JP4220224B2 - Program, information storage medium, and image generation apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a computer. In In order to control the movement of a group consisting of a plurality of individuals, to control the movement of each individual and generate an image of the moving group program Etc.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In computer graphics (CG) such as games, a technique for expressing the appearance of a “group” in which a plurality of individuals are gathered, such as insects, birds, and soldiers, is called group control. In group control, it is preferable to perform control as if each individual operates independently under some intelligence while maintaining a grouped form as a group as a whole.
[0003]
Examples of conventional group control methods include the following.
(1) For example, a leader who leads a group is set among individuals constituting the group. Individuals other than the leader basically move toward a target point that is relatively determined based on the position of the leader, and when reaching the target point, control is performed so as to hesitate within a predetermined range at a predetermined speed.
In the movement control for each individual toward the target point, a short-range, medium-range, and long-range field-of-view range centered on each individual is set. When there is a companion (another individual in the same group) in the short-range visual field range, the repulsive force for collision avoidance is set, and this repulsive force is divided by the weight (set weight value of the individual) to obtain the first Calculate acceleration. When there is a friend in the medium-range visual field range, the average acceleration of the friend is set as the second acceleration in order to move in the same direction as the friend. When there is a friend in the far field range, a repulsive force for leaving the friend is set to secure the line of sight, and the repulsive force is divided by the weight to obtain the third acceleration. Then, the acceleration toward the target point and the first to third accelerations are added for each of the X, Y, and Z components in the three-dimensional virtual space to calculate the total average value. Based on the total average, the position coordinates of the individual are calculated. Accordingly, appropriate movement control is performed for each individual according to the distance from the fellow, and group control that looks more natural is realized (for example, see Patent Document 1; corresponding to all claims).
[0004]
(2) In addition, when a group of a plurality of races (types) is set in the virtual space, a virtual quantity indicating the degree of interest to be given to each individual is set for each individual, and the other individual to be noted from this virtual quantity There is also a method of determining the magnitude of the force vector in accordance with the distance between and. The virtual quantity is set in advance for each family, and the evaluation function calculates an evaluation value from the virtual quantity of the other individual in accordance with the distance range with the other individual of interest. This evaluation value is a value indicating the magnitude of a force vector having a direction between individuals, and this force vector is a force applied to the individual. Then, a resultant force vector is calculated from the obtained force vector applied to each individual, and each individual is controlled to move based on this combined vector.
[0005]
For example, in the case of herring as a prey species and barracuda as its predatory species, a virtual amount “1” is set for the herring individual and a virtual amount “10” is set for the individual of barracuda. When a herring individual exists within a distance range corresponding to the field of view set for the barracuda individual, a force vector having a direction from the barracuda to the herring and a magnitude of the virtual amount “1” of the herring is obtained. Suppose that it takes the barracuda. That is, the barracuda tries to approach herring. On the other hand, when evaluating barracuda from herring, the virtual function is evaluated as “−10” by the evaluation function, and herring is applied with a force vector of “−10”, that is, a strong force in the opposite direction from barracuda. Tries to escape from the barracuda. Further, when another individual of herring exists within a distance corresponding to the field of view set for the herring individual, the virtual quantity is evaluated as “−1”. That is, the herring is subjected to a force vector of “−1” opposite to that of the other herrings, and is separated to avoid a collision.
[0006]
In this way, even if there are multiple race individuals in the virtual space, the movement control of individuals corresponding to multiple races can be easily performed by presetting virtual quantities and evaluation functions for each race. To achieve more natural group control. (For example, Patent Document 2; corresponding to all claims).
[0007]
There are also (3) performing movement control of an individual by performing a determination process based on a distance from another individual. For example, when there are multiple individuals divided into enemy allies, when an individual approaches an enemy individual, it is determined whether to fight based on the distance from the enemy individual, and when it is determined to fight Move and control an individual to approach an enemy. In this way, it is possible to control the movement of an individual according to the situation such as not only fighting against an enemy individual approaching in the middle of movement in the determination process but also heading to the enemy individual when the enemy individual is discovered. (For example, see Patent Document 3; corresponding to all claims).
[0008]
In addition, there is (4) a method in which an individual and a surrounding obstacle are projected in parallel on the XY plane with the traveling direction of the individual as the Z-axis direction of the three-dimensional coordinate space. Then, movement control is performed in a direction in which the individual does not collide with the obstacle by determining the collision between the individual and the obstacle on the XY plane (for example, Patent Document 4; corresponding to claim 11).
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent No. 3163696
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent No. 2512052
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-149655 A
[Patent Document 4]
Japanese Patent No. 3005246
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the methods (1) and (3) have a problem that the processing becomes heavy because the acceleration calculation and determination processing are repeated. In the method (2), the behavior common to the group can be expressed easily, but there is a problem that the individuality of the behavior for each individual constituting the group cannot be expressed.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to perform group control at higher speed while giving individuality to the individual constituting the group and the operation of the group.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To solve the above problems The first of According to the present invention, an apparatus similar to a computer has a plurality of individuals (for example, personality setting information 735 in FIG. 12) having different values in a virtual space where an enemy (for example, a cat object Cl in FIG. 2) exists. For example, in order to control the movement toward the target point (for example, the virtual target Ta in FIG. 2) of the group composed of the mouse objects Mn) in FIG. Control information for generating an image, and first setting means (for example, FIG. 10) that sets a first vector (for example, vectors Vt and Vt ′ in FIG. 3) based on the distance between the individual and the target point. Vector calculation unit 221, component vector calculation unit 223, step S206 in FIG. 15, and a second vector (for example, vectors Ve and V in FIG. 3) based on the distance between the individual and the enemy. e ′) is set by a second setting means (for example, the vector calculation unit 221, the component vector calculation unit 223 in FIG. 10, step S208 in FIG. 15), and a third vector (for example, based on the distance between the individual and another individual) , Third setting means for setting the vectors Vf and Vf ′ in FIG. 3 (for example, the vector calculation unit 221, the component vector calculation unit 223 in FIG. 10, step S 210 in FIG. 15), and the value of the first parameter of the individual First coefficient setting means for setting a first coefficient related to the magnitude of the first vector (for example, the vector calculation unit 221, the combined vector calculation unit 224 in FIG. 10, steps S 216 to S 218 in FIG. 15), the first number of the individual Second coefficient setting means for setting a second coefficient related to the magnitude of the second vector based on the value of one parameter (for example, the vector calculation unit 221 in FIG. 10, The generated vector calculation unit 224, steps S216 to S218 in FIG. 15, and third coefficient setting means (for example, FIG. 10) that sets a third coefficient related to the size of the third vector based on the value of the first parameter of the individual. Calculation unit for calculating the movement position of the individual after a predetermined time based on the vector calculation unit 221, the combined vector calculation unit 224, steps S216 to S218 in FIG. 15, the first to third vectors, and the first to third coefficients. (For example, the game calculation unit 22 in FIG. 10, step S222 in FIG. 15) includes information for causing the device to function. Control information .
[0013]
14th In the virtual space where the enemy exists, the movement of each individual is controlled in order to control the movement toward the target point of the group composed of a plurality of individuals having different first parameter values. An image generation apparatus for generating an image of a group that performs first setting means for setting a first vector based on a distance between the individual and a target point, and a first setting unit based on a distance between the individual and an enemy Second setting means for setting two vectors, third setting means for setting a third vector based on the distance between the individual and another individual, and the magnitude of the first vector based on the value of the first parameter of the individual First coefficient setting means for setting a first coefficient related to the length, second coefficient setting means for setting a second coefficient related to the magnitude of the second vector based on the value of the first parameter of the individual, Based on the value of one parameter And a third coefficient setting means for setting a third coefficient relating to the magnitude of the third vector, and an operation for calculating the movement position of the individual after a predetermined time based on the first to third vectors and the first to third coefficients. Means It is an image generation device .
