JP4776978B2 - PROGRAM, INFORMATION STORAGE MEDIUM, AND GAME DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a program or the like for executing a communication battle game.

  Many communication games called network games via communication networks such as the Internet have been developed. A network game called MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) is a network game in which thousands of users connect to the game server and play simultaneously, and two players such as Go play against each other. There are various network games.

  Network games are popular because they can enjoy games with other players at any time, but they have the following problems. That is, since a network game is via a network, a communication delay inevitably occurs. In particular, when using a public communication network such as the Internet, the communication delay time fluctuates irregularly and the fluctuation range is also uncertain. On the other hand, in the network game, the same game space needs to be shared between the game machines, so the same event needs to be generated and developed in the same order. Therefore, consistency of the result of operation input by each player is required. However, when importance is attached to consistency, a response problem appears as to when the operation result of each player can be reflected on the game screen.

The problems of 1) consistency and 2) response are in a trade-off relationship, and if one problem is prioritized, the other problem comes to the surface. Since any problem is caused by communication delay, it is sufficient to solve the communication delay, but it is physically extremely difficult to eliminate the communication delay. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for exchanging position information of operation target characters of game machines via a game server as a technique for eliminating communication delay.
JP 2004-105671 A

  However, when a network game system is constructed by the technique of Patent Document 1, communication delays occur when data is transmitted from each game machine to the game server (hereinafter referred to as “upstream”), and data is transmitted from the game server to each game machine. A double communication delay with a communication delay when distributing (hereinafter referred to as “downlink”). For this reason, even if the game server can solve the communication delay by some method by processing / correcting the data received from each game machine, it is the elimination of the communication delay related to “up”. In addition, a new communication delay occurs at the “down” stage of distributing data to each game machine. Therefore, the technology of Patent Document 1 cannot solve the communication delay. Moreover, in order to construct a network game system according to the technique of Patent Document 1, a game server that is involved in a game being executed is essential. For this reason, the game server for the number according to a demand is needed, and may become a problem in practical use.

  Now, with respect to 1) consistency and 2) response in the trade-off relationship described above, the specific gravity of the problem varies depending on the type of network game. For example, in a turn-based game such as Go, Shogi, and chess, response is hardly a problem, but the consistency of the results operated by each player is extremely important. Specifically, it is important to reflect the result of the operation on the screen regardless of how long it takes for the operation result of the opponent player to be reflected on the screen of the game machine.

  This is the same for MMORPG, although the degree of emphasis on consistency is different. That is, even if the response until each player's operation result is reflected on the screen of each game machine is somewhat worse, the order of events occurring in the same shared game space needs to be accurate.

  However, in communication battle games, response is more important than consistency. If the opposite case is assumed, the reason is clear. For example, in a car racing game, consider a case where consistency is more important than response in a scene where the player has made an operation input to operate the steering wheel because the player has reached a curve. In this case, since the response is poor, the handle operation of the player is not easily reflected on the game screen. As a result, a further steering operation will be performed to change the traveling direction of the player character. It is assumed that the player's player stops the steering operation on the game screen because the player's own progression direction gradually changes and the player's own progression direction is just right. However, there is a case where the traveling direction of the player character is further bent by the handle operation already input. In this way, in the communication battle game, response is emphasized.

  On the other hand, of course, even if it is a communication battle game, consistency cannot be ignored. For example, every time data is received from another game machine, the position of the other character that is the operation target character of the other game machine is updated, but the position of the other character is not updated while the data cannot be received. While the character cannot be received, the other character stops in the game space, and a display is displayed that moves as soon as the data is received.

  Even if data of other characters can be received at regular intervals, the following problem occurs. That is, the display position of the own character is updated in real time in response to an operation input in order to update the display of the own character in response to the operation input, but the display position of the other character is the past position delayed by the communication delay time. Become. Specifically, since the data cannot be received from other game machines in real time without communication delay, the display position of the other character is delayed by the time difference corresponding to the communication delay time until it is received by the own game machine. (That is, located rearward). Therefore, when the communication delay time is large, each character can be displayed at a position far from the actual.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and the purpose of the present invention is to a) solve the problem of consistency as much as possible while maintaining a good response in a communication battle game. B) A network game system can be constructed without requiring a game server.

In order to solve the above problem, the first invention is:
A computer (for example, the game apparatus 12a in FIG. 1) provided with communication means (for example, the communication unit 160 in FIG. 18) that communicates with another device via a predetermined communication network (for example, the network N in FIG. 1) An image of a game space shared with the other machine as viewed from a given viewpoint is drawn, and the movement control information of each other's operation target character is transmitted to and from the other machine to operate the own machine. A program for executing a predetermined communication battle game in which a target character as a target character and another character as an operation target character of another machine move and compete in the game space,
Own character control information updating means for updating own character movement control information based on the operation input (for example, own character movement control unit 1224 in FIG. 18 and step S2 in FIG. 26);
Transmission control means for performing control for transmitting the updated own character movement control information and transmission time information to another machine (for example, mobile body control information transmitting / receiving unit 1228 in FIG. 18, step S4 in FIG. 26),
Based on the updated own character movement control information, own character control means for controlling the movement of the own character in real time (for example, own character movement control unit 1224 in FIG. 18, step S2 in FIG. 26),
Receiving control means for performing control to receive the movement control information of other characters and the transmission time information at the time of transmission of the movement control information from another machine (for example, the mobile body control information transmitting / receiving unit 1228 in FIG. 18, step S4 in FIG. 26),
Predicting movement of another character corresponding to a communication delay time based on transmission time information of the latest other character movement control information based on at least the latest other character movement control information of the received other character movement control information. The other character prediction control means for controlling the movement of the other character (for example, the other character movement control unit 1226 in FIG. 18, step S6 in FIG. 26),
As a program for causing the computer to function.

In addition, as an invention of the game apparatus, a communication unit that communicates with another machine via a predetermined communication network is provided, and an image obtained by viewing a game space shared with the other machine from a given viewpoint is drawn. , The movement control information of the operation target character of each other is transmitted to the other machine, and the own character that is the operation target character of the own machine and the other character that is the operation target character of the other machine pass through the game space. A game device (for example, the game device 12a in FIG. 1) that executes a predetermined communication battle game that moves and competes,
Own character control information updating means (for example, own character movement control unit 1224 in FIG. 18) for updating the movement control information of the own character based on the operation input;
Transmission control means (for example, mobile body control information transmission / reception unit 1228 in FIG. 18) for performing control to transmit the updated character movement control information and transmission time information to another machine;
Based on the updated own character movement control information, own character control means (for example, own character movement control unit 1224 in FIG. 18) for controlling the movement of the own character in real time;
A reception control means (for example, a mobile control information transmission / reception unit 1228 in FIG. 18) for performing control to receive movement control information of another character and transmission time information at the time of transmission of the movement control information from another machine
Predicting movement of another character corresponding to a communication delay time based on transmission time information of the latest other character movement control information based on at least the latest other character movement control information of the received other character movement control information. And other character prediction control means for controlling the movement of the other character (for example, the other character movement control unit 1226 in FIG. 18),
Is a game device.

  According to the first invention and the like, the movement control information of the own character is updated based on the operation input, and the movement of the own character is controlled in real time based on the updated own character movement control information. Therefore, the movement control of the own character with respect to the operation input is performed with good response. For other characters, movement for the communication delay time is predicted and controlled based on the latest other character movement control information received from the other device. Therefore, even if the communication delay time changes, the movement of the communication delay time is predicted and the movement of other characters is controlled, and the movement prediction is always performed based on the latest other character movement control information that the aircraft can know. Therefore, it is possible to generate and display a game image that is as consistent as possible.

  Further, since each operation target character is controlled and a game image is generated by communication between the own device and the other device, a game server is not required during the game execution.

The second invention is the program of the first invention,
The other character prediction control means predicts the movement of the other character for the communication delay time in consideration of the shape of the course provided in the game space (for example, step S22 in FIG. 27). It is a program to make it function.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, the movement of another character is predicted in consideration of the course shape. Therefore, for example, it is possible to predict the movement of another character so as to move along the course shape.

The third invention is the program of the first or second invention,
As the movement reference information (for example, course data 138 in FIG. 18, history data 158 in FIG. 40) when the other character prediction control means passes through the predetermined place of the course provided in the game space. In consideration of the predetermined speed reference information and / or the location passage reference position information, the movement of other characters corresponding to the communication delay time is predicted (for example, steps S22 and S24 in FIG. 27, step S106 in FIG. 43). Is a program for causing the computer to function.

Here, the predetermined place is a concept having a certain area such as a first corner.
According to the third aspect of the invention, when another character passes through a predetermined place, the movement reference is made in consideration of the speed reference information and / or the movement reference information which is the place passage reference position information.

  Specifically, for example, as a fourth invention, the movement reference information is information set in advance as speed information when a predetermined high-speed character passes the predetermined location and / or the location passage reference position information (for example, The course data 138) in FIG. 18 may be used.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, for example, by predicting the movement so that the predetermined high-speed character passes the predetermined position and / or the speed at which the predetermined high-speed character passes the predetermined position, the other characters move like the high-speed character. You can do that. As a high-speed character, for example, a character that has moved along the race course in the shortest time can be considered.

The fifth invention is the program of the third invention,
History recording means for recording the speed information and / or the location passage reference position information when the other character passes the predetermined place as the movement history information (for example, the game progress control unit 1222 in FIG. 40, step S104 in FIG. 42). Function the computer as
The other character prediction control means predicts the movement of the other character using the recorded movement history information as the movement reference information (for example, the other character movement control unit 1230 in FIG. 40, step S106 in FIG. 43). Causing the computer to function;
It is a program for.

  According to the fifth aspect, the speed information and / or the location passage reference position information when the other character passes through the predetermined location is recorded as the movement history information, and is recorded when passing through the predetermined location again. A movement prediction is performed in consideration of the movement history information. Therefore, it is possible to perform movement prediction according to the past tendency of other characters when passing through a predetermined place (which may also be referred to as wrinkles), and prediction with higher accuracy can be achieved.

The sixth invention is the program of the third invention,
History recording means (for example, game progress control unit 1222 in FIG. 18) for recording the speed information and / or the location passing reference position information when the player character passes the predetermined place as movement history information,
History transmission control means (for example, the game progress control unit 1222 in FIG. 18) for performing control for transmitting the recorded movement history information to another machine,
History reception control means (for example, the game progress control unit 1222 in FIG. 18) that performs control to receive movement history information of other characters from other machines,
Function the computer as
The other character prediction control means causes the computer to function to predict movement of another character using the movement history information received by the history reception control means as the movement reference information;
It is a program for.

  In the fifth aspect of the present invention, the speed information of the other character and / or the location passage reference position information when the other character passes through the predetermined location is recorded in the own device. That is, since the information when the other character passes through the predetermined place is in the own device, the information of the result predicted in the own device is recorded. According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the speed information and / or the location pass reference position information of the operation target character of the device is recorded in the devices of the own device and the other device. And it is transmitted / received between mutual apparatuses. As a result, the information of the other character is information calculated and controlled in real time in the other machine according to the operation input in the other machine. Therefore, movement prediction according to the actual tendency of other characters when actually passing through a predetermined place can be performed, and prediction with higher accuracy can be achieved.

A seventh invention is a program according to any one of the first to sixth inventions,
The other character prediction control means adjusts the display position obtained at the time of the previous prediction based on at least the prediction position at the time of the current prediction (for example, the other character movement control unit 1226 in FIG. 18, step S28 in FIG. 27). And adjusting the previous display position thus adjusted as the current display position, the computer is controlled so as to suppress the instantaneous movement change of the other character due to the change of the latest other character movement control information. It is a program to make it function.

  The basis of the predicted position at the time of the current prediction is the latest other character movement control information received, but the basis of the display position at the time of the previous prediction is the past other character movement control information than the latest other character movement control information. is there. That is, the other character movement control information as a basis has changed. Therefore, when an abrupt operation has been performed between the latest other character movement control information and the past other character movement control information, the operation is reflected in the predicted position at the current prediction, so that the position of the other character is There may be a case where the momentary movement changes greatly. However, according to the seventh aspect, the display position obtained at the time of the previous prediction is adjusted based on at least the prediction position at the time of the current prediction, and becomes the current display position. Therefore, even if the other character movement control information used as the basis for the current prediction changes from the other character movement control information used as the basis for the previous prediction, the display position at the previous prediction and the prediction at the current prediction Since adjustment is made between the positions, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the position of another character changes greatly in an instantaneous movement.

The eighth invention is the program of the seventh invention,
The position adjusting means sets a virtual spring between the display position obtained at the previous prediction and the predicted position at the current prediction, and based on at least the virtual force of the set virtual spring (for example, step T26 in FIG. 31). A program for causing the computer to function so as to adjust a previous display position.

  According to the eighth aspect, the virtual spring is set between the display position at the previous prediction and the prediction position at the current prediction, and the previous display position is adjusted based on the virtual force of the virtual spring. For this reason, as a result of the display position at the time of the previous prediction being corrected in the direction of the prediction position at the time of the current prediction, a situation in which another character suddenly moves to a position considerably away from the display position at the time of the previous prediction is avoided. obtain.

