JP5124545B2 - GAME DEVICE, GAME PROCESSING METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game device, a game processing method, and a program suitable for making it easier for a player to understand how a character to be directed by a player moves.

  There is a game in which the position of the viewpoint moves or the direction of the line of sight moves in the virtual space according to the game situation. By changing the position of the viewpoint and the direction of the line of sight, it becomes possible for the player to express video that is easier to understand and feel more realistic. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a game device that is devised so that an image can be easily seen even in a baseball game even when the camera's line of sight follows the ball.

JP 2009-82188 A

  By the way, when moving the viewpoint and line of sight so as to follow a character object that moves in the virtual space (hereinafter referred to as “character”), an image representing the state seen from the position of the viewpoint in the direction of the line of sight is drawn in real time. In some cases, depending on how the character moves, the image may be difficult for the player to see. For example, if a character moves along a complicated path, or if the character keeps moving for a relatively long time, where the character is currently in the virtual space, what path the character is moving In some cases, it was difficult for players to grasp the situation.

  The present invention solves such a problem, and provides a game device, a game processing method, and a program suitable for making it easier for the player to grasp how the character that is the instruction target of the player moves. With the goal.

  In order to achieve the above object, the following invention is disclosed in accordance with the principle of the present invention.

A game device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a line-of-sight direction setting unit, an image generation unit, a route acquisition unit, and a movement unit.
The line-of-sight direction setting unit sets the direction of the line of sight in the virtual space.
The image generation unit generates an image representing a state in which the virtual space is viewed in the direction of the set line of sight from a viewpoint that moves following a movable character arranged in the virtual space.
The path acquisition unit moves the target point from the current position of the character in the virtual space while the character state is in the preparation mode, and acquires a path along which the target point has moved.
The moving unit moves the character to the target point along the acquired route while the character is in the movement mode.
The line-of-sight direction setting unit sets the direction of the line of sight in the direction from the viewpoint to the target point while the character is in the preparation mode.

  A typical game executed by the game device of the present invention is a game in which a character (player character) operated by a player moves in a three-dimensional virtual space and an image representing a state viewed from the player character is displayed ( A so-called first person view game) or a game in which an image showing a player character looking down from above or from behind (a so-called third person view game) is displayed. The position of the viewpoint is unchanged in the local coordinate system centered on the player character. For example, when the player inputs an instruction to move the player character, images representing the virtual space viewed from the moving player character are sequentially displayed on the monitor.

  The player character has a preparation mode and a movement mode. The preparation mode is a mode for the player or the like to set a target location (hereinafter referred to as “target point”) for moving the player character and a route for moving to the target point. The movement mode is a mode in which the player character is moved through the route set in the preparation mode toward the target point set in the preparation mode. These modes are switched according to, for example, a player's instruction input. Alternatively, the game device may switch modes using a predetermined algorithm.

  In the preparation mode, the target point is arranged in the virtual space. The target point moves in the virtual space starting from the current position of the player character. For example, the target point moves gradually away from the current position of the player character over time. The trajectory along which the target point moves is the path along which the player character moves. The distance and direction in which the target point moves, the speed or acceleration at which the target point moves, the time for which the target point moves, and the like are not limited by the present invention. The shape of the path is arbitrary.

  In the preparation mode, the player character is stationary at an arbitrary position. That is, the viewpoint position is also stationary. The direction of the line of sight is set in the direction from the viewpoint position to the target point position. That is, in the preparation mode, the direction of the line of sight moves so as to follow the target point. Simply put, the camera work in the preparation mode is a movement of taking a picture ("panning") while changing the direction with the camera fixed in a certain place.

  When the preparation mode is switched to the movement mode, the player character moves along the route set in the preparation mode toward the target point set in the preparation mode. In the movement mode, the position of the viewpoint moves so as to follow the player character. For example, when the player character is stationary or when the acceleration when the player character moves is zero, the position of the viewpoint may be fixed relative to the position of the player character. For example, if the player character is moving, or if the acceleration when the player character moves is not zero, the viewpoint position will change within a predetermined range from the position when it is assumed to be relatively fixed. There may be.

  In the present invention, before the player character starts moving, a target point for the player character to move and a route for the player character to move are set and presented to the player. After that, the player character moves along the route to the target point. Therefore, the player can confirm in advance where and how the player character moves, so even if the path to the target point becomes complicated or the length of the path becomes longer, the player moves. You can easily grasp the position and posture of the player character inside. Players are given an opportunity to be prepared to see how the player character will move in the future, making it easier for players to follow screen changes. According to the present invention, it becomes easier for the player to grasp how the player character moves.

  The line-of-sight direction setting unit may set the direction of the line of sight relative to the character while the character is in the movement mode.

  That is, in the movement mode, the direction of the line of sight is set to the direction from the viewpoint position to the player character position. Simply put, camera work in the movement mode is a movement of shooting a player character while chasing the player character. According to the present invention, the manner in which the player character moves can be expressed more realistically and more realistically.

  The game device may further include a mode setting unit that sets the character state to the preparation mode or the movement mode based on an instruction from the player.

