JP6663634B2 - Video game device, video game control method, video game control program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a video game device, a video game device control method, a video game control program, and a recording medium, and for example, relates to a video game device that executes a video game control program in which an object moves in a virtual space.

  Conventionally, many home video games of various genres (hereinafter simply referred to as games) have been released.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a game of a genre called a racing game. The game device described in Patent Literature 1 displays a display image showing a field of view viewed from a given viewpoint installed in a virtual space. The user operates the operation of the object (virtual car) arranged in the virtual space while watching the display image, and races with another object.

  In order to enhance the interest of a game in which an object operated by a user moves in a virtual space, such as the above-mentioned racing game, it is important that the virtual space has a sense of presence. Therefore, various techniques have been developed to enhance the sense of reality in a virtual space.

  For example, Patent Literature 2 discloses a game program that displays text or outputs sound as a message issued by an object arranged in a virtual space (three-dimensional game space), and includes a character in the virtual space and the above-described character. There is described a game program for changing the transparency of the texture of the text or changing the volume of the sound in accordance with the distance to the object.

JP-A-2006-61715 (published on November 24, 2006) JP 2004-242728 A (released on January 21, 2005)

  However, in the game program described in Patent Literature 2, the transparency of the text texture or the sound volume is associated with the distance between the character and the object, but not with the direction of the object viewed from the character. .

  Therefore, the user cannot grasp the direction of the object viewed from the character, and it is difficult for the user to accurately sense the positional relationship between the character and the object in the virtual space. Therefore, there is a problem that the virtual space provided by the game program lacks a sense of reality.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a video game device capable of generating a virtual space with a sense of reality.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a video game device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a video game device that provides a video game that searches for a specific object in which a player character is not visible in a virtual space. A video game device that displays a field of view of the virtual space interlocked with a gaze direction, wherein the video game device receives an input operation for changing the gaze direction and an input operation for moving the player character in the virtual space. (I) an angle between the line-of-sight direction and a direction from the player character toward the specific object is within a predetermined angle, and (ii) the player character control means for controlling the player character. The distance between the character and the specific object is within a first predetermined value (I) an angle between the line of sight and the direction from the player character toward the specific object is within a predetermined angle, and (ii) the player Output means for outputting a message related to the position of the specific object when it is determined that the distance between the character and the specific object is within a first predetermined value.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a video game apparatus for providing a video game that searches for a specific object in which a player character is not visible in a virtual space. A control method of a video game device for displaying a view of the virtual space in conjunction with the direction of the player character's line of sight, wherein (i) the line of sight and the direction from the player character toward the specific object. A determining step of determining whether an angle with the direction is within a predetermined angle and (ii) determining whether a distance between the player character and the specific object is within a first predetermined value; The angle between the gaze direction and the direction from the player character toward the specific object is within a predetermined angle. And includes an output step of outputting a message when, associated with the position of the specific object is the distance between (ii) the player character and the specific object is within a first predetermined value.

  According to the above configuration, (i) the angle between the line of sight of the player character and the direction from the player character to the specific object is within a predetermined angle, and (ii) the distance between the player character and the specific object is If the value is within the first predetermined value, a message related to the position of the specific object is output. On the other hand, in cases other than the above, that is, (i) the angle between the line of sight of the player character and the direction from the player character to the specific object is not within a predetermined angle, or (ii) the player character and the specific object Is not within the first predetermined value, the above message is not output.

  In other words, the message is not output unless the player character is facing the specific object and is not sufficiently close to the specific object. As described above, whether or not a message is output depends on both the position and the line-of-sight direction of the player character. Therefore, as a player character, it is as if the user is actually searching for a specific object in the virtual space. I feel

  That is, according to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a virtual space with a sense of reality.

  In another aspect of the present invention, in the video game device, the message is text, and the output unit arranges the text at a position corresponding to the position of the specific object in the virtual space. Is also good.

  According to the above configuration, the above-described message is a text to which position information related to the position of the specific object is added. Further, the text is arranged at a position specified by the position information added to the text in the virtual space.

  Therefore, when the position of the text is included in the view of the virtual space that is interlocked with the gaze direction of the player character, the text is displayed. This allows the user to continue searching for the specific object while reading the displayed text.

  The text may include, for example, words spoken by the specific object. With this configuration, the user can search for the specific object while relying on the words described in the text while reading the text.

  In the video game device according to another aspect of the present invention, the output unit may enlarge the text as the distance between the text and the player character becomes shorter.

  According to the above configuration, the text is enlarged as the player character approaches the position specified by the position information set in the text.

  When the displayed text is enlarged, the user feels as if the player character has approached the text due to the illusion of the perspective effect.

  That is, according to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a more realistic virtual space.

