JP4538331B2 - GAME DEVICE, GAME DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game apparatus, a game apparatus control method, and a program.

  A game is known that displays the operation target characters of a plurality of players on a game screen. For example, a first game character that is an operation target of the first player and a second game character that is an operation target of the second player appear, and while watching the game screen displayed on one monitor, A game played by a second player is known. In such a game, if the operation target character is not displayed on the game screen, the player cannot perform the game operation favorably. Therefore, the operation target character of each player needs to be displayed on the game screen. There is.

  Conventionally, in a so-called two-dimensional game, in order for the operation target characters of each player to be displayed on the game screen, a non-scrolling game screen is displayed, and when any of the operation target characters moves to the end of the game screen, While switching to the other game screen corresponding to the edge part, displaying all the operation target characters on the other game screen has been performed. Alternatively, the game screen is scrolled only in a certain direction, and each operation target character is forcibly moved in the scroll direction along with the scrolling.

  In a so-called three-dimensional game in which a state where a three-dimensional game space where a plurality of operation target objects are arranged is viewed from a given viewpoint is displayed, the operation target objects of each player are displayed on the game screen. Although it is desired to plan, such a method is not suitable for a three-dimensional game.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game device that displays on a game screen a view of a three-dimensional game space in which a plurality of operation target objects are arranged from a given viewpoint. Another object of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus, a game apparatus control method, and a program that enable the plurality of operation objects to be displayed on the game screen.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a game device according to the present invention is a game device that displays on a game screen a view of a three-dimensional game space in which a plurality of operation target objects are arranged from a given viewpoint position. Position updating means for updating the position of each of the plurality of operation target objects, and updating of the position of each of the plurality of operation target objects, the position of the operation target object, and another of the plurality of operation target objects Position update limiting means for limiting the distance between the position of the operation target object so as not to be equal to or greater than a predetermined limit distance, and the three-dimensional game space as a display target on the game screen. Limiting distance control means for controlling based on the size of the area.

  In addition, the game device control method according to the present invention provides a game device control method for displaying on a game screen a view of a three-dimensional game space in which a plurality of operation target objects are arranged, from a given viewpoint position. A position update step for updating the position of each of the plurality of operation target objects, and updating of the position of each of the plurality of operation target objects by the position update step, the position of the operation target object, and the plurality of operations A position update limiting step for limiting the distance between the target object and the position of another operation target object so as not to exceed a predetermined limit distance; and setting the size of the limit distance to the game screen. A limit distance control step for controlling based on the size of the area of the three-dimensional game space to be displayed. The features.

  In addition, the program according to the present invention is a game machine for displaying a state where a three-dimensional game space in which a plurality of operation target objects are arranged as viewed from a given viewpoint position is displayed on a game screen. A program for causing a computer such as a game machine, an arcade game machine, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal computer, or a server computer to function, and updating the position of each of the plurality of operation target objects Means for updating the position of each of the plurality of operation target objects, wherein a distance between the position of the operation target object and a position of another operation target object among the plurality of operation target objects is a predetermined limit Position update limiting means for limiting the distance so as not to exceed the distance; Limiting distance control means for controlling on the basis of the size of the area of the three-dimensional game space to be displayed to a program for causing the computer to function as a.

  An information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium recording the above program. A program distribution apparatus according to the present invention is a program distribution apparatus that includes an information storage medium storing the above-described program, reads the program from the information storage medium, and distributes the program. A program distribution method according to the present invention is a program distribution method including an information storage medium storing the above-described program, reading the program from the information storage medium, and distributing the program.

  The present invention relates to a game apparatus that displays on a game screen a state in which a three-dimensional game space in which a plurality of operation target objects are arranged is viewed from a given viewpoint position. In the present invention, the update of the position of each of the plurality of operation target objects is limited so that the distance between the position of the operation target object and the position of the other operation target object does not exceed a predetermined limit distance. The In addition, the size of the limit distance is controlled based on the size of the area of the three-dimensional game space to be displayed on the game screen. Therefore, according to the present invention, a plurality of operation target objects can be displayed on the game screen.

  In one aspect of the present invention, a reference position determination unit that determines a reference position based on the position of each of the plurality of operation target objects, and the viewpoint position within an area within a viewpoint limit distance from the reference position. Viewpoint position determining means for determining the limit distance, and the limit distance control means may control the size of the limit distance based on the size of the viewpoint limit distance.

  In this aspect, the camera includes viewpoint limit distance data storage means for storing viewpoint limit distance data in which area specifying information for specifying the area of the three-dimensional game space and the size of the viewpoint limit distance are associated with each other. The position determining means may include means for determining the size of the viewpoint limit distance based on the viewpoint limit distance data and the positions of the plurality of operation target objects.