  That is, the player can switch between the preparation mode and the movement mode at an arbitrary timing. For example, the player enters the preparation mode while keeping pressing a predetermined button of the input device, and enters the movement mode when the player releases the button. For example, when the player presses a predetermined button of the input device, the preparation mode and the movement mode are switched. According to the present invention, the target point can be set at a desired position, and the route can be set in a desired shape. Note that the game device can also switch between the preparation mode and the movement mode with a predetermined algorithm regardless of an instruction from the player.

The image may be generated by the image generation unit at a predetermined time interval.
The game device may further include a display unit that displays the generated image every time an image is generated by the image generation unit.

  According to the present invention, an animation image representing how the player character moves is displayed. The player can easily grasp the movement of the player character.

  The route acquisition unit may move the target point in a direction based on an instruction from the player while the character is in the preparation mode.

  According to the present invention, the player can easily input an instruction to move the player character in a desired direction, and can easily understand how the player character moves.

A virtual attractive field may be defined in the virtual space.
Then, the moving unit may change the moving speed of the target point based on the attractive field.

  According to the present invention, not only the player can easily understand how the player character moves, but also the presence of an attractive field that is generally difficult to see can be expressed in an easy-to-understand manner.

A game processing method according to another aspect of the present invention is a game processing method that is executed by a game device having a line-of-sight direction setting unit, an image generation unit, a route acquisition unit, and a movement unit. A generation step, a route acquisition step, and a movement step are provided.
In the line-of-sight direction setting step, the line-of-sight direction setting unit sets the direction of the line of sight in the virtual space.
In the image generation step, the image generation unit generates an image representing a state in which the virtual space is viewed from the viewpoint of moving following the movable character arranged in the virtual space in the direction of the set line of sight.
In the route acquisition step, while the character state is in the preparation mode, the route acquisition unit moves the target point from the current position of the character in the virtual space, and acquires the route along which the target point has moved.
In the moving step, the moving unit moves the character to the target point along the acquired route while the character is in the moving mode.
In the line-of-sight direction setting step, the line-of-sight direction setting unit sets the direction of the line of sight in the direction from the viewpoint to the target point while the character is in the preparation mode.

  According to the present invention, it becomes easier for the player to grasp how the player character moves.

A program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a line-of-sight direction setting unit, an image generation unit, a route acquisition unit, and a movement unit.
The line-of-sight direction setting unit sets the direction of the line of sight in the virtual space.
The image generation unit generates an image representing a state in which the virtual space is viewed in the direction of the set line of sight from a viewpoint that moves following a movable character arranged in the virtual space.
The path acquisition unit moves the target point from the current position of the character in the virtual space while the character state is in the preparation mode, and acquires a path along which the target point has moved.
The moving unit moves the character to the target point along the acquired route while the character is in the movement mode.
The line-of-sight direction setting unit sets the direction of the line of sight in the direction from the viewpoint to the target point while the character is in the preparation mode.

According to the present invention, it is possible to cause a computer to function as a game device that operates as described above.
The program of the present invention can be recorded on a computer-readable information storage medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory.
The above program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. The information storage medium can be distributed and sold independently from the computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game device, a game processing method, and a program that are suitable for making it easier for the player to understand how the character that is to be directed by the player moves.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the typical information processing apparatus with which the game device of this invention is implement | achieved. It is a figure for demonstrating the functional structure of a game device. It is a figure showing the virtual space where a player character, enemy characters, and other objects are arranged. (A) And (b) is a figure for demonstrating the position of a viewpoint, and the direction of a gaze. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which moves a target point in preparation mode. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which moves a target point in preparation mode. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which moves a target point in preparation mode. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which moves a player character in a movement mode. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a game process. In Embodiment 2, it is a figure for demonstrating the functional structure of a game device. (A) And (b) is a figure for demonstrating the process which moves a target point and acquires a path | route in Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process of moving a target point in the preparation mode of the fourth embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which moves a target point and acquires a path | route. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which moves a target point in preparation mode.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, for ease of understanding, an embodiment in which the present invention is realized using an information processing apparatus for games will be described. However, the following embodiment is for explanation, and the scope of the present invention There is no limit. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a typical information processing apparatus 100 that fulfills the functions of the game apparatus of the present invention by executing a program. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an interface 104, a controller 105, an external memory 106, a DVD-ROM ( A digital versatile disk-read only memory (107) drive 107, an image processing unit 108, an audio processing unit 109, and a NIC (Network Interface Card) 110 are provided.

  A DVD-ROM storing a game program and data is loaded into the DVD-ROM drive 107 and the information processing apparatus 100 is turned on to execute the program, thereby realizing the game apparatus of the present embodiment. The

  The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 100 and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data. Further, the CPU 101 uses arithmetic operations such as addition / subtraction / multiplication / division, logical sum, logical product, etc. using an ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) (not shown) for a storage area called a register (not shown) that can be accessed at high speed. , Logic operations such as logical negation, bit operations such as bit sum, bit product, bit inversion, bit shift, and bit rotation can be performed. In addition, the CPU 101 itself is configured so that saturation operations such as addition / subtraction / multiplication / division for multimedia processing, vector operations such as trigonometric functions, etc. can be performed at a high speed, and those provided with a coprocessor. There is.

