JP3910995B2 - Information storage medium and image generation apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information storage medium and an image generation apparatus for generating an image at a given viewpoint and line-of-sight direction in an object space.

  Conventionally, there has been known an image generation apparatus that arranges a plurality of display objects in an object space, which is a virtual three-dimensional space, and generates an image in a given viewpoint and line-of-sight direction, and experiences so-called virtual reality. It is very popular as something that can be done.

  Taking an image generation device that can enjoy a soccer game as an example, the player enjoys the game by manipulating the characters displayed on the screen and dribbling or shooting. According to this image generating device, it is possible to give the player a feeling that he is actually playing soccer.

  However, in conventional soccer games, instead of simulating the original dribbling of kicking the ball and catching it up, the dribbling action is realized by simply playing a series of motion data in which the character and the ball are integrated. It was. For this reason, the distance between the ball and the character at the time of dribbling and the speed of the ball kicked by the dribbling are always constant, and the player cannot control these distance and speed. Accordingly, the achievement of virtual reality is insufficient, and the reality of the game is lacking.

  On the other hand, if the dribbling action of kicking the ball and catching it up is simulated faithfully in the real world, there is a problem that the operation becomes complicated and difficult, and game play is avoided by beginner players and the like.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an information storage medium and an image generation apparatus capable of realizing a dribbling operation or the like with a simple operation. .

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a computer-readable information storage medium for generating an image in a given viewpoint and line-of-sight direction in an object space in which a character and a play object move. Based on the operation data from, a moving body calculation means for performing a calculation for moving a character operated by the player in the object space, a storage means for storing motion data, and a process for determining the position and line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint A program for causing a computer to function as an image generation unit that generates an image in a viewpoint and a line-of-sight direction determined by the viewpoint calculation unit in an object space in which a character and a play object move; The mobile object computing means performs a process of bringing the character closer to the play object. A means for determining whether or not the character and the play object are in contact; a means for calculating a distance between the character and the play object based on the position of the character and the play object; and a character playing based on the calculated distance. When the time TC until the object is touched and the motion data playback time of the character is TM, the process of bringing the character closer to the play object is started (TC-TM) time later. A means for starting the reproduction of the motion data is included.

  The present invention is also a computer-readable information storage medium for generating an image at a given viewpoint and line-of-sight direction in an object space in which a character and a play object move, and is based on operation data from an operation means. A moving body computing means for performing a computation for moving a character operated by the player in the object space, a mode setting means for performing a motion mode setting process, and a viewpoint computing means for performing a process for determining a viewpoint position and a viewing direction. And a program that causes a computer to function as an image generation means for generating an image in the viewpoint and line-of-sight direction determined by the viewpoint calculation means in an object space in which the character and the play object move, and the moving object calculation Means for performing processing for bringing the character closer to the play object; And when the mode setting means determines that the character and the play object are in contact with each other, the play object is moved in the release direction and the character's If it is determined that a dribble mode setting process that directs the moving direction to the direction of the play object and a process that causes the character to follow the play object is not performed, if a pass operation is determined, a shot is performed. Means for performing a process of exiting the dribble mode in at least one case where it is determined that an operation has been performed.

  The present invention is also an image generation apparatus that generates an image at a given viewpoint and line-of-sight direction in an object space in which a character and a play object move, and is operated by a player based on operation data from an operation means. A moving body computing means for performing a computation for moving the character to be moved in the object space, a storage means for storing motion data, a viewpoint computing means for performing processing for determining the position and line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint, and the character and the play object move. Image generation means for generating an image in the viewpoint and line-of-sight direction determined by the viewpoint calculation means in the object space, and the moving body calculation means performs processing for bringing the character closer to the play object; Means for determining whether the character and the play object are in contact with each other; and the position of the character and the play object. A means for calculating the distance between the character and the play object based on the above, a means for calculating a time TC until the character contacts the play object based on the calculated distance, and a character motion data playback time as TM And a means for starting the reproduction of the motion data of the character after a time (TC-TM) after starting the process of bringing the character closer to the play object.

  The present invention is also an image generation apparatus that generates an image at a given viewpoint and line-of-sight direction in an object space in which a character and a play object move, and is operated by a player based on operation data from an operation means. A moving body computing means for performing a computation for moving a character to be moved in the object space, a mode setting means for performing a motion mode setting process, a viewpoint computing means for performing a process for determining a viewpoint position and a line-of-sight direction, a character and a play target In an object space in which an object moves, the moving body computing means performs processing for bringing the character closer to the play object, including image generating means for generating an image in the viewpoint and line-of-sight direction determined by the viewpoint computing means. Means for determining whether the character and the play object are in contact with each other, the mode setting means comprising: When it is determined that the character and the play object are in contact with each other, means for performing a dribble mode setting process for moving the play object in the release direction and directing the character movement direction toward the play object; When it is determined not to perform the process of chasing the target object, when it is determined that the pass operation is performed, or when it is determined that the shooting operation is performed, the process of exiting the dribble mode is performed. Means for performing.

