JPH11137842A - Image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game device which enables to adjust the virtual viewpoint for displaying a game character at a position commanding a wide view around the character. SOLUTION: When an operated character stops, the viewpoint of a virtual camera 30 becomes movable by operation of a player along the outer spherical surface 40B. This virtual camera approaches to the direction of the inner circle 40A when it hits an obstacle or the like. But the virtual camera does not approach the character C beyond the inner circle.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a processing device for images and sounds, and more particularly to a game device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a commercial or home video game machine for executing an action game, a shooting game, a role playing game, or the like.

More specifically, in a disguise space, for example, an operating character (player character) operated by a player as a virtual object and an enemy character attack each other, a shooting game or a role playing having a battle scene. The present invention relates to a game machine for a game.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a virtual space can be constructed by a computer and a game can be played in the virtual space.
So-called 3D game machines are well known. There are various types of software for this 3D game machine, in which a player moves a character in a 3D space, and a player character manipulated by the player and an opponent enemy character in the middle of the movement. There is a game called a 3D action game that realizes a battle between the game and the game. One of these is, for example, Tomb Raiders (Virgin)
Exists.

[0004] The game software operates as follows. The player operates the control pad for the game device body to move the player character in the virtual space in a desired direction. At this time, a virtual camera is placed above or behind the character, and the game device main body displays an image viewed from the camera on a monitor.

[0005] When the player character encounters an enemy character or an obstacle during the movement, an action scene such as shooting occurs between the enemy character or the like and the player character. During the action scene, the main body of the game machine performs processing such as damaging a player character or an enemy character, destroying an obstacle, or the like, based on the superiority and the success or failure of the shooting.

The player controls the behavior of the player character using the control pad, such as avoiding an attack from an enemy character, so that the player character is not unnecessarily damaged. As a result of this processing, an image reflecting the processing content is displayed on the monitor.

[0007]

In the case of the 3D action game described above, since the game machine sets the viewpoint mainly on the operating character, the game machine cannot inevitably show the entire virtual space to the player. For this reason, if the player is not familiar with the operation, it is difficult to grasp the surrounding situation where the character is placed, and there is a problem that the game may be too difficult.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problem and to provide a 3D game machine in which a player can easily grasp a situation where an operation character is placed in a virtual space.
More specifically, it is to improve the behavior of the virtual viewpoint from the conventional video game machine. In other words, it is an object of the present invention to provide a viewpoint behavior in which the surroundings of the character can be widely and accurately imaged. Further, it is to simplify the viewpoint behavior operation for that purpose.

Another object of the present invention is to compete with dialogue generated when the character arrives at a point placed on the course on which the character moves, and dialogue generated according to the status of the character or the game situation. Is to effectively select or reproduce a dialogue that is more suitable for the situation. Another object of the present invention is to reflect the behavior of the character in the reproduction of the dialogue.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a game machine which enables a player who is not familiar with the operation of the game machine to enjoy the game for a longer time. It is another object of the present invention to add a re-behavior for recovery to the behavior of the game character.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an image of a character moving in a virtual space taken from a virtual viewpoint at a predetermined position is displayed on a display means. In the image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus further includes a viewpoint position setting unit that sets an area in which the virtual viewpoint can move along a three-dimensional plane located at a predetermined distance from the character. The virtual viewpoint can continuously move in the area in response to an operation signal corresponding to the movement amount of the virtual viewpoint.

The three-dimensional surface is, for example, a spherical surface. Other polygons may be used. Further, when the character is in the stopped state from the moving state, the virtual viewpoint is moved by the viewpoint position setting means. The input means is provided with direction keys for controlling the moving direction of the character, and is configured so that the virtual viewpoint can be moved around the character by the direction keys.

Further, there is provided means for switching between the direction control of the character with respect to the direction key and the movement control of the virtual viewpoint. Further, the apparatus further comprises a determination unit for determining whether or not the virtual viewpoint overlaps with an obstacle in the virtual space. If an overlap occurs, the viewpoint position setting unit shifts the virtual viewpoint to a position close to the obstacle near the obstacle. Try to avoid moving.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an audio processing apparatus for a game in which a predetermined line is generated from an audio reproducing means while moving a character in a virtual space.
First line generation control means for generating a first line when the character reaches a predetermined point in the virtual space; and a second line regardless of the first line when the game situation becomes a predetermined state. Second serif generation control means for generating serifs, serif priority judging means for judging the priorities of the first serif and second serif, and serif reproducing means for reproducing serifs in accordance with the priorities It is characterized by.

A third aspect of the present invention is a game machine in which a predetermined line is generated from a sound reproducing means while moving a character in a virtual space, and the character reaches a predetermined point in the virtual space. A speech generation control means for generating a predetermined speech at times, the speech generation control means determines a behavior of the character with respect to a point, selects a speech suitable for each behavior of the character, and reproduces voice. To play from.