  The ROM 102 records an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that is executed immediately after the power is turned on, and when this is executed, the program recorded on the DVD-ROM is read out to the RAM 103 and execution by the CPU 101 is started. The The ROM 102 stores an operating system program and various data necessary for operation control of the entire information processing apparatus 100.

  The RAM 103 is for temporarily storing data and programs, and holds programs and data read from the DVD-ROM and other data necessary for game progress and chat communication. Further, the CPU 101 provides a variable area in the RAM 103 and performs an operation by directly operating the ALU on the value stored in the variable, or temporarily stores the value stored in the RAM 103 in the register. Perform operations such as performing operations on registers and writing back the operation results to memory.

  The controller 105 connected via the interface 104 receives an operation input performed by the player when executing a game such as a dance game or a soccer game. A plurality of controllers 105 may be connected to the interface 104.

  The external memory 106 detachably connected via the interface 104 stores data indicating game play status (past results, etc.), data indicating game progress, and log of game chat communication using the network ( Data) is stored in a rewritable manner. The player can appropriately record these data in the external memory 106 by performing an operation input via the controller 105.

  A DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 107 stores a program for realizing the game and image data and sound data associated with the game. Under the control of the CPU 101, the DVD-ROM drive 107 performs a reading process on the DVD-ROM loaded therein, reads out necessary programs and data, and these are temporarily stored in the RAM 103 or the like.

  The image processing unit 108 processes the data read from the DVD-ROM by the CPU 101 or an image arithmetic processor (not shown) included in the image processing unit 108, and then processes the processed data on a frame memory ( (Not shown). The image information recorded in the frame memory is converted into a video signal at a predetermined synchronization timing and output to a monitor (not shown) connected to the image processing unit 108. Thereby, various image displays are possible.

  The image calculation processor can execute a two-dimensional image overlay calculation, a transmission calculation such as α blending, and various saturation calculations at high speed.

  Also, polygon information arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space and added with various texture information is rendered by the Z buffer method, and the polygon arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space from the predetermined viewpoint position is determined in the direction of the predetermined line of sight It is also possible to perform high-speed execution of operations for obtaining rendered images.

  Further, the CPU 101 and the image arithmetic processor operate in a coordinated manner, so that a character string can be drawn as a two-dimensional image in a frame memory or drawn on the surface of each polygon according to font information that defines the character shape. is there.

  Further, by preparing information such as game images in a DVD-ROM and expanding the information in a frame memory, the state of the game can be displayed on the screen.

  The audio processing unit 109 converts audio data read from the DVD-ROM into an analog audio signal, and outputs the analog audio signal from a speaker (not shown) connected thereto. Further, under the control of the CPU 101, sound effects and music data to be generated during the progress of the game are generated, and sound corresponding to this is output from the speaker.

  When the audio data recorded on the DVD-ROM is MIDI data, the audio processing unit 109 refers to the sound source data included in the audio data and converts the MIDI data into PCM data. If the compressed audio data is in ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation) format or Ogg Vorbis format, it is expanded and converted to PCM data. The PCM data can be output by performing D / A (Digital / Analog) conversion at a timing corresponding to the sampling frequency and outputting it to a speaker.

  The NIC 110 is used to connect the information processing apparatus 100 to a computer communication network (not shown) such as the Internet, and is based on the 10BASE-T / 100BASE-T standard used when configuring a LAN (Local Area Network). To connect to the Internet using an analog modem, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) modem, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modem, cable television line A cable modem or the like and an interface (not shown) that mediates between these and the CPU 101 are configured.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 100 uses a large-capacity external storage device such as a hard disk so as to perform the same function as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the external memory 106, the DVD-ROM attached to the DVD-ROM drive 107, and the like. You may comprise.

  Next, a functional configuration of the game apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment that is realized by the information processing apparatus 100 having the above-described configuration will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the game apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment. The game device 200 includes a line-of-sight direction setting unit 201, an image generation unit 202, a route acquisition unit 203, and a movement unit 204.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a screen representing a game in a virtual space executed by the game device 200. In the virtual space, a player character object (hereinafter referred to as “player character”) 310 operated by the player, an enemy character object (hereinafter referred to as “enemy character”) 320, and an object 330 representing terrain or a building are arranged.

  4A and 4B are diagrams showing the player character 310, the position of the viewpoint 410, and the direction of the line of sight 420 arranged in the virtual space. The position of the viewpoint 410 is the position of the virtual camera that captures the image in the virtual space, and the direction of the line of sight 420 is the direction in which the virtual camera is facing. Simply put, the game device 200 generates an image taken by this virtual camera.

  The position of the viewpoint 410 is represented by coordinate values in a global coordinate system (represented by the XYZ coordinate system in FIGS. 4A and 4B) defined for the entire virtual space. The direction of the line of sight 420 is represented by a vector in the global coordinate system.

  The position of the player character 310 is represented by coordinate values in the global coordinate system. For example, when the player character 310 is not moving or when the acceleration when the player character 310 is moving is zero, the position of the viewpoint 410 is fixed relative to the player character 310. The position of the viewpoint 410 in the local coordinate system centered on the player character 310 (represented by the PQR coordinate system in FIGS. 4A and 4B) is when the position of the player character 310 does not change. Is immutable.

