, when the competitive play by communication is continued, the steps of “game end”, “addition of new participants (replacement)”, and “game restart” are sequentially required between one game and the next game, It was pointed out that the game became intermittent, and the excitement to play and the sense of interest were killed due to this kind of "pause".

Further, in the existing driving game, new participants are gathered (decided) every time the game is over.
Therefore, for example, for a player who ranked first in the last game, the game has a poor sense of "winning". In other words, it is not a game continuation in which the previous game results are automatically reflected on the system side, so for a competent player, the game with good results is only intermittently continued, and interest in the game is halved. There were things.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and while other players of the competitive game by communication can participate (entry) at any time, the "between" between the games is eliminated. A free-entry multiplayer game system and a game that can continuously play a plurality of games and automatically reflect the results of the previous game such as game results in the next game The purpose is to provide a method of execution.

[0013]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The gaming apparatus according to the invention is a game device with a built-in computer for executing the game program, the game device, game
Multiple persons arranged in a three-dimensional coordinate system with or without persons
A means for advancing a racing game with the moving body of
Any of the moving objects in the race
The selection means to be selected and the selected moving body.
Perform processing to return to the start point and control the moving body
Control transfer to shift from computer to operation by player
Between the moving means and the selected moving body and another moving body.
Based on the pass count, which indicates the number of times the player has been punched,
And a control ending unit for ending the control.
It

This type of race includes car races, sea races, aircraft races, spacecraft races, and the like. The race is automatically continued by, for example, the CPU, and the player can participate in the race when desired. Therefore, regardless of the presence or absence of a player, the game is always in progress and a new aspect can always be enjoyed.

[0015]

This type of game device includes a fighting game of unlimited time and a war simulation game.
Further, in the case of a racing game, the target object may be, for example, a vehicle body in a pit.

In the game apparatus according to the present invention, the advancing means changes the performance parameter of the moving body or the target body with the passage of time, and parameter changing means,
Supply means for moving the selected moving body or the target object to a predetermined position for restoration of the performance parameter by operation of the player, and return for returning the moving body or the target body after restoration of the performance parameter And means.

For example, there is a pit stop in an actual car race, which is incorporated in the game.
Since various performances of the moving body deteriorate as the traveling distance increases, the situation is simulated in the game. The process of restoring the parameters includes, for example, car race pit stop. The degree of restoration of the parameters may be adjustable according to the selection of the type of replenishment in the replenishment step, the elapsed time, the state of the moving body, and the like. The performance parameters include, for example, tire damage rate, engine performance, transmission performance, steering performance, remaining fuel amount, and the like.

In the game device according to the present invention, the advancing means includes an environmental condition changing means for changing the environmental condition as the game progresses.

For example, the road surface, the weather conditions, etc. are constantly changing until they are reset. The sand scattered on the road surface at the time of the crash also remains. Therefore, it is possible to enjoy a more realistic game progression.

In the game device according to the present invention, the advancing means keeps the number of the moving objects or the target objects constant.

Since the number of moving vehicles is constant, the race can always be done fairly. However, a distributor or an operator can also be a means for manipulating the customer's feet by performing a setting operation.

The game device according to the present invention is provided with the above-mentioned environmental condition.
The condition changing means sets the environmental condition for the progress of the game by selecting from a plurality of predetermined environmental conditions.

For example, an operator initially sets environmental conditions. Environmental conditions include road surface condition, temperature, humidity (friction coefficient between tire and road surface), condition of sand and oil, start of rain and end of rain. Therefore, even with the same game device, various race development can be expected, and more interesting game progress can be enjoyed.

[0025]

The situation changing means is not an essential component, and the control of the moving body may be transferred without changing the situation.

[0027]

In the game device according to the present invention, the selecting means selects the moving body or the target body having a code corresponding to the inputted code.

For example, it is conceivable that the case number is used as it is as the car number. If the case is empty, you can ride the car. This method is easy for players to understand.

In the game device according to the present invention, the control ending means determines whether to end the control based on the pass count indicating the number of overtakings between the selected moving body or object and another moving body or object. It is equipped with means.

In the game device according to the present invention, the path is measured by measuring the position of the moving body or the target body with reference to a predetermined point in a block provided along the course of the moving body or the target body. It is a request for a count.

The pass count is, for example, 1 in a car race.
It is incremented by 1 by removing one enemy car and decremented by 1 by one enemy car. The pass count at the start of the game is set to an appropriate initial value. The pass count makes it easy to process even when accepting late participation.

In the game device according to the present invention, the control ending means includes a score calculation means for calculating a score relating to the play result of the player.

For example, in a point system game, the score is calculated based on how many minutes, how many kilometers, etc. are divided, how long the running can be done within this rule, how fast the time can be given, and how many cars can be passed.

In the game device according to the present invention, the control ending means ends the control by the player when a predetermined time has elapsed.

The time limit may be, for example, when the race is completed for 24 minutes.

The data processing method according to the present invention is have your game device with a built-in computer for executing the game program, de executed by the game apparatus
The data processing method is a three-dimensional seat with or without a player.
Advance a racing game with multiple moving objects placed in the standard
Steps to be performed and multiple steps during the race by the player
Selection step of selecting one of the
The moving body is returned to the starting point,
Transfer of control of the moving body to the player by the computer
And a control transfer step that causes the selected moving body and other
Based on the pass count, which indicates the number of overtakings with the moving body
And a control ending step for ending the control by the player .

As this kind of race, there are car races, sea races, aircraft races, spaceship races, and the like. The race is automatically continued by, for example, the CPU, and the player can participate in the race when desired.

[0039]

The situation changing step is not an essential component, and the control of the moving body may be transferred without changing the situation.

[0041]

In the data processing method according to the present invention, the game continuing step includes a parameter changing step of changing a performance parameter of the moving body with the passage of time,
A replenishment step of moving the selected moving body to a predetermined position for restoring the performance parameter by a player's operation, and a returning step of returning the moving body to the race after the performance parameter is restored. is there.

For example, there is a pit stop in an actual car race, which is incorporated in the game.
Since various performances of the moving body deteriorate as the traveling distance increases, the situation is simulated in the game. The process of restoring the parameters includes, for example, car race pit stop. The degree of restoration of the parameters may be adjustable according to the selection of the type of replenishment in the replenishment step, the elapsed time, the state of the moving body, and the like. The performance parameters include, for example, tire damage rate, engine performance, transmission performance, steering performance, remaining fuel amount, and the like.

In the data processing method according to the present invention, the game over processing step determines that the game is over based on a pass count indicating the number of overtakings between the selected moving body and another moving body.

In the data processing method according to the present invention, the pass count is obtained by measuring the position of the moving body with reference to a predetermined point in a block provided along the course of the moving body. .

The pass count is, for example, 1 in a car race.
It is incremented by 1 by removing one enemy car and decremented by 1 by one enemy car. The pass count at the start of the game is set to an appropriate initial value.

A game system according to the present invention includes a plurality of games each including an image processing device for generating a game screen and a communication control device connected to the image processing device for controlling while communicating with other devices. A game system including a game machine and a connection unit that connects the communication control devices of the plurality of game machines, wherein the image processing device executes any one of the processes described above.

The game system according to the present invention displays the display image determined by the control device, which obtains the information regarding the race situation from at least one of the plurality of game machines to determine the display image. It is equipped with an external monitor.

The control device determines an image to be used as a reference for the player according to the situation of the moving bodies competing in the race. For example, if the distance between moving objects is large, it is plotted and displayed on the map, if it is small, it is displayed like a camera cut, and if one enters the pit, the situation of the pit is displayed,
When trouble occurs, the moving body is displayed, and when the game is cleared, the award ceremony and the winner are displayed.

In the game machine according to the present invention, each of the plurality of game machines is provided with a display section for displaying information regarding a race situation.

The display unit displays, for example, who is the leader, the current number of laps, whether there is a player, and the like.

In the game device according to the present invention, in the plurality of game devices, each image processing device processes pre-allocated data, and each communication control device processes the processed data in another game device. In addition to receiving the data processed by another game machine, the data is written into the memory of the image processing apparatus.