  In the aspect of the invention, a region partition object that partitions a partial region of the three-dimensional game space is arranged in the three-dimensional game space, and the plurality of operation target objects are defined by the region partition object. The position update restricting means is arranged in a partitioned area, and the position update restricting means restricts the update of the position of each of the plurality of operation target objects to a region partitioned by the region partition object, and thus the operation target object , And the position of the other operation target object among the plurality of operation target objects so as not to be equal to or greater than a predetermined limit distance, and the limit distance control means The size of the area partitioned by the size of the area of the three-dimensional game space to be displayed on the game screen It may be controlled based.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a game device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The game apparatus 10 shown in the figure is configured by attaching a DVD-ROM 25 and a memory card 28 as information storage media to a consumer game machine 11 and further connecting a monitor 18 and a speaker 22. For example, a home television receiver is used for the monitor 18, and its built-in speaker is used for the speaker 22.

  The home game machine 11 includes a bus 12, a microprocessor 14, an image processing unit 16, an audio processing unit 20, a DVD-ROM playback unit 24, a main memory 26, an input / output processing unit 30, and a controller 32. It is a computer game system. Each component of the consumer game machine 11 other than the controller 32 is housed in a housing.

  The bus 12 is for exchanging addresses and data among the units of the consumer game machine 11. The microprocessor 14, the image processing unit 16, the main memory 26, and the input / output processing unit 30 are connected by the bus 12 so that mutual data communication is possible.

  The microprocessor 14 controls each part of the consumer game machine 11 based on an operating system stored in a ROM (not shown), a program read from the DVD-ROM 25, and data read from the memory card 28. The main memory 26 is configured to include, for example, a RAM, and a program read from the DVD-ROM 25 and data read from the memory card 28 are written as necessary. The main memory 26 is also used for work of the microprocessor 14.

  The image processing unit 16 includes a VRAM, and draws a game screen on the VRAM based on the image data sent from the microprocessor 14. Then, the content is converted into a video signal and output to the monitor 18 at a predetermined timing.

  The input / output processing unit 30 is an interface for the microprocessor 14 to access the audio processing unit 20, the DVD-ROM playback unit 24, the memory card 28, and the controller 32. An audio processing unit 20, a DVD-ROM playback unit 24, a memory card 28 and a controller 32 are connected to the input / output processing unit 30.

  The sound processing unit 20 is configured to include a sound buffer, and reproduces various sound data such as game music, game sound effects, and messages read from the DVD-ROM 25 and stored in the sound buffer, from the speaker 22. Output.

  The DVD-ROM playback unit 24 reads a program recorded on the DVD-ROM 25 in accordance with an instruction from the microprocessor 14. Here, the DVD-ROM 25 is used to supply the program to the consumer game machine 11, but any other information storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a ROM card may be used. Further, the program may be supplied to the consumer game machine 11 from a remote location via a data communication network such as the Internet.

  The memory card 28 includes a nonvolatile memory (for example, EEPROM). The home-use game machine 11 is provided with a plurality of memory card slots for mounting the memory card 28, and the plurality of memory cards 28 can be mounted simultaneously. The memory card 28 is configured to be removable from the memory card slot. The memory card 28 is used for storing various game data such as save data.

  The controller 32 is general-purpose operation input means for the player to input various game operations. The input / output processing unit 30 scans the state of each unit of the controller 32 at regular intervals (for example, every 1/60 seconds), and passes an operation signal representing the scan result to the microprocessor 14 via the bus 12. The microprocessor 14 determines the player's game operation based on the operation signal. The home game machine 11 is configured so that a plurality of controllers 32 can be connected, and the microprocessor 14 performs game control based on an operation signal input from each controller 32.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the controller 32. The controller 32 shown in the figure is a general-purpose game controller. As shown in FIG. 4A, the controller 32 is provided with a direction button 34, a start button 36, and buttons 38X, 38Y, 38A, and 38B. Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the back side surface of the controller 32 is provided with buttons 42L and 42R on the left and right sides of the front surface, and buttons 40L and 40R are provided on the left and right sides of the back surface, respectively. . The direction button 34 has a cross shape, and is usually used to set a moving direction of a character or a cursor. The start button 36 is a small push button having a triangular shape, and is usually used for starting a game or forcibly ending a game. Buttons 38X, 38Y, 38A, 38B, 40L, 40R, 42L, and 42R are used for other game operations.