  When the player character 310 moves, the position of the viewpoint 410 in the local coordinate system may change. When the stationary player character 310 starts to move, the CPU 101 keeps the position of the viewpoint 410 stationary for a predetermined time after the player character 310 starts moving. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 101 places the viewpoint 410 at a position that is relatively fixed with respect to the player character 310, and moves the viewpoint 410 so as to follow the player character 310. The position of the viewpoint 410 changes within a predetermined range from a position that is relatively fixed when the player character 310 is stationary. In this way, the game apparatus 200 can perform an effect such that the timing at which the virtual camera starts moving due to the influence of inertia when the player character 310 starts to move, and has an effect of increasing the reality.

  The viewpoint 410 moves in the virtual space together with the player character 310. For example, the viewpoint 410 is fixed at a predetermined position above and behind the head of the human-type player character 310. The CPU 101 controls the image processing unit 108 to generate an image obtained by projecting the state of the virtual space seen from the position of the viewpoint 410 in the direction of the line of sight 420 onto a predetermined projection plane 430, as shown in FIG. In this way, the generated image is displayed on the monitor. The image shown in FIG. 3 is an image in which the periphery of the player character 310 is viewed from the “third-person viewpoint”.

  The position of the viewpoint 410 may be fixed at the same position as the player character 310 (more precisely, the eyes of the player character 310). In this case, the CPU 101 generates an image of “first-person viewpoint” (an image viewed from the player character 310).

  The player character 310 has a preparation mode, a movement mode, a battle mode, and a neutral mode. The preparation mode is a mode for the player to set a target point (hereinafter referred to as “target point”) from which the player character 310 will move and a route from the current position to the target point. The movement mode is a mode in which the player character 310 moves to the target point along the route set in the preparation mode. The battle mode is a mode in which the player character 310 fights the enemy character 320. The neutral mode is another mode that is not any of the preparation mode, the movement mode, and the battle mode.

  For example, the player can switch the state of the player character 310 by pressing a predetermined key of the controller 105. First, the player sets the player character 310 to the preparation mode, and moves the instruction mark 340 displayed on the screen with the cross key. A trajectory along which the target point has moved becomes a path along which the player character 310 moves. The player can arbitrarily set a route for moving the player character 310. Thereafter, the player switches from the preparation mode to the movement mode. Then, the player character 310 moves along the set route from the current position to the set target point. When the player character 310 finishes moving to the target point, the player character 310 enters the neutral mode. Details of how to set target points and routes will be described later.

Next, details of each functional configuration of the game apparatus 200 will be described.
The gaze direction setting unit 201 sets the direction of the gaze 420 in the direction from the viewpoint 410 to the target point when the state of the player character 310 is set to the preparation mode. In addition, the line-of-sight direction setting unit 201 fixes the direction of the line of sight 420 in the direction from the viewpoint 410 to the player character 310 as shown in FIG. The CPU 101 functions as the line-of-sight direction setting unit 201.

  Alternatively, when the line-of-sight setting unit 201 is set to a mode other than the preparation mode, as shown in FIG. 4B, the visual line direction setting unit 201 is a predetermined distance L from the viewpoint 410 in front of the player character 310 (Y1 direction). The direction of the line of sight 420 may be fixed in the direction toward the distant position 440. The front of the player character 310 is a direction in which the face or eyes of the player character 310 are facing.

  In any mode, the CPU 101 may detect a pressing operation such as a cross key of the controller 105 by the player and move the direction of the line of sight 420 in a direction associated with the pressed key.

  The CPU 101 stores information representing the position of the viewpoint 410 and the direction of the line of sight 420 in the RAM 103. Further, the CPU 101 stores information representing the position of the player character 310 and information representing the position of the enemy character 320 in the RAM 103. The CPU 101 updates the position of the viewpoint 410, the direction of the line of sight 420, the position of the player character 310, and the position of the enemy character 320 as needed.

  The image generation unit 202 displays an image representing the appearance of this virtual space from the viewpoint 410 in which the relative position with respect to the player character 310 is fixed in the direction of the line of sight 420 set by the line-of-sight direction setting unit 201. Generate. The CPU 101 and the image processing unit 108 cooperate to function as the image generation unit 202.

  The CPU 101 controls the image processing unit 108 to repeatedly generate an image representing the appearance of the virtual space at a regular timing such as vertical synchronization interrupt (VSYNC). As a result, the game apparatus 200 can generate an animation image representing a state in which the positions, postures, and the like of the player character 310 and the enemy character 320 change with time.

  When the state of the player character 310 is set to the preparation mode, the route acquisition unit 203 moves the target point from the current position of the player character 310 and acquires a route along which the target point has moved. The CPU 101 and the image processing unit 108 work together to function as the route acquisition unit 203.

  Here, the process in which the route acquisition unit 203 sets the target point and the route will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5 to 7.

  For example, when the instruction character 340 is arranged as shown in FIG. 3 and the player character 310 is changed from the neutral mode to the preparation mode, the CPU 101 starts from the current position of the player character 310 as shown in FIG. The target point 550 is gradually moved toward the position indicated by the instruction mark 340.