[0014]
Second According to the invention, in order to allow a device similar to a computer to perform movement control toward a target point of a group composed of a plurality of individuals having different values of the first parameter in a virtual space where an enemy exists, each individual moves Control information for generating an image of a moving group by controlling the first setting means for setting the first vector based on the distance between the individual and the target point, the distance between the individual and the enemy Second setting means for setting the second vector based on the first setting means, third setting means for setting the third vector based on the distance between the individual and the other individual, the first parameter based on the value of the first parameter of the individual. ~ Composition ratio setting means for setting the composition ratio of the third vector (for example, the composition vector calculation unit 224 in FIG. 10, steps S216 to S218 in FIG. 15) The composition ratio set by the composition ratio setting means Then, the apparatus is used as a calculation means (for example, the game calculation unit 22 in FIG. 10 and step S222 in FIG. 15) for calculating the movement position of the individual after a predetermined time by combining the first to third vectors. Contains information to make it work Mu Control information Is .
[0015]
15th In the virtual space where the enemy exists, the movement of each individual is controlled in order to control the movement toward the target point of the group composed of a plurality of individuals having different first parameter values. An image generation apparatus for generating an image of a group that performs first setting means for setting a first vector based on a distance between the individual and a target point, and a first setting unit based on a distance between the individual and an enemy Second setting means for setting two vectors, third setting means for setting a third vector based on the distance between the individual and another individual, and first to first values based on the value of the first parameter of the individual. Based on the composition ratio setting means for setting the composition ratio of three vectors and the composition ratio set by the composition ratio setting means, the first to third vectors are synthesized, and the movement position of the individual after a predetermined time is determined. Computing means for computing That It is an image generation device .
[0016]
First Or 14th According to the invention, the first to third vectors are set as actions common to the individuals constituting the group, and further, the first to third values set based on the first parameter set for each individual. A coefficient is applied to add a change for each individual to the size of each vector to obtain the movement position of the individual. Also, Second Or 15th According to the invention, the first to third vectors are set as actions common to the individuals constituting the group, and further, the first to third vectors are synthesized at the synthesis ratio based on the first parameter, Find the moving position of the individual. Each individual is controlled to move based on these vectors.
[0017]
Here, the process of setting the first to third vectors is common to each group, and the first to third vectors at the offspring stage indicate a behavior principle common to the groups. On the other hand, the first to third coefficients and the synthesis ratio of the first to third vectors respectively applied to the first to third vectors are based on the parameters for each individual and represent the characteristics of each other individual. Accordingly, it is possible to perform movement control that reflects the individuality of each individual while causing each individual to perform an action based on the behavior principle common to the group.
In addition, by comprehending the force component that affects the behavior of the individuals making up the group as a vector and using the vector as the base for the movement control calculation of the individual, no complicated acceleration calculation or conditional branching is required. A desired value can be quickly calculated even from a state in which a plurality of vectors act by vector calculation. Therefore, the group control can be performed at a higher speed while giving the individual and group the individuality of the operation.
[0018]
The “enemy” referred to here is not limited to the existence of individuals engaged in the group, but may be an existence that causes harm to the individual or an existence that the individual should avoid. “Control information” refers to information according to a program that is used for processing by an electronic computer (computer) such as a game device.
[0019]
Third The invention of First Or Second invention The first setting means alternatively selects a calculation method according to the distance between the individual and the target point from among a plurality of calculation methods, and the first setting means selects a calculation method based on the selected calculation method. Information for setting one vector (for example, calculation method setting information 734 in FIG. 10) and the second setting means are alternatively selected from the plurality of calculation methods according to the distance between the individual and the enemy. Information for selecting a calculation method and setting a second vector based on the selected calculation method (for example, calculation method setting information 734 in FIG. 10), and the third setting means are a plurality of calculation methods, Information for selecting a calculation method alternatively according to the distance between the individual and another individual, and setting a third vector based on the selected calculation method (for example, calculation method setting information 734 in FIG. 10); ,including Control information .
[0020]
Third According to the invention , The calculation method of each of the first to third vectors can be selected according to the distance from the vector calculation target from among preset methods. Therefore, the movement control of the individual can be changed variously according to the distance from the vector calculation target.
[0021]
4th The invention of First ~ Third Either Invention Control information, and when there is another group in addition to the own group in the virtual space, the third setting means determines the distance between the individual and the other group, and the individual and the other group. Contains information for setting the third vector based on the distance between individuals Control information .
[0022]
4th According to the invention , The individual can express the difference in behavior with respect to the members of the same group and the other group.
[0023]
Also, 5th Invention As , 4th invention Control information, wherein the third setting means is such that the declination between the direction from the individual toward the other group of individuals and the direction of the third vector is inversely proportional to the distance between the individual and the other group of individuals. Information for setting the third vector in a simple calculation method Configure control information It is also good.
[0024]
5th According to the invention , The third vector is set so that the direction of the third vector is more reversed as the distance between the individual to be processed and the individual in the other group is closer. Accordingly, it is possible to express a repulsive force that gradually increases the direction of avoidance and finally escapes in the opposite direction as individuals belonging to other groups approach.
[0025]
6th The invention of First ~ 5th Either Invention And when the distance between the individual and the target point is outside a given distance, the first setting means sets a first vector in a direction approaching the target point, and Contains information for setting the first vector in a direction away from the target point. Control information .
[0026]
6th According to the invention , The individual can be separated from the target point by a given distance. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent individuals from being concentrated in one place and forming an unnatural shape as a group. Further, when the target point is the presence leading the group, the side leading the group and the following side can be clearly expressed.
[0027]
7th The invention of First ~ 6th Either Invention Control information for causing the apparatus to function as a determination unit that determines whether the distance between any one of the groups to which the individual belongs and the target point is within a given distance. When it is determined by the information and the determination means that the distance between any one individual and the target point is within the given distance, the magnitude of the vector is larger than when the distance is outside the given distance. The first setting means includes information for setting the first vector so as to be smaller Control information .
[0028]
7th According to the invention , When any individual in the group satisfies a predetermined positional relationship with the target point, the vector size of the individual can be reduced and the movement amount can be reduced. Therefore, for example, if one individual is set as the head of the group, it is possible to express a state in which each individual decelerates and stops spontaneously as soon as the head of the group reaches a predetermined position.
[0029]
8th The invention of First ~ 7th Either Invention The second parameter (for example, the character attribute 733d in FIG. 22 and the item-specific item setting information 742 in FIG. 23) representing the type is set in advance for each individual. Includes a plurality of types of individuals having different values of the second parameter, and selects a calculation method by type according to the value of the second parameter of the individual among a plurality of calculation methods by type, Fourth setting means (for example, vector calculation unit 221, component vector calculation unit 223 in FIG. 21, step of FIG. 24) that sets a fourth vector (for example, vector Vs ′ in FIG. 20) based on the selected calculation method by type. Information for causing the apparatus to function as S302 to S308), and information for calculating the movement position of the individual after a predetermined time in consideration of the fourth vector by the calculation means. Control information .
[0030]
The type mentioned here is a type related to the attributes of individuals forming the same group, and may be appropriately set, for example, male / female, age, occupation, race, title, rank.
8th According to the invention , There are multiple types of individuals that make up the group, and each type Inherent This behavior can be expressed as a fourth vector and can be taken into account for the movement position calculation of the individual. Therefore, it is possible to give diversity to the group control.
[0031]
9th Invention Is , First ~ 8th Either Invention Sub-target points corresponding to each individual (for example, the sub-virtual target Gn in FIG. 25) are set in the virtual space with a given arrangement pattern based on the target points. Information for causing the device to function as setting means (for example, the game calculation unit 22 and the group setting unit 220 in FIG. 26), and the first setting means, instead of the distance between the individual and the target point, the individual And information for setting the first vector based on the distance between the sub target points corresponding to the individual (for example, steps S508 to S510 in FIG. 28). Control information .
[0032]
9th According to the invention , Sub-target points can be set with a given arrangement pattern based on the target points. Since the sub target points are set with a given arrangement pattern, as a result, the individuals constituting the group are controlled to move so as to align according to the arrangement pattern.
[0033]
10th The invention of Ninth invention Control information, and information for causing the apparatus to function as viewpoint setting means (for example, the game calculation unit 22 in FIG. 26) for setting a viewpoint serving as a reference for generating the image in the virtual space, and the sub Target point setting means includes information for changing the arrangement pattern in accordance with a distance from the viewpoint set by the viewpoint setting means to the target point. Control information .
[0034]
When the group is located far from the viewpoint, the size of the individual displayed on the screen is also reduced.