In a third embodiment of the present invention, the action mode of the character is at least one of the direction of the character with respect to the point, the number of times of passing, and the passing time.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a predetermined obstructive process is added to the character while moving the character in the virtual space. In the video game machine that instructs the end of the game, even if image processing is added to the character, a predetermined delay is provided, and unless this image processing is added to the character during this delay, this obstructive processing is applied to the character. The image processing device includes an image processing unit configured to prevent the influence.

In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the obstructive process is a virtual attack process on the player character, and the image processing means determines that the virtual attack process has been added to the player character. Attack addition determining means for determining, a reattack addition determining means for determining that the virtual attack process has been added to the player character again during the grace period, and a player character when the attack determination and the reattack determination are affirmed. Means for reducing the remaining durability of the vehicle.

Still further, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game machine wherein a character is moved in a predetermined direction in a virtual space, and a moving state of the character is displayed on a display means as an image from a virtual viewpoint. Has operation means for giving a re-behavior command to the character during a predetermined behavior to supplement the behavior. In the embodiment of the present invention, the operation unit is a unit that changes a vector of the re-behavior.

Further, a sixth aspect of the present invention is a game apparatus for displaying an image obtained by capturing a virtual object placed in a virtual space from a predetermined viewpoint, wherein a virtual line is drawn on a line connecting the viewpoint and the point of regard. The game device includes a determination unit that determines whether an object is located, and a distance adjustment unit that increases or decreases a distance between a viewpoint and a gazing point based on a determination result of the determination unit. The distance adjustment unit advances the viewpoint along the line of sight when the determination unit determines that the virtual object is located on the line of sight.

Further, a seventh aspect of the present invention is a game apparatus for displaying an image capturing a game character moving in a virtual space in response to an operation of a player from a predetermined viewpoint, the game device comprising: Determining means for determining whether or not a virtual object arranged in the virtual space is located, and a viewpoint for controlling the viewpoint to be closer to the game character when the determining means determines that the virtual object is located. It is a game device having control means.

Further, an eighth aspect of the present invention is a game device for displaying a virtual game space by capturing it from a predetermined viewpoint, wherein a virtual point setting for setting a virtual point that moves in the game space in response to an operation of a player. Means, and a viewpoint control means for moving the viewpoint following the virtual point, and the viewpoint control means is a game device for setting a gazing point at which the viewpoint gazes at a position separated by a predetermined distance from the virtual point.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is a game device for operating a game character having a predetermined durability value, wherein a condition determining means for determining whether a condition for reducing the durability value has occurred, and A game device having a measuring means for measuring a predetermined time when the event occurs, and a decreasing means for decreasing the durability value when the condition occurs again within the time measured by the measuring means.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The outline of the image processing executed by this embodiment is as follows. A character (player character) manipulated by a player (player) during the processing of the game
Moves on a predetermined movement map (route), and the monitor displays a screen scrolled in the moving direction (the screen moves in a certain direction or the background moves in the screen). .

In the virtual space, main virtual bodies such as player characters and enemy characters are composed of polygons.
The background consists of a scroll screen. In a three-dimensional space (3D space) that is a virtual space, a virtual camera is set at a predetermined location, and an image viewed from the virtual camera is displayed on a monitor.

Next, the hardware of the game device will be described. FIG. 1 shows the basic configuration.
This corresponds to a perspective view showing the appearance of the game machine. In this figure, reference numeral 1 indicates a TV game machine main unit which is a household game machine. Two connectors 2a, 2a are provided on the front of the TV game machine main body 1, and peripherals 2b, 2b such as PADs for game machine operation are connected to these connectors 2a, 2a via cables 2c, 2c. Connected.

This peripheral includes a four-way key 2bb for controlling the moving direction of a character or the like, and a plurality of operation button keys 2BB. When the player presses these keys, an operation signal is sent to the game machine main body, and the game machine main body realizes predetermined image processing such as determining a moving direction of a predetermined character according to the operation signal.

In addition, R is provided on the upper part of the TV game machine main body 1.
A cartridge interface (cartridge I / F) 1a for connecting an OM cartridge is provided. Similarly, a CD-ROM drive 1b for reading a CD-ROM is provided on an upper portion of the TV game machine main body 1.

Although not shown, a video output terminal and an audio output terminal are provided on the back of the TV game machine main body 1. This video output terminal is connected to the video input terminal of the TV receiver 5 via the cable 4a.

This audio output terminal is connected to the audio input terminal of the TV receiver 5 via the cable 4b. In such a game machine, when the user operates the peripherals 2b, 2b, the TV receiver 5
The game can be played by operating the player character while looking at the screen projected on the screen.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the hardware of the game machine. The main body of the game machine includes a CPU block 10 for controlling the entire apparatus, a video block 11 for controlling display of a game screen, a sound block 12 for generating a sound effect and the like, a subsystem 13 for reading a CD ROM, and the like. ing.

The CPU block 10 has an SCU (System C
ontrol Unit) 100, main CPU 101, RAM1
02, ROM 103, cartridge I / F1a, sub C
It comprises a PU 104, a CPU bus 105 and the like.