  Typically, the CPU 101 indicates an instruction mark based on an instruction from the player from the current position of the player character 310 so that the distance from the current position of the player character 310 to the position of the target point 550 increases with time. The target point 550 is moved in the direction toward the position 340. That is, the target point 550 moves away from the current position of the player character 310 gradually.

  The instruction mark 340 is a mark for the player to instruct the movement destination of the position of the target point 550 in the screen in the preparation mode. The CPU 101 specifies the position 440 in the virtual space indicated by the instruction mark 340 and moves the target point 550 so as to approach the specified position 440.

  In the present embodiment, the player character 310 has the surface of the ground 570 or the object 330 (for example, the surface (A surface) written as “A”, the surface (B surface) written as “B” in FIG. It is possible to move the surface ("C surface" etc.) written "". The CPU 101 moves the target point 550 from the current position of the player character 310 toward the position 440 indicated by the instruction mark 340 on the ground 570 or the surface of the object 330.

  Then, the CPU 101 sets the trajectory that the target point 550 has moved to the path 500 that the player character 310 moves.

  In FIG. 5, when the target point 550 is moved on the ground 570 so as to gradually move away from the current position of the player character 310, the target point 550 hits the “B surface” of the object 330. Then, the CPU 101 moves the target point 550 not on the ground 570 but on the “B surface”. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the route 500 is set as if the ridges extend upward along the wall.

  When the target point 550 reaches the end of the “B surface”, the CPU 101 follows the surface adjacent to the “B surface” and in the traveling direction of the target point 550 (“A surface” in FIG. 5). Further, the target point 550 is moved. When the target point 550 reaches the end of the “plane A”, the CPU 101 is on a plane adjacent to the “plane A” and in the direction of travel of the target point 550 (the “face B” in FIG. 5). The target point 550 is moved.

  When the target point 550 reaches the opposite end of the “B-plane”, the CPU 101 moves the target point 550 on the ground surface 570 as if scooping the ground as shown in FIG. Set.

  The path 500 may be set to a shape represented by a combination of line segments, or may be set to a curve having an arbitrary shape. The CPU 101 may draw a line representing the path 500 as the distance from the position of the viewpoint 410 becomes longer (away from the viewpoint 410).

  When the state of the player character 310 is set to the preparation mode, the CPU 101 moves the target point 550 to obtain the path 500. Then, when the preparation mode is changed to the movement mode, the CPU 101 sets the position of the target point 550 when the preparation mode is changed to the movement mode as the movement destination position of the player character 310, and changes from the preparation mode to the movement mode. The position of the player character 310 is moved along the path 500 drawn at the time of switching.

  Note that the image generation unit 202 desirably generates an image including the route 500 acquired by the route acquisition unit 203. By including a line representing the path 500 in the generated image, the player can know in advance the path that the player character 310 will move before the player character 310 starts moving. Even during movement, it becomes easier to grasp the position and posture of the player character 310.

  In the game where the player character 310 can climb up and down the side of the object 330 as well as the ground 570 as in this embodiment, and the direction of the line of sight changes each time, the player cannot follow the change of the screen, There is a possibility that it is difficult to grasp the position and posture of the player character 310. However, as described above, if the player can see the path 500 in advance before the player character 310 starts moving, the player can follow the player character 310 with his eyes without losing his sense of direction. It becomes easy to proceed.

  Further, even in a game in which the player character 310 moves only on the ground 570, if the player can see the route 500 in advance before the player character 310 starts moving, the shape of the route 500 is assumed. Even if the route becomes complicated or the route 500 becomes long, the player can easily advance the game by following the player character 310 without losing the game feeling.

  The movement unit 204 moves the player character 310 to the target point 550 along the route 500 acquired by the route acquisition unit 203 when the state of the player character 310 is set to the movement mode. The CPU 101 functions as the moving unit 204.

  FIG. 8 is an example of a screen showing a state where the player character 310 moving on the route 500 is looked down from the position of the viewpoint 410 in the direction of the line of sight 420. As described above, in the movement mode, the position of the viewpoint 410 in the local coordinate system is fixed, and the direction of the line of sight 420 in the local coordinate system is the position of the player character 310 from the position of the viewpoint 410 (or a predetermined distance from the player character 310). It is fixed in the direction to the position (only away). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, when the player character 310 is moving on the “B surface” standing perpendicular to the ground 570, the direction of the line of sight 420 in the global coordinate system is “B” from the ground 570. It looks like looking up above the surface (sky).

  The CPU 101 moves the player character 310 along the set route 500. If the enemy character 320 exists within a predetermined distance range from the position of the player character 310 during the movement of the player character 310, the CPU 101 switches the state of the player character 310 from the movement mode to the battle mode.

  In the battle mode, the player inputs a command for attacking the enemy character 320, a command for preventing the attack by the enemy character 320, and the like. The CPU 101 changes the “life” parameter associated with each of the player character 310 and the enemy character 320 based on the input command. The CPU 101 determines that the player character 310 or the enemy character 320 whose “life” parameter is equal to or lower than the predetermined value is “losing” and the other is “winning”, and ends the battle. When the player character 310 wins, a predetermined point is added to the player's score. When the battle ends, the CPU 101 returns the player character 310 to the movement mode.

