JP4040060B2 - GAME DEVICE, DISPLAY CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a display control device, a display control method, and a program that can appropriately guide a player's line of sight.

  Conventionally, various game devices (video game devices and the like) have been developed for home use and business use. Such a game device needs to display not only the main play screen but also various information in a display area (display unit or the like) depending on the situation. At that time, the game apparatus generally divides (divides) the display area into a plurality of areas and displays different screens (images or the like) in each area.

As an example, in a competitive game device for business use, a three-dimensional image (a race video from different viewpoints) based on a plurality of viewpoint positions is divided into screens so that the player can easily grasp the current race situation. A technique for displaying is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-204889 A (page 2-4, FIG. 6)

Recently, game devices having a plurality of physical display units have been developed. For example, in a portable game device, two display units are arranged at a certain interval with a hinge unit or the like interposed therebetween so that the portable game device can be folded.
In such a game device having a plurality of display units, different images or the like can be displayed on each display unit without dividing the screen.

However, since each display unit is arranged at a certain interval, if the player pays attention to only one display unit, the display content change (screen change) in the other display unit may not be noticed. was there.
For example, the game device displays a main play screen (such as a screen on which characters to be operated on the field are displayed) on one display unit, and a sub conversation screen (between characters) on the other display unit. When displaying a screen on which a message such as a conversation is displayed, the player usually tends to pay attention to the play screen, and often misses the message displayed on the conversation screen.
If the missed message is an important message that greatly affects the progress of the game on the play screen, the player cannot win the game or gets stuck on the way.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and can appropriately guide the player's line of sight from any display unit to another display unit, a display control method, and The purpose is to provide a program.

  A display control apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is a display control apparatus having a plurality of display units, and includes a screen display control unit, a target image generation unit, and a target image moving unit.

  First, the screen display control unit displays different screens (for example, a play screen and a conversation screen) on each display unit. Further, the target image generation unit generates a target image (for example, a message window) having a predetermined display form. Then, the target image moving unit displays the generated target image from any screen and moves it to another screen.

That is, the target image is displayed on any screen that the player is paying attention to, and the target image is moved to another screen.
As a result, the player captures the target image in the field of view within the screen of interest, moves his / her line of sight along with the movement of the target image, and finally moves his / her line of sight to another screen.
As a result, it is possible to appropriately guide the player's line of sight from one of the display units to the other display unit.

  A display control apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is a display control apparatus having a plurality of display units, and includes a screen display control unit, a screen setting unit, a target image generating unit, a target image moving unit, and setting switching. It is configured with a part.

First, the screen display control unit displays different screens (for example, a play screen and a conversation screen) on each display unit. Then, the screen setting unit sets one of the displayed screens as an active screen (a screen that is a current target of interest and is displayed with standard brightness), and the rest is an inactive screen ( This is a screen that is not the current target of interest and is displayed somewhat darker than the standard screen).
On the other hand, the target image generation unit generates a target image (for example, a message window) having a predetermined display form. The target image moving unit displays the generated target image from the active screen and moves it to the inactive screen. Then, when the target image moves to the inactive screen, the setting switching unit switches the setting of the active screen and the inactive screen in each screen.

That is, the target image is displayed in the active screen, and the target image is moved to the inactive screen. When the movement of the target image is finished, the inactive screen at the movement destination is switched to the active screen, and the active screen at the movement source is switched to the inactive screen.
Thus, the player who has focused on the active screen captures the target image in the field of view, moves his / her line of sight along with the movement of the target image, and finally moves his / her line of sight to the inactive screen. Further, in this state, since the inactive screen is switched to the active screen, the player pays attention to the screen as it is.
As a result, it is possible to appropriately guide the player's line of sight from one of the display units to the other display unit.

In the display control device, the target image generation unit generates a target image including a predetermined message (for example, a conversation message), and the target image moving unit at least moves the target image to the inactive screen. After the movement, the message may be displayed so as to be visible.
In this case, the player can easily read the message on the movement destination screen in which the line of sight is moved (the movement of the line of sight is finished).