The ninth invention is the program of the eighth invention,
The position adjusting means further sets a virtual damper (for example, step T28 in FIG. 31) between the display position obtained at the time of the previous prediction and the predicted position at the time of the current prediction, and the total by the set virtual spring and virtual damper. A program for causing the computer to function so as to adjust the previous display position based on a virtual force.

  According to the ninth aspect, the virtual damper is set in addition to the virtual spring. Thereby, since the virtual force by the virtual spring is large, it is possible to avoid the situation where the adjustment of the display position at the time of the previous prediction is excessive adjustment, and to gradually apply the virtual force by the virtual spring.

The tenth invention is the program of any one of the first to ninth inventions,
The own character control information updating means further updates the posture control information of the own character based on the operation input,
The transmission control means also transmits the updated own character posture control information (for example, the reception data 152 in FIG. 24),
Based on the updated own character posture control information, the own character control means controls own character posture control means (for example, the own character movement control unit 1224 in FIG. Step S2)
The reception control means further receives posture control information of other characters,
The other character prediction control means is adapted to control the latest other character movement control based on the latest other character movement control information and other character posture control information among at least the received other character movement control information and other character posture control information. Other character posture prediction control means for controlling the posture of the other character by predicting the posture of the other character for the communication delay time based on the information and the transmission time information of the other character posture control (for example, another character movement control unit in FIG. 18) 1226, step S26) of FIG.
Is a program for causing the computer to function.

  According to the tenth aspect, the posture control information of the player character is updated based on the operation input, and the posture of the player character is controlled in real time based on the updated player character posture control information. Accordingly, the posture control of the player character with respect to the operation input is performed with good response. For other characters, the posture for the communication delay time is predicted and controlled based on the latest other character movement control information and other character posture control information received from the other device. Therefore, even if the communication delay time changes, the posture for the communication delay time is predicted and the posture control of the other character is performed, and the latest other character movement control information and other character posture control information that can be always known by the own aircraft are also included. Since the prediction is performed based on this, it is possible to generate and display a game image that is as consistent as possible.

The eleventh invention is the program of the tenth invention,
The other character posture prediction control means does not take a posture that exceeds a predetermined limit posture as a limit posture that can be taken during movement (for example, another character movement control unit 1226 in FIG. 18, steps T8 to T14 in FIG. 30). As described above, there is provided a program for causing the computer to function so as to have posture change suppressing means for suppressing changes in posture of other characters.

  According to the eleventh aspect, for example, it is possible to prevent other characters from taking an abnormal posture that is an unexpected posture or a contradictory posture as a moving posture.

The twelfth invention is the program of the tenth or eleventh invention,
The other character posture prediction control means adjusts the display posture obtained at the time of the previous prediction based on at least the predicted posture at the time of the current prediction (for example, the other character movement control unit 1226 in FIG. 18 and the steps in FIG. 27). S30), and by making the adjusted previous display posture the current display posture, rapid posture change of other characters due to changes in the latest other character movement control information and other character posture control information is suppressed. Is a program for causing the computer to function.

  The basis of the predicted posture at the time of prediction this time is the latest received other character movement control information and other character posture control information received, but the basis of the display posture at the time of the previous prediction is earlier than the latest other character movement control information. Other character movement control information and other character posture control information. That is, the other character movement control information and other character posture control information as a basis have changed. Therefore, if an abrupt operation has been performed between the latest other character movement control information and other character posture control information and the past other character movement control information and other character posture control information, the operation is the predicted posture at the time of the current prediction. The posture of the other character may change abruptly by being reflected in. However, according to the twelfth aspect, the display posture obtained at the time of the previous prediction is adjusted based on at least the prediction posture at the time of the current prediction, and becomes the current display posture. Therefore, even if the other character movement control information and other character posture control information used as the basis for the current prediction are changed from the information used as the basis for the previous prediction, the display posture of the previous prediction and the current prediction time Therefore, the situation in which the posture of another character fluctuates rapidly can be avoided.

The thirteenth invention is the program of the twelfth invention,
The posture adjusting means increases the approximate force as the displacement amount of both postures increases with respect to the displacement between the display posture obtained at the previous prediction and the predicted posture at the current prediction, to bring both postures closer This is a program for setting the posture approximate spring (for example, step T46 in FIG. 32) and causing the computer to function so as to adjust the previous display posture based on at least the approximate force of the set posture approximate spring.

  According to the thirteenth aspect, the posture approximate spring for bringing the display posture at the previous prediction close to the predicted posture at the current prediction is set, and the previous display posture is adjusted based on the approximate force of the posture approximate spring. Is done. For this reason, as a result of the display posture at the time of the previous prediction approaching the posture at the time of the current prediction, it is possible to avoid a situation in which another character at the time of the current prediction takes a posture that has suddenly changed from the display posture at the time of the previous prediction. obtain.

The fourteenth invention is the program of the thirteenth invention,
The posture adjusting means sets a posture approximating damper (for example, step T48 in FIG. 32) for reducing the approximate force of the posture approximating spring, and approximates the force of the posture approximating spring in consideration of the attenuation by the set posture approximating damper. Is a program for causing the computer to function so as to adjust the previous display posture.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the posture approximation damper is set in addition to the posture approximation spring. For this reason, the approximate force by the posture approximating spring is large, and it is possible to avoid the situation in which the adjustment of the display posture at the time of the previous prediction becomes an excessive adjustment, and to gradually apply the approximate force of the posture approximating spring.

The fifteenth invention is a program according to any one of the first to fourteenth inventions,
The communication battle game is a race game in which the operation target character runs on the ground set in the game space (for example, the motorcycle race game of FIG. 3).
A detecting unit (for example, FIG. 18) that detects a case in which another character is submerged in the game space or floats from the ground by arrangement of the other character in the game space according to the prediction of the other character prediction control unit. Other character movement control unit 1226, step S32 in FIG. 27),
Height position correction means (for example, FIG. 5) corrects the position of the other character in the height direction of the game space so that the other character contacts the ground set in the game space in response to detection by the detection means. 18 other character movement control unit 1226, step T66 in FIG. 33),
As a program for causing the computer to function.

  According to this fifteenth aspect, the communication battle game is a race game in which the operation target character runs on the ground. If other characters are arranged in the game space according to the prediction, depending on the prediction, the shape of the course, etc., the other character may dive into the ground or float off the ground. A case of diving inside or a case of floating from the ground is detected, and the height position correcting means corrects the position of the other character in the height direction according to the detection. As a result, it is possible to avoid a strange state in which another character dives into the ground or floats off the ground.

  A sixteenth aspect of the invention is a computer-readable information storage medium (for example, the storage unit 130 of FIG. 18) that stores the program of any one of the first to fifth aspects of the invention.

  According to the sixteenth aspect, an information storage medium having the same effects as the first to fifteenth aspects can be realized by reading and executing the stored program by a computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to solve the problem of consistency as much as possible while maintaining a good response in a communication battle game. Further, no game server is required during the execution of the communication battle game.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, in the home game device, a case where a motorcycle racing game in which a lap time and a goal ranking are competed by running on a circuit course is executed will be described, but application of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[First Embodiment]
1-1. System Overview FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game system 10 in the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the game system 10 includes four game apparatuses 12a to 12d. The game apparatuses 12a to 12d are connected using a network N constituted by a public line network such as the Internet via a communication line such as a wireless communication line, a dedicated line, a twisted pair cable, and an optical communication cable. . Of course, the number of game devices constituting the game system 10 is an example.

  Although there are various configurations as a system configuration for realizing a network game, in this embodiment, a so-called peer-to-peer configuration in which a plurality of game terminals are connected via a communication line without using a game server will be described as an example. Of course, the present invention can also be applied to other configurations such as a configuration in which a plurality of game terminals are physically coupled to form a single system (for example, an arcade game machine) as a whole.

The game devices 12a to 12d are terminal devices on which a player plays a network game, and are realized by, for example, various game devices for home use and business use, personal computers, and the like. In 1st Embodiment, game device 12a-12d acquires the game data which concern on the game play of a network game by transmitting / receiving data between other game devices 12a-12d, and uses the acquired game data as the acquired game data. Based on this, a game image is generated and displayed.
All of the game apparatuses 12a to 12d have the same configuration. Below, it demonstrates focusing on the game device 12a of these.

  Specifically, for example, the game device 12a is a moving object (an expression relative to the mobile object that is the operation target of the game device itself (hereinafter referred to as “character”). (1) is transmitted to the other game devices 12b to 12d as game data relating to the following. Based on the received data (1), the game devices 12b to 12d are game objects other than the game device, which are objects to be operated by the game devices 12b to 12d. When the moving object to be operated is viewed from the standpoint of the game device, the position, posture, etc. of the other object are calculated, and the other character is displayed and controlled.

  The data (1) includes information necessary for moving the character (hereinafter referred to as “moving body control information”). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 24, an identification number for specifying a character, a fall flag indicating whether or not the character has fallen, an accelerator amount Ia which is operation data input from the player, a brake amount Ib, a handle It includes data such as a value Ih, a position coordinate P of the character, a velocity V, an angle Θ, an angular velocity Ω, and a data transmission time indicating the time when the data (1) is transmitted from the game apparatus 12a.

1-2. FIG. 2 is a schematic external view of a home game device 1200 applied to the game devices 12a to 12d. As shown in the figure, a consumer game device 1200 includes a main device 1210, a game controller 1202 having direction keys 1204 and button switches 1206 for a player to input a game operation, a display 1220 having a speaker 1222, and Is provided. The game controller 1202 is connected to the main device 1210, and the display 1220 is connected to the main device 1210 by cables K1 and K2 capable of transmitting image signals and sound signals.

  For example, game information including programs and data necessary for the main unit 1210 to perform game processing is stored in, for example, a CD-ROM 1212, a memory card 1214, an IC card 1216, or the like, which is an information storage medium detachable from the main unit 1210 Has been. Alternatively, game information or the like may be acquired from an external device by connecting to the network N via the communication device 1218 included in the main device 1210. Here, the network N means a communication path through which data can be exchanged. That is, the network N is meant to include a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet in addition to a LAN using a dedicated line (dedicated cable) or Ethernet (registered trademark) for direct connection, The communication method may be wired / wireless.

  The main unit 1210 includes a CPU, a control unit equipped with a memory such as a ROM and a RAM, and an information storage medium reader such as a CD-ROM 1212. The main device 1210 executes various game processes based on the game information read from the CD-ROM 1212 and the like and the operation signal from the game controller 1202, and generates an image signal of the game screen and a sound signal of the game sound. Then, the generated image signal and sound signal are output to the display 1220, a game screen is displayed on the display 1220, and a game sound is output from the speaker 1222. The player enjoys the game by operating the game controller 1202 while watching the game screen displayed on the display 1220 and listening to the game sound output from the speaker 1222.

1-3. Outline of Game FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen in the first embodiment. The game screen is drawn as virtual reality (VR) computer graphics (CG). As shown in the figure, a motorcycle 4a, which is a character operated by a player, and motorcycles 4b-4d, which are characters operated by other players, are displayed so as to run on the course 2 of a predetermined circuit. The number of laps of the course 2 and the lap time of one lap are displayed on the time display unit 6. The player competes for the fastest lap time by making full use of the driving technique (game operation technique) and competes with the bikes 4b to 4d operated by other players in the order of arrival.

  In addition, the game screen has a predetermined time rate according to the specifications of the display 1220 (for example, 1/60 seconds. This time is referred to as “one frame.” That is, the timing at which the game screen is drawn at intervals of 1/60 seconds. It is drawn repeatedly. Each time the drawing is performed, the control unit arranges objects constituting the circuit including the course 2 and objects such as the motorcycles 4a to 4d in the virtual space. Specifically, the speed / acceleration of the motorcycle 4a, the posture of the vehicle body, and the like are simulated based on the operation input by the player. Further, based on the moving body control information received from the other game apparatuses 12b to 12d, the speed, acceleration, body posture, etc. of the motorcycles 4b to 4d operated by other players are simulated. The motorcycles 4a to 4d are moved (rearranged) on the course 2 in accordance with the simulation result. Then, for example, an image viewed from a virtual viewpoint arranged rearward with respect to the traveling direction of the motorcycle 4a is generated and displayed on the display 1220 as a game screen.

  The player enjoys the motorcycle racing game by operating the game controller 1202 while viewing the game screen displayed on the display 1220.

1-4. Principle Next, the principle for calculating the movement of another character based on the game data received from the other game devices 12b to 12d and controlling the display of the game device 12a will be described. In the following, explanations will be made separately for normal running and for falling according to the running status of other characters.

  First, the direction of the character is defined. FIG. 4A is a diagram for explaining a local coordinate system (x, y, z) which is a model coordinate system of the motorcycle 4. Note that the world coordinate system, which is the coordinate system of the virtual three-dimensional space (game space), is represented by capital letters (X, Y, Z) and is distinguished from the local coordinate system. The local coordinate system of the motorcycle 4 is a left-handed coordinate system in which the center of gravity of the motorcycle 4 is the origin, the front-rear direction of the motorcycle 4 is the z-axis, and the forward direction of the front-rear direction is the z-axis positive direction. The axis and the horizontal direction are the x-axis.

  FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining the rotation angle of the motorcycle 4. It is this rotation angle that determines the posture when the motorcycle 4 is arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space (game space). The motorcycle 4 is modeled in the local coordinate system of FIG. 4A and then rotated around each axis shown in FIG. 4B to determine the posture, and is placed in the game space. That is, in the game space, a placement point where the motorcycle 4 is to be placed is set, and the motorcycle 4 modeled in the local coordinate system is placed so that the representative point (for example, the center of gravity) of the motorcycle 4 is located at this placement point. However, the posture at the time of the arrangement is determined by the rotation around each axis shown in FIG. The rotation directions around the x, y, and z axes are the pitching direction, the yaw direction, and the roll direction.

  In addition, in the game space, the sign of the pitching direction is + in the game space when the motorcycle is rotated so that the front part of the motorcycle is positioned above the rear part, and-is the rotation angle when it is rotated so as to be positioned below. . The roll direction is positive or negative in the game space when viewed from the center of gravity (local origin), when rotating the upper part of the bike so that it is located on the right side of the lower part. Let the angle be-. In addition, the positive / negative of the yaw direction is the rotation angle when the front part of the motorcycle 4 is rotated to the right of the rear part with respect to the direction of the speed vector of the motorcycle 4 in the game space. The rotation angle in the case of rotating in such a manner (that is, in the case of rotating so that the motorcycle 4 is arranged in the direction along the direction of the velocity vector) is −.

[During normal driving]
1-4-1. Position Prediction The principle of predicting the position of another character during normal running will be described. The mobile body control information (hereinafter referred to as “reception data”) received from the other game apparatuses 12b to 12d has a delay related to communication from when the other game apparatuses 12b to 12d are transmitted until they are received. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the position of another character at time t3 is predicted based on reception data whose transmission time is time t0. In the figure, as an example, the communication delay time is 3 frames, but it goes without saying that there may be cases other than 3 frames in practice. Hereinafter, a case where the communication delay time is 3 frames will be described as a representative example of the communication delay time.

  In order to predict the position of another character at time t3, first, the mobile control information at time t1 one frame later is predicted based on the received data that is mobile control information at time t0. Next, based on the mobile control information at time t1, the mobile control information at time t2 one frame later is predicted. Then, based on the mobile control information at time t2, the mobile control information at time t3 one frame later is predicted. Thus, the position of the other character in the drawing target frame is predicted by accumulating the moving body control information for each frame.

Specifically, a method for predicting a position after one frame will be described with reference to FIG. First, the curvature of the curve set near the position at time t0 (for example, control point Q0) is acquired from course data 138 (see FIG. 20) described later. Next, by multiplying the velocity V _{t0 at the} time t0, the curvature rt, and the constant k, how much the velocity vector is rotated in the yaw direction (here, the yaw direction in the game space), the arc can be approximated. Find the velocity vector along the curve. Further, the inclination approximating this arc is the predicted angle θy _{t1 in the} yaw direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the angle (θy _t1− θy _t0 ) to be rotated can be obtained from the difference between the angle θy _t0 in the yaw direction and the predicted angle θy _t1 in the yaw direction at time t0.

Then, the position at the time t1 is obtained by rotating the speed vector by the angle (θy _t1 −θy _t0 ) obtained in the yaw direction and adding the position change amount per unit time of the speed vector to the position P _t0 at the time t0. P _t1 can be obtained.

1-4-2. Next, speed prediction will be described. In the prediction of speed, the speed V of another character in the drawing target frame is predicted by accumulating the speed for each frame in the same manner as the position prediction described above. The amount of change in speed V (ie, acceleration) is calculated based on the accelerator amount Ia, the brake amount Ib, the resistance caused by the tilt of the motorcycle, the air resistance, the engine loss, and the like input by the player operation.

Specifically, a method for predicting the speed after one frame will be described with reference to FIG. First, the target speed V0 of the predicted position at time t1 is acquired. The target speed V0 is, for example, a speed that is set based on the speed at the time of passage near the control point when a high-speed character operated by an advanced player travels on the course (for example, the travel line LT). It is stored in course data 138 which will be described later. Comparing the velocity V _t0 the target speed V0 and time t0, when the speed V _t0 is faster than the target speed V0 at the position, as if temporarily are stepping on the brake, the target speed V0 and the speed V Based on _t0 , the brake amount Ib is corrected to the corrected brake amount Ib _f .

The predicted speed at time t1 is a value obtained by adding a value obtained by multiplying the unit time acceleration by the accelerator amount Ia to the speed V _t0 at time t0, and multiplying the unit time deceleration by the brake amount Ib (or the corrected brake amount Ib _f ). Is subtracted and a correction coefficient α is added. The unit time acceleration is a coefficient for calculating acceleration per unit time according to the accelerator amount Ia, and the unit time deceleration is a coefficient for calculating deceleration per unit time according to the brake amount Ib. is there. Further, the correction coefficient α is a coefficient for correcting the influence of the resistance due to the inclination of the motorcycle, the air resistance, the engine loss and the like.

1-4-3. Angle Prediction Next, angle prediction will be described. Since the angle of the yaw direction (y component) is such that the motorcycle 4 is arranged so that the forward direction of the motorcycle 4 is directed in the direction of the velocity vector obtained in the above-described position prediction, The prediction of the angle in the pitching direction (x component) and the angle in the roll direction (z component) will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the alternate long and short dash line indicates the Y-axis direction and the horizontal direction (XZ plane) of the world coordinate system, and the solid line indicates the local coordinates.

Unlike the above-described prediction of position and speed, the prediction of the angle in the pitching direction is performed by collectively calculating changes in a plurality of frames. More specifically, as shown in Equation 8, the predicted angle [theta] x _t3 pitching direction, the pitching direction angular [theta] x _t0 at time t0, the pitching direction angular velocity .omega.x _t0 and the delay time at time t0 (t3-t0 ) And the value obtained by multiplication. The delay time is the difference between the data transmission time t0 and the drawing target time, and the drawing target time is t3 in the example of FIG. The same applies to FIGS. 9 to 12.

  Here, the predicted angle is set to 0 depending on whether the sign of θx is switched before and after the angle change in the pitching direction. As the angle change in the pitching direction during the execution of the game, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, a posture in which the front wheel is lifted with the rear wheel of the motorcycle as a base (so-called wheelie), or a rear wheel with the front wheel of the motorcycle as a base There is a posture (so-called jackknife) etc. that lifted up. For example, at time t0, when the motorcycle is in the middle of returning from the wheelie to the ground (ie, when the direction of the angular velocity is in the negative direction), after the front wheel of the motorcycle has landed on the road surface, the same pitching is required. Does not rotate in the direction. That is, it is considered that the sign of positive and negative does not change before and after the angle change. Therefore, when the sign of the pitching direction in the received data and the sign of the predicted angle are interchanged, the predicted angle is set to 0 so that the motorcycle does not sink into the ground or float on the ground.

Further, during normal traveling, the aptitude range (for example, −60 ° ≦ θx ≦ 60 °) is set so that the angle in the pitching direction can take a posture in which the motorcycle can travel. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the predicted angle θx _t3 exceeds the set aptitude range. If the predicted angle θx _t3 exceeds the aptitude range, the predicted angle θx _t3 is either the upper limit or the lower limit of the aptitude range, whichever is closer. To correct.

The prediction of the roll direction angle is performed by collectively calculating changes in a plurality of frames, similarly to the prediction of the angle in the pitching direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the predicted angle θz _t3 in the roll direction is obtained by multiplying the z component θz _t0 of the angle at time t0 by the z component ωz _t0 of the angular velocity at time _t0 and the delay time (t3−t0). Add the values obtained.

In addition, during normal driving, the roll direction angle is set to an appropriate range (for example, −60 ° ≦ θx ≦ 60 °) so that the motorcycle can take a posture in which the motorcycle can travel in the same manner as the angle in the pitching direction. ing. Therefore, when the predicted angle θz _t3 exceeds the set aptitude range, the predicted angle θz _t3 is corrected to be closer to either the upper limit or the lower limit of the aptitude range.

[When falling down]
1-4-4. Position Prediction Next, position prediction at the time of a fall is described. The determination as to whether or not the vehicle is falling is made based on the falling flag 152b (see FIG. 24) included in the received data. If the motorcycle falls while the game is running, the motorcycle is controlled to move regardless of the player's operation input. In other words, when the motorcycle falls, the player cannot control the behavior of the motorcycle, and the motorcycle is basically controlled to move at a constant speed. Therefore, based on the speed, angular velocity, gravity acceleration, etc. Position, speed and attitude are controlled. Therefore, the prediction of the position at the time of the fall is performed by collectively calculating changes in a plurality of frames.

Specifically, as shown in the equation of FIG. 10, the predicted position P _t3 at the time of the fall is a value obtained by multiplying the position P _t0 at the time t0 by the speed V _t0 at the time _t0 and the delay time (t3−t0). Calculate by adding.

1-4-5. Prediction of speed Next, the prediction of the speed at the time of falling will be described. As described above, since the operation input from the player is invalidated during the fall, the motorcycle is controlled to perform a constant speed exercise. However, when the motorcycle moves away from the road surface during a fall, for example, when the motorcycle bounces in the air, gravity acceleration acts on the motorcycle. Therefore, only the change in the y component of the speed is predicted.

Specifically, as shown in the equation of FIG. 10, the predicted speed Vy _t3 at the time of the fall is a value obtained by multiplying the speed component Vy _t0 at time _t0 by the gravitational acceleration g and the delay time (t3-t0). Add to find.

1-4-6. Prediction of angle Next, prediction of the angle at the time of falling will be described. The angle prediction is performed by collectively calculating changes in a plurality of frames in the same manner as the position prediction. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the predicted angle θy _t3 in the yaw direction is obtained by adding a value obtained by multiplying the angle θy _t0 in the yaw direction at time _{t0 by} the angular velocity ωy _t0 in the yaw direction and the delay time (t3−t0). And ask. Further, as shown in the equation of FIG. 10, the pitching direction and the roll direction are obtained in the same manner.

1-4-7. Position Interpolation Next, position interpolation will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the display position of the character actually displayed on the game screen between times t0 and t2, and the predicted position at time t3 based on the received data at time t0. As shown in the figure, the trajectory (one-dot chain line) connecting the display position at time t0 to time t2 and the predicted position at time t3 rapidly changes from the display position at time t2 to the predicted position. . This is because the display position at time t0 to t2 is a position predicted based on received data older than the latest received data. That is, the received data that is the basis of prediction is different. For this reason, when the player performs an abrupt operation between the latest received data and the old received data, this operation is reflected in the predicted position and appears as an instantaneous movement position change of the character.

  When the predicted position obtained in this way is drawn as it is in the next frame (time t3), the behavior of the motorcycle becomes unnatural and is visually recognized by the player as blurring or flickering. Therefore, in order to eliminate blurring and flickering, interpolation processing is performed on the position and speed so that the predicted position approaches the display position of the current frame. Note that the position and speed interpolation processing is the same for both normal traveling and falling, so only the normal traveling will be described below, and a description of the falling will be omitted.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, a relative position is obtained from the difference between the predicted position Pdat at time t3 and the display position Pdis at the current frame (time t2), and the relative position is multiplied by a constant M to obtain a unit. The amount of change in position per time is obtained as the spring correction speed. That is, a virtual spring connecting the predicted position Pdat and the display position Pdis is set, and interpolation based on the spring correction speed is performed so that the display position Pdis is adjusted in the direction of the predicted position Pdat by the virtual force of the virtual spring. The constant M corresponds to a spring coefficient of a virtual spring that connects the predicted position Pdat and the display position Pdis. For example, as shown in FIG. 13A, the spring correction speed increases as the relative position increases. Is set.

  Further, the relative speed is obtained from the difference between the predicted speed Vdat and the display speed Vdis of the current frame, and the relative speed is multiplied by a constant N to obtain the amount of change per unit time as the damper correction speed. That is, by setting a virtual damper that buffers the virtual force of the virtual spring that connects the predicted position Pdat and the display position Pdis, the damper correction is performed so that the display position Pdis is not excessively adjusted depending on the magnitude of the virtual force. Interpolate based on speed. The constant N corresponds to a viscosity coefficient of a virtual damper for buffering a virtual spring that connects the predicted position Pdat and the display position Pdis of the current frame. For example, as shown in FIG. 13B, the relative speed increases. The damper correction speed is set in the opposite direction so that the absolute value increases.

  Further, as shown in the equation of FIG. 12, the interpolation speed Vcor is calculated by adding the spring correction speed to the display speed Vdis of the current frame and subtracting the damper correction speed. Then, the interpolation position Pcor is obtained by adding the position change amount for one frame of the interpolation speed Vcor to the display position Pdis of the current frame. By making the interpolation position Pcor the display position Pdis of the next frame (time t3), natural movement control of other characters can be realized.