  The present invention is also an information storage medium for generating an image in a given viewpoint and line-of-sight direction in an object space in which a character and a play object move, and the operation means when the character and the play object are in contact with each other Information for releasing the play object in the release direction determined based on the operation data from and the direction of movement of the character in the direction of the play object released in the release direction, and a given viewpoint in the object space And information for generating an image in the line-of-sight direction.

  According to the present invention, the play object is released in the release direction by the contact between the character and the play object. The moving direction of the character is directed to the direction of the released play object. The discharge direction is controlled by the operating means. Therefore, the operation of releasing the play object in a desired direction to catch up with the character can be realized with a simple operation.

  In this case, after the character's moving direction is directed to the play object, the character is brought close to the play object, and when it is determined that the character and the play object are in contact with each other, the play object is released in the release direction. It is desirable to make it.

  Further, the present invention obtains the time TC until the character contacts the play object based on the distance between the character and the play object, and when the character's motion data reproduction time is TM, the character is brought close to the play object. (TC-TM) time later, the motion data of the character is reproduced. By doing so, it becomes possible to complete the reproduction of motion data at the time of contact between the character and the play object, and a natural and realistic image can be provided.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that when the character and the play object come into contact, the play object is released in the release direction at a speed determined based on operation data from the operation means. If it does in this way, it will become possible to control the distance of the play target object and character after releasing in the discharge | release direction to a desired distance.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, when the play target is released in the release direction, the line-of-sight direction when generating an image is directed to the release direction. In this way, it is possible to visually recognize the angle in the discharge direction and to convey more information in the discharge direction to the player.

  Further, the present invention provides a circle centered on the play object while the character is directed toward the play object when the character is not accelerated and the moving speed of the character is equal to or less than a given speed. It is characterized by moving the character on the circumference. By doing in this way, it becomes possible to realize the direction change of the character centering on the play object.

  Further, the present invention releases the play object in the release direction when the character and the play object come into contact with each other, and causes the character to dribble the play object by directing the moving direction of the character toward the play object. In addition, when the process of causing the character to follow the play object is not performed, when the pass operation is performed, or when at least one of the shooting operations is performed, the dribbling mode is exited. If it does in this way, it will become possible to coexist the dribble mode in which a play subject is put under control of a character, and other modes in which a play subject goes out of control of a character.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the principle of this embodiment will be described. In the following, a case where the present embodiment is applied to a soccer game will be mainly described as an example. However, the game to which the present invention is applied is not limited to this.

  Now, the present inventor has developed a soccer game that can simulate the original dribbling of kicking a ball and catching up. According to such a soccer game, the distance between the character and the ball at the time of dribbling and the speed of the ball kicked by the dribbling can be controlled by the player's will. As a result, the player can feel that he / she is actually dribbling, and the realism of the game can be greatly improved.

  However, it has been found that the following problems occur when attempting to faithfully simulate the dribbling motion of kicking a ball and catching up with the real world. First, since the ball moves quickly when dribbling, it is impossible to accurately grasp the timing of kicking the ball. That is, if the player is requested to perform a kick operation every time the ball contacts the character, the operation burden on the player will increase excessively. Secondly, for example, when dribbling while kicking the ball straight forward and then trying to dribble while kicking the ball to the left, it is difficult to catch the ball, and the ball immediately leaves the character. That is, it is very difficult to change the direction of the character that has been running straight until then in accordance with the kicking direction of the ball.

  Therefore, the present embodiment has the following features in order to solve such problems. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, when a character C and a play object such as a ball B come into contact with each other, a kick direction 20 (release direction) determined based on operation data from operation means such as the operation lever 18, that is, an angle θ. The ball B is kicked in the direction (see E1 and E2). Then, the moving direction 22 of the character C is directed to the direction of the ball B, and the character C is made to chase the ball B (see E3).

  In this way, first, the player can enjoy a realistic original dribbling of kicking the ball B and catching up. Second, since the ball B is kicked out by the contact between the character C and the ball B, it is not necessary to perform a kick operation every time the character C and the ball B come into contact. Thirdly, since the direction in which the ball B is kicked is determined by how the operation lever 18 is tilted to the left or right, the kick direction 20 during dribbling can be controlled by the player's will. Fourth, since the character C moves in the direction of the kicked ball B (moving in the direction of movement 22), the ball B can be easily caught when kicking the ball B again. become. That is, it is possible to assist the player's operation and remarkably reduce the player's operation burden.