  The game apparatus 10 having the above configuration includes a first player character object (operation target object) that is an operation target of the first player and a second player character object (operation target object) that is the operation target of the second player. In accordance with an instruction input from the controller 32 of each player, a three-dimensional action game is provided in which a three-dimensional game space (virtual space, object space) is moved and an enemy character object (game character object that opposes the player character object) is eliminated. To do.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a three-dimensional game space constructed in the main memory 26. In the three-dimensional game space 50 shown in the figure, a rectangular flat passage object 54 parallel to the ZX plane is arranged. Wall surface objects 52 and 56 are erected on both ends of the passage object 54. A first player character object 58 and a second player character object 60 are arranged on the passage object 54. An enemy character object and the like are also arranged on the passage object 54, but are omitted here.

  The first player character object 58 moves on the passage object 54 based on an operation signal input from the controller 32 used by the first player. Similarly, the second player character object 60 moves on the passage object 54 based on an operation signal input from the controller 32 used by the second player. Further, when the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 receive a predetermined attack from the enemy character object, they blow away in a direction corresponding to the attack.

  A viewpoint C that follows the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 is set in the three-dimensional game space 50. Further, the gazing point F is set at the midpoint between the position of the first player character object 58 and the position of the second player character object 60. A state in which the gazing point F is viewed from the viewpoint C is imaged at a predetermined angle of view, and the image is displayed on the monitor 18.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a game screen displayed on the monitor 18. In the example of the game screen shown in the figure, a part of the passage object 54, the wall surface object 56, the first player character object 58, and the second player character object 60 arranged around the gazing point F are displayed. The first player and the second player perform operations on the player character objects that are the operation targets while watching the game screen. That is, the first player and the second player advance the game in cooperation while watching the game screen displayed on one monitor 18.

  In the above-described game in which the first player and the second player play while watching the game screen displayed on one monitor 18, for example, the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 are in opposite directions. One or both of the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 will not be displayed on the game screen because the player character object moves or is greatly blown off by the attack of the enemy character object. There is a case. In such a case, the first player and the second player can no longer perform the game operation.

  In such a case, it is also conceivable to increase the distance from the gazing point F to the viewpoint C so that the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 are displayed on the game screen. However, as the distance from the gazing point F to the viewpoint C increases, the size of the three-dimensional game space 50 to be displayed on the game screen also increases. Therefore, the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 are displayed. May be undesirable from the viewpoint of processing burden.

  Further, the game screen displayed on the monitor 18 is divided into two areas, and a state in which the three-dimensional game space 50 is viewed from the first viewpoint driven by the first player character object 58 is displayed in one area. It is also conceivable to display a state in which the three-dimensional game space 50 is viewed from the second viewpoint that follows the second player character object 60 in this area. However, in such a method, the area of the game screen that should be noticed by each player is narrowed, and there is a risk that the interest (power) of the game will be impaired. In addition, it may be difficult to grasp the situation of the player character object of the opponent player, and there is a possibility that the interest of the game that two players enjoy in cooperation with each other may be impaired.

  In this regard, in the game apparatus 10, by suitably limiting the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 so as not to be separated from each other by a predetermined distance or more, one or both of the player character objects are displayed on the game screen. It is designed to prevent it from disappearing. As a result, the first player and the second player are preferably allowed to perform a game operation while suppressing an increase in processing burden and ensuring that the game's interest is not impaired.

  Hereinafter, a configuration for suitably limiting the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 so as not to be separated by a predetermined distance or more will be described.

  In the game apparatus 10, a movement restriction object (region partition object) for restricting the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 from being separated by a predetermined distance or more is arranged in the three-dimensional game space 50. . 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the movement restriction object. FIG. 5 shows an example of the three-dimensional game space 50, and FIG. 6 shows the state of the three-dimensional game space 50 as viewed from above. The movement restriction object 62 is an invisible object and is not displayed on the game screen.

  As shown in these drawings, the movement restriction object 62 is a cylindrical object, and the central axis thereof is the foot position (PC1) of the first player character object 58 and the foot position (PC2) of the second player character object 60. It is arranged to pass through the middle point (gaze point F).

  Further, the inner diameter I of the movement restriction object 62 is determined (updated) based on the distance between the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60. Specifically, the inner diameter I is the distance between the foot position (PC1) of the first player character object 58 and the foot position (PC2) of the second player character object 60, and the first player character object 58 has a predetermined time. A distance that can be moved (for example, 1/60 seconds), a distance that the second player character object 60 can move for a predetermined time (for example, 1/60 seconds), and a predetermined distance (to leave some room for movement in the player character object). It is a value formed by adding the above.

  Further, a hit determination is performed between the movement restriction object 62 and the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60. For example, when the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 move in response to a movement instruction operation on the controller 32 or when they are blown off by an attack from an enemy character object, they hit the movement restriction object 62 ( That is, when going out of the area defined by the movement restriction object 62), the position within the area defined by the movement restriction object 62 is determined as the movement destination position (blow-off position). Yes.