  Further, in the video game device according to another aspect of the present invention, when the message is a voice, and the output unit outputs the voice to a plurality of voice output devices, the position of the specific object and the player character is determined. The output balance of the plurality of audio output devices may be adjusted according to the relationship.

  According to the above configuration, the above-mentioned message is a sound emitted by the specific object in the video game. When the sound is output from a plurality of sound output devices, the output balance of the plurality of sound output devices is adjusted according to the positional relationship between the specific object and the player character.

  Therefore, when the user hears the sound, the user feels that the position of the specific object has relatively moved due to a change in the positional relationship between the player character and the specific object.

  That is, according to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a more realistic virtual space.

  Also, the video game device according to another aspect of the present invention, when the distance between the player character and the specific object is within a second predetermined value, a specific object visualization that visualizes the specific object in the virtual space. Means may be further provided.

  According to the above configuration, when the distance between the player character and the specific object is within the second predetermined value, the specific object that has not been seen is visualized.

  Therefore, when the specific object is visualized, the user feels that the player character has come close enough to the specific object and can now view the specific object.

  That is, according to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a more realistic virtual space.

  The video game device according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, the video game device is realized by a computer by operating the computer as each unit included in the video game device. A video game control program for a video game device and a computer-readable recording medium recording the same are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention has an effect that a virtual space with a sense of reality can be generated.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a game device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the game device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a determination process executed by a control unit included in the game device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image displayed by a control unit included in the game device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating another example of a display image displayed by a control unit included in the game device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating still another example of a display image displayed by a control unit included in the game device illustrated in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a placement object determination process executed by a control unit included in the game device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an arrangement object determination process executed by a control unit included in the game device illustrated in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the video game device 1 of the present embodiment. Note that the video game apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is a portable game apparatus integrally provided with operation buttons and a display, but is not limited to this. For example, a stationary game device that is separate from each of the controller having the operation buttons and the display may be used.

(Hardware configuration of video game device 1)
The hardware configuration of the video game device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the video game apparatus 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the video game device 1, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11,
A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, an operation switch 14, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 15, an LCD driver 16, a speaker 17, a connector 18, a communication unit 19, and a power supply 20 Connected through. Further, in the video game apparatus 1, a cartridge 22 having a built-in ROM (Read Only Memory) storing game software is detachable from the connector 18.

  The CPU 11 generally controls various components in the video game apparatus 1 by executing a program stored in a storage element such as a RAM or a flash memory.

  The GPU 12 is dedicated hardware for performing image data processing. Note that the GPU 12 may be integrated with the CPU 11.

  The RAM 13 temporarily stores data related to communication, data used for calculation, calculation results, and the like, and is a so-called working memory. Although not shown in the figure, in addition to the RAM 13, a ROM which is a read-only semiconductor memory for storing fixed data such as bootstrap and communication control data, and a rewritable memory for storing various setting data and the like A storage element such as a nonvolatile memory (for example, a flash memory) is provided.

  The operation switch 14 is an input device that is provided on the surface of the video game device 1 and receives various inputs from the user according to the operation of the user.

  The operation switch 14 converts information operated by the user into operation data and transmits the operation data to the CPU 11. Examples of the operation switch 14 include an operation button, a numeric keypad, a keyboard, a touch panel, a pointing device (for example, a mouse), and the like.

  The LCD 15 is a display element using a liquid crystal, and the LCD driver 16 drives the LCD 15 based on the received image data. Thereby, an image is displayed on the display screen of the LCD 15. Note that another display element such as an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display may be used instead of the LCD 15.

  The speaker 17 (sound output device) outputs various kinds of information to the outside based on the received sound data. Note that an audio output connector for connecting an external audio output device such as an earphone or a headphone may be provided.

  The connector 18 is for detachably attaching the cartridge 22 as described above. Each of the connector 18 and the cartridge 22 has an I / F (interface) for accessing data recorded in the ROM in the cartridge 22.

  The communication unit 19 is for performing short-range wireless communication with an external device. Examples of the short-range wireless communication include infrared communication such as IrDA and radio communication such as wireless LAN and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

  The power supply 20 supplies appropriate power to various components in the video game apparatus 1. The power supply 20 includes, for example, a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, a power supply circuit, and the like.

  In the video game device 1 having the above configuration, the game is started by attaching the cartridge 22 to the connector 18 and executing the game control program recorded in the ROM of the cartridge 22 by the CPU 11. Hereinafter, a game executed as an example of the present embodiment will be described. Note that the CPU 11 can also execute a game control program stored in the storage unit 30 (described later). Further, the CPU 11 can be connected to an external server (not shown) holding the game control program via the communication unit 19, download the game control program from the external server, and store it in the storage unit 30.