1-4-8. Angle Interpolation Next, angle interpolation processing will be described. As described above with respect to position interpolation, when the reception data used as the basis for the predicted angle Θdat and the display angle Θdis is different, the player's operation performed during that time causes a sudden change in the posture of the motorcycle. Therefore, as in the case of position interpolation, interpolation based on the predicted angle Θdat and the display angle Θdis is performed for the angle of the motorcycle. Note that the angle interpolation processing is different between normal traveling and falling. First, angle interpolation processing during normal travel will be described.

[During normal driving]
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the principle of angle interpolation during normal traveling. In the equation of FIG. 14, the angle Θ and the angular velocity Ω mean that the value of each xyz component is included. As shown in the figure, the relative angle is obtained from the difference between the predicted angle Θdat at time t3 and the display angle Θdis at the current frame (time t2), the relative angle is multiplied by a constant O, and the angle change amount per unit time Is determined as the spring correction angular velocity. That is, a virtual spring is set between the predicted angle Θdat and the display angle Θdis, and interpolation based on the spring correction angular velocity is performed so that the display angle Θdis is adjusted in the direction of the predicted angle Θdat by the virtual force of the virtual spring. .

  Also, the relative angular velocity is obtained from the difference between the predicted angular velocity Ωdat at time t3 and the display angular velocity Ωdis of the current frame (time t2), the relative angular velocity is multiplied by a constant U, and the amount of angular change per unit time is taken as the damper corrected angular velocity. Ask. In other words, by setting a virtual damper that buffers the virtual force of the virtual spring that connects the predicted angle Θdat and the display angle Θdis, the damper correction is performed so that the display angle Θdis is not excessively adjusted depending on the magnitude of the virtual force. Perform interpolation based on angular velocity.

  Further, as shown in the equation of FIG. 14, the interpolation angular velocity Ωcor is calculated by adding the spring correction angular velocity to the display angular velocity and subtracting the damper correction angular velocity. Then, the angle change amount for one frame of the interpolation angular velocity Ωcor is added to the display angle Θdis of the current frame to obtain the interpolation angle Θcor. By setting the interpolation angle Θcor as the display angle Θdis of the next frame (time t3), natural posture control of other characters during normal running can be realized.

[When falling down]
FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining angle interpolation processing at the time of falling. As shown in the figure, the relative angle is obtained from the difference between the predicted angle Θdat and the display angle Θdis of the current frame, and the relative angular velocity is obtained from the difference between the predicted angular velocity Ωdat and the display angular velocity Ωdis of the current frame.

  Subsequently, the magnitude A of the relative angle is obtained from each component of the relative angle. Further, the magnitude B of the display angular velocity Ωdis is obtained from each component of the display angular velocity Ωdis of the current frame. The ratio C is obtained by dividing the magnitude B of the display angular velocity Ωdis by the magnitude A of the relative angle. Here, the ratio C has an upper limit of 1 and a lower limit of 0.

  Next, the relative angle is multiplied by the ratio C to determine the angle change amount per unit time as the spring correction angular velocity. Also, the damper angular velocity is obtained by multiplying the relative angular velocity by a constant D. The spring correction angular velocity and the damper correction angular velocity are the same concept as the spring correction angular velocity and the damper correction angular velocity during the normal running described above. Further, as shown in the equation of FIG. 15, the interpolation angular velocity Ωcor is calculated by adding the spring correction angular velocity to the display angular velocity Ωdis of the current frame and subtracting the damper correction angular velocity. Then, the angle change amount for one frame of the interpolation angular velocity Ωcor is added to the display angle Θdis of the current frame to obtain the interpolation angle Θcor. By setting the interpolation angle Θcor as the display angle Θdis of the next frame (time t3), it is possible to realize natural posture control of other characters at the time of the fall.

1-4-9. Next, the grounding process will be described. The grounding process detects an unnatural situation such as when the motorcycle according to the position prediction and angle prediction described above is placed in the game space, the motorcycle dives into the ground or floats from the ground. In such a case, the process is carried out in order to properly contact the grounding point of the motorcycle with the road surface by correcting the position in the height direction. Since the grounding process is different between normal traveling and falling, first, the grounding process during normal traveling will be described.

[During normal driving]
FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a grounding process during normal traveling. In the grounding process, as shown in the figure, first, the grounding angle of the character is obtained. Since the contact angle is replaced with an angle in the roll direction, the contact angle is obtained as the contact angle θz. Next, the center of gravity vehicle height hg is obtained. The center-of-gravity vehicle height hg is the distance from the center of gravity to the road surface when the angle in the roll direction is 0 °, that is, when the motorcycle is in a vertical posture. Further, the center-of-gravity vehicle height hg is multiplied by sin | θz | to obtain the center-of-gravity height H, which is the distance from the road surface to the center of gravity in the game space. Also, the height hr in the game space on the road surface on which the motorcycle touches is obtained. Then, by adding the height h of the road surface to the height H of the center of gravity and setting this to the y coordinate of the interpolation position Pcor, the ground point of the motorcycle can be properly grounded on the road surface.

[When falling down]
FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the grounding process at the time of falling. As shown in the figure, first, a character contact angle θ _G is obtained. Next, coordinates Az (x _LA , y _LA , z _LA ) that are most likely to be ground points are determined from a ground point table 154 (see FIG. 25), which will be described later, according to the determined ground angle θ _G. Then, the local coordinate Az is converted into the world coordinate system based on the contact angle θ _G.

  In the game space, the height H of the center of gravity from the road surface and the height ha of the center of gravity from the coordinates Az are obtained. Then, it is determined whether or not the height H of the center of gravity from the road surface is higher than the height ha of the center of gravity from the coordinates Az. If the height H is higher, the height H of the center of gravity from the road surface is set. A value obtained by adding the road surface height hr is set as the y coordinate of the interpolation position Pcor. On the other hand, when the height H is lower, the height H is corrected to coincide with the height ha, and the value obtained by adding the height h of the road surface to the corrected height H is used as the y coordinate of the interpolation position Pcor. Set. Thereby, the grounding point of the character can be properly grounded on the road surface.

1-5. Functional Configuration Next, a functional configuration of the game apparatus 12 in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the game apparatus 12 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, the game apparatus 12 includes an operation unit 110, a processing unit 120, a storage unit 130, a display unit 140, a sound output unit 150, a communication unit 160, and the like, and is a video game that is a motorcycle racing game. Is executed to generate a game image, and the generated game image is displayed on the display unit 140.

  The operation unit 110 receives an operation instruction from the player and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the processing unit 120. This function is realized by, for example, an operation device including buttons, operation sticks, a dial, a mouse, a keyboard, and various sensors.

  The processing unit 120 performs various arithmetic processes such as control of the entire game apparatus 12, progress of the game, and image generation. This function is realized by, for example, an arithmetic device such as a CPU (CISC type, RISC type), ASIC (gate array, etc.) or a control program thereof.

  In addition, the processing unit 120 is based on a game calculation unit 122 that mainly performs calculation processing related to a game, and various types of data obtained by the processing of the game calculation unit 122. An image generation unit 124 that executes generation of an image in a three-dimensional space (game space) and generation of an image signal for displaying a game screen, generation of game sounds such as sound effects and BGM, and output of game sounds And a sound generation unit 126 that executes generation of a sound signal.

  The game calculation unit 122 includes a game progress control unit 1222, a self-character movement control unit 1224, another character movement control unit 1226, and a moving body control information transmission / reception unit 1228 as main functional units. The game progress control unit 1222 executes game progress processing in accordance with the game progress processing program 1322, and controls movement of the character in the game space based on an instruction operation of the player. The own character movement control unit 1224 executes the own character movement calculation process according to the own character movement calculation program 1324, and controls the movement of the own character based on various operations input from the player.

  The other character movement control unit 1226 executes other character movement calculation processing according to the other character movement calculation program 1326, performs movement calculation of the other character based on the received data, and controls movement of the other character. The mobile body control information transmission / reception unit 1228 executes mobile body control information transmission / reception processing according to the mobile body control information transmission / reception program 1348, and transmits the mobile body control information related to the game execution to other game devices 12, or other game devices. The mobile control information transmitted from 12 is received.

  The image generation unit 124 is realized by, for example, an arithmetic device such as a CPU or a DSP, a control program thereof, a drawing frame IC memory such as a frame buffer, or the like. The image generation unit 124 generates a game image (3DCG image) for displaying a game screen by executing geometric transformation processing, shading processing, or the like based on the calculation result of the game calculation unit 122, and the image signal of the generated image Is output to the display unit 140.

  Based on the image signal from the image generation unit 124, the display unit 140 displays the game screen while redrawing the screen of one frame every 1/60 seconds, for example. This function is realized by hardware such as CRT, LCD, ELD, PDP, and HMD.

  The sound generation unit 126 is realized by an arithmetic device such as a CPU or a DSP and its control program, for example, generates a sound effect or a game sound such as BGM used during the game, and outputs a sound signal of the generated game sound. Output to the unit 150.

  The sound output unit 150 outputs game sounds such as BGM and sound effects based on the sound signal from the sound generation unit 126. This function is realized by, for example, a speaker.

  The communication unit 160 connects to a predetermined communication line (such as a wireless communication line W or a LAN) and performs data communication with an external device (for example, another game device 12).

  The storage unit 130 stores a system program for realizing various functions for causing the processing unit 120 to control the game apparatus 12 in an integrated manner, a program, data, and the like necessary for executing the game. Further, it is used as a work area of the processing unit 120, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the processing unit 120 according to various programs, input data input from the operation unit 110, and the like. This function is realized by, for example, various IC memories, hard disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, MOs, RAMs, VRAMs, and the like.

  In addition, the storage unit 130 stores a game program 132 and game data 134 for causing the processing unit 120 to function as the game calculation unit 122. Specifically, as the game program 132, a game progress processing program 1322, a self-character movement calculation program 1324, another character movement calculation program 1326, a position prediction program 1328, a speed prediction program 1330, an angle prediction program 1332, a position interpolation program 1334, An angle interpolation program 1336, a ground contact program 1338, an overturn position velocity prediction program 1340, an overturn angle prediction program 1342, an overturn angle interpolation program 1344, an overturn ground contact program 1346, and a moving object control information transmission / reception program 1348 are stored. . As game data 134, stage data 136, course data 138, moving object data 142, moving object parameter 144, latest data prediction data 146, interpolation data 148, received data 152, and ground point table 154 are stored. Yes.

  The game progress processing program 1322 is a program for causing the game calculation unit 122 to function as the game progress control unit 1222. The own character movement calculation program 1324 is a program for causing the game calculation unit 122 to function as the own character movement control unit 1224. Other Character Movement Calculation Program 1326, Position Prediction Program 1328, Speed Prediction Program 1330, Angle Prediction Program 1332, Position Interpolation Program 1334, Angle Interpolation Program 1336, Grounding Program 1338, Falling Position Speed Prediction Program 1340, Falling Angle Prediction Program 1342 The fall angle interpolation program 1344 and the fall grounding program 1346 are programs for causing the game calculation unit 122 to function as the other character movement control unit 1226. The moving body control information transmission / reception program 1348 is a program for causing the game calculation unit 122 to function as the moving body control information transmission / reception unit 1228.

  The stage data 136 stores data for setting a game stage in a motorcycle racing game. Specifically, modeling data and texture data for placing a circuit including the course 2 in the game space are stored.

  The course data 138 stores each data set on the course 2. The course data 138 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 19 is a diagram clearly showing each data stored in the course data 138 on the course 2, and FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of the course data 138.

  As shown in FIG. 19, on the course 2, a center line CL of the course 2 and a target line TL for traveling on the course 2 in the shortest time are set. On the center line CL, control points Q are arranged and set at predetermined intervals starting from the start point 3.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 20, a distance RR, a target position wt, a target speed V0, and a curvature rt are set for each control point Q. The distance RR stores the distance from the start position 3 along the center line CL to the control point Q. The target position wt is a position for defining the position of the target line LT, and the left and right displacements at each control point Q are stored. That is, the target line LT is defined by connecting points that are displaced to the left and right by the target position wt of each control point Q from each control point Q. Further, the value of the target position wt takes a positive or negative value depending on whether the target line TL is positioned on the left or right of the center line CL in the traveling direction. For example, it is positive when the target line TL is located to the left of the center line CL in the traveling direction, and is negative when it is located to the right.

  The target speed V0 is determined based on, for example, the speed when passing through each control point when a high-speed character travels the target line TL in the shortest time. That is, the player can travel the course 2 in the shortest time by traveling the motorcycle 4 on the target line LT according to the target speed V0.

  The curvature rt stores the curvature at the position of the center line CL. This value is positive or negative depending on whether the target line TL is bent (curved) to the left or right in the traveling direction. For example, a positive value is set for the left curve portion of the target line TL, a negative value is set for the right curve portion, and “0” is set for the straight line portion. The absolute value is “0 or more and less than 1 (0 ≦ rt <1)”. The curvature rt may be configured to store the curvature at each position corresponding to the control point of the target line TL. In this case, various movement calculations can be performed based on the curvature approximating the travel line of the motorcycle 4.