  For this reason, in the game apparatus 10, the movement of the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 is restricted within the area of the three-dimensional game space 50 defined by the movement restriction object 62. .

  Here, the inner diameter I of the movement restriction object 62 is controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined maximum value. This maximum value is a value that is determined based on the distance at which the viewpoint C can be maximally separated from the gazing point F, that is, the maximum value of the distance from the gazing point F to the viewpoint C (maximum viewpoint distance). . More specifically, “when the viewpoint C is farthest from the gazing point F, both the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 can be displayed on the game screen. The value is determined based on the “maximum distance between the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60”.

  As described above, in the game apparatus 10, the movement of the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 is limited to an area (temporary movement restriction area) determined based on the positions of the player character objects. ing. That is, the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 are restricted so as not to be separated by a distance (temporary movement restriction distance) determined based on the positions of the player character objects. Finally, the movement of the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 is restricted to an area (absolute movement restriction area) determined based on the maximum viewpoint distance. That is, the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 are restricted so as not to be separated by a distance (absolute movement restriction distance) determined based on the maximum viewpoint distance. For this reason, in the game apparatus 10, it is ensured that the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 are reliably displayed on the game screen.

  Here, functional blocks implemented in the game apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram mainly showing those related to the present invention among the functional blocks realized in the game apparatus 10. As shown in the figure, the game apparatus 10 includes a storage unit 70, a position update unit 72, a position update restriction unit 74, a limit distance control unit 76, and a game screen display unit 78. These functions are realized by the microprocessor 14 realizing a program supplied by an information storage medium or a communication network.

[1. Storage unit]
The storage unit 70 is mainly composed of the DVD-ROM 25 and the main memory 26. The storage unit 70 stores various information related to the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60. For example, the storage unit 70 stores information indicating the positions of the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 in the three-dimensional game space 50. As information indicating the position of the player character object, for example, the coordinates of the reference point of the player character object are stored. Further, for example, the storage unit 70 stores information indicating the shapes, postures, and abilities (movement power, attack power, defense power) of the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60.

  The storage unit 70 also stores various types of information related to other objects such as enemy character objects.

  The storage unit 70 stores reference vector data as shown in FIG. 8, for example. In the present embodiment, a plurality of reference vectors are preset in the three-dimensional game space 50, and the position of the viewpoint C and the line-of-sight direction are determined based on these reference vectors (FIG. 11). (See S102). The reference vector data is data related to these reference vectors.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing reference vectors set in the three-dimensional game space 50. As shown in the figure, an invisible reference vector Vn (n = 1, 2, 3,...) Specified by the coordinates of the start point Pn and the end point Rn is set in the three-dimensional game space 50. Has been. Here, as shown in the figure, a straight line or a broken line spline 64 is virtually set above a predetermined distance (about 1 meter on a scale in the three-dimensional game space 50) of the center line of the passage object 54. The end point Rn of the reference vector Vn is set on the spline 64. Further, a portion of the passage object 54 on the wall surface object 52 side is virtually set, and a spline 66 parallel to the spline 64 is virtually set on this portion. On this spline 66, the starting point Pn of the reference vector Vn is set.

  In the reference vector data shown in FIG. 8, a number (NO.) For identifying each reference vector Vn set in the three-dimensional game space 50, the coordinates (coordinate values) of the start point of the reference vector, and the coordinates (coordinates) of the end point Value).

  Furthermore, the storage unit 70 (viewpoint limit distance data storage means) stores, for example, maximum viewpoint distance data (viewpoint limit distance data) as shown in FIG. In the maximum viewpoint distance data shown in the figure, the area specifying information for specifying the area of the three-dimensional game space 50 is associated with the maximum viewpoint distance (viewing limit distance) in the area. The area specifying information may be any information as long as it is information for specifying the area of the three-dimensional game space 50. For example, as shown in the figure, the coordinates (x, y, z) included in the area are indicated. It may be information indicating a condition. The maximum viewpoint distance is a maximum value of the distance between the gazing point F and the viewpoint C. That is, the distance from which the viewpoint C can be separated from the gazing point F to the maximum. It should be noted that the maximum viewpoint distance does not need to be associated with all the areas of the three-dimensional game space 50, but can be associated with only the area of the three-dimensional game space 50 where the player character object can move. That's fine.

[2. Location update section]
The position update unit 72 updates the positions of the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 stored in the storage unit 70. The position updating unit 72 calculates the movement destination positions of the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60, and the positions of the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 stored in the storage unit 70 are calculated. The stored contents of the storage unit 70 are updated so that the destination position is reached.

