JP3476689B2 - Network system - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
Multiple computers connected to the host computer via
Client terminal, ie PC or home game
A computer having a network function, such as a terminal,
Each character appears in a wide common virtual area
The network system that controls the lever
In particular, each character within the common virtual game area
System suitable for network games
To do. [0002] A host computer is connected via a communication line.
Or multiple client terminals connected to the server
In a large common virtual game area or game space
Under the control of the host computer.
The movement of this character or the battle between characters
And hundreds of network games that manipulate conversations
Or a very large one that can be attended by thousands of people.
As communication methods have been developed in recent years,
is there. In such a network game, each client
The connected terminal is its own character in the common virtual game space.
The periphery of the position is displayed on the display, and the player or
The client looks at the image on the display
Enter your character's movement or battle request and enter
Advance the program. Request entered from the client terminal
Is sent to the host computer
Determines the suitability of this request and updates to each client terminal
Send necessary image change information such as character position information
Each client including the client terminal.
The display image on the client terminal display has changed.
A character moves or a battle starts. [0003] Problems to be Solved by the Invention
Request for movement from the client terminal side.
Management by the computer side
All requests are required to prevent
Wait for the computer to process
When configured to be reflected on play, participating players
If the number is small, there are few problems, but many players
Host computers and communication times
High load information is expected due to excessive load on the line
become unable. Therefore, move to each client terminal
Image of moving on the display after inputting the request
It takes a long time to change, and the game progresses comfortably
Real-time performance, which is an indispensable element, is lost.
Yeah. Accordingly, the present invention provides a host computer side.
High real-time performance without compromising effective management functions
It aims at providing the network system provided with. [0005] The network system of the present invention.
For example, the system can connect a public line or a host computer.
Multiple devices connected via a communication line (communication network) such as a LAN.
Number of client terminals each in a wide common virtual area
Of each of the client terminals
Now, around the character in the common virtual area
A network system in which only the area is displayed,
The one client terminal receives its own key.
Corresponding to the change information about the character
Change and change result information or change start information before
Sent to the host computer, the change result information or
The host computer that has received the change start information
Change result information or change start information of other clients
To the terminal, and the change from the host computer
Other related before receiving result information or change start information
The client terminal is the change result information or change start
The character of the one client terminal according to the information
Configured to reflect changes in data on own display image
it can. Conventionally, the key input to one client terminal
Character change request information, eg by client
The input request for moving your own character or your own character
The attack request by the character starts with the host computer
Sent to. Host computer received change request
Judge whether the information is appropriate or successful,
If it is determined, each class including one client terminal
Change of the character or target character on the client terminal
To be notified. Each client that receives the character change notification
Ant terminal reflects this character change on its display image.
Make it appear. In contrast, in the present invention, for example, the client
The movement information or movement requirement of your character from the ant
The request is input by an input unit or input device such as a keyboard.
Input information is installed in its own client terminal.
Processed by the packaged software
Reflected in the display image and within the display image of this client terminal
Is configured to move the character. And Ki
Character movement information is sent to the host computer,
From the host computer to another client terminal, usually
All other client terminals (the client terminal
Is also often sent to), or the character
Other client terminals displaying the
Sent to other client terminals that will display
It is. The character movement information sent is the client
Process to package software installed on the terminal
And reflected in each display image. Therefore
If configured in this way, its own key on its own image
The character's movement display is performed in real time. Here, in many cases, the client
The character's move request is determined to be appropriate.
The This decision is to prevent client side fraud.
Should be done on the host computer side. And
To another client terminal from the host computer
The character movement notification determines that the movement request is appropriate.
To be done. Host computer has a move request
Or if it is determined that the movement information is inappropriate, that is,
It is inappropriate to move the character according to the request
If it is determined, the client that sent the movement information
A character movement impossibility notification is transmitted to the terminal. Sent
The immovable information is the package software of the client terminal.
The character moves in the displayed image.
The position is returned to the previous position or the movable position. In the present invention, the range of influence changes with time.
