JP4154549B2 - GAME DEVICE, RECORDING MEDIUM CONTAINING PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a game device technology, and more particularly, to a game device technology for advancing a game based on a user operation on a displayed game screen.
[Prior art]
In a game device that realizes a so-called action-type game or the like, a hero (player character) in a game image displayed on a screen of a display device is controlled in accordance with an operation signal from an input device (controller pad) operated by a player. And the story of the game progresses.
[0002]
In particular, in recent years, with the improvement of hardware performance, the game effect of the game is enhanced by providing game images in which a player character behaves in a virtual three-dimensional space using three-dimensional graphics.
[0003]
This three-dimensional graphics is based on the three-dimensional data representing the object, and the spatial positional relationship of the object in the visual line direction from the viewpoint position in the virtual three-dimensional space (sometimes referred to as “projection center position”). Is calculated, and image processing such as rendering processing is further performed to express the object three-dimensionally. That is, in a game using 3D graphics, a player character or other object viewed from the viewpoint position is three-dimensionally expressed, and the viewpoint or line of sight is moved according to the player's operation or the game scene, so that the virtual 3D It provides game images that represent space. A game image viewed from such a viewpoint position is sometimes called a camera angle, which is similar to a camera image.
[0004]
By the way, in an action-type game or the like, the interest often depends on the game video represented on the display in addition to the story of the game. For this reason, in producing a game (game program), what kind of game video is provided to the player is a very important factor.
[0005]
However, the conventional game only provides a game video representing a virtual three-dimensional space from a specific camera angle, and does not provide a game video with an optimal camera angle according to the game situation.
[0006]
For example, when the player character aims to search for an item, it is desirable that the camera angle is such that the surrounding scene can be seen. On the other hand, when aiming at a battle with an enemy character, it is desirable that the camera angle matches the enemy character.
[0007]
However, in a conventional game, when a specific scene or stage is reached, the camera angle is only switched to a predetermined camera angle. Depending on the game situation that changes in real time, it is determined which camera angle is optimal. There was no such thing as judging and switching.
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, one of the factors that increase the interest of a game is to provide a game image that further enhances the effect of the game.
[0008]
However, the conventional game only provides a game image representing a virtual three-dimensional space from a specific camera angle, and selects an optimal camera angle according to the game situation and provides a game image based on the camera angle. I never did.
[0009]
Therefore, the present invention provides a game image for effectively expressing a virtual three-dimensional space according to the game situation.
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is configured as follows. That is, according to the present invention, in a game device that controls the progress of a game based on a user operation on a game screen displayed on a display device, a predetermined mode selected according to the progress of the game and a character in the game are acquired. A game apparatus characterized by determining a predetermined camera angle based on the predetermined item and displaying a game screen based on the determined camera angle. Here, the mode is attribute information given to the character in a game scenario, such as a search mode and a battle mode. In other words, the command that can be given to the character differs depending on the type of the current mode. It is preferable that such a mode can be selected by a user operation. An item is attribute information that can be acquired (lost) by a character in a game scenario, such as a firearm, a bomb, and a flashlight.
[0010]
According to the present invention, in a game device that controls the progress of a game based on a user operation on the displayed game screen, according to the progress of the game according to an input device selected based on the user operation. The game device is configured to configure a game screen for a predetermined place set in the above. Here, examples of the input device include an analog controller and a digital controller.
[0011]
Furthermore, the present invention is also realized as a recording medium on which a program is recorded. Here, the recording medium includes, for example, a hard disk (HD), a DVD-RAM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, a memory such as a RAM or a ROM, and a network medium. Further, the game device includes a so-called general computer, a so-called microcomputer in which a so-called central processing unit such as a CPU or MPU performs a predetermined process by interpreting a program.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a game machine according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, a game device according to the present invention includes a control unit 1 mainly composed of a CPU 101 and the like, an input device 2 for a user to input an operation signal to the control unit, and an operating system (hereinafter referred to as “OS”). ) And application programs (game programs), and an external storage device 3 for inputting these programs to the control unit as necessary, a display device 4a and a speaker 4b for providing images and sounds to the user, etc. An output device 4 is provided. Further, a communication device 5 for transmitting / receiving data to / from another computer or game device via a telephone line or the like is provided. The external storage device 3 is not limited to the illustrated CD-ROM or the like, and may be a recording medium or the like that can write and hold data from the control unit 1.