The main CPU 101 controls the entire apparatus. The main CPU 101 has a D
It has the same arithmetic function as an SP (Digital Signal Processor) and can execute application software at high speed.

The RAM 102 is used as a work area of the main CPU 101. ROM103
Indicates an initial program for initialization processing and the like. The SCU 100 includes buses 105, 106, 10
7, the main CPU 101, the VDP
Data input / output between the devices 120, 130, the DSP 140, etc. is performed smoothly.

The SCU 100 has a DMA controller inside, and can transfer character data (polygon data) during a game to the VRAM 121 in the video block 11. As a result, application software such as a game machine can be executed at high speed.

The cartridge I / F 1a stores application software supplied in the form of a ROM cartridge as T
This is for inputting to a predetermined block in the V game machine main body.

The sub CPU 104 is an SMPC (System M
anager & Peripheral Control)
It has a function of collecting peripheral data from the peripherals (control pads) 2b, 2b via the connectors 2a, 2a in response to a request from the main CPU 101.

The main CPU 101 includes a sub CPU 104
Based on the peripheral data received from, for example, image control such as rotation conversion (such as coordinates) and perspective conversion of a character in a virtual space (three-dimensional space) is performed, and processing for displaying the image on a screen is performed.

Any of a pad, a joystick, a keyboard and the like can be connected to the connectors 2a and 2a. The sub CPU 104 includes the connectors 2a, 2a
The device has a function of automatically recognizing the type of peripheral connected to the device, and collecting peripheral data and the like in accordance with a communication rule according to the type of profile.

The video block 11 is a first VPD (Video Displa) for drawing a polygon screen for overwriting a character and background image composed of polygon data of a TV game.
yProcessor) 120 and a second VDP 130 that performs drawing of a scroll background screen, screen synthesis of polygon image data and scroll image data based on priority (display priority), clipping, and the like.

The first VPD 120 is the system register 1
20a and a VRAM (DRAM) 12
It is connected to one and two frame buffers 122 and 123. The rendering data of the polygon representing the character of the TV game is transmitted to the first VDP via the main CPU 101.
The drawing data sent to the VRAM 120 and written in the VRAM 121 is drawn in the drawing frame buffer 122 (or 123) in the form of, for example, 16 or 8 bits / pixel. The drawn frame buffer 122 (or 123)
Is sent to the second VDP 130 in the display mode.

As described above, the buffers 122 and 123 are used as the frame buffers, and have a double buffer structure in which drawing and display are switched for each frame. Further, information for controlling the drawing is stored in the first VPD in accordance with an instruction set in the system register 120a of the first VPD 120 from the main CPU 101 via the SCU 100.
120 controls drawing and display.

On the other hand, the second VDP 130
30a and a color RAM 130b,
It is connected to the VRAM 131. Also, the second VDP1
Reference numeral 30 denotes the first VPD 120 and the SC via the bus 107.
It is connected to U100 and to the video output terminal Vo via the memory 132 and the encoder 160. The video input terminal of the TV receiver 5 is connected to the video output terminal Vo via the cable 4a.

For the second VDP 130, the scroll screen data is transmitted from the main CPU 101 to the SCU 100.
Through the VRAM 131 and the color RAM 130b. Information for controlling image display is defined in the second VDP 130 in the same manner. The data defined in the VRAM 131 is stored in the register 130 by the second VDP 130.
The image data is read out according to the contents set in a and becomes image data of each scroll screen representing the background of the character. Image data of each scroll screen and first VPD 1
The image data of the polygon data to which the texture mapping has been sent from 20 is given a display priority (priority) according to the setting in the register 130a, and is synthesized with the final display screen data.

If the display image data is in a pallet format, the second VDP 130 reads out the color data defined in the color RAM 130b according to the value, and generates display color data. When the display image data is in the RGB format, the display image data becomes display color data as it is. This display color data is
After being stored in the memory 132, it is output to the encoder 160. The encoder 160 generates a video signal by adding a synchronization signal or the like to the image data, and supplies the video signal to the video input terminal of the TV receiver 5 via the video output terminal Vo. Thereby, the game screen is displayed on the screen of the TV receiver 5.

The sound block 12 includes a DSP 140 that performs voice synthesis according to the PCM system or the FM system, and a CPU 141 that controls the DSP 140 and the like. The audio data generated by the DSP 140 is D
After being converted into a two-channel audio signal by the / A converter 170, the audio signal is supplied to the audio output terminal Ao via the interface 171.

The audio output terminal Ao is connected to an audio input terminal of the TV set 5 via a cable 4b. Therefore, the audio signal is input from the audio input terminal of the TV receiver 5 to the audio amplifier circuit (not shown) via the audio output terminal Ao and the cable 4b. The audio signal amplified by the audio amplifier circuit is
The speakers 5a and 5b built in the TV receiver 5 are driven.

The subsystem 13 includes a CD-ROM drive 1b, a CD-I / F 180, a CPU 181, an MPEG
-AUDIO section 182, MPEG-VIDEO section 183
And the like. This subsystem 13 has C
It has a function of reading application software supplied in the form of a D-ROM, reproducing a moving image, and the like.