(Outline of the game)
The video game device 1 can execute a plurality of game programs. In one of the plurality of games, a player character object ch1 (see FIGS. 4 to 6), which is an object representing a character operated by the user, is replaced with a hidden character object ch2 (see FIG. 4 to 6). Hereinafter, an operation of the video game apparatus 1 executing the control program of the game will be described. In the following description, the player character object ch1 and the hidden character object ch2 are abbreviated as the player character ch1 and the hidden character ch2 (specific object), respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the video game device 1 generates a display image 33 representing a view seen from a predetermined viewpoint set in the virtual space. The virtual space is filled with a dense fog object xc, which is a pure white fog-like object, and the virtual space has almost no visibility.

  The user searches the hidden character ch2 by moving the position of the player character ch1 in such a virtual space or changing the line of sight while viewing the display image 33. The line-of-sight direction of the player character ch1 is linked to the field of view, and when the line-of-sight direction of the player character ch1 changes, the area of the virtual space displayed in the display image 33 changes.

  4 to 6, the player character ch1 and the hidden character ch2 are both objects representing a person. However, the player character ch1 and the hidden character ch2 may be objects other than the person.

  Further, the virtual space may be a two-dimensional space or a three-dimensional space. In a configuration in which the virtual space is a two-dimensional space, the player character ch1 and the hidden character ch2 are two-dimensional objects.

  FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the video game apparatus 1 in functional units. As shown in FIG. 1, the video game apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 may be considered to have a configuration including a control unit 10, a storage unit 30, an input unit 50, a display unit 70, and an audio output unit 90 (audio output device). it can. Here, the control unit 10 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to a processor such as the CPU 11 and the GPU 12 shown in FIG. 2, and the storage unit 30 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to a storage element such as the RAM 13 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an input device such as the operation switch 14 shown in FIG. 2, and the display unit 70 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to a display element such as the LCD 15 and the LCD driver 16 shown in FIG. 1. The sound output unit 90 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to a sound output device such as the speaker 17 shown in FIG.

  The control unit 10 controls each unit of the video game device 1 in an integrated manner. Further, a placement object determination process (described later) for determining an object to be placed in the virtual space is executed. The details of the control unit 10 will be described later.

  The storage unit 30 stores player character data 310, virtual space data 320, hidden character data 330, voice message data 340, text message data 350, and conversation data 360.

  The player character data 310 includes (i) data indicating position information of the player character ch1, (ii) data indicating line-of-sight direction information of the player character ch1, and (iii) a view range v of the player character ch1 (see FIG. 3). Data indicating the view range information which is information regarding The player character data 310 may further include data indicating other information related to the player character ch1 (for example, information indicating the shape of the player character ch1).

  The virtual space data 320 is data indicating information on the terrain and state (for example, covered with haze) of the virtual space.

  The hidden character data 330 includes (i) data indicating position information of the hidden character ch2, and (ii) data indicating conversation acceptability information, which is information on whether the hidden character ch2 accepts a conversation with the player character ch1. Including. The hidden character data 330 may further include data indicating other information related to the hidden character ch2 (for example, information indicating the shape of the hidden character ch1).

  The voice message data 340 includes data of a voice message (voice message) issued by the hidden character ch2. The voice message data 340 may further include voice message data issued by another character appearing in the game.

  The text message data 350 is data of a text message (text message) issued by the hidden character ch2. Text message data 350 may further include data of text messages issued by other characters appearing in the game.

  The text message data 350 also includes position information of the text message object me (described later, see FIG. 4) and information indicating the size, color, and font of characters constituting the text message object me. Note that the size of the characters constituting the text message object me may be different for each type of the text message me. In this configuration, the type of the text message me may be set according to the importance of the corresponding text message.

  The conversation data 360 is data relating to a conversation between the player character ch1 and the hidden character ch2. Specifically, the conversation data 360 includes data of the conversation frame fm (see FIG. 5) and data of the conversation text displayed in the conversation frame fm. The conversation text is a text representing a conversation between the player character ch1 and the hidden character ch2.

  The input unit 50 receives an input operation by the user and recognizes the content of the input operation. Then, information (input operation information) indicating the content of the recognized input operation is transmitted to the control unit 10.

  The display unit 70 includes display elements such as the LCD 15 and the LCD driver 16 as described above. The display unit 70 is specifically a liquid crystal display device. The display unit 70 has at least one display screen.

(Details of the control unit 10)
The detailed configuration of the control unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 10 includes a player character control unit 101 (player character control unit), a determination unit 102 (determination unit), a hidden character control unit 103 (specific object visualization unit), and a voice message control unit 104 ( Output means), a text message control unit 105, a virtual space generation unit 106 (output means), and a display image generation unit 107. The operation of each block provided in the control unit 10 will be described below.