The data processing is performed in a predetermined cycle, and when the processing in one cycle is completed, each game machine acquires the data processed by the other game machine. Therefore, all the data can be processed while the processing load is leveled by the distributed processing, and the entire data can be used by all the game machines. Efficient data processing becomes possible.

The recording medium according to the present invention comprises a processing device,
It is a recording medium in which the procedures for functioning as the advancing means, selecting means, control moving means, and control ending means described in any of the above are recorded. The recording medium is, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magnetic tape, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD, a ROM cartridge,
It includes a RAM memory cartridge with battery backup, a flash memory cartridge, a non-volatile RAM cartridge, and the like. A recording medium is a medium in which information (mainly digital data, programs) is recorded by some physical means, and allows a processing device such as a computer or a dedicated processor to perform a predetermined function. Is .

The game system according to the present invention includes a game executing means that allows a plurality of players to participate in a common game and play against each other, and another game player who participates in the game from the middle when there is another game player. Pseudo game executing means for causing a player to participate in the game in the middle of the game, and a new game in which the match result of the game is reflected when the match of a certain range of the game is finished and the other player is added. A player setting means for automatically setting a plurality of players, and a game continuation means for allowing the plurality of automatically set players to automatically participate in the game and continuing the game. It is characterized by

As a result, a player who joins the game halfway can participate in the game in a pseudo manner from the time of the participation, and when the game is completed, it is automatically and continuously executed in a certain range of the next game. You can continue to participate as a competitive member.

Preferably, the game is a driving game in which vehicles compete in the game space. As a result, we can provide a free entry type driving game that you can join halfway at any time.

Further, one form of the pseudo game executing means is means for competing against a vehicle controlled by a computer provided on the system side. As a result, the mid-game participant can wait for a formal match while the mid-game participant can immediately participate in the game in a simulated manner by computer competition, eliminating the feeling of being extended during the wait condition. it can.

Further, one mode of the player setting means is
Judgment means for deciding the end of a certain range of the driving game, deciding means for deciding the result of the driving game when this end is judged, and the game specified in consideration of the game result in advance. And setting means for setting the new plurality of players including the continuous participant and the other participant. As a result, it is possible to provide a “win-win” game in which the results of the driving game are reflected in the next round-match.

Further, one form of the certain range of the driving game is a range in which the driving game is run a predetermined number of times on the circuit course from the start to the goal in the virtual game space. This makes it possible to continuously continue the driving game for each game unit with a predetermined number of round runs as a game unit, and to accept participation of the game unit in the middle of the game at any time.
The half-participating player can pseudo-join the current game, and can automatically participate in the next game in game units as an official member. After the last game unit, the next game unit will automatically continue without interruption.

The game executing method according to the present invention is a game executing method in which a plurality of players can participate in and play a common game with each other, and when there is another player who participates in the game from the middle, When another player pseudo-participates in the game halfway, and when the battle of a certain range of the game ends in the game space, the match result of the game is reflected and the other player is added. A plurality of such players are automatically set, the plurality of automatically set players are automatically made to participate in the game, and the game is continued. As a result, the same effect as that of the game system described above is obtained.

[0062]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiment 1 of the Invention Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an invention of an image processing apparatus and a game apparatus using the same according to the present invention. This game device includes a game device body 10, an input device 11, an output device 12, a TV monitor 13, a speaker 14, a display unit 15, and a leader marker 16 as basic elements.

The game apparatus main body 10 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, ROM 102, R
AM 103, sound device 104, input / output interface 106, scroll data operation device 107, terrain data ROM 109, geometallizer 110, shape data ROM 111, drawing device 112, texture data RO
An M113, a texture map RAM 114, a frame buffer 115, an image synthesizing device 116, and a D / A converter 117 are provided.

The CPU 101 has a ROM 102 which stores a predetermined program and the like via a bus line, a RAM 103 which stores data, a sound device 104, an input / output interface 106, and a scroll data operation device 10.
7 and the geometallizer 110. RA
M103 functions as a buffer, and writes various commands to the geometallizer 110 (display of objects, etc.), matrix writing at the time of conversion matrix calculation, and the like.

The input / output interface 106 is connected to the input device 11 and the output device 12, whereby the operation signal of the handle of the input device 11 is taken into the CPU 101 as a digital amount, and the CPU 101
The signal generated by, for example, can be output to the output device 12. The sound device 104 is connected to the speaker 14 via the power amplifier 105, and the acoustic signal generated by the sound device 104 is supplied to the speaker 14 after power amplification.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the CPU 101 is
Based on the program stored in the ROM 102, the operation signal from the input device 11, the terrain data from the terrain data ROM 109, and the shape data from the shape data ROM 111 (“objects such as own vehicle, enemy vehicle”, and 3D data such as "moving road, topography, sky, background of spectators, structures" etc.) is read, collision (collision) judgment between topography and vehicle, behavior calculation of entire vehicle, body behavior (suspension behavior) It will be described in detail later.) It is designed to perform at least the simulation of vehicles such as calculation and collision determination between vehicles.

The CPU 101 employs a three-dimensional coordinate system (global coordinate system) generally called a right-handed coordinate system. When the Z direction is set at the back of the screen, the Y direction is toward the bottom of the screen and the X direction is toward the right of the screen. It adopts a virtual space coordinate system that extends. The CPU reads the shape data of the terrain of the terrain data ROM 109 and the shape data of the vehicle etc. of the shape data ROM 111, gives a process according to the input signal to these data, and arranges a plurality of vehicles in the coordinate system described above. Configure a running image. This vehicle is composed of an own vehicle that can be operated by a player and another vehicle (which may be called an enemy vehicle as described above) controlled by the game device.

The vehicle behavior calculation simulates the movement of the vehicle in the virtual space by the player's operation signal from the input device 11, and after the coordinate values in the three-dimensional space are determined,
A transformation matrix for transforming these coordinate values into the visual field coordinate system and shape data (vehicle, terrain, etc.) are designated in the geometallizer 110. The CPU 101 has a ROM 1 for storing data in which a vehicle is defined by an elliptical model for collision determination.
09 is connected, and therefore the predetermined data is CP
Passed to U101.

At this time, the CPU 101 mainly performs the collision determination between the four wheels and the terrain of the vehicle as the object, the collision determination between the vehicles, and the collision determination between the vehicle and the structure if necessary. Yes, and mainly in floating point arithmetic during this determination and vehicle behavior calculation. As a result, the CPU 101 executes the collision determination (collision determination) regarding the vehicle, and the determination result is also given to the CPU 101. Therefore, the calculation load of the CPU is reduced, and the collision determination can be performed more quickly. To be executed.

The geometallizer 110 is a shape data ROM.
111 and the drawing device 112. Shape data
In the ROM 111, an object such as a vehicle or an enemy vehicle composed of a combination of a plurality of polygons, or a figure or shape (body coordinate system) of a background such as terrain or sky is defined. (Here, the number of polygons can be appropriately selected.) This definition is, for example, a list of coordinate values of each vertex of the polygon group to be used (coordinate value list: these coordinate values are composed of three-dimensional data). In addition, for each polygon surface, a list of polygon surfaces in which arbitrary 4 points are specified by vertex numbers from the vertex list, a reference position for determining the display order of each polygon, and one surface of the polygon are displayed. Composed of a list of polygon surface attributes such as an element that specifies whether to display or both sides, and an element that attaches a two-dimensional picture (also called "bitmap data" or "texture") to the polygon. Has been done.

Based on the data in the ROM 111, the CPU 101 determines that these player characters and the like are a plurality of polygons (polygons, which are mainly quadrangles each having four vertices,
Alternatively, modeling transformation is performed by arranging the solid as a solid consisting of a triangle whose two vertices coincide with each other) in the three-dimensional coordinate system (world coordinate system). Next, CPU 101
Performs viewpoint conversion based on the viewpoints already described, and
Perform 3D clipping.

For this purpose, the CPU 101 reads from the ROM 102 the above-mentioned list of coordinate values, the list of polygon surfaces, and the list of polygon surface attributes. Then, the CPU 101 passes these data to the geometallizer. The geometallizer 110 perspectively transforms the data specified by the transformation matrix sent from the CPU 101, further executes two-dimensional clipping, and transforms the world coordinate system in the three-dimensional virtual space into the visual field coordinate system.
Get the data.