Elephant, i.e. the range of influence moves or widens over time
Phenomenon, such as throwing stones or treatment light from the tip of a cane
Targets indirect phenomena such as emitting a line. This diameter
Taking the indirect attack phenomenon as an example of the change phenomenon,
Attack information or attacks by your character from Ant
The strike request is input by an input device such as a keyboard.
And the input information is installed on its own client terminal
Display image processed by packaged software
This is reflected in the image and is automatically displayed in the display image of this client terminal.
Attack mode of physical character (phenomenon image or phenomenon start image
Image) can be displayed. And
Character attack information is sent to the host computer.
Other client terminals from the host computer,
Usually all other client terminals or characters
Is sent to other client terminals displaying the data.
The sent attack information is installed on the client terminal
Display image processed by packaged software
Each display image is reflected in the image and the attack status of the character
Will be displayed. Here, in many cases, the client
Whether the character attack start request is appropriate or not.
For example, the attack object entered at the current character position
Whether or not can be used is determined. This size
Set to prevent client side fraud
Should be done on the computer side. And host
Characters from the computer to other client terminals
When the attack start notification determines that the attack request is appropriate
To be done. The host computer requests an attack or
If the attack information is determined to be inappropriate, for example, the requested attack
If it is determined that the object cannot be used, an attack
Sends an attack impossible notification to the client terminal that sent the information
To do. The attack impossible information sent is the client terminal
Processed by the package software of the
The character is the mode before the attack starts or the non-attack mode (character
If the attack object disappears with the
Included in the embodiment). Host computer and
To further reduce the load on the communication line, the host computer
If the data determines that the attack request or attack information is inappropriate
Can be configured not to send a non-attack notification
Yes. In this case, the client that sent the attack information
The display image of the terminal is automatically before the attack starts after a predetermined time
Or non-attack mode. In many cases, attack images (phenomenon images)
Image) is the attack start image (phenomenon start image) and the attack success image
(Symptom success image)
Is displayed immediately, and the successful attack image is displayed after the attack judgment result.
Should be shown. Conventionally, all attack result judgments are
It was done by the strike computer, but in the present invention
Host the attack result determination on the client terminal side
Reduces the load on the computer and speeds up the game
Configured to achieve the line. Attack result judgment is attack
It is also possible to have the hit character client terminal
Although the attacked character is moving,
Information on movement of attacking character to client terminal
If it is determined that the attack was successful because the transmission of
The real-time property of the character client terminal is inferior
As a result, the client or player's interest in the game
The taste will fade. Therefore, in the present invention, one client
The client terminal is the other client for its character.
Phenomenon in which the range of influence by the character of the mobile terminal changes over time
Activation information such as attack information, host computer
Received from the input / output control unit of one client terminal
To determine the phenomenon result, for example, the attack result, and the phenomenon determination result
The change of your character corresponding to the
This phenomenon is judged and reflected in the display image
From the I / O controller of one client terminal
Send the results to a computer and send the results of the phenomenon judgment to the host computer.
Host computer received from the I / O controller
The above judgment result of the host computer
Other client terminals, usually all through force control
Display other client terminal or the character
To other client terminals
To the current client via the input / output control unit of another client terminal.
Other related client terminals that received the image determination result
Of one client terminal according to this phenomenon determination result
Change character changes against the image on your display
It is configured to project. The invention described here is expressed as follows.
You can also. (1) One client terminal inputs from the client
The range of influence of a given character changes over time
In response to a request to activate a phenomenon, a phenomenon start image is displayed.
To send the event trigger information to the host computer, and
The host computer that has received the event trigger information
Send the event activation information to other client terminals, and
Received the event trigger information from the host computer
The other client terminals concerned are not affected by this phenomenon.
The character of the one client terminal according to the information
Reflect the phenomenon triggered by your own display image
Display the phenomenon start image, and counter the phenomenon to your own display image.
The projected client terminal has its own character
Determine whether or not you are affected by this phenomenon.
