JP5184801B2 - Program and server - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a program and a server .

  One of the game genres is a game classified as a so-called combat flight simulation in which a player controls an aircraft such as a fighter to attack an enemy. The player enjoys the game in the form of maneuvering a fighter as a player character as a mercenary pilot or a regular army pilot, attacking enemy air and ground weapons, and performing a given operation.

In recent years, it is also known that a unit can be composed of fighters (player characters) operated by a player and a plurality of wingmen whose operations are automatically controlled by a computer, and a game can be played while issuing action commands to the wingmen. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). Specifically, the normal wingmen are controlled so as to search and attack each individual in the game space, but when the player inputs the “set” command, the movement control is performed so as to gather around the player character. When an “attack” command is input, the operation is controlled so that an enemy within the attack range in front of the player character is selectively searched and attacked. In other words, you can enjoy not only fighter flight simulations but also realistic situations such as winning battles with the support of wingmen.
JP-A-2005-224281

  By the way, when realizing the combat flight simulation game as an online game, unlike the above-described Patent Document 1, the player's wing machine is operated by another player who operates with another game device. Therefore, in order to support each other with each other, the support is actually requested by voice chat or text message exchange, as is the case with known online games.

  When requesting support by voice chat or text message, for example, “This is the third machine. I am engaged in the air over the stadium. Please support me.” In this case, the name of a specific place in the game space (in this case, “Stadium sky”) should be included in the voice and message to tell where you are requesting assistance. However, in the case of a combat flight simulation game, the direction in which the player character is always facing changes, and the appearance of the game space displayed on the game screen also changes dramatically. Moreover, many of them are in the sky away from the landmarks. For this reason, even if a specific location is specified in the support request, it is difficult to immediately identify the specified location, and it is difficult to respond quickly to support. This becomes even more difficult when there are a large number of teammates who request support from multiple teammates at once.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to promptly respond to a support request from an ally in an online game in which a plurality of ally players participate. It is another object of the present invention to make it possible to make a support request and to receive a support request even in a play environment where a voice chat is not possible because there is no microphone or speaker.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, another machine character that moves in a game space and attacks an enemy character in accordance with an operation input from a player of each of the other machine and the own machine is connected to a computer connected to the other machine. And a program for controlling the player character to execute the communication game, and at least information on the position and state of the enemy character (for example, enemy character control data 520h of the character status data 520 in FIG. 8). Enemy character information sharing means for sharing the enemy character information including other devices (for example, the game calculation unit 210, the communication control unit 270, the communication unit 370, the storage unit 500, the character status data 520 of FIG. Steps S10 to S14), enemy character control for controlling movement and attack of the enemy character 5 (for example, game calculation unit 210, communication control unit 270, communication unit 370, storage unit 500, character status data 520, steps S12, S16, S18 of FIG. 12) Game space image generation means for generating an image of the game space including a character (for example, the game calculation unit 210, the image generation unit 260 in FIG. 13, step S34 in FIG. 13), and the player character in the game space as a reference. Radar image generation for generating a radar image for displaying a positional relationship of characters within a predetermined range using a display body (for example, radar display mark 516c in FIG. 6 and radar display mark 518c in FIG. 7) indicating each character. Means (for example, game calculation unit 210, image generation unit 260 in FIG. 5, step S32 in FIG. 13), other devices Support request detection means (for example, the game calculation unit 210 in FIG. 5 and steps S26 and S30 in FIG. 12) for detecting the reception of the support request signal, and the other device that has transmitted the detected support request signal. The computer as attack target enemy character determination means (for example, the game calculation unit 210 in FIG. 5, the support request reception history data 526 and the attack target identification information 526d in FIG. 11) for determining an enemy character that is attacked by another machine character. And the radar image generation means varies the display form of the display body representing the determined enemy character among the characters within the predetermined range in response to detection by the support request detection means. A program for causing the computer to function to generate a radar image.

  The thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a communication connection with another machine, and controls each of the other machine character and the own machine character that move in the game space and attack the enemy character according to the operation input of the player of the other machine and the own machine. An enemy character information sharing means for sharing the enemy character information including at least information on the position and state of the enemy character with another machine, and a movement of the enemy character. And an enemy character control means for controlling an attack, a game space image generation means for generating an image of the game space viewed from or including the own machine character, and the own machine character in the game space as a reference A radar image that generates a radar image for displaying the positional relationship of characters within a predetermined range using a display body indicating each character. An image generating means, a support request detecting means for detecting that a support request signal has been received from another machine, and an enemy character targeted by the other machine character that has transmitted the detected support request signal as an attack target. An attack target enemy character determination unit for determining, and the radar image generation unit displays the determined enemy character among the characters within the predetermined range in response to detection by the support request detection unit This is a game apparatus that generates the radar image by changing the display form of the body.

  The “own character” referred to here is a player character that is operated by the player by performing an operation input to the computer. Further, the “other machine character” is, for example, a character belonging to the teammate power of the own machine character, a so-called ally character. The “communication game” is a game called an online game or a network game, and is a game in which a plurality of players participate simultaneously in a system in which a plurality of computers are connected via a communication line.

According to the first and thirteenth inventions, the radar image for indicating the relative positional relationship of the own character, the other device character, and the enemy character in the game space. The enemy character to be attacked according to the support request can be displayed with the display form of the display body being changed.
Therefore, by viewing the radar image, the player has received a support request from another machine character, and in the support request, indicates where in the game space there is an enemy character that an ally player wants to attack. Can be recognized at a glance. Therefore, for example, even when a game such as a combat flight simulation game is enjoyed as an online game, it is possible to quickly go to the place where the support is requested and support the allies. In addition, since it is not a voice support request, even a player in a play environment where voice chat is not possible can make a support request or receive a support request.

  A second invention is a program according to the first invention, wherein the enemy character determined by the attack target enemy character determination means is stored in association with another machine character whose attack target is the enemy character ( For example, the positional relationship between the enemy character and the other machine character stored in association with each other in the game calculation unit 210, the storage unit 500, the support request reception history data 526) and the storage unit in FIG. The computer is caused to function as a distance detection means (for example, the game calculation unit 210 in FIG. 5 and step S34 in FIG. 13) for detecting that the radar image generation means has been detected by the distance detection means. A program for causing the computer to function so as to return the display form of the display body representing the enemy character to the original display form. .

  According to the second invention, the same effect as that of the first invention is achieved, and the positional relationship between the other-machine character that requested the support and the enemy character that is the attack target in the support request is a predetermined isolated positional relationship. When this happens, the display form of the display body of the enemy character that is the attack target can be returned from the special state to the original standard state. For example, if a certain other aircraft character is targeted by an enemy character and requests assistance to attack the targeted enemy character, the positional relationship between the other aircraft character and the enemy character is affected by the attack from the enemy character. If it is detected that a predetermined isolation position relationship has been reached when it is sufficiently far away, it is possible to reflect in the radar image that the purpose of the support request has been eliminated, that is, the crisis of the other aircraft character has passed. .

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the other machine character and the own machine character that move in the game space and attack the enemy character in accordance with the operation input of the players of the other machine and the own machine are respectively connected to the computer connected to the other machine. An enemy character information sharing means for controlling and executing a communication game for sharing enemy character information including at least information on the position and state of the enemy character with other aircraft, Enemy character control means for controlling movement and attack, game space image generation means for generating an image of the game space as seen from or including the own machine character, and predetermined based on the own machine character in the game space A radar image is generated that displays the positional relationship of the characters within the range using a display that indicates each character. A radar image generating means for detecting, a support request detecting means for detecting that a support request signal has been received from another machine, and an enemy character that is attacked by the other machine character that has transmitted the detected support request signal. The other computer attack enemy character determination means (for example, the game calculation unit 210 in FIG. 5, the support request reception history data 526 and the attack target identification information 526d in FIG. 11) is made to function, and the radar image generation means In response to detection by the support request detection means, the computer is configured to generate the radar image by changing the display form of the display body representing the determined enemy character among the characters within the predetermined range. It is a program to make it function.

  In addition, the fourteenth aspect of the present invention controls each of the other machine character and the own machine character that are connected to the other machine and move in the game space and attack the enemy character according to the operation input of the players of the other machine and the own machine. An enemy character information sharing means for sharing the enemy character information including at least information on the position and state of the enemy character with another machine, and a movement of the enemy character. And an enemy character control means for controlling an attack, a game space image generation means for generating an image of the game space viewed from or including the own machine character, and the own machine character in the game space as a reference A radar image that generates a radar image for displaying the positional relationship of characters within a predetermined range using a display body indicating each character. An image generation means, a support request detection means for detecting that a support request signal has been received from another machine, and an enemy character whose attack target is the other machine character that has transmitted the detected support request signal. Other radar attack enemy character determination means for determining, and the radar image generation means represents the determined enemy character among the characters within the predetermined range in response to detection by the support request detection means The game device generates the radar image by changing a display form of a display body.