[0012]
When power is turned on to start a game, a boot program loader (not shown) loads a boot program (sometimes called an initial program) stored in the ROM 102 to the CPU 101, and the CPU 101 executes the boot program. . In accordance with this boot program, the CPU 101 loads all or a necessary part of the OS stored in the CD-ROM or the like into the main memory 103 and executes the OS.
[0013]
Under the control of the OS, the CPU 101 loads all or necessary portions of application programs (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “programs”) stored in a CD-ROM or the like into the main memory 103 and is necessary. In response to this, drawing data and image data stored in a CD-ROM or the like are loaded into the graphic memory 104, and sound data is loaded into the sound memory 105.
[0014]
The CPU 101 executes an application program stored in the main memory 103 under the control of the OS. Data accompanying the execution of the application program is written and referred to the main memory 103 and the backup memory 106 whenever necessary. The backup memory 106 stores data in order to maintain the previous state even when the power is shut off due to a game interruption or the like.
[0015]
In the present embodiment, the OS, application program, and the like are configured to be provided from a CD-ROM, but may be configured to be supplied from, for example, a ROM or another computer via a network. Good.
[0016]
A video display processor (VDP) 107 reads drawing data necessary for image display stored in the graphic memory 104, and performs various information processing (image processing) based on instructions and data from the CPU 101 by executing an application program. ) To generate image data. Various image processing includes, for example, texture mapping, light source processing, display priority processing, and the like. In order to display the generated image data on the display device 4a, the VDP 107 outputs to the encoder 108. The generated image data may be written in, for example, a frame buffer memory and read out from the frame buffer memory at a predetermined timing.
[0017]
A sound processor 109 reads sound data stored in the sound memory 105 and performs various information processing (sound processing) based on instructions and data from the CPU 101 by executing an application program. The various audio processes include, for example, an effect process and a mixing process. The sound data that has been subjected to various audio processes is converted into analog data by the D / A converter 110 and output to the speaker.
[0018]
A bus arbiter (Bus Arbiter) 111 performs control between units connected via a data transmission path (such as a bus). For example, the bus arbiter 111 determines the priority order between units in order to determine the unit that occupies the bus, and assigns the bus occupancy time of the occupying unit.
[0019]
The game machine according to the present invention configured as described above realizes a predetermined function according to the present invention by the CPU executing a program read from an external recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Hereinafter, the game machine according to the present embodiment will be functionally expressed and described with reference to a functional block diagram configured by function realizing means. In the present embodiment, an action adventure game in which a game hero operated by a user develops a game scenario while repeating battles with various enemies will be described as an example.
[0020]
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the game machine according to the present embodiment.
[0021]
In the figure, a game progress management unit 21 manages the progress of a game according to a predetermined game program. That is, the user operates the input unit 21 with respect to the content of the game displayed on the screen of the display unit 22 to give a predetermined input to the game progress management unit 21. Thereby, the game progress management part 21 advances the content (scenario) of a game. For example, in the case of an adventure game, the game progress management unit 21 advances the content of the game according to an operation command (option) given to the main character of the game. The display control unit 24 generates screen data of the game screen corresponding to the content of the game, and controls the display unit 22 to display it. In this case, the display control unit 24 generates screen data of a game screen such that a virtual three-dimensional space in which the main character acts is projected from a predetermined viewpoint position according to a camera angle specified by a camera switching unit 27 described later. The item management unit 25 manages items used in the game under the control of the game progress management unit 21. In an action adventure game in which a hero develops a scenario while fighting various enemies, for example, an object such as a gun or a grenade used by the hero can be considered. When the main character acquires an item by an operation from the input unit 23, the game progress management unit 21 causes the item management unit 25 to manage the acquired item and considers the item managed by the item management unit 25. The content of the game is controlled so that an operation command can be selected. The mode selection unit 26 selects the main character mode under the control of the game progress management unit 21 based on the user's operation. As the mode, for example, a search mode for searching for an item hidden in the game, a battle mode for fighting with an enemy, and the like can be considered. The camera switching unit 27 determines a camera angle for displaying a scene around the hero. That is, the camera angle refers to projecting a virtual three-dimensional space in which the main character is acting in a predetermined direction from a predetermined viewpoint position. Therefore, the game screen to be displayed is determined by determining the camera angle in the virtual three-dimensional space. The camera switching unit 27 determines the camera angle according to the currently available item and the current mode, and notifies the display control unit 24 of this.