The drawing device 112 attaches a texture to the transformed shape data of the visual field coordinate system and outputs it to the frame buffer 115. In order to paste this texture, the drawing device 112 is connected to the texture data ROM 113 and the texture map RAM 114 as well as to the frame buffer 115.

The terrain data ROM 109 stores shape data set relatively coarsely (easily), which is sufficient for executing collision judgment between vehicles and terrain and collision judgment between vehicles. For example, the shape of the car at the time of collision determination is
It is defined as a rectangle. On the other hand, the shape data ROM 111 stores more detailed data regarding the shapes forming the screen such as the car and the background.

The scroll data calculation unit 107 calculates the scroll screen data such as characters, and the calculation unit 107 and the frame buffer 115 pass through the image synthesizing unit 116 and the D / A converter 117. To reach the TV monitor 13. As a result, a polygon screen (simulation result) such as a car or terrain (background) temporarily stored in the frame buffer 115 and a scroll screen for character information such as speed value and lap time are combined according to the designated priority, and finally Frame image data is generated. This image data is the D / A converter 1
At 17, the analog signal is converted and sent to the TV monitor 13, and the image of the driving game is displayed in real time.

The communication interface 118 is the CPU 10
1 is for performing data communication with other devices, and includes, for example, a converter for converting parallel data of the CPU bus into serial data and vice versa, and a controller for establishing a communication protocol. .

The input device 11 includes a handle, an accelerator, a brake, a shift lever, a view change (viewpoint change) switch, and the output device 12 includes a handle kickback mechanism and various lamps. The steering wheel kickback mechanism applies a predetermined reaction force to the steering wheel in accordance with the behavior of the vehicle described later.

The TV monitor 13 displays the image of the driving game, and a projector may be used instead of this TV monitor. The view change switch is a switch for changing the viewpoint. By operating this switch, the player is provided with, for example, a viewpoint from the driver's seat or a viewpoint in which the vehicle is viewed obliquely from the rear.

The display section 15 is an input / output interface 106.
If the player is playing, the play status such as the number of laps of the player is displayed. A display such as "NO ENTRY" indicating that the game can be played unless it is being played is displayed.

The leader marker 16 is connected to the input / output interface 106, lights up when the player playing the game device 10 is running on the top, and informs other players and spectators to that effect.

FIG. 2 shows that the game device of FIG.
1 shows the configuration of a communication game device that is connected to one (or any other number). Four game devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1
d is the image processing device 10a, 10b, 10c, 1
0d and communication control devices 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d
Equipped with. The communication control device 17 is connected to the communication interface 118 of the image processing device 10. The communication control device 17 includes a plurality of ports that have a one-to-one correspondence with other devices. In the example of FIG. 2, the communication control device 17 includes at least two ports. Alternatively, it may be of a type in which a plurality of other devices are connected to one port (such as Ethernet (registered trademark)). According to this system, any game device 1 can obtain information (score, ranking, time, various statuses, etc.) of other game devices.

In FIG. 2, the game device 1a is a master and the game devices 1b to 1d are slaves. The procedure of communication between these devices will be described later. The control device 18 is one device of a communication loop between the master and the slave. The control device 18 receives the information such as the game screen and the situation of the race from the game device 1a, and displays an image for entertaining the player or the audience on the external monitors 19a and 19b.
It should be noted that although the communication path is looped in this figure, it is not limited to this and may be a bus type or Ethernet type communication path as indicated by the dotted line in this figure.

FIG. 3 shows a configuration example different from that of FIG. Communication devices 20a, 2 of game devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d
0b, 20c, 20d are the image processing devices 10a, 1
It has a port for transmitting the information of 0b, 10c, 10d to the control device 21 and receiving the control information from the control device 21. The control device 21 has communication interfaces for the number of game devices, and obtains information on all game devices. Then, these pieces of information and necessary control information (for example, turning on / off the display of another player's car and changing the order) are transmitted to each game device. In the case of FIG. 3, since the information of the game device 1 is once collected by the control device 21, the configuration of the communication device 20 of the game device 1 is simplified.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the communication game device shown in FIG. 2 or 3. Although a system including four game devices is shown in this figure, the number of game devices may be any as described above. Each of the game devices 1 is made by carving the cockpit of a car, and includes a TV monitor 1c corresponding to a front window, a control panel including a steering wheel, a driver's seat, and the like. Further, a leader marker 16 is placed on the housing of the game device, and a display unit 15 is attached to the back of the driver's seat. in this way,
Placing a plurality of game devices side by side is convenient in a communication game device that competes with other players for their arms. Further, two large TV monitors 19 are arranged in front of the player so that the situation of other players can be easily grasped.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the operation of the race game of one game device. 6 to 16 are examples of screens for explaining the operation. FIG. 17 is an example of a plan view of a race course for explaining the operation.

The operation of the apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. (Contents of free-in system) Embodiment 1 of the present invention
One of the features of the device is the "free-in system". This system is that the car is always running the race regardless of the presence of the player (ST1), that any running vehicle can be selected (ST3), and that the game starts when the player starts the game. The point to participate (ST4). For example, if four people first start playing normally and there is one of their common friends there, he can immediately join the game. As described above, according to the device of the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to play with an unspecified large number and play a role as an original communication game. The free-in system will be described below with reference to FIG. ST0A: Power-on by operator To start up the game system shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, first, the operator powers on the system. ST0B: Environment setting by operator The environment of the game (scenario) provided is set. For example, a racing game or a fighting game with unlimited time,
Various kinds of settings such as setting the type of game to be provided such as war simulation and setting the game situation such as when the season is, when the time is, and what the situation is are set. In short, each element related to the game scenario can be set not only for the moving body or player character selected by the player, but also for the environment surrounding it. ST0C: Generate intermediate situation? The operator decides whether the games to be offered are games that start from the start line all at once, or games that start from a situation where the race has already progressed to some extent, and enter the system. In the latter case, since it is necessary to set the intermediate situation, the process proceeds to the next step ST0D. If not, the process proceeds to step ST1. ST0D: Given that a race has progressed to some extent to generate an intermediate situation, set that situation. Various parameters may be set individually, or a set of a plurality of parameters may be prepared in advance and preset. ST1: Advertisement (CPU, car operated by battle game player constantly develops race) A large number of cars for racing are prepared in advance and circulate on a predetermined course in FIG. In FIG. 17, 201 is a course, 202 is an area where the selected vehicle is returned to the pit without causing an accident, 203 is the pit, and 204 is a spectator seat. The vehicle orbits the course 201 counterclockwise. Before the play, these many cars are controlled by the CPU 101. That is, many cars run before and after playing. This situation resembles that of an endurance race. The vehicle used by the player is also traveling by the CPU, and the player can appropriately select an arbitrary vehicle from the traveling vehicles in step ST3 described later. Note that, as the vehicle continuously circulates on the course in this way, the performance of the vehicle, for example, the grip performance of the tire, changes. This change in performance over time is also the fun of the game by the device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This point will be described later. ST2: Coin insertion It is determined whether a coin has been inserted. It was thrown in (Y
ES), the process proceeds to step ST3. The game is started by inserting coins. In the following description, the start or end of the game means start or end of play in which the player participates in the ongoing game midway, and does not mean start or end of the game itself. ST3: Vehicle selection and AT / MT selection screen As described above, the number of vehicles on the course is constant,
The participant selects a desired one from the running vehicles. In this case, for example, all motion control of the vehicle that is the object is transferred to the player, and all motions such as the moving direction and speed are sequentially performed by the player's instructions. An example of this selection method will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the vehicle selection screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed.
The details of this screen are shown in FIG. When four vehicles are traveling on the course, screens 151 to 1 show respective images and profiles such as vehicle type, current position, mileage, engine horsepower, tire grip power, and past battle record.
54. At the same time, the positions 155 to 158 on the course of each vehicle are also shown. The player has these screens 1
Select a vehicle of desired style and profile based on 51-154.