(1. Player character control unit 101)
The player character control unit 101 acquires the player character data 310 from the storage unit 30. Further, the player character control unit 101 controls the action of the player character ch1 (for example, walking, running, changing the line of sight, attacking, escaping, defending) based on the input operation information input from the input unit 50. Control.

  Further, the player character control unit 101 updates the player character data 310 stored in the storage unit 30 every predetermined time, and outputs the updated player character data 310 to the virtual space generation unit 106.

  For example, when the player character ch1 is moved from the position X to the position Y in the virtual space, the player character control unit 101 converts the position information of the player character ch1 included in the player character data 310 into information indicating the position Y. Update.

  In addition, when the gaze direction of the player character ch1 is changed in the virtual space, the player character control unit 101 updates the gaze direction information of the player character ch1 included in the player character data 310.

(2. Judgment unit 102)
The determination unit 102 acquires the player character data 310 and the hidden character data 330 from the storage unit 30. Then, using the position information and the view range information of the player character ch1 and the position information of the hidden character ch2, it is determined whether or not the position of the hidden character ch2 is included in the view range v of the player character ch1 (view). Range judgment).

  Here, the view range v includes a range in which the angle between the line of sight of the player character ch1 and the direction from the player character ch1 toward the hidden character ch2 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined angle. However, the visibility range v may be any range including the viewing direction or the moving direction of the player character ch1.

  Further, in the above-mentioned view range determination, when determining that the position of the hidden character ch2 is included in the view range v of the player character ch1, the determination unit 102 determines the position between the position of the player character ch1 and the position of the hidden character ch2. It is determined whether the distance r is equal to or less than a first predetermined value a1 (first distance determination).

  When the determination unit 102 determines that the distance r is equal to or less than the first predetermined value a1 in the first distance determination, whether the distance r is equal to or less than the second predetermined value a2 (<a1). Is further determined (second distance determination).

  Further, in the second distance determination, when the distance r is equal to or less than the second predetermined value a2, the determination unit 102 further determines whether or not the distance r is equal to or less than a third predetermined value a3 (<a2). Determination (third distance determination).

  The determination unit 102 outputs the determination results in the visibility range determination, the first distance determination, the second distance determination, and the third distance determination to the hidden character control unit 103.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the above-described view range v, the first predetermined value a1, the second predetermined value a2, and the third predetermined value a3.

  In FIG. 3, the hidden character ch2 is included in the visibility range v of the player character ch1.

  In FIG. 3, the distance r between the player character ch1 and the hidden character ch2 is equal to or less than a first predetermined value a1. However, the distance r is larger than the second predetermined value a2 (and the third predetermined value a3). That is, in FIG. 3, the distance r is equal to or less than the first predetermined value a1 and larger than the second predetermined value a2.

(3. Hidden character control unit 103)
The hidden character control unit 103 controls the operation of the hidden character ch2 (for example, walking, running, stopping, and issuing a message) according to a predetermined thinking routine. That is, the operation of the hidden character ch2 is so-called “AI controlled” by the hidden character control unit 103. For example, the hidden character control unit 103 may move the hidden character ch2 in a direction away from the player character ch1. In this configuration, the user must not only search for the hidden character ch2 by operating the player character ch1, but also chase the hidden character ch2 that escapes. This makes it more difficult to achieve the purpose of the game, so that the user can enjoy the game for a longer time.

  Further, when the player character ch1 is running away from the hidden character ch2 (that is, running in a direction away from the hidden character ch2), the hidden character control unit 103 moves the hidden character ch2 so as to chase the player character ch1. You may.

  Further, the hidden character control unit 103 may control the size of the hidden character ch2 in the virtual space. For example, the hidden character control unit 103 may enlarge the hidden character ch2 as the distance between the hidden character ch2 and the player character ch1 in the virtual space becomes shorter.

  The hidden character control unit 103 updates the hidden character data 330 stored in the storage unit 30 every predetermined time. For example, when the hidden character ch2 is moved from the position X to the position Y in the virtual space, the hidden character control unit 103 converts the position information of the hidden character ch2 included in the hidden character data 330 into information indicating the position Y. Update.

  The hidden character control unit 103 operates as follows using each determination result input from the determination unit 102.

(3-1. Operation based on determination result of visibility range determination)
When the determination result that the position of the hidden character ch2 in the virtual space is not included in the visibility range v of the player character ch1 is input as the determination result of the above-described visibility range determination, the hidden character data It instructs the hidden character control unit 103 and the text message control unit 105 to stop (or not to output) the 330 and the text message data 350.

(3-2. Operation based on determination result of first distance determination)
When the determination result that the distance r is equal to or smaller than the first predetermined value a1 is input from the determination unit 102 as the determination result of the first distance determination described above, the hidden character control unit 103 sends the text message control unit 105 On the other hand, it instructs to output the text message data 350 to the virtual space generation unit 106 and notifies the position information of the hidden character ch2. In addition, the hidden character control unit 103 may instruct the voice message control unit 104 to output the voice message data 340 to the virtual space generation unit 106, and may notify the position information of the hidden character ch2. .