10th According to the invention , The arrangement pattern can be varied according to the distance from the viewpoint. For example, when the group is located far from the viewpoint, the arrangement pattern is varied so as to widen the setting interval of the sub target points, and the state in which the individual is aligned is changed so that it can be easily identified on the image. Alternatively, the correspondence between each individual and the sub-target point is not one-unit-one correspondence, but a plurality of individuals correspond to one sub-target point, and the arrangement pattern is reduced so that the number of sub-target points is reduced. Arithmetic processing applied to an individual located far away can be reduced.
[0035]
11th The invention of First ~ 10th Either Invention Control information, wherein each individual moves on the ground surface in the virtual space, and the first setting means sets information for setting a first vector with a predetermined two-dimensional component along the ground surface; Information for the second setting means to set a second vector with the two-dimensional component; information for the third setting means to set a third vector with the two-dimensional component; and the computing means, Information for calculating the movement position of the individual after a predetermined time in consideration of the altitude of the ground surface.
[0036]
11th According to the invention, the first, second, and third vectors are set as two-dimensional components along the ground surface, and the components in the height direction are not calculated. For example, when the ground surface is formed along the XZ plane in a three-dimensional coordinate system composed of XYZ components, a vector is calculated from the X and Z components of the XZ plane, and the Y component, which is the height component, is the height of the ground surface. Ask from. Therefore, the calculation load can be further reduced.
[0037]
12th The invention of First ~ 11th Either Invention Control information, the target point is not displayed on the image Control information .
[0038]
12th According to the invention , By making the target point invisible, it can be expressed as if the group itself is being operated rather than being pulled.
[0039]
13th The invention of First ~ 12th Either Invention An information storage medium that can be read by the apparatus storing the control information.
[0040]
The information storage medium is a medium that can be read by a device similar to a computer, such as an IC memory card, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, or a hard disk. 13th According to the invention, in a device similar to a computer, First ~ 12th An effect similar to that of any of the inventions can be realized.
[0041]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, an example will be described in which a player executes a game in which a player moves a group of mice on a game device that is a type of image generation device. It should be noted that the detailed contents of the game are set as appropriate, and here, the operation of moving the group of mice will be mainly described. Moreover, the individual | organism | solid which comprises a group is not restricted to a mouse | mouth, You may set suitably. For example, it may be applied to a cavalry unit or a tank unit appearing in a simulation game, and the player may be set to fight as a commander. In addition, the group is not limited to the player, and it is needless to say that the computer may be set to automatically operate an insect group, a robot group, a piglet group, etc. that appear as enemy characters in the shooting game.
[0042]
[Description of configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a commercial game apparatus 1300 to which the present invention is applied. As shown in the figure, the arcade game apparatus 1300 includes a display 1302 for displaying a game screen image, a speaker 1304 for outputting game sound effects and BGM, a joystick 1306 for inputting front and rear, left and right directions, and a push button 1308. And a control unit 1320 that controls the arcade game device 1300 in an integrated manner through arithmetic processing to execute a given game.
[0043]
The control unit 1320 is realized by, for example, a CPU, an MPU, various IC memories, an ASIC, and the like, and has a vector operation unit 1324 mounted thereon. The vector arithmetic unit 1324 means a microprocessor or the like specialized in functions for vector arithmetic processing.
In addition, the control unit 1320 is equipped with a ROM 1322 in which programs and data necessary for controlling the arcade game device 1300 and executing the game are stored. The CPU, the vector calculation unit 1324, and the like mounted on the control unit 1320 execute various processes by appropriately reading out programs and data from the ROM 1322 and performing calculation processes.
[0044]
While viewing the game screen displayed on the display 1302, the player inputs the group movement direction with the joystick 1306, and inputs various commands with the push button 1308 to control the group and enjoy the game.
[0045]
[Overview of game content]
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the concept of game contents in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the game space, a plurality of mouse objects Mn (n is a natural number; generally, it is a mouse object M, and when referring to one mouse object, it is a mouse object Mn) and prey on the mouse. A cat object Cl (l is a natural number) is arranged. The mouse object M forms a group Fa, and a virtual target Ta that is a common movement target is set in the group Fa.
[0046]
In the present embodiment, the player operates the virtual target Ta with the joystick 1306 to determine the moving direction of the group Fa. The player guides the group Fa to a predetermined destination (goal point) while operating so that the mouse object M of the group operated by the player is not preyed on by the cat object C. If the group Fa can arrive at the destination safely, the game is over. For convenience of explanation, the virtual target Ta is described as a visible state (flag-like object), but may be invisible.
[0047]
[Principle of mouse object movement control]
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the principle of movement control of the mouse object M in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the mouse object Mn focuses on a virtual target Ta, another mouse object Mm (m is a natural number; m ≠ n) belonging to the same group, and a cat object Cl. Then, the movement is individually controlled based on the relative positional relationship with these objects of interest. When the mouse objects M are individually controlled to move, the group Fa moves as a whole.
[0048]
In the movement control of the mouse object Mn, first, (1) the vector Vt from the mouse object Mn to the virtual target Ta, (2) the vector Ve from the cat object Cl, and (3) others belonging to the same group from the mouse object Mn. The vector Vf up to the mouse object Mm is calculated.
[0049]
Then, the calculated vectors Vt, Ve, and Vf are changed in vector direction and size according to the positional relationship with each target object, and are set as vectors Vt ′, Ve ′, and Vf ′. The vectors Vt ′, Ve ′, and Vf ′ have the same significance as the level of influence and influence on each target of interest common to the race of rats in the game settings, and act on the mouse object Mn as centripetal force and avoidance force. .
[0050]
Once the vectors Vt ′, Ve ′, and Vf ′ are calculated, the vectors Vt ′, Ve ′, and Vf ′ are weighted by coefficients kt, ke, and kf, respectively, based on the parameters that indicate the individuality of the behavior of the mouse object Mn. A composite vector Va is calculated.
In the present embodiment, the game space environment force that affects the mouse object Mn when calculating the combined vector Va is further combined as a vector Vw. The environmental force in the game space represents an external force based on topographic conditions and environmental conditions such as wind, water flow, floor and ground movement, floor and ground slip, and gravity.
[0051]
When the combined vector Va is calculated, the size of the combined vector Va is further optimized so as not to exceed the upper limit speed | V | max in the game setting of the mouse, and is set as the combined vector Va ′. The mouse object Mn is movement-controlled by calculating the position coordinates of the next movement destination based on the composite vector Va ′.
[0052]
[Explanation of vector calculation method]
Next, a specific calculation method of various vectors in the present embodiment will be described.
[0053]
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the method for calculating the vector Vt ′ in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the calculation method for obtaining the vector Vt ′ from the mouse object Mn is set for each of the four distance ranges of short distance, medium distance, long distance, and long distance outside the virtual target Ta. The mouse object Mn is selected alternatively depending on which distance range the mouse object Mn is located. It should be noted that specific distance ranges are set as appropriate.
[0054]
When the mouse object Mn is located in the short distance range ((1) in FIG. 4B), it is determined that the mouse object Mn is too close to the virtual target Ta, and the direction of the vector Vt is changed so as to move away from the virtual target Ta. To do. More specifically, for example, when the distance to the virtual target Ta or the magnitude of the vector Vt is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, a vector Vt ′ is obtained by multiplying a negative coefficient so that the vector Vt acts in the opposite direction. Alternatively, the direction may be reversed by multiplying by a predetermined matrix.
[0055]
As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the virtual target Ta and the mouse object Mn are separated from each other by a predetermined distance, and the mouse object M is so dense that it surrounds the virtual target Ta, thereby hindering the next movement. Avoid the situation.
[0056]
When the mouse object Mn is located in the middle distance range, the calculation method is set by further subdividing the conditions according to the state of the virtual target Ta.
When the virtual target Ta is stopped ((2) in FIG. 4B), the vector Vt ′ is calculated in proportion to the vector Vt. As shown in FIG. 5B, the vector Vt ′ becomes smaller as the mouse object Mn approaches the virtual target Ta, and the mouse object Mn approaches the virtual target Ta in a stopped state while gradually decreasing the speed. Act on.
[0057]
When the virtual target Ta is moving, the velocity vector Vta one frame before the virtual target Ta _t-1 The vector Vt ′ is calculated in proportion to The vector Vt ′ acts so that the mouse object Mn moves in the same direction as the virtual target Ta together with other mouse objects Mm belonging to the vector Vt ′.
[0058]
Further, when the virtual target Ta is moving, the condition is further divided depending on whether or not the first mouse object of the group Fa has reached the middle distance range.