  When the player character 310 reaches the target point 550, the CPU 101 ends the movement of the player character 310 and sets the neutral mode. In the neutral mode, the direction of the line of sight 420 is a direction from the position of the viewpoint 410 to the position of the player character 310, or a direction away from the position of the viewpoint 410 by a predetermined distance from the position of the player character 310.

  It is desirable that the image generation unit 202 generates an image including the route 500 acquired by the route acquisition unit 203 even while the player character 310 is moving. By including a line representing the path 500 in the generated image, the player can easily know the path that the player character 310 will move from and / or the path that the player character 310 has taken so far. it can.

  Next, game processing executed by each of the above-described units according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that the player character 310 is set to the neutral mode when the game process is started.

  First, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the state of the player character 310 is set to the preparation mode (step S901). The player can change from the neutral mode to the preparation mode by pressing a predetermined key of the controller 105, for example.

  When it is determined that the preparation mode is not set (step S901; NO), the CPU 101 repeats the process of step S901.

  If it is determined that the preparation mode has been set (step S901; YES), the CPU 101 moves the position of the target point 550 from the current position of the player character 310 toward the position indicated by the instruction mark 340 (step S902).

  For example, the CPU 101 moves the target point 550 by a predetermined distance ΔL1 in the virtual space per unit time. The moving speed of the target point 550 may be constant or variable.

  The CPU 101 acquires the trajectory that the target point 550 has moved as the path 500 that the player character 310 moves (step S903).

  Further, the CPU 101 sets the direction of the line of sight 420 in the direction from the position of the viewpoint 410 to the position of the player character 310 (step S904).

  For example, when the intersection of the vector representing the direction of the line of sight 420 and the projection plane 430 is set to the center of the projection plane 430, the center of the screen displayed on the monitor is displayed as shown in FIGS. A target point 550 is placed.

  Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the state of the player character 310 is set to the movement mode (step S905). For example, the player can change from the preparation mode to the movement mode by pressing a predetermined key of the controller 105.

  When it is determined that the movement mode is not set (step S905; NO), the CPU 101 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S902 to S905. That is, while the movement mode is set, the target point 550 continues to move based on the position of the instruction mark 340.

  When it is determined that the movement mode has been set (step S905; YES), the CPU 101 moves the position of the player character 310 along the path 500 acquired in step S903 (step S906).

  For example, the CPU 101 moves the player character 310 by a predetermined distance ΔL2 in the virtual space per unit time. The moving speed of the player character 310 may be constant or variable.

  The CPU 101 repeatedly executes the processing of steps S902 to S905 until it determines “YES” in step S905, but the position of the target point 550 moved in the processing of step S902 executed at the end of this repetition is the final position. The route 500 acquired by the process of step S903 executed last as the target position becomes the final route.

  The CPU 101 determines whether or not the player character 310 has reached the target point 550 (final target position) (step S908).

  When it is determined that the player character 310 has not reached the target point 550 (step S908; NO), the CPU 101 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S906 to S908. That is, the player character 310 continues to move until the target point 550 is reached.

  Here, when the enemy character 320 enters within a predetermined distance range from the player character 310 while the movement mode is set, the state of the player character 310 is switched to the battle mode, and the player character 310, the enemy character 320, The battle begins. When the player character 310 wins the battle, the player character 310 returns to the movement mode, and the movement of the player character 310 is resumed. When the player character 310 loses the battle, the game process may be ended or the game may be ended.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the player character 310 has reached the target point 550 (step S908; YES), the CPU 101 ends the movement of the player character 310 and sets the state of the player character 310 to the neutral mode (step S909). ).

  The game process described above is started at an arbitrary timing when the player character 310 is in the neutral mode. By repeatedly changing the state of the player character 310 from the neutral mode to the preparation mode and from the preparation mode to the movement mode, the player can freely move the player character 310 in the virtual space.

  According to the present embodiment, before the start of movement of the player character 310 (character to be instructed by the player), the player can clearly grasp in advance the path 500 that the player character 310 will move from now on. Since the player can understand the route 500 before or during the movement of the player character 310, the player can easily grasp the position, posture, and the like of the player character 310.

  In the present embodiment, the player character 310 may be configured so that there are only two modes, a preparation mode and a movement mode. For example, when the present invention is applied to a game of a genre other than a battle game, the battle mode can be omitted. Further, when the player character 310 finishes moving to the target point 550 and immediately configures the player to designate the next new target point 550 and the route 500, the neutral mode can be omitted.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the game device 200 of the present embodiment further includes a mode setting unit 1001 and a display unit 1002.

  The mode setting unit 1001 sets the state of the player character 301 to any one of a preparation mode, a movement mode, a battle mode, and a neutral mode. However, the battle mode and the neutral mode can be omitted as described above. The CPU 101 functions as the mode setting unit 1001.

  For example, the CPU 101 sets the state of the player character 310 to the preparation mode and moves the target point 550 while the player is pressing the predetermined key of the controller 105 (while pressing the predetermined key with a finger). Then, after the player does not press the predetermined key of the controller 105 (after releasing the predetermined key), the player character 310 may be moved by setting the state of the player character 310 to the movement mode.

  For example, the CPU 101 may detect a pressing operation on a predetermined key of the controller 105 by the player, and set to any mode associated with the pressed key.