In the display control device, the target image moving unit is configured to move the target image from the active screen to the inactive screen based on a moving speed of the target image and a required moving interval length. The display start timing of the target image on the inactive screen may be adjusted.
In this case, the player can feel reality in the movement of the target image moving from the active screen to the inactive screen.

  A display control apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is a display control apparatus having a plurality of display units, and includes a screen display control unit, a screen setting unit, a target image generating unit, a target image moving unit, and setting switching. It is configured with a part.

First, the screen display control unit displays different screens (for example, a play screen and a conversation screen) on each display unit. Then, the screen setting unit sets one of the displayed screens as the first aspect ratio screen (for example, 4: 3) and the rest as the second aspect ratio screen (for example, 16: 9). Set to.
On the other hand, the target image generation unit generates a target image (for example, a message window) having a predetermined display form. The target image moving unit displays the generated target image from the first aspect ratio screen and moves it to the second aspect ratio screen. Then, when the target image moves to the second aspect ratio screen, the setting switching unit switches the setting of the first and second aspect ratio screens in each screen.

That is, the target image is displayed in the first aspect ratio screen, and the target image is moved to the second aspect ratio screen. When the movement of the target image is finished, the second aspect ratio screen as the movement destination is switched to the first aspect ratio screen, and the first aspect ratio screen as the movement source is switched to the second aspect screen.
As a result, the player who has focused on the first aspect ratio screen captures the target image in the field of view, moves his / her line of sight along with the movement of the target image, and finally moves his / her line of sight to the second aspect ratio screen. Will be moved. Further, in this state, since the second aspect ratio screen is switched to the first aspect ratio screen, the player pays attention to the screen as it is.
As a result, it is possible to appropriately guide the player's line of sight from one of the display units to the other display unit.

  A display control method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a display control method in a display device having a plurality of display units, and includes a screen display control step, a target image generation step, and a target image movement step. Is done.

  First, in the screen display control step, different screens (for example, a play screen and a conversation screen) are displayed on each display unit. In the target image generation step, a target image (for example, a message window) having a predetermined display form is generated. In the target image moving step, the generated target image is displayed from any screen and moved to another screen.

That is, the target image is displayed on any screen that the player is paying attention to, and the target image is moved to another screen.
As a result, the player captures the target image in the field of view within the screen of interest, moves his / her line of sight along with the movement of the target image, and finally moves his / her line of sight to another screen.
As a result, it is possible to appropriately guide the player's line of sight from one of the display units to the other display unit.

  A program according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is configured to cause a computer (including an electronic device) having a plurality of display units to function as the display control device.

  This program can be recorded on a computer-readable information recording medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory.

  The above program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. The information recording medium can be distributed and sold independently of the computer.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a player's eyes | visual_axis can be guide | induced appropriately from one display part to another display part.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the following, for ease of understanding, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a game device will be described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to information processing devices such as various computers, PDAs, and mobile phones. it can. That is, the embodiment described below is for explanation, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an appearance of a game device in which the display control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is realized. As shown in the figure, the game apparatus 1 has a feature of an upper display unit 18 and a lower display unit 19, each of which can display a predetermined image. A touch panel 20 is disposed on the front surface of the lower display unit 19.
In the following, for easy understanding, such a portable game device will be described as an example of the display control device.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the game apparatus 1 that functions as the display control apparatus of the present embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The game apparatus 1 includes a processing control unit 10, a connector 11, a cartridge 12, a communication connector 13, a communication controller 14, a sound amplifier 15, a speaker 16, an operation key 17, an upper display unit 18, and a lower part. A display unit 19 and a touch panel 20 are provided.

  The processing control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) core 10a, an image processing unit 10b, a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 10c, a WRAM (Work RAM) 10d, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) controller 10e, A touch panel controller 10f.

  The CPU core 10a controls the overall operation of the game apparatus 1 and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data. Specifically, a program and data stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12a in the cartridge 12 are read out with the cartridge 12 mounted in the connector 11, and predetermined processing is executed.