[0059]
When the first mouse object of the group Fa has not reached the range of the middle distance range ((4) in FIG. 4B), the coefficient k7 is appropriately set so that the mouse object Mn runs in parallel with the virtual target Ta. To do.
When the first mouse object of the group Fa reaches the middle distance range ((3) in FIG. 4B), it is determined that the group Fa may stop or decelerate, and the vector Vt is large. Even if the value is shown, the coefficient k6 is appropriately set so that the vector Vt ′ becomes small. The vector Vt ′ acts to decelerate in preparation for stopping the entire group Fa when the first mouse object of the group Fa reaches the middle distance range. As a result, the group Fa stops or decelerates, and the mouse object Mm is pushed forward even though the mouse object Mn does not advance any further by moving to the other mouse object Mm going forward, and the form of the result group Fa is destroyed. The situation can be avoided.
Note that the vector Vt ′ obtained when the first mouse object of the group Fa reaches the range of the middle distance range is the vector Vt ′ obtained when the first mouse part of the group Fa does not reach the range of the middle distance range. The coefficient k6 is set so as to be smaller than the vector Vt ′ during parallel running.
[0060]
When the mouse object Mn is located in the long distance range, the vector Vt ′ is calculated in proportion to the vector Vt ((6) in FIG. 4B). Therefore, the vector Vt ′ becomes larger as the mouse object Mn is farther from the virtual target Ta, and the mouse object Mn is stronger and acts to follow the virtual target Ta.
However, if the first mouse object of the group Fa is stopped ((5) in FIG. 4B), it is determined that the mouse object Mn must also be stopped, and the mouse object Mn is determined by the vector Vt ′. The coefficient k2 is appropriately set so as to appear to decelerate greatly. This makes it possible to smoothly stop the group Fa while avoiding the rat object Mn from colliding with another mouse object Mm belonging to the same belonging to the front.
[0061]
When the mouse object Mn is located in a range outside the long-distance range, the vector Vt ′ is calculated in proportion to the vector Vt. ((7) in FIG. 4B). The vector Vt ′ acts so that the mouse object Mn follows the virtual target Ta more strongly. At this time, if the coefficient k4 is appropriately set so that the ratio of the calculated vector Vt ′ to the vector Vt is larger than that calculated under other conditions, the mouse object Mn that is far away from the virtual target Ta. Can express how they move quickly trying to catch up.
[0062]
In this way, the vector Vt ′ acts as a force that rushes toward the target as the mouse object Mn moves away from the virtual target Ta, and the degree of acting decreases as the distance from the mouse Vn ′ approaches. The vector Vt ′ acts as a centripetal force, a behavioral principle in which the mouse object Mn is a member of the group and moves in the direction of movement of the entire group Fa.
The processing may be simplified by setting the coefficient k1 = k2 = k3 = k4. Even in this case, since the vector Vt has a magnitude corresponding to the distance to the virtual target Ta, the vector Vt ′ basically has a magnitude corresponding to the distance to the virtual target Ta. The same effect can be obtained as the basic action of '.
[0063]
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the method for calculating the vector Ve ′ of the mouse object Mn in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6A, the vector Ve ′ is alternatively divided into a short distance range and a long distance range with a predetermined threshold as a boundary according to the distance from the mouse object Mn to the cat object Cl. Set the calculation method.
[0064]
When the cat object Cl is in the short distance range ((1) in FIG. 6B), the direction of the vector Ve is reversed to the vector Ve ′, and the closer it is, the faster the escape is. When the cat object Cl is at a long distance ((2) in FIG. 6B), the size of the vector Ve ′ is set to “0”. In other words, control is performed so that the enemy is not far away and the danger is not felt.
Therefore, the vector Ve ′ has a meaning as an action principle for escaping from the enemy. By setting the thresholds of the short-range range and the long-range range, it is possible to express the danger detection ability and timidity of the mouse object Mn.
[0065]
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the method for calculating the vector Vf ′ of the mouse object Mn in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7A, the vector Vf ′ has a short distance / medium distance / far distance according to the distance from a predetermined number of other mouse objects Mm belonging to the vicinity of the mouse object Mn. Set the calculation method for each distance range. The predetermined number of the mouse objects Mm to be calculated for the vector Vf ′ is appropriately set according to the group size, game content, and the like.
[0066]
When the mouse object Mm is at a short distance ((1) in FIG. 7B), the vector Vf is changed in a direction away from the mouse object Mm to avoid collision. More specifically, the vector Vf is multiplied by a negative coefficient to reverse the direction to obtain a vector Vf ′. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8A, the vector Vf ′ acts to separate the mouse object Mn and the mouse object Mm that are close enough to collide with each other.
[0067]
When the mouse object Mm is at a medium distance determined to be an appropriate distance, and the mouse object at the head of the group Fa is in the medium distance range (see FIG. 4A) ((b) of FIG. 7B). 2)), it is determined that the group Fa may stop or decelerate, and a vector Vf ′ is calculated in proportion to the vector Vf. The vector Vf ′ becomes smaller as it approaches another mouse object Mm of the same genera, and acts so that the mouse object Mn approaches while gradually decreasing the speed.
[0068]
When the first mouse object of the group Fa is not in the middle distance range ((3) in FIG. 7B), the combined vector Vm one frame before the mouse object Mm located in the vicinity. _t-1 (= Va ' _t-1 ). Thus, for example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the vector Vf ′ acts so that the mouse object Mn moves in the same direction as the other mouse objects Mm of the same genera- tion.
[0069]
When the mouse object Mm is at a long distance ((4) in FIG. 7B), the vector Vf ′ is calculated in proportion to the vector Vf while keeping the direction of the vector Vf. The vector Vf ′ increases as the mouse object Mn moves away from the group. For example, as shown in FIG. 8C, when the mouse object Mn is about to be separated from the group Fa, the vector Vf ′ is quickly transferred to the group (the other mouse object Mm of the same group). Acts to catch up.
[0070]
Accordingly, the vector Vf ′ acts in a direction away from it if it is too close, or in a direction that is close if it is too far, depending on the distance to the other mouse object Mm of the same group. Work to avoid. That is, the vector Vf ′ has a meaning as an action principle for maintaining an appropriate distance from other individuals belonging to the same group. It should be noted that the vector Vf ′ indicates the direction and size of the vector as shown in (5), (6), and (7) of FIG. 7B, on the condition that the mouse object Mm belongs to another group. You may change suitably.
[0071]
As described above, the setting of the calculation method of the vectors Vt ′, Ve ′, and Vf ′ corresponds to expressing the action principle of the race object of the mouse object Mn. For example, when the movement control of the cat object C is performed, the vector Ve ′ is not in the direction of moving away from the object of interest but in the direction of approaching because the mouse object M is preyed.
[0072]
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the concept of the external force vector Vw acting from the environment. As shown in the figure, for example, when a wind is set in the game space, a wind corresponding to the position of the mouse object Mn is applied to the mouse object Mn by the external force vector Vw-1. When the position of the mouse object Mn is a slope, the vector Vw-2 due to gravity is applied. The vector Vw-2 may be set large in a place where the slope is slippery. The vector representing the wind can be set, for example, based on the environment setting of the game space, and the vector representing the gravity can be set, for example, by obtaining based on the normal vector of the polygon plane that constitutes the ground.
[0073]
[B: Explanation of calculation of composite vector]
When the vectors Vt ′, Ve ′, Vf ′ and the vector Vw are calculated, the coefficients kt, ke, kf are determined based on the value of the personality setting information 735 indicating the individuality of the mouse object Mn. For example, the vector Va = kt × Vector synthesis is performed by vector synthesis as Vt ′ + kf × Vf ′ + ke × Ve ′ + Vw.
[0074]
The value of the personality setting information 735 determines how much each component vector affects the final behavior in the mouse object Mn. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the personality setting information 735. As shown in the figure, for example, the mouse object M1 is set to have a relatively strong tendency to follow the group, and for example, the parameters of the vector Vt ′ and the vector Vf ′ are set high. The mouse object M2 has a relatively timid setting, for example, the parameter of the vector Ve ′ is set high.
[0075]
The calculated vector Va is further optimized so that the combined vector Va does not exceed the upper limit speed | V | max on the game setting of the mouse so that the mouse does not have an unnatural moving speed as a mouse. 'And.