The CD-ROM drive 1b has a CD-RO
The data is read from M. The CPU 181
It controls the CD-ROM drive 1b and performs processing such as error correction of the read data. The data read from the CD-ROM is stored in the CD-I / F 180, bus 1
06, supplied to the main CPU 101 via the SCU 100 and used as application software.

The MPEG-AUDIO section 182, M
The PEG-VIDEO unit 183 complies with the MPEG standard (Motion
This is a device for restoring data compressed by a Picture Expert Group. These MPEG-AUDIO units 1
82, the CD-R using the MPEG-VIDEO unit 183
By restoring the MPEG compressed data written in the OM, it is possible to reproduce a moving image.

The above-described CD-ROM corresponds to a storage medium in which a program for causing the game machine main body to execute various image / sound processing described later is stored. This recording medium also includes RAM, cartridge ROM,
HDD, FD, communication media, and server are included.

(Movement Control of Virtual Viewpoint) FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a movement mode of the virtual viewpoint 30 when the character C is in a moving state. When the player character is moving in the direction of arrow C1, the virtual camera viewpoint 30, which is substantially behind the character, also moves to follow the character in the direction of arrow C2. The camera viewpoint has a viewing angle θ at which the gazing point (viewing direction) is directed toward the character while looking down at the character C.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the movement control of the virtual viewpoint. When a change occurs in the behavior of the character C, such as when the character C has almost stopped from the running / moving state, or a state in which movement control of the virtual viewpoint is required or such movement control is effective occurs. Then, the viewpoint 30 of the virtual camera sets the reference point of the character in a substantially stopped state (position at a height of about 90 cm from the center of gravity at the waist of the body) as the gazing point, and the area around the gazing point is substantially constant It becomes possible to move the distance three-dimensionally at a constant speed. The viewpoint 30 moves along the spherical surface 40. Therefore, when the character is running or moving, the control of the viewpoint is regulated in the moving direction of the character, and when the character stops, the range in which the viewpoint can move is widened so that the player can grasp around the character widely. It is possible to do. When a request for the viewpoint movement control described here occurs, the behavior of the character may be changed, such as by stopping the character.

The normal position of the viewpoint 30 of the virtual camera shown in FIG. 4 is a position behind the character along the direction of the character, a point overlooking the character at a predetermined angle (for example, 30 degrees) from a predetermined position (for example, 160 cm) away from the gazing point. Controlled to be placed in

The character is set, for example, to a height of about 160 cm, and a gazing point K is set at a position about 10 cm above the head. By doing so, it is possible to provide a video that allows the player to easily see the depth from the viewpoint to the feet of the character, that is, the player from the virtual camera 30.

The spherical surface 40 includes an inner spherical surface 40A on the character C side and an outer spherical surface 40 on the opposite side of the character C.
B. The area surrounded by each of these spheres,
That is, the virtual viewpoint approaches the character between the inner spherical surface and the outer spherical surface corresponding to the area having the thickness,
Alternatively, it can be controlled to move away from this. That is, the distance between the character and the virtual viewpoint is controlled between the radii r1 and r2.

The radius r1 of the outer spherical surface 40B is, for example, 16
It is configured to be 0 cm. The camera is set so as to exert a virtual tension outward, that is, the game machine applies a virtual centrifugal force and a centripetal force to the camera. Therefore, the camera moves substantially along this outer spherical surface. In the embodiment described here, the player cannot adjust the distance between the camera and the character.

The radius r2 of the inner spherical surface 40A is, for example, 48
cm. This value can be set to almost the limit that the camera can approach the character. If the virtual camera 30 approaches the character more than this, there is a possibility that polygons constituting the display body of the character or the like may be missing. Therefore, the game machine avoids the camera approaching the character beyond the inner spherical surface.

Further, the image processing means (main CPU) of the game device main body includes a virtual camera 30 and another object (an obstacle 42).
And the ground coordinates 41 and the like (the collision), and it is determined that there is an overlap. This overlap is called a collision, and when this is determined, the game machine
The virtual viewpoint 30 is moved as indicated by arrows 44 and 46 so as to avoid the other object toward the character C. An arrow 44 is a form in which the virtual camera advances toward a gazing point on a line connecting the camera and the gazing point after reaching the obstacle 42, and an arrow 46 is along the ground after the camera collides with the ground. Indicates the movement path by which the camera approaches the character.

As described above, the game machine adopts the control in which the camera approaches the character side when the collision or the collision between the camera and the obstacle is determined, so that the character as the central subject is widely displayed on the screen. It can be displayed as a powerful screen.

Even if the camera moves in this way, the inner spherical surface 4
As described above, the camera does not enter the character side of 0A. If another object is hung on the inner spherical surface, the camera should preferentially control whether it can not move any more after colliding and arriving at the other object, or move embedded in another object. Adopted. However, at this time, it is of course not impossible that the camera enters the character side from the inner spherical surface.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for realizing the viewpoint movement control of FIG. In S500, the press flag of the specific operation button key of the control pad is checked. As described above, the specific operation here is an operation in which the player requests the character to stop, or a case where the player wants to check the virtual space around the character.