  The “own character” referred to here is a player character that is operated by the player by performing an operation input to the computer. Further, the “other machine character” is, for example, a character belonging to the friendly power of the own machine character, that is, a so-called ally character. The “communication game” is a game called an online game or a network game, and is a game in which a plurality of players participate simultaneously in a system in which a plurality of computers are connected via a communication line.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the radar image for indicating the relative positional relationship of the own machine character, the other machine character, and the enemy character in the game space, and the request for assistance of the other machine character among the characters within the predetermined range. It is possible to display an enemy character that is targeted for attack, and an enemy character that is aimed at an attack target other character in the case of the present invention, with the display form of the display body being changed.
Therefore, by viewing the radar image, the player has received a support request from another machine character, and in the support request, indicates where in the game space there is an enemy character that an ally player wants to attack. Can be recognized at a glance. Therefore, for example, even when a game such as a combat flight simulation game is enjoyed as an online game, it is possible to quickly go to the place where the support is requested and support the allies.

  A fourth invention is a program according to the third invention, wherein the storage means stores the enemy character determined by the other-machine attack enemy character determination means in association with the other-machine character targeted by the enemy character. , The radar functioning as the distance detection means for detecting that the positional relationship between the enemy character and the other machine character stored in association with each other by the storage means is a predetermined distance positional relationship, The generating means is a program for causing the computer to function so as to return the display form of the display body representing the enemy character detected by the separation detecting means to the original display form.

  According to the fourth invention, the same effect as that of the third invention is achieved, and the positional relationship between the other-machine character that requested the support and the enemy character that is the attack target in the support request is a predetermined isolated positional relationship. When this happens, the display form of the display body of the enemy character that is the attack target can be returned from the special state to the original standard state. For example, if a certain other aircraft character is targeted by an enemy character and requests assistance to attack the targeted enemy character, the positional relationship between the other aircraft character and the enemy character is affected by the attack from the enemy character. If it is detected that a predetermined isolation position relationship has been reached when it is sufficiently far away, it is possible to reflect in the radar image that the purpose of the support request has been eliminated, that is, the crisis of the other aircraft character has passed. .

  A fifth invention is the program of the first or second invention, wherein the support request detecting means receives at least two support request signals of an attack support request and an assistance support request as the support request. The above-mentioned computer is made to function to detect, and other-machine attack enemy character determination means (for example, the game calculation unit 210 in FIG. 5 and the support request reception history data 526 in FIG. 11) that determines an enemy character that is attacked by the other-machine character. And the radar image generation means detects the attack target enemy character among the characters within the predetermined range in response to the detection of the attack support request by the support request detection means. The radar image is generated by changing the display form of the display body representing the enemy character determined by the determination means, and the response to the detection of the support request is supported. The computer is caused to function so as to generate the radar image by changing the display form of the display body representing the enemy character determined by the other-machine attack enemy character determination means among the characters within the predetermined range. It is a program.

  According to the fifth invention, the same effect as that of the first or second invention is achieved, and the enemy character related to the attack support request and the enemy character related to the support support request are displayed on the radar with different display forms. It can be displayed on the image. Therefore, the player can identify the type of support request only by looking at the radar image. Then, if attack support is present, the enemy character currently at hand is shot down and then supported, but if it is support support, priority is given to responding to support over shooting the enemy character at hand. From the viewpoint of balance with the request, it is possible to accurately determine the action to be taken by the player.

  A sixth invention is a program according to the fifth invention, wherein the support request is received from a player of the other machine or the other machine character that has transmitted the support request signal in response to detection of the support request by the support request detecting means. The computer as support request output means (for example, the game calculation unit 210 in FIG. 5 and step S44 in FIG. 13) that outputs the support request with a predetermined output method together with whether the support request is an attack support request or a support support request. Is a program for making

  According to the sixth invention, the same effect as the fifth invention can be obtained, and the fact that there has been a support request can be output together with whether the request is an attack support request or a support support request. Therefore, since it is possible to understand what kind of support request has been made by this output, it is possible to prevent the support request from being missed.

  A seventh invention is the program according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, wherein the radar image generation means includes the character within the predetermined range in response to detection by the support request detection means. In order to cause the computer to function so as to generate the radar image by changing the display form of the display body representing the other apparatus character that has transmitted the detected support request signal to a predetermined support request display form It is a program.

  According to the seventh aspect, the same effect as in any one of the first to sixth aspects can be achieved, and the player can quickly identify the other machine character that has requested the support.

  An eighth invention is the program according to any one of the first to seventh inventions, wherein, in response to the detection of the support request detection means, the other-machine character that has transmitted the support request signal is The computer functions as non-existence detection means (for example, the game calculation unit 210 in FIG. 5 and step S40 in FIG. 13) for detecting that the non-existence is not within a predetermined range, and the radar image generation means is configured to detect the non-existence detection means. The computer generates a radar image in which a direction identifier indicating the direction of the other machine character that transmitted the support request signal is arranged at the outer edge of the radar image from the own machine character in response to detection of Is a program for making

  According to the eighth invention, the same effect as any one of the first to seventh inventions can be obtained, and even if the other machine character requested for support exists outside the range displayed in the radar image in the game space. By displaying the direction identifier, the presence can be notified to the player, and the support request from the ally and the direction in which the ally character is present can be accurately determined.

  A ninth invention is the program according to any one of the first to eighth inventions, wherein the radar image generation means displays a display body that has passed a predetermined time from the change, among the display bodies whose display form has been changed. It is a program for causing the computer to function so as to restore the form.

  According to the ninth invention, the same effect as any one of the first to eighth inventions is achieved, and the effectiveness is poor by returning the display body that has passed a predetermined time after changing the display form to the standard state. It becomes possible to automatically return the special display body that has become to the standard state.

  A tenth aspect of the invention is the program according to any one of the first to ninth aspects of the invention, wherein the identification information of the player of the other device or the character of the other device that transmitted the support request signal detected by the support request detecting means ( For example, a program for causing the computer to function as support request history display control means (for example, the game calculation unit 210 in FIG. 5 and step S44 in FIG. 13) that controls the display of the support request source identifier 62 in FIG. 3 in the order of detection. It is.

  According to the tenth invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as any of the first to ninth inventions and to know in which order the support request is made from the other machine character. Therefore, it becomes easier to determine the importance and priority of the support request.

  An eleventh aspect of the invention is the program according to any one of the first to tenth aspects of the invention, which is based on the detection of the support request detection unit, and calculates the frequency for each other device that has transmitted the support request signal. The computer is used as request frequency calculation means (for example, the game calculation unit 210, the support request reception history data 526 in FIG. 5, the selection condition 516b in FIG. 6, the selection condition 518b in FIG. 7, and the steps S64, S72, and S76 in FIG. 14). The identifier display form variable means for causing the radar image generation means to change the display form of the identifier according to the calculation frequency of the support request frequency calculation means (for example, the game calculation unit 210 of FIG. The computer has history data 526, selection condition 516b in FIG. 6, selection condition 518b in FIG. 7, and steps S64, S72, and S76 in FIG. Is a program to function.

  According to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to obtain the same effect as any one of the first to tenth aspects and to know how often the support request is made from which other machine character. Therefore, it becomes easier to determine the importance and priority of the support request.

  A twelfth invention is a computer-readable information storage medium storing any one of the programs of the first to eleventh inventions. The “information storage medium” mentioned here includes, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, an IC memory, and the like. According to the twelfth invention, by causing a computer to read and execute the program of any of the first to eleventh inventions, causing the computer to exert the same effect as any of the first to eleventh inventions. Can do.

  According to the present invention, the radar image for indicating the relative positional relationship of the own machine character, the other machine character, and the enemy character in the game space is related to the support request of the other machine character among the characters within the predetermined range. The enemy character to be attacked can be displayed by changing the display form of the display body. Therefore, by viewing the radar image, the player has received a support request from another machine character, and in the support request, indicates where in the game space there is an enemy character that an ally player wants to attack. Can be recognized at a glance. Therefore, for example, even when a game such as a combat flight simulation game is enjoyed as an online game, it is possible to quickly go to the place where the support is requested and support the allies.

  Hereinafter, as an embodiment to which the present invention is applied, a case where a home game device is connected online in a peer-to-peer communication mode and a combat flight simulation game (online game: communication game) is executed will be described as an example.

  The execution of the online game by the peer-to-peer connection can use a known technique as appropriate, and thus a detailed description in this embodiment is omitted. Of course, the communication form is not limited to peer-to-peer, but may be a client / server form.

  The game genre to which this embodiment can be applied is not limited to the combat flight simulation game, and the same applies to online games in which a large number of warriors, soldiers, battle characters such as tanks and battleships are simultaneously fighting in various places on the battlefield. Can be applied to.

[Configuration of game device]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration example of a consumer game device according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the consumer game device 1200 includes a game device main body 1201, a game controller 1230, and a video monitor 1220.

  The game apparatus main body 1201 includes, for example, a control unit 1210 on which a CPU, an image processing LSI, an IC memory, and the like are mounted, and information storage medium reading devices 1206 and 1208 such as an optical disk 1202 and a memory card 1204. Then, the home game device 1200 reads the game program and various setting data from the optical disk 1202 and the memory card 1204, and the control unit 1210 executes various game operations based on operation inputs made to the game controller 1230. Run a given video game.