  The image processing unit 10b processes the data read from the ROM 12a in the cartridge 12 and the data processed by the CPU core 10a, and stores the processed data in the VRAM 10c.

The VRAM 10c is a memory for storing display information, and stores image information processed by the image processing unit 10b and the like.
The WRAM 10d stores work data and the like necessary for the CPU core 10a to execute various processes according to the program.

  The LCD controller 10e controls the upper display unit 18 and the lower display unit 19 to display a predetermined display image. For example, the LCD controller 10 e converts the first image information stored in the VRAM 10 c into a display signal at a predetermined synchronization timing and outputs the display signal to the upper display unit 18. In addition, the LCD controller 10 e outputs the second image information stored in the VRAM 10 c to the lower display unit 19.

  The touch panel controller 10f detects contact (touch) on the touch panel 20 with a user's finger or the like. For example, the touch on the touch panel 20 and the position thereof are detected in a state where a play screen (to be described later) is displayed on the lower display unit 19.

  The connector 11 is a terminal that can be detachably connected to the cartridge 12, and transmits / receives predetermined data to / from the cartridge 12 when the cartridge 12 is connected.

The cartridge 12 includes a ROM 12a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12b.
The ROM 12a stores a program for realizing the game and image data, sound data, and the like accompanying the game.
The RAM 12b stores various data indicating the progress of the game.

  The communication connector 13 is a terminal that can be detachably connected to a predetermined communication cable, and transmits / receives predetermined data when connected to another game apparatus 1 via the communication cable.

  The communication controller 14 mediates communication performed between the process control unit 10 and the process control unit 10 of another game device 1 in accordance with a predetermined protocol.

The sound amplifier 15 amplifies the audio signal generated by the processing control unit 10 and supplies it to the speaker 16.
The speaker 16 is composed of, for example, a stereo speaker, and outputs predetermined music sound, sound effect, and the like according to the audio signal amplified by the sound amplifier 15.

  The operation key 17 includes a plurality of key switches and the like appropriately arranged on the game apparatus 1 and receives a predetermined instruction input according to a user operation.

  The upper display unit 18 and the lower display unit 19 are composed of an LCD or the like, and are controlled by the LCD controller 10e to appropriately display a main play screen, a sub conversation screen, and the like.

The touch panel 20 is disposed so as to be superimposed on the front surface of the lower display unit 19 and receives an input by contact with a user's finger or the like.
The touch panel 20 includes, for example, a pressure-sensitive touch sensor panel and the like, detects the pressure of the user's finger and the like, and detects the contact state and the transition from the contact state to the non-contact state. In addition, the touch panel 20 may detect contact with a user's finger or the like from a change in capacitance or the like.

(Outline configuration of display control device)
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the display control apparatus according to the present embodiment. Note that the above-described game apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2 functions as the display control apparatus 100 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

The display control apparatus 100 includes a control unit 101, an image information storage unit 102, a screen display control unit 103, display units 104a and 104b, a screen setting unit 105, a message window generation unit 106, and a window moving unit 107. And a setting switching unit 108.
The display control apparatus 100 further includes an operation input receiving unit (not shown) (the operation key 17 and the touch panel 20 described above), and can appropriately receive an operation input from the player (for example, an operation instruction to the character). It has become.

First, the control unit 101 controls the entire display control apparatus 100. For example, the control unit 101 controls the screen display control unit 103 and the like to display a play screen, a conversation screen, and the like on the display units 104a and 104b. In addition, the control unit 101 controls the message window generation unit 106 and the like so that a message window, which will be described later, is displayed on the display units 104a and 104b as appropriate.
In addition, the control unit 101 controls the screen setting unit 105 and the like, and performs screen setting (setting of an active screen / inactive screen, which will be described later) on the display units 104a and 104b.
Note that the CPU core 10 a can function as such a control unit 101.

The image information storage unit 102 stores image information for defining characters, landscape images, and the like arranged in the virtual space.
The ROM 12a and the like can function as such an image information storage unit 102.