[0076]
Based on the principle of movement control described above, the mouse object M follows the action principle common to the race in the game setting called the mouse, and the details are controlled so that the individuality of the mouse object Mn is reflected. Since most of the operations related to movement control are vector calculations as described above, the actual movement amount on the display screen only needs to be obtained once from the composite vector Va ′, and the movement control of individual mouse objects M is involved. It is possible to reduce the calculation load and speed up the control processing of the entire group. The effect is particularly high when the vector game unit 1324 is mounted on the arcade game apparatus 1300.
[0077]
[Description of functional block]
FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the arcade game apparatus 1300 includes an operation input unit 10, a processing unit 20, an image display unit 30, a sound output unit 40, and a storage unit 70.
[0078]
The operation input unit 10 is realized by, for example, a cross key, a lever, a button switch, a joystick, etc., and receives various game operations and outputs an operation input signal to the processing unit 20. In the example of FIG. 1, the joystick 1306 and the push button 1308 correspond to this.
[0079]
The processing unit 20 performs various arithmetic processes such as control of the arcade game apparatus 1300 as a whole, instructions to each functional block in the apparatus, and game calculations. The function is realized by, for example, hardware such as a CPU (CISC type, RISC type), ASIC (gate array, etc.) and a related control program. In the example of FIG. 1, the control unit 1320 corresponds to this.
The processing unit 20 further includes a game calculation unit 22 that mainly performs calculation processing related to the game, an image generation unit 24 that generates an image signal from various data obtained by the processing of the game calculation unit 22, sound effects, And a sound generator 26 for generating a sound signal of a game sound such as BGM.
[0080]
The game calculation unit 22 executes various game processes based on operation input signals from the operation input unit 10 and programs and data read from the storage unit 70. As game processing, for example, setting of a virtual space (game space), arrangement and movement of objects in the virtual space, hit determination, character action operation, processing for obtaining a game result (score), or the position of the viewpoint and the line-of-sight direction Processing such as determination is executed.
In particular, the present embodiment includes a group setting unit 220 that sets a plurality of groups of a plurality of belonging objects, a vector calculation unit 221, and a virtual target movement control unit 222 that sets and controls a virtual target.
[0081]
The group setting unit 220 registers the mouse object Mn as a belonging object in the group Fa and manages information of each belonging object. For example, if the mouse object Mn disappears due to being preyed by the cat object C during the game, the registration is deleted.
[0082]
The vector calculation unit 221 is implemented by a routine dedicated to vector calculations, a microprocessor dedicated to vector calculations (for example, the vector calculation unit 1324 in FIG. 1), a DSP, and the like.
The vector calculation unit 221 further includes a component vector calculation unit 223 that calculates various component vectors of the vectors Vt, Ve, Vf, Vw and Vt ′, Ve ′, Vf ′, and a combination that calculates a combined vector by combining the component vectors. A vector calculation unit 224 and a combined vector change unit 225 that optimizes the size of the combined vector are included.
[0083]
The virtual target movement control unit 222 controls the movement of the virtual target Ta based on the operation input signal from the operation input unit 10.
[0084]
Based on the image signal from the image generation unit 24, the image display unit 30 displays the game screen while redrawing the screen, for example, every 1/60 seconds as one frame. The image display unit 30 can be realized by hardware such as CRT, LCD, ELD, PDP, and HMD. In the example of FIG. 1, the display 1302 corresponds to this. The sound output unit 40 outputs sound effects, BGM, and the like based on the sound signal from the sound generation unit 26. In the example of FIG. 1, the speaker 1304 corresponds to this.
[0085]
The storage unit 70 is realized by an information storage medium such as an IC memory, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and includes a system program that integrally controls the arcade game device 1300 and a system that includes data necessary for arithmetic processing. A program (not shown), a program for executing a game, game information 72 including data such as setting values, and the like are stored. In the example of FIG. 1, the ROM 1322 corresponds to this.
[0086]
The game information 72 stores a program and data necessary for executing the game in the present embodiment (not shown). Particularly in the present embodiment, a group setting program 720 for causing the processing unit 20 to function as the group setting unit 220, a vector operation program 721 for causing the processing unit 20 to function as the vector operation unit 221, and a virtual target movement control unit 222 are caused to function. A virtual target movement control program 722.
[0087]
The data includes stage information 730 including modeling data and texture data necessary for displaying the game space, and character data including modeling data and texture data for displaying the mouse object M and the cat object C. 732, group registration information 733 for registering objects belonging to the group, calculation method setting information 734 for storing coefficients, matrices, and the like referred to in calculating the vectors Vt ′, Ve ′, Vf ′, and mouse objects Personality setting information 735 for setting the individuality of the action of Mn, the position coordinates of the virtual target Ta, the movement vector Va, and the movement vector Vta one frame before _t-1 And the like. Further, a velocity vector of position information related to the cat object Cl is also stored here (not shown).
[0088]
The stage information 730 further stores position information and polygon normal vectors forming the game space, and external force setting information for setting a vector Vw (for example, wind external force vector Vw-1) at the position. 740 is stored.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the external force setting information 740. As shown in the figure, a position information range 740a and an external force vector Vw 740b set in the range are stored in association with each other. The external force setting information 740 may be prepared in advance, or may be configured to change the direction and size of the range 740a and the vector Vw 740b as time passes during the game. In that case, the vector Vw can be set more like an external force from the natural environment.
[0089]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the group registration information 733. As shown in the figure, group registration information 733 is provided for each group. A group ID 733a, which is group identification information, a virtual target ID 733b for identifying a virtual target to be moved by the group, and a group And individual information 733c for each belonging object. In the present embodiment, the individual position information 733c includes the current position coordinates and the combined vector Va ′. _t , And the position coordinate and composite vector Va ′ one frame before _t-1 ・ Stores information such as rotation.
[0090]
[Description of process flow]
Next, a processing flow in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, group movement control will be mainly described, and the contents of the game will be omitted as appropriate.
[0091]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the main flow of the game process. As shown in the figure, first, the game calculation unit 22 generates a game space based on a predetermined initial condition (step S102). Next, movement control of each cat object Cl is performed according to a predetermined algorithm (step S104).
When an operation input is made by the player (YES in step S106), the virtual target movement control unit 222 controls the movement of the virtual target Ta according to the operation input (step S108). Then, the game calculation unit 22 reads and executes the vector calculation program 721 from the storage unit 70, and executes group movement processing for the group Fa (step S110).
[0092]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the group movement process in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the vector calculation unit 221 refers to the group registration information 733 and executes the individual-specific routine for all the registered mouse objects Mn (steps S204 to S224).
[0093]
In the individual routine, the component vector calculation unit 223 first calculates the vector Vt. Then, referring to the calculation method setting information 734, as described above, the vector Vt ′ is calculated from the vector Vt based on the distance from the virtual target Ta, the movement of the virtual target Ta, the position condition of the head of the group Fa, and the like ( Step S206).
[0094]
Next, the component vector calculation unit 223 calculates vectors Ve and Ve ′ (step S208). Specifically, the vector Ve is calculated based on the positional information on the cat object Cl and the positional relationship between the mouse object Mn. Then, the vector Ve ′ is calculated from the vector Ve with reference to the calculation method setting information 734. When a plurality of cat objects Cl are in the short distance range, a vector Ve ′ is calculated for each cat object Cl, each vector Ve ′ is regarded as a subvector, and the result of vector synthesis is the final vector Ve ′. It is also good.
[0095]
Next, the component vector calculation unit 223 calculates vectors Vf and Vf ′ (step S210). More specifically, the component vector calculation unit 223 first refers to the group registration information 733 and calculates a vector Vf for a fellow mouse object Mm located in the vicinity of the mouse object Mn. Then, the vector Vf ′ is calculated from the vector Vf with reference to the calculation method setting information 734. When a plurality of mouse objects Mm are targeted, for example, vectors Vf ′ are individually calculated and combined to obtain a vector Vf ′ of the mouse object Mn.
[0096]
Next, referring to the stage information 730, the vector Vw at the current position of the mouse object Mn is calculated (step S212). For example, the vector Vw based on the environmental condition such as wind is calculated with reference to the external force setting information 740, and the vector Vw based on the terrain condition is calculated from the normal vector of the polygonal surface constituting the terrain.