  The control unit 1210 includes various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and electrical and electronic devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and an IC memory. Each part of the game apparatus 1200 is controlled. In addition, the control unit 1210 includes a communication device 1212 that is wired or wirelessly connected to the communication line 1 such as the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), and a WAN (Wide Area Network), and realizes data communication with an external device. Prepare.

  The game controller 1230 includes a push button 1232 provided on the top surface of the controller used for determination and cancellation of selection, timing input, and the like, push buttons 1233R and 1233L provided on the left and right front sides, A direction input key 1234 (up direction key 1234U, down direction key 1234D, right direction key 1234R, left direction key 1234L) for independently inputting left and right directions, a right analog lever 1236R, and a left analog lever 1236L are provided. .

  The right analog lever 1236R and the left analog lever 1236L are direction input devices capable of simultaneously inputting the two-axis directions of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction as shown in the figure. Normally, the game controller 1230 is held with the left and right hands, and each lever is operated with a thumb attached. By tilting the lever, it is possible to input an arbitrary direction including a biaxial component and an arbitrary operation amount corresponding to the tilting amount of the lever. Also, any analog lever can be used as a push switch by pushing it in the axial direction of the lever from a neutral state where no operation is input.

  In this embodiment, the push button 1232 inputs operations such as missile launch, machine gun launch, and attack target switching (selection) from the fighter who is the player character, and the push button 1233R accelerates and the push button 1233L decelerates. Enter. Further, the left analog lever 1236L is input to move up and down the pitch of the aircraft, and the left and right rolls and the yaw of the aircraft are input to the left and right for steering operation. Further, in the present embodiment, different types of support requests to the ally NPC described later can be operated and input with the up key 1234U and the down key 1234D, respectively. Then, operation input signals corresponding to these operation inputs are transmitted to the game apparatus main body 1201.

  The control unit 1210 of the game apparatus main body 1201 generates a game image and game sound based on the detection signal and the operation input signal received from the game controller 1230, and executes the video game. The generated game image and game sound are output to a video monitor 1220 (display monitor) connected by a signal cable 1209. The video monitor 1220 is provided with a display 1222 for displaying an image and a speaker 1224 for emitting sound, and a player can play a game sound emitted from the speaker 1224 while watching a game image displayed on the display 1222. Play the game while listening.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the system in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, three players each use one home game device 1200A to 1200C. The home game devices 1200A to 1200C have the same components as the home game device 1200 shown in FIG. Each of the home game devices 1200A to 1200C is connected to the communication line 1, and is connected in peer-to-peer connection with one device (for example, the home game device 1200A) that has been pre-arranged as a host. Hereinafter, the home game device 1200A will be described as a host in this specification.

  The home game device 1200A serving as a host performs various system messages, management of messages transmitted to all players during game play, and operation control of enemy characters automatically controlled by a computer. Then, waiting for connections from other home game devices 1200B and 1200C, the players are registered when the players gather, and the ally characters operated by each player (the fighter operated by the player of the home game device 1200A). The player's own character, the other fighter aircraft character operated by the player of the home game device 1200B, 1200C) is created, and the online game is started.

  When the game is started, each of the home game devices 1200A to 1200C is a game in which an ally character and an enemy character (an enemy character of a fighter) perform an air battle in a game space formed in each three-dimensional virtual space. Execute. When any operation input is made by the player in each of the home game devices 1200A to 1200C, operation input data described later is generated and transmitted (broadcast) to all other home game devices connected online. . When the operation input data broadcast from another home game device is received, the movement of the teammate character previously created in association with the source of the data is controlled based on the received data.

  Also, the home game device 1200A serving as a host transmits data related to motion control such as the current position and state of the enemy character to all other home game devices. Then, when receiving data related to the action control of the enemy character, the other game devices 1200B and 1200C control the action of the enemy character arranged in each game space based on the received data. That is, the enemy character information including at least information on the position and state of the enemy character is shared between game devices connected online.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen in the present embodiment, and is an example of a game screen displayed on the home game device 1200A. As shown in the figure, the game screen W2 is shot by a virtual camera that is controlled to move together with a teammate character operated by a player who operates each home-use game apparatus 1200 (hereinafter also referred to as “own device character”). A game space image 30 viewed from the own character or including the own character is set as a main image. On top of that, a whiskey mark 32, an attitude display 34, an altitude display 36, a speed display 38, an azimuth display 40, a remaining number display 42, and a damage display 44 are combined as a so-called HUD (Head Up Display) display.

  In the shadows 52a, 52b, and 52c of enemy characters other than the teammate characters (other machine characters operated by the player of the other home game device 1200) that are in the predetermined search range from the own machine character and appear in the game space image 30 Are attached and displayed as container displays 56 and 57, which are identifiers for drawing attention to those characters. The player can select any one of the enemy characters 52a, 52b, and 52c to which the container displays 56 and 57 are attached by the operation of the push button 1232 as the attack target.

  In the figure, the enemy character 52b corresponding to the central machine shadow is selected, and as a proof of selection, the container display 57 is emphasized over the other container displays 56, and the weapon type of the enemy character is displayed on the upper right. The information shown is additionally displayed. Normally, when the enemy character is present in a predetermined attackable range for a predetermined time or more in a state where it is selected as an attack target, a so-called “lock-on” state stored as a target of a missile attack is obtained. When the lock is on, the container display 57 is further displayed in a special color to indicate that the lock is on. When it is confirmed that the lock-on state has been established and the player operates a predetermined push button 1232, a missile is fired from the player character. The missile tracks the locked-on enemy character.

A radar image W3 is displayed in a predetermined area at the lower left corner of the game screen W2.
The radar image W3 is a simplified overhead view centering on the own character. A mark 48 representing the player's own character is arranged at the center, and an axis 50 indicating the front / rear direction and the left / right direction is displayed centering on the mark 48. Then, a display body showing a teammate character (another machine character) operated by a player of another home-use game apparatus 1200 existing in a predetermined range (a range wider than the above-described search enemy range or attack range) from the own machine character around it. As an ally radar display mark (white mark in the figure) and an enemy radar display mark (black mark in the figure) as the display body showing the enemy character, maintaining the relative position from the respective own character It is displayed in a reduced size.

  In the game of the present embodiment, the player can make a support request to another player. The support request includes “attack support” requesting cooperation to attack the enemy character currently selected as the attack target by the aircraft character, and support to attack the enemy character currently targeted by the aircraft character. There is "support support" to request.

  On the upper part of the radar image W3, a key assignment display 64 indicating operation input methods for attack support and support support is displayed. In this embodiment, since the up direction key 1234U is assigned to the input of “attack support” and the down direction key 1234D is assigned to the input of “support assistance”, “Attack support (attack support) Support) ”and the text“ Protect support ”is attached below. When the up key 1234U or the down key 1234D is input, the key assignment display 64 takes a special display form for the position of the corresponding key for a certain period of time. Incidentally, in the figure, the position of the key corresponding to the upward key 1234U is controlled to be displayed in a special display form. The “display form” referred to in this specification includes elements such as a display color, a blinking pattern, a line thickness, and a line type.

  When a support request is received from another player, the ally radar display mark and the enemy radar display mark displayed in the radar display image W3 are changed to a special radar display mark corresponding to the type of support request. Marks with a square or hexagonal frame in the figure correspond to this. Thus, the player can recognize at a glance what kind of support request is made by the player flying in which position.

  In the present embodiment, a support request reception history display 60 for displaying a history of support requests received from other players within the past predetermined time is displayed at the lower outer periphery of the radar image W3. In the support request reception history display 60, a source identifier 62 for identifying a player or another device character that has transmitted a support request is displayed in order of reception from left to right. Since the example of the figure is a game screen in the home game device 1200A, the “B” source identifier 62 indicated from the home game device 1200B and the “C” source identifier indicated from the home game device 1200C are provided. It is displayed. Each transmission source identifier 62 is identified and displayed as “attack support” and “support support” depending on the display form. The transmission source identifier 62 is controlled so that the display is canceled (erased) when the predetermined display time limit has elapsed from the start of each display, and the display position is sequentially forwarded to the left.

  Therefore, by looking at the support request reception history display 60, it is possible to grasp which player has issued what support request and how often, and the risk of the battle situation surrounding other players (other ally characters). Guess to some extent and help determine priority and urgency for each request for assistance. For example, it is a material for deciding whether to rush to support immediately or to shoot down the enemy character at hand before rushing to support.

[Description of functional block]
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the home game device 1200 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the present embodiment includes an operation input unit 100, a processing unit 200, a sound output unit 350, an image display unit 360, a communication unit 370, and a storage unit 500.

  The operation input unit 100 is realized by input devices and sensors such as a push button, a lever, a touch pad, a dial, a keyboard, a mouse, various pointers, an acceleration sensor, and a tilt sensor, and is used for various operation inputs made by a player. In response, an operation input signal is output to the processing unit 200. The game controller 1230 in FIG. 1 corresponds to the operation input unit 100.