  The moving object data 142 stores modeling data and texture data for placing the motorcycle 4 in the virtual space.

  The moving object parameter 144 stores various parameters of the motorcycles 4a to 4d during the game execution for each motorcycle. FIG. 21 shows a data configuration example of the moving object parameter 144. As shown in the figure, the moving object parameter 144 includes an identification number (144a) for specifying the motorcycles 4a to 4d, a fall flag (144b), an accelerator amount Ia (144c), a brake amount Ib (144d), and a steering wheel value. Each parameter of Ih (144e), position coordinate P (144f), velocity V (144g), angle Θ (144h), angular velocity Ω (144i), number of laps (144j), and lap time (144k) is stored.

  The moving object parameter 144 is updated with the execution of the own character movement control process and the other character movement control process. In the game progress process, a game image is drawn / generated based on each parameter stored in the moving object parameter 144. That is, each parameter, position coordinate P (144f), speed V (144g), angle Θ (144h), and angular speed Ω (144i) stored in the moving object parameter are the display position, display speed, display angle, It corresponds to each display angular velocity.

  The latest data prediction data 146 stores various prediction data calculated based on the latest reception data received from the other game apparatuses 12. FIG. 22 shows a data configuration example of the latest data prediction data 146. As shown in the figure, the latest data prediction data 146 includes a fall flag (146b), a predicted position Pdat (146c), a predicted speed Vdat (146d), a predicted angle Θdat (146e), and a predicted angular speed Ωdat (146f). Each is stored in association with an identification number (146a) of another character.

  The fall flag (146b) stores an ON / OFF flag indicating whether or not the character has fallen. The predicted coordinate Pdat (146c) stores the predicted position Pdat calculated based on the latest received data. The predicted speed Vdat (146d) stores the predicted speed Vdat calculated based on the latest received data. The predicted angle Θdat (146e) stores the predicted angle Θdat calculated based on the latest received data. The predicted angular velocity Ωdat stores the predicted angular velocity Ωdat calculated based on the latest received data. The latest data prediction data 146 is updated and recorded as the other character movement control process is executed.

  The interpolation data 148 stores various types of interpolation data calculated in the interpolation process. FIG. 23 shows a data configuration example of the interpolation data 148. As shown in the figure, the interpolation data 148 is associated with the identification numbers (148a) of the motorcycles 4a to 4d, the fall flag (148b), the interpolation position Pcor (148c), the interpolation angle Θcor (148d), and the interpolation speed Vcor. (148e), interpolation angular velocity Ωcor (148f) is stored.

  When the interpolation process is performed during normal traveling, the fall flag (148b) is set to “OFF”. The interpolation position Pcor and the interpolation speed Vcor calculated by the position interpolation process are stored in the interpolation position Pcor (148c) and the interpolation speed Vcor (148e), respectively. In addition, the interpolation angle Θcor and the interpolation angular velocity Ωcor calculated by the angle interpolation process are stored in the interpolation angle Θcor (148d) and the interpolation angular velocity Ωcor (148f), respectively.

  On the other hand, when the interpolation process at the time of the fall is performed, the fall flag (148b) is set to “ON”. The interpolation position Pcor (148c) and the interpolation speed Vcor (148e) store the interpolation position Pcor and the interpolation speed Vcor calculated by the position interpolation process. The interpolation angle Θcor (148d) and the interpolation angular speed Ωcor (148f) are stored. Stores the interpolation angle Θcor and the interpolation angular velocity Ωcor calculated by the angle interpolation process during the fall.

  The reception data 152 stores the latest data among the data received from other game apparatuses 12 for each other character. FIG. 24 shows a data configuration example of the reception data 152. As shown in the figure, the received data 152 includes an identification number (152a) for specifying a character, a fall flag (152b), an accelerator amount Ia (152c), a brake amount Ib (152d), and a handle value Ih (152e). , Position coordinates P (152f), velocity V (152g), angle Θ (152h), angular velocity Ω (152i), and data transmission time (152j) are stored.

The contact point table 154 stores information defining the correspondence between the contact point of the motorcycle and the contact angle θ _G for each character. FIG. 25 shows a data configuration example of the ground point table 154. As shown in the figure, the contact point table 154 stores an identification number (154a), a contact point (154b), a local position coordinate (154c), and a contact angle θ _G (154d) for specifying a character. .

Local coordinates (154c), in a case where the character forms a road surface and a given ground angle theta _G, stores the local coordinates of the portion of the contact (ground) should do bike with the road surface. The contact angle θ _G stores the angle formed by the character and the road surface as the contact angle θ _G according to the character's posture.

1-6. Process Flow The process flow in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a game progress process realized by the game progress control unit 1222 executing the game progress program 1322. The loop being processed is a loop that is repeatedly executed for each frame during the game.

1-6-1. Game Progression Process First, the game progress control part 1222 causes the own character movement control part 1224 to execute the own character movement calculation process according to the own character movement calculation program 1324 (step S2). Specifically, the player character movement control unit 1224 determines the position coordinate, velocity, angle, angular velocity of the player character, operation data (for example, accelerator amount Ia, brake amount Ib, handle amount Ih) input from the player, and the like. The position coordinates, speed, posture, etc. of the player character in the next frame are calculated, and the moving object parameter 144 is updated. That is, the moving object parameter 144 is updated in real time (real time) with good response to the player's operation input.

  Next, the game progress control unit 1222 causes the moving body control information transmission / reception unit 1228 to execute a moving body control information transmission / reception process according to the moving body control information transmission / reception program (step S4). Specifically, the moving body control information transmission / reception unit 1228 uses the data included in the updated moving body object parameter 144 as moving body control information, and the other game devices 12 operated by players participating in the same game. Send to. In addition, mobile body control information transmitted from another game device 12 operated by a player participating in the same game is received.

  Subsequently, the game progress control unit 1222 causes the other character movement control unit 1226 to execute another character movement calculation process, which will be described later, according to the other character movement calculation program 1326, and the position coordinates, speed, posture, etc. of the other character in the next frame. Is calculated (step S6). Based on the calculation result, the player character and other characters are arranged in the game space (step S8), a drawing process is performed, a game image is generated, and the game image is displayed on the display unit 140 (step S10).

1-6-2. Other Character Movement Calculation Process Next, another character movement calculation process executed as a subroutine of the game progress process will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing another character movement calculation processing realized by the other character movement control unit 1226 executing the other character movement calculation program 1326. The loop A being processed is a process repeated for each other character, and the loop B being processed is a process repeated according to the number of loops calculated in step S20.

  In the figure, first, the other character movement control unit 1226 determines whether or not the latest moving body control information has been received from another game apparatus 12 (step S12), and the latest moving body control information has been received. (Step S12; YES), the reception data 152 is updated based on the newly received mobile control information (Step S14). Specifically, the data transmission time of the mobile body control information received from the other game device 12 is compared with the data transmission time 142j stored in the reception data 152, and the data transmission time of the received mobile body control information is determined. If the data is newer, the received data 152 is updated based on the received mobile control information.

  Next, with reference to the fall flag of the reception data 152, it is determined whether or not another character has fallen (step S16). If the other character has not fallen (step S16; NO), a delay time is obtained from the data transmission time of the received data 152 and the display time of the frame to be rendered (step S18). Subsequently, the loop count N for calculating the predicted position and predicted speed of the other character is determined from the delay time (step S20). Specifically, it is the number of times obtained by dividing the delay time by one frame, that is, 1/60 seconds.

  Then, loop B is repeatedly executed according to the obtained loop count. In the loop B, first, based on the received data 152, a position prediction process for calculating a predicted position of another character is executed (step S22). Next, a speed prediction process for calculating the predicted speed of another character is executed based on the received data 152 (step S24).

  Subsequently, when the loop B is terminated, an angle prediction process for calculating a predicted angle of another character based on the received data 152 is executed (step S26). Then, a position interpolation process for obtaining an interpolation position from the display position of the current frame and the predicted position based on the reception data 152 is executed (step S28). In addition, an angle interpolation process for obtaining an interpolation angle from the display angle of the current frame and the predicted angle based on the reception data 152 is executed (step S30). Further, a grounding process for arranging other characters at the correct positions in the game space is executed (step S32), and the other character movement calculation process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that the other character has fallen (step S16; YES), based on the received data 152, the predicted position and predicted speed of the other character at the time of the fall are calculated. Processing is executed (step S34). Next, based on the received data 152, a fall angle prediction process for calculating a predicted angle of another character at the time of fall is executed (step S36).

  Then, position interpolation processing for obtaining an interpolation position is executed from the display position of the current frame and the predicted position based on the received data 152 (step S38). Further, the fall angle interpolation process for obtaining the interpolation angle at the fall is executed from the display angle of the current frame and the predicted angle based on the reception data 152 (step S40). Further, a grounding process at the time of falling for arranging another character at a correct position in the game space is executed (step S42), and this other character movement calculation process is ended.

1-6-3. Position Prediction Processing Next, various processing executed as a subroutine for other character movement calculation processing will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a position prediction process realized by the other character movement control unit 1226 executing the position prediction program 1328.

  In the figure, first, the other character movement control unit 1226 determines whether or not the reception data 152 has been updated (step S14 in FIG. 27) by receiving the latest data in the other character movement calculation process (step S51). . When the reception data 152 has been updated (step S51; YES), it is determined whether or not the number of loops is the first (step S52). When the number of loops is the first (step S52; YES), the position coordinate P, the angle (y component) θy in the yaw direction, and the velocity V are acquired from the reception data 152. On the other hand, if the received data 152 has not been updated (step S51; NO), or if the number of loops is not the first time (step S52; NO), the position coordinate P and the angle in the yaw direction are calculated from the latest data prediction data 146. (Y component) θy and speed V are acquired (step S56).

  Next, the curvature of the control point corresponding to the acquired position coordinate P is acquired from the course data 138 (step S58), and the predicted angle θy in the yaw direction is calculated based on the velocity vector and the curvature (step S60). Then, the y component of the angle of the latest data prediction data is updated to the calculated prediction angle θy (step S62). Further, the vector of the acquired velocity V is rotated in the yaw direction so as to coincide with the predicted angle θy (step S64).

  Subsequently, the moving distance for one frame is calculated from the velocity V with the corrected vector direction. And a movement distance is added to the acquired position coordinate P, and a predicted position is calculated (step S66). Then, the position coordinates and speed of the latest data prediction data 146 are updated to the predicted position and the calculated speed (step S68), and this position prediction process is terminated.

1-6-4. Speed Prediction Process Next, the speed prediction process will be described. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a speed prediction process realized by the other character movement control unit 1226 executing the speed prediction program 1330.

  In the figure, first, the other character movement control unit 1226 acquires the position coordinate P and the speed V from the latest data prediction data 146 (step S76). Next, the target speed V0 corresponding to the acquired position coordinate P is acquired from the course data 138 (step S78), and it is determined whether or not the speed V is higher than the target speed V0 (step S80). When the speed V is higher than the target speed V0 (step S80; YES), the brake amount Ib is corrected based on the target speed V0 and the speed V (step S82).

  Subsequently, a predicted speed is calculated based on the speed V, the accelerator amount Ia, the brake amount Ib, and the correction coefficient α (step S84). Then, the speed of the latest data prediction data 146 is updated to the predicted speed (step S86), and this speed prediction process ends.

1-6-5. Angle Prediction Processing Next, angle prediction processing will be described. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an angle prediction process realized by the other character movement control unit 1226 executing the angle prediction program 1332.

  In the figure, first, the other character movement control unit 1226 obtains a delay time from the data transmission time of the received data 152 and the display time of the frame to be rendered (step T2). Next, a predicted angle θx in the pitching direction is calculated based on the pitch direction angle and angular velocity stored in the reception data 152 and the delay time (step T4). Further, the roll direction predicted angle θz is calculated based on the roll direction angle and angular velocity stored in the reception data 152 and the delay time (step T6).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the sign of the angle in the pitching direction of the received data 152 and the sign of the predicted angle θx are interchanged (step T8). If the signs are interchanged (step T8; YES), the character Is contacted with the road surface, and the predicted angle θx is set to 0 ° (step T10).

  Further, it is determined whether or not the predicted angles θx and θz are within the reference range (step T12). If the predicted angles θx and θz are not within the reference range (step T12; NO), the predicted angles θx and θz outside the reference range are used as the reference. The upper limit value or lower limit value of the range, whichever is closer, is set (step T14). Then, the x and z components of the angle of the latest data prediction data 146 are updated to the prediction angles θx and θz, respectively (step T16), and this angle prediction process ends.

1-6-6. Position Interpolation Processing Next, position interpolation processing will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a position interpolation process realized by the other character movement control unit 1226 executing the position interpolation program 1334.

  As shown in the figure, first, the other character movement control unit 1226 obtains the difference between the position coordinates of the predicted position and the position coordinates of the display position as a relative position (step T22). Next, the difference between the predicted speed and the display speed is obtained as a relative speed (step T24). Subsequently, the spring correction speed is obtained by multiplying the relative position by the constant M (step T26), and the damper correction speed is obtained by multiplying the relative speed by the constant N (step T28).