If it is determined that the character has been received, the character changes
Is reflected in the display image of itself, and the phenomenon success image is displayed.
At the same time, the determination result is sent to the host computer.
The host computer that has received the determination result
Is all or other than the judgment result transmission client terminal
Send this determination result to a specific client terminal,
The determination result received from the host computer
The client terminal responds to the determination result according to the determination result.
Change of character of judgment result transmission client terminal
Reflect the phenomenon on your own display image and display the phenomenon success image
Network system. (2) The host computer sends the phenomenon activation information
When it is received, it is judged whether or not the phenomenon is appropriate.
This phenomenon trigger information is only sent to other clients
The network system according to (1), which is transmitted to the remote terminal
Mu. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
Will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows the network system of the present invention.
Network game system
FIG. 2 shows a connection form, and FIG. 2 shows a network game system
It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure. PC 1A, 1B, 1C (client
Each terminal is a communication modem or communication adapter (shown)
Connected to public line 3 (communication line) via
From the host computer 5 through the public line 3
Common game service is provided. Each computer
1A, 1B and 1C are connected to the host computer via the public line 3.
The computer 1A ...
And the host computer 5 respectively send and receive this data.
Input / output control units 11 and 13 for managing communication, and
Sokon 1A ... receives information from the host computer 5
Or input information from the input unit 7 of the mouse and keyboard
Is reflected on the display 9 and displayed. Each PC 1
Package software for games is installed in A, 1B, 1C
The game control unit 15 and
Store information on many characters used in the game
The client side data storage unit 17 is configured,
Host computer 5 is between PCs 1A, 1B, 1C
A game that manages the entire game through the transmission and reception of data
Home management control unit 19 and the home information storing information of each character
A strike data storage unit 21 is provided. Client side
The data storage unit 17 has a confidence card indicated by XY coordinates.
Lactor position information, other clients indicated by XY coordinates
Character information and non-player character position information
Table and phenomenon information table are stored.
The table shows the type of each phenomenon triggered, the triggering time and X
The activation position indicated by the Y coordinate is recorded. Host side
The data storage unit 21 has a character information table.
The character information table contains XY for all characters.
Position information indicated by coordinates, collision flag information, and stator
Information. Each personal computer 1A, 1B, 1C and host computer
The computer 5 is a wide common virtual game as shown in FIG.
The area 23 is recorded, but the personal computers 1A, 1B,
1C appears in this common virtual game area 23
Narrow activity centered on these characters 1a, 1b, 1c
Only the area around the area or its own character location
Displayed on the display 9. Here, each character 1
a, 1b, 1c are indirect attack objects such as bows
Possesses missiles and other injured characters
It can emit a ring of light that heals the wound of the
Attack other characters or revive other characters
The FIG. 4 shows that the player needs to move the character 1a.
PC 1A and host computer when request is entered
6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the data generator 5. The player's own player via the mouse 7
When a movement request (change information) of the tractor 1a is input (S
1) The personal computer 1A is in the position direction input from the mouse 7.
One unit (in this case, one step)
While moving (walking) the tractor 1a (S3),
The client side data storage unit 17
Record in lactor position information. Character 1a is a player
Since it moves immediately on the image after the move operation of
The discomfort or stress experienced is greatly relieved. However
However, immediately move the character 1a on the PC 1A side.
Is reflected on the image by the host computer 5
Is determined whether it is appropriate or possible to move (S
6) The character 1a is determined to be appropriate or possible.
Until the position information is updated (S7), the character 1a
Move is not confirmed and the host computer 5 is improperly moved
Or, if it is determined that it cannot be moved, the image of the personal computer 1A
Corrected the position of the character 1a that has been moved on the image
Must. Therefore, the host computer
On the image of the personal computer 1A until 5 is confirmed
Move character 1a to a position far away from the final position
If it is moved, it will be
The correction distance of Lacta 1a is increased, and the game progresses
Line comfort is compromised. Therefore, PC 1A
Is the character on the image prior to the movement of the character 1a.