  For example, the position update unit 72 calculates the movement destination position of the first player character object 58 based on an operation signal input from the controller 32 of the first player. Further, for example, the position update unit 72 calculates the movement destination position of the second player character object 60 based on the operation signal input from the controller 32 of the second player. Further, for example, the position update unit 72 receives an attack (for example, a special attack or an attack with a predetermined attack strength or more) that satisfies the predetermined condition from the enemy character object, by the first player character object 58 or the second player character object 60. In this case, the destination position is calculated based on the direction and strength of the attack. Details will be described later (see S201 in FIG. 13).

[3. Position update restriction section]
The position update restriction unit 74 uses the position update part 72 so that the distance between the position of the first player character object 58 and the position of the second player character object 60 does not exceed the restriction distance (absolute restriction distance). Update of the positions of the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 is restricted.

  Specifically, if the position update restriction unit 74 moves the first player character object 58 or the second player character object 60 to the movement destination position calculated by the position update unit 72, the position update restriction unit 74 hits the movement restriction object 62. It is determined whether or not. Then, the position updating unit 72 is made to recalculate the destination position according to the determination result. Details will be described later (see S202 and S203 in FIG. 13).

[4. Limit distance control unit]
The limit distance control unit 76 controls the size of the limit distance based on the size of the region of the three-dimensional space 50 to be displayed on the game screen. For example, the limit distance control unit 76 controls the size of the limit distance based on the maximum value (maximum viewpoint distance) of the distance between the coordinates of the gazing point F and the coordinates of the viewpoint C.

  In the present embodiment, the limit distance control unit 76 controls the size of the area of the three-dimensional game space 50 partitioned by the movement limit object 62 based on the maximum viewpoint distance. More specifically, the inner diameter I of the movement restriction object 62 is controlled based on the maximum viewpoint distance. Details will be described later (see S103 to S106 in FIG. 11).

[5. Game screen display]
The game screen display unit 78 mainly includes the image processing unit 16 and the monitor 18. The game screen display unit 78 determines the position of the viewpoint C and the line-of-sight direction based on the reference vector data, and displays a game screen representing a state in which the three-dimensional game space 50 is viewed from the viewpoint C. Details will be described later (see S102 and S109 in FIG. 11).

  Here, a game process that is executed every predetermined time (for example, 1/60 seconds) in the game apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the game processing related to the present invention. The game process is realized by a game program stored in the main memory 26 being executed by the microprocessor 14.

  As shown in the figure, in the game process, first, the coordinates of the gazing point F (reference position) are calculated by the game screen display unit 78 (reference position determining means) (S101). The game screen display unit 78 acquires the coordinates of the foot positions (PC1 and PC2) of the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 based on the stored contents of the storage unit 70. Then, the coordinate of the midpoint of those coordinates is calculated as the coordinate of the gazing point F.

  Thereafter, the game screen display unit 78 (viewpoint position determining means) calculates the coordinates and the line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint C (S102). The position and viewing direction of the viewpoint C are calculated based on the reference vector data. More specifically, it is calculated based on the reference vector Vn and the coordinates of the gazing point F.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining processing for calculating the coordinates of the viewpoint C and the line-of-sight direction based on the reference vector Vn, and shows a state in which the three-dimensional game space 50 is viewed from above. As shown in the figure, first, a position F ′, which is a position where the gazing point F is lowered vertically with respect to the spline 64, is calculated.

Then, two end points (here, the end point Ra) surrounding the position F ′ (closest to the position F ′)
And the end point Rb) are selected, and their coordinates are acquired. That is, the end point (reference position) Ra and the end point (reference position) Rb are selected from the end points Rn based on the distance between the position F ′ and each end point, and here, in order from the closest to the position F ′. Two are elected. Thereafter, the reference vector composition ratio α is calculated according to the following equation (1). This basic vector composition ratio α is also used as a distance composition ratio as will be described later.

  Here, RbF ′ is the distance between the reference position Rb and the position F ′, and F′Ra is the distance between the position F ′ and the reference position Ra.

  Next, the reference vector Va and the reference vector Vb respectively corresponding to the reference position Ra and the reference position Rb selected as described above are selected, and these and the reference vector composition ratio α are substituted into the following equation (2). By doing so, a basic vector V (line-of-sight direction) is calculated.

  Here, symbols with arrows indicate that they are all vector quantities.

  Next, a basic vector is unitized by the following equation (3) to obtain a unit basic vector eV.

  Here, the vector V surrounded by the absolute value symbols represents the magnitude of the vector V.