When a specific operation button key is pressed and a flag corresponding to the depression of the operation key is set to "1",
The object that the player can operate by operating the keys is character C
The state changes from (the state shown in FIG. 3) to the virtual camera 30 (the state shown in FIG. 4). In the mode of FIG. 4, the position of the camera can be manually operated by the player using the control pad. In the mode of FIG. 3 before this, the virtual camera automatically follows the moving operation character C.

When "1" is set in the flag in S500, it is determined in S502 whether or not the direction key has been pressed. If the direction key has not been pressed, the process returns without moving the viewpoint. On the other hand, if the specific operation button key has not been pressed yet, or if the specific operation button key has been released, the flag is set to “0” and the process proceeds to S504.

Also in S504, it is determined whether or not the direction key has been pressed. If the direction key has not been pressed, the process returns with the position of the character kept as it is. When the press of the direction key is affirmed in S504, the player character is moved in the direction in which the direction key is pressed in S506.

If the press of the direction key is affirmed in S502, the flow shifts to S508, and the virtual viewpoint 30 is moved along the pressed direction as shown in FIG. Next, in S510, the collision (collision) between the virtual viewpoint 30 and another object is determined, and when this is affirmed, the virtual viewpoint avoids the other object in S512 as indicated by arrows 44 and 46 in FIG. Or move along another object.

If the collision determination is negative in S510, and after the processing in S512, it is determined in S514 whether or not the viewpoint is between 40A and 40B in FIG. If the viewpoint is to go beyond this range, the viewpoint is prevented from moving beyond 40A and 40B (S516).

On the other hand, if the viewpoint is within this range as determined in S514, the process returns without performing the processing in S516. Note that when the avoidance behavior is in S512, the image processing means of the game machine body may move the viewpoint beyond the range between 40A and 40B. Usually, the viewpoint avoiding another object is configured to be included between 40A and 40B. Of course, when the viewpoint avoids the obstacle, the processing of S514 and S516 may not be performed.

Step S500 corresponds to the means for starting the viewpoint moving mode in FIG. 4, S502 corresponds to the viewpoint moving request existence determining means, S508 corresponds to the viewpoint moving means, and S5 corresponds to the viewpoint moving means.
10 corresponds to a collision determination unit between the viewpoint and another object,
S512 corresponds to avoidance means for preventing the viewpoint from colliding with another object so that an obstacle is not generated between the viewpoint and the character C. S514 is to prevent the viewpoint from approaching or moving away from the character C more than necessary. S516 corresponds to a viewpoint position control unit.

As described above, since the viewpoint can move along the spherical surface, the game machine can widely display the image around the character to the player. Further, it is possible to move the viewpoint using the direction keys for controlling the moving direction of the character as it is.

As a modification of the flowchart of FIG. 5, the viewpoint control of FIG. 4 may be executed when the character has almost stopped. The character is almost stopped when the character completely stops, when the moving speed of the character becomes lower than a predetermined value, or the like. When no operation signal for moving the character from the control pad for a predetermined time is input to the game device main body, it is determined that the character is substantially in a stopped state.

As for the collision determination between the virtual camera and another object, the collision determination may be made between the entire straight line (line of sight) connecting the camera's viewpoint 30 and the gazing point K with another object. In this case, if the collision determination is affirmed, the camera is advanced until it comes out of the obstacle. By doing so, even when there is an obstacle between the camera and the point of interest (there is no collision between the camera and the obstacle itself at this time), the camera goes around the back of the obstacle. Can be avoided.

In addition, instead of moving the camera closer to the character, the camera may be moved away from them. The gaze point is not particularly limited as long as it does not enter the character's body and moves so as to follow the reference point.

(Serif Reproduction Control) FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a flowchart of the speech reproduction control. The game device main body described above has an event dialogue generation flag 6 of a predetermined bit.
0, an event dialog memory 62, a point dialog occurrence flag 64, a point passage counter 68, a point passage direction determining unit 68A, a point dialog memory and 66, a dialog priority determining unit 68B, and a dialog reproducing unit 68C. It has. These units and the image processing unit of the game apparatus main body are connected to each other.

Of these, the event dialogue generation flag is
This is a flag for detecting that a predetermined event has occurred. For example, after a specified time has elapsed from the start of the game, or when the remaining durability value of the character has become equal to or less than a specified value, the state of the game has become a predetermined one separately from the fact that the character has reached a point described later. Sometimes "1"
It is set up. Reset after the end of the event or after the end of the event dialogue.

The event line is a line corresponding to the event, and a specific line is allocated in the ROM in the form of a table for each predetermined event.

The point refers to a point where the character is virtually set in the middle of the movable path 70A of the character as shown in FIG. 7, or an area such as a circle. When the character reaches this point, "1" is set on the point flag. It is reset after passing a point or after reproducing a point line.