  Alternatively, the CPU 101 may change the mode regardless of an instruction from the player. For example, the CPU 101 may change to the preparation mode when a predetermined time T1 elapses after the neutral mode is set. In this case, it can be avoided that the player character 310 keeps still in a certain place, so that the game is effectively stopped.

  Further, the CPU 101 may change to the movement mode when a predetermined time T2 elapses after the preparation mode is set. Also in this case, it can be avoided that the game is effectively stopped by keeping the player character 310 stationary at a certain place. Further, as a result of continuing to move the target point 550, the path 500 becomes very long or the shape of the path 500 becomes complicated, so that the player cannot grasp the path 500. Can be.

  The display unit 1002 displays this image on the monitor each time an image representing the virtual space is generated by the image generation unit 202. The CPU 101 and the image processing unit 108 cooperate to function as the display unit 1002.

  For example, in the VSYNC interrupt process, the image generation unit 202 generates an image representing the virtual space and draws it on the frame buffer, and the display unit 1002 displays the image drawn on the frame buffer on the monitor. An animated image representing the virtual space is displayed on the monitor.

  However, the timing at which the image generation unit 202 generates an image and the timing at which the display unit 1002 displays an image are not limited to the VSYNC interrupt timing, and can be arbitrarily set.

  In the preparation mode, a state in which the target point 550 gradually moves from the position of the player character 310 and the path 500 extends is displayed on the monitor. If the player sets the player character 310 to the movement mode at the timing when the target point 550 moves to a desired location, the movement of the player character 310 is started. Since the player can visually confirm the target point 550 and the path 500 before the player character 310 starts to move, it is easy to grasp where the player character 310 is moving even after the movement is started. If the player character 310 knows in advance what route the player character 310 will move in, it becomes easier for the player to follow the player character 310 with the eyes, so that the player can be prevented from getting “drunk” on the screen as much as possible.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. The present embodiment presents a variation of how the target point moves in the preparation mode.

  FIG. 11A shows a virtual space in which the player character 310 and the object 330 are arranged. For example, when the player character 310 first exists on the surface 1101 and the target point 550 moves from the current position toward the surface 1102 with the approach angle θ with respect to the object 330, the CPU 101 moves from the Z axis on the surface 1102. The target point 550 is moved in a direction inclined by an angle φ1 (= θ).

  Further, the CPU 101 moves the target point 550 on the surface 1103 in a direction inclined by an angle φ2 (= θ) from the Y axis. Further, the CPU 101 moves the target point 550 in a direction inclined by an angle φ3 (= θ) from the X axis on the surface 1104 (facing the surface 1102). Then, the CPU 101 moves the target point 550 on the surface 1101 in a direction inclined by an angle φ4 (= θ) from the Y axis.

  In short, as shown in FIG. 11B, the target point 550 moves linearly on the development view of the object 330.

  In the present embodiment, θ = φ1 = φ2 = φ3 = φ4, but how to determine these angles is arbitrary.

  For example, in FIG. 11A, when defining a virtual gravity field in which the gravity vector G in the negative direction of the Z axis is set, the Z component of the movement direction vector of the target point 550 is the gravity vector G. In the opposite direction, the CPU 101 decreases the moving speed of the target point 550. That is, the target point 550 moves slowly when going up the surface 1102.

  On the other hand, when the Z component of the movement direction vector of the target point 550 is in the same direction as the gravity vector G, the CPU 101 increases the movement speed of the target point 550. That is, the target point 550 moves fast when descending the surface 1104.

  By changing the moving speed of the target point 550, not only the player can easily understand how the player character moves, but also the player can easily present the spread of the invisible gravity field to the player. It becomes like this.

  Further, the CPU 101 may change not only the moving speed of the target point 550 but also the moving speed of the player character 310 based on a virtual gravity field.

  Although the gravity field has been described here as an example, the CPU 101 considers the influence of the magnetic field, electric field, and other attractive fields, and the speed and acceleration at which the target point 550 moves, or the direction in which the target point 550 moves ( Angle, angular velocity, angular acceleration) and the like.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the above embodiment, the target point 550 moves toward the instruction mark 340 in the preparation mode, but an embodiment in which the instruction mark 340 is omitted may be employed. In this embodiment, the operation system is such that the player does not move the instruction mark 340 to indicate the moving direction of the target point 550 but the player directly specifies the moving direction of the target point 550.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining processing in which the CPU 101 moves the target point 550 in the preparation mode. Unlike the above embodiments, the instruction mark 340 is not displayed on the screen.

  In this embodiment, when the state of the player character 310 is in the preparation mode, the CPU 101 moves the target point 550 using the current position of the player character 310 as a starting point. For example, the CPU 101 goes straight at a predetermined speed in the front direction of the player character 310 (the direction in which the face or eyes are facing when the player character 310 is a human character).

  In the preparation mode, the player can change the direction in which the target point 550 is moved at any time using the cross key of the controller 105. For example, in FIG. 12, when the player presses the “right” button of the controller 105, the target point 550 changes its direction in the right direction on the screen and moves.

  FIG. 13A is a diagram in which the route 500 and the target point 550 are extracted from FIG. The CPU 101 moves the target point 550 from the position 1200 of the player character 310 when the player character 310 is in the preparation mode to the direction indicated by the velocity vector VA.