  Next, the maximum viewpoint distance LM corresponding to the coordinates of the gazing point F is acquired based on the maximum viewpoint distance data. That is, the maximum viewpoint distance LM associated with the region including the coordinates of the gazing point F is acquired.

  Thereafter, the coordinates of the viewpoint C (vector OC; O is the origin of the three-dimensional game space 50) are calculated according to the following equation (4). Here, the distance L is determined so that the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 are displayed on the game screen. That is, it is determined so that the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 are included in the region of the three-dimensional game space 50 displayed on the game screen. However, the distance L is determined so as not to exceed the maximum viewpoint distance LM as shown in the following equation (5). That is, the coordinates of the viewpoint C are determined within an area within the maximum viewpoint distance LM from the gazing point F.

  When the coordinates of the viewpoint C and the line-of-sight direction (basic vector V) are calculated as described above, the limit distance control unit 76 calculates the inner diameter I of the movement limit object 62 (S103). Specifically, based on the stored contents of the storage unit 70, the coordinates of the foot positions (PC1 and PC2) of the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 are acquired, and the distance LP between these coordinates is obtained. calculate. Further, based on the stored contents of the storage unit 70, the moving distance M1 of the first player character object 58 per predetermined time (for example, 1/60 second) and the moving distance M2 of the second player character object 60 per predetermined time , Get. Then, the limit distance control unit 76 calculates the inner diameter I of the movement limit object 62 according to the calculation formula I = I0 + LP + M1 + M2. Here, I0 is a predetermined constant.

  Thereafter, the limit distance control unit 76 calculates the maximum inner diameter IM of the movement limit object 62 (S104). Specifically, a predetermined calculation is performed based on the maximum viewpoint distance LM acquired in the process of S102, and the maximum inner diameter IM is calculated.

  Then, the limit distance control unit 76 compares the inner diameter I with the maximum inner diameter IM (S105), and when the maximum inner diameter IM is smaller than the inner diameter I, the value of the inner diameter I is updated to the value of the maximum inner diameter IM (S106). ).

  Thereafter, the position update unit 72 updates the position of the first player character object 58 stored in the storage unit 70 (S107). FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing in this step.

  As shown in the figure, in this step, first, the movement destination position of the first player character object 58 is calculated (S201).

  For example, the position update unit 72 determines whether or not a movement instruction operation has been performed on the controller 32 of the first player based on an operation signal input from the controller 32. When it is determined that the movement instruction operation has been performed, “from the current position of the first player character object 58 (position stored in the storage unit 70) to the direction in the three-dimensional game space 50 corresponding to the operation content. In addition, “the position moved by a predetermined movement amount” is calculated as the movement destination position of the first player character object 58.

  Further, for example, the position update unit 72 determines whether or not a predetermined attack by the enemy character object hits the first player character object 58. When it is determined that a predetermined attack by the enemy character object has been made, “from the current position of the first player character object 58 (position stored in the storage unit 70) to the attack direction (for example, from the position of the enemy character object The position moved by a predetermined amount of movement (for example, the amount of movement determined based on the attack power) in the direction of the current position of the one player character object 58) is the destination position of the first player character object 58. Calculate as

  When the movement destination position is calculated as described above, the position update restriction unit 74, when the first player character object 58 moves to the movement destination position, has “the inner diameter I determined in S103 to S106, It is determined whether or not the movement-restricted object 62 "arranged based on the coordinates of the gazing point F calculated in S101 is hit (S202). When the hit determination between the first player character object 58 and another object is performed, it may be determined whether or not the first player character object 58 hits the other object. It may be determined whether or not a hit determination object (for example, a sphere object or a rectangular parallelepiped object) corresponding to the player character object 58 hits the other object.

  When it is determined that the first player character object 58 hits the movement restriction object 62, the position update unit 72 recalculates the movement destination position of the first player character object 58 (S203). Specifically, “a position returned from the movement destination position by a predetermined amount in the direction of the current position of the first player character object 58” is calculated as the movement destination position of the first player character object 58. In this case, the process of S202 is executed based on the recalculated destination position.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the first player character object 58 does not hit the movement restriction object 62, the position update unit 72 causes the position of the first player character object 58 to be the movement destination position calculated in S201 or S203. Then, the storage contents of the storage unit 70 are updated (S204).

  After updating the position of the first player character object 58 stored in the storage unit 70, the position update unit 72 updates the position of the second player character object 60 stored in the storage unit 70 (S108). This process is performed in the same manner as S107. That is, the processes of S201 to S204 are executed for the second player character object 60.