The player, except for the already selected vehicle,
You can freely select a vehicle. Vehicles with excellent results will be likely to be selected with or without differences in game processing performance.

When the player selects one car, one of a plurality of screens (screen 1 in FIG. 7 is displayed, as shown in FIG.
52) zooms in. The selection is performed based on the vehicle number displayed on the screen, for example. At this time, it is convenient if the number displayed on the body of the vehicle that the player can select is the same as the selected number.

Then, the traveling screen of the vehicle is displayed. The selected vehicle automatically returns to the pit 203 in FIG. The player starts a race in the vehicle returned to the pit 203. In other words, play always starts at the exit of the pit.

By the way, if the vehicle is traveling in the area 202, it is possible to immediately enter the pit 203, but when traveling in another area, it may take some time to enter the pit. . In such a case, the player is kept waiting. Therefore, the first embodiment of the present invention
Then, by the CPU 101 performing a predetermined process,
Handle to return to pit quickly. Specifically, the following method can be considered. -Method 1: Wait for the selected vehicle to return to the pit naturally. In this case, it is advisable to shorten the total course length in order to shorten the waiting time. Coin insertion-> vehicle selection-> The selected vehicle will automatically aim at the pit from the moment it is selected (if it runs backwards, it will not run backwards on the course even if the distance becomes shorter). -Method 2: Cause trouble in the selected vehicle and return to the pit. The following can be considered as the type of trouble and its response. (1) Large crash-> After a crash, proceed slowly to the roadside-> Removed by a crane vehicle outside the course (2) Engine trouble-> Decelerate after trouble occurs, stop on the roadside-> Same as above Tire burst (puncture)-> Same as above-> Same as above However, when the selected vehicle is in the area 202 in front of the pit, wait for the vehicle to return to the pit without causing any trouble ST4: Start of play of the player, start of game → Participation in the middle of the race The player starts the race by exiting the pit 203 onto the course 201 and joining another player or a large number of vehicles controlled by the CPU.

When the player gets in the pit 203, the display screen becomes a screen for displaying the front of the course as shown in FIG. 9 and further a start screen as shown in FIG.
Details of FIG. 10 are shown in FIG. In FIG. 12, 159
Is a selected playing vehicle, 160 is a pass count display (pass count will be described later), 161 is a mileage display, 162 is a speedometer, tachometer,
Manual / automatic display, gear position display, 163 is a damage meter showing the degree of damage to the vehicle, 1
64 is a panoramic view of the course and the position display of the enemy vehicle 164a, 16
5 is a rearview mirror. In addition, "LIMIT TIM
Time limit display such as "E 99:99:99", "P
ASS UP! !! A change in the pass count status is also displayed. In addition, "PASS DOWN !!" and "Challenger is!"
A display such as "Coming" is also made. ST5: Start Race (Qualifying, Round 1, Round 2) Start the race. At the beginning of the race, we have the usual ranking system, but we also have the time for each person. Players who participate in the middle of the course will start from the introduction course (starting from the pit). Running the introduction course requires some skill. Therefore, if you can successfully complete the introduction course and participate in this course, you will be participating from the upper group, and if you fail, you will be participating from the rear group. The point is that the player's skill level can determine the ranking immediately after participating in the race. In addition, bonus time will be added for each checkpoint. Instead of abandoning the ranks you have raised, you can continue the game by continuing to maintain your position. However, if you do not want to continue, you must be careful because the enemy behind you will be overtaken during that time.
Also, if you do not pay close attention to joining the course from the start point, you will be hit by another vehicle coming from behind. On the contrary, the chasing side has the chance to catch up and pass when continuing. ST51: Deterioration of vehicle performance The traveling performance (engine performance, tire gripping power, etc.) decreases with each lap. You have to enter the "pit" to restore driving performance. ST52: Entering the pit The player enters the "pit" by performing a predetermined operation. However, a certain number of laps must be repeated to enter the "pit". ST53: Pit work scenery (change in recovery amount depending on time) During work in the pit, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. Pit crews gather around the vehicle 166 to replace tires and refuel. At this time, in order to increase the fun of the game screen, as shown in FIG.
A so-called race queen (beauty) 167 may also be displayed together.

The work in the "pit" takes some time. The player can select the part to be repaired. For example, tire replacement / no tire replacement, only refueling, ... Can be selected. By reducing the number of repairs, the time required for "pit" work can be adjusted accordingly. This also changes the recovery state of the vehicle. "Pit" strategy depending on the ability of the player and the performance of each vehicle, such as repairing all players who are confident in speed and repairing only important parts such as the engine or steering wheel for players who are not confident Can stand up. The "pit" takes some time, so it is possible to switch players during this time. In this way, by introducing "pits" and incorporating them into the game strategy, the fun of the game is further increased. ST54: Pit start The player who has finished the work in the "pit" joins the course 201 and rejoins the race. The confluence point is always constant and this is the starting point on the course. Since the vehicle controlled by the CPU is always running on the course, if there is no participating player, the opponent of the CPU is played.

This game ends when there are no more pass points and when the stage ends due to the time limit. ST6: Pass point over (PASS POINT
OVER) When the pass point is over, in step ST6, for example, “GAME OVER” as shown in FIG.
Is displayed. When the game over display is made, the CPU 101 controls this car from that point on. Then, as shown in FIG. 15, all screen displays such as distance and PASS point display disappear.

The method of calculating pass points will be described later. ST7a: End of stage due to time limit When a predetermined time limit is exceeded,
In step ST7a, for example, as shown in FIG.
"AME OVER" is displayed. The time limit is, for example,
The number of laps that must be achieved within a set time is set, and when the time limit has elapsed, the game is over when the number of laps is less than this. Alternatively, the game may be simply forced to be over when the time limit has elapsed. The limited number of times is set to, for example, the number of times that a normal skill can be achieved. Then, the process proceeds to step ST7b. ST7b: Judge whether qualify (whether a specified point has been achieved) It is judged whether the number of laps specified above has been achieved. If qualify fails (YES), go to step ST
Go to 8. When the qualify is successful (NO), the process proceeds to step ST11. ST8: Display continuous screen For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the camera zooms out and the continuous screen is displayed. ST9: On the continue screen of FIG. 16 for determining whether or not to continue, the number is counted down from 9 to 0 and the number is displayed on the screen.
If a coin is inserted before reaching 0, it is determined that the continuation is performed (YES), and if no coin is inserted until 0, it is determined that the coin is not continued (NO).

When continuing (YES), the process returns to step ST4 to restart the game. That is, in FIG.
The screen is zoomed in again from the Continue screen and the screen at the start is displayed.

When coins are inserted in advance,
There is no deceleration / interruption, and you can continue the race at the current location / speed. The sooner you insert coins, the better you can continue the race.

When it is not continued (NO), the process proceeds to step ST10. If no coins are inserted, the engine will be stopped and the speed will slow down naturally. ST10: Return to the advisor screen display (ST1) which is a demonstration screen until the game start processing game of the player starts. ST11: If the qualify is successful when the game clearing determination time limit has elapsed, it is further determined whether the game has been cleared. When the predetermined number of laps has been achieved, it is determined that the game is cleared (YES), and the process proceeds to step ST12.

When the game is not cleared (NO)
Proceeds to step ST15. ST12: Total result display The total result of this player is displayed together with the result of the player who cleared the past game on this game device. ST13: Ending For example, an ending screen for celebrating the winner is displayed, such as an award ceremony screen. ST14: Name entry Display a screen prompting for name entry for this player.
The entered name is stored in the RAM 103,
It is displayed together with other excellent persons on the total result display screen of ST12. ST15: Display of results Display the results of this player's preliminary round. ST16: Select a course to be played next in order to continue the course selection game. Only the players who have cleared the qualifying can select the final course.

The overall operation of the game device has been described above. As described at the beginning, the device of the first embodiment of the present invention is characterized by the free-in system in which any player can participate in the play at any time. Therefore, unlike the conventional game in which the enemy vehicles start simultaneously with the own vehicle, the vehicles participating in the race have already started in the device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and the desired vehicles are selected from these vehicles. It is characterized by selecting a car. In this way, the game continues whether or not there is a player, so the game is always in progress, allowing the player to participate in various aspects at any time, and the audience to always see new aspects. . Therefore, compared to the conventional game, both the player and the audience can enjoy the game more.