Scheduled to move one step away from the position of the meter 1a in the direction of movement request
Position and character received from host computer 5
The latest regular delivery position information of Kuta (see S13 in FIG. 5)
It is set in advance between the determined positions of the included characters 1a.
Whether there is an error or error that exceeds the allowable range
Check if the planned movement position exceeds the allowable range.
The movement is not allowed (S2). The personal computer 1A moves the character 1a.
After moving the XY coordinates (change result information) of the destination
The computer 5 is notified (S4). Host computer 5
When the movement notification is received (S5), whether the movement is appropriate or not
It is determined whether it is possible (S6), and the character 1a moves
Data is stored on the host side
To the character 1a of the character information table of the section 21
Update location information (S7), but inappropriate or not
If it is possible, for example, it has entered the restricted area
Or host side data storage
To the character 1a of the character information table of the section 21
Collision flag that is non-movable information in the collision flag information field
(S8). In addition, we judge that movement is appropriate or possible
If the collision flag is already set,
Update location information and unset this collision flag
(S7). FIG. 5 shows a character stored in the data storage unit 21 on the host side.
Information about the character position in the character information table.
Host computer 5 and personal computer 1A
It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of 1B and 1C. Character information in the host-side data storage unit 21
Information on character positions in the information table
Delivered to personal computers 1A, 1B, 1C. Host compilation
When the computer 5 reaches the distribution time (S11), the host side data
Characters in the character information table of the data storage unit 21
All the location information of the PC 1A, 1B, 1C
And corresponding collision flag information
Distribute to the personal computers 1A, 1B, 1C (S12). Hos
PC 1 that has received regular delivery from the computer 5
In A, 1B, 1C (S13), client side data
Confidential character position information in storage unit 17, other clients
Position information of the player character and non-player character
Information table based on the position information of the distributed characters.
Overwritten and confirmed, and the other client's key confirmed
Character and non-player character position information table
Characters other than your own
Is reflected on the image (S14). Own character
For Kuta, a collision flag is set in the periodic delivery information.
(S15), the collision flag is set
If the client-side data storage unit 17 is overwritten
The position (impact displayed)
The position immediately before the movement with the collision flag raised)
The tractor is pulled back (S16). FIG. 6 shows the diameter used in the network game.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an aspect of the time change phenomenon. FIG.
When a request for activation of the time-varying phenomenon by the character 1a is received
PC 1A, 1B, 1C and host computer
5 is a flowchart showing the operation of FIG. In this network game system, the diameter
As a time-varying phenomenon, indirect attacks by bows and arrows and magical
Indirect relief with a ring of light is being prepared. Indirect attack is figure
Arrows emitted from character 1a as shown in 6a
Flying object 1e moves over time,
Other characters 1b, 1c, 1d existing on the movement path
Hit these characters 1b, 1c, 1d
Is attenuated or the characters 1b, 1c, 1d are killed
The indirect relief is a key phenomenon as shown in Fig. 6b.
The magic light ring 1f emitted from the character 1a
It spreads over time, and the other lights that entered the light circle 1f
Restore the physical strength of characters 1b, 1c, 1d, or
Is a phenomenon that revitalizes characters 1b, 1c, and 1d. The personal computer 1A receives a character 1 from the player.
Receives an instruction (change information) for triggering the time-varying phenomenon by a
(S21), the type of this time-varying phenomenon (for example, bow and arrow)
Or magic light ring), activation position, activation time and movement
Phenomenon information such as direction (flying direction for bows and arrows)
Phenomenon of the data storage unit 17 on the client side
Record in the information table and host computer 5
This diameter (S22)
Phenomenon animation (phenomenon start image) of time change phenomenon
It starts on the image of the body (S23). From PC 1A
The host computer 5 that has received the image information (S24)
Whether the phenomenon can be triggered, for example, the character 1a
Judgment whether or not it is used up (S25), triggering the phenomenon
If it is possible to
The character displaying the character 1a that is the subject of the activation of the phenomenon
Notify phenomenon information (change start information) to Sokon 1B and 1C
(S26). PC 1B, 1C that received the phenomenon information
(S27), the phenomenon information is stored in the client-side data storage unit.