  When the above processing is completed, the game screen display unit 78 draws the game screen on the VRAM. Specifically, “the movement restriction object 62 in which the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 are arranged based on the storage content of the storage unit 70 and has the inner diameter I determined in S103 to S106. In the “three-dimensional game space 50 arranged based on the coordinates of the gazing point F calculated in S101”, the line-of-sight direction (direction of the basic vector V) calculated in S102 is calculated from the position of the viewpoint C calculated in S102. A game screen representing the looked state is drawn on the VRAM (S109). The game screen drawn in the VRAM is displayed on the monitor 18 at a predetermined timing.

  As described above, in the game apparatus 10, the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 are restricted so as not to be separated by a limit distance (absolute limit distance) or more. Therefore, the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 are designed to be surely displayed on the game screen, and as a result, the first player and the second player preferably perform the game operation. Be able to.

  Further, in the game apparatus 10, the absolute limit distance is determined based on the maximum viewpoint distance. That is, when the viewpoint C can be further away from the gazing point F, the absolute limit distance becomes larger. For this reason, the movement of the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 is not restricted automatically.

  Further, in the game apparatus 10, the movement restriction object 62 is arranged in the three-dimensional game space 50, and the movement of the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 is determined by making a hit determination with the movement restriction object 62. Are restricted within the area of the three-dimensional game space 50 partitioned by the movement restriction object 62. As a result, the control so that the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 are not separated by an absolute limit distance or more is realized by a relatively simple process.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the limit distance control unit 76 performs a predetermined calculation based on the maximum viewpoint distance to calculate the maximum inner diameter IM of the movement limit object 62 (see S104 in FIG. 11). The distance control unit 76 may store the maximum inner diameter data in which the condition for the maximum viewpoint distance is associated with the maximum inner diameter IM, and obtain the value of the maximum inner diameter IM based on the maximum inner diameter data. . That is, in S104, the maximum inner diameter IM associated with the condition that the maximum viewpoint distance LM acquired in S102 is satisfied may be acquired.

  Alternatively, the limit distance control unit 76 stores the maximum inner diameter data in which the region (region specifying information) of the three-dimensional game space 50 and the maximum inner diameter IM of the movement limited object 62 are associated, and the maximum inner diameter data is stored in the maximum inner diameter data. Based on this, the value of the maximum inner diameter IM may be acquired. That is, in S104, the maximum inner diameter IM associated with the region including the coordinates of the gazing point F calculated in S101 may be acquired. At this time, the maximum inner diameter data may be provided so that the maximum inner diameter IM associated with the region increases as the maximum viewpoint distance associated with the region increases.

  Further, for example, in the present embodiment, the inner diameter I of the movement restriction object 62 is determined based on the distance between the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 (see S103 in FIG. 11). ) The inner diameter I of the movement restriction object 62 may be determined based on the distance from the gazing point F to the viewpoint C.

  Further, for example, the movement restriction object 62 may be anything as long as it divides a part of the three-dimensional game space 50. That is, the movement restriction object 62 may be an object other than a cylindrical object, or may include a plurality of objects. In the latter case, the movement of the first player character object 58 and the second player character object 60 may be restricted within the area of the three-dimensional game space 50 partitioned by the plurality of objects.

  For example, the present invention can be applied to a game in which a plurality of operation target objects are arranged in the three-dimensional game space 50, and three or more player character objects are arranged in the three-dimensional game space 50. It can also be applied to other games.

  Further, for example, in the above description, the program is supplied from the DVD-ROM 25 which is an information storage medium to the consumer game machine 11, but the program is distributed to the consumer game machine 11 or the like via a communication network. Also good. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a program distribution system using a communication network. A program distribution method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the program distribution system 100 includes a game database 102, a server 104, a communication network 106, a personal computer 108, a consumer game machine 110, and a PDA (personal digital assistant) 112. Among these, the game database 102 and the server 104 constitute a program distribution device 114. The communication network 106 includes, for example, the Internet and a cable television network. In this system, a game database (information storage medium) 102 stores a program similar to the content stored in the DVD-ROM 25. Then, when a consumer makes a game distribution request using the personal computer 108, the home game machine 110, the PDA 112, or the like, it is transmitted to the server 104 via the communication network 106. Then, the server 104 reads the program from the game database 102 in response to the game distribution request, and transmits it to the game distribution request source such as the personal computer 108, the home game machine 110, the PDA 112, and the like. Here, the game is distributed in response to the game distribution request, but the server 104 may transmit the game unilaterally. Further, it is not always necessary to distribute (collectively distribute) all programs necessary for realizing the game at a time, and a necessary portion may be distributed (divided distribution) according to the situation of the game. If the game is distributed via the communication network 106 in this way, the consumer can easily obtain the program.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the game device which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a controller. It is a figure which shows an example of a three-dimensional game space. It is a figure which shows an example of a game screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a three-dimensional game space. It is a top view of the three-dimensional game space for demonstrating a movement restriction | limiting object. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the game device which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of reference | standard vector data. It is a figure which shows an example of a three-dimensional game space. It is a figure which shows an example of maximum viewpoint distance data. It is a flowchart which shows a game process. It is a top view of the three-dimensional game space for demonstrating the calculation procedure of a viewpoint and a gaze direction. It is a flowchart which shows the position update process of a player character object. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the program delivery system which concerns on other embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Game device, 11,110 Consumer game machine, 12 bus | bath, 14 Microprocessor, 16 Image processing part, 18 Monitor, 20 Sound processing part, 22 Speaker, 24 DVD-ROM reproduction | regeneration part, 25 DVD-ROM, 26 Main memory , 28 Memory card, 30 Input / output processing unit, 32 Controller, 34 Direction button, 36 Start button, 38A, 38B, 38X, 38Y, 40L, 40R, 42L, 42R button, 50 3D game space, 52, 56 Wall object 54 passage object, 58 first player character object, 60 second player character object, 62 movement restriction object, 64, 66 spline, 70 storage unit, 72 position update unit, 74 position update restriction unit, 76 limit distance control unit, 78 Screen display unit, 100 program distribution system, 102 game database, 104 server, 106 communication network, 108 personal computer, 112 personal digital assistant (PDA), 114 program distribution device.