The point passing counter is a counter for counting how many times a character has passed a specific point. The point passing direction determination means is means for determining in which direction the character has reached the point. Four directions (front, rear, left and right) are set for the front of the character, or east, west, north and south are set for the virtual space.

The point serif memory is a memory that stores a serif group reproduced when a character reaches or passes a specific point and a flag is set. It is configured in ROM. A plurality of words are stored in a table in the memory. Necessary words are selected from this table and reproduced according to the count value of the point passing number counter and the judgment result of the passing direction judging means.

The serif priority judging means is means for judging the priority of the serif among a plurality of serifs. Priority is set for each of the event lines and the point lines. In response to the result of the determination, the image processing means reproduces only the high-priority serifs from the selected event serifs or point serifs, or reproduces the serifs in the order of the high-priority serifs. Lines having the same priority are reproduced in the same order.

FIG. 8 shows an operation flowchart of this functional block diagram. First, in step 800, the event line flag (F) and the point line flag (f) are checked. If both the flag F and the flag f are “0”, it is determined in step 802 that there is no situation in which dialogue occurs, and the process returns.

At S804, when the flag F = "1" and the flag f = "0", only the event dialogue is reproduced. In this case, if there is only one event line candidate, the line is reproduced without checking the priority. This is equivalent to a negative determination in S806. On the other hand, when there are a plurality of event dialogue candidates (when “1” is assigned to a plurality of event dialogue flags F1, F2,...), A priority check is performed and the priority is checked. To play a high line. This is because the determination in S806 is affirmative, and then S808, S8
This is equivalent to the execution of 10 processes. This means that S
The same applies to the case where F = 0 and f = 1 in 804, that is, the case where only the point serif is to be reproduced.

If the flag F is "1" and f is "1", the priority of the dialog is checked, and the dialog with a higher priority is reproduced. This is equivalent to reaching S808 via S812.

Now, here, the player character is set as shown in FIG.
It is assumed that the point P is coming from the direction of arrow 72 and is going to pass in the direction of arrow 74. As shown in FIG.
Point P is set at a location where the path from arrow 72 branches in three directions.

When the character has not reached the point and no event has occurred, no line is reproduced through S802. Next, when the character reaches the point P from the direction of the arrow 72, the number of passages “1” is set in the point passage counter. Further, the point passing direction determining means determines that the direction in which the character passes the point is one of east, west, north and south. As a result of these results, a corresponding phrase, such as, “Be careful the enemy is near.” Is generated. This corresponds to S804, S8
06 and step S810.

At this time, for example, if an event occurs in which the remaining durability value of the character in the game progress becomes lower than the specified value, only the line of the higher priority event line "Replenish energy quickly." Will be played prior to the line. This corresponds to S812, S808, S81
0 corresponds to executing the processing in order.

On the other hand, if the character has not yet reached the point and an event has occurred, S804, S80
6. The specific line assigned to the event generated through the sequence of S810 is reproduced.

Next, if the player realizes that he has not mistakenly moved the character in the direction of arrow 74 but moved it in the direction of arrow 76 and turns it back to point P again, “2” is set in the point passage counter as the number of times the character has passed the point. It is determined that the character faces the point P from the front with the target direction arrow 74 as the right hand.

Then, only the words "move right" (that is, the dialogue prompting the user to move in the direction of arrow 74), which correspond to these results and have a higher priority than "replenish energy quickly." Or play this first,
Regenerate "Replenish energy as soon as possible." This also corresponds to sequentially reproducing the processing of S812, S808, and S810.

As described above, factors for switching lines include the number of times a character has passed a point, the direction of a character that has passed a point (front, rear, left, right,
East, west, south and north), if a certain range is set for points, the time required to pass through that range, the time required to pass points from a given point in the game, and points Examples include the parameter value of the character when passing through, the behavior state of the character, the behavior style, the status of the character, and the like.

As a result of the priority (priority) judgment, the dialogue which is determined to be reproduced later is still maintained in a state in which the dialogue can be reproduced at the time when the previously reproduced safe ends. It is determined whether or not the line is already in the situation. For example, if the point has already left while the event line is being reproduced, the reproduction of the line may be cut. In addition, even if the character is not so far away from the point and the character is reproducible later, even if the character is reproducible, the character moves in the correct direction during the reproduction of the event dialog (the direction of arrow 74 in FIG. 7). ), It is also possible to omit the generation of dialogue.

According to the processing described above, it is possible to preferentially reproduce a line suitable for a situation where a character is placed. Therefore, the dialogue according to the situation of the game is quickly and accurately reproduced, and the player can continue the game for a longer time. In addition, by setting the navigation points, the path through which the player character passes can be transmitted to the player, so that the player can easily search for the movement path of the player character.

(Grace Control of Obstructive Process) Here, the obstructive process is a process of reducing, for example, the remaining durability value of the character to prevent the continuation of the game.
The first embodiment of this processing is image processing. FIG. 9 shows a game screen, in which a character C having a predetermined durability value and a flame 90 are shown. Reference numeral 93 is a life counter indicating the durable life of the character. This counter has three gauges (93) as shown in FIG.
a), the greater the number of lighted gauges, the greater the remaining durability value.