[0097]
If the vectors Vt ′, Ve ′, Vf ′, and Vw are calculated, the combined vector calculation unit 224 refers to the personality setting information 735 (step S216) and combines these component vectors to calculate a combined vector Va ( Step S218). Next, the size of the composite vector Va is optimized so as not to exceed the maximum movement speed of the mouse object M, and is set as a composite vector Va ′ (step S220).
[0098]
When the composite vector Va ′ is obtained, the game calculation unit 22 calculates the rotation around the X, Y, and Z axes according to the position coordinates and the terrain of the mouse object, and updates the group registration information 733. (Step S222). More specifically, the current position coordinate / composition vector / rotation of the individual information 733c is stored as that of the previous frame, and the current position coordinate / rotation is newly determined from the newly obtained composition vector Va ′. Calculate and store.
[0099]
If the processes in steps S204 to S224 have been executed for all the belonging objects, the group movement process is terminated, and the flow returns to the flow of FIG. In the present embodiment, one group (group Fa) is to be processed. However, when there are a plurality of groups in the game space, the above-described group movement process is executed for all groups.
[0100]
Returning to the flow of FIG. 14, since the positions of all the mouse objects Mn have been determined by the group movement process, the game calculation unit 22 performs a predetermined game determination process (step S112). For example, this includes determination of whether or not a mouse is prey, determination of game time, hit check, score calculation, and the like. Next, the image generation unit 24 generates an image of the game screen and displays it on the image display unit 30 (step S114). Here, the game calculation unit 22 performs a game end determination, and ends the game when a predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in step S116).
[0101]
16 to 18 are diagrams illustrating an example of the game screen based on the processing result. In FIG. 16, the cat object Cl moves upward from the lower side of the screen and approaches the group Fa.
In FIG. 17, the cat object Cl reaches the vicinity of the virtual target Ta, and the mouse object M is controlled to move away from the cat object Cl while trying to gather at the virtual target Ta. As a result, a circular space is generated around the cat object Cl.
FIG. 18 shows a case where the cat object Cl further travels in the upper right direction and passes through the group Fa. When the cat object Cl (enemy) leaves the group Fa, the vector Ve ′ does not act on the mouse object M. For example, the vector Vt ′ acts relatively high on the mouse object Mn that has moved away from the virtual target Ta to escape from the enemy, and the movement is controlled so as to approach the virtual target Ta. These drawings are examples under certain conditions, and may take various forms depending on various conditions such as the positional relationship of each object and the topography.
[0102]
[Hardware configuration]
Next, a hardware configuration capable of realizing the arcade game device 1300 will be described.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration according to the present embodiment. The arcade game apparatus 1300 includes 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 and 1014. Connected so that data can be input and output.
[0103]
The CPU 1000 corresponds to the processing unit 20 in FIG. 10, and controls the entire apparatus according to a program stored in the information storage medium 1006, a system program stored in the ROM 1002, an operation input signal input by the control device 1022, and the like. And various data processing.
[0104]
The ROM 1002, the RAM 1004, and the information storage medium 1006 correspond to the storage unit 70 in FIG.
The ROM 1002 corresponds to the ROM 1322 of FIG. 1, and stores the game information 72 of FIG. 10, particularly programs and data set in advance. 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. The information storage medium 1006 is realized by an IC memory card, a removable hard disk unit, an MO, or the like. The information storage medium 1006 corresponds to the ROM 1322 in FIG.
[0105]
The sound generation IC 1008 is an integrated circuit that generates game sounds such as sound effects and BGM based on information stored in the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002, and the generated sounds are output by the speaker 1020. The speaker 1020 corresponds to the sound output unit 40 in FIG. 10 and the speaker 1304 in FIG.
[0106]
The image generation IC 1010 is an integrated circuit that generates pixel information for outputting an image to the display device 1018 based on image information output from the RAM 1004, the ROM 1002, the information storage medium 1006, and the like. The display device 1018 corresponds to the image display unit 30 in FIG. 10 and the display 1302 in FIG.
[0107]
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.
The control device 1022 corresponds to the operation input unit 10 in FIG. 10 and corresponds to the operation panel, the joystick 1306 and the push button 1308 in FIG. 1, and the player inputs various game operations as the game progresses. It is a device for doing. 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 transmit / receive given information according to the game program, It is used for transmitting and receiving information such as game programs via the.
[0108]
Note that the processing performed by the image generation IC 1010, the sound generation IC 1008, and the like may be executed by software by the CPU 1000, a general-purpose DSP, or the like.
[0109]
[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, a case where other elements are added to the composite vector Va will be described by taking as an example a case where characters having various occupation attributes form a group.
Note that this embodiment can be basically realized by the same configuration as the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the first embodiment, and the description will be omitted. And
[0110]
[Explanation of group control concept]
FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the concept relating to the vector Vs set according to the character attributes in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the group Fa in the present embodiment leads a group in the game setting and protects other characters from the monster D, a farmer character Q that produces food, and external business. And merchant character R in charge. In the figure, the team is moving to another land in the game space.
[0111]
Here, the merchant character R shows a high interest in money-related things because of its attribute characteristics. In the figure, when the treasure item H1 is arranged on the game field, the merchant character R has a treasure item in addition to the vectors Vt ′, Ve ′, Vf ′, and Vw described in the first embodiment. A vector Vs ′ indicating a request to obtain H1 is specially calculated. Further, the farmer character Q is highly interested in food and food production because of its characteristics. In the figure, when the food item H2 is arranged on the game field, a vector Vs ′ indicating a request for obtaining the food item H2 is specially calculated for the farmer character Q.
[0112]
Similar to the vector Vt ′ and the like, the vector Vs ′ is obtained with reference to calculation method setting information 734 to be described later according to the type of the item from the vector Vs from the character to the item and the distance from the item. In addition to the vectors Vt ′, Ve ′, Vf ′, and Vw, the vector Vs ′ is combined with the combined vector Va.
[0113]
As described above, since the size of the vector Vs ′ is determined by the distance to the item, the merchant character R5 close to the treasure item H1 and the peasant character Q1 close to the food item H2 in FIG. 20 have other merchant characters. The vector Vs ′ acts more strongly than R1 to R4 and the farmer characters Q1 to Q4, and tries to leave the group. Each vector Vs ′ is attributed to the presence of an item. For example, the merchant character R5 who has obtained the treasure item H1 moves to return to the group because the vector Vs ′ disappears.
[0114]
[Description of functional block]
FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram for explaining an example of a functional configuration in the present embodiment. In the arcade game apparatus 1300 in the present embodiment, the game information 72 includes attribute-specific item setting information 742 that defines an item of particular interest for each character attribute.
[0115]
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the group registration information 733 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, a character attribute 733d is stored corresponding to each object ID 733c.
[0116]
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the item setting information 742 for each attribute. As shown in the figure, for each character attribute 742a, an item 742b for which a vector Vs is set, a personality parameter value 742c, and the like are set. For example, in the case of food items, the personality parameter value 742c of water may be set higher than that of specific food such as apples, and the vector Vs may be set stronger. In this case, water is more important than apple, and the vector Vs ′ for water acts more strongly on the farmer character Q.
[0117]
[Description of process flow]
FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the group movement process in the present embodiment. Steps different from those in the first embodiment are denoted by reference numerals in the S300 series.
[0118]
As shown in the figure, in the group movement process, after calculation of the vector Vw (step S212), the vector calculation unit 221 refers to the character attribute 733d from the group registration information 733 (step S302), and sets the item setting information for each attribute. From 742, the item 742b and the personality parameter value 742c corresponding to the character attribute 733d are referred to (step S304).
Then, it is determined whether or not the item 742b is within a predetermined distance. If the item 742b is present (YES in step S306), vectors Vs and Vs ′ are obtained according to the setting of the calculation method setting information 734 (step S308). ).
[0119]
When the vector Vs ′ is obtained, the vector calculation unit 224 obtains the vector Va by vector synthesis of the vectors Vt ′, Ve ′, Vf ′, Vw, Vs ′, optimizes the vector Va, and calculates the vector Va ′. (Steps S216 to S220). Based on the vector Va ′, the individual information 733c of the mouse object Mn in the group registration information 733 is updated (step S222).
[0120]
Through the above processing, it is possible to reflect in the game a specific action based on the attributes of the character such that the treasure item H1 is blinded and the merchant character R5 leaves the group.