  FIG. 2 shows a detailed example of such dribbling processing. In FIG. 2, the character C is brought closer to the ball B after the moving direction 22 of the character C is directed to the ball B (see F1, F2, F5, and F6). When it is determined that the character C and the ball B are in contact (see F3 and F7), the ball B is kicked in the kick direction 20 (see F4 and F8).

  Before performing the process of bringing the character C close to the ball B in this way, the moving direction 22 is directed toward the ball B and then brought closer to the ball B, so that even if the ball B is kicked in various directions, the character C It becomes possible to automatically follow the ball B.

  In this embodiment, dribble motion data is reproduced by the method shown in FIG. That is, first, a time TC until C comes into contact with B is obtained based on the distance D between the character C and the ball B (see G1). Then, when the motion data playback time is TM, the motion data is played back (TC-TM) after the character C is brought close to the ball B (TC-TM) (see G2).

  By doing so, the reproduction of the motion data can be completed when the character C and the ball B are in contact (see G3). That is, since the ball B is kicked after the dribble motion is completed, an image without unnaturalness can be provided.

  In this embodiment, when the character C and the ball B come into contact with each other, the ball B is kicked in the kick direction at a speed determined based on operation data from the operation lever 18 or the like. That is, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the operation lever 18 is tilted forward (see H1, H3), the ball B is kicked weakly and the distance between the character C and the ball B is shortened (H2, H4). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the operation lever 18 is largely moved forward (see I1 and I3), the ball B is strongly kicked and the distance between the character C and the ball B is increased (I2). , I4).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the distance between the character C and the ball B during dribbling can be controlled to a desired distance according to the player's will. That is, it is possible to perform a dribbling with a long distance between the character C and the ball B in a place where the ball B is not likely to be caught by another character, and a dribbling with a short distance between the C and B in a place where there is a possibility of being caught. Become. Thereby, the real feeling of a game can further be raised.

  In the present embodiment, the character C is accelerated by, for example, reaching the maximum speed by tilting the operation lever 18 forward, and decelerated by returning the operation lever 18 to the neutral state. Therefore, when the character C dribbles while running at a high speed, the distance between C and B becomes long, and when the character C dribbles while running at a slow speed, the distance between C and B becomes short.

  In this embodiment, when the ball is kicked in the kick direction, the line-of-sight direction when generating an image is directed to the kick direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the viewpoint 30 of the virtual camera 28 is normally set slightly behind the character C, and the line-of-sight direction 32 faces the direction toward the character C (J1, J2). However, when the character C comes into contact with the ball B and the ball B is kicked in the kick direction 20, the line-of-sight direction 32 is directed to the kick direction 20 (see J3).

  In this way, firstly, it becomes possible to convey more information in the kick direction 20 to the player. In other words, it is possible to efficiently convey information regarding the enemy and allies in the kick direction 20 to the player. Second, it is possible to visually convey to the player the change in the angle θ that is the kick direction. That is, the angle θ is determined by how the operation lever 18 is tilted to the left and right, but in practice, it is difficult for the player to perceive the magnitude of the angle θ. However, if the line-of-sight direction 32 is changed by θ at the moment of kicking as in the present embodiment, the state of the image viewed by the player changes abruptly, so the degree of the angle θ is visually determined. Become able to recognize.

  In this embodiment, as indicated by K1, K2, and K3 in FIG. 6, the acceleration operation of the character C is not performed (the operation lever 18 is not tilted forward), and the moving speed of the character C is given. The character C is moved on the circumference 40 centered on the ball B while the character C is directed in the direction of the ball B.

  In this way, when the player does not intend to accelerate the ball B and the ball B is almost stopped, the player moves the character C around the ball B and changes the direction while keeping the ball B. Is possible. For example, in FIG. 6, when the operation lever 18 is tilted to the right, the character C turns clockwise around the ball B (see K <b> 2), thereby enabling a right turn. On the other hand, by tilting to the left, the character C turns counterclockwise around the ball C (see K3), thereby enabling a left turn. As described above, according to the present embodiment, after dribbling and carrying the ball B, the dribbling is stopped and the ball B is stopped, the character C is run in the direction desired by the player, or the ball B is passed in the desired direction. It is possible to shoot.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the process of causing the character C to follow the ball B is not performed, when the pass operation or the shooting operation is performed, the dribbling mode described above (B is kicked out by the contact between C and B). At the same time, the mode in which the moving direction of C is directed to B) is exited.

  For example, FIG. 7A shows a case where the enemy character CE catches the ball B when the character C is dribbling the ball B. In this embodiment, based on the distance between the character C and the ball B, operation data from the player, and the like, it is determined whether or not to perform processing for causing the character C to follow the ball B. For example, when the character C is near the ball B and the character C is appropriately dribbling, a process of causing C to follow B is performed. On the other hand, when B is away from C as shown in FIG. 7A, the process of causing C to follow B is not performed, and in this case, the dribble mode is exited.