  The processing unit 200 is realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), and an IC memory, for example. The processing unit 200 inputs and outputs data to and from each functional unit, and inputs a predetermined program, data, and operation input. Various arithmetic processes are executed based on the operation input signal from the unit 100 to control the operation of the consumer game device 1200. In FIG. 1, the control unit 1210 built in the game apparatus main body 1201 corresponds to the processing unit 200.

  The processing unit 200 in the present embodiment includes a game calculation unit 210, a sound generation unit 250, an image generation unit 260, and a communication control unit 270.

  The game calculation unit 210 executes processing related to the progress of the game. For example, processing for forming a game space in a three-dimensional virtual space, placement control processing for objects such as characters placed in the game space, automatic control processing for NPCs (non-player characters) such as enemy characters, hit determination processing , Physics calculation processing and game result determination processing are included in the execution targets.

  More specifically, the game calculation unit 210 of this embodiment includes a player registration control unit 212, a support request transmission control unit 214, a support request history management unit 216, a radar display switching control unit 218, and a support request reception history display control unit. 220.

  For each player participating in the game, the player registration control unit 212 registers the identification information of the home game devices 1200A to 1200C to be used and the teammate character operated by each player. Specifically, registration processing is first performed by the home game device 1200A serving as a host, and if registration is confirmed, information related to registration is stored in the storage unit 500 as player registration data 524. The player registration data 524 is transmitted and provided to the other home game devices 1200B and 1200C, and is similarly stored and shared in the storage unit 500 of each game device.

  When a predetermined support request operation is input from the operation input unit 100, the support request transmission control unit 214 broadcasts, for example, data related to the support request to the communication control unit 270 to other home game devices 1200 as operation input data. To do.

  The operation input data 16 includes a header part and a payload part as in the data structure shown in FIG. 5, for example. In the header portion, transmission source identification information 16a for storing identification information (for example, an IP address) of a home game device as a transmission source, and transmission destination identification information 16b for storing identification information of a home game device as a transmission destination. And are included. In addition, identification information of a transmission destination such as the type of protocol can be included as appropriate.

The payload portion stores operation information 16c for storing information such as the type and operation amount of a button or key that has been input for operation, and support for storing information indicating the type of support request when a support request is input. The request type 16d and attack target identification information 16e for storing character identification information of an enemy character that is an attack target in the support request are included.
The support request type 16d stores, for example, information indicating attack support when the up key 1234U in FIG. 1 is input, and information indicating support when the down key 1234D is input. In the attack target identification information 16e, character identification information of an enemy character selected as an attack target by the own character requesting support in the case of “attack support” is stored. The character identification information of the enemy character selecting the player's own character as the attack target is stored.

  The support request history management unit 216 includes support request type 16d and attack target identification information 16e in the present embodiment when the information related to the support request is included in the operation input data received from the other home game device 1200. If it is, the control is performed to store and register these in the support request reception history data 526 in association with the reception time.

  The radar display switching control unit 218, when the operation input data 16 received from another home game device 1200 includes information related to the support request, the enemy radar display mark definition data 516 stored in the storage unit 500, the friend Based on the radar display mark definition data 518 and the character status data 520, the radar display mark setting data 522 is changed, and the display form of the display body displayed in the radar image W3 as the ally character and the enemy character is changed.

  The support request reception history display control unit 220 controls display of the support request reception history display 60 with reference to the support request reception history data 526. Specifically, the support request received within the past predetermined time (for example, within 3 minutes) from the present time is extracted. Then, referring to the player registration data 524 (see FIG. 10) based on the extracted contents of the support request, the sender and the sender identifier 524d (= source identifier 62 in FIG. 3) indicating the contents of the support request are selected. Then, the image generator 260 controls the display to be left-justified within a predetermined range below the radar image W3. Further, the display of the source identifier 62 of the support request that has passed a predetermined time after reception is canceled (erased), and movement control is performed so that the displayed dial tone identifier 62 that is still displayed is shifted to the left.

  The sound generation unit 250 is realized by a known technique such as a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) and its control program, and based on the processing result by the game calculation unit 210, the sound generation unit 250 generates sound effects, BGM, and various operation sounds related to the game. A sound signal is generated and output to the sound output unit 350.

  The sound output unit 350 is realized by a device that outputs sound effects, BGM, and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 250. In FIG. 1, the speaker 1224 of the video monitor 1220 corresponds to this.

  The image generation unit 260 is realized by a known technique such as a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP), a control program thereof, a drawing frame IC memory such as a frame buffer, and the like. Then, the image generation unit 260 generates one game image 30 in one frame time (1/60 second) based on the processing result by the game calculation unit 210 and generates a radar image W3. The display (see FIG. 3), the radar image W3, the key assignment display 64, the transmission source identifier 62, and the like are synthesized and displayed to generate the final game screen W2, and the image display unit 360 outputs the image signal of the game image.

  The image display unit 360 displays various game images W2 based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 260. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. In FIG. 1, a display 1222 that is an image display unit of the video monitor 1220 corresponds.

  The communication control unit 270 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with other home game devices via the communication unit 370.

  The communication unit 370 connects to the communication line 2 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a cable communication cable jack, a control circuit, and the like, and the communication device 1212 corresponds to this in FIG.

  The storage unit 500 stores pre-defined programs and data, and is also used as a work area of the processing unit 200 to store calculation results executed by the processing unit 200 according to various programs, input data input from the operation unit 100, and the like. Memorize temporarily. This function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM and a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM and DVD.

  The storage unit 500 in this embodiment includes a system program 501 for realizing various functions for causing the processing unit 200 to control the game apparatus 1200 in an integrated manner, a game program 502 and various data necessary for causing the game to be executed. Memorize etc. When the processing unit 200 reads out and executes the game program 502, the processing unit 200 can realize the function as the game calculation unit 210. Further, the game program 502 includes an NPC control program 504 for controlling the support process for enemy characters (NPC: non-player characters). The NPC control program 504 can be realized using a known technique called “AI”.

  The storage unit 500 stores game space setting data 510, weapon initial setting data 512, enemy character setting data 514, enemy radar display mark definition data 516, and friend radar display mark definition data 518 as data prepared in advance. .

  Furthermore, character status data 520, radar display mark setting data 522, player registration data 524, and support request reception history data 526 are stored as data that is generated as the game progresses and is rewritten as needed. In addition, as information necessary for executing processing relating to the progress of the game, for example, data such as angle of view, line-of-sight direction, and posture information for controlling the virtual camera, count data of various time limits, and the like are stored as appropriate. .

  The game space setting data 510 stores various data for forming the game space in the three-dimensional virtual space. For example, model data, texture data, and motion data relating to an arrangement such as the sky, the ground surface, and a building are stored.

  The weapon initial setting data 512 stores initial setting data regarding weapons appearing in games used by teammate characters, enemy characters, and the like for each type of weapon. Specifically, initial values of the capability parameter values of the weapon, such as a weapon display model, texture, maximum speed and maximum acceleration, durability (hit points), types of weapons and the number of weapons are stored.

  The enemy character setting data 514 stores data defining enemy characters. For example, the weapon type and the initial arrangement position are stored in association with the identification information of the enemy character.

The enemy radar display mark definition data 516 defines a radar display mark which is a display body displayed at the current relative position of the enemy character in the radar display image W3.
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a selection condition 516b for selecting the mark and a radar display mark 516c are stored in association with the mark identification information 516a. The radar display mark 516c includes a display body main body 17 of a red arrow mark indicating the aircraft, and an identifier 18 appropriately added to the display body main body.

  The radar display mark 516c whose mark identification information 516a corresponding to the standard state is “MK-E0” is only the display body 17 indicating the aircraft, whereas the support request type in the selection condition 516b is attack support. In the radar display marks 516c of the mark identification information 516a “MK-E1” to “MK-E3” including “attack” indicating a mark, a mark that further surrounds the display body 17 with an identifier 18 of a rectangular frame line is applied. It is devised so that it can be understood at a glance that the friendly character of the mark is requesting attack support. Similarly, in the radar display mark 516c of the mark identification information 516a “MK-E4” to “MK-E6” including “support” indicating that the support request type is support support in the selection condition 516b, the display body 17 is displayed. Further, a mark surrounded by an identifier 18 of a hexagonal frame line is applied, and it is devised so that it can be understood at a glance that a friendly character of the mark requests attack support.

Further, the mark identification information 516a between "MK-E1" to "MK-E3" and between "MK-E4" to "MK-E6" is different because the selection condition 516b is different, and the radar display mark 516c to be applied. There is a difference in the display form.
For example, since the mark identification information 516a “MK-E1” is set to “attack” as the support request type in the selection condition 516b, the ally character who made the “attack support request” is the enemy character that is the current attack target. And (1) the time interval after receiving the same type of support request from the same source that sent the attack support request (= support request time interval of the same source) is 5 minutes or more, or ( 2) This is selected when the cumulative number of support requests from the same sender from the start of the game to the present (= cumulative support count) is less than five. The display form of the line of the identifier 18 is differentiated from the mark identification information 516a “MK-E2”, and the mark identification information 516a “MK-E3” is further differentiated by the display color of the display body 17. .