[0022]
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the camera switching unit 27 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, first, the camera switching unit 27 determines the current mode selected by the mode selection unit 26 (STEP 301). In the present embodiment, there are two search modes and a battle mode in order to simplify the description. If the camera switching unit 27 determines in STEP 301 that the search mode is set, the camera switching unit 27 determines whether or not the item is possessed (STEP 302). If the camera switching unit 27 determines that no item is held, the camera switching unit 27 selects the camera angle A1 for the location A where the main character is currently located (STEP 303), and notifies the display control unit 24 of this. As a result, the display control unit 24 generates screen data based on the camera angle A1. On the other hand, if it is determined in STEP 302 that the item is possessed, the camera switching unit 27 selects a camera angle A2 different from the camera angle A1 for the location A (STEP 304).
[0023]
On the other hand, if it is determined in STEP 501 that the battle mode is set, it is similarly determined whether or not the item is possessed (STEP 305). Note that the item in this case may be the same as the item in STEP 302 or a different item. When it is determined that the main character does not have the item, the camera switching unit 27 selects the camera angle A3 with respect to the place A (STEP 306). On the other hand, if it is determined in STEP 305 that the item is possessed, the camera switching unit 27 selects a camera angle A2 different from the camera angle A1 for the location A (STEP 304).
[0024]
In addition, the camera angle selected by the combination of various modes and various items can be determined according to the content of the game.
[0025]
For example, in the search mode, the game screen displayed on the display unit 23 may have a camera angle that makes it easy to see the state of the vicinity of the main character, and in the battle mode, it may have a camera angle that makes it easy to find an enemy. Even in the battle mode, a game can be produced by setting different camera angles depending on whether or not an item such as a gun is held.
[Second Embodiment]
This embodiment is characterized by providing a background (game screen) suitable for the characteristics of the controller according to the type of input device (controller) operated by the user. In particular, the controller to be operated is preferably configured so that it can be switched even during a game.
[0026]
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the game machine according to the present embodiment. In the figure, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same function realizing means as in the above embodiment. The digital input unit 41a is an input unit capable of inputting a signal based on an ON operation or an OFF operation with respect to one key. Therefore, in the case where the moving direction is instructed to the character in the game, the digital input unit 41a is realized by a cross direction key that combines a plurality of keys. The analog input unit 41b is an input unit that can input a signal based on the direction and amount in addition to the ON operation or OFF operation for one key. An example of such an analog input unit 41b is a joystick. The selection unit 42 sends an input signal of the input unit selected by the user to the game progress management unit 21 and notifies the camera switching unit 27 of the selected input unit. The selection unit 42 is realized, for example, as a selection switch, and is configured so that the signal of the input unit on the selected side becomes valid. The game progress management unit 21 is similar to the above embodiment in that it controls a game scenario based on a user operation. In response to the notification from the selection unit 42, the camera switching unit 27 switches the camera angle and notifies the display control unit 24 of the camera angle. Specifically, when the digital input unit 41a is selected, the camera switching unit 27 notifies the display control unit 24 to set the camera angle with emphasis on production, and the analog input unit 41b is selected. In this case, the display control unit 24 is notified so as to set the camera angle with emphasis on operation. The display control unit 24 generates screen data to display the game screen corresponding to the game scenario controlled by the game progress management unit 21 at the camera angle determined by the camera switching unit 27, and displays it on the display unit 23. Send it out.