[0121]
[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the third embodiment, a case where the mouse objects M are further aligned so as to form a predetermined shape and a case where the arithmetic processing is omitted according to the distance from the virtual viewpoint will be described as examples. Note that this embodiment can be realized basically by the same configuration as the first and second embodiments, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.
[0122]
[Description of alignment concept]
FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the principle of object alignment in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, a sub virtual target Gn (n is a natural number) is set in a given arrangement pattern with the virtual target Ta as a reference position. Each sub-virtual target Gn is associated with a mouse object Mn. Then, the mouse object Mn uses the sub virtual target Gn associated therewith as the movement target. Therefore, the mouse objects M form a group Fa so as to form a formation while avoiding collision with each other and avoiding enemies.
[0123]
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the arrangement pattern of the sub virtual target Gn with respect to the virtual target Ta is determined in advance, and whether the virtual target Ta is set as the movement target or the sub virtual target Gn is aligned as the movement target by the operation of the player. Can be switched. In the present embodiment, the latter is referred to as “alignment mode”.
The arrangement is not limited to the example shown in the figure, and the shape may be set as appropriate. Of course, it is possible to prepare a plurality of arrangement patterns in advance so that the user can select them appropriately during the game.
[0124]
[Description of functional block]
FIG. 26 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the arcade game apparatus 1300 in the present embodiment includes sub virtual target setting information 744 that stores information for setting the arrangement position of the sub virtual target Gn in the game information 72.
[0125]
FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the sub virtual target setting information 744, which is specific data representing an arrangement pattern. As shown in the figure, the sub virtual target setting information 744 stores, for example, identification information (sub virtual target ID) and coordinate values of the sub virtual target Gn having the virtual target Ta as the local origin as table data.
[0126]
The correspondence relationship between the sub virtual target Gn and the mouse object Mn is performed by the group setting unit 220 in this embodiment, and information related to the correspondence relationship (for example, identification of the corresponding sub virtual target Gn is included in the individual information 733c of the group registration information 733). Information). Further, identification of whether or not the mode is the alignment mode is appropriately managed by setting a flag in the game information 72, for example.
[0127]
[Description of process flow]
FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of group movement processing in the present embodiment. Note that steps different from those in FIG.
[0128]
As shown in the figure, first, the game calculation unit 22 calculates the distance from the virtual viewpoint to the virtual target Ta (step S501). The obtained distance is stored in the storage unit 70 as appropriate.
Next, the game calculation unit 22 determines whether or not the alignment mode is selected (step S502). When the alignment mode is selected (YES in step S502), the game calculation unit 22 sets the sub virtual target Gn on the game space with reference to the sub virtual target setting information 744 (step S504), and the group setting unit 220 associates the sub virtual target Gn with the mouse object Mn (step S506).
[0129]
Next, the vector calculation unit 221 calculates a component vector. When the alignment mode is selected (YES in step S508), the vector calculation unit 221 calculates vectors Vt and Vt ′ for the sub virtual target Gn (step S510). If the alignment mode is not selected (NO in step S508), vectors Vt and Vt ′ are calculated for the virtual target Ta (step S206).
[0130]
Next, the game calculation unit 22 determines whether or not the distance from the virtual viewpoint to the virtual target Ta exceeds a predetermined threshold that makes the display size of the mouse object M on the screen smaller and makes individual identification difficult (step S512). ).
If the distance from the virtual viewpoint to the virtual target Ta exceeds the threshold value (YES in step S512), that is, if the display size of the mouse object M is sufficiently small, the steps Ve208 to S212 are omitted and the vectors Ve ′ and Vf ′ are omitted. , Vw are set to “0” (step S514). Hereinafter, since it is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted (step S208-S224).
[0131]
With the above processing, the group Fa can be aligned so as to form a predetermined shape while controlling the mouse objects M as if they are operating independently.
[0132]
The association between the sub virtual target Gn and the mouse object Mn is not limited to this, and may be set as appropriate.
[0133]
Further, the arrangement of the sub virtual target Gn may be varied according to the distance from the viewpoint. More specifically, for example, the game calculation unit 22 obtains the distance from the virtual target Ta to the virtual viewpoint in step S504, and when the virtual target Ta is located farther than a predetermined distance, the sub virtual targets Gn are arranged with each other. The interval is enlarged from the initial state by a predetermined magnification. If the distance from the virtual target Ta to the virtual viewpoint is less than the predetermined distance, the initial state is maintained. As a result, when the display size of the mouse object M is reduced on the screen display and it is difficult to determine whether or not it is aligned, it is possible to clearly show the state where the spaces are intentionally widened. .
[0134]
Further, the correspondence between the sub virtual target Gn and the mouse object Mn may be varied from one-to-one to one-to-many based on the distance from the virtual target Ta to the virtual viewpoint. More specifically, for example, when the distance obtained in step S504 of the group movement process exceeds a predetermined value, the game calculation unit 22 performs steps S508, S206, and S510 for intermittently obtaining the vectors Vt and Vt ′ of the mouse object Mn. The vector Vt ′ of other adjacent mouse objects Mm is copied.
[0135]
The first to third embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described above. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and constituent elements are appropriately added without departing from the spirit of the present invention.・ You can change it.
[0136]
For example, in the calculation of the vectors Ve ′ and Vf ′, when avoiding the cat object Cl or the neighboring mouse object Mm, the vectors Ve and Vf are determined. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the vectors Ve and Ve ′, The declination angle of the vectors Vf and Vf ′ may be determined so as to be inversely proportional to the distance to the cat object Cl or the close fellow mouse object Mm. In this case, if the target to be avoided is far away, the distance is still far away, so the direction should be changed as a precautionary measure, and the degree of avoidance will be increased as the target comes closer to the opposite direction. Move control can be avoided.
[0137]
For example, when the mouse object M jumps while moving, when the vector Va is synthesized, a state of moving while jumping can be expressed by appropriately adding a vector for parabolic motion to the vector Va. Similarly, when a fluctuation peculiar to a living thing is given to control of the mouse object M, when calculating the vectors Vt ′, Ve ′, and Vf ′, each may be multiplied by a random coefficient to give a variation.
[0138]
Further, the distance range is not limited to be set stepwise. For example, it is a matter of course that a configuration in which the coefficients to be multiplied when calculating the vectors Vt ′, Ve ′, and Vf ′ are continuously set by obtaining from a predetermined function may be used.
[0139]
Also, in the case where the ground surface is basically set like the mouse object M, the above-mentioned vectors are treated only with the two-dimensional components of the plane along the ground surface, and the height is modeling data of the ground surface. It is good also as a structure obtained from. For example, when the ground surface is formed substantially along the XZ plane in an XYZ three-dimensional coordinate system, each of the above-described vectors is calculated using only the XZ component. When the movement position of the mouse object M on the XZ plane is determined, the height component of the movement position is obtained by referring to the height of the ground surface corresponding to the position coordinates. More specifically, the movement position of the mouse object M is considered to be one point on the plane of the ground polygon, the normal vector Vn of the polygon constituting the ground surface is calculated, and the Y value is calculated from the vector Vn and the XZ coordinate value of the movement position. The coordinate value may be obtained.
[0140]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the force component that affects the behavior of the individuals constituting the group is regarded as a vector, and the vector is used as a base for the movement position calculation. The desired value can be calculated quickly. Moreover, the individuality of each individual can be reflected by reflecting the degree of influence of each vector by the coefficient and the composition ratio of the vectors. Therefore, the group control can be performed at a higher speed while giving the individual and group the individuality of the operation.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a commercial game apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the concept of game content.
FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the principle of movement control of a mouse object M in the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the principle of a method for calculating a vector Vt ′ of a mouse object M in the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the principle of a method for calculating a vector Vt ′ of a mouse object M in the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the principle of a method for calculating a vector Ve ′ of a mouse object M in the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the principle of a method for calculating a vector Vf ′ of a mouse object M in the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the principle of a method for calculating a vector Vf ′ of a mouse object M in the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the concept of an external force vector Vw acting from the environment.
FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of group registration information.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of personality setting information.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of external force setting information.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the main flow in the first embodiment;
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of group movement processing in the first embodiment;
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a concept related to a vector Vs set according to the character attribute according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram for explaining an example of a functional configuration according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of group registration information in the second embodiment.