  FIG. 7B shows a case where the pass button 14 and the shoot button 16 are pressed while the character C is dribbling the ball B. In this embodiment, the dribble mode is also exited in this case, and the mode is shifted to the pass mode and the shoot mode.

  In the conventional soccer game, the character operated by the player, that is, the player character is not fixed to one, and the player character is frequently changed. For example, when the player operates the first character to pass the second character, the second character becomes the player character. When the first character is robbed by the enemy character, the third character near the enemy character becomes the player character. That is, the player always operates a character that is keeping the ball or a character that is near the ball.

  However, in such a conventional soccer game, the player cannot feel that he / she participates in the soccer game as one player, and the virtual reality feeling felt by the player cannot be improved. That is, when participating in a soccer game as a player, it is possible to watch the soccer play of another character from a distance or pass the ball to another character and use the play of the other character to advance the game. it can. However, in a conventional soccer game, this is not possible because the player character moves to a character that keeps the ball or a character that is near the ball.

  According to the present embodiment, the ball is placed under his / her control during the dribble mode, but the ball is removed from his / her control when the enemy character is deprived of the ball, or passes or shoots. Then, it becomes possible to watch from a distance how other characters play using the ball that is out of their control. It is also possible to pass other characters and advance the game predominately by playing other characters. As a result, the player can enjoy the feeling of participating in the soccer game as one player, and the virtual reality and fun of the game can be greatly improved.

  FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 9A, and 9B are examples of images showing the movement of the character C during dribbling. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to enjoy realistic dribbling that is close to that of the real world, in which the ball B is kicked and caught up. Further, by operating the operation lever 18, it is possible to dribble while freely changing the distance D between the character C and the ball B, the traveling direction during dribbling, and the like. The operation of kicking the ball B is realized by the contact between the character C and the ball B, and the character C moves so as to follow the ball B, so that it is not necessary to request a complicated and complicated operation from the player.

  FIGS. 10A, 10 </ b> B, 10 </ b> C, and 11 are examples of images showing the movement of the character C when performing a pass from a dribble state. Thus, according to this embodiment, the ball B can be passed to another character by pressing the pass button 14 during dribbling. Then, the player can remove the ball B from his / her control, watch the play of another character, or use the play of another character to advance the game advantageously.

  Next, the configuration of the image generation apparatus of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the image generation apparatus of the present embodiment.

  Here, the operation unit 10 is for a player to input operation data using the pass button 14, the shoot button 16, the operation lever 18, and the like. The operation data obtained by the operation unit 10 is sent to the processing unit 100. Entered. In this embodiment, the character C operated by the player is accelerated by tilting the operation lever 18, and the character C is decelerated by returning to the neutral state. Further, when the player presses the pass button 14, the player makes a pass to another character, and when the player presses the shoot button 16, the player shoots a goal or the like.

  The processing unit 100 performs processing for setting an object space in which a plurality of display objects are arranged, based on the operation data, a given program, and the like. The function of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as a CPU (CISC type, RISC type), a DSP, and an image generation dedicated IC.

  The information storage medium 190 stores programs and data. The function of the information storage medium 190 can be realized by hardware such as a CD-ROM, game cassette, IC card, MO, FD, DVD, hard disk, and memory. The processing unit 100 performs various processes based on the program and data from the information storage medium 190.

  The processing unit 100 includes a game calculation unit 110 and an image generation unit 150. Here, the game calculation unit 110 performs a game mode setting process, a game progress process, a process for determining the position, moving direction and direction of a moving body such as the character C and the ball B, a process for determining a viewpoint position and a line-of-sight direction, Processing to arrange display objects in the space is performed. The image generation unit 150 performs processing for generating an image at a given viewpoint and line-of-sight direction in the object space set by the game calculation unit 110. The image generated by the image generation unit 150 is displayed on the display unit 12.

  Based on the operation data input from the operation unit 10 and a given program, the moving object calculation unit 112 performs an operation for moving a character (moving object) operated by a player, another player, or a computer in the object space. Do. More specifically, for example, a calculation for obtaining the position, moving direction, and direction of the character C or the ball B for every inter is performed.

  When the character C and the ball B come into contact with each other, the process of kicking B in the kick direction determined based on the operation data from the operation unit 10 and directing the movement direction of C in the direction of B is performed by the moving body calculation unit 112. Will do.

  The viewpoint calculation unit 114 performs a process of determining the position of the viewpoint and the line-of-sight direction based on the positions of the character C and the ball B, the moving direction, and the direction of facing.