Recorded in the phenomenon information table of 17 and own image
The character 1a displayed on the image is the subject of activation.
Phenomenon animation starts on own image (S2
8). Immediately after entering the trigger of the phenomenon,
Player's discomfort
The stress is greatly relieved. Here, the phenomenon
If the host computer 5 determines that activation is impossible,
It is necessary to send a notification that the phenomenon cannot be triggered to the personal computer 1A.
Not done. FIG. 8 shows the performance when the time change phenomenon is activated.
Operation of Socon 1A, 1B, 1C and host computer 5
It is a flowchart which shows an operation. The personal computer 1A is client side data.
By searching the phenomenon information table in the data storage unit 17
The phenomenon animation is displayed on your image.
(S31), the extinction conditions for each phenomenon are
It is determined whether or not it is established (S32). The extinction condition is a phenomenon
It has been set in advance for each type of
Or a certain time has passed since activation (time limit), activation
It is judged that the vehicle has traveled a predetermined distance from the position (movement limit)
The computer 1A ...
If you refuse, the animation of the phenomenon on your image will be canceled
(S33). For PC 1A ...
Phenomenon of phenomenon that is judged not to stand
As time progresses (S34), self-
Includes the phenomenon that the character 1a ...
In the client side data storage unit 17
Other client characters and non-player characters
Recorded in the Kuta position information table and phenomenon information table.
Based on the information obtained, this phenomenon
Whether or not the tractor (NPC) 1d is affected, ie
Whether the phenomenon hits NPC1d or NPC1
It is determined whether or not d is within the influence range of the phenomenon (S3
5) If it is determined that NPC 1d is affected,
Notifying NPC influence information to the strike computer 5
(S36), for example, the arrow 1 on the NPC 1d on its own image
Action animation with content that e hits and NPC1d is weakened
Starts (S37). Next, PC 1A
・ ・ In the phenomenon that it is judged that the extinction condition is not satisfied.
The other client's character 1a ...
A phenomenon (a phenomenon based on change start information) is included
In this case, the client side data storage unit 17 has its own key.
Information recorded in the character position information and phenomenon information table
Based on the information, this phenomenon causes one's own character 1a
.. whether or not it was affected, that is, the phenomenon
Whether or not you hit Lacta 1a ...
Whether or not the characters 1a ... are within the influence range of the phenomenon
(S38), and the character 1a ...
If it is determined that the sound has been affected,
While notifying his character influence information (S3
9) For example, the own character 1a on the own image
・ The action of the content that comes back inside the magic light ring 1f
Animation (phenomenon success image) is started (S40).
In this way, the effect of the phenomenon on the client computer
By having 1A, 1B and 1C
The load on the computer 5 can be greatly reduced. Also,
It is up to you to determine whether your character is affected.
Based on the latest information in the client-side data storage unit 17
Is configured to do so, for example, avoid indirect attacks
If you move your character 1a ...
Immediately its own character in the client side data storage unit 17
The position information is rewritten and the hit judgment is rewritten.
Based on this character position information
Because of this, it was a hit like a hit
In a situation that reduces interest in the game
Occurrence is prevented. Note that NPC1d is also a time-varying phenomenon.
In the case of configuring as the activation subject, the current from NPC 1d
Elephant is driven by other client character 1a ...
It is treated in the same way as a phenomenon that is a body. Notification of impact information from personal computer 1A
The host computer 5 that has received the notification has an NPC influence information.
It is discriminated whether it is a notification of information or its own character influence information (S
41) In the case of NPC influence information notification, host side data
Recorded in the character information table of the data storage unit 21.
The position information of the NPC 1d and the information on the phenomenon
After verifying that NPC1d was affected,
Host side data storage unit 2 based on the received NPC influence information
1 for character information table NPC1d.