  On the other hand, if the determination result that the distance r is not less than or equal to the first predetermined value a1 is input from the determination unit 102 as the determination result of the first distance determination described above, the hidden character control unit 103 105 is instructed to stop outputting (or not output) the text message data 350. Alternatively, in the above case, the hidden character control unit 103 may instruct the text message control unit 105 to reduce the frequency of outputting the text message data 350.

  The text message data 350 output from the hidden character control unit 103 to the text message control unit 105 may be different depending on the game situation. For example, when the player character ch1 is approaching the hidden character ch2 and enters a region indicated by a circle with a radius a1 in FIG. 3, the hidden character control unit 103 outputs a text message corresponding to the message “Stop”. The data 350 is output to the text message control unit 105. On the other hand, when the player character ch1 escapes from the hidden character ch2 and comes out of the area indicated by the circle with the radius a1 in FIG. 3, the text message data 350 corresponding to the message "Wait!" Output.

(3-3. Operation based on determination result of second distance determination)
When the determination result that the distance r is equal to or smaller than the second predetermined value a2 is input from the determination unit 102 as the determination result of the second distance determination described above, the hidden character control unit 103 converts the hidden character data 330 into a virtual form. Output to the space generation unit 106.

  As described later, when the hidden character data 330 is input from the hidden character control unit 103, the virtual space generation unit 106 generates data of the virtual space where the hidden character ch2 is arranged.

  The display image generation unit 107 generates a display image 33 indicating a field of view viewed from a predetermined viewpoint set in the virtual space, using the data of the virtual space input from the virtual space generation unit 106, and generates the generated display. The image 33 is displayed on the display unit 70.

  FIG. 4 is an example of the display image 33 in which the hidden character ch2 is displayed. The display image 33 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed when the distance r is equal to or less than the second predetermined value a2.

  Note that, as described above, only the objects included in the field of view viewed from the predetermined viewpoint set in the virtual space are displayed on the display image 33. Therefore, even when the hidden character control unit 103 outputs the hidden character data 330 to the virtual space generation unit 106, if the hidden character ch2 is not included in the field of view, the display image 33 includes the hidden character ch2. Do not show. In this case, the hidden character ch2 exists outside the field of view.

  Other objects (for example, a text message object me to be described later) are displayed in the display image 33 as well as the hidden character ch2 even if they are arranged in the virtual space but are not included in the field of view. Do not show.

(3-4. Operation based on determination result of third distance determination)
The hidden character control unit 103 includes the hidden character data 330 when the determination result that the distance r is equal to or smaller than the third predetermined value a3 is input from the determination unit 102 as the above-described third distance determination determination result. Is set to information indicating a state in which a conversation with the player character ch1 is accepted (conversation accepting state).

  When the user performs an operation to make the player character ch1 speak to the hidden character ch2 in the conversation accepting state, the hidden character control unit 103 acquires the conversation data 360 from the storage unit 30, and acquires the acquired conversation data 360. 360 is output to the display image generation unit 107.

  As will be described later, when the conversation data 360 is input from the hidden character control unit 103, the display image generation unit 107 generates image data of the conversation frame fm using the conversation data 360, and displays the generated image data. It is displayed at a predetermined position in the image 33.

  FIG. 5 is an example of the display image 33 on which the hidden character ch2 and the conversation frame fm are displayed. In the conversation frame fm, a conversation between the player character ch1 and the hidden character ch2 is displayed as text. The display image 33 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed when the distance r is equal to or less than the third predetermined value a3.

(4. Voice message control unit 104)
When instructed by the hidden character control unit 103 to output the voice message data 340 to the virtual space generation unit 106, the voice message control unit 104 acquires the voice message data 340 corresponding to the message from the storage unit 30. I do. Then, the acquired voice message data 340 is output to the voice output unit 90.

  When the audio output unit 90 includes a plurality of speakers located on the left and right sides of the user, the audio message control unit 104 controls the plurality of speakers based on the relative positional relationship between the player character ch1 and the hidden character ch2. The volume balance (output balance; the ratio of the output of each speaker when all the outputs from a plurality of speakers are constant) may be adjusted.

  For example, when the hidden character ch2 is located on the left side of the position of the player character ch1 from the viewpoint of the user, the voice message control unit 104 determines the size of the output of the voice output unit 90 (output from a plurality of speakers). Without changing the volume of the voice message to be output), the volume of the voice message output from the speaker located on the left side of the user is made higher than the volume of the voice message output from the speaker located on the right side of the user. Thereby, the user recognizes that the hidden character ch2 is on the left side of the player character ch1. That is, it is possible to provide a virtual space having a more realistic sense of hearing.