The screen display control unit 103 is controlled by the control unit 101 and the like, generates different display images (screens) based on the image information stored in the image information storage unit 102, and displays the screens on the display units 104a and 104b. To display.
For example, the screen display control unit 103 generates a conversation screen as shown in FIG. 4A and displays it on the display unit 104a. On this conversation screen, the upper body image of the character appearing in the game is drawn, representing the character's facial expression and gestures, and when a message (conversation etc.) is issued from a predetermined character, a message window is also displayed as appropriate. The
Further, the screen display control unit 103 generates a play screen as shown in FIG. 4B and displays it on the display unit 104b. On the play screen, a game field, an operation target character (self character), and the like are drawn, and an operation of the player is reflected.
The image processing unit 10b and the LCD controller 10e can function as such a screen display control unit 103.

Returning to FIG. 3, the display units 104 a and 104 b are arranged side by side with a predetermined gap (substantially up and down as viewed from the player), and each display the screen generated by the screen display control unit 103. For example, the display unit 104a displays a conversation screen as shown in FIG. 4A, and the display unit 104b displays a play screen as shown in FIG. 4B.
The display units 104a and 104b also appropriately display the message window generated by the message window generation unit 106, as will be described later.
The upper display unit 18 can function as such a display unit 104a, and the lower display unit 19 can function as such a display unit 104b.

The screen setting unit 105 performs screen settings for the display units 104a and 104b. For example, the screen setting unit 105 sets the display units 104a and 104b to the active screen that is the current target of interest or the inactive screen that is not the current target of attention. That is, when the active screen is set, the screen is displayed with a standard brightness, and conversely, when the inactive screen is set, the screen is displayed somewhat darker than the standard.
The LCD controller 10e and the like can function as such a screen setting unit 105.

The message window generation unit 106 generates a message window including a predetermined message (such as a character string). For example, a message window is generated in order to display a message (conversation message) indicating the content of the conversation in a scene where there is a conversation (utterance) from the character. Then, the generated message window is displayed on the play screen or the like by controlling the screen display control unit 103.
As will be described later, the message window is appropriately moved from the play screen to the conversation screen (or from the conversation screen to the play screen) by the window moving unit 107. Then, while the message window is moving, the message window generation unit 106 may change the character color of the message to a color close to the background color of the message window so that the player can hardly see the message content. . Thereafter, after the message window has moved to the conversation screen, the message color may be changed to the original color (a color different from the background color, etc.) to make the message content visible.
The CPU core 10a and the like can function as such a message window generation unit 106.

The window moving unit 107 appropriately moves the message window generated by the message window generating unit 106. For example, the window moving unit 107 appropriately moves the message window from the play screen to the conversation screen (or from the conversation screen to the play screen) at a predetermined speed.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5A, the window moving unit 107 moves the message window MW into the frame from the left end of the display unit 104b (play screen) and moves it to the right as it is. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the message window MW is moved to a predetermined position in the display unit 104b, this time, the message window MW is moved upward.

As shown in FIG. 5C, when the upper part of the message window MW is removed from the display unit 104b with the upward movement, the part is framed out. When the message window MW further moves, as shown in FIG. 5D, the upper part of the message window MW is framed into the display unit 104a.
That is, the window moving unit 107 appropriately adjusts the display start timing of the message window MW on the display unit 104a based on the moving speed of the message window MW and the interval length between the display units 104a and 104b.

  Finally, as shown in FIG. 5E, the window moving unit 107 moves the message window MW to a predetermined position in the display unit 104a. At this time, as described above, the message window generation unit 106 may change the character color of the message MS to the original color and make the message content visible.

In addition, the window moving unit 107 moves the message window MW from the display unit 104a to the display unit 104b with a predetermined time after the movement into the display unit 104a as a trigger. Then, the message window MW may be deleted after the movement, or may be further moved as it is to be framed out from the display unit 104b.
The CPU core 10a, the image processing unit 10b, and the like can function as such a window moving unit 107.