  Then, when the ball B is kicked out in the kick direction, the viewpoint calculation unit 114 performs processing for turning the line-of-sight direction in the kick direction.

  Next, a detailed example of the operation of this embodiment will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, it is determined based on the positional relationship between the character C and the ball B, operation data, etc. whether or not the process of causing the character C to follow the ball B is performed (step S1). For example, when the path is toward the character C, or the character C is closest to the ball B as compared with other characters, and the operation lever 18 is operated, or the character C touches the ball B last. First, a process for chasing the ball B is performed. When the path is toward you or when you are closest to the ball B, it is natural to perform the process of approaching the ball B, and the character C is moved to the ball even though the operation lever 18 is not operated. This is because it is unnatural to approach B.

  In the present embodiment, dribbling is regarded as a path to the user. The case where the character C touches the ball B last is a dribbling case or a case where the ball B hits the character C.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the pass button 14 and the shoot button 16 have been pressed. If it is determined that the button has been pressed, the mode shifts to the pass mode and the shoot mode (steps S2, S3, S4, and S5).

  As described above, the present embodiment operates so as to exit from the dribble mode when the process of chasing the ball B is not performed or when the pass button 14 or the shoot button 16 is pressed.

  Next, as shown by F2 and F6 in FIG. 2, the moving direction 22 of the character C is directed toward the ball B (step S6). This makes it possible for the character C to automatically follow the ball B even when dribbling while turning left or right.

  Next, an angle θ (see FIG. 15) in the kick direction 20 is obtained based on operation data from the operation lever 18 (step S7). When the operation lever 18 is a digital type, for example, θ is determined based on the time when the operation lever 18 is tilted left or right. On the other hand, in the case of the analog type, for example, θ is determined based on the angle at which the operation lever 18 is tilted left and right.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the character C touched the ball B last time. If not touched, the mode shifts to the trap mode (steps S8 and S9). In this trap mode, trap motion data is reproduced. If a given condition is satisfied, the dribble mode is entered after the trap mode.

  Next, it is determined whether to shift to a direction change mode (see FIG. 6) in which the ball B is stopped and change direction, or to shift to a dribble mode in which the ball B is kept running. That is, it is determined whether or not the operation lever 18 has been tilted forward. If it has been tilted, the mode shifts to the dribble mode (steps S10 and S16 in FIG. 14). The fact that the operation lever 18 is tilted forward is because the player is considered to be willing to accelerate the character C.

  On the other hand, when the operation lever 18 is not tilted forward and the speed of the ball B is equal to or lower than a given VBL, the direction change mode is entered (steps S10, S11, S13). In this case, it is considered that the player has no intention to accelerate the ball B, and the speed of the ball B is low. In the present embodiment, when the speed of the ball B is higher than VBL, even if the operation lever 18 is not tilted forward, it shifts to the dribble mode if it is tilted left or right ( Steps S10, S11, S12, S16).

  When the mode is changed to the direction change mode, as shown in FIG. 15, the position of the point B ′ moved from the ball B by L in the opposite direction to the kick direction 20 is obtained, and the character C is brought close to B ′ (Step S14, S15). In this way, the direction change as described with reference to FIG. 6 becomes possible.

  When transitioning to the dribble mode, the time TC until C contacts B is determined based on the distance between the character C and the ball B (see FIG. 3). Then, a process of bringing the character C closer to the ball B is performed (step S18).

  Next, it is determined whether or not time (TC-TM) has elapsed, and when it has elapsed, reproduction of dribble motion data is started (steps S19 and S20). By doing so, as described with reference to FIG. 3, the reproduction of the motion data can be completed when the character C and the ball B are in contact with each other, and an image without unnaturalness can be obtained.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the character C has touched the ball B (step S21). And when not contacting, the process from step S18 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the character C and the ball B come into contact with each other, the ball B is kicked in the kick direction 20 with the angle θ (step S22). As a result, the ball B can be kicked in the direction desired by the player. The speed at the time of kicking the ball B is determined based on how the operation lever 18 is tilted forward. By doing so, it is possible to perform dribbling while freely changing the distance between the character C and the ball B as shown in FIGS.

  Next, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is directed toward the kick direction 20 (step S23). As a result, as described with reference to FIG. 5, the player can visually feel the magnitude of the change in the angle θ. In addition, it is possible to efficiently convey information regarding the enemy and allies in the kick direction 20 to the player.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the character C is brought close to the ball B in step S18, B is kicked in the kick direction 20 in step S22 after contact, and the moving direction of C is directed in the direction B in step S6 of FIG. Yes. By doing so, the character C and the ball B move as shown in FIG. As a result, it is possible to cause the character C to automatically follow the ball B while kicking the ball B in the direction desired by the player.