  In this way, by including the support request time interval of the same source in the selection condition, whether or not the player has issued the same type of support request in a short time from the same source (that is, the frequency of the support request). By recognizing the difference in the display form of the mark, the importance of the support request can be estimated. In addition, by including the accumulated support count in the selection condition 516b, it is possible to easily recognize whether or not the player is seeking a support from a friend, and to use it to determine whether or not to respond to the support request. Of course, the elements of the selection condition 516b are not limited to these, and may be, for example, the number of times the player has played the game or the accumulated play time. It may be a character level, experience value, weapon type, or the like, which is one of the scales indicating character strength and player proficiency.

The ally radar display mark definition data 518 defines a radar display mark displayed at the current relative position of the ally character other than the own character in the radar display image W3 with respect to the own character.
For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a selection condition 518b for selecting the mark and a radar display mark 518c are stored in association with the mark identification information 518a. Also in the friendly radar display mark definition data 518, as with the enemy radar display mark definition data 516, the display body main body that is the radar display mark 518c of the mark identification information 518a “MK-F0” corresponding to the standard state for each selection condition 518b. An identifier 20 having a different display form is added to 19 to define a radar display mark 518c.

  The character status data 520 stores various parameter values indicating the current positions and states of the ally character and the enemy character including the player character arranged in the game space. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, it is roughly divided into teammate character control data 520g which is information about the teammate character, and enemy character control data 520h which is information about the enemy character. When viewed individually, the capability parameters such as the current position coordinates 520b, the current aircraft attitude angle 520c, the speed 520d, the maximum speed and the remaining number of bullets, and the durability value corresponding to the current hit point are associated with the character identification information 520a. The value 520e and attack target character identification information 520f indicating the character selected as the attack target are stored. Of course, it is not limited to these parameters, and information relating to each character can be stored in association with each other as appropriate.

The durability value of the ability parameter value 520e is subtracted every time an attack is received, and when it becomes “0”, it indicates that it has been shot down.
The attack target character identification information 520f stores identification information of other characters that the corresponding character has set as the attack target. If the identification information of the ally character corresponding to the source of the support request is stored here, the enemy character is identified as a character “aiming at the ally character”. If no character is selected as the attack target, “NULL” is stored.

Radar display mark setting data 522 stores the types of radar display marks applied to friendly characters and enemy characters including the player's own character.
For example, as shown in FIG. 9, mark identification information 522b and display change start time 522c are stored in association with each other for each character identification information 522a. The mark identification information 522b corresponds to the mark identification information 516a and 518a of the enemy radar display mark definition data 516 and the friendly radar display mark definition data 518. The display change start time 522c stores the system time when the application of the corresponding radar display mark is started (display change start). However, when the radar display mark “MK-F0” or “MK-E0” in the standard state is set, “NULL” is stored in the display change start time 522c.

  The player registration data 524 stores registration information regarding players participating in the game. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, for each character identification information 524a of a teammate character, identification of a weapon type 524b used as a teammate character, a communication address of a home game device 1200A-1200C used by a player operating the character, etc. Source identification information 524c for storing information (for example, IP address, etc.) and source identifier 524d arranged and displayed on the support request reception history display 60 (see FIG. 3) are stored in association with each other.

In the example of the figure, the character identification information 524a “Friend01” is assigned from the beginning to the ally character used by the player of the home game device 1200A that is the host, and “Friend02” and “Friend03” are assigned in the order of connection establishment. It is associated. Each character identification information 524a is preliminarily set with a predetermined sender identifier 524d, that is, an attack support identifier and a support support identifier having a different display form. Further, the transmission source identifier 524d includes text for identifying the home game device of the transmission source or the player using the same. “A”, “B”, and “C” in FIG.
In this embodiment, since there are three players, there are three sets of registration information. Of course, the number is increased or decreased according to the number of participants.

The support request reception history data 526 stores a history of information related to the support request included in the operation input data received from the other home game device 1200.
For example, as shown in FIG. 11, corresponding to the reception time 526a, it corresponds to the identification information stored in the support request type 526b, the transmission source identification information 526c, the attack target identification information 526d, and the transmission source identification information 526c. The teammate character identification information 526e of the teammate character to be attached is stored.

[Description of process flow]
Next, the flow of processing in the present embodiment will be described using the home game device 1200A as an example. The processing described here is realized by the processing unit 200 of each of the home game devices 1200A to 1200C executing the game program 502, and is repeatedly executed until the game end condition is satisfied. In addition, since a well-known technique can be applied suitably about automatic control of enemy characters, detailed description here is abbreviate | omitted.

  12 to 13 are flowcharts for explaining the main processing flow relating to the game progress in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the game calculation unit 210 of the home game device 1200A first establishes data communication with the other home game devices 1200B and 1200C, performs registration processing of each player, and the game calculation unit 210 Player registration data 524 is generated (step S2). The peer-to-peer connection process between the home game devices 1200A to 1200C, the selection and determination process of the teammate character in the player registration, the notification process of the registration result, and the like are realized by known online games. Detailed description is omitted.

  After completing the player registration process, the game calculation unit 210 refers to the game space setting data 510, the weapon initial setting data 512, and the enemy character setting data 514 to form a game space in the three-dimensional virtual space. The teammate character and the enemy character are placed at a predetermined initial position (step S4).

If a predetermined game start operation is input, a game start signal is broadcast to the other home game devices 1200B and 1200C to start the game (step S6). In other home game devices 1200B and 1200C, a game start signal is received and the game starts.
When the game is started, processing related to generation / output of game images and game sounds is started (step S8). Thereafter, the image generation unit 260 generates an image of the game image in a predetermined cycle, and causes the image display unit 360 to display the game image. Further, the sound generation unit 250 generates a game sound and causes the sound output unit 350 to output the game sound.

  Next, when the game calculation unit 210 is the host (YES in step S10), the game calculation unit 210 executes the NPC control program 504 to control the movement of each enemy character so as to search for and attack the teammate character (step S10). S12). Various parameters such as new current position coordinates, posture angle, and speed are calculated along with the motion control, and the enemy character control data 520h of the character status data 520 is updated. Then, the update information of the enemy character control data 520h of the character status data 520 is transmitted to the other home game devices 1200B and 1200C (step S14).

  When the game calculation unit 210 of the home game device 1200B or 1200C itself is not the host (NO in step S10), when the update information of the enemy character control data 520h transmitted from the home game device 1200A is received ( Based on the received enemy character control data 520h, the action of the enemy character arranged in each game space is controlled, and the character status data 520 is updated (step S18). Therefore, in all home game devices 1200A to 1200C connected in a peer-to-peer manner, the same enemy character operates in the game space in the same manner even though the devices are different.

  Next, if an operation input for maneuvering the player's own character is input from the operation input unit 100 (YES in step S20), the game calculation unit 210 controls the operation of the player's character (step S22). Operation input data 16 corresponding to the operation input is generated, and the communication control unit 270 is broadcasted to other home game devices 1200 (step S24). If there is no operation input from the operation input unit 100, motion control of the own character and generation or transmission of the operation input data 16 are not performed.

  Next, when the game operation unit 210 receives the operation input data 16 from the other home game devices 1200B and 1200C (YES in step S26), the game calculation unit 210 refers to the player registration data 526 and determines the received operation input data 16 The movement of the teammate character corresponding to the caller identification information 16a (see FIG. 5) is controlled based on the received operation input data 16, and the character status data 520 is updated (step S28).

  For example, if an operation of tilting the left analog lever 1236L toward the front is input in the home game device 1200B, the game calculation unit 210 controls the posture so that the nose of the player character (Friend02) faces upward and moves up. The character status data 520 is changed by controlling the movement so as to draw a trajectory to be performed. Then, operation input data 16 indicating an operation input for depressing the left analog lever 1236L is generated and transmitted to the home game devices 1200A and 1200C (steps S20 to S24).

  In the home game devices 1200A and 1200C, when receiving this, each game calculation unit 210 refers to the character identification information 524a of the player registration data 524, and the teammate character corresponding to the transmission source identification information 16a included in the received data. Identify “Friend02”. Then, posture control is performed so that the nose of the ally character faces upward, and movement control is performed so as to draw a rising trajectory, and the character status data 520 is changed (steps S26 to S28). Therefore, all the friend characters “Friend02” in all the home-use game devices 1200A to 1200C connected by peer-to-peer move in the same manner.

Next, the game calculation part 210 performs a radar display switching process (step S30).
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the radar display switching process in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the radar display switching process, first, the game calculation unit 210 determines whether or not the received operation input data includes data related to the attack support request (step S60). Specifically, information indicating that the operation input of the up direction key 1234U has been included is included, or information indicating “attack” is stored in the support request type 16c of the received operation input data 16. If the character identification information of any enemy character is stored in the attack target identification information 16e, an affirmative determination is made.