  Further, the spring correction speed is added to the display speed, and the damper correction speed is subtracted to calculate the interpolation speed (step T30). Then, the interpolation position is calculated by adding the distance of one frame at the interpolation speed to the display position of the current frame (step T32). Next, the interpolation position and interpolation speed of the interpolation data 148 are updated (step T34), the position coordinates and speed of the moving object parameter are updated to the interpolation position and interpolation speed (step T36), and this position interpolation process is completed. To do.

1-6-7. Angle Interpolation Processing Next, angle interpolation processing will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing angle interpolation processing realized by the other character movement control unit 1226 executing the angle interpolation program 1336. The loop being processed is a process that is repeated for each angle component (xyz component).

  In the figure, first, the other character movement control unit 1226 obtains a relative angle from the difference between the predicted angle and the display angle (step T42). Further, the relative angular velocity is obtained from the difference between the predicted angular velocity and the display angular velocity (step T44). Subsequently, a spring correction angular velocity is obtained by multiplying the relative angle by a constant A (step T46), and a damper correction angular velocity is obtained by multiplying the relative angular velocity by a constant B (step T48).

  Further, the spring correction angular velocity is added to the display angular velocity, and the damper correction angular velocity is subtracted to calculate the interpolation angular velocity (step T50). Then, the angle for one frame based on the interpolation angular velocity is added to the display angle to calculate the interpolation angle (step T52). Next, the interpolation angle and interpolation angular velocity of the interpolation data 148 are updated (step T54), the angle and angular velocity of the moving object parameter 144 are updated to the interpolation angle and interpolation angular velocity (step T56), and the loop processing is terminated.

1-6-8. Next, the grounding process will be described. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a grounding process realized by the other character movement control unit 1226 executing the grounding program 1338.

  In the figure, first, the other character movement control unit 1226 obtains the ground contact angle θz of the vehicle body (character) from the z component of the interpolation angle (step T62). Next, the height H from the center of gravity of the character to the road surface is calculated based on the center of gravity vehicle height hg, the contact angle θz, the degree of contraction of the suspension, and the like (step T64). Then, a value obtained by adding the road surface height hr to the road surface height H is calculated, and the y component of the position coordinates of the moving object parameter 144 is updated to the calculated value (step S66).

1-6-9. Falling Position / Speed Prediction Process Next, the falling position / speed prediction process will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the position / velocity prediction process during the fall realized by the other character movement control unit 1226 executing the position / velocity prediction program 1340 during the fall.

  In the figure, first, the other character movement control unit 1226 obtains a delay time from the data transmission time of the received data 152 and the display time of the frame to be rendered (step T72). Next, the predicted position is calculated from the speed stored in the reception data 152 and the delay time (step T74).

  Subsequently, a predicted speed is calculated by adding the value obtained by multiplying the acceleration of gravity g and the delay time to the y component of the speed stored in the reception data 152 (step T76). Further, the overturn flag of the latest data prediction data 146 is set to ON (step T78). Then, the position coordinates and speed of the latest data predicted data 146 are updated to the predicted position and predicted speed (step T80), and the position / speed prediction process at the time of the fall ends.

1-6-10. Falling Angle Prediction Processing Next, the falling angle prediction processing will be described. FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a fall angle prediction process realized when the other character movement control unit 1226 executes the fall angle prediction program 1342. The loop being processed is a process that is repeated for each angle component (xyz component).

  In the figure, first, the other character movement control unit 1226 obtains a delay time from the data transmission time of the received data 152 and the display time of the frame to be rendered (step T82). Next, loop processing is started, and a predicted angle is calculated from the angle and angular velocity stored in the reception data 152 and the delay time (step T84). And the angle and angular velocity of the newest data prediction data 146 are updated (step T86), and this fall angle prediction process is complete | finished.

1-6-11. Falling Angle Interpolation Processing Next, the falling angle interpolation prediction processing will be described. FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a fall angle interpolation process realized by the other character movement control unit 1226 executing the fall angle interpolation program 1346.

  In the figure, first, the other character movement control unit 1226 obtains a relative angle from the difference between the predicted angle and the display angle (step ST2). Further, the relative angular velocity is obtained from the difference between the predicted angular velocity and the display angular velocity (step ST4).

  Next, a relative angle magnitude A and a display angular velocity magnitude B are obtained (steps ST6 and ST8), and a ratio C between the display angular velocity magnitude B and the relative angle magnitude A is obtained (step ST10). Further, the spring correction angular velocity is obtained by multiplying the relative angle by the ratio C (step ST12). Further, a damper correction angular velocity is obtained by multiplying the relative angular velocity by a constant D (step ST14).

  Subsequently, the spring correction angular velocity is added to the display angular velocity, and the damper correction angular velocity is subtracted to calculate the interpolation angular velocity (step ST16). Then, an interpolation angle is calculated by adding an angle for one frame based on the interpolation angular velocity to the display angle (step ST18). Subsequently, the angle and angular velocity of the interpolation data 146 are updated to the interpolation angle and interpolation angular velocity (step ST20), and the angle and angular velocity of the moving object parameter 144 are updated to the interpolation angle and interpolation angular velocity (step ST22). Then, the angle interpolation process at the time of the fall ends.

1-6-12. Falling Grounding Process Next, the falling grounding process will be described. FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the grounding process at the time of falling realized by the other character movement control unit 1226 executing the grounding program at the time of falling 1346.

In the figure, first, the other character movement control unit 1226 obtains the vehicle ground contact angle θ _G from the interpolation angle (step ST32). Next, according to the contact angle θ _G , the local coordinates of the contact point Az that is most likely to be the contact point of the vehicle body (character) are obtained from the contact point table 154 (step ST34). Further, the local coordinates of the contact point Az are converted into the world coordinate system (step ST36).

  Subsequently, the height H from the road surface to the center of gravity of the character is calculated (step ST38), and the height ha from the position coordinate of the ground contact point Az to the center of gravity of the character is calculated (step ST40). Then, it is determined whether or not the height H is lower than the height ha (step ST42). When the height H is lower than the height ha (step ST42; YES), since a part of the vehicle body (character) will be dive on the road surface, the height H is corrected so as to coincide with the height ha and corrected. Add road height hr to height H. Then, the y coordinate of the position coordinate of the moving object parameter 144 is updated (step ST44).

  On the other hand, when the height H is not lower than the height ha (step ST42; NO), the vehicle body (character) can properly touch the road surface, and the vehicle body falls over without updating the position coordinates of the moving object parameter 144. End the grounding process.

1-7. Hardware Configuration Next, an example of a hardware configuration for realizing the game apparatus 12 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 38 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, a VRAM 1012, and I / O ports 1014 and 1016. It is connected so that output is possible. An input device 1024 is connected to the I / O port 1014, and a communication device 1026 is connected to the I / O port 1016.

  The CPU 1000 controls the entire device and performs various data processing according to a program stored in the information storage medium 1006, a system program stored in the ROM 1002 (initialization information of the apparatus main body, etc.), a signal input from the input device 1024, and the like. Do. The CPU 1000 corresponds to the processing unit 120 shown in FIG.

  The RAM 1004 is a storage unit used as a work area of the CPU 1000, and stores given contents in the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002, the calculation result of the CPU 1000, and the like. This RAM 1004 constitutes a part of the storage unit 130 shown in FIG.

  The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data, sound data, play data, and the like. This information storage medium 1006 constitutes a part of the storage unit 130 shown in FIG. When what implements the present embodiment is a computer system, the information storage medium 1006 is a CD-ROM, DVD, hard disk or the like as an information storage medium for storing the game progress processing program 1322 or the like.

  In addition, the image generation IC 1010 and the sound generation IC 1008 provided in this apparatus can appropriately output sound and images.

  The image generation IC 1010 is an integrated circuit that generates pixel information based on information sent from the ROM 1002, the RAM 1004, the information storage medium 1006, and the like according to instructions from the CPU 1000, and the generated display signal is output to the display device 1022. The display device 1022 is realized by a CRT, LCD, ELD, PDP, HMD, or the like, and corresponds to the display 1220 shown in FIG. 2 or the display unit 140 shown in FIG.

  The sound generation IC 1008 is an integrated circuit that generates sound signals according to information stored in the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002 and sound data stored in the RAM 1004 according to instructions from the CPU 1000. Output from the speaker 1020. The speaker 1020 corresponds to the speaker 1222 shown in FIG. 2 and the sound output unit 150 shown in FIG.

  The VRAM 1012 is a storage device that temporarily stores image data to be displayed on the display device 1022, and constitutes a part of the storage unit 130 shown in FIG. The VRAM 1012 includes a frame buffer for storing image data for one frame generated by the image generation IC 1010.

  The input device 1024 is a device for inputting various operations, and its function is realized by hardware such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel. The input device 1024 corresponds to the controller 1202 shown in FIG. 2 and the operation unit 110 shown in FIG.

  The communication device 1026 exchanges information used inside the device with the outside. The communication device 1026 is connected to other devices via a communication line, and is used to send and receive given information according to a program. The communication device 1026 corresponds to the communication device 1218 shown in FIG. 2 and the communication unit 160 shown in FIG.

1-8. As described above, according to the first embodiment, the reception data 152 for controlling other characters is exchanged with the other game apparatuses 12b to 12d and received via the network. In the game apparatus 12 a that controls the movement of the other character based on the data 152, the delay time for the drawing target frame is calculated based on the data transmission time of the received data 152, and based on the calculated delay time and the received data 152, Predict changes in the position, speed, posture, etc. of other characters in the delay time. On the other hand, regarding the movement control of the own character, changes in the position, speed, posture, etc. of the own character are calculated in real time based on the input operation data. While maintaining the good response by simultaneously performing the movement control of the own character calculated based on the real time and the movement control of the other character calculated by predicting the change for the delay time. The consistency of the game results displayed on the game devices 12a to 12d can be maintained.

  Therefore, the following inconvenience does not occur. In other words, priority is given to the consistency of the game results between the game devices 12a to 12d, and the response of the next character is impaired. As a result, the player character is controlled to move against the player's will. do not do. Also, by improving the response, the movement control of the player character is executed in real time, but the other characters are controlled to move to the past position delayed by the communication delay time. As a result, each character is far from the actual position. There is no inconsistency in game results, such as being displayed at the position.

  Further, the reception interval of the reception data transmitted from the other game devices 12a to 12d may not be constant and may vary depending on the network congestion status. Even in such a case, by predicting the amount of displacement corresponding to the communication delay time, the influence of fluctuations in the reception interval can be suppressed as much as possible, and the network congestion status is reflected in the game result. Such a situation can be avoided. For example, it is possible to prevent a display in which another character stops in the game space and moves as soon as the data is received as a result of a significant delay in data reception.

  When calculating the predicted position of another character, the direction of the speed vector is rotated so as to approximate the curvature of the course at the predicted position, and the predicted position is calculated based on this speed vector, so that the course shape is obtained. It is possible to perform position prediction according to this. Furthermore, if the course data 138 stores the curvature at each control point for the best line for running the course at the fastest speed, the curvature closer to the player's running line is approximated to suit the course shape. Position prediction can be performed. Thereby, the position movement of the other character can be accurately predicted, and the game result of the player who operates the other character in real time can be matched with the game result of the other player.

  Further, when calculating the predicted speed of another character, the target speed at the predicted position is referred to, and if the speed before prediction exceeds the target speed, the speed before prediction is corrected based on the target speed, Speed prediction is performed based on the corrected speed. As a result, the predicted speed can be prevented from becoming an unrealistic value, and the speed can be predicted accurately. In addition, when calculating the movement of the player character in real time based on the operation data input by the player, if the player's own character display speed is corrected based on the target speed at the display position, By performing the same processing on the character and other characters, it is possible to match the game results.

  In addition, when calculating the predicted angle of other characters, the limit value of the character's posture that allows normal running is determined, and if this limit value is exceeded, the predicted angle is corrected to be within the limit value range. By doing so, it is possible to prevent other characters from running in an unrealistic posture.

  Specifically, when calculating the predicted angle in the pitching direction, the exchange of the sign of the angle of the received data and the predicted angle is determined, and when the sign is changed, the predicted angle is set to 0 °. . Thus, for example, in the process of returning from a posture such as a wheelie or a jackknife, a behavior that cannot occur in reality, such as when a character does a jackknife with a momentum to return from a wheelie, or a wheelie with a momentum to return from a jackknife Can be prevented. Further, by making the predicted angle in the pitch direction and the predicted angle in the roll direction within a certain range, it is possible to prevent an unnatural behavior such that another character travels in a posture in which normal travel is impossible.