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of item-specific attribute setting information.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of group movement processing in the second embodiment;
FIG. 25 is a view for explaining the principle of object alignment in the third embodiment;
FIG. 26 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of sub virtual target setting information.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of group movement processing in the third embodiment;
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Operation input section
20 processor
22 Game calculator
220 group setting part
221 Vector operation unit
222 Virtual target movement controller
223 Component vector calculation unit
224 Composite vector calculation unit
225 Composite vector change unit
70 storage unit
72 Game Information
720 group setting program
721 Vector operation program
722 Virtual target movement control program
733 Group Registration Information
734 Calculation method setting information
735 Personality setting information
740 External force setting information
742 Item setting information by attribute
744 Sub virtual target setting information
1300 arcade game machine
1320 Control unit
1324 Vector arithmetic unit
C Cat object
F group
G Sub virtual target
H1 treasure item
H2 food item
k coefficient
M mouse object
T Virtual target
V vector

Claims (14)

In order to make the computer control the movement toward the target point of the group composed of a plurality of individuals having different values of the first parameter in the virtual space where the enemy exists, the movement of each individual is controlled and moved. A program for generating a group image,
Sub target point setting means for setting the sub target point in the virtual space according to a given arrangement pattern in which the arrangement position of the sub target point corresponding to each individual is determined with the target point as a reference position;
First setting means for setting a first vector based on a distance between the individual and a sub target point corresponding to the individual;
Second setting means for setting a second vector based on the distance between the individual and the enemy;
Third setting means for setting a third vector based on the distance between the individual and another individual;
First coefficient setting means for setting a first coefficient related to the magnitude of the first vector based on the value of the first parameter of the individual;
Second coefficient setting means for setting a second coefficient related to the magnitude of the second vector based on the value of the first parameter of the individual;
Third coefficient setting means for setting a third coefficient related to the magnitude of the third vector based on the value of the first parameter of the individual;
Calculation means for calculating the movement position of the individual after a predetermined time based on the first to third vectors and the first to third coefficients,
By causing the computer to function as an alignment movement control of the individual according to the arrangement pattern with the target point as a reference position, and independent movement control of the individual according to the distance from the enemy and other individuals, A program for causing the computer to execute. In order to make the computer control the movement toward the target point of the group composed of a plurality of individuals having different values of the first parameter in the virtual space where the enemy exists, the movement of each individual is controlled and moved. A program for generating a group image,
Sub target point setting means for setting the sub target point in the virtual space according to a given arrangement pattern in which the arrangement position of the sub target point corresponding to each individual is determined with the target point as a reference position;
First setting means for setting a first vector based on a distance between the individual and a sub target point corresponding to the individual;
Second setting means for setting a second vector based on the distance between the individual and the enemy;
Third setting means for setting a third vector based on the distance between the individual and another individual;
A composition ratio setting means for setting a composition ratio of the first to third vectors based on the value of the first parameter of the individual;
Calculation means for combining the first to third vectors based on the combination ratio set by the combination ratio setting means and calculating the movement position of the individual after a predetermined time;
By causing the computer to function as an alignment movement control of the individual according to the arrangement pattern with the target point as a reference position, and independent movement control of the individual according to the distance from the enemy and other individuals, A program for causing the computer to execute. The program according to claim 1 or 2,
Viewpoint setting means for setting a viewpoint serving as a reference for generating the image in the virtual space;
Image generating means for generating an image of the virtual space viewed from the viewpoint set by the viewpoint setting means;
Sub target point interval varying means for varying the arrangement interval between the sub target points according to the distance between the viewpoint set by the viewpoint setting means and the target point;
A program for causing the computer to function as The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The first setting means alternatively selects a calculation method according to the distance between the individual and the sub- target point corresponding to the individual among the plurality of calculation methods, and the first setting means selects a first calculation method based on the selected calculation method. Vector set and
The second setting means alternatively selects a calculation method according to the distance between the individual and the enemy among a plurality of calculation methods, and sets a second vector based on the selected calculation method,
The third setting means alternatively selects a calculation method according to the distance between the individual and another individual among a plurality of calculation methods, and sets a third vector based on the selected calculation method.
Program for causing the computer to function. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When there is another group in addition to the own group in the virtual space, the third setting means is based on the distance between the individual and the other individual of the own group, and the distance between the individual and the individual of the other group. A program for causing the computer to function so as to set the third vector. The program according to claim 5,
The third setting means is a calculation method in which the declination between the direction from the individual toward the other group of individuals and the direction of the third vector is inversely proportional to the distance between the individual and the other group of individuals. A program for causing the computer to function to set a vector. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
If the distance between the individual and the sub target point corresponding to the individual is outside the given distance, the first setting means sets a first vector in a direction approaching the sub target point, and A program for causing the computer to function so as to set a first vector in a direction away from the sub target point when the distance is within a given distance. A program according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The computer functions as a determination means for determining whether the distance between any one individual in the group to which the individual belongs and the sub- target point corresponding to the one individual is within a given distance. ,
When it is determined by the determination means that the distance between any one individual and the sub target point corresponding to the one individual is within a given distance, compared to when the distance is outside the given distance, Causing the computer to function so that the first setting means sets the first vector so that the magnitude of the vector is reduced;
Program for. A program according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Each individual is set in advance with a second parameter indicating the type,
One group includes a plurality of types of individuals having different values of the second parameter,
4th setting which selects a calculation method classified by type according to the value of the 2nd parameter of the individual among a plurality of calculation methods classified by type, and sets the 4th vector based on the selected calculation method classified by type As a means to further function the computer,
The calculation means further causes the computer to calculate a movement position of the individual after a predetermined time in consideration of the fourth vector;
Program for. A program according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
Each individual moves on the ground surface in the virtual space,
The first setting means sets a first vector with a predetermined two-dimensional component along the ground surface;
The second setting means sets a second vector with the two-dimensional component;
The third setting means sets a third vector with the two-dimensional component;
The calculation means further calculates the movement position of the individual after a predetermined time in consideration of the altitude of the ground surface,
Program for causing the computer to function. It is a program as described in any one of Claims 1-10,
A program for causing the computer to further function as a means for hiding the target point on the image.   A computer-readable information storage medium storing the program according to claim 1. In a virtual space where an enemy exists, an image of a group that moves by controlling the movement of each individual in order to perform movement control toward a target point of the group composed of a plurality of individuals having different values of the first parameter An image generation device for generating
Sub target point setting means for setting the sub target point in the virtual space according to a given arrangement pattern in which the arrangement position of the sub target point corresponding to each individual is determined with the target point as a reference position;
First setting means for setting a first vector based on a distance between the individual and a sub-target point corresponding to the individual;
Second setting means for setting a second vector based on the distance between the individual and the enemy;
Third setting means for setting a third vector based on a distance between the individual and another individual;
First coefficient setting means for setting a first coefficient related to the magnitude of the first vector based on the value of the first parameter of the individual;
Second coefficient setting means for setting a second coefficient related to the magnitude of the second vector based on the value of the first parameter of the individual;
Third coefficient setting means for setting a third coefficient related to the magnitude of the third vector based on the value of the first parameter of the individual;
A computing means for computing the movement position of the individual after a predetermined time based on the first to third vectors and the first to third coefficients;
An image generation apparatus that executes alignment movement control of the individuals according to the arrangement pattern with the target point as a reference position, and independent movement control of the individuals according to the distance from an enemy and another individual . In a virtual space where an enemy exists, an image of a group that moves by controlling the movement of each individual in order to perform movement control toward a target point of the group composed of a plurality of individuals having different values of the first parameter An image generation device for generating
Sub target point setting means for setting the sub target point in the virtual space according to a given arrangement pattern in which the arrangement position of the sub target point corresponding to each individual is determined with the target point as a reference position;
First setting means for setting a first vector based on a distance between the individual and a sub-target point corresponding to the individual;
Second setting means for setting a second vector based on the distance between the individual and the enemy;
Third setting means for setting a third vector based on a distance between the individual and another individual;
A composition ratio setting means for setting a composition ratio of the first to third vectors based on the value of the first parameter of the individual;
Based on the composition ratio set by the composition ratio setting means, the first to third vectors are synthesized, and a computing means for computing the movement position of the individual after a predetermined time;
An image generation apparatus that executes alignment movement control of the individuals according to the arrangement pattern with the target point as a reference position, and independent movement control of the individuals according to the distance from an enemy and another individual .

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