By the way, in the initial state when the power is turned on,
The positions of other vehicles (enemy) are different, and are not necessarily immediately after the start. It is difficult to participate in the middle of the game (free-in) just after the start, and it is possible that fairness cannot be maintained with the player who starts later (free-in is easy because the vehicles are in different positions). Therefore, it is conceivable that the position of the vehicle is made random at the start of the operation by calculation. This state can also be set by a distributor (or an operator) as part of a customer attraction strategy, for example. (Contents of Pass Count System) Next, a pass count system, which is a suitable winning / losing determination method in the free-in system, will be described with reference to FIGS.

Since the free-in system does not start at the same time as in the conventional game, it is not possible to use the method of ending the game by adjusting the holding time (time-over system). Therefore, a method (pass point system) is used to end the game at points generated by being pulled out. ST21: Acquire information on the block where the current vehicle is.

As shown in FIG. 19, the circuit course 201 is divided into some blocks 205. Calculate the pass count in each block. Each block 205
Has a predetermined point 206 as shown in FIG.
Then, based on the point 206, the own vehicle 207 and the enemy vehicle 2
The distances x and y to the respective 08 are obtained. A pass point is calculated based on these distances x and y. The point 206 in FIG. 20 is in the traveling direction of the course, but at another position,
For example, it may be a side opposite to the traveling direction or a point off the course. Moreover, this judgment is not limited to the plane.
In short, any reference point that can specify the position of the vehicles 207, 208 on the course on the plane or in space may be used.

The CPU 101 selects the block 205 in which the host vehicle 207 is present and acquires the information (position, course shape, etc.). ST22: Calculate the distance to the point for that block.

The distance x in FIG. 20 is obtained. CPU1
01 can easily know the coordinates of each vehicle. The distance is calculated based on the coordinates. If it is a straight course, it will be as shown in FIG. If it is a curved course, the distance is obtained based on the distance of the shape of the curve (for example, the center line). ST23: Acquire information on blocks in which all enemy vehicles are present.

Obtain information about where all enemy vehicles are. Since this game device is communicating, the CPU 101 of each game device can obtain information on all vehicles. ST24: Determine whether the block of the own vehicle and the block of the enemy vehicle are the same.

As shown in FIG. 20, the own vehicle 20 is placed in the same block.
If 7 and the enemy vehicle 208 exist (YES), the process proceeds to the next step ST25 and the pass points are processed. If they are not the same (NO), overtaking does not occur with the enemy vehicle in this block, and since the pass point does not change, the pass point processing ends. ST25: Calculate the distance between the block of the enemy vehicle and the point.

The distance y in FIG. 20 is obtained. ST26: Compare the distance between the own vehicle and the enemy vehicle.

When the host vehicle is closer to the point than the enemy vehicle, that is, when x <y as shown in FIG. 20, the process proceeds to step ST27.

On the contrary, when the vehicle is far, that is, x>
If y, the process proceeds to step ST30. ST27: Check the flag to see if "2" is set.

When the flag "2" which means that the vehicle has been distant in the previous process is set (YES), the process proceeds to step ST28.

If this is not the case (NO), there is no change in the situation that the own vehicle is near in either the previous processing or this processing, so there is no need to change the pass point, and step ST28 is skipped and step ST29 is entered. move on. ST28: The pass points are added (+1).

In the previous processing, the vehicle was far (x
> Y), but my vehicle is close (x <
y), so during these processes (for example, 1/60
In (second), the own vehicle 207 has overtaken the enemy vehicle 208. Therefore, increment the pass point, which means "unplugged one." ST29: Set "1" to the flag.

Since the situation is different from the previous processing and the own vehicle 207 is near the point 206, the flag "1" indicating this is set. This completes the processing of pass points. ST30: Check the flag to see if "1" is set.

When the flag "1" which means that the vehicle is approaching is set in the previous process (YES), the process proceeds to step ST31. If not (NO), there is no change in the situation that the vehicle is far, neither in the previous processing nor in this processing, so there is no need to change the pass point, and step ST31 is skipped and step ST32 is skipped.
Proceed to. ST31: The pass point is subtracted (-1).

In the previous process, the host vehicle was close (x <
However, since the own vehicle is far (x> y) in this process, the own vehicle 207 has been overtaken by the enemy vehicle 208 during these processes (for example, 1/60 seconds). There, the pass point is decremented. ST32: Set "2" to the flag.

Since the situation is different from the previous processing and the host vehicle 207 is far from the point 206, the flag "2" indicating this is set. This completes the processing of pass points.

As described above, the "pass count" is incremented by 1 to overtake the enemy vehicle ahead, and the "pass count" is decremented by -1 when the enemy vehicle behind is overtaken. The pass count system is a system that digitizes the number of situations with many enemy vehicles.

As described above, when the pass count becomes zero, the continuous screen is displayed (ST6 of FIG. 5,
8) In order to increase the fun of the game, the default "pass count" immediately after the start of the game is set to a value of 1 or more (for example, 3).

The "pass count" is displayed on the screen.
In addition, how many cars have been pulled out and how many are in it are also displayed.
Also, while in the "pit", "pass count"
Is converted. Therefore, the game may be over during the pit. From this point of view, it is necessary to judge whether or not to enter the pit. This is a strategic decision that was not available in conventional games, and you can enjoy a different play from this point.

Note that not only "pull out" and "pull out" but also "crash against a wall" may be considered as points to be counted. (Effects of free-in system and pass-count system) As described above, according to these systems, opponents can participate at any time. Even if the game has already started, it is possible to participate in the middle of the game and offer a drive game where you can compete against a stranger, just like a fighting game, where you can compete in driving techniques and racing tactics. In this way, there is a high possibility that you will be able to play against not only your opponents but also opponents you do not know at all. In addition, the game can always be run without interruption (no waiting time required).

The apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is
It can be applied not only to drive games but also to other racing games including airplane games, making it possible to enter the battle without annoying the entry waiting time and without hesitation with strangers. (Environmental condition setting) In the free-in system, all vehicles participate in the race while always running or in the pits. Therefore, like an actual endurance race, a more realistic game can be provided by changing the environment, the state of the vehicle, and the like over time. In the conventional system in which all vehicles start at the same time, the elapsed time is short, and it is difficult to change the environmental conditions in this way. Specifically, the following various conditions are changed. (1) Weather conditions such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall (start and end of rainfall) change due to a calendar or timer, which affects operability. Also, the four seasons are preset and selected by the distributor. (2) The condition of the road surface changes due to crashing and covering with sand, which affects operability. The state of the road surface also changes when the CPU-controlled vehicle travels. If you want to drive on a clean surface, it's best to play early in the morning.
Grip power increases with time. The specific conditions and processing are as follows. (2-1) Road surface temperature / road surface temperature / road surface condition due to the progress of the race (dry condition, wet condition, rain condition, puddle condition, snow condition, snow condition) , The state of becoming an ice ban,
Oily state, sandy state, slippage) ・ Weather changes (sunny, rain, snow, cloudy, hail, hail, fog) ・ Wind changes (wind direction and intensity) Change, combination with weather) -External environment change (temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure) (2-2) Processing for situation changes-Road surface temperature Tire and road surface resistance coefficient is increased ... Etc. ・ Road surface condition Change of resistance coefficient for each tire Increase of tire damage rate Change of air resistance Change of visibility ・ ・ ・ etc. ・ Change of weather Change of air resistance Change of air density Change of atmospheric pressure Aero resistance (CD value) Change in downforce ... etc. External environment change [Temperature] Temperature value rises for all materials Depending on the part and type of material used, each durability performance and damage rate may change [Atmospheric pressure] Air resistance Down In addition to the weight, it changes for all physical quantities related to weight, etc. [Temperature] Changes to all physical quantities related to friction Example) Brake pad resistivity and Young's modulus of tires
Etc. (3) Parameters changed by game machine manager Specific conditions and processing are as follows.・ Game difficulty (car performance change, enemy AI change) ・ Outside environment change ON / OFF ・ Weather change ON / OFF ・ Four seasons change ON / OFF ・ Damage amount adjustment ・ Time adjustment for one day ( 12min / 24min /
6 min ... Etc.)-Selection of default course-ON / OFF of game over by lap-Step-up conditions (conditions when proceeding to the next course) (Distributed processing) The apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of devices. Is a communication-type game device to which the game machines of (1) and (2) are connected and each performs distributed processing. For example, when there are 90 vehicles, 30 are processed by the game machine A, 30 by B, and 30 by C.