  In addition, by calculating the interpolation position based on the predicted position and the display position, and drawing other characters based on the interpolation position, it is possible to suppress misalignment and flickering due to instantaneous movement of other characters and to reduce the natural character of other characters. Movement control can be realized. That is, when the predicted position is a position predicted based on the latest received data, and the display position is a position predicted based on data older than the latest received data, the basic received data is different. In such a case, when a sudden operation is performed between the latest received data and the old received data by another player, the display position and the predicted position are greatly different if the operation is reflected in the predicted position. It will be. Therefore, if this predicted position is used as the display position of the next frame as it is, the position of another character changes suddenly, and this can be visually recognized by the player as a shift or flicker. However, interpolation processing is performed based on the predicted position and the display position, and by adjusting the display position in the direction of the predicted position, these instantaneous movement position changes are alleviated and natural movement control of other characters is performed. be able to.

  When calculating the interpolation position, a virtual spring is set between the predicted position and the display position so that the display position is adjusted to the predicted position by virtual force (for example, virtual spring correction speed) by the virtual spring. The interpolation position can be calculated. Therefore, it is possible to realize movement control in which the position change of the other character becomes a natural change.

  Furthermore, when calculating the interpolation position, a virtual damper that buffers the virtual force of the virtual spring set between the predicted position and the display position is set, and the virtual force by the virtual spring and the buffer force by the virtual damper ( For example, the interpolation position can be calculated so that the display position is adjusted to the predicted position based on the damper correction speed. Therefore, the virtual force by the virtual spring can be gradually applied, and movement control can be realized so that the position change of the other character becomes a more natural change.

  In addition, by calculating the interpolation angle based on the predicted angle and the display angle and drawing the other character based on the interpolation angle, similarly, the shift and flicker due to the instantaneous posture change of the other character are suppressed, and the other character's Natural movement control can be realized.

  When calculating this interpolation angle, the posture change of the other character becomes a more natural change by calculating the interpolation angle so that the display angle is adjusted to the predicted angle based on the virtual force such as the spring correction angular velocity. Such movement control can be realized. Further, when calculating the interpolation angle, it is possible to calculate an interpolation angle based on a virtual buffering force such as a damper correction angular velocity so that the adjustment based on the spring correction angular velocity is not excessive adjustment. Thereby, the virtual force to the other character by the virtual spring is gradually applied, and more natural posture control of the other character can be realized.

  Further, by performing the grounding process and correcting the position of the Y component (that is, the height direction) in the world coordinate system according to the posture of the character during normal running, a part of the character is placed below the ground. Such an unnatural situation can be avoided. Furthermore, the grounding process at the time of falling is executed, and the coordinates Az of the vehicle body that can be a grounding point are obtained from the grounding point table according to the posture of the character at the time of the falling, and the height from the coordinate Az to the center of gravity and The position in the height direction in the world coordinate system is corrected by comparing with the height. As a result, even when the character can take various postures by falling, the position in the height direction can be corrected appropriately, and an unnatural situation in which a part of the character is placed below the ground is avoided. be able to.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment, a case is described in which a predicted position and a predicted speed are calculated based on the latest received data, and position interpolation processing is performed based on the calculated predicted position and predicted speed and the display position of the current frame. did. In the second embodiment, the predicted position and predicted speed calculated based on the latest received data are corrected based on the past history data of the player who operates the character, and the corrected predicted position and predicted speed, A case where position interpolation processing is performed based on the display position of the current frame will be described.

  It should be noted that effective prediction can be performed in consideration of the past history of the player during normal driving, and it is considered that it is not very effective at the time of a fall. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the predicted position and the predicted speed during normal running are corrected in consideration of the player's past history.

2-1. Principle The principle of correcting the predicted position and the predicted speed based on the history data will be described. The history data is data in which the average values of the position coordinates Pav, the speed Vav, the accelerator amount Ia, and the brake amount Ib at each control point in the race game played by the player in the past are recorded (see FIG. 41). . In a racing game, different course shapes are set for each game stage, and the player assumes his / her best line for each course (the line for running the course first) and sets the course so that the best line is traced. Go around. Further, by tracing the same line, the speed, the accelerator amount, and the brake amount at each position (for example, straight, corner entrance, corner exit) can take constant values. Therefore, it is considered that the history data of players who have experienced the same course in the past converges to a value within a certain range of position coordinates and speed for each control point. Therefore, the predicted position and predicted speed calculated based on the received data are corrected based on history data such as position coordinates and speed for each control point.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 39, the position coordinate of the history data corresponding to the control point is acquired from the control point corresponding to the predicted position Pdat, and this is set as the history position Pav. Further, the speed of the history data corresponding to the control point is acquired, and this is set as the history speed Vav. Then, the relative position is obtained from the difference between the predicted position Pdat and the history position Pav, and the relative speed is obtained from the difference between the predicted speed Vdat and the history speed Vav. Here, if the difference between the predicted position Pdat and the history position Pav is greater than or equal to a predetermined range, it can be determined that the player is traveling far from the usual traveling, and therefore, correction based on the history data may not be performed.

  Subsequently, the spring correction speed per unit time is obtained by multiplying the relative position by a constant SH. Also, a damper correction speed is obtained by multiplying the relative speed by a constant SI. Here, the constants SH and SI are set such that the upper limit is 1 and the lower limit is 0.

  Further, the history correction predicted speed Vac is calculated by adding the spring correction speed to the predicted speed Vdat and subtracting the damper correction speed. Then, the history correction predicted position Pac is obtained by adding the speed change amount for one frame of the history correction predicted speed Vac to the predicted position Pdat.

2-2. Functional Configuration Next, a functional configuration of the game apparatus 12 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Since the second embodiment is realized by using the game apparatus 12 in the first embodiment described above, the characteristic parts of the second embodiment are indicated by bold lines, and the first embodiment The same functions and configurations as those of the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the figure, another character movement control unit 1230 executes another character movement calculation process B according to another character movement calculation program 1350, performs movement calculation of other characters based on received data and the like, and controls movement of other characters.

  The other character movement calculation program 1350 is a program for causing the game calculation unit 122 to function as the other character movement control unit 1230, and includes a history correction program 1352 in a subroutine. The history correction program 1352 is a program for causing the game calculation unit 122 to function as the other character movement control unit 1226, and is a program for executing history correction processing as a subroutine of the other character movement calculation processing B.

  The history acquisition data 156 cumulatively stores information on the travel line, which is the movement trajectory of other characters, data on speed, accelerator amount, and brake amount for each player and each course. Specifically, as the travel line information, the position of the travel line corresponding to each control point, for example, the position coordinates of the position where the character has passed is stored. Further, the speed of the character when passing near the control point Q is stored as the speed, and the accelerator amount and brake amount input from the player when passing near the control point Q are stored as the accelerator amount and the brake amount. .

  The history data 158 stores travel line information stored in the history acquisition data 156, average values for each control point of speed, accelerator amount, and brake amount for each player and course. FIG. 41 shows a data configuration example of the history data 158. As shown in the figure, the history data 158 stores various data for each player and each course.

  Specifically, the history data 158 stores an identification number (158a) for specifying a player and a course number (158b) for specifying a course. For each control point Q (158c), the position coordinate Pav (158d), the speed Vav (158e), the accelerator amount Ia (158f), and the brake amount Ib (158g) are stored.

  The control points Q (158c) are reference points that are arranged and set at predetermined intervals on the course. The position coordinate Pav (158d) is a position for defining a travel line that the player has traveled in the past, and is defined by the same method as the target position wt of the course data 138d described with reference to FIG. Specifically, the average value of the position coordinates at the same control point of the data for a plurality of turns stored in the history acquisition data 156 is stored. The speed Vav (158e) stores the speed for each control point Q when the player has traveled in the past. Specifically, the average value for each control point Q of the speed of the history acquisition data 156 is stored. The accelerator amount Ia (158f) stores the accelerator amount for each control point Q when the player has traveled in the past. Specifically, an average value for each control point Q of the accelerator amount Ia of the history data 156 is stored for each control point Q. The brake amount Ib (158 g) stores the accelerator amount for each control point Q when the player has traveled in the past. Specifically, an average value for each control point Q of the brake amount of the history acquisition data 156 is stored. The history data 158 is data that is generated and updated from the history acquisition data 156 each time a game is completed, for example.

2-3. Process Flow Next, the process flow of the second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 42 shows a game progression process B in which another character movement calculation process B is executed instead of the other character movement calculation process in the game progression process of the first embodiment, and a process of storing history update data of other characters is further added. It is a flowchart which shows the flow.

  In the figure, the other character movement control unit 1230 executes the moving body control information transmission / reception process (step S4), and then executes the other character movement calculation process B (step S102). Then, the calculation result calculated by the other character movement calculation process B, specifically, the position information, speed, accelerator amount, and brake amount stored in the moving object parameter are stored in the history acquisition data 156 (step S104). .

  FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing a flow of another character movement calculation process B in which a history correction process characteristic to the second embodiment is added to the other character movement calculation process of the first embodiment. In the same figure, in the loop B, the other character movement control unit 1230 executes a position prediction process (step S22), a speed prediction process (step S24), and further executes a history correction process (step S106).

  44 and 45 are flowcharts showing the flow of the history correction process. 44, the other character movement control unit 1230 obtains a history position corresponding to the predicted position from the history data 158 (step S112). Next, the difference between the predicted position and the history position is obtained as a relative position (step S114), and it is determined whether or not the distance between the relative positions is within a certain range (step S116).

  If the relative position distance is not within the predetermined range (step S116; NO), it is determined that the player is not running as usual, and the history correction process is terminated. If the relative position distance is within a certain range (step S116; YES), the corresponding history speed is obtained from the history data 158 (step S118), and the relative speed is obtained from the difference between the predicted speed and the history speed (step S118). S120).

  Subsequently, the relative position is multiplied by a constant SH to obtain a position change amount per unit time as a spring correction speed (step S128). Further, a damper correction speed is obtained by multiplying the relative speed by a constant SI (step S130). Further, the history correction predicted speed is calculated by adding the spring correction speed to the predicted speed and subtracting the damper correction speed (step S132).

  Then, the moving distance for one frame is calculated from the history correction predicted speed, and the history correction predicted position is calculated by adding the moving distance to the predicted position (step S134). Next, the position coordinates and speed of the latest data prediction data are updated to the history correction prediction position and the history correction prediction speed (step S136), and the history correction processing is terminated.

2-4. As described above, according to the second embodiment, the predicted position and the predicted speed predicted based on the latest received data received from the other game apparatus 12 are further corrected based on the history data 158. Thus, the movement of the character can be predicted in consideration of factors such as the habit and habit of the player. In other words, by correcting the predicted position and predicted speed of other characters based on information that can converge to a certain value according to the course shape, such as travel line information, speed, accelerator amount, and brake amount, By predicting the behavior that will be performed in the future, it is possible to perform prediction with higher accuracy.

  Also, in the history correction process, when the difference between the predicted position and the history position is greater than or equal to a predetermined range, the correction based on the history data is not performed, so that, for example, when the trouble occurs, the character travels normally. If not, position interpolation processing can be executed based on the predicted position based on the received data, and the predicted interpolation position can be set as the display position of the next frame. Thereby, correction | amendment by log | history data can be performed appropriately according to the condition of the character in a game.

2-5. Modifications An example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the invention. is there. Hereinafter, modified examples will be described.

2-5-1. Division In the first embodiment, when the predicted position and the predicted speed are calculated, the description has been given on the assumption that the predicted position and the predicted speed are calculated cumulatively for each frame. A configuration may be used in which the calculation of speed is divided for each of a plurality of frames.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 46, when the delay time is 30 frame units, the above-described method requires 30 loop processes. Therefore, for example, by dividing 30 frames into 3 frames (hereinafter, the unit of the number of frames is referred to as “division unit frame number”), and calculating the predicted position and the predicted speed, the number of loops is reduced. Can be reduced to 10 times.

  Specifically, the curvature rt of the position after 3 frames from a certain position is acquired, and the predicted angle at the position after 3 frames is calculated. Next, the velocity vector at a certain position is rotated in the yaw direction according to the predicted angle. Then, the moving distance of the three frames of the velocity vector is added to a certain position to calculate a predicted position after three frames. Similarly, the predicted speed is calculated every three frames.

  According to this configuration, since the processing time can be shortened, it is possible to eliminate a time restriction when generating a moving image in real time and to prevent a so-called processing failure. On the other hand, there is a possibility that the prediction accuracy may be lower than when the predicted position and the predicted speed are calculated for each frame. For example, if the curvature at each position is not constant and the calculation is performed every three frames, the difference in curvature between the three frames is included in the calculation result as an error. As a result, it is expected that the prediction accuracy is lowered by accumulating errors between the three frames.

As an example of the number of division unit frames, the number of division unit frames of 3 frames has been described in the case where the delay time is 30 frames. However, this number may be appropriately changed in design.
Further, the number of division unit frames does not need to be constant, and may be variable. For example, the number of division unit frames may be changed according to the number of frames of the delay time. Specifically, when the delay time is 30 frames, the number of division unit frames is 3 frames, and when the delay time is 20 frames, the number of division unit frames is 2 frames. The number of division unit frames may be set to a proper value. In a game, since it is necessary to generate one game image within one frame (1/60 second), the time that can be used for prediction is limited and there is an upper limit. Accordingly, by determining the number of division unit frames based on the number of loops corresponding to the upper limit (for example, 10 times), it is possible to achieve the processing time required for prediction within a certain range while improving the prediction accuracy as much as possible.