[0027]
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the camera switching unit according to the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the camera switching unit 27 receives the notification from the selection unit 42 and determines the type of the input unit currently selected (STEP 501). In this case, when the camera switching unit 27 determines that the selected input unit is the digital input unit 41a, the camera switching unit 27 sets the display control unit 24 so that the camera angle is emphasized with respect to the place A. Notification is made (STEP 502). On the other hand, when it is determined that the selected input unit is the analog input unit 41b, the camera switching unit 27 notifies the display control unit 24 so that the camera angle is focused on the operation (STEP 503).
[0028]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the game screen based on the camera angle suitable for the input unit selected by the user, such as whether it is a digital input unit or an analog input unit, in a certain scene in the game scenario. Can be provided.
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game image | video for expressing a virtual three-dimensional space effectively according to the situation of a game can be provided now.
[0029]
Specifically, a game screen based on the camera angle corresponding to the state of the main character as the game scenario progresses can be provided in a certain scene (location) in the game scenario.
[0030]
Further, a game screen based on a camera angle suitable for the input unit selected by the user, such as whether it is a digital input unit or an analog input unit, can be provided in a certain scene in the game scenario.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a game machine according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a game machine according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a camera switching unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the game machine according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the camera switching unit according to the second embodiment.
1 ... Game machine 2 ... Controller pad (input device)
3 ... CD-ROM drive 4 ... output device 5 ... communication device 101 ... CPU
102 ... ROM
103 ... Main memory 104 ... Graphic memory 105 ... Sound memory 106 ... Backup memory 107 ... VDP
108 ... Video encoder 109 ... Sound processor 110 ... D / A converter 111 ... Bus arbiter

Claims (5)

A plurality of movement operation input units having different characteristics operated by one player;
A selection unit for selecting the movement operation input unit operated by the player;
A game progress management unit that executes a game program and advances the content of the game in accordance with a movement operation input from the movement operation input unit currently selected by the selection unit ;
A display control unit that generates image data according to the execution of the game program and displays an image corresponding to the image data on a display unit;
A viewpoint with respect to the game space including one player character acting in a virtual three-dimensional space according to the operation of the player is preset for each of the movement operation input units according to the characteristics of the movement operation input unit,
Before SL display control unit, the game apparatus characterized by generating the image data of the projected from the viewpoint corresponding to the movement operation input unit which is selected at present by the selection unit said game space.   The moving operation input unit includes a digital moving operation input unit capable of inputting a signal based on an ON operation or OFF operation for one key, and a direction or amount in addition to a signal based on an ON operation or OFF operation for one key. The game apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an analog movement operation input unit capable of inputting a signal based on the function.   The game apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image data of the game space projected from the viewpoint is a scene around the player character in the virtual three-dimensional space. A plurality of movement operation input units having different characteristics operated by one player, a selection unit for selecting the movement operation input unit operated by the player, a game program is executed, and is selected by the selection unit at the present time and the game progress management section to advance the contents of the game in accordance with that movement operation input from said user operation input unit, the generated image data in accordance with the execution of the game program, display unit an image corresponding to the image data A display control unit to be displayed on the game device.
A viewpoint with respect to the game space including one player character acting in a virtual three-dimensional space according to the operation of the player is preset for each of the movement operation input units according to the characteristics of the movement operation input unit , control method for a game device before Symbol display control unit, and generates the image data of the game space that is projected from the viewpoint corresponding to the movement operation input unit which is selected at present by the selector . Computer
A plurality of movement operation input units having different characteristics operated by one player, a selection unit for selecting the movement operation input unit operated by the player, a game program is executed, and is selected by the selection unit at the present time and the game progress management section to advance the contents of the game in accordance with that movement operation input from said user operation input unit, the generated image data in accordance with the execution of the game program, display unit an image corresponding to the image data A program that functions as a display control unit to be displayed on
A viewpoint with respect to the game space including one player character acting in a virtual three-dimensional space according to the operation of the player is preset for each of the movement operation input units according to the characteristics of the movement operation input unit , computer before Symbol display control unit, for storing programs and generating the image data of the game space that is projected from the viewpoint corresponding to the movement operation input unit which is selected at present by the selector A readable recording medium.

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