The distributed processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. In FIG. 21, three game machines 1a, 1b, 1c are connected. The game machine 1a is a master game machine, determines the processing load distribution, and controls the entire distributed processing. The game machines 1b and 1c are slave game machines.
The game machine 1a sends the data a to the game machine 1b. The game machine 1b has the data a and the data b processed by itself.
Is also sent to the game machine 1c. The game machine 1c sends the data a + b and the data c processed by itself to the game machine 1a together. In this way, the game machine 1a
Can obtain the data b and c processed by the other game machines 1b and 1c. The same applies to the other game machines 1b and 1c. By circulating the data in this way, all the data can be acquired by any of the game machines while distributing the processing to the game machines 1a, 1b, 1c.

The processing timing will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 22, memories A, B and C are memories of the game machines 1a, 1b and 1c, respectively. The arrow means writing of data, and the flow is from top to bottom. From time t1 to time t2, the game machines 1a, 1b, 1c perform their own data processing, store the data obtained by the processing in their own memory, and write them in the memory of other game machines. That is, the game machine 1a writes the data a in the memory B, the game machine 1b writes the data b in the memory C, and the game machine 1c writes the data c in the memory A.

Similar processing is performed from time t2 to time t3 and from time t3 to time t4. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 22, all the necessary data for each game machine is stored in its own memory by the processing from time t1 to time t4. This process is repeated at regular intervals. This data communication interval is within 1/60 seconds according to the refresh rate of the display screen.

The game machine 1a, which is the master, also monitors the processing status of other game machines from time t1 to time t4. Based on the result, the processing load of each game machine in the next cycle is determined. If the load is too large, reduce it a little, and if there is processing capacity, increase the load. Since the load changes depending on the progress of the game, adaptively distributing the processing in this way is effective in terms of efficient processing. (1) List the contents of communication data. Vehicle type Vehicle position (three-dimensional coordinate) x, y, z Vehicle direction (three-dimensional coordinate) ax, ay, az Magnification of vehicle (three-dimensional coordinate) dx, dy, dz Tire corners (two on the left and right front wheels) ) Tire rotation speed (4 in front, back, left and right) Various damage amount (outer shape, tire performance, brake performance, steering, engine, suspension, wing ...) Car behavior information (spin condition, drift condition, flame condition)・
・ ・ Etc.) Current block number Current number of laps Current pass point Weather condition Air condition Road surface condition Environmental information (2) List data for communication. Your identification number Response flag Reception flag Current status flag (for distributed processing) Your CPU load value (same as above) CPU processing flag (for error processing) (same as above) Amount processed (same as above) Information to be passed to the next ( Same as above) Information passed to the next (same as above) The structure of data is (data for communication) + (data from environmental processor) + (data of own vehicle) + n * (data for each vehicle (enemy)) . (External Monitor Display Processing) Processing of an image displayed on the external monitor 19 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, it is determined whether there is a player (S
T60a). If there is no player, an advertisement screen or the like is displayed on the external monitor 19.

When there are players, the players competing with each other are specified. For example, when there are multiple players,
Two players who are competing for the top are identified (ST61). The following processing is performed for this specified player.

It is determined whether the specified player is away (ST62a). When the player is away, the position and state of the player are displayed in a bird's-eye view or plotted on a map (ST62b). This is because it is difficult for the players to know each other's position unless this is done.

It is determined whether the specified player is close (ST63a). When it is close, a long cut from a point near the course is expressed as if it were the screen of a TV camera relaying the race (ST63b).

It is determined whether one player is in the pit (ST64a). When the vehicle is in the pit, the status of the pit is displayed (ST64b). By doing so, the other player can easily know that the opponent player is in the pit and can easily make a strategy. As explained above, the pass count continues even during the pit in, so it is possible to earn more and more while the opponent is in the pit and broaden the lead at a stretch.

It is determined whether one player has caused a course out / accident (ST65a). Course out /
When an accident occurs, the situation is displayed (ST6
5b). By doing so, the other player can easily know the disadvantageous situation of the opponent player and can easily make a strategy. You can also pit in when your opponent is in an accident. It is also possible to steadily widen the lead, keeping in mind the effort to develop the race.

It is determined whether one player has cleared the game (ST66a). When the game is cleared, the player is displayed or the state of the award ceremony is displayed (ST66b). This will also be an advertisement to the audience. (Leader marker display process) FIG. 24 shows the process of the image displayed on the external monitor 19 shown in FIGS.
Will be explained.

First, it is determined whether there is another player (ST70). If there is another player (YES), the information of the other player is acquired (ST71). Although the apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention employs distributed processing, necessary information can be easily obtained because the information about other apparatuses circulates as described above. Based on the obtained information, the results of the self-player and the other player are compared (ST7
2). If one is in a better position, turn on the leader marker (ST73).

In this way, since the leader marker of the player with the highest score at that time lights up, it is easy to know who is the leader and the game becomes more interesting.

It should be noted that when a branch course or the like is provided on the race course, only the top-ranked person has always been given the choice right in the past. However, in the embodiment of the present invention, halfway participation is possible, so a certain level of participation is possible. If the points are cleared, the selection right may be given individually according to the player's ability.

As described above, according to the present invention, the player selects one of the plurality of moving bodies in the race, participates in the race using the moving body selected by the player, and selects the selected moving body. A race game is continued by a plurality of moving bodies including a moving body, and the game is over when the selected moving body satisfies a predetermined condition. Therefore, the race game is continuously played regardless of the presence or absence of a player. , Players can participate at any time.

Further, according to the present invention, when joining, the situation of the selected moving body is changed when the position of the selected moving body is far from the predetermined position where the player participates in the race midway. As a result, the moving body is forcibly moved to the predetermined position, so that it is possible to prevent the time until the start of the game from becoming long.

Further, according to the present invention, when the game is continued, the performance parameter of the moving body is changed with the passage of time, and the performance parameter of the selected moving body is restored by the player's operation. Since the moving body is returned to the race after the performance parameter is restored and the performance parameter is restored, the condition of the performance change and the restoration can be incorporated into the game strategy, and the interest is increased.

Further, according to the present invention, when the game is over, the game over is judged based on the pass count indicating the number of times of overtaking between the selected moving body and another moving body. It is possible to eliminate inappropriate game over depending on the skill and luck of the player himself.

According to the present invention, the control means for determining the display image by obtaining information regarding the race situation from at least one of the plurality of game machines, and the display image determined by the control means are displayed. Since an external monitor is provided, it is possible to provide an image that is useful to the player according to the situation of the moving bodies competing in the race.

Further, according to the present invention, each of the plurality of game machines is provided with the display section for displaying the information on the race situation, so that the audience can be informed of the race situation in an easy-to-understand manner.

Further, according to the present invention, in each of the plurality of game machines, each image processing device processes data assigned in advance, and each communication control device processes the processed data in another game device. Output to, and receives the data processed by the other game machine and writes it in the memory of the image processing apparatus, so that when one cycle of processing is completed,
Each game machine acquires data processed by another game machine. Therefore, all the data can be processed while the processing load is leveled by the distributed processing, and the entire data can be used by all the game machines. Efficient data processing becomes possible.

Embodiment 2 of the Invention Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The game system according to this embodiment is
It is a communication game system in which a plurality of players can simultaneously play a common game through communication. In this communication game system, a plurality of game devices are installed as a case imitating a cockpit in which a plurality of players sit. The electric configuration of each game device is the same as that shown in FIG. The configuration of the communication game system is the same as that shown in FIG. A perspective view of this communication game system is the same as that shown in FIG.