  Next, an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the apparatus shown in the figure, a CPU 1000, a ROM 1002, a RAM 1004, an information storage medium 1006, a sound generation IC 1008, an image generation IC 1010, and I / O ports 1012, 1014 are connected to each other via a system bus 1016 so that data can be transmitted and received. A display 1018 is connected to the image generation IC 1010, a speaker 1020 is connected to the sound generation IC 1008, a control device 1022 is connected to the I / O port 1012, and a communication device 1024 is connected to the I / O port 1014. Has been.

  The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data for expressing display objects, sound data, and the like. For example, a consumer game device uses a CD-ROM, game cassette, DVD, or the like as an information storage medium for storing a game program or the like. The arcade game machine uses a memory such as a ROM. In this case, the information storage medium 1006 is a ROM 1002.

  The control device 1022 corresponds to a game controller, an operation panel, and the like, and is a device for inputting a result of a determination made by the player in accordance with the progress of the game to the device main body.

  In accordance with a program stored in the information storage medium 1006, a system program stored in the ROM 1002 (such as device initialization information), a signal input by the control device 1022, the CPU 1000 controls the entire device and performs various data processing. . The RAM 1004 is a storage means used as a work area of the CPU 1000 and stores the given contents of the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002 or the calculation result of the CPU 1000. A data structure having a logical configuration such as table data is constructed on the RAM or information storage medium.

  Further, this type of apparatus is provided with a sound generation IC 1008 and an image generation IC 1010 so that game sounds and game images can be suitably output. The sound generation IC 1008 is an integrated circuit that generates game sounds such as sound effects and background music based on information stored in the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002, and the generated game sounds are output by the speaker 1020. The image generation IC 1010 is an integrated circuit that generates pixel information to be output to the display 1018 based on image information sent from the RAM 1004, the ROM 1002, the information storage medium 1006, and the like. As the display 1018, a so-called head mounted display (HMD) can be used.

  The communication device 1024 exchanges various types of information used inside the game device with the outside. The communication device 1024 is connected to other game devices to send and receive given information according to the game program, and to connect a communication line. It is used for sending and receiving information such as game programs.

  Various processes described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12 and 15 include an information storage medium 1006 that stores a program for performing the processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 13 and 14, a CPU 1000 that operates according to the program, and an image generation IC 1010. This is realized by the sound generation IC 1008 or the like. The processing performed by the image generation IC 1010, the sound generation IC 1008, and the like may be performed by software using the CPU 1000 or a general-purpose DSP.

  FIG. 17A shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game device. The player enjoys the game by operating the lever 1102, the button 1104, and the like while viewing the game image displayed on the display 1100. A CPU, an image generation IC, a sound generation IC, and the like are mounted on a system board 1106 built in the apparatus. And, when the character and the play object come into contact with each other, information for releasing the play object in the release direction determined based on the operation data and directing the character moving direction in the direction of the play object released in the release direction, Information for generating an image in a given viewpoint in the object space, line-of-sight direction, and moving the character in the direction of the play object, and then bringing the character close to the play object so that the character and the play object are in contact with each other If it is determined that the game object is released, information for releasing the play object in the release direction is stored in a memory 1108 that is an information storage medium on the system board 1106. Hereinafter, these pieces of information are referred to as stored information. The stored information includes at least one of program code, image information, sound information, display object shape information, table data, list data, player information, and the like for performing the various processes described above.

  FIG. 17B shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a home game device. The player enjoys the game by operating the game controllers 1202 and 1204 while viewing the game image displayed on the display 1200. In this case, the stored information is stored in a CD-ROM 1206, IC cards 1208, 1209, etc., which are information storage media detachable from the main unit.

  FIG. 17C shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a game device including a host device 1300 and terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n connected to the host device 1300 via a communication line 1302. Show. In this case, the stored information is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic disk device, a magnetic tape device, or a memory that can be controlled by the host device 1300, for example. When the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n have a CPU, an image generation IC, and a sound generation IC and can generate a game image and a game sound stand-alone, the host device 1300 receives a game image and a game A game program or the like for generating sound is delivered to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated stand-alone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound, which is transmitted to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n and output at the terminal.

  The present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

  For example, as a game to which the present invention can be applied, in addition to soccer, the present invention can be applied to various games such as rugby, basketball, and hockey using a play object such as a ball.

  The process of releasing the play object in the release direction determined based on the operation data when the character and the play object are in contact with each other and causing the character to move in the direction of the play object are shown in FIGS. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  Further, the configuration and operation method of the operation means are not limited to those described in the present embodiment.

  The present invention is most preferably applied to dribbling, but various modifications are possible as long as the play object is moved using a character.