When a collision occurs between the character C and the flame 90, the remaining durability value of the character is reduced. When the remaining durability value of the player character becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, for example, “0”, the game is terminated, or the game is interrupted and the game must be started again at a predetermined time. When each scale of the gauge corresponding to the life counter is sequentially turned off, the remaining durability value decreases accordingly.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of this control. First, in S1100, it is determined whether or not the character has collided with an obstacle such as a flame or an enemy bullet. If this determination is denied, the routine returns without going through the subsequent processing.

On the other hand, if this determination is affirmative, S
At 1102, one of the gauges of FIG.
c) The lighting state can be changed to the blinking state. This blinking state allows the player to recognize that a collision for the obstructive processing has occurred in the player character.

Then, the flow shifts to S1104, where it is determined whether a collision has occurred again within a predetermined time (for example, within 10 seconds). If no recollision has occurred during this time, the flow shifts to S1108, where the blinking gauge returns to the lighting state. As a result, the life of the character is returned to the state before the occurrence of the collision in S1100 without reducing the remaining durability value of the character.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1104 that a collision occurs again within a predetermined time, the blinking one-scale gauge is actually turned off, and a process for actually reducing the remaining durability value of the character is executed. (S11
06).

According to this image processing flowchart, even if the player accidentally performs an operation on the player character and the character is damaged, the character can be manipulated from now on to the character. On the other hand, it is possible to prevent actual damage. As a result, it is possible to give the player time for the obstructive image processing, obtain an error when the player operates the game device, and obtain an opportunity to make up for the inexperience, and continue the game for a longer time. it can.

Instead of providing a time margin, a margin other than time may be provided. For example, there is a distance margin, for example, until the character moves a predetermined distance, or until the character reaches a predetermined point.

(Behavior Readjustment Control) As shown in FIG.
Assume that there is a bank 300 on the map on which the character moves. As long as the player is pressing the directional key on the control pad, when the character reaches the beginning of the bank,
Character C attempts to clear bank 300 automatically, that is, without pressing another button to command the jump, as indicated by arrow 302.

If the bank is long, the jump indicated by the arrow 302 does not reach the end of the bank. When a predetermined operation button is pressed during the jump, an arrow 30 is displayed.
As shown in 4, the jump can be continued to clear this bank.

The image processing means of the image processing apparatus body determines whether or not a specific operation button on the control pad is pressed, and when this operation button is pressed, the RO
The motion data indicated by arrow 304 is read from M, and the motion is sequentially reproduced for each frame.

The image processing means detects the pressing time of the specific operation button and the pressing direction of the direction key at the time of the latter half jump command, and as shown in FIG. Can be controlled.

In this control, as shown in FIG. 13, even if the character is in the middle of a certain behavior (such as a jumping behavior in accordance with the vector of arrow 310), the behavior (arrow) is compensated for. FIG. 320), and the vector of the behavior to be added can be appropriately adjusted like 320A-320C. Therefore, for example, even if the shape of the bank suddenly becomes complicated, the player can cope with this.

[0106]

As described above, according to the game apparatus of the present invention, an effective process for playing a game in a three-dimensional virtual space is provided. That is, the behavior of the virtual viewpoint is improved compared to the conventional game machine. Further, it is possible to provide a viewpoint behavior in which the periphery of a virtual object (a game character or the like) can be widened and accurately imaged. Further, the viewpoint behavior operation for that can be made simple.

[0107] Also, a conflict occurs between a line generated when the virtual object reaches a point placed on the course where the virtual object moves, and a line generated according to the status of the virtual object or the game situation. Also, more suitable dialogue can be effectively reproduced. Furthermore, the behavior of the virtual object can be reflected in the dialogue reproduction.

Further, it is possible to provide a video game machine in which even a player who is not familiar with the operation of the video game can enjoy the game for a longer time. Further, a re-behavior for recovery can be added to the behavior of the virtual object.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a video game machine.

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of the video game machine.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a relationship between a character and a virtual viewpoint.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a movement control operation of a viewpoint.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for viewpoint movement control.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram for dialogue generation control.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing point points on a course where a character moves.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of dialogue generation control.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of disturbing image processing given to a character.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a gauge showing a remaining durability value of a character.

FIG. 11 is a follow chart of disturbing image processing avoidance control.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of controlling re-behavior to a character.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing that the vector of the re-movement operation is changed.

[Description of Signs] 1 Game machine main body (data processing device) 2b Peripheral 5 TV receiver 5a Speaker 10 CPU block 11 Video block 12 Sound block 13 Subsystem 100 SCU 101 Main CPU 104 Sub CPU 120 First VPD 122, 123 Frame buffer 130 Second VDP 130a Register 130b Color RAM 131 VRAM 132 Frame memory 160 Encoder 170 D / A converter 200 Image processing system

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Takao Miyoshi 1-2-1-12 Haneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Sega Enterprises Co., Ltd.