According to this communication game system, a game such as a driving game can be played by independently using the game devices 1a to 1d. On the other hand,
A plurality of players can play a battle-type driving game or the like through a communication system.

This battle-type game is provided as a free-entry multiplayer battle-type game in this communication game system. The feature of this game is that it is a free entry for players who join the game halfway, that the game is played continuously unless the player indicates the condition of game over or the intention of game over, the previous game result is "Winning" automatically reflected in the participant decision of the next game
It is a game with a feeling.

This feature resides in the entry processing shown in FIG. This processing is performed by the control device 18, but may be executed by, for example, the communication control device 17a of the master game device 1a. Note that the following game is described as a battle-type driving game, but is not necessarily limited to this.

When the processing of FIG. 25 is activated by the control device 18, it is first determined whether or not there is a player's entry in this communication game system (step S1). Next, it is determined whether the number of entries is one (step S
2). When the number of players who entered is one (step S
(2, YES), the control device 18 instructs the game device 1a (, ..., 1d) having the entry to perform a computer battle on the game device (step S3).

The "computer battle" is a system in which the CPU of each game device battles with a player according to a predetermined procedure.

On the other hand, when there are two or more players who entered (step S2, NO), it is further determined whether or not there is a communication battle (step S4). This judgment is made based on the button operation information from the player.

"Communication battle" is a system in which game players compete with each other via a communication system between game devices to compete in a game.

When it is determined that there is not a communication battle (step S4, NO), similarly, a computer battle is instructed to each of the game devices having an entry (step S5). On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a communication match (step S4, YES), the control device 18 commands each of the corresponding game devices to perform a communication match (step S4).
6). This allows a plurality of players to compete in the driving game between the game devices.

Next, after the game is started by a plurality of players, the control device 18 waits while repeatedly judging whether or not there is an intention (entry participation) by another player in the middle of the game (step S7). If there is an entry in the middle (step S7, YES), it is determined whether or not the entry is in standby (step S8). This judgment of "entry standby" is to judge whether or not a vehicle of another player may participate in the driving game in the virtual game space.

The driving game here starts S
The vehicle runs on a circuit course from the point T (goal GL point) to the goal GL point (start ST point).
Therefore, the entry waiting judgment is made at the final check point PFN set at a predetermined position before the goal GL point.
(See FIG. 27A) It depends on whether the state is between the time when the leading vehicle arrives and the time when the game is restarted.
For the final checkpoint PFN, a position on the course that can be regarded as the goal GL point is selected.

A driving game has already started,
If the entry is not in standby (step S8, N)
O), the control device 18 instructs the game device having the entry in the middle to play a computer game with the player (step S9), and repeats the processes of steps S7 to S8. In this computer battle, the CPU of the entered game device causes the CPU to drive the trailing end of the already started driving game in a simulated manner. However, the ranking of the player vehicles participating in this process
It will be a competition waiting state that will not be involved in the results of the already started driving game.

Therefore, a player who wants to participate in the communication game on the way can artificially participate in the driving game currently in progress without having to wait until the already started driving game ends. Therefore, a player who participates in the middle of the game does not get tired, and the sense of presence and atmosphere of the game can be immediately shared from the time of participation in the middle of the game. Further, since the processes of steps S7 to S9 are repeatedly performed, it is possible to deal with the case where there are a plurality of late participating players in the same manner.

When the leading vehicle of the started driving game reaches the final checkpoint, it is determined that the vehicle is ready for entry, that is, it is possible to actually enter the game (step S8, YES). At this time, a process of setting a new participant competing for the next lap is then carried out (step S10).

This setting processing is carried out as shown in FIG. 26, for example. That is, the player waiting until the entry waiting state, that is, the participant waiting to participate in the computer competition by making an entry on the way is specified (step S10a). Next, the winning conditions are read from the internal memory to the work area (step S10).
b). The winning condition is to select the player with the highest race result in the driving game as the winning player. For example, in the case of a driving game of three or more players, the top two players are the winners. This winner is
It may be variable in real time according to the number of players participating in the game, the number of players participating in the middle of the game, and the like.

The controller 18 determines the final checkpoint P
The order is determined in the order of passing through the FN, and the winning (remaining) player is determined by referring to the winning conditions (step S1).
0c). Next, a standby player is added to this winning player to determine a plurality of new battle players (step S1).
0d). Furthermore, since the losing player cannot participate in the next lap race, the player is instructed to perform processing such as pitting the losing player's vehicle (step S10e).

When a plurality of new players who will make the next round are automatically set in this way (step S10), the control device 18 confirms whether or not the game meets the game over condition (step S11). . If the game is over (YES in step S11), a predetermined game over process such as displaying the game result is executed (step S1).
2). When it is determined that the game is not over (step S11, NO), the control device 18 determines whether or not to continue the communication battle (step S13). When continuing the communication battle, after the processing of the communication battle command in step S6 is performed again, the above-described processing of step S7 and thereafter is repeated. When the communication battle is not continued (step S13, N
O), since the processing is returned to step S1, the computer competition can be independently performed in each game device.

Here, one specific example of the entry processing executed by the above-mentioned processing will be described with reference to FIG. Now, three vehicles A, B, which are operated by three players
It is assumed that C runs on a circuit course in the virtual game space. As shown in (a) of the figure, at time t1, three vehicles A, B, and C simultaneously start at the start ST (= goal GL) point, and a communication battle is carried out.

A checkpoint PUV which is invisible to the player (screen of the game device) is provided at a position separated from the start position by a predetermined distance, as shown in FIG. This check point PUV is set to encourage the player to proceed with the game.
When no vehicle reaches UV within a predetermined time, a message such as "Hurry up!" Is displayed. Even if the vehicle does not reach the invisible checkpoint PUV even after waiting a further predetermined time, the game is forcibly ended. However, the waiting time (predetermined time) here is set to a value that is not possible in a normal game.

Next, it is assumed that the game progresses, and there is a player with an entry in the middle at time t2, as shown in FIG. This player's vehicle D follows the end of the game currently in progress by computer competition. At this time, if the skill of the player is high, the difference from the preceding vehicles A to C may be reduced or overtaken. However, it does not contribute to the results of the game currently in progress. In other words, the player who participates midway immediately participates in the game in a pseudo manner and waits for the next lap race.

When the leading vehicle A reaches the final checkpoint PFN as shown in FIG. 9D, the ranking at that time is determined as the goal ranking, and the vehicles A and C of the winning player are determined according to the winning conditions. Is determined. The losing player's vehicle B is forced to, for example, enter the pit and is removed from the next lap. At this time, at the same time, instead of the missing player's vehicle B, the player's vehicle D participating halfway is added, and the new opponents are three vehicles A, C, and D.

Since the game continues without stopping even during the setting of the new opponent, the competition from the previous lap is automatically changed to the competition of the present lap. That is, as shown in (e) of the figure, the driving game with the new opponents A, C, and D is continuously played following the previous lap.
In this continuous lap of this time, there is a start with a difference in distance between the vehicle D that has joined midway and the vehicles A and C that have participated since the last time, and between the vehicles A and C that were the previous time.
This distance difference at the start is captured as a seasoning to the game, and a player with skill is given such an advantage as a prize that reflects the game result of the last lap, and a player who participates midway It is intended to foster interest in the game by aiming for it or overtaking it.

As described above, according to the communication game system of the present embodiment, when another player participates in the game already in competition from the middle, he / she can freely join at any timing and the half-participating player can also participate in the game. You can participate in a game that is currently in progress. Moreover, the players who participated midway,
In the case where the game is a driving game, the player participates in a pseudo manner during the round battle in a certain range and can automatically and continuously participate in the next round battle (game) in the certain range. For this reason, the late-participating player can share the sense of urgency of the game from the time of the late-participating, and can increase the interest in the game. In addition, since the top players from the previous lap competition within a certain range can continue to participate in the next lap competition, it is possible to provide a game with a feeling of "winning" and to raise the interest of the game. it can.

By the way, the above-described communication game system adopts various image processing techniques as described below to enhance the sense of reality of the game.