Returning to FIG. 3, the setting switching unit 108 controls the screen setting unit 105 to appropriately switch the screen setting of the display units 104 a and 104 b to the active screen or the inactive screen.
For example, the setting switching unit 108 sets the play screen as an active screen and the conversation screen as an inactive screen in a play state in which the player is operating the player character. In addition, when a predetermined message MS is issued and the message window MW is moved from the play screen to the conversation screen as described above, the screen setting unit 105 sets the conversation screen as an active screen and displays the play screen. Set to inactive screen. Further, in a state in which the message window MW has moved (or has been deleted) from the conversation screen to the play screen, the screen setting unit 105 sets the play screen as an active screen and sets the conversation screen as an inactive screen.
The image processing unit 10b and the LCD controller 10e can function as such a setting switching unit 108.

(Operation of display control device)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of display control processing executed in the display control apparatus 100. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG. This display control process is executed as the game progresses in a predetermined game in which a conversation screen is displayed on the display unit 104a and a play screen is displayed on the display unit 104b.
It is assumed that the player is operating his / her character or the like on the play screen. In other words, the player plays the game while paying attention to the play screen set as the active screen (moving the line of sight). One conversation screen is set to an inactive screen.

First, the display control apparatus 100 appropriately updates and displays the play screen according to the player's operation or the like (step S201). That is, the screen display control unit 103 sequentially generates the play screen PG and displays it on the display unit 104b.
For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the play screen PG is displayed (updated sequentially) on the display unit 104b. The play screen PG is set as an active screen. On the other hand, the conversation screen KG set as the inactive screen is displayed on the display unit 104a.
That is, in this state, the player is paying attention to the play screen PG (the line of sight is moved to the play screen PG).

The display control device 100 determines whether or not the message MS has been issued (step S202). For example, according to the progress of the game, it is determined whether or not there is a scene where there is a conversation (speech) from a predetermined character.
If the display control apparatus 100 determines that the message MS has not been issued, the display control apparatus 100 returns the process to step S201 described above.

  On the other hand, when determining that the message MS has been issued, the display control device 100 generates a message window MW (step S203). That is, the message window generation unit 106 generates a message window MW including a conversation message according to the scene.

  The display control apparatus 100 moves the message window MW from the play screen PG toward the conversation screen KG (step S204). That is, the window moving unit 107 first causes the message window MS to appear (frame in) on the play screen PG, and then appropriately moves from the play screen PG to the conversation screen KG at a predetermined speed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the window moving unit 107 moves the message window MW into the frame from the left end of the play screen PG and moves it to the right as it is.
Thereby, the player who has paid attention to the play screen PG captures the message window MW in the field of view. Then, the user's line of sight is moved rightward so as to follow the moving message window MW.
Note that the message window generator 106 may set the character color of the message MS to a color close to the background color of the message window MW so that the content of the message is difficult to see while the message window MW is moving.

Then, as shown in FIG. 7C, the window moving unit 107 changes the moving direction upward when the message window MW is moved to a predetermined position in the play screen PG. That is, the message window MW is moved upward.
Thereby, the player also moves his / her line of sight upward so as to follow the message window MW moving upward.
When the upper part of the message window MW is removed from the play screen PG with the upward movement of the message window MW, as shown in FIG. When the movement further proceeds, the window moving unit 107 moves the message window MW into the frame from the lower end of the conversation screen KG and moves it upward as shown in FIG. That is, the display start timing of the message window MW on the conversation screen KG is appropriately adjusted based on the moving speed of the message window MW and the interval length between the display units 104a and 104b.
As a result, the player who is following the message window MW out of the frame sensuously moves his line of sight to the conversation screen KG.

The display control device 100 determines whether or not the movement of the message window MW has been completed (step S205). That is, the window moving unit 107 determines whether the message window has been moved to a predetermined position in the conversation screen.
For example, as shown in FIG. 7F, the display control device 100 determines that the movement is completed when the message window MW reaches a predetermined position in the conversation screen KG.
If the display control apparatus 100 determines that the movement has not been completed, the display control apparatus 100 returns the process to step S204 described above.