  If it is determined that the data related to the attack support request is included (YES in step S60), the game calculation unit 210 next registers / updates the data related to the attack support request in the support request reception history data 526 (step S62). ).

  Next, referring to the enemy radar display mark definition data 516, the enemy radar display mark 516c of the enemy character corresponding to the attack target identification information 16e is selected (step S64), and the enemy character's enemy corresponding to the attack target identification information is selected. The radar display mark is changed to the selected enemy radar display mark (step S66). Specifically, the mark identification information 516a of the selected enemy radar display mark 516c is stored in the mark identification information 522b of the radar display mark setting data 522 of the enemy character corresponding to the attack target identification information 16e, and the display change start time 522c is stored. Stores the current system time.

  Next, the game calculation unit 210 determines whether or not the received operation input data includes data related to the support assistance request (step S66). Specifically, information indicating that the operation input of the down key 1234D is input is included, or information indicating “support” is stored as the support request type 16c, and the attack target identification information 16e is stored. If character identification information of any enemy character is stored, an affirmative determination is made.

  If it is determined that the data related to the support request is included (YES in step S68), the game calculation unit 210 then registers and updates the data related to the support request in the support request reception history data 526 (step S68). S70). Then, referring to the enemy radar display mark definition data 516, the enemy radar display mark 516c of the enemy character corresponding to the attack target identification information 16e is selected (step S72), and the sender identification included in the received operation input data 16 is selected. The radar display of the enemy character aiming at the friendly character corresponding to the information 16a is changed to the selected enemy radar display mark (step S74).

  Specifically, referring to the player registration data 524, the identification information of the teammate character corresponding to the caller identification information 16a included in the received operation input data is acquired. Next, with reference to the character status data 520, the character identification information 520a of the enemy character that stores the previously acquired identification information of the teammate character in the attack target character identification information 520f is acquired. Then, referring to the radar display mark setting data 522, the mark identification information 516a of the selected enemy radar display mark 516c selected in step S72 is stored in the mark identification information 522b corresponding to the acquired character identification information 520a, and the display is changed. The current system time is stored in the start time 522c.

  Next, the game operation unit 210 refers to the teammate radar display mark definition data 518, selects the radar display mark 518c of the transmission source ally character (step S76), and selects the radar display of the transmission source ally character. The display mark is changed (step S78). That is, with reference to the radar display mark setting data 522, the mark identification information 518a of the selected radar display mark 518c is stored in the mark identification information 522b of the caller friend character, and the current system time is stored in the display change start time 522c. . Then, the radar display switching process ends.

  As a result of the radar display switching process, for example, when no support request is made from any of the teammate characters, all the radar display marks are in the standard state as in the example of the radar image W3b shown in FIG. The large white arrow at the center indicates the own character, the radar display mark indicated by the black arrow indicates the enemy character, and the radar display mark indicated by the white arrow indicates the ally character.

  When a support request is made, as shown in a radar image W3c shown in FIG. 16, special radar display marks are set and displayed on enemy characters and teammate characters related to the support request. It can be seen at a glance that the enemy character 2 of the enemy radar display mark with the rectangular frame line is an attack target according to the attack support request of the friendly character 4 around it. Moreover, the enemy character 6 of the enemy radar display mark with the hexagonal frame line is an enemy aiming at the friendly character 8 of the teammate radar display mark with the hexagonal frame line. You can see at a glance that it is a target to attack.

  If the radar display switching process is completed, the flow shifts to the flow of FIG. 13, and the game calculation unit 210 then standardizes the radar display mark of the character that has passed a predetermined time from the display change start time 522 c of the radar display mark setting data 522. Return to the radar display mark (step S32).

  Specifically, referring to the radar display mark setting data 522, the display change start time 522c stored other than “NULL” is compared with the current system time, and the display change start time 522c is compared with a predetermined time ( For example, the character identification information 522a of the character that has passed 30 seconds) is extracted. If the extracted character identification information 522a is an ally character, “MK-F0” (see FIG. 7) indicating the radar display mark in the standard state is stored in the corresponding mark identification information 522b, and the display change start time 522c is stored. “NULL” is stored. If the extracted character identification information 522a is an enemy character, “MK-E0” (see FIG. 6) indicating the radar display mark in the standard state is stored in the corresponding mark identification information 522b, and the display change start time 522c is stored. “NULL” is stored.

  As a result, the special radar display mark displayed with the reception of the support request is also returned to the standard radar display mark as shown in FIG. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, there are only three friendly characters in total, but in the case where more friendly characters participate, the enemy radar display mark with a rectangular frame line or the enemy radar display mark with a hexagonal frame line Can be prevented from being scattered in the radar image and making the image difficult to see.

  Next, the game calculation unit 210 extracts an enemy character whose distance from the ally character associated with the assistance request in the assistance request reception history data 526 has reached a reference value or more (step S34), and the extracted enemy character. The radar display mark is returned to the standard radar display mark (step S36).

  Specifically, in the support request reception history data 526, a set in which the reception time 526a falls within the past 3 minutes and the support request type 526b is set to “support assistance” is extracted. Then, the identification information stored in the extracted set of attack target identification information 526d and teammate character identification information 526e is acquired. Then, the current position coordinates of the teammate character and the enemy character corresponding to the acquired identification information are acquired from the character status data 520, and the relative distance is obtained. If the obtained relative distance is equal to or greater than the reference value, it is an extraction target in step S34.

  When the friend character requested for support and the enemy character set as the attack target for the support request satisfy the separated positional relationship such as 2 km or more away in the game world by the processing of steps S34 to S36, It is determined that there is no need for support because the ally character that requested the support is sufficiently away from the attack target enemy character so that the support character is no longer attacked. The display is returned to the standard state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from going to meaningless support.

  Next, the image generation component 260 generates a radar image W3 with reference to the radar display mark setting data 522 (step S38). Then, a game space image 30 viewed from a virtual camera that is movement-controlled accompanying the player character or a game space image 30 including the player character is generated, and the previously generated radar image W3 is synthesized at a predetermined position. (Step S40).

  Next, the game calculation unit 210 has an enemy whose mark is set to the radar display mark 516c other than the standard in the radar display mark setting data 522 when the current position falls outside the radar display range of the radar image W3. A character is extracted (step S42). Then, the image generation unit 260 arranges a predetermined arrow as a direction identifier indicating the relative direction of the enemy character extracted in step S40 on the outer periphery of the radar image W3 (step S44).

Specifically, for example, in the example of the radar image W3d in FIG. 17, the ally character 10 that requested attack support and the enemy character 12 selected as the attack target are both outside the range of the radar display. In this case, an arrow 14 facing the direction of the enemy character 12 is displayed on the outer periphery of the radar image through which a line segment connecting the enemy character 12 and the mark 48 indicating the center own-machine character passes.
Since the radar image W3 generated by the image generation unit 260 is newly generated every time and is applied at the generation timing of the next game image by the image generation unit 260, the arrow 14 arranged in step S38 is a step. The enemy character 12 extracted in S36 is displayed so as to face the time. If no enemy character is extracted in step S36, the arrow 14 is not arranged, so that no arrow is added to the newly generated radar image W3, and the arrow 14 automatically disappears as a result. The player sees the display of the arrow 14 and understands that there is a teammate character 10 requesting support even outside the radar display range and the direction in which the teammate character 10 is located, and responds to the support of the teammate character 10. If so, it can be understood that the player's own character should be moved in the direction indicated by the arrow 14.

  Note that the character extracted in step S42 is not limited to an enemy character, and a friend character whose mark identification information 522b of the radar display mark setting data 522 is set to other than the standard ("MK-F0") is extracted. The arrow 14 may be arranged so as to indicate the relative direction of the teammate character extracted in S44.

  Next, the game calculation unit 210 refers to the support request reception history data 526 and the player registration data 524, and displays a source identifier 524d indicating the source of the support request received within the past 3 minutes on the lower outer periphery of the radar display. Then, display control is performed on the image generation unit 260 so that the left end is arranged side by side in the order received as the sender identifier of the support request most recently received (step S46: see FIG. 3).

  More specifically, referring to the support request reception history data 526, the support request received within the past 3 minutes from the current system time is extracted, and the source identifier 524d corresponding to the type of each support request is selected. . Then, the source identifier 524d that matches the oldest extracted support request is placed at the left end, and the display position of the selected source identifier 524d is determined so that the reception time is changed from the left to the oldest. The transmission source identifier 524d for which each display position is determined is displayed at the generation timing of the next game image by the image generation unit 260. The player can know the outline of the reception history of the support request from the arrangement of the sender identifiers. That is, it is possible to know at a glance which support request is issued from which player and how often, which helps to determine the priority of the support request.

  Next, if it is the host (YES in step S48), game calculation unit 210 determines the game result, and transmits the determination result to other home game devices 1200B and 1200C (step S50). Then, it is determined whether or not the game result satisfies the game end condition (step S54). In this embodiment, it is determined that the game end condition due to game over is satisfied when all teammate characters are shot down, and the game end condition is determined to be satisfied by game clear when all enemy characters are shot down. . And when it determines with not satisfy | filling game completion conditions (NO of step S54), it returns to step S10. If it is determined that the game end condition is satisfied (YES in step S54), a predetermined game end process is executed (step S56), and the series of processes is ended.