(5. Text message control unit 105)
When instructed by the hidden character control unit 103 to output the text message data 350 to the virtual space generation unit 106, the text message control unit 105 acquires the text message data 350 of the text message from the storage unit 30. .

  In addition, the text message control unit 105 generates a text message object me (see FIG. 5), which is an object corresponding to the text message generated by the hidden character ch2, in the vicinity of the position of the hidden character ch2 in the virtual space. Call). Specifically, text message control section 105 determines the position of text message me as a position related to the position of hidden character ch2.

  For example, the text message control unit 105 may determine the position of the text message me to be a position separated by a predetermined distance from the position of the hidden character ch2 in a predetermined direction.

  Alternatively, the text message control unit 105 may determine the position of the text message me such that the left and right centers of the text message me match the position of the hidden character ch2. Alternatively, the text message control unit 105 may match the left or right end of the text message me (the position of the first or last character of the character string forming the text message me) with the position of the hidden character ch2.

  Alternatively, the text message control unit 105 may determine the position of the text message me according to the type of the text message me. For example, the text message control unit 105 determines the position of the text message me "Wait!" To be output when the player character ch1 is running away from the hidden character ch2 behind (or below the screen) the player character ch1. On the other hand, the position of the text message me "stop" output when the player character ch1 is approaching the hidden character ch2 is determined in front of the player character ch1.

  The text message control unit 105 adds the position information of the text message me to the text message data 350 stored in the storage unit 30. Then, the text message data 350 to which the position information of the text message me is added is output to the virtual space generation unit 106.

  As will be described later, when the text message data 350 and the position information of the text message me are input from the text message control unit 105, the virtual space generation unit 106 transmits the data of the virtual space in which the text message me is arranged. Generate.

  The display image generation unit 107 generates the display image 33 using the virtual space data generated by the virtual space generation unit 106. In the display image 33 shown in FIG. 4, the text message me is displayed on the left side of the hidden character ch2.

  FIG. 6 is another example of the display image 33 on which the text message me is displayed. The display image 33 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed when the distance r is equal to or less than the first predetermined value a1.

  The text message control unit 105 may enlarge the text message me as the distance between the position of the player character ch1 and the position of the text message me becomes shorter.

  With the above configuration, when the text message me is enlarged, the user recognizes that the player character ch1 is approaching the hidden character ch2. In other words, the depth effect can provide a more realistic virtual space in terms of visual sense.

  The text message control unit 105 may move the text message me in the virtual space. Further, the text message control unit 105 may output text message data 350 relating to a plurality of text messages me to the virtual space generation unit 106.

  In the above configuration, for example, a configuration is realized in which a plurality of text messages me are displayed in all directions around the hidden character ch2, and these text messages me move in a direction away from the hidden character ch2.

(6. Virtual space generation unit 106)
The virtual space generation unit 106 acquires the virtual space data 320 from the storage unit 30. Also, (i) player character data 310 input from the player character control unit 101, (ii) hidden character data 330 input from the hidden character control unit 103, and (iii) text message input from the text message control unit 105 Using the data 350 and (iv) data of other objects (for example, the above-described dense fog object xc), data of the virtual space in which the player character ch1, the hidden character ch2, the text message me, and other objects are arranged. Generate.

  Specifically, the virtual space generation unit 106 first sets the terrain and state of the virtual space using the virtual space data 320. Next, the virtual space generation unit 106 extracts, from the storage unit 30, information indicating the position, the direction of the line of sight, the shape, and the state of the player character ch <b> 1 from the player character data 310. Then, the virtual space generation unit 106 arranges the player character ch1 having the direction of the line of sight, the shape, and the state at the position in the virtual space. Similarly, the virtual space generation unit 106 arranges the hidden character ch2 in the virtual space.

  Further, the virtual space generation unit 106 extracts, from the text message data 350, the position information of the text message me and the information indicating the size, color, and font of the characters constituting the text message me. Then, the virtual space generation unit 106 arranges the text message me having the size, color, and font of the character at the position.

  The virtual space generation unit 106 outputs the data of the virtual space in which the various objects are arranged as described above to the display image generation unit 107.

(7. Display image generation unit 107)
The display image generation unit 107 generates the display image 33 using the virtual space data input from the virtual space generation unit 106. Specifically, the display image generation unit 107 generates the display image 33 representing the field of view seen from a predetermined viewpoint set in the virtual space. The display image generation unit 107 outputs the generated display image 33 to the display unit 70.

  Here, the predetermined viewpoint may be the viewpoint of the player character ch1 or a viewpoint located at a predetermined distance from the player character ch1 in a predetermined direction. Alternatively, the predetermined viewpoint may be a viewpoint that looks down on the ground from above the virtual space.

  In the above configuration, the display image generation unit 107 acquires the player character data 310 from the storage unit 30, and obtains the position information of the player character ch1 and the line-of-sight direction information of the player character ch1 from the acquired player character data 310. Extract. Then, a predetermined viewpoint is determined using the extracted information.

(Flow of placement object determination processing)
With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a flow of a placement object determination process executed by the control unit 10 will be described. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are flowcharts showing the flow of the arrangement object determination processing. In the arrangement object determination processing, the control unit 10 determines an object to be arranged in the virtual space.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the arrangement object determination processing, first, the determination unit 102 acquires the respective position information of the player character ch1 and the hidden character ch2 from the storage unit 30 (S1).

  Next, the determination unit 102 determines whether or not the position of the hidden character ch2 in the virtual space is included in the visibility range v (see FIG. 3) of the player character ch1 (S2).

  When the determination unit 102 determines that the position of the hidden character ch2 in the virtual space is not included in the visibility range v of the player character ch1 (No in S2), the hidden character control unit 103 outputs the text message data 350. Is instructed to stop (or not output). The text message control unit 105 stops (or does not output) the text message data 350 to the virtual space generation unit 106 according to the instruction of the hidden character control unit 103.

  Since the text message data 350 is not input from the text message control unit 105, the virtual space generation unit 106 does not arrange the text message me in the virtual space, or removes the arranged text message me (S3). Thus, the arrangement object determination processing ends.

  In S2, when the determination unit 102 determines that the position of the hidden character ch2 in the virtual space is included in the visibility range v of the player character ch1 (Yes in S2), the determination unit 102 further determines the player character ch1 and the hidden character. It is determined whether the distance r from the channel ch2 is equal to or less than a first predetermined value a1 (S4, determination step).

  When the determining unit 102 determines that the distance r is not less than or equal to the first predetermined value a1 (No in S4), the hidden character control unit 103 stops outputting the text message data 350 to the virtual space generating unit 106. (Or not output) to the text message control unit 105. As a result, as described above, the text message me is not arranged in the virtual space (S3). Thus, the arrangement object determination processing ends.

  In S4, when determining section 102 determines that distance r is equal to or smaller than first predetermined value a1 (YES in S4), hidden character control section 103 causes text message control section 103 to output text message data 350. Instruct 105. The text message control unit 105 outputs the text message data 350 including the position information of the text message me to the virtual space generation unit 106 according to the instruction of the hidden character control unit 103 (output step).

  The virtual space generation unit 106 arranges the text message me in the virtual space using the text message data 350 input from the text message control unit 105 (S5).

  As shown in FIG. 8, after S5, the determination unit 102 determines whether or not the distance r between the player character ch1 and the hidden character ch2 in the virtual space is equal to or less than a second predetermined value a2 (S6). .

  When the determination unit 102 determines that the distance r is not smaller than or equal to the second predetermined value a2 (No in S6), the hidden character control unit 103 stops outputting the hidden character data 330 (or does not output it). Decide that.

  Since the hidden character data 330 is not input from the hidden character control unit 103, the virtual space generation unit 106 does not arrange the hidden character ch2 in the virtual space or removes the arranged hidden character ch2 (S7). Thus, the arrangement object determination processing ends.

  In S6, when the determination unit 102 determines that the distance r is equal to or less than the second predetermined value a2 (Yes in S6), the hidden character control unit 103 outputs the hidden character data 330 to the virtual space generation unit 106. .

  The virtual space generation unit 106 arranges the hidden character ch2 in the virtual space using the hidden character data 330 input from the hidden character control unit 103 (S8).

  Subsequently, the determination unit 102 determines whether or not the distance r between the player character ch1 and the hidden character ch2 is equal to or less than a third predetermined value a3 (S9).

  When the determination unit 102 determines that the distance r is not less than or equal to the third predetermined value a3 (No in S9), the arrangement object determination processing ends.

  On the other hand, when the determination unit 102 determines that the distance r is equal to or smaller than the third predetermined value a3 (Yes in S9), the hidden character control unit 103 outputs the conversation data 360 to the display image generation unit 107.

  The display image generation unit 107 generates image data of the conversation frame fm using the conversation data 360 input from the hidden character control unit 103, and outputs the generated image data to the display unit 70 (S10).

  In addition, the display image generation unit 107 displays a conversation text in the conversation frame fm. Thus, the arrangement object determination processing ends.

[Example of software implementation]
The control blocks of the video game apparatus 1 (particularly, each block of the control unit 20 shown in FIG. 1) may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed on an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or may be realized by a CPU ( Central processing unit) may be realized by software.