On the other hand, when determining that the movement of the message window MW has been completed, the display control apparatus 100 switches the conversation screen to the active screen and switches the play screen to the inactive screen (step S206).
For example, as shown in FIG. 7G, the screen setting unit 105 sets the conversation screen KG as an active screen and sets the play screen PG as an inactive screen. At that time, the message window generation unit 106 may reset the character color of the message MS to the original color (a color different from the background color of the message window MW) so that the content of the message can be visually recognized.
Thereby, the player who moves his / her line of sight to the conversation screen KG following the message window MW reads the message MS on the conversation screen KG switched from the inactive screen to the active screen.

  After that, the display control apparatus 100 waits for execution of subsequent processing until a predetermined time has elapsed (step 207). That is, it waits until the player finishes reading the message MS in the message window MW. In addition, when a predetermined consent instruction is received from the player during the standby, the subsequent process may be executed without waiting for the elapse of the predetermined time.

When the predetermined time has elapsed, the display control apparatus 100 moves the message window MW from the conversation screen KG toward the play screen PG (step S208). That is, the window moving unit 107 appropriately moves the message window MW from the conversation screen KG to the play screen PG at a predetermined speed.
For example, the window moving unit 107 moves the message window MW downward as shown in FIG. Thereby, the player moves his / her line of sight downward so as to follow the moving message window MW.
Then, when the lower part of the message window MW is removed from the conversation screen KG with the downward movement of the message window MW, as shown in FIG. As the movement further proceeds, the window moving unit 107 moves the message window MW in from the upper end of the play screen PG and moves it downward as shown in FIG. 8C. Also in this case, the display start timing of the message window MW on the play screen PG is appropriately adjusted based on the moving speed of the message window MW and the interval length between the display units 104a and 104b.
As a result, the player who is following the message window MW out of the frame sensibly moves his / her line of sight to the play screen PG.

The display control apparatus 100 determines whether or not the movement of the message window MW is completed (step S209). That is, it is determined by the window moving unit 107 whether the message window MW has been moved to a predetermined position in the play screen PG.
For example, as shown in FIG. 8D, the display control device 100 determines that the movement is completed when the message window MW reaches a predetermined position in the play screen PG.
If the display control apparatus 100 determines that the movement has not been completed, the display control apparatus 100 returns the process to step S208 described above.

On the other hand, when determining that the movement of the message window MW is completed, the display control device 100 switches the play screen PG to the active screen and switches the conversation screen KG to the inactive screen (step S210).
For example, as shown in FIG. 8E, the screen setting unit 105 sets the play screen PG as an active screen and sets the conversation screen KG as an inactive screen. At that time, the message window generating unit 106 may delete the message window MW, and the window moving unit 107 maintains the downward movement as it is, and the message window MW is framed from the play screen PG. You may make it out.
Thereby, the player who moves his / her line of sight to the play screen PG following the message window MW continues the play on the play screen PG switched from the inactive screen to the active screen.

  Then, the display control apparatus 100 returns the process to step S201 described above. That is, the display control apparatus 100 repeatedly executes the processes in steps S201 to S210.

By such display control processing, a message window is displayed from the play screen during play, and the message window is moved to the conversation screen. When the movement of the message window is completed, the destination conversation screen is switched to the active screen, and the source play screen is switched to the inactive screen.
As a result, the player who has focused on the play screen captures the message window in the field of view, moves his / her line of sight along with the movement of the message window, and finally moves his / her line of sight to the conversation screen. Further, in this state, the conversation screen is switched from the inactive screen to the active screen, so that the player pays attention to the conversation screen as it is.

Further, in the display control process, the message window is moved from the conversation screen to the play screen after a predetermined time has elapsed. When the movement of the message window is completed, the play screen of the movement destination is switched to the active screen, and the conversation screen of the movement source is switched to the inactive screen.
As a result, the player who has focused on the conversation screen moves his / her line of sight along with the movement of the message window, and finally moves his / her line of sight to the play screen. Further, in this state, the play screen is switched from the inactive screen to the active screen, so that the player pays attention to the play screen as it is.