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus comprising: a display unit that displays an image of a virtual object moving in a virtual space from a virtual viewpoint at a predetermined position on a display unit; Viewpoint position setting means for setting along a region consisting of a three-dimensional surface at a predetermined distance, the viewpoint position setting means receiving an operation signal corresponding to the movement amount of the virtual viewpoint from an input means, and An image processing apparatus in which a viewpoint can continuously move in the area. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional surface is a spherical surface. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the virtual object is in a stopped state from a moving state, the viewpoint position setting unit moves the virtual viewpoint. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said input means includes a direction key for controlling a moving direction of said virtual object, wherein said direction key is used to move said virtual viewpoint around said virtual object. Item 3. The image processing device according to Item 1 or 2. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising switching means for controlling a direction of the virtual object with respect to the direction key and a movement control of the virtual viewpoint. 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit configured to determine whether or not the virtual viewpoint overlaps an obstacle in the virtual space, and when the overlap occurs, the viewpoint position setting unit sets the virtual viewpoint close to the obstacle. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image processing apparatus is moved so as to avoid the virtual object. 7. A processing apparatus in which a predetermined line is generated from a sound reproducing means while moving a virtual object in a virtual space, wherein a first line is generated when the virtual object reaches a predetermined point in the virtual space. The first to generate dialogue
A dialogue generation control means, a second dialogue generation control means for generating a second dialogue irrespective of the first dialogue when the state of the game becomes a predetermined state, and a communication between the first dialogue and the second dialogue. A processing device comprising a line priority determining unit for determining a priority and a line reproducing unit for reproducing a line according to the priority. 8. A processing apparatus in which a predetermined line is generated from a sound reproducing means while moving a virtual object in a virtual space, wherein a predetermined line is generated when the virtual object reaches a predetermined point in the virtual space. A dialogue generating control unit for generating a dialogue, the dialogue generating control unit determines an action mode of the virtual object with respect to the point, selects a dialogue suitable for each action mode of the virtual object, and performs the voice reproduction. A processing device adapted to be reproduced from the means. 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the behavior mode of the virtual object is at least one of an orientation of the virtual object with respect to the point, the number of times of passing, and a passing time. 10. While moving the virtual object in the virtual space, a predetermined obstructive process is added to the virtual object, and when this image processing is given to the virtual object for a predetermined amount or more, the game is terminated. In the game processing device, a predetermined delay is provided even when the image processing is applied to the virtual object, and as long as the image processing is not applied to the virtual object during the delay, the obstructive processing is performed. A game processing device comprising image processing means for preventing the virtual object from affecting the virtual object. 11. The image processing means, wherein the obstructive processing is virtual attack processing on a virtual object, wherein the image processing means determines that the virtual attack processing has been added to the virtual object; A reattack addition determining means for determining that the virtual attack process has been added to the virtual object again during the grace period; and decreasing the remaining durability value of the virtual object when the attack determination and the reattack determination are affirmed. 11. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising means for reducing life expectancy. 12. An image processing apparatus in which a virtual object is moved in a predetermined direction in a virtual space, and a moving state of the virtual object is displayed on a display means as a video from a virtual viewpoint. An image processing apparatus comprising an operation unit for giving a re-behavior command to the virtual object during the behavior to supplement the behavior. 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the operation means transmits a command to change a vector of the re-behavior to the behavior before the re-behavior to the virtual object. 14. An image processing apparatus for displaying an image obtained by capturing a virtual object arranged in a virtual space from a predetermined viewpoint, wherein the virtual object is positioned on a line connecting the viewpoint and a gazing point observed by the viewpoint. An image processing apparatus comprising: a determination unit that determines whether to perform the determination; and a distance adjustment unit that increases or decreases a distance between the viewpoint and the gazing point based on a determination result of the determination unit. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the distance adjustment unit advances the viewpoint along the line of sight when the determination unit determines that the virtual object is located on the line of sight. 16. An image processing apparatus for displaying an image capturing a game character moving in a virtual space in response to a player's operation from a predetermined viewpoint, wherein the virtual object is located between the viewpoint and the game character. Determining means for determining whether a virtual object arranged in a space is located; and viewpoint control means for controlling the viewpoint to be closer to the game character when the determining means determines that the virtual object is located. A game device comprising: 17. A game device for capturing and displaying a virtual space from a predetermined viewpoint, comprising: virtual point setting means for setting a virtual point that moves in the space in response to an operation of a player; An image processing apparatus comprising: viewpoint control means for following the viewpoint to move the viewpoint, wherein the viewpoint control means sets a gazing point at which the viewpoint gazes at a position separated by a predetermined distance from the virtual point. 18. A game processing device for operating a game character having a predetermined durability value, wherein the condition determination means determines whether or not a condition for decreasing the durability value has occurred. A game device comprising: measuring means for measuring a predetermined time; and decreasing means for decreasing the endurance value when the condition occurs again within the time measured by the measuring means. 19. A storage medium storing a processing program for the apparatus according to claim 1. Description: