JP6993316B2 - Video game equipment and video game processing programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a video game device that controls the progress of a video game according to a player's operation, and a video game processing program.

Conventionally, video games having various specifications have been proposed, and generally, the progress of the video game is controlled according to the operation of the controller by the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1-2).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-167326 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-22549

However, in a conventional video game, since the player needs to memorize the functions of each of the plurality of buttons arranged on the controller, it is difficult for a beginner to operate accurately, and the video game can be played smoothly. There was the problem that it was difficult to do.

An object of the present invention is to enable easy and smooth operation of a player in a video game.

From a non-limiting point of view, the video game device according to the embodiment of the present invention is a video game device that controls the progress of the video game according to the operation of the player, and is a plurality of video game devices arranged in the operation input unit. Refers to a storage means for storing information (hereinafter referred to as "operation function correspondence information") in which the operation unit of the above and the two functions set in each operation unit are associated with each other, and corresponds to each of the plurality of operation units. A specific means for specifying two operation unit images, which are a group of operation unit images for which an identification display capable of identifying a function set in each corresponding operation unit is made, and a specified two groups. A display means for displaying only one effective group of operation unit images among the operation unit images of the above in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement position of each operation unit in the operation input unit, and an operation function effective according to the operation of the player. It is characterized by including a switching means for switching correspondence information.

From a non-limiting point of view, the video game processing program according to the embodiment of the present invention is a video game processing program for realizing a function of controlling the progress of a video game according to a player's operation on a computer. , The computer stores information (hereinafter referred to as "operation function correspondence information") in which a plurality of operation units arranged in the operation input unit and two functions set in each operation unit are associated with each other. A group of operation unit images in which a plurality of operation unit images corresponding to each of the plurality of operation units are displayed with an identification display capable of identifying the function set in each corresponding operation unit with reference to the storage means. A display that displays only two specific functions to be specified and only one effective group of operation unit images out of the two specified groups of operation unit images in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement position of each operation unit in the operation input unit. The purpose is to realize a function and a switching function for switching effective operation function correspondence information according to a player's operation.

According to the present invention, it becomes possible to easily and smoothly operate a player in a video game.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the video game apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the storage state of the operation function correspondence information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the storage state of the operation function setting information. It is a flowchart which shows the example of operation-related processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the game screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the game screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the game screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the game screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the game screen.

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the video game device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the video game device 100 of this example includes a video game device main body 10, a display device 50, and a sound output device 60. The video game device main body 10 is composed of, for example, a commercially available video game machine. Further, the display device 50 is composed of, for example, a television device, a liquid crystal display device, or the like, and has an image display unit 51.

The video game apparatus main body 10 includes a control unit 11, a RAM 12, a hard disk drive (HDD) 13, a sound processing unit 14, a graphic processing unit 15, a DVD / CD-ROM drive 16, a communication interface 17, and an interface. A unit 18, a frame memory 19, a memory card slot 20, and an input interface unit 21 are included.

The control unit 11, RAM 12, hard disk drive (HDD) 13, sound processing unit 14, graphic processing unit 15, DVD / CD-ROM drive 16, communication interface 17, and interface unit 18 are each connected to the internal bus 22. ..

The control unit 11 controls the entire video game device 100 according to a control program (video game processing program) stored in the HDD 13 or the storage medium 70, including the CPU and ROM. The control unit 11 includes an internal timer used for generating a timer interrupt or the like. The RAM 12 is used as a work area of the control unit 11. The HDD 13 is a storage area for storing a control program and various data.

The sound processing unit 14 is connected to a sound output device 60 composed of, for example, a speaker. The sound processing unit 14 outputs a sound signal to the sound output device 60 according to a sound output instruction from the control unit 11 that executes processing according to the control program. The sound output device 60 may be built in the display device 50 or the video game device main body 10.

The graphic processing unit 15 is connected to a display device 50 having an image display unit 51 on which a screen is displayed. The graphic processing unit 15 expands the image in the frame memory 19 according to the drawing command from the control unit 11, and outputs a video signal for displaying the image to the image display unit 51 to the display device 50. The switching time of the image displayed by the video signal is, for example, 1/30 second per frame.

The DVD / CD-ROM drive 16 is equipped with a storage medium 70 in which a control program for a game such as a DVD-ROM or a CD-ROM is stored. The DVD / CD-ROM drive 16 performs a process of reading various data such as a control program from the mounted storage medium 70.

The communication interface 17 is connected to a communication network 80 such as the Internet wirelessly or by wire. The video game device main body 10 communicates with, for example, another computer via the communication network 80 by using the communication function in the communication interface 17.

The input interface unit 21 and the memory card slot 20 are connected to the interface unit 18. The interface unit 18 stores instruction data from the input interface unit 21 based on the operation of the keypad 30 by the player in the RAM 12. Then, the control unit 11 executes various arithmetic processes according to the instruction data stored in the RAM 12.

The video game device main body 10 is connected to the keypad 30 as an operation input unit (controller) via the input interface unit 21.

A cross key 31, a button group 32, a left joystick 38, and a right joystick 39 are arranged on the upper part of the keypad 30, and the cross key 31 has an upper key 31a, a lower key 31b, and a right side. The key 31c and the left key 31d are included, and the button group 32 includes a ○ button 32a, an × button 32b, a Δ button 32c, and a □ button 32d. Further, a select button 35 is arranged at a connecting portion between the base on which the cross key 31 is arranged and the base on which the button group 32 is arranged. A plurality of buttons such as the R1 button 36 and the L1 button 33 are also arranged on the side of the keypad 30.

The keypad 30 includes switches linked to each of the cross key 31, the ○ button 32a, the × button 32b, the △ button 32c, the □ button 32d, the select button 35, the R1 button 36, the L1 button 33, and the like, and for each button. When a push pressure is applied (when each button is operated), the corresponding switch is turned on. A detection signal corresponding to the on / off of this switch is generated in the keypad 30, and a detection signal corresponding to each tilt direction of the left joystick 38 and the right joystick 39 is generated in the keypad 30.

The two detection signals generated by the keypad 30 are supplied to the input interface unit 21, and the detection signal from the keypad 30 is passed through the input interface unit 21 to indicate which button on the keypad 30 is turned on. It becomes the detection information which shows and the detection information which shows the state of each of the left joystick 38 and the right joystick 39. In this way, the operation command given by the player to the keypad 30 is given to the video game apparatus main body 10.

Further, the interface unit 18 performs a process of storing data indicating the progress of the game stored in the RAM 12 in the memory card 90 installed in the memory card slot 20 according to an instruction from the control unit 11, or the memory card 90. The process of reading the game data at the time of interruption stored in the RAM 12 and transferring the data to the RAM 12 is performed.

Various data such as a control program for playing a game on the video game apparatus 100 are stored in, for example, a storage medium 70. Various data such as control programs stored in the storage medium 70 are read out by the DVD / CD-ROM drive 16 in which the storage medium 70 is mounted and loaded into the RAM 12. The control unit 11 performs various processes such as a process of outputting a drawing command to the graphic processing unit 15 and a process of outputting a sound output instruction to the sound processing unit 14 according to the control program loaded in the RAM 12. Execute. While the control unit 11 is executing the process, the data generated in the RAM 12 used as the work memory is intermediately generated depending on the progress of the game (for example, the score of the game, the data indicating the state of the player character, etc.). Is saved.

In this example, the data stored in the storage medium 70 and loaded in the RAM 12 includes operation function correspondence information and operation function setting information. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of operation function correspondence information. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of operation function setting information.

As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the operation function correspondence information is associated with the button name for each button of the cross key 31 and the button group 32 arranged on the keypad 30, and the operation function of each button. Information. In this example, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation function of each button has two types of functions according to the setting, and there are a function exhibited at the left setting and a function exhibited at the right setting. In this example, it is assumed that a plurality of types of operation function correspondence information are prepared, and the information is switched and used according to the scene in the video game. Further, in this example, an image (an operation unit image described later) is defined according to each operation function, and in the operation function correspondence information, image information indicating the operation unit image is stored corresponding to each operation function. It is assumed that there is.

As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the operation function setting information includes a name of the operation function correspondence information, a usage flag indicating whether or not the corresponding operation function correspondence information is valid, and which operation function is set. Includes a setting flag to indicate. The operation function correspondence information in which the use flag is on (“1” in this example) is the operation function correspondence information that is valid (used) in the video game. It also indicates that the operation function indicated by the setting flag in the operation function correspondence information in which the use flag is on is currently valid. Specifically, if the setting flag is "0", the operation function at the time of left setting is effective, and if the setting flag is "1", it indicates that the operation function at the time of right setting is effective.

Next, the operation of the video game device 100 of this example will be described. The contents of operations and processes not related to the present invention are omitted.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of operation-related processing executed by the video game device 100. In the operation-related processing, various processing corresponding to the operation of the keypad 30 by the player X is executed.

The operation-related process is started, for example, when a video game is started or when a stage or a scene in the video game is changed. Here, it is assumed that it was started in response to the change to the battle scene.

In the operation-related processing, first, the video game device 100 specifies the operation function correspondence information to be used according to the progress status and the scene of the current video game, and a group of operation unit images indicated by the specified operation function correspondence information ( The operation unit image group) is displayed on the image display unit 51 of the display device 50 (step S101). The operation function correspondence information used in each progress status and scene shall be predetermined. In step S101, the video game apparatus 100 refers to the operation function setting information, turns on the use flag of the specified operation function correspondence information, and displays the operation unit image group with reference to the operation function correspondence information to be used. Here, the video game device 100 specifies an operation unit image group for which the operation function is enabled by a setting flag (initial setting is assumed to be 0) of the operation function setting information, and the specified operation unit image group is valid. It is displayed in an identifiable manner as an image group of various operation units.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a game screen on which an image group of operation units is displayed. On the game screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, in this example, which of the enemy character NPC, the first operation unit image group GG1 and the second operation unit image group GG2 is effective. The effective group identification frame 200 for identifying whether the image is the same is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the first operation unit image group GG1 and the second operation unit image group GG2 are displayed in the operation unit image display area provided in the lower area of the game screen, and the effective group identification frame is displayed. The first operation unit image group GG1 surrounded by 200 is in an effective state.

The "operation unit image" is a plurality of operation units (in this example, an upper key 31a, a lower key 31b, a right key 31c, a left key 31d, a ○ button 32a, an × button 32b, Δ) arranged on the keypad 30. Button 32c and □ button 32d) It means an image corresponding to each and having an identification display capable of identifying an operation function associated with each corresponding operation unit. In each operation unit image, a figure that allows the player to identify the corresponding operation function is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the operation function can be directly or indirectly identified by a figure, but the operation function can be directly or indirectly identified by a character or a symbol, not limited to the figure. May be good.

Further, the "group of operation unit images (operation unit image group)" includes each operation unit (in this example, the upper key 31a, the lower key 31b, the right key 31c, and the left key 31d) corresponding to each operation unit image. It means an image displayed in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement position of the ○ button 32a, the × button 32b, the Δ button 32c, and the □ button 32d).

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the first operation unit image group GG1 and the second operation unit image group GG2 are displayed. The first operation unit image group GG1 corresponds to the operation unit image G1 corresponding to the upper key 31a, the operation unit image G3 corresponding to the lower key 31b, the operation unit image G4 corresponding to the right key 31c, and the left key 31d. Operation unit image G2, operation unit image G8 corresponding to ○ button 32a, operation unit image G7 corresponding to × button 32b, operation unit image G5 corresponding to Δ button 32c, and operation unit image G6 corresponding to □ button 32d. It is composed of. Further, the second operation unit image group GG2 includes an operation unit image G9 corresponding to the upper key 31a, an operation unit image G11 corresponding to the lower key 31b, an operation unit image G12 corresponding to the right key 31c, and a left key 31d. The operation unit image G10 corresponding to the ○ button 32a, the operation unit image G16 corresponding to the ○ button 32a, the operation unit image G15 corresponding to the × button 32b, the operation unit image G13 corresponding to the Δ button 32c, and the operation unit corresponding to the □ button 32d. It is composed of the image G14.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 5, in the video game apparatus 100, in step S101, which of the two types of operation unit image groups, the first operation unit image group GG1 and the second operation unit image group GG2, is used. Operation unit Performs processing to display whether the image group is valid or not in an identifiable manner.

Next, the video game device 100 confirms whether or not it is the timing to switch the operation function correspondence information (step S102), and if it is the switching timing, the process of switching the operation function correspondence information to be used (corresponding operation function correspondence information). A process of switching the use flag) is executed (step S103), and a process of switching to the display of a group of operation unit images (operation unit image group) indicated by the switched operation function correspondence information is performed (step S104). It should be noted that the timing for switching the operation function correspondence information and the operation function correspondence information newly used by the switching shall be predetermined.

Next, the video game device 100 confirms whether or not the operation function setting switching operation by the player X has been accepted (step S105). In this example, the setting switching operation of the operation function is performed by the operation of the L1 button 33 and the R1 button 36 arranged on the keypad 30. Specifically, the L1 button 33 switches to the operation function indicated by the operation unit image group GG1 displayed on the left side of the game screen, and the R1 button 36 switches the operation unit image group GG2 displayed on the right side of the game screen. It shall be possible to switch to the operation function shown.

When the operation function setting switching operation is accepted, the video game apparatus 100 switches the operation function setting by switching the setting flag of the corresponding operation function correspondence information in the operation function setting information (step S106), and also operates. In order to notify that the operation function specified by the setting flag of the function correspondence information has been enabled, the effective operation unit image group is switched by switching the display position of the effective group identification frame 200 (step S107). Specifically, for example, when the R1 button 36 is pressed from the state shown in FIG. 5, the video game apparatus 100 is displayed at a position surrounding the first operation unit image group GG1 as shown in FIG. By displaying the effective group identification frame 200 at a position surrounding the second operation unit image group GG2 as shown in FIG. 6, the effective operation unit image group is displayed in the first operation unit image group GG1. Notifies the player X that the image group has been switched to the second operation unit image group GG2.

Next, the video game device 100 confirms whether or not an operation other than the setting switching operation of the operation function by the player X has been accepted (step S108). In this example, it is confirmed whether or not the operation of the operation unit other than the L1 button 33 and the R1 button 36 among the operation units arranged on the keypad 30 is accepted.

When an operation other than the operation function setting switching operation is accepted, the video game device 100 emphasizes the corresponding operation unit image when the operation is an operation unit on which the corresponding operation unit image is displayed. While displaying (for example, reverse display, color-changed display, enlarged display, etc.) (step S109), processing according to the operation set in the operation function correspondence information (operation correspondence processing) is executed (step S110). .. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the operation of the ○ button 32a is accepted and the corresponding operation unit image G16 is highlighted when the second operation unit image group GG2 is valid.

With the above configuration, the player X can easily and accurately recognize the operation function of each operation unit from the operation unit image of the operation unit image group and operate the operation unit. Further, the player X has an operation function in which the operation unit image group to be valid is associated with the operation unit by switching the operation unit image group to be valid from the plurality of operation unit image groups by the setting switching operation of the operation function. Since it is possible to select from a plurality of operation unit image groups having different values, the operation units arranged on the keypad 30 perform each operation for exerting a larger number of operation functions than the number of the operation units. You will be able to do it easily and accurately.

In the above example, the configuration is such that two types of operation unit image groups are switched to specify an effective operation unit image group, but as shown in FIG. 8, a configuration using one operation unit image group may be used. As shown in 9, the three types of operation unit image groups may be switched by the same processing to specify an effective operation unit image component. Further, the configuration may be such that four or more types of operation unit image groups are switched by the same processing to specify an effective operation unit image component.

Further, in the above example, two types of operation unit image groups are displayed so that the effective operation unit image group can be specified by the display position of the effective group identification frame 200, but only the effective operation unit image group is displayed. May be configured to display. In this case, the operation unit image group to be displayed may be switched according to the setting switching operation of the operation function.

As described above, in the above-described embodiment, the video game device (video game device 10, video game device main body 10) that controls the progress of the video game according to the operation of the player is an operation input unit (for example, A plurality of operation units (upper key 31a, lower key 31b, right key 31c, left key 31d, ○ button 32a, × button 32b, △ button 32c, and □ button 32d) arranged on the keypad 30). A RAM 12 for storing operation function correspondence information (see FIG. 2) associated with an operation function indicating the function of each operation unit is provided, and a plurality of operation units corresponding to each of the plurality of operation units arranged in the operation input unit are provided. The image display device 50 is an image in which a group of operation unit images each having an identification display capable of identifying an operation function associated with each corresponding operation unit are arranged according to the arrangement position of each operation unit. Is displayed in the operation unit image display area on the display screen 51, and the operation input corresponding to the operation of each operation unit by the player is received, and is associated with the operation unit operated by the player according to the received operation input. Since the configuration is such that the operation corresponding processing indicating the processing for exerting the existing operation function is executed, the operation of the player in the video game can be easily and smoothly performed.

That is, in the above-described embodiment, a group of operation unit images in which the operation functions can be identified are displayed in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement position of each operation unit. By operating while viewing the image, even a beginner of a video game can easily and accurately operate the operation unit. Therefore, the operation of the player in the video game becomes easy and smooth.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the operation function correspondence information is information in which a plurality of types of operation functions are associated with each operation unit, and is a video game device (video game device 10, video game device main body 10). Accepts the operation function switching request from the player, switches the operation function setting corresponding to each operation unit in response to the switching request, and responds to the operation function setting being switched, the operation unit image display area. Since the configuration is such that the effective group of operation unit images displayed in is switched to the group of operation unit images in which the identification display that can identify the operation function after switching is made, the operation unit image group to be valid is the operation unit. It is now possible to select from a plurality of operation unit image groups having different operation functions associated with, and depending on the operation unit arranged in the operation input unit, the number of operation units is larger than the number of the operation unit. It becomes possible to easily and accurately perform each operation for exerting the operation function.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a plurality of types of video game devices (video game device 10, video game device main body 10) are associated with an operation unit operated by a player according to a received operation input. Since it is configured to execute the operation corresponding process indicating the process for exerting the set operation function among the operation functions of, the number of operation units is larger than the number of operation units depending on the operation units arranged in the operation input unit. It becomes possible to easily and accurately perform each operation for exerting the number of operation functions.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the operation function correspondence information is information in which the first operation function and the second operation function are associated with each operation unit, respectively, and is a video game device (video game device). 10. The video game apparatus main body 10) has an image of the first group of operation units on which the first operation function can be identified and an identification display on which the second operation function can be identified. The second group of operation unit images is displayed in the operation unit image display area together with an effective group identification display (effective group identification frame 200) capable of identifying which group of operation unit images are valid. According to the switching of the operation function settings, the display mode of the effective group identification display is switched (the display position of the effective group identification frame 200 is switched) so that the valid group of operation unit images can be identified after the switching. Therefore, while looking at the two types of operation unit image groups displayed in the operation unit image display area, it is easy and accurate to perform operations for exerting various types of operation functions while switching between the two types of operation unit image groups. You will be able to do it.

In the above-described embodiment, the video game device 10 is configured to include the display device 50, the keypad 30, and the like externally, but the present invention can be applied to the video game device provided with the display device and the controller. Needless to say.

According to the present invention, it is useful to enable easy and smooth operation of a player in a video game.

10 Video game device main unit 11 Control unit 12 RAM
13 HDD
14 Sound processing unit 15 Graphic processing unit 16 DVD / CD-ROM
17 Communication interface 18 Interface section 19 Frame memory 20 Memory card slot 21 Input interface section 22 Internal bus 30 Keypad 50 Display device 51 Image display section 60 Sound output device 70 Storage medium 80 Communication network 90 Memory card 100 Video game device

Claims (4)

A video game device that controls the progress of a video game according to the player's operation.
Refer to a storage means for storing information in which a plurality of operation units arranged in the operation input unit and two types of functions set in each operation unit are associated with each other (hereinafter referred to as "operation function correspondence information"). A group of operation unit images corresponding to each of the plurality of operation units and having an identification display capable of identifying the function set in each corresponding operation unit are displayed for each type. Two specific means to identify and
Of the two specified groups of operation unit images, only one group of operation unit images for which the function is valid is displayed on the game screen in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement position of each operation unit in the operation input unit, and the relevant operation unit image is displayed. A display means for displaying an image showing an operation unit for receiving a switching operation from the player on the game screen at a predetermined position with respect to a display position of a group of operation unit images for which the function is effective.
Including a switching means for switching the type of valid function in the two types of functions set in each operation unit stored in the operation function corresponding information according to the switching operation by the player.
The display means includes a group of operation unit images whose functions have been enabled by switching by the switching means, and does not include a group of operation unit images whose functions have become invalid due to the switching. A video game device characterized by displaying. Including the reception means for accepting the operation by the player
Claim 1 in which the display means highlights the corresponding operation unit image when the operation received by the reception means is an operation of the operation unit corresponding to one group of operation unit images for which the function is valid. The video game device described. When the switching operation is accepted by the player , the switching means invalidates one group of operation unit images for which the function is valid among the two groups of operation unit images, and one invalid group of operation unit images. The video game device according to claim 1 or 2, which enables the function of the image. It is a video game processing program for realizing a function in a computer to control the progress of a video game according to a player's operation.
To the computer
Refer to a storage means for storing information in which a plurality of operation units arranged in the operation input unit and two types of functions set in each operation unit are associated with each other (hereinafter referred to as "operation function correspondence information"). A group of operation unit images corresponding to each of the plurality of operation units and having an identification display capable of identifying the function set in each corresponding operation unit are displayed for each type. Two specific functions to identify and
Of the two specified groups of operation unit images, only one group of operation unit images for which the function is valid is displayed on the game screen in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement position of each operation unit in the operation input unit, and the function is concerned. A display function that displays an image showing an operation unit for accepting a switching operation from the player on the game screen at a predetermined position with respect to the display position of one group of operation unit images for which is valid.
In response to the switching operation by the player , in the two types of functions set in each operation unit stored in the operation function correspondence information, a switching function for switching the type for which the function is valid is realized.
The display function includes a group of operation unit images whose functions have been enabled by switching by the switching function, and does not include a group of operation unit images whose functions have become invalid due to the switching. A video game processing program to realize the function of displaying.

Images