  As a result, in a display control apparatus having a plurality of display units, the player's line of sight can be appropriately guided from any display unit (screen) to another display unit.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the message window MW is moved between the display units 104a and 104b as a target image for guiding the player's line of sight. However, the target image is not limited to such a message window. Is optional.
For example, a message bar MB consisting only of the upper part of the message window as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B may be moved between the display units 104a and 104b as a target image.
That is, as shown in FIG. 9A, the display control apparatus 100 moves the message bar MB in from the left end of the display unit 104b and moves it to the right as it is. Then, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the message bar MB is moved to a predetermined position in the display unit 104b, this time, the message bar MB is moved upward.

  Similarly to the above, when the message bar MB moves out of the display unit 104b with the upward movement, the frame goes out, and when the message bar MB moves further, the message bar MB frames into the display unit 104a. That is, even in the case of the message bar MB, the display control apparatus 100 appropriately sets the display start timing of the message bar MB on the display unit 104a based on the moving speed of the message bar MB and the interval length between the display units 104a and 104b. adjust.

When the message bar MB moves to a predetermined position in the display unit 104a, as shown in FIG. 9D, the message bar MB is changed to the message window MW so that the player can visually recognize the content of the message.
That is, the shape, size, etc. of the target image are arbitrary and can be changed as appropriate in order to guide the player's line of sight.
Also in this case, it is possible to appropriately guide the player's line of sight from any display unit to another display unit.

In the above embodiment, the case where the message window or the like is first framed in from the left end of the display unit 104b has been described. However, the display start position of the message window or the like is arbitrary.
For example, a message window or the like may be framed in the vicinity of a character that has a conversation on the play screen, or may gradually appear while changing the transparency or the like.
In other words, as long as the target image is moved from the current screen to the next screen to be focused, the display start position and appearance method of the target image are arbitrary, and can be changed as appropriate according to the game content. Is possible.

In the above embodiment, an active screen and an inactive screen have been described as an example of the screen setting of the display unit. However, the screen setting is not limited to such active / inactive, and is arbitrary.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, different aspect ratios may be set as screen settings. FIG. 10A shows an example of a 4: 3 aspect ratio play screen, and FIG. 10B shows an example of a 16: 9 aspect ratio play screen. Note that these aspect ratios are just examples, and other aspect ratios may be used.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11A, the message is displayed in a state where the aspect ratio of the play screen PG is set to 4: 3 and the aspect ratio of the conversation screen KG is set to 16: 9. When issued, the display control apparatus 100 causes the message window MW to be framed in from the left end of the play screen PG, and is moved rightward as it is.
Thereby, the player who has paid attention to the play screen PG captures the message window MW in the field of view. Then, the user's line of sight is moved rightward so as to follow the moving message window MW.

Then, as shown in FIG. 11B, the display control apparatus 100 moves the message window MW upward when the message window MW is moved to a predetermined position in the play screen PG.
Thereby, the player also moves his / her line of sight upward so as to follow the message window MW moving upward.

Similarly to the above, when the message window MW moves out of the play screen PG with the upward movement, the frame is out, and when the message window MW moves further, the message window MW is framed into the conversation screen KG.
As a result, the player who is following the message window MW out of the frame sensuously moves his line of sight to the conversation screen KG.

Eventually, as shown in FIG. 11C, when the message window MW moves to a predetermined position in the conversation screen KG, the display control device 100 switches the setting of the aspect ratio of each screen. That is, as shown in FIG. 11D, the display control apparatus 100 sets the aspect ratio of the conversation screen KG to 4: 3, and sets the aspect ratio of the play screen PG to 16: 9.
Thus, the player who moves his / her line of sight to the conversation screen KG following the message window MW reads the message MS on the conversation screen KG switched to the aspect ratio of 4: 3.
That is, the screen setting of the display unit is arbitrary and can be changed as appropriate according to the game content and the like.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately guide the player's line of sight from one display unit to another display unit.