  The present invention can be applied not only to home and business game devices, but also to various devices such as a simulator, a large attraction device in which a large number of players participate, a personal computer, a multimedia terminal, and a system board for generating images. .

It is a figure for demonstrating the principle of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the detailed process example of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the timing of reproduction | regeneration start of motion data. FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining a method of changing the distance between the character C and the ball B when dribbling. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of changing the gaze direction of a virtual camera to a kick direction at the time of a kick. It is a figure for demonstrating direction change. FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining an example of exiting the dribble mode. FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are diagrams for explaining the action of the character C during dribbling. FIGS. 9A and 9B are also diagrams for explaining the action of the character C during dribbling. FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are diagrams for explaining the action of the character C when passing from the dribble state. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the character C when making a pass from the dribble state. It is a figure which shows an example of the functional block diagram of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flowchart for demonstrating the detailed example of operation | movement of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flowchart for demonstrating the detailed example of operation | movement of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the detailed example of operation | movement of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the hardware which implement | achieves this embodiment. FIGS. 17A, 17 </ b> B, and 17 </ b> C are diagrams for describing various types of apparatuses to which the present embodiment is applied.

Explanation of symbols

10 Operation part 12 Display part 14 Pass button 16 Shoot button 18 Operation lever 20 Kick direction (release direction)
22 moving direction 28 virtual camera 30 viewpoint 32 line of sight 100 processing unit 110 game computing unit 112 moving body computing unit 114 viewpoint computing unit 150 image generation unit 190 information storage medium C character B ball (play object)
θ Kick direction angle

Claims (12)