  Here, for example, when an instruction to change the movement direction is input to the right, the CPU 101 sets a displacement vector VB in the X direction (right direction as viewed from the player character 310). The length of the displacement vector VB is arbitrary. Then, the CPU 101 obtains a composite vector VC that is the sum of the velocity vector VA and the displacement vector VB, and sets the direction of the obtained composite vector VC as a new movement direction of the target point 550. As a result, the path 500 has a shape that gradually turns to the right as shown in FIG. 13B, for example.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a route 500 obtained by moving the target point 550 in the preparation mode. The target point 550 continues to move during the preparation mode. When the “right” button of the cross key is pressed, the traveling direction of the target point 550 is tilted to the right. When the “left” button of the cross key is pressed, the traveling direction of the target point 550 is inclined to the left. The player can set the path 500 freely.

  In addition, when the “down” button of the cross key is pressed, the CPU 101 may reverse the target point 550 along the path 500 to perform so-called UNDO. Then, when the “up” button of the cross key is pressed, the CPU 101 may move the target point 550 again in the front direction of the player character 310.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. Moreover, it is also possible to freely combine the constituent elements of the above-described embodiments.

  A program for operating a computer as all or part of the above-described game apparatus 200 is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory card, CD-ROM, DVD, or MO (Magneto Optical disk) and distributed. This may be installed in another computer and operated as the above-described means, or the above-described steps may be executed.

  Furthermore, the program may be stored in a disk device or the like included in a server device on the Internet, and may be downloaded onto a computer by being superimposed on a carrier wave, for example.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game device, a game processing method, and a program that are suitable for making it easier for the player to understand how the character that is to be directed by the player moves. .

100 Information processing apparatus 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Interface 105 Controller 106 External Memory 107 DVD-ROM Drive 108 Image Processing Unit 109 Audio Processing Unit 110 NIC
200 Game Device 201 Gaze Direction Setting Unit 202 Image Generation Unit 203 Route Acquisition Unit 204 Moving Unit 310 Player Character Object (Player Character)
320 Enemy character object (enemy character)
330 Object 340 Instruction mark 410 Viewpoint 420 Line of sight 430 Projection plane 440 Position (position in virtual space indicated by instruction mark)
450 position (position away from the player character by a predetermined distance)
500 Path 550 Target point 570 Ground 1101-1104 Surface 1200 Position (position of player character)

Claims (8)

A line-of-sight setting unit that sets the direction of the line of sight in the virtual space;
An image generation unit that generates an image representing the appearance of the virtual space in a direction of the set line of sight from a viewpoint that moves following a movable character that is arranged in the virtual space;
A path acquisition unit that moves a target point from the current position of the character in the virtual space and acquires a path along which the target point has moved while the state of the character is in the preparation mode;
A moving unit that moves the character to the target point along the acquired path while the state of the character is in the movement mode;
With
The line-of-sight direction setting unit sets the direction of the line of sight in a direction from the viewpoint to the target point while the state of the character is the preparation mode.
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to claim 1,
The line-of-sight direction setting unit sets the direction of the line of sight relative to the character while the state of the character is in the movement mode.
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to claim 1 or 2,
Further comprising a mode setting unit for setting the character state to the preparation mode or the movement mode based on an instruction from a player;
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The image is generated by the image generation unit at a predetermined time interval,
A display unit that displays the generated image every time the image generation unit generates the image;
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The path acquisition unit moves the target point in a direction based on an instruction from the player while the character is in the preparation mode.
A game device characterized by that. A game device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A virtual attractive field is defined in the virtual space,
The moving unit changes the moving speed of the target point based on the attractive field.
A game device characterized by that. A game processing method executed by a game device having a line-of-sight direction setting unit, an image generation unit, a route acquisition unit, and a movement unit,
A line-of-sight direction setting step in which the line-of-sight direction setting unit sets the direction of the line of sight in virtual space;
Image generation for generating an image representing the appearance of the virtual space in a direction of the set line of sight from a viewpoint in which the image generation unit moves following a movable character disposed in the virtual space Steps,
While the character state is in the preparation mode, the route acquisition unit moves a target point from the current position of the character in the virtual space, and acquires a route along which the target point has moved.
While the character state is in the movement mode, the moving unit moves the character to the target point along the acquired path; and
With
In the line-of-sight direction setting step, the line-of-sight direction setting unit sets the direction of the line of sight in a direction from the viewpoint to the target point while the character state is the preparation mode.
The game processing method characterized by the above-mentioned. Computer
A gaze direction setting unit for setting a gaze direction in the virtual space,
An image generation unit that generates an image representing a state in which the virtual space is viewed in a direction of the set line of sight from a viewpoint that moves following a movable character disposed in the virtual space;
A path acquisition unit that moves a target point from the current position of the character in the virtual space and acquires a path along which the target point has moved while the character state is in the preparation mode;
A moving unit that moves the character to the target point along the acquired path while the character is in the movement mode;
Function as
The line-of-sight direction setting unit sets the direction of the line of sight in a direction from the viewpoint to the target point while the state of the character is the preparation mode.
A program characterized by that.

Images