  In addition, a program for executing one game usually includes various processing routines that function as subroutines. For example, in the above-described motorcycle racing game, this is a wall collision determination routine for determining a collision between a motorcycle and a wall object. In the wall collision determination routine, for example, based on the current position of the motorcycle, the moving position after one frame time, the position of the wall object, etc., using the motorcycle to be subjected to the collision determination and the wall object as arguments. It is determined whether or not the object collides with the wall object.

  However, such a processing routine is usually created within an assumed range. In the example of the wall collision determination routine described above, it is unexpected that the motorcycle travels at a speed of 1000 km / h, and the assumed upper limit (assumed maximum speed) is 400 km / h. If the speed is 400 km / h, the movement will be about 1.852 m per frame time. If the wall object does not exist within 1.852 m from the current bike position in the direction of movement, the next frame time will be reached. During this period, the motorcycle does not collide with the wall object.

  However, in the case where the prediction position and the prediction speed are calculated for each number of division unit frames, calculation is performed assuming that the number of division unit frames is one frame, which may cause inconveniences in various processing routines. This will be specifically described. Suppose that the speed of the motorcycle is 300 km / h. At this time, if the number of division unit frames is 3, since 3 frames are regarded as 1 frame, the wall collision determination routine is actually executed at a speed of 900 km / h. Accordingly, there may be a problem that the collision determination with the wall object cannot be accurately performed.

  Therefore, in such a case as well, the number of division unit frames may be changed. Specifically, the number of divided unit frames is determined from the current speed of the motorcycle based on the assumed maximum speed of the wall collision determination routine. For example, when the assumed maximum speed is 400 km / h and the current speed is 100 km / h, 400/100 = 4 frames is set as the number of divided unit frames.

2-5-2. Acquisition of History Data In the second embodiment, the case where the own game devices 12a to 12d record the history acquisition data 156 of other characters and generate the history data 158 in the game progress process is described as an example. Is not limited to this method.

  For example, in the game progress process, the game progress control unit 111 sequentially records the result of movement calculation by the own character movement control unit 1224 as history acquisition data of the own character, and generates history data of the own character from the history acquisition data. For example, before the game starts, the history data 156 of other characters may be stored in the storage unit 130 by exchanging the history data of the player's own character via the network N between the players in the battle.

  According to this configuration, since the calculation result processed in real time according to the player's operation input in the game device 12 can be acquired as the history data 156, accurate history data can be acquired. Then, by correcting the predicted position and the predicted speed based on the history data 156, the position prediction and speed prediction of other characters can be accurately performed.

  Furthermore, the history data is not limited to the history data when each character actually travels. For example, data of representative examples of advanced, intermediate, and beginners are stored in advance as history data, and based on the history data of any of advanced, intermediate, and beginners according to the level of each player. Alternatively, the history correction process may be performed. Alternatively, history data may be provided for each lap time, and history correction processing may be performed based on the corresponding lap time history data according to the intermediate lap time of each player.

2-5-3. Game Device In the above-described embodiment, a home game device has been described as an example of the game device 12, but a device to which the present invention is applicable is not limited thereto. For example, an arcade game terminal 1100 installed in a game center or an amusement facility as shown in FIG. 47 may be used. Furthermore, it is needless to say that it may be a portable game device, a device such as a PDA.

2-5-4. Application to Other Games In the embodiment described above, the case where the present invention is applied to a motorcycle racing game has been described, but a game to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to a motorcycle racing game. For example, the present invention may be applied to a car racing game as shown in FIG. 48, or may be applied to an airplane game or the like.

The figure which shows schematic structure of a game system. The figure which shows the external appearance structure of a game device. The figure explaining a game outline. The figure for demonstrating the direction of a character. The figure for demonstrating position prediction and speed prediction. The figure for demonstrating position prediction. The figure for demonstrating speed prediction. The figure for demonstrating angle prediction of a pitching direction. The figure for demonstrating angle prediction of a roll direction. The figure for demonstrating the position prediction at the time of a fall, speed prediction, and angle prediction. The figure for demonstrating position interpolation. The figure for demonstrating position interpolation. (A) The figure for demonstrating a spring correction speed, (b) The figure for demonstrating a damper correction speed. The figure for demonstrating the angle interpolation at the time of normal driving | running | working. The figure for demonstrating the angle interpolation at the time of a fall. The figure for demonstrating the grounding process at the time of normal driving | running | working. The figure for demonstrating the grounding process at the time of a fall. The functional block diagram of the game device of 1st Embodiment. Illustration for explaining course data The figure which shows the data structural example of course data. The figure which shows the data structural example of a moving body object parameter. The figure which shows the data structural example of the newest data prediction data. The figure which shows the data structural example of interpolation data. The figure which shows the data structural example of reception data. The figure which shows the data structural example of a grounding point table. The flowchart which shows a game progress process. The flowchart which shows another character movement calculation process. The flowchart which shows a position prediction process. The flowchart which shows a speed prediction process. The flowchart which shows an angle prediction process. The flowchart which shows a position interpolation process. The flowchart which shows an angle interpolation process. The flowchart which shows a grounding process. The flowchart which shows the position speed prediction process at the time of a fall. The flowchart which shows the angle prediction process at the time of a fall. The flowchart which shows the angle interpolation process at the time of a fall. The flowchart which shows the grounding process at the time of a fall. The figure which shows an example of a hardware constitutions. The figure for demonstrating log | history correction | amendment. The functional block diagram of the game device of 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the data structural example of log | history data. The flowchart which shows the game progress process B. The flowchart which shows the other character movement calculation process B. The flowchart which shows a part of log | history correction process. The flowchart which shows a part of log | history correction process. The figure for demonstrating a modification. The figure which shows the case where it applies to another game device. The figure which shows the case where it applies to another game.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Game device 110 Operation part 120 Processing part 122 Game calculating part 1222 Game progress control part 1224 Own character movement control part 1226 Other character movement control part 1228 Moving body control information transmission / reception part 130 Storage part 132 Game program 1322 Game progress process program 1324 Self Character movement calculation program 1326 Other character movement calculation program 1328 Position prediction program 1330 Speed prediction program 1332 Angle prediction program 1334 Position interpolation program 1336 Angle interpolation program 1338 Grounding program 1340 Position speed prediction program during a fall 1342 Angle prediction program during a fall 1344 Angle during a fall Interpolation program 1346 Falling ground program 1348 Mobile control information transmission / reception program 13 Game data 136 stages data 138 Course data 142 moving object data 144 moving object parameter 146 latest data prediction data 148 interpolation data 152 received data 154 ground point table 140 display unit 150 audio output unit 160 communication unit

Claims (17)

A computer having a communication means for communicating with other devices via a predetermined communication network, mutually transmits the movement control information with each other for operation subject character to and from the other devices is the operation subject character of its own The own character is controlled in real time based on the operation input of the own device, the other character that is the operation target character of the other device is controlled based on the movement control information transmitted from the other device, and between the other device A program for executing a predetermined online battle game by drawing an image of a shared game space viewed from a given viewpoint every frame ,
Own character control information updating means for every frame updating the movement control information of the character (hereinafter referred to as "self-character movement control information".) Based on the operation input,
Transmission control means for performing control to transmit each frame and the transmission time information and the self-character movement control information to another apparatus,
Receiving control means for performing control to receive other character's movement control information (hereinafter referred to as “other character movement control information”) and transmission time information at the time of transmission of the movement control information from another machine,
Predicting the latest other character movement control information of the other character movement control information at least said received position of the other characters in the next drawing by using the transmission time information of the latest other character movement control information Other character prediction control means for controlling the movement of the other character with
A program for causing the computer to function as In order to suppress the movement movement fluctuation of other characters due to the change of the latest other character movement control information, the current position of the other character in the game space and the next drawing predicted by the other character prediction control means Using at least the predicted position, the computer further functions as a determination unit that adjusts the current position of the other character in the direction of the predicted position at the next drawing and determines the position at the next drawing of the other character. A program according to claim 1 for. The determining means sets a virtual spring between the current position of another character in the game space and the predicted position at the next drawing predicted by the other character prediction control means , and at least the virtual force of the set virtual spring The program according to claim 2 for causing the computer to function so as to adjust the current position of the other character in the direction of the predicted position at the time of next drawing based on the above. The determining means further sets a virtual damper between a current position of another character in the game space and a predicted position at the next drawing predicted by the other character prediction control means, and the set virtual spring and virtual damper are set. The program according to claim 3 , wherein the computer is caused to function so as to adjust the position of the current position of the other character in the direction of the predicted position at the time of the next drawing based on the total virtual force by. The other character prediction control means predicts the position and speed of another character at the next drawing using the latest other character movement control information and the transmission time information of the latest other character movement control information,
The determination means uses at least the current position and current speed of the other character in the game space and the predicted position and prediction speed at the time of the next drawing predicted by the other character prediction control means at the next drawing time of the other character. Determine the position and speed of the
The program as described in any one of Claims 2-4 for making the said computer function like this. 6. The computer according to claim 1, wherein the other character prediction control means causes the computer to function so as to predict the position of the other character at the next drawing in consideration of the shape of the course provided in the game space. A program according to any one of the above. The other character prediction control means uses predetermined reference speed reference information and / or reference position reference position information as movement reference information when passing through the predetermined place of the course provided in the game space. The program as described in any one of Claims 1-6 for functioning the said computer in consideration of the position of the other character at the time of next drawing in consideration. 8. The program according to claim 7 , wherein the movement reference information is speed information when a predetermined high-speed character passes through the predetermined location and / or information preset as the location passing reference position information. . Causing the computer to function as history recording means for recording the speed information and / or the location passage reference position information when the other character passes through the predetermined place as movement history information;
The other character prediction control means makes the computer function so as to predict the position of the other character at the time of next drawing , using the recorded movement history information as the movement reference information.
The program according to claim 7 for. History recording means for recording the velocity information and / or the location passage reference position information when the own character passes the predetermined location as movement history information;
History transmission control means for performing control to transmit the recorded movement history information to another device,
History reception control means for performing control for receiving movement history information of other characters from other machines,
Function the computer as
The other character prediction control means causes the computer to function to predict the position of another character at the time of next drawing using the movement history information received by the history reception control means as the movement reference information.
The program according to claim 7 for. The own character control information updating means further updates the posture control information of the own character (hereinafter referred to as “own character posture control information”) based on the operation input,
It said transmission control means transmits together the self-character attitude control information,
The reception control means further receives posture control information of another character (hereinafter referred to as “other character posture control information”) ,
The other character prediction control means includes the latest other character movement control information and other character posture control information and at least the latest other character movement control information of at least the received other character movement control information and other character posture control information. and with other character orientation prediction control means for predicting the other characters in the attitude of the next drawing based on the transmission time information of the other character attitude control information,
The program as described in any one of Claims 1-10 for functioning the said computer like this. The computer further includes a posture change suppression unit that suppresses a change in the posture of the other character so that the other character posture prediction control unit does not exceed a predetermined limit posture as a limit posture that can be taken during movement. The program of Claim 11 for functioning. The next drawing predicted by the other character posture prediction control means and the current posture of the other character in order to suppress a sudden posture change of the other character due to the change of the latest other character movement control information and other character posture control information. The program according to claim 11 or 12 , for causing the computer to further function as posture determination means for determining the posture of the other character at the time of next drawing using at least the predicted posture of the other character . The posture determining means increases the approximate force as the displacement amount of both poses increases with respect to the displacement between the current character's current posture and the predicted posture at the next drawing predicted by the other character posture prediction control means. 14. The computer according to claim 13 , wherein a posture approximating spring for setting both postures to be enlarged is set, and the computer is caused to function to determine a posture at the next drawing based on at least the approximate force of the set posture approximating spring. Program. The posture determination means sets a posture approximation damper that reduces the approximation force of the posture approximation spring, and determines the posture at the next drawing based on the approximate force of the posture approximation spring that takes into account the attenuation by the set posture approximation damper 15. The program according to claim 14 for causing the computer to function.   The computer-readable information storage medium which memorize | stored the program as described in any one of Claims 1-15. A communication means for communicating with another machine via a predetermined communication network, and transmitting the movement control information of each other's operation target character to and from the other machine, A game that is controlled in real time based on the operation input of the own machine, and that the other character that is the operation target character of the other machine is controlled based on the movement control information transmitted from the other machine, and is shared with the other machine A game device that executes a predetermined battle game by drawing an image of a space viewed from a given viewpoint every frame,
Own character control information updating means for updating own character movement control information every frame based on an operation input;
Transmission control means for performing control to transmit the own character movement control information and the transmission time information to another machine every frame;
Reception control means for performing control to receive other character movement control information and transmission time information at the time of transmission of the movement control information from another machine;
Predicting the position of another character at the time of next drawing using at least the latest other character movement control information in the received other character movement control information and the transmission time information of the latest other character movement control information And other character prediction control means for controlling the movement of the other character with
A game device comprising:

Images