The case information is updated (S42). Update, for example, physical fitness
The point of possession was set to 100 and hit the arrow 1e
In that case, decrease the health by 10 points, and the magic light circle 1
If it falls within the influence range of f, increase it by 10 points.
To do so. Also, the notification will affect your character
In the case of information notification, based on this influence information received,
The character information table of the strike side data storage unit 21
Status information for the characters 1a, 1b, 1c
Is similarly updated (S43). FIG. 9 shows a character stored in the host-side data storage unit 21.
When distributing status information in the Kuta information table
Host computer 5 and personal computers 1A, 1B, 1C
It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement. The personal computers 1A, 1B and 1C have at least
Other client keys that are also displayed on their own images
Host-side data storage for characters 1a, 1b, 1c
The status information in the character information table of the part 21 is
Delivered regularly. Host computer 5 is the delivery time
(S51), each character 1a, 1b, 1c
Status information for
PC 1A, 1 displaying the character on the image
B and 1C are distributed (S52). Host computer 5
PC 1A, 1B, 1 receiving status information from
C (S53), based on this status information,
Action animation of Ianto characters 1a, 1b, 1c
For example, other client characters 1a, 1b,
1c hits 1c and hits 10 points lower
The contents of the characters 1a, 1b, 1c are weakened
The animation is started (S54). As described above, the network according to the present invention.
If a network system is adopted, the host computer
A game that is speedy without compromising management functions
Achieve progress and reduce client stress
Real-time deployment can be realized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a connection form of a network game system configured by applying the system of the present invention to a network game. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a network game system. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a range of display images of each personal computer in the network game system. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing operations of a personal computer and a host computer when a player inputs a character movement request. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing operations of a host computer and a personal computer when distributing information related to character positions in a character information table of a host-side data storage unit; FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an aspect of a time-varying phenomenon used in a network game. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operations of the personal computer and the host computer when receiving a request to activate a time-varying phenomenon by a character from a player. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the personal computer and the host computer when a diameter change phenomenon is activated. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the host computer and personal computer when distributing status information in the character information table of the host-side data storage unit. [Explanation of Symbols] 1A, 1B, 1C Personal computer (client terminal) 1a, 1b, 1c Character 3 Public line (communication line) 5 Host computer 23 Common virtual game area (common virtual area)

Front page continuation (72) Inventor Toshio Toyoda 1-12-1, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Nextcom Building 6th Floor NEXT Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Satoshi Fukuda 1-12-1, Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo STOCOM BUILDING 6th floor NEXTEC INC. (56) References JP 9-81495 (JP, A) JP 6-236432 (JP, A) JP 10-207684 (JP, A) JP 9-9 -81781 (JP, A) KAF, PowerUP Game Programming Forty-eight hands Fifth hand Real-time network game development 1 Basic knowledge, Inside Windows, Softbank Corp., July 1, 1998, Vol. 4, No. 7, p. 90-p. 102 Mamoru Harada, Special Feature 3D CG Virtual City, Building on Cyberspace Network, Nikkei Electronics, June 19, 1995, No. 638, p. 99-p. 118 (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 15/00 A63F 13/00-13/12 G06F 13/00

Claims (1)

(57) Claims 1. A plurality of client terminals connected to a host computer via a communication line have their characters appear in a wide common virtual area. In each of the client terminals, In this network system, only the area around the character in the common virtual area is displayed, and one of the client terminals has a time-dependent change in the range of influence of the character of the other client terminal on the character. The information on the activation of the phenomenon is received from the host computer via the input / output control unit of the one client terminal, the phenomenon result is determined, and the change of the character corresponding to the phenomenon determination result is displayed on its own display. And this phenomenon determination result is reflected in the one client terminal. The host computer transmits the phenomenon determination result to the host computer from the input / output control unit, and receives the phenomenon determination result from the input / output control unit of the host computer. Other related client terminals that have received the phenomenon determination result from the host computer via the input / output control unit of the other client terminal may respond to the phenomenon determination result. A network system, wherein a change in the character of the one client terminal is reflected on a display image of its own display.