  On the other hand, in step S48, if it is not the host (NO in step S48) as in the home game devices 1200B and 1200C (NO in step S48), it is determined whether the game result from the host has been received (step S52). If a game result is received (YES in step S52), it is then determined whether or not the game result satisfies a game end condition (step S54). If it is determined that the game end condition is not satisfied, the process returns to step S10. If it is determined that the game end condition is satisfied (YES in step S54), a predetermined game end process is executed (step S56), and the series of processes ends. To do.

[Hardware configuration]
Next, a hardware configuration example according to this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example for realizing the consumer game device 1200 according to the present embodiment. In the home game apparatus 1200, a CPU 1000, a ROM 1002, a RAM 1004, an information storage medium 1006, an image generation IC 1008, a sound generation IC 1010, and I / O ports 1012 and 1014 are connected to each other via a system bus 1016 so as to be able to input and output data. A control device 1022 is connected to the I / O port 1012, and a communication device 1024 is connected to the I / O port 1014.

  The CPU 1000 controls the entire apparatus and performs various data processing according to a program stored in the information storage medium 1006, a system program stored in the ROM 1002, a signal input by the control device 1022, and the like.

  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.

  An information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data, sound data, play data, and the like, and as an information storage medium, an IC memory, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD, an IC card, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and the like. Etc. are used.

  The ROM 1002, the RAM 1004, and the information storage medium 1006 correspond to the storage unit 500 in FIG.

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

  The image generation IC 1008 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 image signal is output to the display device 1018. . The display device 1018 is realized by a CRT, LCD, ELD, plasma display, projector, or the like, and corresponds to the image display unit 360 in FIG.

  The sound generation IC 1010 is an integrated circuit that generates sound signals in accordance with 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 sound output unit 350 in FIG.

  The control device 1022 is a device for the player to input an operation related to the game, and its function is realized by hardware such as a lever, a button, a touch panel, a dial, and a pointing device. The control device 1022 corresponds to the operation input unit 100 in FIG.

  The communication device 1024 exchanges information used inside the device with the outside, and is used for transmitting / receiving given information to / from other devices. The communication device 1024 corresponds to the communication unit 370 in FIG.

  The above-described processing such as game processing is realized by an information storage medium 1006 storing the game program 502 and the like of FIG. 4, and a CPU 1000, an image generation IC 1008, a sound generation IC 1010 and the like that operate according to these programs. The CPU 1000, the image generation IC 1008, and the sound generation IC 1010 correspond to the processing unit 200 in FIG. 4, and the CPU 1000 mainly generates the game calculation unit 210, the image generation IC 1008 the image generation unit 260, and the sound generation IC 1010 generates the sound. It corresponds to each part 250.

  Note that the processing performed by the image generation IC 1008, the sound generation IC 1010, and the like may be performed by software using the CPU 1000 or a general-purpose DSP. In this case, the CPU 1000 corresponds to the processing unit 200 in FIG.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of players can use the home-use game devices 1200A to 1200C, respectively, to execute an online game in which a plurality of players simultaneously fight in the air on the same battlefield.
Then, when there is a support request from another player during the game, a special radar display mark displays the friendly character requested for support in the radar image W3 and the enemy character that was set as the attack target in the support request. can do. Therefore, in a battle-type online game in which a plurality of teammate players participate, the player can quickly respond to a support request from a teammate. In addition, since voice is not used for a support request, even a player in a play environment that cannot perform voice chat can make a support request or receive a support request.

[Modification]
As mentioned above, although embodiment which applied this invention was described, the application form of this invention is not limited to this.

  For example, although a configuration using the home game device 1200 has been described as an example, an arcade game device, a personal computer, a portable game device, or the like may be used instead.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the communication between the home game devices 1200 by voice chat or text message is not mentioned, but it is needless to say that this may be appropriately incorporated as in the known online game.

  In the above embodiment, the enemy character is an NPC, but the enemy character may be a player-operated character as with a teammate character. It is preferable from the viewpoint of reducing communication traffic that the operation input data 16 when a support request operation input is made is not transmitted to a home game device operated by an enemy player.

The block diagram which shows the structural example of a household game device. The figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of the system for performing an online game. The figure which shows an example of a game screen. The functional block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of a consumer game device. The figure which shows the data structural example of operation input data. The data block diagram which shows the structural example of enemy radar display mark definition data. The data block diagram which shows the structural example of ally radar display mark definition data. The data block diagram which shows the structural example of character status data. The data block diagram which shows the structural example of radar display mark setting data. The data block diagram which shows the structural example of player registration data. The data block diagram which shows the structural example of assistance request reception log | history data. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the main processing which concerns on game progress. The flowchart following FIG. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a radar display switching process. The figure which shows an example of a radar image. The figure which shows an example of a radar image. The figure which shows an example of a radar image. The figure which shows the hardware structural example for implement | achieving a consumer game device.

Explanation of symbols

17, 19 Display body 18, 20 Identifier 100 Operation input unit 200 Processing unit 210 Game calculation unit 212 Player registration control unit 214 Support request transmission control unit 216 Support request history management unit 218 Radar display switching control unit 220 Support request reception history display Control unit 260 Image generation unit 270 Communication control unit 500 Storage unit 502 Game program 504 NPC control program 516 Enemy radar display mark definition data 518 Friend radar display mark definition data 522 Radar display mark setting data 524 Player registration data 526 Support request reception history data W2 game image W3 radar image

Claims (14)