  In the latter case, the video game apparatus 1 has a CPU that executes instructions of a program that is software for realizing each function, a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which the program and various data are recorded so as to be readable by a computer (or CPU). Alternatively, a storage device (these are referred to as “recording media”), a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program, and the like are provided. Then, the object of the present invention is achieved when the computer (or CPU) reads the program from the recording medium and executes the program. As the recording medium, a “temporary tangible medium” such as a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, or a programmable logic circuit can be used. Further, the program may be supplied to the computer via an arbitrary transmission medium (a communication network, a broadcast wave, or the like) capable of transmitting the program. Note that the present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes can be made within the scope shown in the claims, and the changed embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention can be utilized for a video game device.

1 Video Game Device 101 Player Character Control Unit (Player Character Control Means)
102 Judgment unit (judgment means)
103 Hidden character control unit (specific object visualization means)
104 Voice message control unit (output means)
106 virtual space generation unit (output means)
ch1 player character ch2 hidden character (specific object)

Claims (7)

Virtual player character in the space is a video game device providing a video game to search for specific object, display the view as viewed in the virtual space a predetermined viewpoint which is set in interlocking with the line-of-sight direction of the player character Video game device,
An input operation for changing the line-of-sight direction and an input operation for moving the player character in the virtual space, and a player character control means for controlling the player character in accordance with the input operation;
(I) the angle between the line-of-sight direction and the direction from the player character toward the specific object is within a predetermined angle, and (ii) the distance between the player character and the specific object is a first predetermined value. Determining means for determining whether the values are within
The determining means determines that (i) an angle between the line-of-sight direction and a direction from the player character toward the specific object is within a predetermined angle, and (ii) a distance between the player character and the specific object is An output unit that outputs a message related to the position of the specific object when it is determined that the value is within the first predetermined value;
When a distance between the player character and the specific object is within a second predetermined value smaller than the first predetermined value, the specific object is visualized in the virtual space, and the player character and the specific object are visualized. A specific object visualization unit that does not visualize the specific object in the virtual space when the distance is larger than the second predetermined value;
With
The above message is a message object,
The video game device, wherein the output means arranges the message object at a position corresponding to a position of the specific object in the virtual space. The message object above is text,
2. The video game device according to claim 1, wherein the output unit arranges the text at a position corresponding to a position of the specific object in the virtual space. 3. The video game apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the output unit enlarges the text as the distance between the text and the player character decreases. Virtual player character in the space is a video game device providing a video game to search for specific object, display the view as viewed in the virtual space a predetermined viewpoint which is set in interlocking with the line-of-sight direction of the player character Video game device,
An input operation for changing the line-of-sight direction and an input operation for moving the player character in the virtual space, and a player character control means for controlling the player character in accordance with the input operation;
(I) the angle between the line-of-sight direction and the direction from the player character toward the specific object is within a predetermined angle, and (ii) the distance between the player character and the specific object is a first predetermined value. Determining means for determining whether the values are within
The determining means determines that (i) an angle between the line-of-sight direction and a direction from the player character toward the specific object is within a predetermined angle, and (ii) a distance between the player character and the specific object is Output means for outputting a message related to the position of the specific object when it is determined that the value is within the first predetermined value;
When a distance between the player character and the specific object is within a second predetermined value smaller than the first predetermined value, the specific object is visualized in the virtual space, and the player character and the specific object are visualized. A specific object visualization unit that does not visualize the specific object in the virtual space when the distance is larger than the second predetermined value;
With
The above message is audio,
When outputting the sound to a plurality of sound output devices located on the left and right sides of the user , the output means outputs an output balance of the plurality of sound output devices according to a left-right positional relationship between the specific object and the player character. A video game device characterized by adjusting the following.   A video game control program for causing a computer to function as the video game device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the video game control program causes a computer to function as each of the above means.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the game control program according to claim 5 is recorded. Player character in the virtual space is a control method of a video game device providing a video game to search for specific objects, viewed in the virtual space a predetermined viewpoint which is set in interlocking with the line-of-sight direction of the player character A method for controlling a video game device that displays a field of view,
(I) the angle between the line-of-sight direction and the direction from the player character toward the specific object is within a predetermined angle, and (ii) the distance between the player character and the specific object is a first predetermined value. A determining step of determining whether or not
(I) the angle between the line-of-sight direction and the direction from the player character toward the specific object is within a predetermined angle, and (ii) the distance between the player character and the specific object is a first predetermined value. If not, an output step of outputting a message related to the position of the specific object;
When a distance between the player character and the specific object is within a second predetermined value smaller than the first predetermined value, the specific object is visualized in the virtual space, and the player character and the specific object are visualized. If the distance is larger than the second predetermined value, a specific object visualizing step of not visualizing the specific object in the virtual space;
Including
The above message is a message object,
In the output step, a method of controlling a video game device, comprising arranging the message object at a position corresponding to a position of the specific object in the virtual space.

Images