A computer-readable information storage medium for generating an image in a given viewpoint and line-of-sight direction in an object space in which a character and a play object move,
Based on operation data from the operation means, moving body calculation means for performing a calculation to move the character operated by the player in the object space;
Storage means for storing motion data;
Viewpoint calculation means for performing processing for determining the position and line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint;
In the object space where the character and the play object move, as an image generation means for generating an image in the viewpoint and line-of-sight direction determined by the viewpoint calculation means,
Memorize the program that makes the computer work,
The moving body computing means is
Means for processing the character closer to the play object;
Means for determining whether or not the character and the play object are in contact;
Means for calculating the distance between the character and the play object based on the position of the character and the play object;
Means for calculating a time TC until the character contacts the play object based on the calculated distance;
When the motion data playback time of the character is TM, it includes means for starting playback of the motion data of the character after a time (TC-TM) after starting the process of bringing the character closer to the play object. Information storage medium. A computer-readable information storage medium for generating an image in a given viewpoint and line-of-sight direction in an object space in which a character and a play object move,
Based on operation data from the operation means, moving body calculation means for performing a calculation to move the character operated by the player in the object space;
Mode setting means for performing operation mode setting processing;
Viewpoint calculation means for performing processing for determining the position and line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint;
In the object space where the character and the play object move, as an image generation means for generating an image in the viewpoint and line-of-sight direction determined by the viewpoint calculation means,
Memorize the program that makes the computer work,
The moving body computing means is
Means for processing the character closer to the play object;
Including means for determining whether the character and the play object are in contact with each other;
The mode setting means is
Means for performing a dribble mode setting process for moving the play object in the release direction and directing the character in the play direction when it is determined that the character and the play object are in contact with each other;
When it is determined not to perform the process of causing the character to follow the play object, when it is determined that the pass operation is performed, or when at least one of the cases where it is determined that the shooting operation is performed, the dribbling mode is started. Means for performing the process of exiting ;
Only including,
The viewpoint calculation means is
An information storage medium comprising: means for performing processing for directing the line-of-sight direction when generating an image to the discharge direction when the play object moves in the discharge direction.   A computer-readable information storage medium for generating an image in a given viewpoint and line-of-sight direction in an object space in which a character and a play object move,
  Based on operation data from the operation means, moving body calculation means for performing a calculation to move the character operated by the player in the object space;
  Mode setting means for performing operation mode setting processing;
  Viewpoint calculation means for performing processing for determining the position and line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint;
  In the object space where the character and the play object move, as an image generation means for generating an image in the viewpoint and line-of-sight direction determined by the viewpoint calculation means,
  Memorize the program that makes the computer work,
  The moving body computing means is
  Means for processing the character closer to the play object;
  Including means for determining whether the character and the play object are in contact with each other;
  The mode setting means is
  Means for performing a dribble mode setting process for moving the play object in the release direction and directing the movement direction of the character in the direction of the play object when it is determined that the character and the play object are in contact;
  If it is determined not to perform the process of causing the character to follow the play object, if it is determined that a pass operation has been performed, or if it is determined that a shoot operation has been performed, the dribbling mode may be used. Means for performing the process of exiting;
  Including
  The moving body computing means is
  A circle centered on the play object when the character is not accelerated and the character's movement speed is determined to be less than or equal to the given speed while the character is directed toward the play object. An information storage medium comprising means for performing a process of moving a character on a circumference. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3 ,
The moving body computing means is
An information storage medium comprising means for moving the play object in the release direction at a speed determined based on operation data from the operation means when it is determined that the character and the play object are in contact with each other . In claim 1,
The viewpoint calculation means is
An information storage medium comprising: means for performing processing for directing the line-of-sight direction when generating an image to the discharge direction when the play object is moved in the discharge direction. In claim 1 ,
The moving body computing means is
A circle centered on the play object when the character is not accelerated and the character's movement speed is determined to be less than or equal to the given speed while the character is directed toward the play object. An information storage medium comprising means for performing a process of moving a character on a circumference. An image generation device that generates an image in a given viewpoint and line-of-sight direction in an object space in which a character and a play object move,
Based on operation data from the operation means, moving body calculation means for performing a calculation to move the character operated by the player in the object space;
Storage means for storing motion data;
Viewpoint calculation means for performing processing for determining the position and line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint;
In an object space in which a character and a play object move, image generation means for generating an image in the viewpoint determined by the viewpoint calculation means and the line of sight,
The moving body computing means is
Means for processing the character closer to the play object;
Means for determining whether or not the character and the play object are in contact;
Means for calculating the distance between the character and the play object based on the position of the character and the play object;
Means for calculating a time TC until the character contacts the play object based on the calculated distance;
When the motion data playback time of the character is TM, it includes means for starting playback of the motion data of the character after a time (TC-TM) after starting the process of bringing the character closer to the play object. Image generation device. An image generation device that generates an image in a given viewpoint and line-of-sight direction in an object space in which a character and a play object move,
Based on operation data from the operation means, moving body calculation means for performing a calculation to move the character operated by the player in the object space;
Mode setting means for performing operation mode setting processing;
Viewpoint calculation means for performing processing for determining the position and line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint;
In an object space in which a character and a play object move, image generation means for generating an image in the viewpoint determined by the viewpoint calculation means and the line of sight,
The moving body computing means is
Means for processing the character closer to the play object;
Including means for determining whether the character and the play object are in contact with each other;
The mode setting means is
Means for performing a dribble mode setting process for moving the play object in the release direction and directing the character in the play direction when it is determined that the character and the play object are in contact with each other;
If it is determined not to perform the process of causing the character to follow the play object, if it is determined that a pass operation has been performed, or if it is determined that a shoot operation has been performed, the dribbling mode may be used. Means for performing the process of exiting;
Only including,
The viewpoint calculation means is
An image generation apparatus comprising: means for performing a process of directing the line-of-sight direction when generating an image to the discharge direction when the play object is moved in the discharge direction.   An image generation device that generates an image in a given viewpoint and line-of-sight direction in an object space in which a character and a play object move,
  Based on operation data from the operation means, moving body calculation means for performing a calculation to move the character operated by the player in the object space;
  Mode setting means for performing operation mode setting processing;
  Viewpoint calculation means for performing processing for determining the position and line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint;
  In an object space in which a character and a play object move, an image generation unit that generates an image in the viewpoint and line-of-sight direction determined by the viewpoint calculation unit,
  The moving body computing means is
  Means for processing the character closer to the play object;
  Including means for determining whether the character and the play object are in contact with each other;
  The mode setting means is
  Means for performing a dribble mode setting process for moving the play object in the release direction and directing the movement direction of the character in the direction of the play object when it is determined that the character and the play object are in contact;
  If it is determined not to perform the process of causing the character to follow the play object, if it is determined that a pass operation has been performed, or if it is determined that a shoot operation has been performed, the dribbling mode may be used. Means for performing the process of exiting;
  Including
  The moving body computing means is
  A circle centered on the play object when the character is not accelerated and the character's moving speed is determined to be less than or equal to the given speed while the character is directed toward the play object. An image generating apparatus comprising means for performing a process of moving a character on a circumference. In any one of Claims 7 thru | or 9 ,
The moving body computing means is
An image generating apparatus comprising: means for performing a process of moving the play object in the release direction at a speed determined based on operation data from the operation means when it is determined that the character and the play object are in contact with each other . In claim 7 ,
The viewpoint calculation means is
An image generating apparatus, comprising: means for performing processing for directing the line-of-sight direction when generating an image to the discharge direction when the play object moves in the discharge direction. In claim 7 ,
The moving body computing means is
A circle centered on the play object when the character is not accelerated and the character's movement speed is determined to be less than or equal to the given speed while the character is directed toward the play object. An image generating apparatus comprising means for performing a process of moving a character on a circumference.

Images