Claims (5)

In the game device for displaying a state in which a plurality of operation target object viewed from the three-dimensional game space Viewpoint position arranged on the game screen,
Position updating means for updating the position of each of the plurality of operation target objects;
The updating of the position of each of the plurality of operation target object, and its position of the operation target object, the position of the other of the operation target object among the plurality of operation target object, the distance between the limit distance or more Position update restriction means for restricting so as not to become,
Reference position determining means for determining a reference position based on the position of each of the plurality of operation target objects;
Viewpoint position determining means for determining the viewpoint position within an area within a viewpoint limit distance from the reference position;
Limit distance control means for controlling the size of the limit distance based on the size of the viewpoint limit distance ;
A game apparatus comprising: The game device according to claim 1 ,
Viewpoint limit distance data storage means for storing viewpoint limit distance data in which area specifying information for specifying the area of the three-dimensional game space and the size of the viewpoint limit distance are associated with each other;
The viewpoint position determining means includes means for determining the size of the viewpoint limit distance based on the viewpoint limit distance data and the position of each of the plurality of operation target objects.
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
In the three-dimensional game space, a region partition object that partitions a partial region of the three-dimensional game space is arranged,
The plurality of operation target objects are arranged in an area partitioned by the area partition object,
The position update restricting means restricts the update of the position of each of the plurality of operation target objects within a region partitioned by the region partition object, so that the position of the operation target object and the plurality of operation targets limits as the position of the other operation object of the object, the distance between the not and the limit distance or more,
The limit distance control means controls the size of the area partitioned by the area partition object based on the size of the viewpoint limit distance ;
A game device characterized by that. A method of controlling a game device for displaying a state in which a plurality of operation target object viewed from the three-dimensional game space Viewpoint position arranged on the game screen,
A position update unit for updating the position of each of the plurality of operation target objects stored in a storage unit configured to store the position of each of the plurality of operation target objects;
Location updating limiting means, the updating of the location of each of the plurality of operation objects that put in the location update step, the position of the operation target object, the other operation object out of the plurality of operation objects position and a position update limit step distance for limiting so as not to limit the distance over between,
A reference position determining means for determining a reference position based on the position of each of the plurality of operation target objects;
A viewpoint position determining means for determining the viewpoint position in an area within a viewpoint limit distance from the reference position;
A limiting distance control means for controlling the size of the limiting distance based on the size of the viewpoint limiting distance ; and
A step for causing the display means to display the game screen representing a state in which the three-dimensional game space is viewed from the viewpoint position, based on the storage content of the storage means;
A method for controlling a game device, comprising: A program for causing a computer to function as a game device for displaying a state in which a plurality of operation target object viewed from the three-dimensional game space Viewpoint position arranged on the game screen,
Position updating means for updating the position of each of the plurality of operation target objects;
The updating of the position of each of the plurality of operation target object, and its position of the operation target object, the position of the other of the operation target object among the plurality of operation target object, the distance between the limit distance or more Position update restriction means to restrict
Reference position determining means for determining a reference position based on the position of each of the plurality of operation target objects;
Viewpoint position determining means for determining the viewpoint position within an area within a viewpoint limit distance from the reference position; and
Limit distance control means for controlling the size of the limit distance based on the size of the viewpoint limit distance ;
A program for causing the computer to function as

Images