A communication game in which a computer connected to another machine is connected to a computer connected to the other machine according to the operation input of the player of the other machine and the own machine to control the other machine character and the own machine character that attack the enemy character by moving in the game space. A program for executing
Enemy character information sharing means for sharing enemy character information including at least the position and state information of the enemy character with other aircraft,
Enemy character control means for controlling movement and attack of the enemy character,
A radar image generating means for generating a radar image for displaying a positional relationship of characters within a predetermined range with reference to the player's own character in the game space using a display body indicating each character;
Support request detection means for detecting that a support request signal has been received from another device,
An attack target enemy character determination means for determining an enemy character that is a target of attack by another device character of the other device that has transmitted the detected support request signal;
Storage means for storing the enemy character determined by the attack target enemy character determination means in association with another machine character whose attack target is the enemy character;
A distance detecting means for detecting that the positional relationship between the enemy character and the other machine character stored in association with each other by the storage means is a predetermined separated positional relationship;
As the computer functions as
The radar image generation means varies a display form of a display body representing the determined enemy character among the characters within the predetermined range in response to detection by the support request detection means , and the separation detection A program for causing the computer to function so as to return the display form of the display body representing the enemy character detected by the means to the original display form . A communication game in which a computer connected to another machine is connected to a computer connected to the other machine according to the operation input of the player of the other machine and the own machine to control the other machine character and the own machine character that attack the enemy character by moving in the game space. A program for executing
Enemy character information sharing means for sharing enemy character information including at least the position and state information of the enemy character with other aircraft,
Enemy character control means for controlling movement and attack of the enemy character,
A radar image generating means for generating a radar image for displaying a positional relationship of characters within a predetermined range with reference to the player's own character in the game space using a display body indicating each character;
Support request detection means for detecting that a support request signal has been received from another device,
Other-machine attack enemy character determination means for determining an enemy character whose attack target is the other-machine character of the other machine that has transmitted the detected support request signal,
Storage means for storing the enemy character determined by the other-machine attack enemy character determining means in association with the other-machine character targeted by the enemy character;
A distance detecting means for detecting that the positional relationship between the enemy character and the other machine character stored in association with each other by the storage means is a predetermined separated positional relationship;
As the computer functions as
The radar image generation means varies a display form of a display body representing the determined enemy character among the characters within the predetermined range in response to detection by the support request detection means , and the separation detection A program for causing the computer to function so as to return the display form of the display body representing the enemy character detected by the means to the original display form . A communication game in which a computer connected to another machine is connected to a computer connected to the other machine according to the operation input of the player of the other machine and the own machine to control the other machine character and the own machine character that attack the enemy character by moving in the game space. A program for executing
Enemy character information sharing means for sharing enemy character information including at least the position and state information of the enemy character with other aircraft,
Enemy character control means for controlling movement and attack of the enemy character,
A radar image generating means for generating a radar image for displaying a positional relationship of characters within a predetermined range with reference to the player's own character in the game space using a display body indicating each character;
Support request detection means for detecting that a support request signal has been received from another device,
An attack target enemy character determination means for determining an enemy character that is a target of attack by another device character of the other device that has transmitted the detected support request signal;
Support request history display control means for controlling the display of identification information of the player of the other device or the character of the other device that has transmitted the support request signal detected by the support request detection means in the order of detection;
As the computer functions as
The radar image generation unit generates the radar image by changing a display form of a display body representing the determined enemy character among the characters within the predetermined range in response to detection by the support request detection unit. Program for causing the computer to function. A communication game in which a computer connected to another machine is connected to a computer connected to the other machine according to the operation input of the player of the other machine and the own machine to control the other machine character and the own machine character that attack the enemy character by moving in the game space. A program for executing
Enemy character information sharing means for sharing enemy character information including at least the position and state information of the enemy character with other aircraft,
Enemy character control means for controlling movement and attack of the enemy character,
A radar image generating means for generating a radar image for displaying a positional relationship of characters within a predetermined range with reference to the player's own character in the game space using a display body indicating each character;
Support request detection means for detecting that a support request signal has been received from another device,
Other-machine attack enemy character determination means for determining an enemy character whose attack target is the other-machine character of the other machine that has transmitted the detected support request signal,
Support request history display control means for controlling the display of identification information of the player of the other device or the character of the other device that has transmitted the support request signal detected by the support request detection means in the order of detection;
As the computer functions as
The radar image generation unit generates the radar image by changing a display form of a display body representing the determined enemy character among the characters within the predetermined range in response to detection by the support request detection unit. Program for causing the computer to function. A communication game in which a computer connected to another machine is connected to a computer connected to the other machine according to the operation input of the player of the other machine and the own machine to control the other machine character and the own machine character that attack the enemy character by moving in the game space. A program for executing
Enemy character information sharing means for sharing enemy character information including at least the position and state information of the enemy character with other aircraft,
Enemy character control means for controlling movement and attack of the enemy character,
A radar image generating means for generating a radar image for displaying a positional relationship of characters within a predetermined range with reference to the player's own character in the game space using a display body indicating each character;
Support request detection means for detecting that a support request signal has been received from another device,
An attack target enemy character determination means for determining an enemy character that is a target of attack by another device character of the other device that has transmitted the detected support request signal;
Based on the detection of the support request detection means, the support request frequency calculation means for calculating the frequency for each other device that has transmitted the support request signal,
As the computer functions as
The radar image generation means varies a display form of a display body representing the determined enemy character among the characters within the predetermined range in response to detection by the support request detection means , and the support request A program for causing the computer to function so as to change the display form of the display body according to the calculation frequency of the frequency calculation means . A communication game in which a computer connected to another machine is connected to a computer connected to the other machine according to the operation input of the player of the other machine and the own machine to control the other machine character and the own machine character that attack the enemy character by moving in the game space. A program for executing
Enemy character information sharing means for sharing enemy character information including at least the position and state information of the enemy character with other aircraft,
Enemy character control means for controlling movement and attack of the enemy character,
A radar image generating means for generating a radar image for displaying a positional relationship of characters within a predetermined range with reference to the player's own character in the game space using a display body indicating each character;
Support request detection means for detecting that a support request signal has been received from another device,
Other-machine attack enemy character determination means for determining an enemy character whose attack target is the other-machine character of the other machine that has transmitted the detected support request signal,
Based on the detection of the support request detection means, the support request frequency calculation means for calculating the frequency for each other device that has transmitted the support request signal,
As the computer functions as
The radar image generation means varies a display form of a display body representing the determined enemy character among the characters within the predetermined range in response to detection by the support request detection means , and the support request A program for causing the computer to function so as to change the display form of the display body according to the calculation frequency of the frequency calculation means . The program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which causes the computer to further function as game space image generation means for generating an image of the game space as viewed from the own character or including the own character. In accordance with the operation input of the player of each of the client machines other than the first client machine and the first client machine, the first character and the other machine character that move in the game space and attack the enemy character are controlled, and the communication game is played. A server to execute,
Enemy character control means for controlling movement and attack of the enemy character;
Radar image generation means for generating a radar image for displaying a positional relationship of characters within a predetermined range with respect to the first character in the game space using a display body indicating each character;
A support request detection means for detecting that a support request signal has been received from another client machine ;
An attack target enemy character determination means for determining an enemy character that is attacked by another machine character of the other client machine that has transmitted the detected request for assistance;
Storage means for storing the enemy character determined by the attack target enemy character determination means in association with another machine character whose attack target is the enemy character;
A distance detecting means for detecting that the positional relationship between the enemy character and the other machine character stored in association with each other by the storage means has become a predetermined separated positional relationship;
With
The radar image generation means varies a display form of a display body representing the determined enemy character among the characters within the predetermined range in response to detection by the support request detection means , and the separation detection The server which performs the display form of the display body showing the enemy character detected by the means being returned to the original display form . In accordance with the operation input of the player of each of the client machines other than the first client machine and the first client machine, the first character and the other machine character that move in the game space and attack the enemy character are controlled, and the communication game is played. A server to execute,
Enemy character control means for controlling movement and attack of the enemy character;
Radar image generation means for generating a radar image for displaying a positional relationship of characters within a predetermined range with respect to the first character in the game space using a display body indicating each character;
A support request detection means for detecting that a support request signal has been received from another client machine ;
And attacks the enemy character judging means you determine an enemy character that the other machine characters other clients that transmitted the signal of the detected support appeal attacked,
Storage means for storing the enemy character determined by the attacking enemy character determination means in association with the other machine character targeted by the enemy character;
A distance detecting means for detecting that the positional relationship between the enemy character and the other machine character stored in association with each other by the storage means has become a predetermined separated positional relationship;
With
The radar image generation means varies a display form of a display body representing the determined enemy character among the characters within the predetermined range in response to detection by the support request detection means , and the separation detection The server which performs the display form of the display body showing the enemy character detected by the means being returned to the original display form . In accordance with the operation input of the player of each of the client machines other than the first client machine and the first client machine, the first character and the other machine character that move in the game space and attack the enemy character are controlled, and the communication game is played. A server to execute,
Enemy character control means for controlling movement and attack of the enemy character;
Radar image generation means for generating a radar image for displaying a positional relationship of characters within a predetermined range with respect to the first character in the game space using a display body indicating each character;
A support request detection means for detecting that a support request signal has been received from another client machine ;
An attack target enemy character determination means for determining an enemy character that is attacked by another machine character of the other client machine that has transmitted the detected request for assistance;
Support request history display control means for displaying and controlling the identification information of the player of the other client machine or the other machine character that has transmitted the support request signal detected by the support request detection means,
With
The radar image generation unit generates the radar image by changing a display form of a display body representing the determined enemy character among the characters within the predetermined range in response to detection by the support request detection unit. , Server . In accordance with the operation input of the player of each of the client machines other than the first client machine and the first client machine, the first character and the other machine character that move in the game space and attack the enemy character are controlled, and the communication game is played. A server to execute,
Enemy character control means for controlling movement and attack of the enemy character;
Radar image generation means for generating a radar image for displaying a positional relationship of characters within a predetermined range with respect to the first character in the game space using a display body indicating each character;
A support request detection means for detecting that a support request signal has been received from another client machine ;
And attacks the enemy character judging means you determine an enemy character that the other machine characters other clients that transmitted the signal of the detected support appeal attacked,
Support request history display control means for displaying and controlling the identification information of the player of the other client machine or the other machine character that has transmitted the support request signal detected by the support request detection means,
With
The radar image generation unit generates the radar image by changing a display form of a display body representing the determined enemy character among the characters within the predetermined range in response to detection by the support request detection unit. , Server . In accordance with the operation input of the player of each of the client machines other than the first client machine and the first client machine, the first character and the other machine character that move in the game space and attack the enemy character are controlled, and the communication game is played. A server to execute,
Enemy character control means for controlling movement and attack of the enemy character;
Radar image generation means for generating a radar image for displaying a positional relationship of characters within a predetermined range with respect to the first character in the game space using a display body indicating each character;
A support request detection means for detecting that a support request signal has been received from another client machine ;
An attack target enemy character determination means for determining an enemy character that is attacked by another machine character of the other client machine that has transmitted the detected request for assistance;
Based on detection of the support request detection means, support request frequency calculation means for calculating a frequency for each other client machine that has transmitted the support request signal;
With
The radar image generation means varies a display form of a display body representing the determined enemy character among the characters within the predetermined range in response to detection by the support request detection means , and the support request A server for changing a display form of the display body according to a calculation frequency of a frequency calculation means . In accordance with the operation input of the player of each of the client machines other than the first client machine and the first client machine, the first character and the other machine character that move in the game space and attack the enemy character are controlled, and the communication game is played. A server to execute,
Enemy character control means for controlling movement and attack of the enemy character;
Radar image generation means for generating a radar image for displaying a positional relationship of characters within a predetermined range with respect to the first character in the game space using a display body indicating each character;
A support request detection means for detecting that a support request signal has been received from another client machine ;
And attacks the enemy character judging means you determine an enemy character that the other machine characters other clients that transmitted the signal of the detected support appeal attacked,
Based on detection of the support request detection means, support request frequency calculation means for calculating a frequency for each other client machine that has transmitted the support request signal;
With
The radar image generation means varies a display form of a display body representing the determined enemy character among the characters within the predetermined range in response to detection by the support request detection means , and the support request A server for changing a display form of the display body according to a calculation frequency of a frequency calculation means . The server according to any one of claims 8 to 13, further comprising game space image generation means for generating an image of the game space viewed from the first character or including the first character.

Images