It is a mimetic diagram showing appearance of a game device of this embodiment. It is a mimetic diagram showing the outline composition of the game device of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the display control apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a conversation screen, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a play screen. (A)-(e) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the mode of a movement of a message window. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the display control process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (A)-(g) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating a message window moving from a play screen to a conversation screen. (A)-(e) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating a message window moving from a conversation screen to a play screen. (A), (b) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating a message bar moving, (c) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the message window displayed instead after a movement. (A), (b) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the play screen displayed with a different aspect ratio. (A)-(d) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating a message window moving from the play screen from which an aspect ratio differs to a conversation screen.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game device 10 Processing control part 11 Connector 12 Cartridge 13 Communication connector 14 Communication controller 15 Sound amplifier 16 Speaker 17 Operation key 18 Upper display part 19 Lower display part 20 Touch panel 100 Display control apparatus 101 Control part 102 Image information storage part 103 Screen display Control unit 104a, 104b Display unit 105 Screen setting unit 106 Message window generation unit 107 Window moving unit 108 Setting switching unit

Claims (7)

A game device having a plurality of display units and displaying a message for informing a player,
A screen display control unit for displaying different screens including game characters on each display unit;
A screen setting unit for setting one of the screens to be displayed to a first screen setting for making the target of attention, and a second screen setting for making the rest not to be the target of attention;
A message image generation unit that generates a message image including a character string related to the character;
A message image moving unit that displays the generated message image from within the screen of the first screen setting and moves it at a predetermined speed to the vicinity of the character on the screen of the second screen setting;
A setting switching unit that switches between the first and second screen settings on each screen when the message image is moved to the vicinity of the character on the screen of the second screen setting.
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to claim 1,
The message image generation unit generates a character string in the message image that is difficult to view by changing the character string to a color different from a predetermined color,
The message image moving unit at least moves the message image to the vicinity of the character on the screen of the second screen setting, and then returns the character string of the message image to a predetermined color and easily displays it.
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to claim 1 or 2,
The message image moving unit is configured to move the message image from the first screen setting screen to the second screen setting screen based on a moving speed of the message image and a required moving interval length. Adjusting the display start timing of the message image on the second screen setting screen,
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The first screen setting is an active screen that is displayed with a specified brightness and is a target of attention;
The second screen setting is an inactive screen that is displayed darker than the specified brightness and is not a target of attention.
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The first screen setting is a screen that is displayed with a specified aspect ratio and displays an image as usual,
The second screen setting is a screen that is displayed with an aspect ratio that is longer than a specified aspect ratio and is displayed with a reduced image.
A game device characterized by that. A display control method in a game apparatus that includes a plurality of display units, a screen display control unit, a screen setting unit, a message image generation unit, a message image moving unit, and a setting switching unit, and displays a message for informing a player. There,
A screen display control step for displaying different screens including game characters on each display unit, which is performed by the screen display control unit,
The screen set by the screen setting unit is set to the first screen setting for making any one of the screens to be displayed the target of attention, and is set to the second screen setting for not making the rest the target of attention. Configuration steps;
A message image generating step for generating a message image including a character string related to a character, performed by the message image generating unit;
Message image movement performed by the message image moving unit to display the generated message image from within the screen of the first screen setting and move it at a predetermined speed to the vicinity of the character on the screen of the second screen setting. Steps,
A setting switching step for switching between the first and second screen settings on each screen when the message image is moved to the vicinity of the character on the screen of the second screen setting performed by the setting switching unit; Comprising
A display control method characterized by the above. A computer having a plurality of display units and displaying a message for informing a player,
A screen display control unit for displaying different screens including game characters on each display unit,
A screen setting unit for setting one of the screens to be displayed as a first screen setting for making the target of attention, and setting a second screen setting for preventing the rest from being a target of attention;
A message image generation unit for generating a message image including a character string related to the character;
A message image moving unit that displays the generated message image from within the screen of the first screen setting and moves it at a predetermined speed to the vicinity of the character on the screen of the second screen setting;
A setting switching unit that switches between the first and second screen settings on each screen when the message image is moved to the vicinity of the character on the screen of the second screen setting;
A program characterized by functioning as

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