(1) When the player's vehicle passes through a bumpy road, the screen displayed on the TV monitor 13 is shaken according to the degree of unevenness of the bumpy road.

(2) The shadow of the italicized vehicle is displayed to give a stereoscopic effect. Also, the texture of the shadow is changed according to the place where the shadow is projected.

(3) Raindrops are image-represented by polygons for raindrops.

(4) The wet road surface is represented as an image by fog processing.

(5) By fog processing, a background such as dusk or night is image-represented.

(6) An image of a scene illuminated by a light such as a mountain is expressed by the window processing.

Although the communication game system of this embodiment has been described as a system for executing a driving game, the game system of the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a form, for example, a fighting game or the like. Can also be applied to.

That is, in a fighting game device in which a plurality of players can play a competitive game while operating a plurality of game devices respectively, it is possible to enable the midway entry as described above. In this case, the hardware of the above-described embodiments described in detail can be applied almost as it is, and can be realized mainly by changing the software according to the difference in the game itself. For example, when one player 1 is playing a game with the CPU, another player 2 rushes in instead of the CPU and fights with the player 1. At this time, the player character under the operation of the CPU immediately changes the program so that the player 2 can operate, and
It is necessary for the player 2 to select the player character again and play the game with the player 1 after the game with the player character inherited from is ended.
In this regard, the method of returning the vehicle to the start line naturally, the method of game over processing, the function return processing method using the pit-in of the vehicle, and the like, which have been described in detail above, can be applied. In this case, of course, it is conceivable to use a situation suitable for a martial arts game, such as a referee's intervention in boxing, a doctor's stop, or returning to the ring at an interval between rounds.

Also, a process of deciding a participant in a game of a temporary pseudo participation (for example, chasing the last part) of a half-joined player, and a next fixed range (for example, a fixed number of rounds). The processing of the player character of the losing player (for example, the processing of making a pit stop) is not limited to the above-described processing, and various modifications can be made.

Further, the embodiment described here has a processing function of moving the image from the viewpoint of the player character up and down according to the uneven shape of the road surface and the motion condition of the vehicle. FIG. 28 shows a screen from the viewpoint of the player character. For the vehicle, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-276
070, JP-A-8-276074, a virtual suspension system (virtual suspension behavior calculation means) is provided by a computer.
The vehicle is placed (mapped) on the virtual ground in the three-dimensional virtual space via the virtual suspension device.

The behavior of this suspension is calculated from the road surface condition (road surface friction), the vehicle steering condition, and the vehicle speed condition, and the image from the viewpoint of the player character is changed according to the calculation result. For example, when the road surface is uneven, the image in FIG. 28 is an image that vibrates up and down. When the suspension has rolling behavior, the image of FIG. 28 is tilted in the same direction as the tilt of the vehicle.

The CPU creates video and audio for realizing the above-mentioned game by application software supplied from a cartridge I / F or a CDROM as a storage medium. In addition to the above-described cartridge ROM and CD-ROM, the storage medium in which the game machine operation program is stored may be the Internet,
It may be a communication medium on a personal computer network.

[0182]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since a player who participates in a match-up game via communication can immediately participate in the game in a pseudo manner, and thereafter can automatically and continuously formally participate in the game, the player who joins the game in mid-wait can be bored while waiting for the game. Feeling can be eliminated, and multiple games can be continuously played with no gap between games, while automatically reflecting the previous game results in the next game. It is possible to provide a highly skilled player with a sense of winning and excite the game, and thereby to provide a free-entry multiplayer battle game system and a game method thereof with an increased interest in the game. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a game device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a communication game device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, which is configured by using four game devices of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of another communication game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an external view of the communication game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of processing of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a vehicle selection screen for explaining the process of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a zoom screen for explaining the process of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a traveling screen for explaining the process of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a camera viewpoint during a game for explaining the process of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a start screen for explaining the process of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a detail of a vehicle selection screen for explaining the process of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a race screen for explaining the process of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a pit-in screen for explaining the process of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a game over screen for explaining the process of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a game over screen for explaining the process of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a continue screen for explaining the process of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a course for explaining the process of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a pass count process of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of a course for explaining pass count processing of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of blocks for explaining pass count processing of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of distributed processing of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of distributed processing of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of external monitor display processing of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a leader marker lighting process of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of entry processing of the game device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a schematic flowchart showing a subroutine process for setting a new participant in the game device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example of entry processing of the game device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a screen seen from the cockpit of the simulated vehicle of the game device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Game device main body, 11 ... Input device, 12 ... Output device, 13 ... TV monitor, 14 ... Speaker, 15 ... Display unit, 16 ... Leader marker

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-7-213744 (JP, A) JP-B 3-70994 (JP, B2) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A63F 13/00-13/12 A63F 9/24

Claims (17)

(57) [Claims] 1. A computer for executing a game program.
Game device with a built-in deviceAt The game apparatusBut,With or without a player Placed in a three-dimensional coordinate system
pluralRace by moving bodyMeans of progressing the game
When,Any mobile during the race One of them depends on the player
Selection means selected by Said selectedPerform processing to return the moving body to the starting point
Yes, the moving bodyFrom the computer to the player
Control transfer means for transferring to the operation by The above selectedNumber of overtakings between mobiles and other mobiles
Based on the pass count showingEnd the control by the player
A game device including a control ending unit for ending the game. 2. The advancing means is for changing the performance parameter of the moving body with the passage of time, and for changing the performance parameter of the moving body selected by the operation of the player. A replenishing means for moving to a predetermined position and a returning means for returning the moving body after the performance parameters are restored.
1. The game device according to 1 . Wherein said traveling means, the game apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an environmental condition changing means for changing the environmental conditions with the progress of the game. Wherein said traveling means, any one SL <br/> placing game apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that keep the number of the mobile constant. 5. The game device according to claim 3, wherein the environmental condition changing means sets the environmental condition for the progress of the game by selecting from a plurality of predetermined environmental conditions. Wherein said selecting means, the game device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that selecting the moving body are labeled the corresponding to the input code. 7. A according to claim 1, wherein the determining the pass count by measuring the position of the moving body relative to the predetermined point in the provided along the course of the mobile block Game device. 8. Further, the game apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that it comprises a score calculating means for calculating a score relating to game results of the player. 9. Furthermore, according to claim 1, characterized in that to terminate the control by the player when a predetermined time has elapsed
9. The game device according to any one of items 8 to 8 . 10. There you to the game device with a built-in computer for executing the game program, a plurality data processing method to be executed by the game apparatus, irrespective of whether the player is placed in a three-dimensional coordinate system the traveling step of advancing the racing game by moving body, game player rows and selection step for selecting one of a plurality of mobile, the process of returning the moving body that is selected to start point in the race
The control transfer step of transferring the control of the moving body to the player by the computer , and the number of passing times between the selected moving body and another moving body
Based on the pass count indicating
And control termination step of completion, formed by execution, data processing method in the game device. 11. of claim 10, wherein the determining said pass count by measuring the position of the moving body relative to the predetermined point in the provided along the course of the mobile block Data processing method. 12. A plurality of game devices each including an image processing device for generating a game screen, and a communication control device connected to the image processing device for controlling while communicating with other devices, and a plurality of these game devices. a game system comprising a connecting means for connecting said communication control device of the apparatus, the game apparatus, game system, which is a game apparatus according to any one of claims 1-9. 13. The game system according to claim 12 , wherein the communication control device performs communication while synchronizing parameter information via the connection means. 14. A control means for determining a display image by obtaining information on a race situation from at least one of the plurality of game devices, and an external monitor for displaying the display image determined by the control means. The game system according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that. 15. The plurality of game devices are respectively
The game system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising a display unit that displays information regarding a race situation. 16. In each of the plurality of game devices, each image processing device processes pre-allocated data, and each communication control device outputs the processed data to another game device. 16. The data processed by the game device according to claim 12, and written in the memory of the image processing device.
Or the game system according to item 1 . 17. A processing apparatus, progress means according to any one of claims 1-9, selection means, control shifting unit, and computer-readable program was recorded in order to function as the control ending means recoding media.